My articles are aimed at independent travelers who can afford luxury, but still want to get a good deal. Experiencing Kauai: upscale on a budget speaks that group. You want a spacious vacation rental for the price of a hotel room. You want practical advice on when to go, how to get around, what to eat. You’ve come to the right place.
I have written about which Hawaiian island is best for the first-time visitor and concluded that for most people that might be Maui. Kauai is close behind, because it has fewer tourists, is more lush and remote-feeling – clearly, what we often seek in a tropical getaway. Indeed, it is called the Garden Isle due to 97% of the island consisting of undeveloped mountain ranges and jungle vegetation! And despite its small size relative to its popular neighbor islands, Kauai still features 43 miles of stunning beaches.
Of course, all this paradise comes at a price. That lush greenery is a result of more rain than the rest of Hawaii, so when and where to stay can be trickier. And there is a literal price too; Kauai is not a cheap island to visit. Backpackers can stop reading now. We are here to help you to experience Kauai: upscale on a budget.
Unique things to do
This article gives advice for flying to Kauai, getting around, when and where to stay and eat. Check out my other article: 8 unique things to do on Kauai for upscale and budget activities while on the island! (The photos alone are worth a look).
Getting there
For Americans, getting to Kauai is a tale of two coasts. Traveling there from the East Coast can take 13 hours or more. It’s easier to go to Mexico or the Caribbean. Flights from the West Coast can be cheap and nonstop to Lihue (LIH) at under 6 hours. Be sure to check multiple airlines. Personally, we like Hawaiian Air, which has good routes, good service, and good Mai Tais to put you in the right frame of mind even before you arrive. And you can book economy, then bid on first-class seats, naming your own price.
How long to stay
Some people go to Kauai as part of an island-hopping journey. They fly into Oahu, fly inter-island to Maui or the Big Island for a few days, then squeeze in Kauai for a day or two before returning. That’s ok if you are on a reconnaissance trip to determine where you want to go next time for a longer stay. Personally, I love all those islands. But Kauai deserves at least 4 days, preferably 5 or more. You need to figure in jet lag and decompression, not to mention allowing time for all the unique things to do there. A great vacation would involve flying to Maui for 6 nights then Kauai for another 6 nights.
Getting around
A rental car is really a must for experiencing all the things to do on the island. As rustic as Kauai is, some writers suggest renting a 4-wheel drive vehicle. We think this is unnecessary. The roads are generally well-paved and provide access to even remote hiking trails. We try to rent a small SUV from one of the airport providers using Costco travel to compare for the best rates.
When to go
Unlike the other popular Hawaiian Islands, which don’t really have an off-season, Kauai does have two seasons: wet and dry. The wet season usually runs from late Fall (November) into early Spring (March). December receives more than 5 inches (13cm) of rain. Summer is especially busy due to family vacations, so if you can manage a Spring or Fall trip you will have fewer tourists to go with a little lower prices. We like September and May, when kids are still in school. Daytime temperatures hit the 80s F year-round, very pleasant with the famous island breezes.
Where to stay
There are two primary areas to stay on Kauai. The south end of the island, at Poipu, is drier, a plus for those who want to just lounge at a beach resort for several days. But if that is your goal, I would suggest the resort areas of Ka’anapali or Wailea on Maui instead. Look at it this way: to get a 1,000 square foot suite at the Grand Hyatt (without a kitchen), you will spend about $2,000 a night. Hold that thought.
The north end of the island, at Princeville, offers more of the Kauai experience. That means secluded beaches, upscale accommodations, picturesque golf courses, deep blue ocean and verdant mountain views, and more. Yes, there are a lot of condos, but those give the visitor a plethora of vacation rental options. Better yet, there are no chain hotels and no high-rises.
Instead of Airbnb, we recommend first checking VRBO for your condo rental. There are hundreds of options in the Princeville area. Our most recent stay (shown above and below) was in a beautiful 2-bedroom, 1,400 square foot condo right on the Makai golf course, with an ocean view. The price? About $400 a night! That’s Kauai: upscale on a budget!
From this 42-unit development we walked to various secluded beaches, including Hideaway, Queen’s Bath, and Hanalei Bay. We saved money cooking breakfast and enjoying other meals in our modern, first-class kitchen. A nice bottle of wine, a huge walk-in shower, and a comfy king-size bed – who could ask for more?
The units at Hanalei Bay resort (above) are another good option at a similar price. The resort, with arguably the best private pool in Kauai, sits on 22 lush tropical acres, steps from the beach, with sunset views over Hanalei Bay. If you like tennis, enjoy their eight courts.
Other options include complete homes on the golf course or a freestanding cottage, like this 2-bedroom, 1,200 square foot villa, with magnificent mountain views, just a short walk to the beach.
Do you still want to spend $2,000 a night for a suite in a 600-room Hyatt?
Note, any vacation rental is a better deal when you can spend 4 to 5 nights or more in the same unit. The longer your stay, the more the fixed costs of fees and cleaning are spread out. It’s another reason why we recommend staying in Princeville instead of hopping around this small island. You can also waste a precious day just checking out and into accommodations.
Can’t find the perfect lodging on VRBO? There are several other vacation rental sites to research before making a final decision. It’s fun just looking at places that could be your home for several days! That said, if you can only give Kauai one or two nights, consider the Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas; these fully-equipped condos can be booked like a hotel room. I have stayed on the property, and it is nice.
Where to eat
Now that you are settled into your vacation rental property, figuring out where to eat out three meals a day is not an issue. That’s good, because restaurants are expensive on Kauai. Even groceries cost a lot, although that is the case throughout Hawaii.
That said, the Foodland store in Princeville has an excellent deli, with people lined up at lunchtime for Boar’s Head meat and cheese sandwiches and rotisserie chicken. There are so many lovely spots for a picnic, such as the above cliff overlooking the ocean (watch out for errant golf balls).
Nearby Hanalei has the best restaurant options. Our favorite, the Northside Grill & Sushi, might have the best short ribs we have ever tasted. Sit at the bar, hear the latest gossip, and get served the overflow from the too-large piña coladas.
Since you will be eating meals in your condo and on road trips, buying fruits and vegetables from a farm stand is a smart idea. There is a great one less than 15 minutes from the Lihue airport on the way to Wailua Falls. Stock up on Hawaiian apple bananas, fresh coconut, mango, papaya, pineapple, and more. Support the local farmers.
As you will be driving around the whole island, another can’t miss eatery is Gaylord’s. Located in a historic landmark, the Kilohana Plantation Home, the restaurant offers one of Kauai’s most beautiful settings (above photo). But a courtyard meal here is excellent in its own right. Allow time to stroll the manor (with fun boutiques) and the grounds. If your plane arrives in Lihue anywhere near midday, make this your first stop. Reservations are a must.
We need to mention one more establishment. Your morning trip to Waimea Canyon (see: 8 unique things to do) must include a stop at Aloha Sweet Delites, in Kaumakani. Like a hot dog at a ballgame, the pastries here just taste better on a road trip. The best malasadas on the island, pineapple fritters to die for, red bean buns! The secret is to visit this bakery in the morning; by afternoon, all the good stuff is sold out.
What’s next?
You’ve made it to paradise, driven to Princeville, settled into your spacious upscale vacation rental, and bought some provisions. Now, get ready to explore this fascinating island with 8 unique things to do on Kauai, both upscale and budget.
Do you have any questions? Do you have any upscale on a budget secrets to share with others? Feel free to comment at the bottom of this post.
What’s upscale?
Choose extra-comfort or first-class seats for the long flight from the mainland or elsewhere – you deserve it. Say goodbye to a cramped hotel room by staying in a luxury condo with golf course and ocean views.
What’s budget?
That condo should cost no more than a premium hotel room. Eating some meals there will cost a lot less than Kauai’s expensive restaurants.
