Waimea Plantation Cottages

Tucked away from the rest of the island activities, these plantation cottages will remind you of old Hawaii.

• Great setting for hikers, as it’s the luxury property closest to Waimea Canyon and the Na’Pali coast (although it’s still a drive)
• Dry, sunny weather on the western shore.
• The five-bedroom houses, both of which have air conditioning (not important in the rest of Kaua’i, but nice to have on the warm and dry western shore)

On Kauai’s west shore, where the temperatures are warmest and rain is at a minimum, sits a cluster of restored sugar-plantation cottages from the 19th century. Once used for plantation employees and their families, the cottages have been renovated and opened for rent. A throwback to an earlier era, they come filled with traditional rattan, mahogany and wicker furnishings. There’s a laid-back atmosphere far from the bustle of the south and north shores. The property is surrounded by coconut groves, and amenities include a spa, tennis courts and an oceanfront pool. Linens and soft goods are always refreshed, but if you need updated kitchens with top-of-the-line appliances, this may not be the choice for you. The property has several cottages with one, two, three or four bedrooms, and two two-story houses with five bedrooms each.

With several units offering different bedroom configurations, it’s a good option for people planning events involving many friends or extended family. With Kauai’s lowest precipitation, the location is also a good bet.