Formerly a plantation town during the mid-1800s sugar-rush, the Hawaiin town of Lihu’e is a great place to relax and retune.
Banyan Harbor Hotel, Lihu’e (Photo: Booking.com)
Retaining something of an ethnic potpourri of Asian, European and Hawaiin traditions, this palm-strewn and golden-sanded escape is the second largest town on the island of Kauaʻi. Of its abundance of beaches, Kalapaki Beach is the big draw, summoning swimmers, surfers and boogie-borders en masse. Lihu’e possesses a bustling, unpretentious charm and offers a heavy stock of budget restos, shops and hotels. Here are five of the best cheap hotels in terms of quality, location and affordability.
Banyon Harbor Aparthotel
Banyon Harbor Aparthotel’s major benefit is that Kalapaki Beach (the best beach in the region) is within eyeshot. If hopping out of bed and taking a quick dip in the Pacific Ocean before breakfast is desired, then this is a great place to stay. Apartments are very spacious, and come with an American-style kitchen, double and twin-bedded rooms, and a shower room with a washing machine. The property is well-maintained and offers wonderful balcony views of the cliffs surrounding the bay. A great bolthole for those who enjoy hiking, snorkelling and diving, or just exploring the area. Rooms from $249.
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The Kauai Inn
The Kauai Inn, Lihu’e (Photo: Booking.com)
Blessed with extraordinary views of the green Hula’eia Mountains, the plantation-style Kauai Inn is adjascent to Niumala Beach Park and Nawiliwli Bay (fantastic for surfing and fishing). The grounds of the hotel are impeccably maintained, and are populated by palm trees, exotic plants and lush grass that surrounds an outdoor swimming pool. Rooms are air-conditioned, airy and have something of a plantation aesthetic in terms of neutral colours and patterns and wood-style furniture. With balconies to ease into the night to watch the sun go down, or lively bars and restaurants a heartbeat away, there’s something for everyone. Rooms from $231.
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Kauai Palms Hotel
Minutes from downtown Lihu’e, Kauai Palms Hotel is well-positioned to sample the local cuisine and take in the bustle of Lihu’e’s colourful streets and marketplace. Essentially a conglomerate of small but sweet condominiums, the properties give off the feeling of being immersed in the culture as if a resident. All rooms feature island style furnishings, and each guest room is equipped with a flat-screen cable TV and refrigerator. Select condos offer air conditioning or kitchenettes or kitchens. Staff are very attentive and friendly. Rooms from $183.
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Banyan Harbor Resort
Banyan Harbor Resort, Lihu’e (Photo: Booking.com)
Residing on a hillside in Nawiliwili, Banyan Harbor Resort welcomes you with true island spirit as soon as you arrive at reception. Surrounded by indoor palm trees, smiling staff take care of your every need. Apartments are extremely roomy and comfortable, and the facilities such as a fully-kitted kitchen, and bathroom with washing machine and tumble dryer are top notch. Bedrooms have a crisp and fresh feel, and the lounge and dining areas are perfect for family meals and TV-watching. Other excellent facilities include tennis and basketball courts, and spots for BBQs. And if nature calls, Nawiliwili Park is a 5-minute jaunt, and Wailua River State Park is a 25-minute drive. Rooms from £349.
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Tip Top Motel
Tip Top Motel is a cheap and cheerful two-star motel which will appeal to those on a limited budget. Rooms are simple and clean, and come with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs and private bathrooms. Additionally, there is an on-site restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Nicely positioned to take advantage of the multitude of beauty spots in and around Lihu’e, the motel is 1.3km from Kalapaki Beach, 2.3km from Nawiliwili Park and 6km from Wailua Falls. Rooms from $183.
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