Motel Lili

Historic Budget Motel in Nawiliwili, Kauai

In the heart of Niumalu, a rural neighborhood near the Huleia River and Nawiliwili Harbor in Lihue, is the historic and completely remodeled Motel Lili (formerly known as Motel Frances). Thoroughly modernized and renovated to accommodate a single traveler or couple traveling to Kauai on a budget, there are six attached private studio apartments on a spacious streamside lot.

2455 Niumalu road
Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii, 96766

Hawaiian-themed Individual Studio Units

Each of the six attached studios at Motel Lili has a comfortable queen bed, ceiling fan,  bathroom with a tiled shower, closet and a small kitchenette with a sink, full-size refrigerator, toaster & coffee maker. While there are no cooking facilities in the studios, there is a shared BBQ grill located by the streamside common area with a large covered picnic table, for outdoor cooking and dining. Each themed suite features artwork that reflects an aspect of Hawaiian life and culture. Each clean and comfortable studio includes highspeed WiFi internet service and an outdoor, covered sitting/eating area. There is safe, off-street parking on our fenced property. Coin-operated laundry facilities are provided and shared by guests.  We offer online booking thru AirBnB.

$128 per night, per unit, plus tax, cleaning fee and AirBnB booking fees.

The Moa Room

Named after Kauai’s colorful chicken population that roam the Island freely,  (Moa means “Chicken” in Hawaiian) you will find colorful Moa-themed artwork and tiles in this studio unit.

The Nalu Room

Surfing is the favorite sport of Hawaiian culture. In celebration of Hawaii’s love for surfing, this unit is named the Nalu room, (which means “Surf” in Hawaiian) and features surfing artwork and tiles.

The Koi Fish Room

Our Koi Fish room is decorated with themed artwork that celebrates the colorful beauty of Koi fish found in ponds and water features all around the Island.

The Honu Room

This studio is our Turtle room (known as Honu in Hawaiian), themed artwork celebrates the docile Hawaiian sea turtle often seen foraging for limu (seaweed) close to the shoreline around the Island.

The Humu Humu Room

This studio is named after Hawaii’s State Fish, called the Humuhumunukunukuapua`a. In Hawaiian this means fish with a snout like a pig. This trigger fish is also known to make pig-like grunting noises when it is alarmed.

The Plumeria Room

If you’ve visited Kauai before, you may have received a colorful Plumeria flower lei and noticed the heavenly scent of these delicate flowers. This unit is named after Hawaii’s beloved Plumeria flower.

Motel Lili Amenities

Private Entrance
Self Check-In
Keypad
Queen Bed
Lock on Studio door
Bed Linens
Free parking on premises
Dedicated Workspace
WiFi
Washer
Dryer
Hangers
Refrigerator
Dishes & Silverware
Hot water kettle
Shampoo
Essentials
Towels
Long-term stays allowed
Hot Water
Smoke Alarm

Things to know…

Check-in after 3:00 pm
Check-out by 10:00 am

2 Guests Max per Studio
3 Night Minimum stay

No Smoking in studios or near motel. Designated smoking area is streamside near the BBQ area.

About the Area

Nawiliwili, Kauai, Hawaii, United States

This central island location is near Nawiliwili’s small boat harbor and close proximity to Kalapaki Beach (a 10-minute walk), Huleia River, Menehune Fish Ponds, shopping, dining, and the Lihue airport. The Hoary Head and Kipu Mountain Ranges tower in the backdrop of this charming location, where it’s not uncommon to see Peacocks and chickens roaming freely. Kauai Beach Boys beach concession located on Kalapaki Beach offers surf and beach rentals and instruction. Learn how to surf or paddleboard or just rent the gear and experience the fun waves at Kalapaki Bay. Also in close proximity is Da Life Outdoors with Waterfall Rappel and kayak adventures, and sunset boat cruises.

We recommend our friends and industry partners in the above activity links.  Mention you are staying at Motel Lili for a special discount. 

Getting Around

Enjoy the convenient Lihue location (East side), halfway to either side of the island, and the romantic quality of life inspired by simplicity! Perfectly positioned to accommodate exploration of either side of the island. One of the most revered places on earth, Kauai inspires a state of awe within all of us. Brimming with beauty, the oldest inhabitable Hawaiian island has both withstood the test of time and matured into a land of fertile abundance. Lush jungles, white sand beaches, and the alluring ambiance of aloha enchant each moment. Offering adventures, cuisine, and culture, vacationing on Kauai is a dream come true.

Guest Reviews

Kamal’s hotel is in a beautiful country side setup. The unit itself is exactly as described and has everything you need for a comfortable stay and it’s close to some good food trucks and convenient stores in Lihue which is nice.

Prabhu

We absolutely enjoyed our time, a perfectly centered gem that doesn’t break the bank and is very well maintained. Communication was great, arrival was easy all making it easy to kick back, relax and enjoy the beautiful island.

Melissa

I really enjoyed my stay at property. The quietness at night really brought back good memories. The chickens added a beautiful farm life aesthetic and they become like ohana same for the cats! The room was highly spacious for one or more. It was clean and came with all the essentials necessities. I will be returning! Mahalo

Malik

We had a wonderful stay in the chicken room. We loved the large fridge and kitchenette to toast some bagels and have coffee in the morning. The windows on both sides created a really nice constant breeze. The roosters may wake you up, but it’s part of the charm of Kauai! We loved it all, including the sweet Siamese kitty who visited us at our outside table several nights. Excellent communication with the host too.

Tomi

Your Host: Sleiman Kamal

Text Only: 808-639-0770