Kauai Palms Hotel

I stayed at Kauai Palms for 4 days as a part on my 2024 trip around the world. It is an upgraded old motel in the center of Lihue. The rooms are small and the bathrooms are smaller, but is is comfortable and clean. Check in and check out were seamless, there is a tiny museum in the lobby, and the location is central to a lot of Kauai destinations.

Pulling up to this hotel, I already loved it. It's not very big, but it's got this gorgeous garden in the front with Hawaiian plants and lots of places to sit outdoors. If our trip had been a little longer, I would have spent some time in a comfy chair outside, reading. The hotel, itself, is full of retro charm. It is an older property, with some of the quirks of an older hotel, but I prefer family-owned places that have some history and sit in the community. The rooms are comfortable, if not completely modernized, and the location is super convenient. The staff is super attentive and the owner has created a sort of museum of Kauai in the lobby. The hotel is also very budget-friendly, so we will definitely be back.

This was one of the more affordable accommodations on Kauai at $200/night. Room was clean, beds comfortable, hot shower and central to locations we wanted to visit. Downside: it is older and small. The window air conditioner sounds like a plane taking off, but glad we had ac. I wore earplugs and ac noise was tolerable.

Pros: convenient location, lots of parking, inexpensive for Kaua’i, and easy check in process. Cons: not clean, at least not our room. There’s no 2 ways about it, an unclean room is just that. The stove was filthy, with grease splashed along the stove front and microwave, which I cleaned. Dirt on the doors and light switches, it takes 30 seconds to wipe that. Would I stay here again? Maybe, but in a different room. The other photos on here show rooms they seem to be somewhat remodeled. Our kitchen room was just icky and needs a thorough cleaning. In terms of convenience and affordability, I’d say it’s a solid contender but better housekeeping would bring it up a notch for sure.

The room was comfortable and there’s plenty of hot water. Glad we got a bigger room this time as the small one we went to years back we could hardly move around in. Nice to have a fridge, hot plate and microwave. So loved the free history presentation of Kauai offered by Ron the hotel manager. Be sure to meet the hotel kitty “Mango” he is loving and adorable.

My stay here was wonderful. A comfy bed, TV, fridge, and clean linens/towels were provided along with free WiFi and fresh coffee each morning. It's not a fancy chain hotel, so if that's what you're wanting, then this review is not for you. What this hotel lacks in luxury, it makes up for in spirit, and if you're looking for a place rich in culture to stay, then look no further. Chickens walk about the property. The hotel cat Mango may come sit on your lap or beside you while you sit in the lobby. Palm trees and a gorgeous view of the mountain surround this quaint little hotel. But the highlight of the stay has to be the "talk session" that the general manager Ron does free of charge anytime you have a couple hours to spare. I say hours because once he starts delving into Kauai's rich history, all you will want to do is listen for more. He is so knowledgeable about the history, and he also has curated a small but impressive collection of weapons, tools, hooks, and other artifacts with information that can be found in the lobby to look at while you sip your coffee. If you stick around long enough for him to go through his binder of information, he will unlock the case of artifacts and let you touch or hold them while he tells you more about them. This experience was one I was not prepared for, but that I am eternally grateful was provided. Ron is very generous and will not take money for his talks, but he just wants people to learn more about the island and spread the culture and history they have learned from him. I hope this review helps you decide where to stay. I have no regrets choosing this hotel, and when I come back to Kauai, I will surely stay here again! Aloha!

Ok, I booked this hotel and then noticed all of the negative reviews. I was a little nervous as I showed up and realized it's in a residential area. (Its not the Hilton or some fancy resort of that is what you are looking for) However, I have no idea why there are so many negative reviews! This place was great! I got a single room (rm 17) it had a gigantic king size bed, plenty of room, it was super clean, with a refrigerator and microwave. The staff was very friendly and provided great service. I had a flight issue and ended up needing to check in early. They did everything they could to accommodate and get me in as early as possible. I enjoyed my stay and will definitely be staying again in the future. And I highly recommend ignoring all the mediocre/negative reviews, and giving them a stay. Very easy access to the airport, food, coffee, gas and groceries. So, definitely check them out! Thanks a bunch, Kauai palms!

Small place in the downtown care of Lihue. Homeless around the corner of hotel. Rooms very small for the $200USD+ for the night. Free coffee in the morning. No rooms have a/c so in the evening and at night ,very hot

If you're looking for a resort, look elsewhere. My wife and I stayed here on a whim one night and it easily turned into a highlight of our week+ anniversary trip. Ron is a fantastic resource into the history and culture of the island! And Mango the cat is an incredibly friendly companion to all.