The oceanfront Garden Isle Cottages are a perfect place to stay if you prefer autonomy and privacy to a bigger resort or hotel. Each of the four cottages has a full kitchen, big comfy living room, bedroom, and spacious lanai overlooking a pretty little cove and the ocean.
Location-wise, it's a few minutes' drive from Poipu Beach, but off the main drag enough that it's peaceful and private. Being situated on the southern coast of Kauai gave us close access to Waimea Canyon and boat departures for the Na Pali Coast, and it was only about an hour's drive all the way to the north coast.
Very highly recommended--I would definitely stay here again!