Yeah, May is typically the transition month on the north shore, so April is a bit early if you're thinking about snorkeling. I've never been on Kaua'i then, but have gone several times in late summer, when snorkeling's supposed to be good, and still experienced days when ocean swells forced snorkeling closures at some beaches. Don't let that discourage you from visiting the north shore, though. The stunning scenery of Ke'e and Tunnels is in itself enough of a reason. Throw the snorkeling gear in the car, just in case.

If I could ever convince my wife to stay south, I'd push for something like Kiahuna Plantation. If she insisted on a hotel, and I had a pile of money, I'd choose Koa Kea.

There are no guarentees with Kauai surf and sunshine. A couple of days ago a surfer died in Hanalei. A couple of other people drowned the week previous.

today: check out the different web shots to see.
http://www.balihai.com/Blog/kauai-hd-webcam/

I've vistied all times of year. Only time I got completely shut out was one week in December in which we never made it into the water.

If I were to split, I'd do Poipu as a drive to Kapa'a is easy from Hanalei when craving breakfast or a bikeride on the newish path.

I have generally stayed in the south in Poipu at that time of year. Poipu Kapili, or Kiahuna plantation are great for condos. I have also stayed at Whalers Cove. I would stay in the front bldg there. The weather is iffy in the North that time of year and the water is calmer in the south at that time and more sunshine in the south. When it is a beautiful day in the North though, there is nothing like it. Paradise!

We went for a week in mid-May and couldn't snorkel as the surf was too high.

I've been to the south shore in May and couldn't swim let alone snorkle. Like I said, the surf is unpredictable all times of year. Timing is everything. But you can't plan timing. Always wanted to stay at Whalers Cove, and agree with the other Poipu suggestions for a few days to balance your north shore visit.

<<But you can't plan timing.>>

So true. We hit a low pressure system that sat over the island for pretty much the entire week we were there. It was unusual weather for May. The week before we got there...sunshine and calm seas.

Lookin_Glass & kureiff: yes indeed, we plan, God laughs!

22 tango & ellenbw - thanks for your insights and experiences as well !

Many thanks to you all !!

Looks like more lodging/activity research for the South shore is called for. Any other recomendations for lodging/eats
and hiking ?

R5

"We hit a low pressure system that sat over the island for pretty much the entire week.."

Yup, that's why we don't go in May any more. If we ever get a week of rain in August and/or September, we might have to think of picking a different island.

How/why'd you pick Kauai, R5? If snorkeling is high on your list, the Big Island or Maui would be mo bettah.

Check out Songdoc's reports - and he has enjoyed a number of clear/calm days when he stays there in Jan, etc.

It all depends on what storms are blowing in.

I have been there a couple of times in March/April and had great weather - and even when it rains - the Bali Hills hills come alive with waterfalls.

Suggest you plan on half your time north and half south.

And Kauai does have good snorkeling - it all depends on the conditions. We love Ke'e beach at the end of the road - over 7 one lane bridges - past Hanalei town/bay. There is a lifeuard there - and it's mostly reef protected - unless of course, big seas are up.

Mid-island - just south of Kapaa - Lydgate Park also offers good snorkeling - and believe it too has a lifeguard station, and same thing: Usually fine unless big seas are up/high tide, etc.

see: http://www.kauaiexplorer.com/guides/kauai_snorkeling.php

22t-
and we had a blast snorkeling on the BI-stayed in a house across the road from the tidepools-an exceptional experience !
Also on Oahu we had a fine time-wasn't USVI quality, but nice.

We picked Kauai because for the last few months folks around us
have just been going to/returning from Kauai, and all we've been hearing is Kauai this and Kauai that, along with having dreamed about snorkeling at Tunnels & Ke'e, and visiting Waimea- we kinda considered it good omen.

Started trawling for airfares last Friday afternoon and found
a VG deal OAK-LIH. Although we have been collecting Kauai and other destination info info here and there,
this is not the first time we've
chosen to do a trip just from listening to what is going on around us or comes across our path.
Oh those crazy Californians !

Along with other parts of the world-we hope to visit all
the HI islands.


R5

Tomsd-Many thanks !
Have been "following" Songdoc for years...


R5

Tunnels and Ke'e were incredible when I was there in the summer. Not sure what it would be like in April.

Hey andrews98682-
Fingers crossed for a repeat of your good fortune !

R5

I found it hard to believe there is a nicer beach on this planet than Ke'e, and Tunnels was damn close.

I've been to some beautiful beaches in my lifetime, but Ke'e is right up there! It's the surroundings that are so spectacular.

STAY AWAY FROM THAT #ellhole!!!

You'll be sorryyyyyyyyy.

sf-that's what we've heard-love to discover we have
the same experience !

Sorry, Kal-est
We already have an appointment at the Sand Bar-
bar stool #4 is it ?





R5

Anini is a nice beach too, usually one of the calmer ones.