Where to Stay in Wailua, Kaua‘i for Under $200 a Night
For frequently less than $200 a night there are some truly lovely places to stay in Wailua, Kaua‘i. You’ll find cottages, suites, and a few hotels offering a range of amenities from full kitchens and laundry to private lanai and beach gear, and some special treats like personalized gift baskets and home-cooked meals delivered to your door. Many accommodations have minimum night stays, such as a three-night minimum, or charge cleaning fees, which are noted below.
Inn Paradise (6381 Makana Rd., 808/822-2542, $85-120) has three suites. The King Kaumualii Suite can house up to four people and is a two-bedroom one-bath unit. With a full kitchen it runs for $120 a night for a three-night minimum. The Queen Kapule Suite is a one-bedroom that can hold up to four people. It has a small kitchen and a three-night minimum stay is required. A cute studio that accommodates two people perfectly, the Prince Kuhio Suite is decorated in island-style décor. There’s a three-night minimum. Personalized welcome baskets, beach gear, and a Jacuzzi are all offered.

The conveniently located Fern Grotto Inn (4561 Kuamo‘o Rd., 808/821-9836, $99-149) consists of three well-maintained cottages and a house. All are remodeled simple plantation-style homes with shared laundry and either full or limited kitchens. The friendly owners live on-site and it’s near the Wailua River. All of the accommodations are decorated with a clean island style. There’s a $60 cleaning fee.
Opaeka‘a Falls Hale (120 Liahu St., 800/262-9912, $110-130) has two units. The upper is called the Royal Palm and the Queen Emma is on the lower level. The Royal Palm sleeps two people. Both require a $50 cleaning fee and a five-night minimum. There’s a beautiful pool on-site and it’s a short drive from the ocean. Both have a full kitchen, lanai, and washer and dryer.
Four clean cottages make up the Hale Lani B&B (283 Aina Lani Pl., 808/823-6434, $125-195). Kanoa’s Cottage has a private hot tub. Melia’s Suite is a two-bedroom with kitchenette and private hot tub. Nani’s Retreat is a studio with kitchenette. All have private entrances, personalized gift baskets, and home-cooked meals left outside your door in a cooler if you choose. Three-night minimums are required. If it works out they offer a half-day rate of $45 if you have a late return flight home.
A great deal is Kapa‘a Sands (380 Papaloa Rd., 808/822-4901 or 800/222-4901, $90-185) along the ocean with under 30 units. It’s just off the beach with a nice lawn between the units and the ocean, and you’ll find a pool, barbecue area, and free Internet access. Oceanfront and ocean-view studios and two-bedroom units are available with lanai and maid service. A three- or seven-night minimum stay is required.
A steal of a deal is at Wailua Bayview (320 Papaloa Rd., 800/367-5242, $163-175), where fewer than 50 units are located just off the beach. Condominium amenities include pool, free Internet access, and a barbecue area. A four-night minimum stay is required.
At the Courtyard by Marriott (650 Aleka Loop, 808/822-3455, $100-200) in Kapa‘a you’ll find very nice accommodations. The rooms have a clean-cut, island feel, with lovely furniture made from coconut wood and really comfortable beds. They have a business area with free Internet access and a computer and printer for guests. It was renovated in 2011. The property is along the ocean, and rooms have ocean or mountain views. Rates vary by season, but this is a very affordable hotel. A pool, spa, tennis courts, fitness center, and lounge decorate the centrally located hotel. Check for kama‘aina rates here; they make a big difference.