4 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.

This plantation-style hotel provides a relaxing, upscale oceanfront experience close to the airport, but without the noise. The rooms are extremely comfortable with a casual tropical theme, and the oceanfront grounds are beautifully landscaped. Four pools with fun features like slides, sand bottoms, and waterfalls are a highlight, as are the torch-lighting ceremony and the reasonably good Naupaka Terrace Restaurant. The beach fronts a rocky ocean unsuitable for swimming, but it's perfect for a long stroll.

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.

One of the few true oceanfront properties on Kauai, this popular hotel sits on a ribbon of sand in Kapaa and has bright spacious rooms that face the ocean, garden, coconut grove, or pool. Rooms include a coffeemaker, free Wi-Fi, and HDTV, and there's a gift shop, fitness center, coffee shop, juice bar, and three restaurants on-site. Each oceanfront room has a large lanai. The 11-acre site has always been desirable, nestled as it is among ancient coconut groves and close to a coastal bike and walking path, shops, restaurants, and the ocean. Cultural activities include hula, lei-making, and a luau.