Top 10 Kauai Luxury Vacation Rentals

This list is compiled from our experience staying at many of these homes. For over 20 years we have been in the Kauai luxury vacation rental business. When you’re ready for your next Kauai vacation take a minute to look at the best luxury vacation rental homes and what they have to offer. Stay where the elites have stayed, from the Obama luxury home to Kauai rentals and homes featured in your favorite blockbuster movies. Our list covers it all. For luxury vacation rentals and homes on Kauai that are the best of the best look no further than this list. Every one of these Kauai luxury home rentals listed here is loved by those who stay here time and time again.

All About Kauai

Experience Kauai, a land of adventure and scenic beauty from the steep seacliffs of the world-renowned Na Pali Coast to pristine beaches, botanical gardens, and great hikes. Our luxury vacation rentals are designed to provide an unforgettable experience in this “Garden Isle” of Hawaii.

Kauai Adventure Awaits

What could be better than an island getaway? Kauai’s activities offer something for everyone from oceanside golf to sunset sails and whale watching. Zipline through the treetops or ride an ATV in a mountain valley. Enjoy a guided ocean kayak adventure or explore the undersea world on a snorkeling cruise or at one of Kauai’s many great snorkeling beaches.

Wildlife and Panoramic Views

Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge is a popular north shore attraction with many species of Hawaiian seabirds and a historic lighthouse perched atop a peninsula bluff. This is the northernmost spot in all of the main Hawaiian Islands and provides panoramic views.

Waimea Canyon

Kokee State Park is a 10-minute drive from Honokaa, making it easy for you to explore the beautiful red-hued Waimea Canyon. More than 40 miles of hiking trails explore the canyon as well as nearby Kokee State Park.

Hiking

Kauai is a small island, but its volcanic mountains are so tall that you can hike up them. If you like hiking, consider Kauai’s Kalalau Trail which goes along the Na Pali Coast where steep seacliffs rise up thousands of feet to majestic peaks. No permit is required for a day hike along the first two miles of the Na Pali from Kee Beach to Hanakapiai Beach, and from there you can hike up the valley to an impressive waterfall.

Wailua River

Kauai is known for its towering waterfalls, including the 80-foot Wailua Falls shown in the opening credits of the long-running television show “Fantasy Island.” There are gentler outings as well including a riverboat trip up the Wailua River on the east side to see the Fern Grotto.

Beautiful Gardens

Plant lovers in Kauai can enjoy many gardens on their island visit. The Limahuli, McBryde, and Allerton Gardens, located south of Lihue, feature native species as well as plants brought by the first Hawaiians. The Na Aina Kai Botanical Garden on the north shore of Kauai is known for its delightful topiary and sculptures.

The Eldest Isle

Kauai is the perfect destination for those looking to get away from it all. With lush greenery stretched across miles of coastline, you’ll feel like you’re in paradise as soon as you step off the plane. Its remote and wild formations have undeniable grandeur at every level from the sandy beach to high mountain peaks. Perfect for Kauai Luxury Vacation Rentals and Homes on the beach with a luscious green backdrop.

Helicopter Ride is a Must

Kauai’s stunning landscapes will leave you speechless, and this tour is a great way to discover the island by air. You can fly from Wailua Falls to Waimea Canyon and even peer into the summit crater of Mt. Waialeale, known as the “wettest spot on Earth.”

Plan your Vacation around a local celebration

Kauai also has many festive annual events including the Waimea Town Celebration (Feb.), Kauai Hula Exhibition (June), Koloa Plantation Days (July), and Polynesian Festival (Aug.), and the Kauai Taro Festival (Oct.) in Hanalei.

Kauai Beaches

The beaches that makeup Kauai’s Eastern shores provide a unique mix of adventures and relaxation. With abundant wildlife, ocean activities, and quiet secluded coves, Kauai has more than 40 beaches to choose from each offering something different.

Kauai is known for its beautiful beaches, including some that feel like you’ve stepped onto a different island. The most notable beach on Kauai is Hanalei Bay, a gorgeous white sand beach that’s perfect for swimming and surfing in clear blue water. Kee Beach is another popular north shore beach that has strong currents but also offers great snorkeling opportunities. If you’re looking for a more peaceful experience, Polihale State Park at the end of Waimea Canyon Road on the west side has one of America’s longest stretches of undeveloped coastline and views overlooking the Pacific Ocean. In many cases, these beaches are accessible only by hiking trail or boat excursion so if you’d rather stick close to your vacation rental we recommend taking advantage of boating excursions offered by several companies.

Restaurants

Kauai is known for its laid-back and relaxed lifestyle, with a strong sense of community. Numerous upscale resort restaurants in the major resort areas including Princeville and Poipu. There are also many independently-owned eateries that serve a wide range of popular cuisines.

Additionally, there are many restaurants in the larger towns of Lihue and Kapaa on the east side, or smaller Kauai towns such as Hanalei on the north shore. The culinary gems include Bar Acuda and Merriman’s Kauai.

Whether you want to shop, cook or eat fresh food, Sunshine Market can meet all of your needs. Sunshine Markets are open 6 days a week and sell fresh foods and items to cook in vacation rentals or immediately eat.

Shopping

Shopping on Kauai is an experience, one that you’ll want to share with the whole family. Start at the open-air markets and shopping centers filled with unique jewelry, local crafts, and Island apparel. Step into upscale boutique shopping in the resort areas including Princeville Resort on the north shore as well as Poipu and Kukuiula on the south shore.

Experience the best of Kauai at Hanapepe town on the west coast. The “Art Night” every Friday is anticipated by locals and tourists alike with more than fifteen shops staying open late. Vendors set up booths and you can meet the artists and shopkeepers while being entertained by live music. Look for the “Kauai Made” label when perusing the shops throughout the island to take home an authentic souvenir.

Getting Around

Kauai is a relatively small island and a drive from the north shore to the south shore takes about one hour. Renting a car is recommended when visiting Kauai so you can explore the island’s best sights and attractions from Waimea Canyon on the west side to the north shore beaches. This allows you to easily get a spectacular Kauai Luxury Vacation Rentals in Princeville.

Weather and Ocean Conditions

The sunny south shore of Kauai is known for its idyllic weather, which is why the landscapes are so lush and green. The north shore receives more rain overall but features beaches that feel like another world.

The east side is the windward side of the island enjoying the cooling tradewinds while the west side is the hottest and driest area which makes for great sunny beach days.

Ocean conditions vary each day though typically the north shore will have the calmest waters during the summer and the south shore will have the calmest waters during the winter months. For ocean activities visit Kauai’s lifeguarded beaches and ask about the conditions on that day. Many of our Kauai Luxury Vacation Rentals and homes come with books on ocean activities.

History

Kauai is the oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands and also has one of the most biodiverse environments. It has over 50 miles of coastline, including some of the world’s most beautiful beaches like Hanalei Bay and Ka Nui Beach.

Known as the “Unconquered Island,” Kauai was never defeated militarily by King Kamehameha when he united all of the Island under one rule. Kauai’s spirited history also includes stories of the legendary small people known as Menehune, brilliant in construction and engineering while creating Kauai aqueducts and fishponds, and always completing the work in one night.

When Captain James Cook arrived in Hawaii in 1778 the first place he stepped onto land was Waimea on Kauai’s southwest shore. Today a statue in Waimea town honors the British explorer who is credited with discovering Hawaii and opening it up for Western contact.

A look at Kauai’s past: The Koloa Heritage Trail is a self-guided tour of 14 stops over 10 miles. You can learn about the missionary lifestyle and sugar plantations that were part of Kauai’s past as well as see an original missionary dwelling at the restored Waioli Mission House built in 1836.