where should we stay?? see post

Question

Hello! I am working hard to plan my families vacation to Kauai. It will be our first time. If I post my ‘wish list’ could someone point me in the right direction re. where to stay?

I have read many blog posts, lots of travel commentaries and trip reports. But would love some active feedback! 🙂

Family of 5 (kids 8, 5, 3)

Father in law

Sister in law

Trip length: about 9 days…

Hoping for two separate units (one for my fam, one for my in laws).

Budget: flexible, but something rated 4+ stars (reviews)

Must haves:

*condo style resort

*pool with slide is a must

*close to restaurants of all varieties (fast food/fancy/foodtrucks, etc)

*somewhere wonderful for evening walks and sunsets

Extra notes:

We have been to Maui many times (kaanapali area) and absolutely love it. Would love to find something with a similar vibe as Honua Kai!

We will have a car. And plan to drive all over.

We love sunsets.

A few of us like to snorkel, but we are not ‘hardcore’.

I was thinking the poipu area? But what hotel/resort? Help lol

Answer

It’s great that you’re planning your family’s first trip to Kauai! It’s an incredible destination with so much to offer, and finding the right place to stay will make all the difference. Given your list of preferences and needs, I’ll recommend a few options that might suit your family’s vacation style. Based on your request for a condo-style resort with a pool, proximity to restaurants, and a vibe similar to Maui’s Honua Kai, I think the Poipu area could be a great fit for your stay.

Poipu Area: The Poipu area on Kauai's southern shore offers great amenities, beautiful beaches, and plenty of family-friendly accommodations. It’s known for its sunny weather and stunning sunsets, which fits your wish list perfectly. There are also lots of dining options nearby, from casual food trucks to fine dining, and several places are close enough to enjoy evening walks and sunsets by the beach.

Here are a few resorts and condos I would recommend:

Ko’a Kea Hotel & Resort: Located in Poipu, this is a smaller, more boutique-style resort but still has the amenities you need. It offers beautiful oceanfront views, an on-site pool (though not with a slide), and access to Poipu Beach. While it might not have a pool slide, it’s a great spot for sunset views and relaxing walks. The resort is near restaurants like the famous The Beach House and Koloa Landing.
Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu: This is a more luxurious option and would be ideal for families, with spacious 1-3 bedroom villas. It has a large pool with water slides (which is a big win for your kids) and is close to several restaurants and shops. The resort also offers amazing sunset views and is just a short drive from some great snorkeling spots, making it a solid choice for your family.
The Villas at Poipu Kai: This condo-style resort offers spacious units with full kitchens and is within walking distance to Poipu Beach. There is also a pool with a slide, which is a must for your kids. It’s also conveniently located near restaurants, food trucks, and shops, so you’ll have plenty of dining options.
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa: If you’re looking for something more upscale and similar to Honua Kai in Maui, this is a fantastic choice. Located in Poipu, it offers multiple pools (with a water slide), beautiful grounds, and plenty of restaurants on-site. The Grand Hyatt has a luxury resort feel but is also family-friendly, with tons of activities for kids, and is located right on the beach for perfect sunset walks.
Aston at Poipu Kai: If you prefer a more relaxed, condo-style experience, Aston at Poipu Kai is another great option. It’s a short walk from the beach and offers a large pool and spacious units. The area has many nearby eateries, so you’ll have plenty of options for food, and you’re also close to shopping and local attractions.

Other Considerations:

Driving Around Kauai: Since you have a car and plan to explore, staying in Poipu will allow you to easily access other parts of the island, like the Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and the North Shore. It’s a good central location for family day trips.
Snorkeling: For snorkeling, Poipu Beach is great for beginners, and there are other spots nearby that are good for casual snorkeling. If you want to go snorkeling in a more protected area, Salt Pond Beach Park is also a good option.
Budget Flexibility: Since your budget is flexible, you’ll have more options for resorts that offer larger suites or condo-style accommodations. It’s great that you’re open to different price points because you can find some fantastic luxury resorts that also offer more affordable rates during the off-peak times.

Final Thoughts: Based on your requirements, I’d recommend looking into Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu or the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa for an upscale experience. If you’re looking for something with a more relaxed condo vibe, the Villas at Poipu Kai or Aston at Poipu Kai would be perfect for your family, especially with kids. All of these options are close to the beach, dining options, and have that perfect sunset experience!

Enjoy planning your trip, and I’m sure you’ll have an amazing time in Kauai!