Hotel Coral Reef is a small, budget-friendly hotel within walking distance of downtown Kapaa -- a scrappy little beach town on Kauai’s eastern coast. The hotel has 21 rooms split between two buildings, but rooms in the oceanfront building are brighter, with nicer decor and better views. Rooms have an airy, Hawaiian feel, but large furniture makes them feel cramped. The pool here is surprisingly nice, but there don't seem to be enough lounge chairs surrounding it. As far as freebies are concerned, the hotel offers free parking, Wi-Fi, and morning refreshments -- which include continental breakfast items like coffee, yogurt, and store bought pastries. Kauai Shores, an Aqua Hotel, is a similar budget option with nicer rooms and multiple pools, but it’s not within walking distance of downtown Kapaa.  

This two-and-a-half-pearl resort is tucked between the tourist-friendly Coconut Marketplace and the ocean, and while there are fewer features here than at nearby hotels, it is quieter. Nice-to-have features include a small, clean pool plus barbecues as well as a shop for beach gear. Each of 198 simple, island-inspired rooms have microwaves, refrigerators, and balconies. The beach here is rocky and currents make it too rough for swimming, but it's a short drive to swimmable spots. There's no restaurant, but a small poolside bar slings drinks and some of Kapaa’s better restaurants are within an easy walk. Guests wanting a spa, gym, restaurant, activities, or larger pool area might prefer the nearby Courtyard Marriott Coconut Beach at a similar same price. 

 This 221-room condo-style value hotel is fairly unremarkable. Rooms, available in one-, two-, and three-bedroom units, are plain, with dated decor and cheap furnishings. There are two tennis courts, multiple barbecue areas, a volleyball net, and a mini-golf course, but the hotel’s pool and fitness center are tiny. The hotel sits along Kauai Path, a miles-long hiking/biking/jogging trail that runs along the coast and allows for easy access to downtown Kapaa. The beach, often strewn with ocean debris, definitely isn’t the nicest in Kauai, and the rough ocean waters aren’t the best for swimming. It’s worth checking rates at nearby Plantation Hale Suites, which has comparably sized rooms with nicer decor and multiple pools -- however, it’s not directly on the beach.  

This 108-unit time-share resort in Kapaa offers full kitchens (in most condos), free Wi-Fi, a popular seafood restaurant, proximity to good beaches and dining, and one of the cheapest resort pool bars around. You can't swim off its shore, but all told, it's one of the best deals in Kauai.

This beautiful luxury beach resort on the Kohala Coast is chock-full of excellent features: top-rated dining, golfing, tennis, fitness training, and spa experiences. It's pricier than some comparable resorts in the area, but free extras help compensate (valet parking, Wi-Fi, and newspaper delivery, to name a few). Free activities at the on-site Hawaiian cultural center -- including tours of the historic rock carvings and the former royal fishing ponds on the grounds -- are also a highlight.

The Mauna Lani Point Villas are part of the larger Mauna Lani Resort area, and the 65 one- and two-bedroom units in the rental program all have gourmet kitchens and large living room areas with great light. Since each unit is individually owned, the interior decorating and small details (including appliances, electronics and bathrooms) can vary greatly. The pool pavilion is tastefully designed and welcoming, with comfortable furniture and room for larger gatherings and events. For a fee, guests at Mauna Lani Point can gain access to the spa and fitness services at the neighboring Mauna Lani Bay Hotel, where the closest beach is also located.

The 540-room Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii is an oceanfront luxury property situated on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island. Modern and both business- and family-friendly, the 32-acre resort offers easy access to water sports, golf, and cultural activities. Large, bright rooms have marble bathrooms, mini-fridges, and Keurig coffeemakers, though they're a bit simplistic for a hotel of this caliber. The private beach area is a popular feature, along with the oceanfront pool and spa with cabanas on the beach. There are six restaurants, including a deli and a beach bar. On the downside, some rooms have disappointing views, and there’s a resort fee, plus extra charges for water sports. Travelers looking for a resort with similar amenities might want to compare prices with The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows.  

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection is a luxury property on the Kohala Coast that's well-known for its beautiful white-sand beach, fine dining, and world-class golf and tennis facilities. The atmosphere is sophisticated and quiet, though both families and couples can be found here. Elegant rooms have comfortable furnishings with an island feel, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and balconies. An array of features include a small pool, full-service spa and salon, tennis courts, a kids' club, and daily activities. Restaurants range from fine-dining eateries to casual cafes, plus there are luaus and a popular open-air Copper Bar with views of the ocean. For a bigger pool and more lively atmosphere, consider The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort.

The 249-room Westin Hapuna Beach Resort is an upscale property set along a beautiful beach on the Island of Hawaii’s northwestern Kohala Coast. There’s little in the immediate area, particularly in regards to restaurants, but the Hapuna Golf Course is just across the road. Renovations have brought a sleek, modern style to rooms, but ongoing construction can mean daytime noise, unsightly machinery, and obstructed ocean views. Nevertheless, all rooms have flat-screen TVs, sitting areas, furnished outdoor spaces, and bathrooms with separate tubs and showers. Wi-Fi is free, but it can be spotty. Dining options are tasty but pricey (typical for Hawaii), and they include a Mediterranean eatery, casual poolside restaurant, sushi spot, and market with grab-and-go items. A variety of features consists of an adults-only infinity pool and family-friendly pool -- both with hot tubs – a full-service spa, spacious fitness center, and wide stretch of beach with loungers and umbrellas. Extensive meeting and event space is also on-site. A daily resort fee (common for area), fee for parking, and fee for water sports such as kayaks can leave guests feeling nickel-and-dimed. For a more luxurious experience, consider the nearby Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.

The 102-room Four Seasons Hotel Lanai at Koele, A Sensei Retreat is a serene, upscale resort with a Greg Norman-designed golf course. The resort is just a short walk from town, and features top-rated (but expensive) dining, casually elegant rooms, horseback riding facilities, and three tennis courts. The tranquil English-style grounds dotted by Asian accents -- a pagoda sits across the pond from a gazebo -- have a peaceful air and attract honeymooners and couples; few families visit the hotel due to the small size of the pool and the lack of direct beach access (the hotel is about a 20-minute drive from the sand). But guests at the Lodge are granted access to the sister property's facilities (and beach) at Manele Bay via a free shuttle.