So you’re planning a beach holiday, but you’re not quite sure which Kauai vacation rental or beach house is best suited to your needs?
Here are the top ten beachfront rentals in Kauai, to help you understand a bit more about the island and what it has to offer.
Best vacation rentals in Hanalei
1. Hanalei Beach Estate
For true beachfront living, you can’t go past this sprawling property located right in the heart of Hanalei, and is among our most popular Hanalei vacation rentals. The two-story cottage is situated just steps from Hanalei Bay, one of the country’s best beaches. It’s also a five-minute walk to the center of town, where you’ll find restaurants, cafes, and local shops.
This luxury vacation rental in Kauai has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with a full kitchen and living area, and a comfortable family room downstairs.
Despite being perfectly situated, Hanalei Beach Estate still offers guests a high degree of privacy. The home is surrounded by lush trees, on a large block that ensures peace and tranquillity even during the summer months.
The upstairs balcony, with sweeping views of the pristine bay, is the perfect spot for sundown drinks before heading into town for dinner.
2. The Red House Hanalei
This luxury villa rental in Kauai is a newly-renovated beachfront home and one of the largest beachfront properties in Hanalei, set on 2+ acres of manicured lawns and lush foliage. This Hanalei estate features a four-bedroom plantation-style home and a separate one-bedroom guest house.
The open-plan living style allows sunlight and fresh air to filter through the home, with a living/kitchen/dining room downstairs looking straight out onto the waters of Hanalei.
There is also a sauna and ice bath on the grounds for a full spa-like experience, without having to leave home.
Though this luxurious home rental feels private and isolated, it’s a five-minute walk to bars, restaurants, shops, and the famous Hanalei farmers’ market, voted one of the top 5 Farmers’ Markets by Hawaii Magazine Readers’ Choice Awards. Of course, the white sandy beach is just steps away from home, making the Red House the perfect base for a luxurious Hanalei getaway.
Best vacation rentals in Haena
3. Hale Ekahi
This Kauai rental is one of two homes situated on a beachfront lot on Kauai’s lush north shore. Recently renovated, it has 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a fully equipped gourmet kitchen, a formal dining room table, a large private lanai, air conditioning, and high-speed internet.
A populate beachfront rental, Hale Ekahi is perfectly situated just minutes from the town of Hanalei and just steps a pristine white sand beach Hawaii is known for. It’s a short walk – or even shorter drive – to Tunnels Beach, the best snorkeling location on the island.
Though the property is the perfect place for a relaxing getaway and lazy afternoons spent lounging on the lanai, the north shore of Kauai is home to world-class restaurants and endless activities to add to your itinerary.
4. Holo Makani Pool House
This custom-built three-bedroom home sleeps 8 comfortably and is the ideal Kauai vacation rental for a family or small group of friends in need of a laid-back idyllic beach holiday.
Hole Makani Pool house is a luxury Kauai rental with vaulted ceilings, wood floors, and an open floor plan lend to the casual elegance of this home, along with a large lanai that offers sweeping water views. Sit back in the fresh island air and watch sunsets and sunrises –– keep your eyes peeled for turtles, whales, and seals that live in the bay.
Holo Makani is mere minutes from Tunnels beach, one of Kauai’s most famous attractions. Spend your days exploring the island’s lush North Shore, vibrant towns and communities, and endless activities.
Best vacation rentals in Princeville
5. Hanalei Vista
Located on Hanalei Plantation road, one of the island’s most sought-after and prized neighborhoods, Hanalei Vista is the best choice for travelers who want all the amenities of a five-star resort but also the privacy of a rental home.
With sweeping ocean and mountain views, The Hanalei Vista home rental features 4 bedrooms, a full gym, pool, and ample entertaining space both indoor and out. The master suite, complete with king bed and luxurious soaking tub, also has a large private lanai looking out at the water.
Princeville is home to numerous golf courses, high-end restaurants, resorts, local boutiques –– and of course, plenty of beaches with endless activities.
Best vacation rentals in Kilauea
6. Secret Cove
This standout oceanfront home is the peak of opulence and serenity when it comes to a Kauai vacation rental. Perched on a cliff overlooking Secret Beach, also known as Kaupea Beach, in Kilauea, it offers staggering panoramic views of the ocean below.
Secret Cove luxury rental offers four king suites, each with their own en-suite bath and direct lanai access, this sprawling Secret Beach estate home has everything you need for a luxurious private retreat in Hawaii. The home also features a stunning infinity pool and spa, along with a private path which offers a short 5 minute walk down to Secret Beach.
From Secret Cove, you’re perfectly positioned to explore the rest of Kauai’s North Shore, with plenty of nature hikes, secluded beaches, and local towns to discover.
Best vacation rentals in Anini
7. Anini Vista
Staying at Anini Vista is like having a private resort all to yourself. Centered on a magnificent lagoon-style saltwater pool with two waterfalls, a grotto, hot tub and bridge, from the second you arrive you’ll be transported to paradise.
Anini Vista is a luxurious rental home consisting of a main house and guest house, sleeping up to ten guests –– perfect for a family reunion or group of friends. Enjoy sweeping views of the bright blue Pacific Ocean, or take a short walk down to the sandy beach just outside your home.
Anini Beach is located conveniently near the neighborhood of Princeville, where you can find high-end dining options and golf courses, as well as providing easy access to the township of Kilauea for restaurants, cafes, and shops.
8. Anini Beachfront Home
For a pure beach holiday experience, this is the listing for you. Anini Beachfront Home offers airy, modern home features high ceilings and wooden floors, and is mere steps from Anini Beach. The calm turquoise waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling year-round. The beach is protected by a natural ring reef, making it a calm bay even when other beaches on the North Shore experience high winds.
Expansive glass walls allow you to soak up the views all day long, while the lush greenery surrounding the home offers a sense of privacy we all crave while on vacation.
Best vacation rentals in Poipu
9. Hale Maana Hou
Location Location Location! This Mediterranian-style home in Poipu simply could not be situated in a better spot. With a protected, white-sand beach right on the doorstep and popular sites, shopping, and dining options just minutes away, it truly checks all the boxes.
Hale Maana Hou is a luxury Kauai rental offers five, air-conditioned bedrooms can sleep ten comfortably, and is ideal for both family and executive rentals while on Kauai. A large backyard and pool offer a great spot for the kids to hang out, while the adults gather for drinks in the open-air, poolside sitting room.
10. Kukuiula Kai
This Poipu vacation rental is the definition of oceanfront sanctuary. An oceanfront swimming pool offers stunning views of the sunset, with chances to see dolphins, turtles, and migrating whales without leaving the house.
The main house offers two private master suites with amazing views of the turquoise water that makes Kauai famous. A third bedroom has twin beds, and there is a detached one-bedroom guest cottage on the grounds.
Kukuiula Kai is close to beaches and golf courses, as well as many walking and running trails for travelers who want to stay active. The vibrant town of Poipu is just minutes away, where you’ll find all the dining and entertainment options you could need.
