Hi Susan
I was there for the last 8 days of this past April. I don't know much about the 2 resorts you mention aside from I drove by the HBR and they looked very nice. We had great weather. Only a few sprinkles here and there. I know Kapa'a is a lot more congested than the north shore. Kind of busy there, but kids may enjoy it there. No matter where you choose you'll have a ball.

I would rule out the North Shore that time of year and would shoot for Poipu. There are many sights in Western Kauai that are quite comparable in beauty to the North Shore. It's just those razor back kalalau and the lack of a navigable road that keep you from being connected to the north shore (up in the Northwestern side). You will see similarities in the landscape. Some very special hiking, fun for kids also. Our kids want to go back and do the Kahala trail again, very easy and beautiful surroundings more of a stroll than an actual hike. A stroll that takes 3 hours though.

Stay in Poipu (South) where it is sunny then drive up to places like, Kokee National Park, the National gardens, Alakai swamp (we took kids last year)(although this being the wettest spot on earth it is iffy if it will be dry enough for a stroll in April), Waimea Canyon, Kalalau lookout. Kapaa is a bargain and great for families but you do need to drive more than if you park yourself at Southern or Northern shores. When you stay at one place at least some of your time is spent staying local which I appreciate.

I use to stay in Kapaa and just found myself driving each day to either side of the island.

kids will also love lydgate state park (not far from Kapaa), great place for beginner snorklers

I would recommend Poipu for more chance of good weather.. We were in Kaui this March and it poured rain most of the time we were there. And it ruined our vacation- had to stay in room most of the time. when the sun returned it was BEAUTIFUL! We can recommend Nihi Kai 2 bedr.condos in Poipu.

Cass, Sounds like you spend a lot of time in the car even tho you're "Parked in Poipu"? Sounds like the title of a good paperback? ;^D
I can't think of a better place to drive around, especially if you're in a convertible!

Susan, If this is the first trip to Kauai, you will probably be doing a lot of touring anyway so Kapaa is a good mid-point. Plus Lae Nani is located within walking distance to a few inexpensvie family restaurants, Coconut Marketplace (movie theater-In case it's raining all over the island) and Safeway/Foodland grocery stores.

The beach at the LNani is more lava cap but up near Al & Don's restaurant they give surfing lessons and you're just across the Wailua River from Lydgate where they have some safe snorkeling for the young ones.
You are only minutes away from one of the under-rated hikes on Kauai, The Sleeping Giant Mtn. You can take the long way or drive around back and hike up his backside. Great 360 degree views.

Like my bragh Jay says,...no matter what-you'll have a ball.

Jay-Final trip report yet? Have I missed it or do you have the "I wanna go back to Kauai-don't wanna work" blues?
Kal
227

Hi Kal I do get in a lot of driving but not as much as if I were in Kapaa. I don't actually stay in Poipu, I am usually up on the North Shore. Still both sides tug on me each trip. That is why I like staying at one end so there is less travel. Although Kal does point out some of the reasons why Kappa is ideal for families. If nothing else, you can pop out to an arcade or rent some videos, there are a lot of conveniences near Kapaa. Noone looks to plant themselves near these places but we found on our drives past Kapaa and Lihue that these places were handy with kids if you bump into rain or just want a break in outdoor activities. Don’t get me wrong our kids would sleep with their snorkel/hiking boots if we let him but arcades/movies/fastfood can be fun for kids too. Those of us on the North Shore rent our videos for the week and then return. Just think that all important sun might be less of a risk. BTW I think poipu has many of family conveniences I spoke of in Kapaa.

I guest Jay said it best you will be happy most anywhere on Kauai.

meant to sun sun factor would be less of a risk in Poipu

Two good friends visited Kauai recently with their kids and both stayed at the Lae Nani. They were both pleased with it and the location.

We went in Sept and stayed in Poipu. I think the real bottom line is that Kauai is so beautiful that you really can not go wrong. We visited the North Shore one day for a sail and some snorkeling and thought it was very beautiful. We also thought that Waimea was beautiful as was much of the west side. We had a convertible so we didn't care if we were driving.

Who am I kiddin'?...If you really get into the "island style", you think driving from Kapaa to Brick Oven Pizza in Kalaheo is a "long way"!
Mucho Mals!
Kal

Hi Kal
Sorry I haven't posted a final trip report yet....I guess you can say "I have the I don't want to work and wanna go back to Kaua'i blues"...excellent description by the way. I have the pictures on my screen saver and everytime I see them I can just imagine myself there.....You are so right Kal....it's a very nice place to drive around.

ps....I'll get that trip report out soon.

Jay I notice you on these different threads trying to wave to Kal you will catch him soon! Kal you have the name of that theatre in Kapaa. I did not know about that thought there was one in Lihue but did not know about Kapaa. Do the releases look current?

Alohaaaaa,
REun factor...Use a #30SPF minimum! No matter when ya go! Maybe higher for kids!

JayT, I've been back since 1-16 and I'm STILL singing the blues!

Sarah, I believe it's called the Coconut Marketplace Cinemas.
There all also theaters in Lihue across from the Kukui Grove shopping Center.
First run movies at these 2 places from what I recall.
We always joke about actually seeing a movie over there once. Still haven't in 10 trips even tho it's only around 200yds away from our hotel.

Here is a list of movie houses on Kauai I found:
Coconut Marketplace Cinemas Coconut Marketplace Kapaa, HI (808) 821-2324

Hawaii Children's Theater 5726 Noni St Kapaa, HI (808) 821-7827

Kauai International Theatre 4-831 Kuhio Hwy # 428 Kapaa, HI (808) 821-1588

Kilauea Theater & Community 2490 Keneke St Kilauea, HI (808) 828-0438

Kukui Grove 4 Cinemas 4368 Kukui Grove St Lihue, HI (808) 245-5055

Waimea Theatre 9691 Kaumualii Hwy Waimea, HI (808) 338-0282

We like to "leave something to come back to", so one time we will see a movie over there?!
We may try the ultra-light flights next trip. And the ATV tour, again. And maybe more golf....heh heh heh.
Kal

Wow so close to Hanalei thanks Kal you really do find stuff on each trip! How did you find that so quickly. Did you go to that Kauai world site you were talking about on another thread? Thinking about ordering that 101 things to do on Kauai magazine just to have a heads up before I go of all that I might be missing. Anybody use this before getting there?