4331 Kauai Beach Drive, Lihue, Hawaii, United States | (808) 245-1955
Located on beautiful walking beach that stretches for miles
An array of rooms with flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges
Deluxe Rooms are done with sharp, modern decor
Hawaiian cultural director organizing authentic activities
Four mineral-based pools plus a waterslide
Sand-bottomed saltwater swimming lagoon
Several open-air restaurants and poolside ice-cream stand
Lounge with nightly entertainment plus dinner theater on occasion
24-hour fitness center with modern equipment plus tennis courts
Transportation to and from airport included in resort fee
Free Wi-Fi throughout the resort
Hotel beach is dangerous for swimming or watersports
Some areas of the hotel area a little dated
Not much to do within an easy walk and on-site dining is expensive
The upper-middle-range Kauai Beach Resort is like the "Cliffs Notes" version of Kauai’s top resorts: it’s more compact and offers fewer amenities than many outside of Lihue. Still, the 350 rooms range from traditional to bright and modern, and include flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges. They also include furnished balconies, some with sea views. Key resort features -- like a broad beach that's great for strolls, several restaurants, four pools, a spa, and a gym -- help make this a value, as it's often cheaper than many other Kauai resorts. Though the resort is only a three-mile hop from the airport, there's not much to do nearby without a car. Those wanting to be closer to Kapaa should consider the Courtyard Marriott Coconut Beach, which is equally modern and has lower rates.