End of July Trip - Hotel Recommendations

Question

Hello everyone! We are thinking of heading to Kauai end of July with 4 kids - 9 and 15, 12, 12. We want a swimmable beach and a prefer luxury resorts. We have been to all other islands and stayed in Marriott properties. Any suggestions on what luxury resorts can we stay in? We would like a beach, nice pools for the kids and beautiful island vibe with some restaurants. Should we stay in the north or south?

Answer

For a family trip to Kauai at the end of July with kids aged 9, 12, 12, and 15, your main priorities are a swimmable beach, luxury accommodations, kid-friendly pools, and on-site dining. Kauai offers several excellent options, though the choice of north versus south depends on your preference for weather and activities. The south tends to be sunnier and drier, while the north can be more lush but has a higher chance of rain during summer.

Here are some luxury resort options to consider:

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa (Poipu, South Shore): This is the most popular luxury resort for families. It has multiple pools including a saltwater lagoon, a water slide, and a swimmable beach. There are several on-site restaurants and a beautiful tropical garden setting. Poipu Beach is nearby, which is generally calm and good for kids.
Koa Kea Hotel & Resort (Poipu, South Shore): Smaller and more intimate than the Grand Hyatt, this resort has a beautiful pool, direct access to a swimmable beach, and a quieter, more boutique feel. It’s excellent for families who want luxury but a more relaxed vibe.
Princeville Resort / Kauai Beach Villas (North Shore): Princeville is lush and scenic with some swimmable beaches nearby, though the water can be rougher at certain beaches. The resort offers pools and multiple dining options, but you’ll need to check conditions at nearby beaches for safety with kids.
Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas: Also on the North Shore, this property offers villa-style accommodations with full kitchens, pools, and close proximity to beaches like Hanalei Bay, which is beautiful and good for older kids. Ideal if you prefer self-catering options combined with resort amenities.

Recommendations:

For guaranteed sunny weather and calm swimmable beaches for kids, the South Shore (Poipu area) is the safest bet.
If you prefer a lush, scenic environment with slightly cooler temperatures, the North Shore is beautiful, but be aware that some beaches may have stronger currents.
Consider resort amenities carefully: pools, kid programs, and on-site restaurants can make a big difference when traveling with multiple children.
Book early, especially for late July, as luxury resorts fill up quickly during summer peak season.

In summary, for families with kids and a desire for luxury, the Grand Hyatt Kauai is often the top choice for convenience, pools, beach, and activities. If you prefer a more boutique experience or villa-style accommodations, Koa Kea or the Westin Princeville are excellent alternatives depending on whether you choose south or north.

End of July Trip - Hotel Recommendations

More Kauai Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions