The Best Resorts in Kauai, Hawaii

Sun seekers will be in heaven at this Kauai resort, just steps from Poipu Beach. Waft between the glorious golden sands and an oceanfront pool or sample watersports – everything from paddleboarding to a traditional Hawaiian outrigger canoe is on offer. At night, dine in the award-winning Red Salt restaurant and join the staff for the nightly ceremonial lighting of the Tiki torches, with a fruity Hawaiian mai tai in hand.

Relaxation is king at the Kauai Beach Resort, located in 25 acres of sweet-smelling tropical gardens leading straight to the ocean. The mellow hideaway has four pools – three with their own waterfalls – two hot tubs, and oceanfront cabanas for massages to the sound of crashing waves. When you fancy a little local flavor, the hotel offers complimentary classes in everything from paper flower making to the Hawaiian language.

Those hoping for quiet family time may want to give this mammoth resort at Poipu a swerve. Once the children clock the vintage surf shack serving ice cream and the kids’ club offering activities including movie nights and hula lessons, they may have other plans. Meanwhile, the whole family will love days spent at the sprawling swimming pool complex, including a 150-foot water slide, lava-rock lined lazy river and its very own saltwater lagoon.

Water babies won’t be disappointed by the staggering pool at this huge resort in Poipu Beach. Voted the best pool in America, the 350,000-gallon main pool is a fun-filled playground packed with waterslides, swim-through waterfalls and several Jacuzzis. Back on dry land, there’s a putting green, expansive spa, complimentary yoga lessons and a further 600 island adventures on offer through the dedicated activity concierge.

Enjoy a little more space at this resort in the heart of Poipu Beach, on Kauai’s south shore. The Sheraton property offers guest rooms and studios – but also one- and two-bedroom villas for those looking for a home from home on the island. Villas have well-stocked kitchenettes, for cooking up fresh Kauai produce, but it’s well worth visiting the resort’s RumFire restaurant too. Every seat has 180-degree ocean views for lingering over Hawaiian seafood banana curry and misoyaki butterfish.

This stylish oceanfront condominium property – in the island community of Kapaa, which is filled with boutiques and restaurants –is a great base to explore Kauai. Some of the island’s best beaches, including the family-friendly Lydgate Beach Park, are also close at hand. Afterwards, head home to a plush studio, one- or two-bedroom property on this resort, all set around a heated river-pool with flume water slide and three whirlpool spas.

It’s tempting to go nowhere once you’ve checked into one of the Marriott’s spacious two- or three-bedroom villas, with spectacular ocean or garden views. Spend days lazing by the two-level pool or sampling the exercise classes in the fitness center before sipping sundowner cocktails on your private balcony. If you can bear to leave, stunning Kalapaki Beach is close by while Fern Grotto, Huleia National Wildlife Refuge and Opaeka’a Falls are all must-dos.