mixmasterj

I'm traveling for the first time to Hawaii the first week of January, 2005. I know it's a busy time (and expensive) but it is a honymoon trip so the timing is pretty important!

We've decided on Kauai partially because we don't really like busy mega-hotels. But we don't want total isolation either. I picked out three places that sounded pretty good. It's so hard to tell from books and websites, though. I'm wondering if anyone has stayed at any of these places or could give me an even better suggestion?

The first place I found was the Kiahuna Plantation, which sounded good because of it's proximity to the beach. But, I've since read a lot of negative stories about the place being run-down, no pool, not private, etc. The next place I found was Whalers Cove, which sounds really nice. The beach seems as though it could be kinda far away - not sure if that's an issue. The third place that sounded pretty good is Gloria's Spouting Horn B&B. I read only good things, but it seems possible that it's kinda remote.

The tickets to Kauai are already booked, so that is for sure. Otherwise, I'm ready to go about anywhere. I would say that our price range would be no more than $500/night. Any suggestions or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. I'm looking forward to posting a review afterwards too!

-j

BrendaM

Hi,
I go to Kauai every winter and stay in the Poipu area, which is the same area where your 3 places are located. Kiahuna Plantation is probabaly the most popular and reasonably priced place of the 3. It is correct that they do not have a pool, but I would not consider it "rundown." Great tropical grounds, and they do have a fantastic beach, shared with the Sheraton hotel which abutts the Kiahuna property. Nice cresent shaped beach with great sand and managable waves. I can't speak about the units as I do not stay there. The Whalers Cove is probabaly the most luxurious condo complex in the area, and I have heard nothing but nice things about it. I have walked nearby, and I am not sure that there is an accessible beach as it sits on a rocky point. However, you are just minutes from the Poipu beaches, so it is not an issue. You definitely need a car anyway, so you can drive to many beaches. I do not know alot about Gloria's, again I have walked past many times. Essentially it is a large house and a B&B. I have read on these boards that it is very nice, and is on the water, but it not on a sandy beach, rocky there. It is on a residential street. Hope this helps some.

pdxgirl

I have stayed at Kiahuna Plantation and thought it was wonderful. Of course, they are condos and many are individually owned so some units may be rundown and others beautiful. I though I read they had renovated their pool (which is across the road at the tennis club), but I may be wrong about that. The beach at Kiahuna is beautiful.

My sister stayed at Gloria's for her honeymoon and loved it. I don't know what you consider "isolated." Gloria's is probably a 5 minute drive to Kiahuna Plantation and the shops and restaurants in Poipu.

Suzie

I have stayed at Whalers Cove in unit 123. This means building 1, floor 2, unit 3. Building 1 faces the ocean with nothing in front of it. Building 2 faces the ocean but the view to the right is obstructed by building 1 and the pool sits between it and the ocean. The lanais are enormous. They are very deep and they are the length of the living room and master bedroom. Plenty of space for dining and lounging. The pool is right on the ocean and has that endles rim effect where there is no lip on teh deck. Nice lounge chairs for pool use. There are also gas BBQs available near the pool area. The place is really quiet and the units are very spacious and nice.

Stairs lead down to the water where you an snorkel. There is no sandy beach on site but if there was you'd never leave.

We used Suite Paradise for booking and we asked for building 1 and floor 2. Though they didn't make any promises they were obvioulsy able to accomodate our request. It was Sept.

amyc

My husband and I honeymooned in Kauai last year and LOVED it. We stayed at the Hyatt and at Kiahuna Platation. The Kiahuna has a great location and a wonderful beach - you can't beat it. The condo we stayed in was a clean one-bedroom. I wouldn't say it was "run down" at all. Our condo was nice, just basic and nothing super-luxe or anything like that. I would go back in a minute. Have fun!

kikahead

We stayed at the Kiahuna during your exact time in 2004. We rented through vrbo.com and could not of been happier.

There is a pool (small--mainly for kids) across the street at the tennis club. You also have access to the tennis courts. We loved walking 30 seconds to the beach and sitting on the Lanai looking at the ocean. We had a 2 bedroom and paid around $300 a night including taxes.

Our condo was very nice, very clean. The kitchen was fully stocked including items like a garlic press (again since it is individual owners this is subjective). There are gas grills onsite which was perfect for a couple of meals at home.

Travelermebe

Congratulations on your nuptials. We have stayed at Kiahuna Plantation several times. We always get a two bedroom, two story unit with at least a partial ocean view. These units have balconies on both floors. We've never been in one that was run down. In fact all have been very nicely decorated. We love the place. The beach is great, the grounds are well kept. There is a very good restaurant right on site, Plantation Gardens. You can walk across the street to the shopping center to eat at Roys or up the road at Joes on the Green. There is also a tennis club available if that is your interest. The Hyatt is just down the street if you want to have dinner at Tidepools. Have a great honeymoon.

mixmasterj

Thank you so much for the replies! It is certainly nerve-racking to plan a once-in-a-lifetime event, spend a ton of money and head to a new, unfamiliar location. It is so amazing to have the advice of the experienced travelers here in this forum.

After reading comments and more reviews, we just reserved an oceanfront room at Whalers Cove. It seems perhaps a bit more secluded, although still close enough to everything. Seems perfect for a honeymoon. I was kinda leaning that direction, but I wanted to make sure I wasn't being suckered by marketing materials. I have not read one single bad thing about the place, so that helps to ease my mind.

I was really seriously considering Kiahuna as well. It seems like an awesome place to stay for a saavy traveler who knows which units are the best. But, reading some reviews, there seems to be some less desireable areas too. I made some phone inquiries, but nobody wanted to flat-out tell me that I am right ON the beach. They would only say "ocean view" or whatever. I got paranoid that we would wind up facing the beach (as advertised) but be really far away. I'm curious to see for myself, though. I'm sure it is all absolutely beautiful.

I'm really excited and can't wait to see all these places that I've been reading about!

Thanks again,
J