5 Awesome & Affordable Kauai Hotels that Won’t Break the Bank

From historic charm to resort-style amenities, these affordable Kauai hotels are the perfect home base for exploring the Garden Isle on a budget.
There’s no doubt that Hawaii’s Garden Isle of Kauai is a dream destination. From the lush landscapes of the North Shore to the dramatic cliffs of the Na Pali Coast, it’s one of the most beautiful islands in the world.
But let’s be real: visiting this island paradise doesn’t come cheap.
Kauai’s reputation as a luxury resort destination is well-deserved. With gorgeous luxury resorts like 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay and the Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu dominating the island’s accommodation landscape, you might be worried that your vacation to Kauai will be a serious budget-buster.
And it could be. Budget hotels on Kauai are few and far between.
My husband and I “island-hop” to Kauai regularly from Oahu and I’m always searching for new cheap hotels to try. I mean, we love Kauai, but we are not made of money. With the vast majority of Kauai hotels soaring well over $500+ a night, a weekend getaway gets expensive fast.
But I have good news.
While Kauai’s affordable hotels are few, they are mighty. So you don’t have to splurge to enjoy a comfortable and memorable stay on this beautiful Hawaiian island.
From historic plantation cottages to modern beachfront hotels, these affordable stays prove that you don’t need to spend a fortune to wake up to the sound of rolling waves and swaying palm trees.
Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to book through these links, I receive a small commission, which I will likely blow on mai tais, poke, and shave ice. All of this internet voodoo takes place at no additional cost to you.
And that means you’ll have money left in your budget to tackle all the fun things on your Kauai Bucket List.
Read More: Bucket List Kauai: 40 Unforgettable Things to See, Do, and Eat! 🌈🌺🍧
Now, let’s get to the good stuff and find a great hotel for your Kauai vacation that won’t involve taking out a second mortgage. But first…
A Simple Disclaimer: “Affordable” means different things to different people. But when it comes to hotels on Kauai, anything with an average price of less than $350 a night is considered affordable. There are some seasonal variations and peak times where some of the below hotels may not meet that threshold. But for the most part, all of the hotels below can be had for less than $350/night.
The Best Affordable Hotels on Kauai
Here are five of the best affordable hotels on Kauai to help you enjoy your dream vacation, even on a tight budget.
1. Kauai Shores Hotel
Location: Kapaa
Resort Fee: None
Parking Fee: None
If you’re looking for an affordable hotel with a retro boutique vibe, the Kauai Shores Hotel is an excellent choice.
Located in Kapaa, this beachfront property features bright, contemporary rooms decorated in a cheerful, tropical style. Many of the spacious rooms have also been recently renovated.
I love the laid-back atmosphere, modern amenities, colorful outdoor pool, and complimentary yoga classes on the lawn. They also have guest laundry facilities and free bike rentals.
You get a lot for your money at the Kauai Shores Hotel without any obnoxious extra fees.
One of my favorite things about the Kauai Shores Hotel is the Lava Lava Beach Club. This popular “toes in the sand” restaurant and beach bar is a great spot for a leisurely breakfast with ocean views or for sipping a sunset cocktail after exploring the island for the day.
The hotel’s central location on the Coconut Coast makes it easy to explore both the north and south shores of Kauai.
2. Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay
Location: Kapaa
Resort Fee: $30/night
Parking Fee: $25/night
The Hilton Garden Inn Wailua Bay is where my husband and I stayed on our most recent visit to Kauai. Though I was initially hesitant to book it due to some not-so-great reviews online, it turned out to be great!
There’s a large main building where the rooms are exactly what you’d expect from a Hilton property – clean, comfortable, and well-maintained.
But on our visit, we chose to splurge a little and book one of the hotel’s cute little one-bedroom cottages set off to the side of the property. While slightly more expensive than the standard rooms, the roomy cottage was still in the affordable range and we absolutely adored it.
The hotel also has a lovely swimming pool with a hot tub overlooking the ocean. And a terrific, colorful beachfront bar and restaurant that’s the ideal place for sunset cocktails.
But my favorite feature of the Hilton Garden Inn is the easy access to Lydgate Beach Park.
This terrific beach is home to two protected swimming lagoons that are perfect for families with kids or anyone who wants to take a refreshing dip without worrying about strong currents (that’s me!).
The lagoons also have a nice safe sandy bottom (no coral to hurt your feet!) and you’ll even spot some tropical fish swimming about.
That’s why I consider Lydgate Beach one of the best beaches on Kauai.
Read More: These 7 Kauai Beaches Are Simply Too Gorgeous to Ignore
So don’t believe all the reviews you read, sometimes it’s best to go see for yourself. If you’re looking to earn or use Hilton Honors points, this hotel is a solid option.
Resort Fees & Parking Fees
The only thing that annoys me about this hotel is the pesky resort fee of $30 a night. The resort fee includes the usual things you probably won’t use – cultural sunrise ceremony, ukulele classes, and lei-making classes (if you want to get your money’s worth, do those things!).
But it also includes a few things I don’t think any hotel should charge extra for – beach towels, live music, and the very generic catch-all “resort activities.” Sigh.
They also charge a ridiculous $25 a day for parking. I’m just going to say it, this hotel should have free parking.
3. Waipouli Beach Resort and Spa Kauai by OUTRIGGER
Location: Kapaa
Resort Fee: $45/night
Parking Fee: Included in Resort Fee
This affordable Kauai hotel has all the 5-star resort “feels” without the hefty price tag. If you’re traveling with the whole family and looking for the convenience of a condo-style hotel with resort-like amenities, this hotel is for you.
I love the Waipouli Beach Resort for its perfect balance of luxury amenities and reasonable rates.
Situated directly on Kapaa’s golden sands, it’s worth mentioning that while you will love the sounds of the ocean here, this particular beach is not recommended for swimming. But it’s great for beach walks and it’s awfully pretty to look at!
This condo-style resort has everything from studio suites to sprawling oceanfront 2-bedroom units (those are not under $350 a night!). But don’t worry, studios and one-bedroom condos can typically be had for well under $350 and these well-equipped condo units are far superior to a mere hotel room.
You might even feel like you’re staying at one of Kauai’s luxury hotels!
The suites here are gorgeous, with full gourmet kitchens featuring granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Add in private balconies and in-room washers and dryers (super handy) and you’ve got everything you need for a longer stay.
The resort’s star attraction is definitely the incredible swimming pool complex. With a lazy river that winds through waterfalls and tropical gardens, plus two water slides that’ll bring out your inner kid.
While it’s not the cheapest option on Kauai, the value you get here is outstanding. Between the beachfront location, luxury amenities, and spacious accommodations, you’re getting resort-level perks at a fraction of what you’d pay at some of the island’s higher-end properties.
Resort Fee & Cleaning Fee
This one also has a resort fee that recently jumped from $30/night to a whopping $45 a night! The resort fee includes parking (thank goodness), WiFi, fitness center access, BBQ grill use, and a variety of other things a resort hotel has no business charging for. I mean you don’t even get a darn uekele lesson for that fee!
Since it is a condo-style property, they also charge a cleaning fee per stay – it’s $145 for a studio, $289 for a 1-bedroom unit, and $339 for a 2-bedroom unit. If you’re staying for a week, that doesn’t add much to your nightly rate but if you’re just there for a night or two, it can nearly double your rate. So be sure to consider that when you’re comparing hotels.
The Kauai Inn is one of those hidden treasures that delivers an authentic old Hawaii feel without breaking the bank. As Kauai’s oldest hotel, this family-run property offers a glimpse into the island’s past with its plantation-style architecture and warm aloha spirit.
Surrounded by lush gardens and mountain views, it’s a peaceful retreat tucked away in a prime location in Lihue, just minutes from Kauai’s main airport.
The Kauai Inn is known for comfortable, no-frills guest rooms that provide everything you need for a relaxing stay (including air conditioning and free WiFi). You’ll love the laid-back atmosphere, complimentary continental breakfast, and the lovely outdoor pool surrounded by tropical gardens.
It’s the perfect place to unwind and enjoy lush mountain views after a day of exploring.
The hotel’s location near Kalapaki Beach and Nawiliwili Harbor also makes it an excellent base for exploring. It’s also close to some fantastic local restaurants, shops, and food trucks, yet far enough from the main road to enjoy tranquil evenings.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly stay with a touch of old-school Hawaiian charm, The Kauai Inn delivers in spades.
5. Waimea Plantation Cottages
Location: Waimea
Resort Fee: $35/night
Parking Fee: None
If you’re looking for peace and tranquility on your Kauai vacation, the secluded Waimea Plantation Cottages are a great place to find it.
Located on the sunny west side of Kauai, this charming Waimea property features restored plantation-era cottages set amid lush gardens and towering coconut palms.
Built between the late 1880s and 1930s, the 59 cottages were once part of the prosperous Waimea Sugar Mill Company, incorporated in 1884.
While they still maintain their original “old Hawaiian” rustic charm, they have thankfully been updated with modern conveniences. Each cottage comes with its own personality and story, lovingly restored from the original sugar plantation days.
All the cottages are unique but they all feature full kitchens, air conditioning, WiFi, and a private lanai to watch Waimea’s fantastic sunsets. They range in size from one bedroom to five bedrooms, so if you’re traveling with a big family, this is the perfect place to stay.
Some have sea views but most have a lush garden view. There’s also free private parking near your cottage.
The grounds here are absolutely stunning with 27 acres of tropical gardens where you can take long, lazy walks under swaying coconut palms. The oceanfront black sand beach isn’t great for swimming, but it’s perfect for beach combing and wave-watching. During the winter months, you might even spot a whale!
Read More: Ultimate Guide to the Best Kauai Whale Watching Tours
On-site amenities include a swimming pool, barbecue grills, and hammocks for lounging.
You’ll love the authentic Hawaiian feel of this property and it’s a great choice for budget-conscious travelers. It’s a chance to embrace Kauai’s slower pace of life and truly unplug.
So don’t stress! There’s an affordable Kauai hotel perfect for you.
Visiting Kauai doesn’t have to mean blowing your vacation budget.
These affordable hotels are the perfect balance of comfort, convenience, and charm, so you can enjoy a wonderful stay on the Garden Isle without unnecessary financial stress.
From boutique beachfront properties to cozy plantation-style cottages, there’s a perfect affordable hotel on Kauai for you. And hey, if you save all that money on your hotel, you’ll have enough left to explore all of Kauai’s incredible attractions, like these:
Read More: The Top 5 Fun Things to do on Kauai (#1 is a must!)
So pack your bags, book your stay, and get ready to experience the beauty and aloha spirit of Kauai on any budget.
Looking for affordable hotels on Oahu? I’ve got you covered there, too:
These 7 Waikiki Boutique Hotels Are So Chic You’ll Forget You Saved a Fortune