8 Best Places to Stay in Kauai For Families (2024)

Kauai is my family’s favorite Hawaiian Island to visit and we have been there several times! Between the lush green scenery and warm, clear water, Kauai is the perfect place to plan your next adventure.

Kauai has everything you need for the perfect tropical vacation. You can spend lazy days at the beach soaking up the sun or traveling around snorkeling in different locations.

And if you’re looking for adventure, Kauai has the too! With numerous (kid-friendly) hikes, river tubing, zip lining, horseback riding, surf lessons… and more! There is something for every member of your family.

Keep Reading: 15 Unforgettable Things To Do In Kauai with Teens

But Kauai is not a very big island! Which makes finding a place to stay a little tricky. There are three main sections to Kauai. The North, the South, and the East. The West side is taken up by the Napali coast and is uninhabitable, but home to some great adventures! Just not anywhere you can stay.

If you’re ready to plan your family vacation in Hawaii, this list will help you find the best places to stay in Kauai for families!

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Where To Stay on The North Shore of Kauai

The North shore of Kauai is known to be the pricier area of the island. You’ll find some great resorts here, but they typically cost more than lodging on the South side of the island.

So if luxury is what you’re looking for, here are some great places for your family to stay in the North:

1 – The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas

You won’t find many family-friendly resorts on the north shore of Kauai, but the Westin is a great one to consider. It is located cliffside overlooking the ocean, with lush landscaping surrounding you.

The villas range from studios to 2 bedroom condos with full kitchens, making it a dream for families with kids. You can indulge in everything from their sparkling pools and hot tubs, or moms can enjoy a day at the spa.

There are restaurants right on the property. And the concierge can help you plan your additives and any other island questions you may have.

Although the Westin does not have any resort fees, they do charge $25 per night for parking.

Book here for the best prices: The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas

Westin princeville, Kauai — The Westin Princeville

2 – Princeville Paradise Condo

This 2 bedroom/2 bathroom condo is the perfect place for families to stay on the north shore of Kauai! At 1450 sq feet, you’ll have plenty of room for you and your family to spread out. The decor is updated and modern and includes a fully renovated kitchen, making you feel like you’re staying in luxury.

Unlike other private condos, this one also has a pool and a hot tub for amenities, making it just as good as any resort you’ll find. They even supply you with beach towels, beach chairs, and a cooler.

In the garage, you’ll find four bikes, four beach chairs, snorkel equipment, four boogie boards, and beach toys, as well as two sets of golf clubs.

Book here for the best prices: Princeville Paradise – Luxury Condo

Princeville family condo — Princeville Family Condo

Where To Stay on the South Shore Of Kauai

The south shore of Kauai is my favorite place to stay and in my opinion, the best place for families to stay. On the south shore, you’ll find Popui Beach, which is one of the best beaches to swim and snorkel at with young kids.

The waters are warm and calm here and the beaches are absolutely gorgeous. There are also an abundance of places to stay here and the prices are typically much more reasonable.

Here are some of my favorite places to stay on the south shore…

3 – Koloa Landing Resort At Poipu

This tropical oasis is the perfect luxury family getaway that will make your kids not even want to leave the resort!

With 3 outdoor pools, a children’s pool, a waterslide, cabanas, and sun loungers… everyone in the family can have fun relaxing in the sun or swimming nonstop. Enjoy the spa or poolside yoga while your kids enjoy lunch at the poolside restaurant.

This resort is within walking distance of the Shops at Kukuiula as well as a short drive to the famous Popui beach.

Book Here For the Best Prices: Koloa Landing Resort At Poipu

4 – Sheraton Kauai Resort

The Sheraton Kauai Resort includes 18 holes of golf, a poolside bar, a grocery/convenience store for the parents, and 2 outdoor pools with sun loungers and pool umbrellas for the kiddos.

You’ll find everything your family needs at this resort including two onsite restaurants, a hot tub, spa, beach access, and more.

The property is alos located right on the beach with beach access so your kids can take a dip in the pool, play in the sand or even go snorkeling in the ocean.

Book Here For the Best Prices: Sheraton Kauai Resort

5 – Kiahuna Plantation Resort Kauai

The Kiahuna Plantation Resort is where my family stayed on one trip to Kauai and we loved it! It doesn’t have the big resort-style pool with all the waterslides like the other resorts have. But it is one of the best-priced condos around in one of the best locations.

Each condo is fully stocked with a kitchen, and all appliances and utensils. We even had beach towels, beach chairs, coolers, and a tote bag for our use.

Plus, each condo has its balcony or patio. We stayed on the first level and our patio opened up to the most beautiful lush landscaping around. It also has a private beach area where you can relax in the sun or play in the water.

Book Here For the Best Prices: Kiahuna Plantation Resort Kauai

6 – Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa

If luxury is what you want, then check out the Grand Hyatt! The location can’t be beat. Located right next to Shipwreck Beach with nearby cliffs make it a hot spot for professional photographers. The beach is also known for the best waves and you can come out here to watch surfers.

The pools here are unlike anything you’ve ever seen and your kids will not want to leave. There are fire pits, several restaurants, a spa, and all set right against the most gorgeous white sand beach.

The rooms are a bit pricey, but if it’s in your budget, there truly is no better place to stay on the south shore of Kauai.

Book Here For the Best Prices: Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa

Where To Stay on the East Shore Of Kauai Near Lihue

The east shore of Kauai is where you will find the town of Lihue and the airport. Lihue is a great town with lots to do. You’ll find tons of restaurants and shopping in this area.

What you can’t find is a lot of beaches. The beaches on this side of the island have big, fierce waves that make playing in the water tough for small children. It’s great for sunrise views! And the waves make for great ocean sounds and scenic photos.

What I like about this area is that it is located between the north and south shore. It makes it easy to access either area without driving an hour between them.

7 – Marriott’s Kaua’i Beach Club

While staying at Marriotts Kauai Beach Club, you’ll get nice conveniences such as a free roundtrip airport shuttle, 18 holes of golf, and a grocery/convenience store.

Even better, you’ll be staying at a beachfront location with beachfront dining, a spa, four onsite restaurants, and a poolside one too!

Your kids can enjoy snorkeling, volleyball, and surfing/body boarding. They even have a kids-specific pool on this property. And just look at that beach access! The waves might be rough but the sand is perfect for sunbathing and building sand castles.

Book Here For the Best Prices: Marriott’s Kaua’i Beach Club

8 – Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort

The Sheraton near Lihue is a great place to stay if you want to stay near the airport and the east side of the island. You’ll get a free airport shuttle here and the location is next to tons of shopping and dining.

The resort itself has an amazing pool that overlooks the ocean, a gorgeous beach area to play on, and even a poolside bar and grill for the adults.

This resort has everything your family needs to have fun and enjoy their time in the sun!

Book Here For the Best Prices: Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort

Best Places to Stay in Kauai For Families

Where you stay when visiting Kauai can make a big impact on your family trip! Kids like to be entertained and have tons of energy. But it’s tough for parents to find activities to do constantly.

Finding a good resort to stay at with the right amenities means not having to even leave your hotel to have a vacation of a lifetime. This list of Best Places to Stay in Kauai For Families will help you make the right decision for your family!

8 Best Places to Stay in Kauai For Families (2024)

Where To Stay on The North Shore of Kauai