Kauai Coast Resort At The Beachboy
Starting at $233.11 per night.
When wondering where to stay in Hawaii on a budget, consider booking your stay at Kauai Coast Resort at the Beachboy. Featuring free parking, an outdoor pool, barbecue grills, and other resort amenities, there are plenty of ways to save here. Guest rooms include complimentary WiFi access, kitchenettes, in-room safes, and coffeemakers.
This resort features services available for an additional fee, such as in-room massages.
Main Regions And Neighborhoods Of Kauai
Kauai is easily broken down into 4 different geographical regions, each with its own distinct attractions, style, climate, and vibe. To put it simply, here’s what you need to know about each of them.
- North Shore Graced with the picturesque Napali coast, beaches, lush valleys, and the affluential Princeville, this is simply postcard-worthy.
- East Side As the most populated part of the island, it’s as busy as the island gets with a big part dedicated to commercial development, and essential big stores and restaurants. That said, there’s still plenty to see and do here.
- South Shore This part of the island gets the best weather and as a result, you’ll find it the most popular with visitors. Anchored by Poipu, there are many resorts and beaches here.
- West Side This part of the island becomes dramatically much more raw in both the development sense but also the geology. Drier and more barren, you’ll find the Grand Canyon of the Pacific here and the start of the Napali Coast.
Where To Eat For Cheap In Kauai
Multiple meals out can end up being a significant part of your travel expenditures in Kauai. Here are a few ways you can stick to a reasonable budget.
If you are traveling with a group or family, I would highly suggest getting groceries upon arriving as many hotels and villas include full kitchens. Foodlands deli in Princeville and Kapaa offer an awesome place to grab lunch or dinner. Their Ahi Poke is inexpensive and delicious!
If you dont want to cook or if you are traveling solo, you can find meals for $10 or less at one of the many food trucks scattered along the rim of the island. If youre like me, youll have leftovers for a second meal .
For the health conscious travelers, Living Foods market in Poipu or Koloa will be your go-to spot for snacks and to grab a quick bite to eat. Their hot food is just as good, if not better, than any of the other restaurants on the island.
Poipu is a tourist town, so plan on spending MUCH more for food than you would in Lihue or Kapaa. Hanalei is expensive as well, but I didnt find it to be nearly as expensive as Poipu.
Cheap Eats in Poipu: Da Crack, Makai Sushi , Kauai Food Truck
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Map Of Where To Stay In Kauai
Heres a map of the Kauai accommodation mentioned in this post. The green pins are for the places we stayed and the blue pins are for others that look like great options.
For a more detailed map of recommended activities and restaurants, see our guide to the top things to do in Kauai.
What Do I Need To Know Before Going To Kauai

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Travel Around Kauai On A Budget
Do you have any tips for exploring Kauai on a budget? Please share them in the comments section below.
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Popular Activities Of Kauai
The most popular Kauai activity is to simply enjoy the 111-mile coastline, 47 percent of which is sandy beach .
The areas beaches, coves and expansive stretches of romantic coast are perfect for snorkeling, boogie boarding, surfing, diving, fishing, kite surfing, shell hunting or just strolling blissfully, waiting for the elusive green flash, an optical phenomenon at sunset.
when a green spot may be visible above the sun. Kauais sea currents and surf can be treacherous and unpredictable however, so caution is strongly advised.
Hiking is another free activity, and Kauai arguably has the most extensive and varied hikes in the state. Check out the Department of Land and Natural Resources Na Ala Hele trail-access system to learn more about some of Kauais most popular hikes.
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Budget Accommodation In Kauai: Four Ways To Stay
Kauai is expensive.
Between the need to import most of whats consumed on the island and tourists driving demand and prices up Kauai, Hawaii is an expensive choice for my first trip of the year.
Finding budget accommodation in Kauai was a must.
So if money is tight, why did I choose Kauai? If you recall I had to cancel a trip to Peru last spring which left me with a whopping credit with American Airlines that could only be used by me, all at once on a trip that only involved flying AA no co-carriers allowed. To use as much of that credit as possible, Hawaii was my choice.
With the cost of the flight under control, my next major expense would be accommodation. I see two ways of looking at the budget accommodation issue.
I went for the latter. My nightly rates ranged from $38 to $174.77 per night and ended up being and average of $73.39/night. Thats budget accommodation in Kauai and just about any destination for that matter.
Here’s where I stayed and what I thought of each.
Aston Kona By The Sea
Starting at $179.15 per night.
When vacationing on the Big Island, youve got to have an oceanfront hotel room! At Aston Kona by the Sea, you can have exactly that without going over budget. Located right on the shore, accommodations include fully-equipped kitchens, complimentary bath amenities, WiFi, and more. While at the resort, check out the oceanfront pool and spa!
Additional charges include a resort fee and extra services, if used.
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Kiahuna Plantation Resort Poipu Review
We stayed in a condo at Kiahuna Plantation which is right on beautiful Kiahuna Beach .
Of everywhere we stayed in Hawaii, Kiahuna Plantation is the place we most want to return to for an extended stay. We loved the location, beautiful grounds, and our comfortable condo with ocean view.
Condos
Kiahuna Plantation is a large complex of one and two bedroom condos in cottage-style buildings spread over 35 acres of lush lawns that reach to the beach.
Condos have different owners and agents, so they are all decorated differently, and its a bit of a lottery which unit youll get. To avoid this you might want to book a specific unitcheck out a range of Kiahuna condos on Vrbo. We booked condo 106.
You pay more to be closer to the beach, but we were in the last row and still had an ocean view. We did have some traffic noise as we were closer to the road, but mostly we found it a very peaceful place.
It took a couple of minutes to walk to the beach, but we could go barefoot over the lovely lawns.
Our one bedroom condo was comfortable and well-equipped with good WiFi, a dishwasher, blender, rice cooker, beach chairs, and boogie board.
Theres no A/C , but we didnt miss it as the condo stayed cool and there are fans and screened doors to the lanai that let in the breeze.
The bedroom is at the back and doesnt have much natural light or view, but the bed was comfy and there was plenty of storage. The bathroom was simple but fine.
Facilities
Location
Details
Courtyard By Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel
Starting at $239.16 per night.
For convenient accommodations in the Kailua-Kona area, choose Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehamehas Kona Beach Hotel. With free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a poolside bar, youll be all set to sit back and enjoy your time on the Big Island. Accommodations feature balconies, coffeemakers, flat-panel TVs, and sofa beds.
Self-parking is available for a fee and the hotel requires a daily resort fee, as well.
Believe it or not, a stay at this Kauai resort wont deplete your budget.
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Discover the indisputable appeal of Kauai which is an island located in the Central Pacific. It boasts a chill atmosphere, breathtaking natural scenery, and rich culture. A huge part of its surface is covered with tropical rainforests making it a tropical paradise. NÄpali Coast State Wilderness Park offers hiking trails that open up to breathtaking views of emerald-hued cliffs towering above Pacific Ocean and beautiful beaches, cascading waterfalls plunging to the valley floor, and lush jungle. Other scenic hiking trails include the 10-mile Waimea Canyon and Nounou Trail crossing the Sleeping Giant mountain ridge. Kauai also has several beaches such as Hanalei Bay Beach, Tunnels Beach, and Poipu Beach which are great for sun-basking, swimming, and snorkeling. You do not have to spend a fortune on accommodation to ensure your comfortable stay. Scroll down to find out more about where to stay on a budget in Kauai, Hawaii.
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Best Hotel In Kauai: Makai Club Resort

Located close to everything, this hotel is a great choice when youre deciding where to stay in Kauai for nightlife. It offers lots of facilities like a Jacuzzi, outdoor pool, free parking, a kids pool, golf course, and a beauty center. And theres also a terrace and BBQ area on site so you can enjoy a meal outside in the gorgeous weather!
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Best Areas To Stay In Kauai
Kauai, like the other Hawaiian Islands, is relatively small, yet amazingly beautiful. It consists of 115 miles of shoreline, half of which are sand beaches.
Typically, people locate themselves in one area and take day trips to other areas for particular sites or activities.
However, if your plan is for a longer stay, you may want to consider dividing your stay across multiple locations.
Regarding the weather, there is a local saying Kauai doesnt have the best weather, but the best weather is on Kauai.
Throughout the year, the temperature keeps between 21C and 29C , while ocean temperatures keep between 23C and 27C . More info Official Kauai Weather Website.
As well, the vast majority of rainfall keeps to the interior of the island. As a result, throughout the year you are generally basking in beautiful sunshine with perfect temperatures.
Here is a map of Kauai showing the best areas to stay.
Best Airbnb In Poipu: Dunson Kauai Vacation Condo
Located in the best area in Kauai to stay in if you want a quieter, local experience, this condo is ideal for couples or families. Its surrounded by acres of beautiful gardens, has a newly remodeled kitchen, and onsite amenities like BBQ areas, restaurant, a beach hut, workout facilities, outdoor pool. and onsite surf school.
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Things To See And Do In Hanalei
Take a stroll along the iconic Hanalei Pier and do some people watching.
Stroll through the incredible Limahuli Garden and Preserve, where youll find 17 acres of immaculate landscapes.
Head up to the Hanalei Valley Overlook for astonishing views.
Spend some time on the beach at Anini Beach or Tunnels Beach.
Check out Haena Beach Park or Hanalei Beach park for a great combination of beach and green spaces.
Take a trip to see Mokuaeae Island and its array of birdlife.
Just wander the streets and check out the local shops.
Things To See And Do In Lihue
Head down to Kalapaki Beach for beautiful views.
Spend some money at the Harbor Mall or Anchor Cove Shopping Center.
Check out the local eateries like Konohiki Seafoods or Robs Good Times Grill.
Enjoy some swimming, surfing, or paddle boarding on the quiter beaches.
Check out the Alekoko Fishpond, a 1000-year-old Hawaiian aquaculture reservoir.
Spend the day on Ninini Beach and check out its Lighthouse, which has been in operation since 1897.
Take a trip out to see Waimea Canyon, Wailua Falls, and Wailua River for an unbeatable natural experience.
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Where To Stay On Kauai: Princeville Vs Poipu
Kauai is the island most Hawaiian dreams are made of. Lush, green mountains, tropical hideaways, gorgeous beaches, epic hiking. While theres nowhere in Hawaii that feels truly undiscovered anymore, Kauai does have a pure feeling that many prefer over Oahu and Maui.
But if youre very far into the planning process, youve probably realized that picking the right place to stay on the island is just as important as choosing the right island. And that usually comes down to choosing between Princeville on the north shore and Poipu on the south side.
This post may contain some affiliate links, which means Ill make a little money on anything you choose to purchase. But of course, I only recommend my absolute favorites to you. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Hulaland possible.
Kauai Vacation Rentals & Condos
If a resort/hotel isnt what youre looking for, you want more amenities, or youre not finding anything in your price range, YOU MUST READ THIS POST. Its a roundup of the best condo complexes on Kauai thats well organized so you can find exactly what youre looking for.
Want to read more? Dont miss some of my most popular posts about Kauai: my personal Kauai favorites, a breakdown of where to stay on Kauai comparing Princeville vs Poipu, my favorite restaurants in Poipu, the best places to watch sunset on Kauai, 5 day Kauai itinerary, my review of the Grand Hyatt Kauai, everything you need to know about Napali Coast boat tours leaving from Port Allen and Hanalei , my best Kauai travel tips, all about hiking the Kalalau trail , Maui vs Kauai, the best things to do on Kauai and more specifically in Hanalei and Poipu, whether you should see the Napali Coast via boat or helicopter, my best condo recommendations on Kauai, everything you need to know about Kauai helicopter tours, Kauais best north shore beaches, where to play tennis on Kauai, how many days you should spend on Kauai , the best spas on Kauai, and my review of the Smith Family Luau.
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Best Luxury Hotel In Poipu: Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
This hotel is one of the best places in Kauai to stay if you want a little luxury. It offers 5-star facilities such as outdoor tennis courts, a waterfall pool, an indoor pool with water slides, a fitness center, and a beauty center. In fact, there are so many facilities that you could spend all day at the hotel, including an on-site bar and a couple of restaurant options.
Garden Island Inn Hotel

The family-owned Garden Island Inn Hotel in Lihue is one of Kauais best bargains. Each of the 21 rooms includes a kitchenette, free Wi-Fi, artwork by a local artist, and freshly cut flowers from the hotels own garden. The hotel also has free beach chairs and towels, snorkel gear, boogie boards, and other gear available for guest use. Kalapaki Beach is within walking distance, and the airport is a short drive away.
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