The Most Budget-Friendly Hotels in Kauai, Hawaii

Exporing Kauais scenery doesnt have to be expensive
Exporing Kauai's scenery doesn't have to be expensive | © Braden Jarvis / Unsplash.com
Siobhan Grogan

Think Hawaii is a once-in-a-lifetime treat for honeymooners, celebrities or the seriously loaded? On Kauai, it’s possible to discover the island’s mysterious rainforest, postcard-perfect coastline and craggy mountains without the painful prices – if you choose one of these cost-conscious hotels. Look for complimentary breakfasts, self-catering facilities and budget-boosting extras to keep your mind on the beach and not the final bill.

1. Kauai Shores Hotel

Independent Hotel

A twin room with TV and balcony, green walls and curtains, a desk and green chair at the Kauai Shores Hotel
Courtesy of Kauai Shores Hotel / Expedia.com

This boutique property in Kapa’a has all you need for a laidback beach break. Bright wallet-friendly rooms overlook the pool or ocean and include bike rentals, daily yoga on a seafront lawn, parking and even local phone calls. There’s a handy convenience store for grabbing snacks, two swimming pools and an all-day beach club, where casual meals are served on the sand so you can maximise beach time.

2. Hotel Coral Reef

Hotel, Budget Hotel

Rooms overlooking a sea of palm trees at the Hotel Coral Reef
Courtesy of Hotel Coral Reef / Booking.com

It’s the extras that make all the difference at this beachfront boutique hotel near the harbour, shops and restaurants of Kapa’a town. Everything from bike rental to parking is thrown in and there are no surprise resort fees either. Instead, the hotel offers a complimentary breakfast every morning, free use of the gas barbeque grills, free DVD rentals, and complimentary tea and coffee in the lobby all day so you can relax without worrying about the final bill.

3. Kauai Palms Hotel

Hotel, Budget Hotel

Exterior of the Kauai Palms Hotel surrounded by trees and foliage
Courtesy of Kauai Palms Hotel

Don’t waste time on airport transfers when you could be on the beach. These budget studio apartments are just five minutes from Kauai’s Airport, and within walking distance of the shops and restaurants of Lihue. All studios have air conditioning, coffee makers and free parking, plus either kitchenettes or full kitchens so it’s easy to whip up breakfasts, beach picnics and family meals without splashing the cash.

5. Plantation Hale Suites

Hotel, Budget Hotel

A living room with a wooden dining table, a TV and sofa at the Plantation Hale Suites
Courtesy of Plantation Hale Suites / Booking.com

You only pay for exactly what you need at these serviced suites on the Royal Coconut Coast, nearby to knockout beaches, coastal paths and lively restaurants. The large one-bedroom apartments come with a fully equipped kitchen, private balcony and even a DVD library featuring 400 movies, plus three communal pools, making them a great choice for families, those on extended visits or business travellers.

6. Banyan Harbor

Hotel, Budget Hotel

A living room with sofas, TV, a table, chairs and a balcony at the Banyan Harbor
Courtesy of Banyan Harbor / Expedia.com

These one- or two-bedroom suites in Lihue, just steps away from Kalapaki Beach, are a great option for families wanting to keep costs down on holiday. All feature a kitchen, dining and living room and private balcony, while the one-bedroom condos sleep up to four without any extra cost per person. There’s no need to go far to be entertained either: the resort has basketball and tennis courts, a heated saltwater pool, and shuffleboard and pickleboard.

7. Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay

Chain Hotel

Large double bed with a TV and balcony overlooking the pool at the Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay
Courtesy of Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay / Expedia.com

No need to break the bank at this Hilton hotel, despite its dreamy location in Wailua Bay. Added extras include a free mai tai cocktail each evening, Hawaiian sunrise ceremonies and a two-hour Ke Ala Hele Makalae bike ride, while the coin laundry and 24-hour mini market help keep costs down. Hit the breakfast buffet before 7am and it’s a reduced $19 per person, too.

Fancy exploring some other islands of Hawaii on a budget? Check out our list of affordable hotels in Oahu, these top stays in Hawaii, or discover where to book a stay in Kauai, Hawaii, all bookable through Culture Trip.

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