Hi all, this is a tangent off the earlier post about the best spot on Kauai for a family in December. We are planning a family trip to celebrate a milestone with grandparents and kids, ages 11 to 16.
We are most interested on the north shore but I'm mindful of the likely rougher waters and the potential for more rain. At this point we are looking at a few houses - two are near Anini Beach and one is in Hanalei town. I'm wondering if anyone has any thoughts on which spots might be best for older folks/teens. The grandparents like to walk - is it too hilly around Anini? What are the paths like down to the beach? The grandparents are in good shape but wouldn't do too well on a steep rocky path. Is it possible to walk along the beach for a while?
Also, I read that Anini beach can be calm even in winter but it looks like it is unguarded.
Would Hanalei Bay be better for the kids - all strong swimmers - because it is guarded? If the waves are high, are there any places near Hanalei or Anini where we could potentially swim/boogie board?
Are there other locations on the north shore we should consider as more suitable?
Thank you very much for your thoughts.
Kauai in December with grandparents and teens - best location?
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One point to consider btw the two areas - in Hanalei you can probably walk to the beach, restaurants and shops. In Anini, you cam walk to the beach but have to drive to shopping and food.
Unfortunately, I don't think you can have your cake and eat it too. We stayed near Tunnels Beach in mid-September of 2011, and even that early into the fall, there were a couple days when the beaches were closed due to ocean swells. Because if it's reef, Anini is better protected, which means it might be okay for swimming, but not much else. This is all to say that, if water activities/fun is important to you, best to stay south around Poipu in December. If you're set on staying north, I'd pick Hanalei over Anini, which is too remote. You might also consider something in the Haena area.
December is a good time to stay south on Kauai, Oahu and to some extent on Maui (not Kapalua, Napili -- or Hana). On Big Island, Hilo will also be wet. In winter the oceans are calmer south too.
If you want to stay north on Kauai, come in summer.
You might all find more to do on Maui.
Thanks everyone. I think we're going to take our chances with one of the houses near Anini - I would have preferred Hanalei but was outvoted by others in our group. Will certainly report back about our experience.
Just make sure it is a legal rental, Anini is not a Visitor Designated Area, if the landlord or rental agency cannot supply you with a TVR (permit outside VDAs) drop it like a hot potato. There are legal rentals on Anini, just make sure yours is one of them.
Once you get to Anini (ir'a great - and the homes are basically beach level. Princeville - is on top of the plateau - above Anina, and then the road descends to Hanalei town/bay.
Anini has a wonderful park and it's a great place to walk. Took a wind surfing lesson there once. It is reef protected - but be careful on the right side? - where the river comes out? - as that can create a current going out to sea.
If you have a house - you can enjoy some nice meals at home - picking up say fruit and fresh fish, whatever.
And if it rains - afterwards - drive up to the top - and see the many waterfalls along the Bali Hai view/mountains.
Also - in Hanalei town - is our favorite fish place - The Dolphin - http://www.hanaleidolphin.com/index.htm and in Kilealua - is a great bakery. http://kilaueabakery.wordpress.com/
There is also a Foodland? grocery store in the Princeville shopping center http://princevillecenter.com/ - and a fun little shopping center in Hanalei Town - Ching Yeung. http://www.gohawaii.com/kauai/regions-neighborhoods/north-shore/hanalei-town
At the start - that's supposed to read: Once you get to Anini (and it's not that far from the main road) -
BTW - at the end of the road heading beyond Hanalei - over 7 one lane bridges (wait to make sure it's clear before you head across the bridges) - is our favorite beach - Ke'e.
If it's a calm day - it's good for snorkeling (also reef protected - but on the left - there is an opening going out to sea) - and you can also see magnificent sunsets from there. http://tinyurl.com/ad22bb2
Believe there is usually a lifeguard there.
Thanks so much, Tomsd! So much to look forward to. Also, our rental is definitely legal so we're good on that score.
Have a blast. Kauai is our favorite - especially the North Shore - but we love all the islands - including 1-A - the Big Island.
Do try to get over to see the "Grand Canyon" of the Pacific - as Mark Twain called Waimea Canyon, an hour and a half or so from the North Shore - but worth it.
If you're feeling flush - a helicopter ride is also a treat.
If you pick the Hanalei area, hopefully they will have fixed the landlside area that keeps taking the road out right before the Hanalei Stream Bridge, the main bridge into/out of Hanalei
We heard it gave way again last week while they were working on it.
Hi txtree,
In a previous post you mentioned that you and your children wanted a more exciting ocean experience. Please read about the most recent deaths on Kauai. Now matter how rosy a picture some who post here may paint, it can be a dangerous place and is not to be toyed with.
http://thegardenisland.com/news/local/one-body-recovered-after-high-surf-sweeps-men-to-sea/article_3fdc6dec-62cf-11e2-965d-001a4bcf887a.html
hi wekewoody, i will certainly be mindful of conditions and safety. i lived in hawaii when i was a kid and am well aware of how dangerous the ocean can be. still, always good to be reminded.
aloha...benefits of each location have been batted around nicely looks like. Dollar savvy guests like the ocean front homes of Anini(punch up serenity or Nakea homes online...really great local style fishing homes upgraded into vacation rentals =legal)) compared to the similiar ones on the shoreline of Hanalei(hanalei land company owns/runs the ones right on the bay...). The ease of walking to the bay and town of Hanalei is the main selling point for many. All ages thrive in every activity from sunset walk along the shore to renting boards right by the pier. You are coming in the middle of high surf season for us yet plenty of places to play...rent kayaks/SUP/one man canoes and journey up the Hanalei river... go hang out at "local"Lumahai beach by the river(NOT the one first found after leaving Hanalei...) away from the pounding shoreline~ high surf warning closed many beaches (Ke'e/Haena/Y camp/tourist Lumahai)so all the families on last sunny Sunday gathered there by the sand bar next to river with their kids to play away from danger. Anini is shelter by the largest continuing reef in the islands and affords pretty decent snorkeling if not too churned up or murky. HOWEVER...as stated above and reiterated by all, our ocean has claimed lives. Warnings posted, life guards, TV ads...all do our best to prevent more deaths from drowning. Two friends horribly lost their lives this week by venturing out onto a plateau overlooking rugged Ka Pukamoi lava ponds...the long lulls during a huge swell made it appear that it was safe. We fish and dive that spot in the summer and small tradewind swells keep us on our toes. The tragic outcome didn't have to happen. Anini is safe as long as you keep vigilant. Don't snorkel in the channel by Anini stream side, end of the road if high surf; stay close to shore.
side note...Road work always ongoing...Kalihiwai bridge is shut down past few days periodically for rock removal and Hanalei bridge slope retainment is almost complete after almost a year. No worries...just come have fun!