Ehodes

We (Two families) are going to Kauai for two weeks in December. Having trouble finding good places to stay. We have kind of narrowed it down to the Kiahuna Plantation and the Nihi Kai ?sp.
Any info or encouragement or negatives with those places would be greatly appreciated. Also, are there any beaches on the north shore that time of year that would be protected from big surf so we could swim? We are considering a week on the nort side.
Thanks,
Eric

gocats2002

The Kiahuna Plantation are the only condos that directly on the beach. That said, the Kiahuna Plantation is a big complex with lots of units away from the water. There is a central area with grass and it is a nice arrangement for children. The Kiahuna Plantation is much more expensive than other places, however, comparing size of unit and age. You pay for being at the beach.

There are websites with all of the kiahuna units on them, so you can tell which is which. Different units are managed by different companies and individually, so prices vary and you may be able to get a better deal booking through an individual owner than the major rental agencies. If you go with the Kiahuna Plantation, be sure you understand how far your unit will be from the beach.

We didn't stay at the Kiahuna because of the cost of a two bedroom for the four of us. Instead, we stayed just west of the Sheraton (which shares the beach with the Kiahuna Plantation), a couple of properties, in a new (a few years ago) six unit, two story complex called the Alihi Lani. It had a little pool and was an easy walk to the beach at the Sheraton/Kiahuna. Plus it was directly across the road from the ocean, with an unobstructed view of the water. It is a rocky shore there, with sea turtles. You can find it on the internet too. Our unit was very clean, spacious, nicely furnished and we saved a lot of money.

I think the Nihi Kai is just east of the Kiahuna Plantation a bit, and has a mixture of ages of units and prices. We have friends who stayed there and liked it. I think they got a really good deal there. I'd check on how close it is to the beach, if this is a concern.

Don't know about north shore beaches. It is really lush on the north shore -the tropical paradise of your imagination. But many people prefer the more sunny weather of Poipu, plus it is certainly lovely enough in the south.

You will love it and your really can't go wrong. I look forward to reading other responses to this one!

curmudgeon

If you don't have it, pick up the Ultimate Kauai Guide. Lots of good info, though take it with a grain of salt - like any guidebook. Their website (www.wizardpub.com) has aerial photos of nearly all the condos and hotels.

Different people have different priorities for condos; pool area vs view vs beach access vs furnishings, etc.

ellenbw

We stayed at the Poipu Kapili some years ago and really enjoyed it. It is on the other side of the Sheraton, from the Kiahuna plantation, directly across a small road from the ocean (not the beach). It was a 5 min walk to the beach in front of Kiahuna. We had a very nice 2 bdrm condo - 2 story, 3 baths, almost 2000 sq ft. The master bedroom was also oceanfront. Each are individually owned so they vary in decor and upkeep, but we were really pleased with it.

hmmm

The Poipu Kai, next door to the Hyatt, also has some units on the beach. We stayed there in 1994 and loved it. We rented a very large, well-appointed, one bedroom ocean front unit directly facing and fronting on Shipwreck Beach. Other units fronted on Brennecke Beach.
I understand that there are a few management companies that handle this large property, including Suite Pardise, 1.800.367.8020.

kip

We/ve stayed at Poipu Kai a number of times in the winter. We prefer the Manualoha units which are a short walk to Poipu Beach Park. There are several pools at this property. The Manualoha pool has a beautiful view down to the water. We have rented from private owners that we have located through the back of Hawaii magazine and have rented through Suite Paradise. Our kids are fairly young and we have liked the proximity to the best kids beach, to Brenneke's Beach for boogie boarding, and the huge amount of green space around the units. I think that they are nicer and larger than the Nihi Kai units and the property is certainly better maintained at Nihi Kai. Kiahuna can be great, it's certainly on a great stretch of beach, but some of the units are a lonnnngggg way from the beach and there are fairly small. The prices are highter too. Kiahuna does not have a pool. For families, I'd recommend Poipu Kai, not fancy but nice, well-managed, well-patrolled, on a walking path to the Hyatt and close to the beach.
Re Northshore beaches: it can be a little hit and miss. Ke'e Beach (at the very end of the road) is often swimmable in the winter but we have been there when there is surf crashing over the reef. We have hit incredibly calm days at Hanalei Bay - but have always felt very lucky when this happens. We often call up to the Sheraton at Princeville and ask about the weather and the surf before we head up to the Northshore. Even if the surf is high, it is worth a trip up on a nice day. It is incredibly scenic- actually it's awesomely beautiful and lunch or breakfast at Cafe Hanelei is a treat before heading towards Haena and Ke'e. After years of January Kauai trips, we will be spending the last two weeks of August this year on the Northshore. It will be fun to experience the northshore without big surf. Have a great trip!

kip

Oops, meant to say that Nihi Kai is not as nice a property as Poipu Kai. Nihi Kai has a lot of units packed together in a small space.

BrendaM

Two beaches on the North shore usually calm even in winter and good for swimming are Anini, and Hanelei Bay. I have swum at both in winter and did not see any dangerous conditions. And I am a chicken when it comes to high surf!

gocats2002

The Poipu Kapili, mentioned by Ellenbw, is the property just east of the Alihi Lani. It was more expensive (and luxurious) than the Alihi Lani, but the Alihi Lani was quite nice. I heard it doesn't cater as much to families as some of the other properties, and some of the units are farther from the water. I don't recall it having a pool.
I think Kip is correct about the Poipu Kai. I have heard the same impressions as he expresses from other people.

iceeu2

Why not check out the Marriott's new timeshare in Poipu...Waiohai, I think is how you spell it.
Go to Marriott's Vacation Club website..not sure how much is completed and open, but you know it will be nice and new.
. hang loose

mauitammy

I was just going to suggest the same thing. Check out the Marriott Waiohai on Poipu Beach. They are 2 bedroom villas and are brand new. We will be there one month from today. I will post a trip report when we get back. They look wonderful though!

Ehodes

I tried the Marriott Waiohai and they are sold out during those dates!
Thanks

janeinlaguna

We have stayed twice at Poipu Kai. There are a lot of complexes in this resort and they are all different. We have been very happy in Kahala. You can see the breakers across the lawn, and it is a 5 minute walk (max) to Poipu Beach, which has excellent snorkeling. The swimming pools are well maintained.
I have a friend who is a repeat visitor to Kiahuna and reports it is excellent if you are traveling with teenagers.