5 Best Hotels in Kauai, Hawaii

If you're an outdoors enthusiast, you can appreciate Kauai's mountain wilderness from the dozen rustic cabins—of varying age and quality—that make up this lodge. Cabins are no-frills but more comfortable than a tent, and the mountain setting and proximity to some of the state's most beautiful trails are grand. Wood-burning stoves ward off the winter chill and dampness (wood is a few dollars extra), as it can get pretty cold at this elevation. Cabins sleep two to six and have full kitchens and bathrooms. Note that there's no Wi-Fi or cell service. The nearby restaurant serves breakfast and lunch, or you can bring up groceries from Waimea.

In business since 1956, this small three-story hotel is something of a Kauai beachfront landmark, with clean comfortable rooms, some with great ocean views, and a large pool that overlooks the water---expect great sunrises. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, mini-refrigerators, microwaves, air-conditioning, and flat-screen TVs. The two-room units are good for families; the oceanfront units are, unsurprisingly, the nicest. Conveniently located on the county bus line and a coastal path, the property is within walking distance of shops and restaurants.

It isn't easy to find good budget lodgings on the southwest side of the island, but this old-fashioned neighborhood inn with studios and one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites does an adequate job in cooler up-country Kalaheo Town. Suites have kitchenettes, and some have full kitchens. There's a great little hilltop park and nine-hole golf course just up the road, and it's an easy drive to West Side sights. The inn loans beach chairs and towels.

An old rock etched with kanji (Japanese characters) reminds you that the site of this condominium gem was once occupied by a Shinto temple. Today, it's home to studio and two-bedroom rentals—all equipped with full kitchens and private lanai—either oceanfront or with ocean views. Studios feature pull-down Murphy beds to create more daytime space. Air-conditioning is a pleasant new addition.

Not only is this low-cost alternative close to the airport, but it's also a great base for day trips to all sides of the island. Rooms are basic, well-worn, and small, with refrigerators, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Newly added studios and two-bedroom cottages have kitchenettes or full kitchens. In summer, it's worth the extra money to get a room with air-conditioning. Coffee is available in the lobby every morning.