11 Most Romantic Hotels in Kauai

Kauai, a.k.a. the Garden Island of Hawaii, is one of the most romantic destinations in the world, and it’s easy to see why. The island is home to spectacular beaches, lush mountains and forests, a slew of amazing sights waiting to be explored, and decadent and delicious cuisine. If that wasn’t enough, there’s a laidback vibe that seems to draw you in. That’s why the best honeymoon hotels in Kauai are always brimming with newly-married couples who’ve chosen this island to begin their new journey together. You might be thinking, it’s Hawaii. A moonlit beach and your partner are all you need. But, these hotels elevate your honeymoon experience by offering the right aphrodisiacal combination of amenities and atmosphere. Think secluded pools and spas with couples’ treatments. It’s no wonder that Kaua‘i and its honeymoon hotels are perfect for you and your ku‘uipo (sweetheart)!

Besides the many romantic things to do on Kauai, it’s also one of the best US winter vacation spots. So, you don’t have to worry about heading here even if you get married in the winter! If that wasn’t enough, Kauai is one of the world’s most welcoming gay-friendly islands too! It’s no wonder that it’s a haven for newly-married gay couples. To that end, here are the 13 best honeymoon hotels in Kauai.

Ko’a Kea Hotel & Resort

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The Ko’a Kea Hotel & Resort is one of the absolute best honeymoon hotels in Kauai. The small and exclusive boutique hotel lies on the southernmost shores of Po’ipu beach and has all the staples for a honeymoon. It’s no wonder that it was part of Travel & Leisure 2019’s “Most Romantic Hotel” collection. Staying options are aplenty for couples, with all 121 rooms and suites featuring their lanais or balconies, Hawaiian hues, and chaise loungers. The oceanfront suite is the best of them all, with a separate living area and an enormous soaking tub where you and your spouse can luxuriate in long and sensual baths. The staff will even draw you a bath infused with island florae! Later on, wrap yourselves in the custom bathrobes and slip on the slippers. Later, enjoy wine on your lanai with views of the ocean.

The rest of the resort is equally romantic and polar opposite of most of its southern coast neighbors. For instance, it has a stunning pool surrounded by tropical foliage and lava rock. Sprawl on the sunbeds and order a litany of cocktails from the poolside bar. Plus, you can even enjoy a couple’s Hawaiian-inspired spa treatment in the outdoor seaside cabana. Don’t miss the daily Tiki Torch ritual at sunset with a complimentary mai tai. Finally, wrap up your day at the Red Salt restaurant with a romantic seafood dinner. It’s no surprise that many espouse that Koa Kea is a true escape from reality.

The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas

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Do you know what has the most romantic ring to it? Villas, of course! That’s what you get when you honeymoon at The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas. Imagine staying in a one-bedroom villa that’s perched over a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean with your beloved. They have kitchens in them all, which means many romantic cooking possibilities. Later on, grill your dinner on the barbeque in the sea-facing balcony while enjoying a glass of wine together. Did we say the part where all villas also have their whirlpool tubs? Need we say for more?

This Princeville resort is perfect for couples who also want to explore their surroundings. For one, it lies right near one of the island’s quietest and most pristine beaches, Hideaways. What’s more, the resort offers free shuttles to Princeville’s beaches and marketplaces. After you’re done exploring the region, relax and unwind with a swim or a lounge in one of the many ocean-facing outdoor pools. Renew your passionate feelings for each other with a soothing outdoor poolside or an in-villa massage.

Waimea Plantation Cottages

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Are you both culture vultures who prefer authentic Hawaiian living more than anything else? Then the Waimea Plantation Cottages is one of the best honeymoon hotels in Kauai. This resort is high on affordability, authenticity, and seclusion and lies on the quieter West Side of the island. Choose from 59 vintage plantation-era cottages that radiate Old Hawaii charm with rustic-chic furnishings and aloha-print fabrics. However, they’re chock-full of modern amenities such as full kitchens, Wi-Fi, and flatscreen TVs. For a honeymoon-worthy stay, go for an ocean-view room with an ocean-view lanai and rocking chairs to enjoy the sunset.

This resort is perfect for couples who’re big on slow exploration. There are huge and lush ocean-facing gardens where you can take long walks after digging into hearty meals at the onsite restaurant and bar. When you feel like a swim, the lovely pool with cabanas is perfect for a languorous swim and a lounge later on. But, the best feature here is the driftwood-dotted and secluded black sand beach, where you can stroll under the stars hand-in-hand.

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa

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If you’re interested in a splashy and splurge-filled honeymoon, then the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa is the only place you both should be. The massive Po’ipu resort sits high above Keoneloa Beach, a.k.a. Shipwreck Beach, and has as many as 602 rooms! While there are many room options perfect for a luxury honeymoon, their posh suites are a notch above them all, such as the sprawling Presidential Suite. However, we’d recommend the decadent Royal Suite to honeymooners, as it has a cozy reading nook, a wine chiller, and an oversized master bath. It has all essentials for a fabulous honeymoon!

Despite the resort’s size, it has many garden nooks with sweeping ocean views for indulging in some romantic moments. The saltwater lagoon has many spots for couples to swim and relax beside, after which you can head to Stevenson’s Library for an aphrodisiacal meal of spirits and sushi. But, couples will love the lushly landscaped Anara Spa the most. Splurge on the five-hour Anara Pilialoha (“Romance”) package that’s a sensual multi-treatment experience. It begins with warm stone (pohaku) massages and ends with tropical pedicures and lunch.

Royal Sonesta Kaua’i Resort Lihue

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The Royal Sonesta Kaua’i Resort Lihue is one of the best honeymoon hotels in Kauai. It’s located right on the super-calm waters of Kalapaki Bay. So, for couples who’re into watersports or love swimming in the sea, then this is the place for them. After a dip in the ocean, relax in the seaside cabanas with the North Atlantic breeze enveloping you both. Or, you could indulge in a romantic couples beachside massage. Are you both foodies? There are five restaurants to choose to eat from, but the poolside Kukui’s on Kalapaki Beach serves up some delicious Kauai-grown produce. However, the best feature is that the resort’s pool is Hawaii’s largest single-level outdoor pool. Enjoy a relaxing swim or a dip before lounging in one of the sunbeds or cabanas and sipping on mai tais.

The rooms and suites here are anything but ordinary, such as the Deluxe Ocean View rooms, which enjoy sweeping, low-rise views of Kalapaki Bay. There’s even a sea-facing balcony to enjoy coffee or wine with your partner. We’d recommend the massive one-bedroom suites, which have separate sleeping and living areas and a deep-soaking marble bathtub with spray jets for both of you to enjoy.

Kauai Beach Resort

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Kauai Beach Resort lies not far from the airport, making it the perfect nearest romantic hotel to start your honeymoon. This resort was designed for adventurous couples and is the ideal jumping-off point for mountain tubing, boat tours, ziplining, water adventures, and waterfall hiking trails. It’s also just steps from the beach at Lihue, which means long romantic walks at sunset. When you aren’t exploring Kauai, enjoy a refreshing dip in their lagoon-style swimming pools. Later on, relax by the poolside and dig into refreshing shaved ice for poolside treats. You can even grab a Hawaiian-style plate lunch if you want to lounge further.

Don’t miss visiting the spa, which offers private oceanside massages. The Rainforest Honeymoon Ritual is a luxurious couple massage session with hand and foot treatments and a scalp and a body massage. Evenings are best begun with cocktails and live music at the Shutters Lounge. Finally, wrap up the day with a romantic candlelight dinner at Naupaka Terrace. Do you want to stay in the best room? The Oceanfront Suite is steps from the beach and has a wet bar and a private seating area. But, do go for the “Romance Package” that offers a 10 percent discount, including a complimentary couples treatment at their Hawaiian Rainforest Spa.

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay

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It might be due to open in September 2022, but no list of the best honeymoon hotels in Kauai is complete without mentioning 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay. This Princeville outpost was formerly the Princeville Resort and is one of the most stunning five-star resorts in Hawaii. For a lavish OTT honeymoon, choose one of the 51 suites that’ll incorporate natural elements into the decor. What’s more, they’ll feature views of Hanalei Bay, the mountains, the tropical gardens, and the ocean. The hotel’s multi-million dollar renovation will also see an 18,000-square-feet-huge spa; getting a couple’s massage here should be high on your list of must-dos. Aside from a waterfront golf course, the property is also expected to have five restaurants and bars focusing on authentic Hawaiian farm-to-table cuisine. Sigh.

Koloa Landing Resort at Po’ipu

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The Koloa Landing Resort at Po’ipu is yet another fabulous Kauai honeymoon hotel, and there are many reasons why honeymooners love this place. Firstly, it lies in Po’ipu, which has the best weather on the island. Besides being one of Kauai’s newest resorts, Koloa Landing’s rooms are twice as large as most standard Kauai hotel rooms! Imagine living in a luxury condo, but with the fabulous amenities of a high-end hotel. While the Deluxe Rooms are great, couples will enjoy their honeymoon best in the one-bedroom villa. Not only does it have a gourmet kitchen for whipping up meals, but also it has a deep-soaking bathtub in the bathroom. So, draw up a bath and enjoy a romantic soak with your beloved.

The hub of all activity at the resort is the 35,000-gallon-huge swimming pool, but couples will love the adults-only tranquillity pool better. Book a private poolside cabana with chaise lounges and flatscreen TVs for an intimate experience. Plus, you can even order small plates of food and a bevy of island cocktails as you relax with your love. Afternoons are best spent in the couple’s treatment rooms at the huge spa, which has the only all-copper Ofuro Japanese soaking tub on the island. Wind up the day by the fire pits for complimentary island s’mores and a poolside barbeque dinner.

Hanalei Colony Resort

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The Hanalei Colony Resort is one of the best value-for-money honeymoon hotels in Kauai. Picture this: a winding road making its way through lush foliage and one-lane bridges ends at a picturesque enclave of vacation condos. This is the Hanalei Colony Resort, nestled at the end of the road in Ha‘ena. Choose from a host of suites scattered across a few low-rise buildings. Not only do they have separate sleeping and living areas and kitchens, but also luxurious bath amenities. Contemporary tropical furnishings and Wi-Fi ensure that you’re left wanting for nothing. Plus, there’s no TV, which means you both can focus on each other (wink, wink!). Moreover, huge picture windows offer sweeping views of the mountains, the beach, and the ocean. While the coffee bar is perfect for enjoying quiet times on rainy days, the onsite Opakapaka Bar & Grill serves some delicious meals.

Timbers Kauai Ocean Club & Residences

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Exclusivity is the name of the game at the Timbers Kauai Ocean Club & Residences, which is perfect for discerning travelers. The hotel has just 47 residences, which means exclusivity, privacy, and serenity abound here. What’s more, all of them have dreamy touches such as tropical decor, mod-cons, ocean-facing lanais, and luxe bathrooms with deep-soaking bathtubs right next to picture windows. The best of them all even have private pools with loungers and are the cherries on top of your fantastic honeymoon. The best bit? Every residence has an iPad concierge service, which means you can get anything from chocolate-covered strawberries to champagne delivered at the touch of a button!

The rest of the resort is equally impressive, and you have access to activities such as kayaking, hiking, and horseback riding. Plus, a restaurant and a bar take care of all meals, which means the day is free for you to explore Kauai and spend time with your new spouse. A fitness center, a terrace, and a hot tub round up the rest of the amenities.

The Lodge at Kukui’ula

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Couples and honeymooners looking for a private oasis with serenity will find it at The Lodge at Kukui’ula. This exclusive luxury resort is one of the best honeymoon hotels in Kauai. Choose from just 40 plantation-style vacation bungalows, cottages, and villas, all of which have views of the ocean. Couples will love the spacious one-bedroom bungalows, but the cottages go a step further with outdoor fire pits and covered lanais. However, if you’re on your honeymoon, then nothing beats the villas that have outdoor kitchens and private ocean-view pools! Since the resort is part of a premier residential club, honeymooners will have access to fabulous amenities at the Plantation House.

Begin your mornings with decadent breakfasts at the all-day restaurant before swimming and soaking up the sun in the beautiful pool complex, completing with cascading waterfalls. Later on, indulge in couple’s massages at the 18,000 square feet spa and wind up the day with a romantic dinner poolside. All in all, you both will love the understated and relaxed vibe.

Most Romantic Restaurants in Kauai

• Tidepools: Tucked in Po’ipu’s Grand Hyatt, Tidepools is one of America’s 100 Most Romantic Restaurants! Imagine digging into delicious food and enjoying dining with a Koi fish pond and cascading waterfalls for views. But, that’s not all. sure to save room for their mouth-watering polenta-crusted scallops, prime New York strip with hawaiian sea slat, and molten chocolate lava cake!
• The Beach House: The Beach House in Koloa ranked sixth on Travel+Leisure’s “Most Romantic Restaurant in the US,” and for good measure. The beachside restaurant offers fantastic views of the sea and serves some of the most delicious seafood-inflected comfort food ever. Must-tried include the fish & chips with pineapple tartar sauce and the panko-crusted calamari.

Most Romantic Bars in Kauai

• Rumfire Po’ipu Beach: Rumfire enjoys one of the best oceanfront settings on Kauai’s southern coast – a 180-degree ocean view from every table! So, it’s a great place to enjoy cocktails along with your beloved while watching the sunset. This is especially recommend since they have an extensive cocktail list and also the world’s largest rum selection!
• Gaylord’s Restaurant: Whether you’re here during the day or in the evening, this farm-to-table restaurant is an excellent place to enjoy a romantic meal. Imagine sitting in an open-air courtyard with views of the lush plantation grounds and the mountains in the distance. The farm not only provides produce for the food, but also herbs for the cocktails!

Most Romantic Things To Do in Kauai

• Private Vacation Photography Session: What could be better than capturing the best moments of your honeymoon? Indulge in lovey-dovey moments with your partner on this one-hour private vacation photography session with a local photographer. You end up with stunning and high-quality honeymoon photos, which is the best souvenir ever.

Most Romantic Areas To Stay in Kauai

Not for nothing is Kauai known as a “Honeymoon Island.” It’s full of romantic locales and areas for newlywed couples. Plus, they’re all primed for different experiences, depending on what you want. Two of the ultimate areas for honeymooners on the island are Po’ipu and Princeville. The former lies on the southern end, and the town of Princeville lies east of Hanalei. Po’ipu is an ethereal world filled with exotic beaches and the magical Waimea Canyon. It’s also home to many lavish resorts where couples can stay holed up for their honeymoon. Princeville is perfect for those who love exploring the island’s culture and cuisine. It has not only exquisite accommodations but also other luxurious indulgences. Think exquisite dining options and secluded spots.

Are you both the adventurous kind who also want to head out exploring on their honeymoon? Then the region between Wailua and Lihue is a great practical base. There are restaurants and bars, stores and markets, and lots of options for excursions too. You’ll also find hiking activities here!

Are your kids accompanying you on your honeymoon? Then here are the best family hotels in Kauai!