Did planning a Hawaii elopement land you on the gorgeous island of Kauai? I don’t blame you! With it’s incredible mountains and stunning beaches, Kauai is home to some of the most picturesque backdrops for your elopement or wedding day. Now let’s help you find the perfect place to stay while you are there!

Once you have your flights all set, your Hawaii elopement photographer is booked, and your hair/makeup artist is booked…you’ll want to find the perfect place to stay on the island of Kauai before you pack your bags! Here’s how to determine the best hotels and airbnbs for you and your partner to enjoy on your visit to Kauai!

Where Should I Stay in Kauai?

It’s important to keep in mind the goal of your elopement trip and honeymoon on the island of Kauai. Staying at a luxury hotel will be more amenity-focused, and may have more activities that are organized for couples, like a couples massage or dinner for two!

If you want to immerse yourself in Hawaii life, you may want to consider staying at an Airbnb or VRBO property on the island of Kauai. You can also get the best of both worlds by staying at a luxury hotel the night after your wedding for a honeymoon vibe, and then setting off to explore Kauai at an Airbnb or two during the rest of your trip!

Luxury Accommodations in Kauai

Hotel 1 – Amazing of views of Hanalei Bay in Princeville on Kauai’s North Shore.

This luxury hotel in Kauai was recently renovated, rendering it basically brand new! Hotel 1 embodies a luxury hotel experience that focuses on sustainability, which I find really neat.

There are a ton of amazing food options and bars, as well as super fun, relaxing activities. Hotel 1 also provides childcare so you can do activities and know your kids are still having fun. You won’t want to miss the wellness spa either before or after your wedding!

As THE ultimate luxury hotel in Kauai, it’s definitely nice to splurge for a honeymoon night. Take advantage of the Ku’uipo Sweetheart Getaway Package that includes a couple’s massage and private dinner with oceanfront views!

The best part of Hotel 1 is that boasts some of the best views in Kauai! Enjoy the fresh ocean breeze as you look over Hanalei Bay from your balcony, the beautiful mountains of Kauai’s north shore surrounding you.

Eco Luxe Villa – Kalaheo (South shore), 15 mins from the beach and Poipu.

This spot is located in a secluded, mountainous region of Kalaheo! You’ll get to enjoy the peace and serenity of this Balinesian inspired cottage, that is just a short drive to the ocean and fun tourist activities of Poipu, giving you the best of both worlds. Enjoy cooler temps, gorgeous Polynesian-style sliding doors, and an insane infinity pool that looks like it’s going into the mountains and reflects the clouds. The outdoor lanai opens up into the lush, green rolling hills. This luxury place is quiet, peaceful, feels like an escape.

Waimea Plantation Cottages – Waimea, southern part of Kauai.

These cottages feel like a nostalgic summer camp, but elevated. Even though Waimea Plantation Cottages is a hotel, every room is its own private cottage. The cottages are sprawled out on gorgeous green lawn and steps away from the ocean, with a restaurant on sight as well. This is the perfect place to escape if you get married on the North Shore and want to spend the second half of your trip honeymooning on the south-western part of the island.

Waimea Plantation Cottages is peaceful, homey, and secluded, really honing in on the older style of Hawaii country living with an upgrade. This location could be a good middle ground between luxury hotel and Airbnb, integrated into the outdoors. From here, you can splurge on a sunset cruise along the Nā  Pali coast!

It’s also an incredible option if you have guests and want to have a ceremony on site at the Waimea Plantation Cottages. You can exchange your vows under a beautiful banyan tree just steps away from the sea.

Airbnbs in Kauai

Staying at an Airbnb or VRBO in Kauai means living a little more like a local. Each area of Kauai is unique, and I recommend exploring the island at your own pace, no matter where your home base is. Kauai is worth diving into and experiencing!

NORTH SHORE KAUAI AIRBNBs

This home with panoramic ocean views in Kilauea provides a secret hideaway from the more crowded area of Princeville. You will be 5 minutes away from the quaint town of Kilauea filled with restaurants and cute boutiques. Want to know a tip? Luxury properties often get access to unique coastal views!

This entire home on North Shore called Nico Hale is a personal favorite of mine! It was recently voted one of the best Airbnbs in Hawaii by Conde Nast Traveler and is definitely worth checking out for your stay in Kauai. Just 15 minutes from the town of Hanalei, you’ll wake up each morning surrounded by beautiful mountain views.

Another oceanfront option on the North Shore of Kauai is this cute cottage! Here, you’ll find yourself close to Tunnels Beach. Tunnels Beach has an iconic backdrop and is great for snorkeling, too! You’ll have great access to Hāʻena State Park. Small, one-lane bridges lead your way to this part of the island: be prepared to relax! This area is residential with families, so drive slow and respectfully to embrace the slower pace of life.

Other amazing accommodation options near Tunnels Beach include this modern beachfront home, and this beautiful house just steps from the sand.

NORTH SHORE: KAUAI HOT TUB AIRBNB

Having an Airbnb with a hot tub can definitely bridge the gap between staying at a luxury resort or an Airbnb. When searching for an Airbnb, you can select the exact amenities you prefer: so if a hot tub is on your must-have list, it’ll be easy to find instead of having to sift through hundreds of listings! And with this relaxing cottage on the oceanfront in Kilauea, a hot tub has never looked so inviting.

NORTH SHORE: KAUAI AIRBNB FOR THE ADVENTURE LOVERS

Maybe you’ve found yourself eloping in Kauai because you and your partner have adventurous spirits. Yes, there are Airbnbs that fit the bill! This beautiful paradise is an awesome home base for watersports. You can SUP up the river and hang out at a beautiful private beach and cove! There are quite a few places to stay near Kalihiwai Bay and river that are perfect for swimming, kayaking and SUPing.

My Favorite Hotels and Airbnbs on Kauai’s East Side

The East Side of Kauai is home to groves of coconut palms, beautiful resorts, and sightseeing such as Wailua River State Park, ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls, and Nounou Mountain. If boutiques are your jam, you’ll want to explore the cute town of Kapa’a, too!

As far as hotels and resorts go, you have some wonderful options to choose from. Opt for a more luxurious stay at Waipouli Beach Resort, or enjoy your time at Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay for a resort-like feel at a cheaper price point. Many couples like going the route of a hotel to have an inclusive vibe.

If you’re feeling more adventurous or want to immerse yourself a bit more into Kauai life, there are also plenty of Airbnbs to stay at in Kauai’s East Side. Feel like you’re surrounded by jungle yet only be five minutes from Kapa’a Town and its amazing food trucks at this Private Tropical Garden Suite.

A lot of Airbnbs in Kauai and Hawaii in general are condos, which can give the best of both worlds when it comes to experiencing the island, yet having a pseudo-resort feel! As an example, this Studio with Pool and Hot Tub Access also give you access to the community beachside pool, hot tub, tiki bar, and grilling area!

Best Places to Stay on the South Shore and West Side of Kauai

You’ll find yourself on the South Shore and West Side of Kauai to explore Waimea Canyon State Park and the Na Pali coast. You’ll also find Spouting Horn on the South Shore, which is one of the most photographed places on the island, and Kōkeʻe State Park for dozens of miles of trails on the West Side.

Just as with other areas in Kauai, the South Shore and West Side have both hotels and Airbnbs to stay. You could always split your trip up and spend a few days soaking up the local vibes at an Airbnb (such as this Home in Koloa) and then transfer to a hotel like the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa to experience some time being pampered!

In Review: The Best Places to Stay in Kauai

North Shore (Kilauea, Princeville, Hanalei Bay, and Haena):

• Home in Kilauea with Ocean Views
• Hotel 1
• Modern Beachfront Home
• Cottage with Hot Tub
• Riverfront Home for Water Lovers

East Side (Kapa’a and Wailua):

• Private Tropical Garden Suite
• Studio with Pool and Hot Tub Access
• Panoramic Luxury Beachside Condo
• Waipouli Beach Resort
• Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay

South Shore + West Side (Poipu, Kalaheo, and Waimea):

• Home in Koloa
• Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu
• Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa
• Tropical Oceanside Oasis
• Guesthouse in Poipu

Visiting Kauai

If this is your first time visiting the Hawaiian Islands, I’m here to help! There is so much to know when it comes to what to pack and how to plan your elopement. But then, it’s time for the fun part. Exploring all of the beauty that Kauai has to offer! Kauai is split up into a few different sections: the South Side of Kauai, East/Central Kauai, and the North Shore of Kauai. To learn more about this gorgeous island, check out my guide to Kauai.

Your Elopement Photographer in Kauai

My job doesn’t just start and stop at photos! I am here for you through every step of your elopement process: whether that’s helping you pick your makeup artist, decide what Hawaiian island is right for you, and helping you discover where the perfect place to stay in Kauai is. Fill out my contact form to get started on your Kauai elopement. Let’s do this!