Kauai, HawaiiNawiliwili
The Royal Sonesta Kaua'i Resort Lihue
Sprawling bayfront resort
Sprawling bayfront resort
Long escalators glide down past monumental statues to a lagoon courtyard that opens right onto the sands of Kalapaki Beach.
What it’s good at
Notable
Kauai's largest swimming pool spans 26,000 square feet with four waterfalls along Kalapaki Beach.
Listed
Fronting Kalapaki Bay, the grounds sit moments from Hokuala golf course and Nawiliwili Harbor.
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Anchor Cove and Harbor Mall are a short walk away for dining, with Hokuala golf course just down the coast.
1 of 7
The rooms
Rooms come in warm taupe and burnt umber tones, and ocean-facing windows look toward Nawiliwili Harbor and the Haupu ridge.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Classical pavilions and spouting animal fountains ring the circular pool, where an island sits surrounded by hot tubs.
The gym
The 24-hour gym is stocked with cardio and weight equipment, and mornings bring beach yoga on the sand.
At the table
The Royal Lanai serves morning coffee and pastries, then transitions into an open-air sushi and spirits lounge at night.
How it began
Developer Christopher Hemmeter rebuilt the 1960 Kauai Surf Hotel after a 1982 hurricane, replacing it with an extravagant mega-resort.
Kauai
More like this
Timbers Kaua‘i - Ocean Club & Residences
“Oceanfront residential hideaway”
The app
Like this one? There are so many more.
Swipe any city’s hotels and heart the ones you love. The app gets your taste.
Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.