Poipu is on the south shore of Kauai island in Hawaii. Poipu Beach made the list of America’s top beaches. No mean feat when you consider there are 95,000 miles of coastline in America. Let that sink in for a moment. Ninety-five thousand miles. If you are looking at taking a vacation here then would you like to know where to stay in Poipu?

Whether you are a solo traveler looking for your next thrill or chill, a couple looking for a romantic and peaceful vacation or a family looking for fun and adventure, Poipu and the island of Kauai offer something for everyone. It is easy to get bogged down in detail when trying to decide where you should stay. Because vacations do not happen every day (especially this year) you want to be sure that your hard-earned money is being well spent and that the memories you collect will be special.

No matter what your taste or budget, you will find somewhere to stay that is just perfect for you, with our help we hope. Then at the end of the article, we cover which areas are most suited to each type of traveler. So, in an effort to take away some of the confusion, welcome to our guide to where to stay when you visit the beautiful island of Kauai.

FUN FACT: Poipu means “crashing waves” in Hawaiian. Isn’t that just beautiful?

Castle Kiahuna Plantation & The Beach Bungalows

This three-star resort is made up of self-catering suites. They are all set in thirty-five acres of expansive lush and tropical lawns. Even if you don’t choose an ocean view, you are guaranteed a beautiful outlook regardless. Each suite sleeps up to four people, and has a fully equipped kitchen including a dishwasher, because when in Hawaii, who wants to do the washing up? There is a coffee maker in all suites as well, and that all-important wi-fi throughout, which is free to access.

There is one restaurant and bar on site but if you prefer to do your own catering you can use their grocery shopping service to have anything you desire (food and drink!) delivered to your suite.

Guests have access to the private Poipu Beach Athletics Club. Here you will find a large pool with a slide, a hot tub, and a children’s pool that has a sandy bottom – much like us after a day at the beach. For tennis fans, there are ten courts here for you, but if relaxing is more your game, there are plenty of sunbeds around the pool terrace and of course, Poipu Beach is just footsteps away.

What else can you do here? You can shop in the shopping center that is just over the road from the property. You can use the fitness center and then you can put the calories you burned off straight back on by cooking up a storm on one of the fourteen BBQ facilities. There are two golf courses within two miles and the famous Spouting Horn is 2.4 miles away.

Prices start at $1,285 for 4 people.

Quick summary

• family-friendly with separate children’s pool
• grocery delivery service
• beachfront
• enjoyed by couples
• local amenities over the road
• good cancellation policy.

Note:

• the beach club is open from 9 am to 6 pm

Hale Pua Villa – Seaside Studio

Beach lovers look no further. This fully equipped self-contained studio has great reviews. The location is pretty much slap bang in the middle of two of the best south shore beaches – Poipu Beach and Brennecke Beach. Come out of your accommodation and admire the sea view. Take a left for Brennecke with its wildlife and boogie boarding. Take a right for Poipu for the award-winning beach with palm trees and snorkeling.

When you are back at the studio, you won’t find the sumptuous furnishings of the nearby hotels. The style may be a little old-fashioned so it isn’t one of the most luxurious places to stay. However, what you will find is a large comfortable bed, a kitchen and dining area along with a terrace. There are some mod-cons – air conditioning and you’ll get free wi-fi in the public areas. Furthermore, you can park your car here for free. Did we mention the ocean is just across the road?

In walking distance from this little studio are several local eateries. This is an ideal location from which to head out and explore Kauai. Spouting Horn is three miles away, Nawiliwili Park is eight miles away. The stunning and must-see Waimea Canyon is just under an hour’s drive. This property is a great vacation spot for travelers who like to do their own thing.

The price for a week here in April is $1,765.

Quick summary

• couples love it
• great location
• beach chairs and a cooler available for use.

Note:

• older style, very basic
• children are not allowed
• no pool.

Hideaway Cove Poipu Beach

Here at Hideaway Cove Poipu Beach, you can choose from a studio, a one-bed apartment, and a two-bed apartment. Rated three-star and all self-contained, this suits travelers who prefer a laid back vacation rather than the buzz of the big resorts. With just the three properties here, it will never feel crowded. Everything has been tastefully furnished and fully equipped with everything you need for a private getaway.

The real bonus of these apartments is that you can walk to Poipu Beach in five minutes. After spending a day at the beach (keep your food and drinks cool in the free cooler provided), head back to cook up some local cuisine and relax on your private lanai (that’s a balcony to you and me). And if you don’t feel like cooking then the Poipu Shopping Village is approximately fifteen minutes walk away with restaurants as well as shops and grocery stores.

A lot of thought has been put into these properties. You will have free use of beach chairs, beach towels, and a selection of board games and DVDs. People who like to do their washing while they are away will love the use of the laundry facilities complete with detergent! The two-bed apartment has a hot tub on the balcony.

Prices here start from $2,075 for the studio to $3,049 for the two-bed apartment.

Quick summary

• near to Poipu Beach
• free use of facilities such as beach towels, chairs
• wi-fi throughout
• parking available at no extra charge.

Note:

• no pool
• shared garden.

Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club

The Marriott Waiohai Beach Club three-star resort is located on Poipu Beach and you can be wiggling your toes in the sand in just a matter of seconds. If you are feeling hungry, you can walk to at least five restaurants in less than ten minutes and Poipu Shopping Village is not far either. If you prefer to stay close to home when on vacation, there is a restaurant and pool bar at the beach club.

You can stay in a room only which sleeps up to four people with a king-size bed and a sofa bed. These rooms are fairly basic but still provide you with everything you need for a good night’s sleep. Or choose a two-bedroom villa, these are ideal for families and couples vacationing together who like to do some cooking as they have their own kitchen and dining areas.

If you are feeling active, you can have a go at yoga or pilates (okay, not that active), or wander down to the beach to try some watersports. Getting out to explore the island couldn’t be easier from this Marriott resort property with attractions such as Old Koloa town just 2 miles away.

Prices for a week in April, start at $2,889 for a king room or $5,464 for a two-bedroom villa with an ocean view.

Quick summary

• twenty-four-hour fitness center
• free wi-fi in all rooms
• coffee makers
• family-friendly.

Note:

• parking is $15 per day
• children’s clubs have a charge.

Koloa Landing Resort

Koloa Landing Resort is part of the Autograph range by Marriott. What is the Autograph range? Think “unique boutique”. Properties that have those little touches to set them apart from their neighbors. Does Koloa Landing Resort live up to this claim?

It seems to, the bright rooms in this four-star hotel are delightfully furnished with individual pieces of furniture and rich wood detailing. The rooms have iPod docks and floor to ceiling windows that bring the outdoors in. All rooms have air conditioning and ceiling fans.

After you’ve hit the gym in their twenty-four-hour modern fitness suite, you can cool off in the delightful selection of pools. Kids will love the slide and waterfalls (so will adults). The main pool is huge and was voted the top hotel pool by USA Today in 2020. If you are a beach lover, Baby Beach is around ten minutes away, or stroll on a little more to the bigger Poipu Beach.

You will find all the amenities you would expect from a Marriott (spacious rooms, wi-fi, a full-service day spa, celebrity chef grill, concierge service), but when you want to explore the local shops and eateries then you can walk to Poipu Shopping Village within ten minutes.

Prices for a week in April in a kingsize studio start at $3,474 and $5,405 for a three-bedroom villa (really reasonable!)

Quick summary

• unique styling
• 350,000-gallon award winning main pool
• tranquility pool for over 18s
• free parking.

Note:

• the nearest beach is quite small.

Koa Kea Hotel & Resort

This boutique-style four-star resort is located on Poipu Beach. The rooms have contemporary furnishings with muted color tones, very stylish. They are all air-conditioned with balconies for catching the sea breeze. Some have ocean views.

You receive a bottle of wine in your room, a free daily yoga or exercise class, and Mai Tai cocktails every sunset. At last, a hotel that gives you something useful as part of your resort fee, because who needs valet parking or a newspaper? We would much rather be made to exercise and drink Mai Tais (we’re sure they don’t make you).

There are a number of activities for the active travelers such as canoeing and snorkeling – or have a go at surfing or paddle boarding – beware though, some of these come at an additional cost so remember to check. Keep pumping the iron, if you really want to, in the on-site gym or relax in the spa and fitness center, complete with a hot tub. You can be wrapped, scrubbed, and waxed to your heart’s content.

There is a pool here that due to the size may feel crowded in the popular months but then with the ocean so near, does it matter? Take yoga lessons overlooking the ocean and enjoy drinks in the garden as the sun sets in the background – did we mention these are included in the resort fee?

There is one restaurant on site but there are more than ten restaurants less than half a mile away so you won´t go hungry.

Prices for one week in April range from $3,196 to $9,881 depending on room choice.

Quick summary

• Nespresso coffee machines
• beachfront
• twenty-four-hour room service
• this is a non-smoking resort
• popular with couples.

Note:

• check for extra charges
• this is a non-smoking resort (I know I’ve said it, but this could be a plus or minus depending on how you roll).

Sheraton Kauai Resort

The four-star Sheraton Kauai Resort is on the southern tip of Kauai at the front of Kiahuna Beach, which is part of Poipu Beach. The air-conditioned rooms here are furnished as you might expect from a Sheraton (who were bought by Marriott in 2016) – fairly modern, clean lines with a hint of traditionalism – you wouldn’t feel out of place here if you were on business. Every room has a balcony or a patio, perfect for enjoying your first cup of coffee in the morning, or your last cocktail at night.

When you are not lazing on the beach you could be getting a massage in the spa and fitness center. For those on a romantic getaway, try their couples massage. When hungry, there are two restaurants at the resort and in the local area, there are a number of dining options within walking distance. Back at the resort, if sipping on Hawaiian cocktails isn’t enough to keep you warm in the evening, you will find a fire pit area in the garden.

Being a typical resort you have everything you need close at hand, but don’t forget the wonderful sights to see on Kauai. Wailua Falls is just twelve miles from the Sheraton Kauai Resort. For the best way to get there and to arrange any other excursion, the concierge service is on hand to assist.

Prices here start at $3,291 for a deluxe king room with a sea view and jump to $7,154 for a large suite with a seating and dining area.

Quick summary

• pets allowed
• wheelchair accessible rooms
• beachfront location
• couples love it
• popular with families.

Note:

• wi-fi in the room will cost you $15 a day
• less luxurious than other options
• the large suite is non-refundable.

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa

The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa is the first five-star hotel we have looked at. There is a twenty-four-hour pool complex. Beautifully landscaped gardens surround the watery wonder area which boasts a lazy river, waterfalls, slides, and a volleyball net too. This resort is child-friendly but for those not looking to be surrounded by little people, there is an adult-only section (parents, I’m talking to you too – there is a babysitting service).

Their king rooms sleep three people and their queen rooms sleep up to four. If your budget allows, book a 1,500 square foot suite but you may need a drink before checking the prices. Some have a pool view or ocean view. All rooms have balconies, drinks chillers, and iPod docks (sorry Android users).

This seems to be a hotel that has thought of almost everything (apart from Android users). They even supply you with water bottles to fill at their purified water stations. There is entertainment during the week and for the little ones, daily Koi fish and parrot feeding. There is wi-fi throughout.

The closest beach to the Grand Hyatt is Shipwreck Beach, also known as Keoniloa Beach or Keoniloa Bay. Due to strong currents here, swimming is not advised but there is a pretty manmade saltwater lagoon you can swim in instead. Or, you could walk to Brennecke Beach and Poipu Beach in less than twenty minutes.

Located almost at the tip of the south shore, this is an ideal base for exploring any part of the island. Towards the east coast part of Kauai, you are in the perfect spot for visiting Prince Kuhio Park and Spouting Horn.

Prices start at $4,707 for a king room to $18,821 for the deluxe ocean suite.

Quick summary

• beautiful gardens and swimming area
• Poipu Bay golf course across the road
• tennis courts – one-hour daily use free
• electric vehicle charging
• on-site car rental.

Note:

• additional charge for kids meals and kids club
• the closest beach (Shipwreck) has strong currents making it unsuitable for swimming
• some rooms need updating.

Hale Hapuna

If views are your thing, take a look at Hale Hapuna, in the Poipu district of Koloa. This beautiful private house and guest cottage sleep up to sixteen people – perfect for larger families or friends traveling together. Even with sixteen people, there is plenty of space to spread out – 5,000 square feet actually.

There are six bedrooms and six bathrooms (so some of the rooms sleep more than two). Four of the bedrooms are in the main house and there are two further bedrooms in the guest cottage. Only the main house has air conditioning. The house is furnished to a high standard and has everything you could possibly need. The biggest drawback is the lack of a swimming pool.

It is located on top of a crater (extinct!) at the highest point in Poipu. The panoramic views include the coast, the ocean, and the mountains. When you venture out, you have two beaches – Brenneckes Beach and Poipu Beach – within fifteen minutes walking distance.

This is a good choice for where to stay in Poipu if you are part of a large group that wants to stay together, whilst having your own space with communal areas to gather in. It would work out cheaper than several rooms in a resort too.

If you are the type of person who prefers to be out and about exploring then you might not miss a pool. There are so many things to see and do on Kauai, you could use this as a base to explore the whole of the island from the south shore all the way to Princeville on the north shore.

The price for a week here in April in both properties is $10,959.

Quick summary

• ideal for large groups
• panoramic views
• table tennis table and BBQ facility
• great location, close to several beaches including Poipu Beach Park.

Note:

• no pool
• the accommodation is spread over two properties
• no air conditioning in the guest cottage.

All prices quoted are for one week in April 2022 and were correct at the time of writing. Prices may fluctuate depending on the time of year and the number of guests. Location wise, all accommodation in Poipu is approximately thirty minutes drive from Lihue airport.

Areas of Poipu

The south side of Kauai is the sunniest side and it is here that Poipu is located. Poipu is the best-loved area on Kauai for all travelers with a large choice of plush hotels and condominiums. A haven for golfers, honeymooners, and those who love life on the water. Poipu is small – less than five square miles so there aren’t really any distinct zones.

Wherever you locate yourself, and however much you spend, you are going to be within striking distance of the whole area so actually, the hardest decision will be choosing what to do from the large number of activities on offer.

Where to stay in Poipu for families?

The island of Kauai is an excellent destination for families. A good choice of family-friendly hotels, activities, and easy access to great beaches makes it a popular choice. In Poipu stay near Poipu Beach or Brenneckes Beach. Shipwreck Beach is not suitable for swimming. Baby Beach, just to the west of Poipu Beach, is perfect for babies and very young children (hence the name) with very shallow calm water.

If you want to be close to shops and restaurants then stay near the Poipu Shopping Village. Castle Kiahuna Plantation & The Beach Bungalows which was the first property we talked about is located right across the road from here.

If a great hotel pool is important then consider Koloa Landing Resort. We talked about this resort further up – it’s the one with the best pool in America! Most resorts have activities for the whole family (check if there are extra charges).

Older children and teenagers can try surfing with the Kauai Surf School. Or maybe an ATV tour, through the stunning Hawaii landscape. Take in waterfalls, movie sites, and the Ha’upu mountain range. ATV tours can be arranged with Kauai ATV or your resort hotel will be able to do this for you.

Where to stay in Poipu for solo travelers?

With the Aloha spirit alive and well on Kauai you will always feel welcome and never alone – unless you want to be. If you are looking for places to stay where you can switch off and enjoy your own company, then staying somewhere like the Hale Pua Villa – Seaside Studio may suit you. Come and go as you please, perhaps take a few day trips to the north side of the island to Hanalei Bay, or get back to nature on the beautiful Kalalau Trail.

If you are a solo traveler who likes to meet other travelers then maybe staying in a resort with organized activities would be best. Or stay in a self-contained property and book onto a couple of group excursions or experiences – how about trying a zip-lining safari? The pickup point for guests in Poipu (and the west side) is Outfitters Kauai in Poipu. For something less hair-raising, head to Poipu Beach Park for some snorkeling.

None of the hotels or condos we looked at had a single traveler supplement, but do check this before booking.

Where to stay in Poipu for couples?

One of the best-loved hotels by couples is the Grand Hyatt Kauai. You will know you are in Hawaii when you receive a fresh flower lei (garland) on arrival. There are plenty of amenities near this resort and you can easily explore all of Kauai from the east coast to the west. From the south to Princeville on the north shore. Be sure to take a boat trip to see the jaw-droppingly beautiful Na Pali coast or take a serene drive to the Waimea Canyon.

Couples are spoilt for choice on Kauai island. From high-end resorts with a spa to more intimate self-contained condos. Wherever you choose to stay in Poipu, you can be assured of beautiful sunsets over the ocean and plenty of coast for romantic strolls. Poipu beach is one of the best-loved beaches due to the activities on offer there.

We hope this guide to Poipu has been helpful to you and if you have any further recommendations please feel free to let us know in the comments below.

Mahalo for reading!