Kauai, also known as Garden Isle, is renowned for its untouched natural beauty. Rugged seacliffs, towering waterfalls, dense rainforests, and jagged mountains cover the surface of most of the island.
Around the island’s perimeter, several beautiful stretches of sandy beach are punctuated by palm trees to set the classic island scene. While the island is less commercialized than other places, it still hosts some luxurious all-inclusive resorts.
Around these lower, tamed areas of the island, you can find places that provide nearly all-inclusive service and amenities for your Hawaii vacation.
Indeed all-inclusive resorts on Kauai are exceedingly rare, but the following are as close as you can get to perfect.
1. Kauai Beach Resort & Spa
Along the eastern shore of the island sits Kauai Beach Resort & Spa. It’s a fantastic all-inclusive resort with access to everything you need for a memorable stay on the Garden Isle.
The property sits directly adjacent to Kauai Beach, so you’re never far from a relaxing day on the pristine sands.
The convenient location of Kauai Beach Resort & Spa means you’re also close to the comforts of the mainland, with the town of Lihue nearby. If you’re here to get away from it all, you’ll find restaurants on the property including Naupaka Terrace for a fine dining experience.
For the time you’d like to kick back, relax, and grab a cocktail and a quick bite, check out Driftwood Bar & Grill or Shutters Lounge.
Take a dip in one of four lagoon-inspired pools, or treat yourself to one of the offerings at Hawaiian Rainforest Spa. To explore some of the natural beauty of Kauai firsthand, it’s only a short distance from several forest preserves and state parks.
When you’re ready to call it a day, retire to a luxuriously appointed room with a mountain or beach view, depending on your tastes. The modern comforts and traditional Hawaiian decorative theme can put you at ease and prepare you for another day in paradise.
2. 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is a luxury hotel on the north end of Kauai. Nestled between Hideaway and Puu Poa Beaches, this property boasts stunning ocean and mountain views to the west and garden and island views in every other direction.
Their cuisine highlights the local purveyors of meat and produce to help sustain the area’s economy. Be sure to visit 1 Kitchen, the signature restaurant of this resort for the freshest ingredients combined with favorites like the Kauai Shrimp and Grilled Kanpachi.
A stay at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is meant to be an all-inclusive wellness experience, so feel free to indulge with the Bamford Wellness Spa menu.
You can also improve your mind and body with classes at Anatomy Fitness Studio or stop by the Goodthings Gift Shop and pick up signature items to take home.
The north shore location of 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities that you can take advantage of like guided hikes, kayaking, and surfing lessons.
Unlike some of the other best resorts in Kauai, you don’t need to pay any resort fees with them. We also included it in our list of the best hotels in Kauai.
3. Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa seamlessly weaves the natural surroundings into their property just south of Koloa on the shores of Shipwreck Beach. This location can transport you to a different time and place, truly away from it all. It’s equal parts rolling island hills, seaside lagoon, and palm forest.
The accommodations at this location range from the more traditional, hotel-style rooms of various bed size configurations to truly unique suites such as the Presidential Suite, Ali’i Suite, and Royal Suite.
The higher-tier suites offer plenty of space no matter your party size and all of the comforts of home with large living spaces, a full kitchen, and a private lanai.
Visit Anara Spa and browse through a full menu of treatments or relax by the large central pool and lagoon in a cabana. If you’re up for a one-of-a-kind round of golf, play a round at Poipu Bay Golf.
One of the unique opportunities provided by the Grand Hyatt Kauai is to give back to the local community and spend some of your time volunteering while you visit. Be a part of the aloha spirit and give back.
4. The Royal Sonesta Kauai Beach Resort
The Royal Sonesta Kauai Beach Resort is just 2 miles away from Lihue airport, making it easy to get to when you first land in Kauai. Once you arrive, you’re just steps away from Kalapaki Beach, which borders the south end of the property. It’s of the best areas to stay in Kauai.
You can choose your rooms based on your preferred view with lovely sights of the garden, ocean, or pool. It’s a scenic vista, no matter which room you choose. Every room features a familiar, comfortable hotel room feel with modern amenities and a level of service that only The Royal Sonesta can provide.
Dining at The Royal Sonesta Kauai Beach Resort is brought to you by the same options provided at the Marriott: Kukui’s on Kalapaki Beach, Aupaka Terrace, Duke’s Kauai, and Cafe Portofino.
The resorts share this little corner of paradise and some common areas like the outdoor pools and beach bars. If you’d like to get out and see what the area offers, there are all kinds of nearby activities and day-trip opportunities.
Stop by the Harbor Mall for some shopping, helicopter tours, or visit one of the nearby waterfalls.
5. Marriott’s Kaua’i Beach Club
Among this resorts on Kauai list, there are several of the most revered names in the accommodations industry, and Marriott is no exception. The Marriott Kauai Resort in Lihue serves as a reminder of why they’re a trusted name in luxury.
It’s situated just south of the Lihue airport on the beautiful Kalapaki Beach. This oceanfront resort boasts several in-house dining options.
Start your day with a light breakfast at Aupaka Terrace, and pick up a substantial lunch or dinner at Duke’s Kanai for seafood. Check out Toro Tei sushi bar or Cafe Portofino for fine Italian cuisine.
If you want to be pampered, stop by Alexander Day Spa and Salon on-site and check out their menu of treatments. Play a round of golf at Hokuala Golf Club designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus, then take a relaxing dip in their hot tubs or the magnificent central pool. You can also stay active and work out in a vast fitness center.
Whether you choose a traditionally appointed king bedroom or one of the signature villas at the Marriott Kauai Resort, you can have a spectacular view of the ocean or gardens. Every room provides all of the modern comforts of the mainland in the heart of this Pacific paradise.
6. Ko’a Kea Resort
On the south side of Kauai and on the shores of Poipu Beach sits Ko’a Kea Resort. It’s one of Hawaii’s most romantic resorts. Given the location between two picturesque beaches, it’s no surprise that such a title has been bestowed upon this place that is part magic and all class.
Your stay at Ko’a Kea Resort includes the following as part of the package: a traditional lei greeting, one bottle of top-notch wine, and access to wellness classes hosted daily.
Yoga classes are held daily on the oceanfront property, guided by a local instructor. You can receive massages and facials as part of their many spa services.
Treat yourself to world-class Hawaiian cuisine at the in-house restaurant, Red Salt, featuring cuisine prepared by their executive chef. For lighter fare or cocktails, check out the poolside tiki bar or enjoy some hand-made rolls at the sushi bar.
Choose your room according to your personal tastes and allow Ko’a Kea to take care of everything else.
Every room features a stunning ocean view or ample garden space and a plush, inviting space to relax after a day of adventure.
You can find everything you need here without stepping out of the area for a truly Kauai all-inclusive experience.
7. Koloa Landing Resort
Ko’Loa Landing Resort is another Marriott property to stay in near Poipu Beach.
One of its outstanding attractions is the magical outdoor pool. You simply can’t miss taking a dip in this one-of-a-kind lagoon pool which features multiple cascading waterfalls and jacuzzis.
If you’re feeling adventurous, stop by the Activity Hut and schedule activities like surf lessons and charter helicopter tours, or hop in the bay for some snorkeling or scuba diving if you’re trained. You can also get some running in at their fitness center.
When you’re ready to grab a bite and a drink, stop by the on-site restaurant Holoholo Grill and pick up some Hawaiian comfort food inspired by their award-winning chef. Its world-class full service spa can keep you well-pampered.
Rooms at the Ko’Loa Landing Resort feature the amenities you expect from Marriott with the warmth and style of Kauai built right in. Whether you choose a deluxe studio, luxury villa, or splurge for a penthouse suite, you can feel right at home.