Kauai probably isn’t a destination that’s on the radar for tennis lovers looking to plan their vacation around the courts (Hawaii isn’t a super hot tennis destination in general). But if you’re heading to Kauai for the numerous other reasons that you should be (those blessed majestic green mountains, gorgeous beaches, laid back vibes, etc.) you’ll still find plenty of places to play. 

Where to Play Tennis on Kauai

Here’s a breakdown of where you can find clusters of courts to play on (a lot of them with programs that include drills and lessons):

South Side of Kauai (Poipu)

Poipu Athletic Club: I accidentally stumbled upon the Poipu Athletic Club after waiting way too long for a cup of coffee next door at Little Fish Coffee. The guy working at the front desk was very friendly and let me walk around and check out the club. This place is seriously cool! If I lived on Kauai or spent much time there, I would definitely have a membership. Besides tennis and pickleball courts, this place has an enormous pool (complete with sand bottom and waterfall feature), soccer field, open air gym, volleyball, ping pong, pretty much every sport you can think of, etc. 

And the tennis program sounds pretty good. Besides lessons, there are adult drills scheduled four days a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday) from 9-10:30 and I heard the instructor to student ratio is GOOD. 

You don’t have to be a member to do lessons and drills here, but you will pay a little more than members. 

Find out more info here. 

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Grand Hyatt: When I stayed here, I walked over to check out the courts and they’re definitely tucked away, but it’s a nice little spot. There is currently no pro on staff, but you can check out equipment from the valet to use on the two courts if you don’t have your own. 

Poipu Kai Tennis Club: I walked up from Poipu Beach to check this place out and it’s a great location if you’re staying in the area. There are 8 courts total and their website says two of them are artificial grass, but I didn’t walk around to all of them to look them over. They had quite a few flyers advertising different clinics, round robbins, and drop ins for tennis and pickleball, and it looks like there’s a pay as you go option for non members. 

Find out more info here. 

North Shore of Kauai (Princeville)

Hanalei Bay Resort: This would be my pick for the best tennis resort experience on Kauai. I haven’t stayed at the Hanalei Bay Resort yet, but I love it’s location right next to the Princeville Resort (soon to be 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay) and the north shore of Kauai is one of the dreamiest places on the planet. 

The resort has four hardcourts and four artificial grass courts plus a pro shop and a pretty hopping schedule of events. Private lessons, daily clinics, round robbins, cardio tennis, player matching, etc. They do it all. AND it’s a nice resort. 

Find out more info here. 

The Cliffs at Princeville: This is one of the nicer condo complexes in Princeville and they’ve got two tennis courts plus a pickleball court. If you want to schedule lessons or see about a drill or clinic, I believe Kauai Sports Academy has a contract for the property. 

Find out more info here. 

Princeville Makai Tennis Complex: With four courts at the Princeville Makai Golf Club, their website says that courts are currently only open for members, but I’ve heard that they’ve since opened to the public and may have a vendor offering lessons and clinics. I would call the golf pro shop for up to date information if you’re in the area. 

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East Side of Kauai (Lihue & Kapa’a)

Hokuala Tennis Garden at the Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort: This spot is a bit confusing (especially if you go looking for information online…it’s all from like 2016), but there several courts (5-7) at Hokuala Kauai (a golf club) and it appears that they are available for guests at the Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort (previously Marriott’s Kauai Beach Club). I would make some calls to verify how it all works and what they offer, but if you’re staying at the resort it would be super convenient. 

Kauai Beach Villas: Next door to the Kauai Beach Resort in Kapa’a, Kauai Beach Villas has several courts and the Kauai Sports Academy runs lessons and clinics there.  Find out more info here. 

**It’s worth noting that when I personally checked out the courts at the Poipu Athletic Club, Grand Hyatt, and Poipu Kai Tennis Club in late May 2022, ALL of the courts that I saw were fairly cracked although the nets and other facilities seemed to be in good order. I did hear of a potential resurfacing at the Grand Hyatt so maybe they do all the courts in the area at the same time and they were in between being prepped and being resurfaced? Not sure. 

Want to read more? Don’t miss some of my most popular (and favorite) posts about Kauai: my personal Kauai favorites, a breakdown of where to stay on Kauai comparing Princeville vs Poipu, my favorite restaurants in Poipu, the best places to watch sunset on Kauai, 5 day Kauai itinerary, my review of the Grand Hyatt Kauai, everything you need to know about Napali Coast boat tours leaving from Port Allen (south side) and Hanalei (north shore), my best Kauai travel tips, all about hiking the Kalalau trail (Kauai’s best hike), Maui vs Kauai, the best things to do on Kauai and more specifically in Hanalei and Poipu, whether you should see the Napali Coast via boat or helicopter, my best (and specific) condo recommendations on Kauai, everything you need to know about Kauai helicopter tours, Kauai’s best north shore beaches, where to play tennis on Kauai, how many days you should spend on Kauai (plus other FAQs), the best spas on Kauai, and my review of the Smith Family Luau. 

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