Overlooking the Waikomo Stream, Kauai Cove has three cottages with bamboo four-poster beds and hand-woven lauhala mats adorning the walls. Each has cathedral ceilings, a full kitchen, and a private lanai with a barbecue grill. Strength: Close to the beach, restaurants, and shopping. Weakness: Books up quickly (808-742-2562; kauaicove.com; doubles, $129–$159; $75 cleaning fee).

A colony of restored sugar-plantation homes on a black sand beach, the ten Waimea Plantation Cottages have sturdy hardwood furniture upholstered in vintage Hawaiian prints, modern kitchens, and covered lanais. Strengths: Oceanfront pool; tennis courts; laundry facilities. Weakness: The beach is not great for swimming (808-338-1625; waimea-plantation.com; doubles, $220–$925).

Hidden in the rolling hills behind Kapa'a, the four suites of the Kauai Country Inn have high-tech touches amid classic Hawaiian Art Deco decor. Families can rent the new three-bedroom cottage next door. Strengths: Kitchenettes and high-speed Internet access in each room. Weakness: Eight-minute drive to the beach (808-821-0207; kauaicountryinn.com; doubles, $110–$165).

Located on a seven-acre orchard and organic vegetable farm outside tiny Kilauea, the Aloha Sunrise and Aloha Sunset Cottages each have one bedroom and buckets of privacy. Strengths: Environmentally responsible; short drive to restaurants and beaches. Weakness: Not appropriate for children (808-828-1100; kauaisunrise.com; doubles, $185; $95 cleaning fee).

Surround yourself in the placid atmosphere of the North Shore at the family-friendly 47-unit Hanalei Colony Resort, right on the beach. The airy two-bedroom condominiums sleep up to six, with plenty of room for the kids to spread out. The front desk even has complimentary beach toys. Strengths: Swimming pool; spa; restaurant. Weaknesses: It's a 15-minute drive to town; no phone, stereo, or TV (800-628-3004; hcr.com; condos, $250–$420).

Several booking agents on Kauai specialize in top-drawer condominium and villa rentals, many for under $250 a night. For Poipu, contact the Parrish Collection. Each of the 140 properties in its portfolio is handpicked, with rates starting at $105 per night (808-742-2000; parrishkauai.com). Outside Poipu, Rosemary Smith of Rosewood Kauai Vacation Rentals offers reasonably priced properties starting at about $95 a night (808-822-5216; rosewoodkauai.com).