Pros

  • A five-minute drive from Lihue Airport, between north and south shores
  • Kalapaki Beach -- good for surfing -- is a 10-minute walk away
  • Rates are lower than the brand-name resorts nearby
  • One- and two-bedroom condos with full kitchens and air-conditioning
  • All condos have private balconies; ocean views from top-floor units
  • Heated pool plus tennis and shuffleboard courts on-site
  • Despite being a partial time-share property, sales pitches are minimal
  • Free Wi-Fi throughout
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Cons

  • Decor is outdated throughout the property
  • Features are limited to a pool and a few sports courts
  • Immediate area isn't exactly scenic
  • Half of renters are long term tenants, giving a quiet vibe
  • No elevators in resort, and some units have interior staircases
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Bottom Line

Perched on a hill overlooking the Nawiliwili Bay, the two-and-a-half-pearl Banyan Harbor Resort offers a convenient Lihue location. It is a central jumping-off point for Kauai's north and south shores, and a five-minute drive from the airport. The 148 condos here have air-conditioning, private lanais, full kitchens, and one or two bedrooms. While features like Wi-Fi and laundry units are included, the style is bland and dated throughout. Features are limited to a pool and outdoor sport courts. It's also worth noting that much of the resort is occupied by long-term renters, so don't come here expecting a lively vibe. Travelers looking for more modern rooms, more features, and more action should consider the Kauai Marriott Resort instead, though rates are higher.

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Amenities

  • Cribs
  • Internet
  • Pool

Oyster Hotel Review

Banyan Harbor Resort

Scene

Condo complex with low-key vibe that's best for independent travelers

There are a few things to know about Banyan Harbor Resort before booking a stay here. The first is that it's not quite a resort, as it lacks any entertainment, dining options, or real social scene. Instead, this is a condo complex that has a residential vibe -- not surprising given that more than half of those occupying the property are long-term renters and time-share holders. The vibe here is much quieter than other nearby brand-name resorts, though frills are few. The only real common areas are around the pool and the few public outdoor spaces like grilling areas and sports courts. Given that fact, the Banyan Harbor is best-suited to families and couples who don't need a lot of on-site extras during their vacations, and instead want cheap rates and beach proximity. 

See More Scene

Location

In Lihue, a 10-minute walk to the beach and a five-minute drive to the airport

Banyan Harbor's position in Lihue, between the north and south shores of Kauai, makes it a central option for travelers wanting to explore the island by car. A few shops and restaurants are within a 10-minute walk, and there are other major resorts nearby. Kalapaki Beach, the nicest beach in Lihue and a great spot for surfers, is also within a 10-minute walk. The beach has a few sand volleyball courts that are free to use. There's a shopping center in town (though parking is limited and it's best to walk). Otherwise, this area isn't exactly scenic. In fact, the hotel sits across from Nawiliwili and Kalapaki Bays, where major cruise lines port on certain days (making the area far busier in the latter half of the week). For craft beer fans, the resort is only a five-minute drive to Kauai Beer Co. The drive to Hanalei -- on the north shore -- takes 60 minutes, while it's 30 minutes by car to the town of Poipu on the south shore. Popular Waimea Canyon is at least a 60-minute drive, depending on traffic. The Lihue Airport is only a five-minute drive from the property.

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Rooms

Simple condos with dated style plus full kitchens in one- or two-bedroom configurations

For travelers who prize convenience over style, Banyan Harbor is a decent fit. Condos are decorated in an outdated tropical-esque style that includes rattan or woven bamboo-panel furniture, overstuffed seating, '90s-era colors like forest green and maroon, and boldly striped fabrics. It's not the most visually appealing style, but everything is clean and well kept. Every unit has one or two bedrooms, a living room, dining area, fully stocked kitchen, and private balcony. The kitchens are basic, but spacious, and include microwaves, dishwashers, ovens, full-size refrigerators, and coffeemakers. Washers and dryers are handy for those on longer stays (or with kids). Other standard features include flat-screen TVs with cable and DVD players plus window air-conditioning units, old safes, and free Wi-Fi. Each condo has one or two bathrooms, and all come with shower/tub combos, plenty of counter space, towels, hairdryers, and basic toiletries. It's worth noting that some units are townhouses, with bedrooms and bathrooms on different floors, so those with mobility issues will need to plan ahead. Guests who want an ocean view should be sure to ask for a top-floor unit, though the cruise harbor isn't the most scenic vantage we've seen in Kauai.

See More Rooms

Features

Little apart from a heated pool, tennis courts, and shuffleboard

Features are few at this budget property. The heated pool is a bonus, though its deck is only furnished with plastic cafe seating and the advertised ocean views aren't the most scenic. There are also barbecue grills for those looking to cook outdoors. Otherwise, offerings are limited to a tennis court and a shuffleboard. There is a weekly welcome presentation and a concierge on-site to book activities, though it's worth noting that time-share pitches here are unobtrusive. Wi-Fi and parking are both free.

See More Features

Oyster Hotel Review

Banyan Harbor Resort

Scene

Condo complex with low-key vibe that's best for independent travelers

There are a few things to know about Banyan Harbor Resort before booking a stay here. The first is that it's not quite a resort, as it lacks any entertainment, dining options, or real social scene. Instead, this is a condo complex that has a residential vibe -- not surprising given that more than half of those occupying the property are long-term renters and time-share holders. The vibe here is much quieter than other nearby brand-name resorts, though frills are few. The only real common areas are around the pool and the few public outdoor spaces like grilling areas and sports courts. Given that fact, the Banyan Harbor is best-suited to families and couples who don't need a lot of on-site extras during their vacations, and instead want cheap rates and beach proximity. 

See More Scene

Location

In Lihue, a 10-minute walk to the beach and a five-minute drive to the airport

Banyan Harbor's position in Lihue, between the north and south shores of Kauai, makes it a central option for travelers wanting to explore the island by car. A few shops and restaurants are within a 10-minute walk, and there are other major resorts nearby. Kalapaki Beach, the nicest beach in Lihue and a great spot for surfers, is also within a 10-minute walk. The beach has a few sand volleyball courts that are free to use. There's a shopping center in town (though parking is limited and it's best to walk). Otherwise, this area isn't exactly scenic. In fact, the hotel sits across from Nawiliwili and Kalapaki Bays, where major cruise lines port on certain days (making the area far busier in the latter half of the week). For craft beer fans, the resort is only a five-minute drive to Kauai Beer Co. The drive to Hanalei -- on the north shore -- takes 60 minutes, while it's 30 minutes by car to the town of Poipu on the south shore. Popular Waimea Canyon is at least a 60-minute drive, depending on traffic. The Lihue Airport is only a five-minute drive from the property.

See More Location

Rooms

Simple condos with dated style plus full kitchens in one- or two-bedroom configurations

For travelers who prize convenience over style, Banyan Harbor is a decent fit. Condos are decorated in an outdated tropical-esque style that includes rattan or woven bamboo-panel furniture, overstuffed seating, '90s-era colors like forest green and maroon, and boldly striped fabrics. It's not the most visually appealing style, but everything is clean and well kept. Every unit has one or two bedrooms, a living room, dining area, fully stocked kitchen, and private balcony. The kitchens are basic, but spacious, and include microwaves, dishwashers, ovens, full-size refrigerators, and coffeemakers. Washers and dryers are handy for those on longer stays (or with kids). Other standard features include flat-screen TVs with cable and DVD players plus window air-conditioning units, old safes, and free Wi-Fi. Each condo has one or two bathrooms, and all come with shower/tub combos, plenty of counter space, towels, hairdryers, and basic toiletries. It's worth noting that some units are townhouses, with bedrooms and bathrooms on different floors, so those with mobility issues will need to plan ahead. Guests who want an ocean view should be sure to ask for a top-floor unit, though the cruise harbor isn't the most scenic vantage we've seen in Kauai.

See More Rooms

Features

Little apart from a heated pool, tennis courts, and shuffleboard

Features are few at this budget property. The heated pool is a bonus, though its deck is only furnished with plastic cafe seating and the advertised ocean views aren't the most scenic. There are also barbecue grills for those looking to cook outdoors. Otherwise, offerings are limited to a tennis court and a shuffleboard. There is a weekly welcome presentation and a concierge on-site to book activities, though it's worth noting that time-share pitches here are unobtrusive. Wi-Fi and parking are both free.

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Balcony / Terrace / Patio

  • Beach

  • Cabanas

  • Cable

  • Concierge

  • Cribs

  • Full Kitchen

  • Golf Course

  • Internet

  • Kids Allowed

  • Laundry

  • Pool

  • Poolside Drink Service

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Swim-Up Bar

  • Tennis Court

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.