The Absolute Best Spot To Stay In Kauai That Won't Break The Bank

Gone are the days when a luxury island getaway was a far-fetched fantasy reserved solely for the affluent. A trip to the dreamy shores of Kauai may seem like an impossible daydream for those hoping to travel on a budget, yet the island offers a fair selection of budget-friendly resorts that can turn island living dreams into a reality for nearly anyone. Waipouli Beach Resort and Spa by Outrigger is the epitome of a coastal oasis that rests in the heart of the island, amid lush vegetative groves and sun-soaked shorelines. The average four-star hotel on Kauai costs $455 a night, but Waipouli Beach Resort and Spa offers luxury studio and garden view condos for less than $400 a night. With direct beach access, a posh collection of revitalizing amenities, and a near-perfect location next to some of the island's most coveted hot spots, Kauai's Waipouli Beach Resort and Spa is a traveler's new budget-friendly island destination.

When it comes to choosing a home base for your trip, it really comes down to one thing: location, location, location. Perfectly situated near the town of Kapa'a on the east shore of Kauai, the resort is centrally located between the north and south shores. The east side of the island is rich in hiking trails, cascading waterfalls, golden beaches, and the famous Wailua River. With Uber and Lyft being scarce on the island and often at exorbitant prices, visitors' best option for transportation is to rent a car. With close proximity to both sides of Kauai, the resort's location is a budget-saver itself for saving on gas money.

Many tourists choose to stay on the south shore, where they're closer to the Lihue airport and have a larger selection of bougie, upscale resorts to choose from. However, Kauai's north shore is known for housing some of the island's most breathtaking beaches and hot spots but it can take a good portion of the day to reach these northern gems. The majority of Kauai's highways are two-lane roads with speed limits capped much lower than on the mainland, making it difficult to travel the island in a timely manner. Waipouli Beach Resort and Spa offers guests the best of both worlds, located a short 15-minute drive from the Lihue airport and 30 minutes from Princeville on the north shore.

It's hard to find a tropical resort on Kauai with reasonable prices that doesn't compromise on luxury and amenities. Waipouli Beach Resort and Spa has both. Their one and two-bedroom condos offer guests the comfort of home with the leisure of island living. Full kitchens with stainless steel appliances, polished wood furnishings, and oversized living spaces cater to those with an eye for luxury without seeming pretentious. Private balconies and lanais allow guests to breathe in the crisp saltwater breeze without ever leaving the splendor of their suite.

Waipouli Beach Resort and Spa holds nothing back on luxurious amenities that encircle its lush grounds. A winding river pool, waterfall features, a full-service spa, and gym facilities are framed by a backdrop of coconut palms and soft-glowing tiki torches. It's no secret that Kauai's largest crowd-pleaser is its iconic postcard-worthy beaches. Facing the dazzling Pacific Ocean, Waipouli Beach Resort and Spa has the luxury of its own stretch of sand, perfect for a barefoot sunset stroll or beachfront dining.

With three on-site dining venues, this resort gives guests plenty to choose from when selecting a restaurant for the evening at an affordable rate. Lava Lava Beach Club serves both afternoon light fare and dinner. Each menu offers an impressive selection of island-style delicacies for budget-friendly dining. Sample a bit of everything off of their Light Fare menu while keeping things within a budget or split the local catch off the dinner menu alongside their Guava Beer Battered Onion Rings.