5 Best Hotels in The East Side, Kauai

Fronting an uncrowded stretch of beach, this three-story, primarily time-share condo resort is convenient and a bit more upscale than nearby properties. It's one of the better resort properties along this stretch of the Coconut Coast. The fully furnished one- and two-bedroom condo units, each with a private lanai, washer-dryer, and well-equipped kitchen, are housed in three buildings. They are decorated in rich woods, tropical prints, and Hawaiian-quilt designs. The 8-acre property looks out on the ocean and offers a heated pool with natural rock waterscapes, a day spa, a children's pool, an ocean-side hot tub, pool bar, and fitness center. It's within walking distance of shops and home to the excellent Hukilau Lanai restaurant.

Owners Charlie and Susan Hoerner restored a three-bedroom plantation home on Kapaa's Baby Beach to reflect the charm of yesteryear with the conveniences of today. Think plank flooring, gingerbread, and stained glass alongside a Wolf stove, Bosch dishwasher, and granite countertops. The orientation is due east; you won't have to leave your bed—or living room or lanai—to watch the sunrise, the whales breach, or the full moon rise. In addition to the main Sunrise Cottage, there's a cozy and more affordable bungalow called Moonrise Cottage in back that's perfect for honeymooners. Rent both (weekly rentals only) to sleep a total of eight. Credit cards are accepted via PayPal only.

Nestled alongside Wailua Bay and the Wailua River, this low-key low-rise chain hotel is a convenient place to stay as it's within walking distance of Lydgate Beach, with its lifeguard and lawns, and also close to shops and a variety of restaurants. Rooms and suites, in two wings with a choice of beach, mountain, or ocean views, have mini- or full-size refrigerators, microwaves, and coffeemakers; two-bedroom cottages are also available. Complimentary Wi-Fi and cable TV are included, and the hotel has a modest fitness room, a business center, meeting rooms, and a swimming pool. The resort fee includes yoga classes, a cultural sunrise ceremony, and daily two-hour bike rental.

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.

A $50 million refurbishment of guest rooms and common areas has refreshed this resort, whose sprawling property fronts the sandy shore of Kalapaki Bay and offers a lovely view of dramatic Haupu Ridge. The grounds are lush and lavish, with tropical gardens, waterfalls, Greek statues and columns, and an enormous 26,000-square-foot swimming pool. This resort is a one-stop destination, with dining, shopping, a spa, golf, tennis, fitness center, and water activities of all kinds on-site; other restaurants, resort amenities, and shops are nearby. Most rooms have expansive ocean views and some have separate sitting areas. Five-night stays are required in peak season, and housekeeping is weekly. A $30 parking fee has been imposed, but there is a convenient free shuttle to the airport for those who want to avoid renting a car. The resort is a comfortable and convenient for families and people seeking a lively resort experience.