Picolo recommends · Hotel in Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii
The Royal Sonesta Kaua'i
A resort on the sheltered sands of Kalapaki Beach, where you can land at Lihue and be in the water before the afternoon is over.
The bay at Kalapaki is protected by a breakwater, so the water is usually gentle enough for beginners on boards and children with buckets. The Royal Sonesta Kaua'i stands right behind the sand.
Lihue airport is only a short drive away, and the east side of the island is a central base: the south shore and the road north are both within reach in a day trip by car.
Picolo’s verdict
Why we chose The Royal Sonesta Kaua'i
We picked it for practicality. It is the easy first or last night on Kauai, and a sensible base if you plan to explore the whole island rather than stay put in one corner.
Lihue is the working town of the island, with a harbour and planes overhead, so the setting is less wild than the north shore or Poipu. Come for convenience, not for seclusion.
What you get
- On Kalapaki Beach
- Large pool
- Short drive from Lihue airport
- Restaurants on site
- Calm bay for families
A day at The Royal Sonesta Kaua'i
- Morning
- A paddle on the calm water of Kalapaki Bay.
- Midday
- A drive south to the beaches and lookouts on the sunny side.
- Afternoon
- Back to the pool while the trade winds cool things down.
- Evening
- Dinner by the beach with the harbour lights across the bay.
Location
Kalapaki Beach, Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii, USA
Open in MapsQuestions about The Royal Sonesta Kaua'i
How far is The Royal Sonesta Kaua'i from the airport?
The hotel is a short drive from Lihue airport, which makes it one of the most convenient places to stay on arrival or before a flight home.
Is the beach at The Royal Sonesta Kaua'i good for swimming?
Kalapaki Beach sits in a sheltered bay, and the water is usually calmer than on the more exposed coasts, which makes it good for paddling and swimming.
Is The Royal Sonesta Kaua'i a good base for exploring Kauai?
Yes. It is on the east side of the island, so both the south shore and the north shore can be reached by car in a day.
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Updated 6 Nov 2026All articles
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