jewelsgreen

We will be traveling 12/30-1/7/17 (with a few flexible days either direction) We have 7 adults and a 5 1/2 month old. Parents (me & Hubs) are early 50's the rest range from 25-31. We are looking for a place we can all gather, cook, hang out, whether its one large home or a few condo's (5 bedrooms) We want beach front property as well as a pool, walking to local spots, sporting equipment available would be excellent, healthy and decedent food choices. (we will have a rental car if needed). lodging needs to be baby friendly so we do not ruin someone else's vacay. We enjoy outdoor sports and adventures of all kind, but want our beach sandy and warm with calm waters and available shade. Night life is not high on our priority list except to dine out a few times we're there. We're looking for that wonderful relaxed atmosphere and Hawaiian tranquility!

My budget for lodging for all is 10-12K but if there's something that is a bit more that is absolutely amazing, I would go higher.

Any suggestions?
Jewels

jewelsgreen

Sorry, we need 4 bedrooms.

vincenzo32951

Take a look at the Cliffs in Princeville.

NorCal_Jo

I'd suggest you take a look at VRBO to get ideas for 4 bdrm houses. Generally for lodging Kauai is divided into South Shore (Poipu, Old Koloa town); North Shore (Hanalei, Princeville, Kilauea); East (with the "cities" of Kapa'a and then Lihue).

We did a similar family trip and stayed in condos up near Princeville. We loved it as Hanalei is a cute village and we had a great mix of activities (beach at Hanalei Bay, Na Pali coast trail, kayaking in the river, golf, etc). Personally, I love the North Shore as the views of the Bali Hai mountains and lushness is amazing but beware that the North shore can be more rainy than the South shore. We never minded a bit of rain and just drove to Poipu for a day trip but keep this in mind if maximum sun is a big factor for you.

South - Poipu doesn't have the same village feel as Hanalai but is also very nice and some people prefer due to more consistently dry climate. Likely some good condos/houses to rent. I have visited on day trips or on way to West side but not stayed here.

East - My least favorite - mostly because more traffic (it's all relative of course as not many people on Kauai) and not as quaint IMO but there are some good condo options near Kapaa. I've stayed here but still prefer North Shore.

Hope this helps!

rncheryl

We rented this beautiful property last April, 8 adults. No pool on property, but there is one in the community. The owner is a delight to work with.

http://www.surfsongkauai.com/

Kathie

I'm apparently the only Fodorite who doesn't like Princeville. It's on a cliff high above the sea, so great views, but difficult access to the beach. We always stay at Poipu where we can walk right out onto the beach. There are lots of condos in the Poipu area that you can rent.

jewelsgreen

Thank you all for your help! I am wondering about calm waters during our travel dates. Has anyone been to Kauai durning New Years? Which beach is the calmest?

Jewels

ellenbw

Look into Poipu Kapili - I think the South Shore has much more chance of sunny weather in the winter. Of course you are choosing a really popular time. Poipu Kapili has 2 brdrm 3 bath townhomes that are quite large with ocean views but not beachfront. You could rent 2 of them. It is a 5 minute walk to Poipu Beach. I would also check out Kiahuna Plantation which is directly on Poipu Beach. I think you would need to rent 2 of these units as well. Whalers Cove is another nice option, oceanfront, but not as close to Poipu Beach. lovely though and all 3 are very close to a number of restaurants.

Kathie

The waters will be calmer on the south shore than the north shore at that time of the year.

nanabee

I love the North Shore because of the green, beautiful, lush mountains, waterfalls and rainbows. The beaches are beautiful but if you plan to spend as lot of time swimming and relaxing in the ocean at the beach the waves are calmer on the south shore. However, it is a small island and you could easily do day trips to Hanalei, and other North Shore spots.

sharona

My family stayed in a 3 bedroom/3 bathroom villa in Poipu this summer. It was quite nice and had its own pool. We were within easy walking distance of 2 beaches. After my extended family left my husband and I moved up to Princeville for a few days. Both the north shore and the south shore have their charms but the weather was certainly better on the south shore.

We rented through Parrish Collection Kauai and were pleased with the experience: http://www.parrishkauai.com

JeffatTheShore

Jewels, check out Poipu area, where there are beach condos and likely good weather. Kapa'a will have some rentals as well, and you're near beaches and a central location for exploring. Agree with the others that Princeville could be quite rainy in the winter.