Where to Stay in Kauai

Four luxurious lodging options for your next trip to Hawaii’s Kauai.

 Kukui’ulaVisiting the exclusive community of Kukui’ula is a bit of a dicey proposition. It has Kauai’s only private golf course—a sweet Tom Weiskopf layout—which sees so little play that you can walk on whenever you like. There’s an adventure concierge with an arsenal of kayaks, paddleboards and the like to craft bespoke outdoor pursuits, and the private spa is significantly nicer than any other on the island. And you have a large plantation house in which to congregate, with bar fridges filled with free ice cream and arcade games that don’t need quarters. All of which is to say there’s a high probability of being ruined for any other spot. Your options? Buy, with homesites starting at $800,000 or finished homes at $1,500,000. Or you can rent a guest cottages from the Parrish Collection (pictured above). They sleep six easily, are cheaper per couple than the nearby resorts and, for those brief nights, you’ll know luxury to a degree that sticks with you for awhile—but don’t say we didn’t warn you. St. Regis PrincevilleSt. Regis Princeville Happily ensconced on the top of the hotel food chain, this is, simply put, the most perfectly situated hotel on any of the islands, with a price tag to suit. From $1,200.Waimea Plantation CottagesAuthentic period digs with a modicum of updating on a pristine uncrowded, non-swimmable beach. For those who want something amazingly different. From $129.Grand Hyatt Poipu 600+ rooms, lagoons and the most amazing swimming pool on the island fronting one of the best swimming beaches. From $440. Grand Hyatt Poipu