Spread over 20 acres of oceanfront, the 415-room Sheraton Kauai appeals to families and romance-seeking couples. The soothing sound of surf rolling across the lava-rock point in the resort's center contributes to the relaxing ambience. No building rises higher than a mature coconut tree, ensuring that the resort fits into its splendid setting.

Complimentary shuttle service delivers a steady stream of international guests from nearby Lihue Airport through a tree-shaded avenue leading to the resort's upper entrance. New arrivals descend two stories by steep escalator to a grand esplanade and enormous tropical garden containing waterfalls and koi ponds. An airy lobby is ringed by pink-marble columns.

Easily missed among coconut trees and nearby shops, the entrance to this resort leads to a spacious, slate-tiled lobby with gold and red island decor. The lobby opens onto a plumeria and ginger garden and a waterfall pool. Guests—mostly golfers and celebrating couples—appreciate the privacy and convenience of residence-style condo units.

Built in plantation style, the hotel appears modest from the driveway: low-rise, creamy stucco with a green-tile roof. The vast lobby creates a different impression: marble, gently falling water, tapestries, antiqued chairs, sofas so deep they seem to swallow guests. A terrace off the lobby showcases ocean views, as breaking rollers sweep into beautiful Hanalei Bay past the rock spire called Bali Hai.

Arrayed on 22 spacious acres, the resort offers several vacation options—one centered on the lagoon pool, another on the adults-only area, and a third on the wind-swept bluff above the vast sweep of the Pacific. During the winter migration season, everyone thrills at the sight of humpback whales from the bluff.

The Grand Hyatt Kauai resort seems less like a single spot than a tropical isle created just for human pleasure. Arrayed on 50 naturally contoured, lavishly planted acres overlooking the blue Pacific, the 602-room resort is completely self-contained. Guests lounge in swimwear during the day and dress in resort wear—often purchased in the resort's shops—in the evenings. At night, guests are found listening to jazz while savoring cigars, swaying to Hawaiian music, dining under thatched-roof huts surrounded by water, or cuddling on secluded wood swings in the moonlight.

Peace and quiet prevails at this spacious former plantation that avoids artificial, postcard-perfect grooming. Extra-tall coconut trees could be a century old. Pretty gardens surround the pastel-colored, wood cottages. A hen might usher her brood across the grand lawn-and-palm grove. The long, undeveloped beach was made for walking beside the blue Pacific. And snoozing on a cottage porch or in a lounge chair is inevitable.

Secluded yet readily accessible both to Lihue Airport and to North and South Kauai, this resort caters to families and vacationers seeking a full sun-sand-swim experience.

Sweeping ocean views, manicured green lawns, and lush tropical gardens deliver tranquility and beauty. Silence, except for soothing surf and birdsong, reigns here.

Imbued with history from both ancient Hawaii and the 19th century, the Castle Kiahuna Plantation preserves an aura of gracious living amid the Garden Island's natural lushness. Space exists for families and couples to vacation in restful silence and as much live-at-home solitude as desired.