dandy93

Coming to Kauai and so excited! In the very early stages of planning a June 2013 trip for our family of four. We are coming from North Carolina and expect our airfare to be pretty expensive. Because of the expense of the flight, we need to have cheaper accommodations. I have found several in Princeville, at Alii Kai and Sealodge, that will do very nicely, except that none of units have air conditioning. Have read that A/C isnt necessary on Kauai, but still worry that it will be hot, especially while sleeping at night. My husband finds it hard to believe that its not needed. Has anyone had an experience in the summer staying in a non A/C unit and wishing that they had opted for a place with air? Is it safe to leave windows open during the day to keep the breeze circulating? Thanks for the help!

Yurtgrl

My husband and I rented a place on Kauai in August a few years ago. It did not have air conditioning but was just a few blocks from the beach and the sea breeze was enough. Most places have ceiling fans that circulate air. Unless you have difficulty breathing when it gets hot I think you'll be fine. I never found it as sizzling as the American South can get.

louistraveler5

My husband & I have to been to Kauai three times and always stay at the Sealodge. We are actually going this September for our fourth trip!

Our last trip we were there from May 28-June 4, 2011. We did NOT have A/C and did NOT wish we had it.

We were out all day, every day so it didn't matter then. In the evening, we had the sliding glass door open to the lanai with the screen kept closed and all the other windows were open for the cool breezes to come through which they did. At bedtime we closed everything except leaving the bedroom window open (the glass open; screen protected). Also the condo had two oscillating fans that we used. We mainly used those for noise because neither one of us can sleep without a fan noise. We slept comfortably with the 70 something temperature, bedroom window open, and fan.

It is completely safe to leave the windows open. We never felt anything but safe.

Which Sealodge unit are you considering?

louistraveler5

I just read your post again which I noticed you asked about leaving the windows open during the day.
I know the Sealodge asks you not to leave windows open during the day if you are going to be out because if a sudden rain storm hits then the condo will get wet through the open windows.

mouseRD

Honestly, we were very glad to have AC in June even though it was not really very hot compared to here in SC; it was sticky feeling & my husband really needs it cool to sleep.

We spent 4 nights in a condo at Hanalei Bay Resort in Princeville & had AC in both the bedroom & main living area; we loved sitting out on our lanai & found it pleasant, but my husband always sleeps better w/ AC. The condo we stayed in was on the Summit Pacific website & managed by Regency Pacific Realty. They were able to work out an affordable price for us with the owner.

sf7307

Ditto what mouseRD said. If you can comfortably sleep in a room where the temp is in the 70s, then it probably isn't necessary. I like the temp to be around 66 or 67 year-round, so I need the AC.

dandy93

Thanks so much yurtgrl,louistraveler5 and mouseRD for your opinions and info! Not sure what we will do yet but I do have some time before I have to decide. Which leads me to another question: How much time do I have before I need to make reservations? Don't want to make a too quick decision but also don't want to miss out on our first choices for accommodations! Know I need to at least wait til I can get some airfare dates.

louistraveler5-not sure which exact unit yet, would prefer a 2 bedroom? Any advice? Keep seeing a J building but dont see it listed on the aerial shot. Do you know where its located?

Want this to be a relaxing,fun time for my family! We will be celebrating a 20 year anniversary and a 16th and a 13th birthday while there!

dandy93

Thank you sf7307! The comment you made "If you can comfortably sleep in a room where the temp is in the 70s,then it probably isn't necessary" definitely got me to think about what temp we find most comfortable which is 75 in my house. We live in NC and have been having horrible heat, so the idea of NO air kind of freaks me out, but maybe ok at night with ceiling fans and windows open. Will consider! The stress of it all... trying to find the perfect place for us to stay in paradise!

louistraveler5

I also have seen many 'J' condos but realized that I haven't seen it on the aerial shot. I think there is a Sealodge II where the 'J' would be located. The website I use, Hestara, has many J units available so you could email and ask where that building is located.

First, you must get this book: http://www.amazon.com/The-Ultimate-K...auai+guidebook

Condos:
Our first trip in May 2007 we stayed in the D7 at the Sealodge which did have a/c. It was rare but this one condo did have it. I looked on the site and it does not mention a/c so they may have done away with it. You can always email and ask. It is a two bedroom but the second bedroom has a queen bed and I don't know if your kids will be willing to share. It is a great condo and the price is only $140 a night! The 'D' unit has some of the best views. http://www.summitpacificinc.com/sealodge-d7.html

Hestara: http://www.hestara.com/listings.htm
This is who I've used to book the last two times we have gone to Kauai. There are a few two bedrooms listed on this site. Hestara asks for $250 upfront to reserve and the remainder is not due until 30 before your trip. If you have the money and find the condo you want I say go for it when comes to booking. I'm not sure how summit pacific makes reservations and its been five years since we used them so I don't remember. It may only require one night charge to book it so if that's all it took then I would book it.

As far as flights: I don't know where you live in North Carolina but assuming you would be using the Charlotte International Airport, I would recommend the US Airways flight. I checked it and the flight is Charlotte to Phoenix then Phoenix to Lihue. The same returning home. It would be the best as direct as can be flight. For a June trip, I would buy tickets in Feb/Mar.

You must take the kids boogie boarding (body surfing, whatever you prefer to call it) at Brennecke's Beach on the south shore. http://www.flickr.com/photos/nj_dodge/1428063703/ (Not my picture; borrowed from flickr). This beach is made for boogie boarding, just perfect for it. My husband & I love this beach and go every trip! Most condos have boogie boards to use but if you need to rent the best place is Snorkel Bob's in Kapa'a or Koloa. http://www.snorkelbob.com/cgi-local/...193+1341954732

I'm a Kauai addict so if you have any more questions or want more tips just ask!

Brian_in_Charlotte

I'm also in NC and don't turn our AC below 75 when sleeping and were glad we had AC in our condo's bedroom when we were in Kauai in Feb a few years ago. While we could have gotten cross breezes, it was very wet when we were there and there's a big difference between 75 and humid and 75 with the AC on.

But perhaps it's not as wet/humid in June as in Feb?

dandy93

louistraveler5-thanks so much for all the info! Will read all the links you sent. Gonna check on tha Sealodge with a/c, would love it if it still existed! This is a big trip for us and I really appreciate any help and guidance from "Kauai addicts"! Didnt realize it until a few minutes ago but you are the author of a Kauai trip report that I read last night! Loved it! Especially enjoyed reading about your new love affair with the beach bike! As I plan I know I will have more questions, especially about beaches and hikes! Thanks again!

Brian in Charlotte- Humidity is probably a big concern of mine, that stickiness you feel after being outside in NC for only a few minutes. Not sure about Kauai's humidity either, but know it will rain at some point. Definitely rethinking the whole a/c thing. Thanks for your input!

louistraveler5

I don't feel the same way that mouseRD and Brian_n_Charlotte do about the humidity. I have been to Hawaii four times and the air has never felt sticky nor thick.
I must say, though, I am from Texas. I live in Austin and when I was a kid southeast Texas (Beaumont area) so anything will feel better than the humidity in Texas! Although, being from Texas I can tell when it is in the air and I can assure you I have never felt that way in Hawaii.

I usually check the Fodor's board daily so anytime you have a question or want tips, I'll share!

tileaftilly

It sounds like you're already sold on Sealodge, but I would take a look at the some of the units listed here for Hanalei Bay resort. I think the location is superior to Sealodge, there is a/c, and depending on the unit, you could have a full on view of Hanalei Bay which is pretty awesome. You didn't mention your budget, so this might be a shot in the dark.

http://www.summitpacificinc.com/hanalei_bay_resort.html

dandy93

Definitely haven't decided on anything yet. But price is a major issue. Our budget for accommodations is around $3000 but we are planning on staying for 12-14 days. Being under budget would be a great! We are looking for ocean views ,2 bedrooms, and a nice size lanai. Looks like Sealodge has really great views but looks like the lanai may be smaller? View and price is making Sealodge more and more attractive! I did look at Hanalei Bay Resort. MouseRD mentioned them also. HBR has some one bedrooms with a loft that might work. It will be on the high end of our budget.
tileaftilly,mouseRD and anyone-have you stayed at HBR and if so what unit? positives and negatives about the property?
Positives and negatives about Sealodge?

tileaftilly

We visited friends who were staying in a unit at HBR. I don't remember which one it was, but it was lower down in the complex and in front and had a great view of the Bay. Theirs was a 2 bedroom. It had one large lanai off the living room and smaller one off one of the bedrooms. The unit was of good size and is what I would call a typical condo configuration. The furnishings were fine, but you could tell it had not been updated in a few years. HBR steps its way down the slope of the cliff down to Hanalei Bay and it not built on top of the cliff like other ocean front complexes like Sea Lodge, Pali Ke Kua and Pua Poa. It has been there for ages (pre Princeville) so the landscaping is very mature lending a tropical feeling to the place. That's all I got on the place. If we liked staying in Princeville, we'd probably stay here.

I do agree that the lanais at Sea Lodge do seem a little small and closed in, but they might be larger/more open in the bigger units or on the ground floor units. Have fun choosing.

mouseRD

I just lost a very long reply that I sent you, dandy93, so I'll have to make this brief.

Owners/management companies may be willing to negotiate with you within your budget.

This was the case for us at HBR 9202, a 1 BR. You might really like 4302 which is a 1 BR king w/ 2 queen beds in a loft, air-conditioned. Check out the different listings on Summit Pacific's, Aloha Condos, & VRBO's websites.

ChiSue

We visit Hawaii only in winter, so have never stayed north on Kauai (or Maui). However...I wouldn't rent anywhere in Hawaii at any time of year if the unit did not have A/C as an option. In 30+ years it is rare that we *never* use A/C at least one night, and we've stayed on all four major islands many times.

The reason many owners don't offer A/C is because electricity costs the moon in Hawaii -- and some guests are very inconsierate in their use of the A/C.

I would surely pick a Hanalei Bay Resort unit -- one with A/C!

dandy93

Thank you all for your input and advice. Kind of leaning more toward the A/C units but still looking! May have to adjust the budget a bit if we go that route.

MouseRD the 4302 is very nice and on my short list.

So glad I'm starting the search early! Wish I got payed for all the hours I've spent "googling"!

Songdoc

I am currently in Kauai and stayed the past five weeks in Sealodge H2. I was NEVER warm and would never have needed a/c. The breezes were amazing. It might have felt like the very low 70's when I went to sleep -- but would get quite cool during the night and early mornings. My sister wore a sweatshirt some evenings. I used a blanket when I slept and used the fan maybe three times in five weeks--and I DETEST heat.

HOWEVER, it all depends on the exact location of the unit. If budget is a consideration and you don't need fancy/brand new/granite, etc ... go for Sealodge. The balconies are small -- but big enough to enjoy your meals and the gorgeous views. The ground floor lanais feel more open and larger (although they're the same size) because they're not enclosed.

The upstairs units tend to be warmer. When I rented a "J" unit in Jan/Feb I was fine downstairs, but the upstairs bedroom was too warm for me. When I return in October, I'll be in J2 (a one-bedroom).

I'm writing this from the Kauai Beach Resort where I'm attending a conference. My room faces the pool and is not far from the ocean, but I guess it faces the wrong direction. I would be miserable without a/c here. (I've got it set on 68 -- so you know I don't like to be warm, yet I was in heaven at Sealodge.)

If you can see H2 on a map -- try to find a unit facing the same direction ;-). I'd also suggest looking at Pali Ke Kua. Don't stress. You're going to have a fabulous time regardless of where you decide to stay.

dandy93

Songdoc, thanks for your input. You were staying in Sealodge at the exact same time we will be there next summer. Positioning of a unit is not something I had even thought about but will pay attention to now. You mentioned that you will stay in J2 in the Fall. I've seen lots of J units available but when looking at the aerial from Kauai Revealed the J building isnt shown. Can you tell me where its located on the property?
BTW, love reading all your Kauai trip reports! Taking notes as I read! So appreciate everyone who has taken the time to share their trips with us all.