Kauai Vacation Guide – What Part of the Island Should You Stay On?

When you’re planning a vacation to the breathtaking island of Kauai, you might be wondering which part of the island you should stay on. Kauai has four distinct sides with their own benefits and personalities, and choosing from Kauai condo rentals on a specific side of the island is a quick way to set the tone for your getaway. No matter where you stay, you’re sure to have an amazing time! Here, you’ll find a complete breakdown to the four sides of Kauai, so you can easily plan where you’d like to stay.

Kauai’s North Shore

While the entire island of Kauai has incredible waters, the North Shore takes the top prize. The famous Hanalei Bay is located here and draws tons of visitors to surf, swim, or snorkel in the turquoise waves. You can also take advantage of the incredible jungles and breathtaking waterfalls for a true trip to paradise. Communities located on the North Shore include Kilauea, Anini, Haena, and more. 

The North Shore is undoubtedly the place to stay if you’re interested in the natural wonders of Kauai. There are vast fields, breathtaking beaches, and huge mountains to explore. Be sure to check out Daniel K. Inouye Kilauea Point Lighthouse for a history lesson as well as an incredible view! Head to Princeville for unmatched surfing, or wander through the shops in Hanalei town.

Kauai’s East Shore

The East Shore of Kauai is known as the Coconut Coast thanks to the plentiful coconut trees that dot the coastline. This side of the island is where you will find more shopping opportunities, as it’s the central area of commerce of Kauai. Head through towns like Lihue, Kalapaki, Nawiliwili, and more to get your souvenir shopping done, explore one of the numerous parks or waterfalls, and soak up the classic Hawaiian small-town charm. 

Natural landmarks like the Nounou Mountain simply have to be seen to be believed! If you’re a kayaker, this is the side of the island where you should stay. You’ll want plenty of time exploring the waters of Wailua River State Park! If you want something a bit more relaxing, head into Kapaa Town for dinner and souvenir shopping. Indulge in luxurious dining at Oasis on the Beach, or get some exercise with a view along the Kauai Bike Path.

Kauai South Shore

If you want a romantic getaway full of fun in the sun, head to the South Shore. You’ll find tons of incredible beaches, mouthwatering Hawaiian cuisine, stunning wildlife, and exciting shopping opportunities. Whether you are interested in outdoor sports, arts and cultural activities, or simply getting to know the locals, you can really find it all on the South Shore of Kauai. 

The South Shore is arguably the most bustling side of the island, where you can find everything from golfing to shopping to beaches, restaurants, and more. Head over to the Spouting Horn where you can see the water shoot up to 20 feet in the air, or simply enjoy a relaxing seafood dinner with an unbelievable view of the waves. Shipwreck Beach is perfect for a picturesque view, or get to know the locals in the rural community of Lawa’i.

Kauai’s West Shore

The West Shore of Kauai is often underrated, but it’s one of the most beautiful places on Earth, in our humble opinion. The West Shore is separated from the north by the Napali Coast, which gives the west a distinct desert-like feel. Head to towns like Kekaha, Eleele, Hanapepe, and more to get a great view of the mountains, go for a unique hike, or explore the history to be found at Captain Cook’s Landing or the Russian Fort. 

Don’t miss out on the stunning Waimea Canyon, often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific!” In addition to the incredible history here and the remarkable natural phenomena, the quirky towns throughout the West Shore will have you feeling like family in no time. If you’re a movie fan, you’ll probably recognize the famous cliffs from flicks like Pirates of the Caribbean or Jurassic Park!

Which Side of Kauai is the Best in December?

If you want to say “Mele Kalikimaka” and spend your Christmas on Kauai, you’re probably wondering which side would be best to book your Kauai beach vacation rentals. Much of the island of Kauai can be wet and cool in the winter months, but your best bet for good weather in the winter is on the South Shore. To be precise, many guests report having a pleasant stay in the Poipu area during December. 

While you might not experience the warm weather you would expect from a Hawaiian vacation, it will still be pleasant enough for walks on the beach and scouting out the wildlife. Of course, you can always take advantage of the various indoor attractions of the island’s South Shore!

Which Side of Kauai is Better for Families with Young Kids?

Your vacation itinerary is going to be shaped by the people you’re bringing with you. If you’re bringing your whole family along and you need to entertain young kids, you’re likely looking for a spot with a bunch of attractions where you will be safe and still have fun.

If you plan to visit Kauai with young children, you’re likely to have the best time on the South Shore. This is the safest part of the island and provides tons of opportunity to get the family involved in the fun. There is more chance to see wildlife on the South Shore, so if your kids want to get up close and personal with the turtles and seals, you’ll have that chance! Additionally, there are tons of options for restaurants to suit even the pickiest of eaters, and you won’t have to travel far from your Kauai accommodations to reach any other activity. It’s the best of all worlds!

Which Side is More Accessible?

Vacation is all about relaxing, so you probably want to be close to all of the attractions on your itinerary. Even though your accommodations will be on one specific side of the island, you might be looking to explore attractions that span the whole island! So, if you’re looking to have immediate access to every part of Kauai, where should you stay?

The east side is by far the most accessible spot on Kauai. Whether you choose to stay at the Waipouli Beach Resort or any other rental on the Coconut Coast, you’ll be right in the center of the action and can easily get to the other sides of the island. If you’re planning a Kauai vacation, we hope you’ll consider staying in one of our Kauai condo rentals.