travel_12

Hi,

We have got very useful tips from this forum for our trips in the past - thank you!
We are traveling to Kauai during Nov end/early Dec for about a week. We have a 2 year old. I have always wanted to visit Hawaii, and by many accounts Kauai seems like a good choice. However, that is the only time we can take a week off, and it seems to be rain, rain and rain in Kauai
- Where should we stay - north or south of the island if we wanted to avoid rain?
- Any recommendations on budget, but clean condos? (we are getting the Westin princeville at a discounted rate)

Thanks again!

Kal

We just got back from Kauai 6-11 and it rained too.
So, as I always say about that beautiful island...You pays yer money...you takes yer chances.

Worth the risk IMHO.

Rule of thumb on Kauai tho is South shore (Poipu) in the Winter....Princeville in the Summer.

Since I'm a Coconut Coast guy, I'll leave the condo recs to others.

Songdoc

I always stay on the North Shore (Princeville). For me, that's paradise. It can rain a lot -- but more often the rain is at night -- or intermittent showers.

I spent three weeks there mid-Jan. thru early February -- and had GORGEOUS weather. The previous year, during that same period, I had a lot of rain -- including several stretches of 3 or 4-day periods of solid rain.

Poipu tends to be sunnier (and hotter), but it's not my favorite place in Kauai. To me, it's more "generic beach resort" than the way I feel at Hanalei Bay, Ke'e Beach, or Tunnels on the North Shore.

For condos, I use VRBO & www.kauai-vacations-ahh.com. I love Sealodge (Princeville). I'm addicted.

montereybob

There is no way to predict Hawaiian weather months in advance. It's too variable with too many surprises. But if you like to play the odds, there will be a greater probability of sunny days in the Poipu area of Kauai than on the north side. But, rain or no rain Kauai is a must see paradise.

travel_12

Thank you!
Is it too risky for us to stay in the north coast and drive to Poipu if the weather is iffy in the north? How bad is traffic/roads if it rains in the north and how long would it take to get to Poipu?
A rainy day or two in a week is okay, but I'm afraid we will get rained out the whole week. I would much prefer to look at the weather forecast and then spend all this money, but its impossible to do around the holiday weekends.
If its not too bad a drive from north to south, and if the north is pretty, I will look at condos there. Thanks for the info on Sealodge. Any other suggestions?

Paul

Kal - I've been watching the weather and knowing you were on your fav little island. I've been noticing rain, rain and more rain. I'll be there soon myself, for my first visit. Staying in the Kapaa area and reading about what to do - where to go. And yes, worrying about all of the rain. Thanks for your regular comments.

montereybob

No, it is not too risky. The roads are good rain or shine. About an hour drive from north to south. Also don't forget to visit the west side of the island which has the beautiful Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Park. On a sunny day, I would highly recommend the helicopter tour of the island. It's expensive but worth every penny. It's truly an awesome experience.

Songdoc

In my experience, the Kauai weather reports are misleading. During my most recent 20 days of beautiful weather on the North Shore, rain or showers were predicted almost every day when I looked online.

Some days, that meant it rained in the middle of the night; other days there were a few barely noticeable sprinkles for 10 minutes; or a 20 - 30 minute shower. But to look at the weather report online, I would have thought it was going to pour all day every day.

I agree that you could -- and should -- drive to the West and South anyway. Waimea Canyon & Koke'e State Park (with the Kalalau Lookout) should not be missed. I've been there at times when it was pouring -- and twenty minutes later the sun was shining over a double rainbow!

Enjoy. I'll be there in two days!!!

travel_12

Thanks a bunch! I will look for resorts on the north coast, and drive down to Poipu when it rains in the north.

Shar

there usually wil be rain on Kauai at some point during the day or night We have been there 12 times at different times of the year including winter and have never been rained out. I guess the rain gods smiled on us all those time. Our last trip in February brought the wildest thunder and lightening storm I have ever seen. talked with people who live there and it seemed to be unusual. However, that night there was the most awesome sunset ever. Don't let it stop you from enjoying the most beautiful island. Just know that there will be some rain.