What to expect: Budget-minded travelers intent on touring Kauai find this resort makes a comfortable vacation home. Lying in a narrow strip between Kauai's main highway (two lanes) and a 15-mph side street, the resort is screened from most traffic noise by gardens on the highway side.

Amenity highlights: Enclosed by fencing, iron railings, and pretty hedges, three pools offer sunning and swimming options. They're surrounded by sundecks furnished with lounge chairs and umbrella-shaded tables and chairs. Two have spa tubs on their decks, and all three have barbecue grills beside them.

Insider tip: The Royal Coconut Coast is an 8-mile strip of sandy beaches, unsurpassed ocean views, and low-key activity. Long ago the Wailua River, fed by rainfall on Mount Waialeale (the wettest spot on earth), provided abundant water for ancient Hawaiians to cultivate crops in this area. As a result, the coast abounds in archaeological sites worth visiting.

What to expect: Finesse distinguishes Pono Kai, right down to the rope-wrapped poles holding up tiki torches. Large wooden chairs permanently installed by the beach allow guests to sunset- and whale-watch or just dreamily contemplate the vast, blue ocean. The hot tub next to the 22-by-40-foot pool is a roomy 10 square feet. Picnic tables in the poolside gas-grill barbecue area include three that are wheelchair-accessible. Charcoal grills are available along the beachfront. Lush gardens screen the pool, but beachfront lawns feature only coconut trees so the open space remains compatible with the broad ocean vista.

Amenity highlights: Nearly deserted, the mile-long beach beckons guests whether rough water discourages swimming and snorkeling or calm water invites them. A biking/jogging path runs parallel to the beach. Lounge chairs are available on the beach, on sunning lawns, or around the pool. In addition to volleyball, two putting greens, two tennis courts, shuffleboard, and the croquet lawn, there's also a lawn for bocce.

Insider tip: A pretty herb garden near the pool allows cooks utilizing units' kitchens to liven up meals with a fresh-herb selection.

What to expect: Guests of the family-friendly ResortQuest Aloha Beach Hotel enter a spacious lobby with rattan furnishings; this Hawaii resort is set on 10 lush acres between Lydgate Beach Park on Wailua Bay and the Wailua River. Families and leisure travelers take advantage of the resort’s recreational offerings and the wide expanse of beach, protected swimming coves, and playground at Lydgate Beach Park.

Amenity highlights: Wild orchids, hibiscus, and coconut palms are interspersed with the resort's koi ponds, outdoor pools, shuffleboard, tennis, and volleyball courts. Dining options include a regional restaurant that serves breakfast and dinner, a poolside grill offering light lunches, and a lounge that serves appetizers and tropical drinks.

Insider tip: Guests can learn about the legends of historic Kauai in a complimentary cultural seminar held three times a week in the resort's main lobby. Craft programs and hula lessons for children are also available (surcharge).