Suzette85

We are going to Kauai for a week in August then to Maui. Currently have a reservation at the Marriott Waiohai using Marriott points (about 220k!) and an Interval exchange just came through at the Lagoons. If we move to the Lagoons we save the 220k points.

As I understand it, the Lagoons are on a bluff, no beach and near the airport. Waiohai is on the beach. We have 2 teenage sons and really like to go to the beach.

I am torn to save the Marriott points for another vacation, but don't know if I want to give up the beach location. Any thoguhts greatly appreciated.

In Maui we stay at the Marriott Ocean Club (Lahina Villas) and really enjoy the proximity to the ocean. This is our 4th trip with the kids to Hawaii, first time to Kauai. We come from the East coast, so it is a very long journey.

Also, any cool must do's in Kauai are appreciated. Mahalo!

iceeu2

Oh wow, we have stayed at the Marriott Waiohai and liked it very much. Yes, it's right on Poipu beach. As far as the Lagoons, they are brand spanking new and appear to be just beautiful. However, we have never stayed there. We have stayed next door at the Marriott(in their timeshare part), and loved staying on the Kalapaki Bay, plus the location is a great central location to go north or south for the day. What a wonderful problem to have. Just wish I could be more help.

Must dos on Kauai....Waimea Canyon is a definite must do!

Going back and reading your post...I would definitely save the Marriott points for another vacation and pay the exchange fee to stay in the beautiful Lagoons!

Have a wonderful time!

sf7307

We've also stayed at Waiohai, and in the hotel portion at the Marriott in Lihue. I'd choose the Waiohai hands-down. First, it's got gorgeous grounds, second, it's on a very good beach and near some great beaches (fronting Kiahuna, Poipu, etc), third, I am not a fan of man-made lagoon beaching (just seems fundamentally "wrong" somehow), fourth, the view from the beach at the lagoons is not appealing, fifth, I don't like the location of the Lihue Marriott (other than it being central). Lastly, and this doesn't affect you as the timeshares are new, but we thought the hotel was in great need of being "refreshed" and, unlike a lot of posters, we weren't enameled of the pool.

iceeu2

Different strokes for different folks!!

wekewoody

I got a really good view of Lagoons from the plane as we flew in this week. That would be reason enough not for me to stay there. But, as icee says, "different strokes..."

toncasmo

the lagoons is new right? not same as marriott that's on the bay correct?

Suzette85

Thanks all. This is helpful. What are the beaches like at the Waiohai? Is it as close as Kaanapali in Maui?

iceeu2

The beaches are nice at The Waiohai and you are literally right next to Poipu beach. We had a parking lot view, but our room was nice.

iceeu2

Right ton, the lagoons is new. I should think you could use the pool and beach at The Kauai Marriott????

Rastaguytoday

Your sons should be glad to know there's a clothing optional beach not far from the Waiohai.

Nice hotel, pretty lame area, if you ask me.

Best body surfing is much further north, around Fleming Park.

wekewoody

There's a nude beach in Poipu? Where?

iceeu2

Where is Fleming Park?

wekewoody

Who's on first...

Lookin_Glass

Fleming Park used to be adjacent to The Ritz on another island, but it was recently reported that the Ritz no longer has a beach, so maybe they moved it to Kauai?

Suzette85

Thanks all - especially the nide beach tip. I am pretty sure Fleming Park is in Maui.

If there is one the 15 year-old will find it and I will have him do a trip report

Lookin_Glass

I've only witnessed nudity at Sealodge Beach and Donkey Beach. (I apologize for not looking up their proper names)

wekewoody

L_G...you funny.

sf7307

The lagoons timeshares are new but they share the same overall property as the "Marriott on the bay".

Suzette, as close to what?

iceeu2

Count me as one the ones who loves the pool at the Kauai Marriott. I also love sitting under the shade on the beach at Kalapaki Bay and watching the world go by. Plus, you can do a hop skip over to Kalapaki Beach Hut and lay on some good grub. Now with that said, on our last trip over in March, we didn't even go near that area.

ChiSue

"Little Beach" in South Maui is clothing optional. You access it from "Big Beach" (Makena).