Best Kauai Luxury Hotels
Top Luxury Hotels on Kauai
On the island of Kauai, there are three leading luxury hotels:
Each establishment offers something unique and fills a particular niche. The Grand Hyatt and Koa Kea Resorts, for example, are located only a few miles apart in the beautifully sunny south-side location of Poipu Beach. Both resorts offer a top-quality experience but distinctly differ in their ambiance and clientele.
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
We must start with the view: You may never leave if you wake up and look out over Hanalei Bay.
Located on Kauai’s North Shore, the surrounding area is more rugged than you would typically find at other five-star Hawaiian resorts, making it all the more striking.
There’s a world-class golf course, incredible food (of course), and suites with personal butler service. Head down to the beach and get your cabana, or stay on the deck and enjoy the view. Either way, we’re pretty sure you’ll be quite comfortable.
Following a $300M renovation, the property reopened in February 2023 as 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, a sustainable luxury resort. Dining options include 1 Kitchen, Wai Bar, Makana Terrace, and Nalu Kai Grill & Bar.
Grand Hyatt in Poipu
Located next to Shipwreck Beach
The Grand Hyatt Kauai is where luxury meets aloha on the island’s sunny south shore. Spanning 50 oceanfront acres, this low-rise resort blends seamlessly with its lush surroundings, offering open-air walkways, serene gardens, and breathtaking views of the Pacific. Each spacious guestroom includes a private lanai, perfect for soaking up the soft ocean breezes and views of the sea, gardens, or pools.
The resort’s amenities are nothing short of spectacular. Lounge by the lagoon-style pools, float down the lazy river, or enjoy a dip in the sand-bottomed saltwater pool. For adventure seekers, there’s golf, tennis, zip-lining, and kayaking, while the award-winning Anara Spa invites you to unwind with open-air treatments rooted in ancient Hawaiian healing traditions.
Dining is an experience in itself, with five exceptional restaurants, including Tidepools, where fresh island flavors are served over a picturesque koi lagoon. Families will appreciate the dedicated children’s camp and cultural programs, while couples can enjoy romantic evenings under the stars with live music and hula shows.
Committed to sustainability, the resort leads the way with energy-saving initiatives, solar panels, and innovative recycling programs, ensuring your stay feels as good as it looks. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, the Grand Hyatt Kauai offers an unforgettable five-star escape.
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Koa Kea Hotel & Resort
Nestled on the footprint of the old Poipu Beach Hotel, Koa Kea Hotel & Resort beautifully honors its history while offering a modern, intimate escape on Kauai’s sunny south shore. This boutique resort is designed with tranquility in mind, featuring 121 elegantly appointed rooms and an ambiance tailored to couples seeking romance and relaxation.
The resort blends luxurious touches with its storied past, retaining original elements like rock walls and lanai railings. Guests rave about the exceptionally comfortable beds and the personalized, attentive service. Koa Kea’s signature restaurant, Red Salt, delights with fresh, contemporary island cuisine, while the serene spa offers treatments perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure.
On-site amenities include a stunning pool, whirlpool, fitness center, and a beach activities hut for gear rentals like snorkels, surfboards, and beach chairs. While the resort doesn’t cater to families with young children, it’s an ideal retreat for honeymooners or anyone looking to reconnect in an intimate, peaceful setting.
Whether you’re relaxing by the pool, enjoying Kauai’s breathtaking sunsets, or setting out for outdoor adventures like hiking, horseback riding, or golf, Koa Kea Hotel & Resort is the ultimate destination for a first-class, romantic getaway.
Published by: John C. Derrick
Founder & certified Hawaii travel expert with 20+ years of experience in Hawaii tourism.
