clshelton2222

I am still planning my trip next year to Kauai, and I am really interested in the Costco travel packages because I don't think I can beat the price.

I am looking at a few hotels right now in Kauai, and I want to know if anyone has stayed at any of these places and whether they recommend them or not.

The first place I am really considering is the Outrigger at Kiahuna Plantation. It seems really nice and is one of the cheaper packages for Kauai. I like that it has a kitchen.

The second place I am considering is the Aston at Poipu Kai. It also has a kitchen, but the rooms look really outdated.

I am really interested in the Kauai Marriott Resort, Sheraton, and St. Regis Princeville, but they are all much more expensive. But if they come highly recommended, then maybe I can justify spending the extra bucks.

I would appreciate any suggestions, advice, or reviews! I can't wait to go to Kauai next June!

clshelton2222

Oh, and I forgot. I have heard so many great things about the North Shore, so I am also looking at the Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas even though it is on the more expensive side of what I am looking for.

montereybob

Kiahuna plantation is a condo development on nice grounds walking distance from a good beach. However they do not have air conditioning. There are two Marriott resorts on Kauai. Which are you referring to?

clshelton2222

Is no air conditioning going to be a problem? I noticed a lot of hotels do not have air conditioning. I'm referring to the Marriott on the Costco travel package. I believe it's the one on Kalapaki Beach.

sf7307

The guest rooms at the Marriott are air-conditioned, according to the website. (We're staying there one night in October, that's why I checked)

We've stayed at Kiahuna, and loved it except for two things --we thought the walls were pretty thin, and we prefer air-conditioning for sleeping. The grounds are not just nice, they're beautiful, the beach is great, and it's a across the street from a small center with a number of restaurants.

The Sheraton is on the same beach as Kiahuna (far end). It's as far from a glitzy resort as you can get. The pool is "just a pool", nothing like the big resort pools like the one at the Marriott. Don't know anything about the rooms.

From what I've read on here, the Marriott is not on a swimmable beach.

Lots of people, especially on Fodor's, prefer the North (Princeville, Hanelei) over the East (Kapaa, Lihue) and the South (Poipu). We like to be right on the beach (not on a cliff overlooking the beach), so we prefer Poipu.

jamie99

I've only stayed at the Marriott Kauai Beach Club in Lihue, I own a timeshare there. They just finished a remodel two years ago, in fact they were working on Kukui's Restaurant when I was there and put in a small children's pool. The main pool is beautiful with 5 adjacent jacuzzis with waterfalls. It is on Kalapaki Bay which is normally calm and protected and swimmable, there are also places there for surf and standup paddleboard lessons. Duke's is on property and has really good food, both the Barefoot Bar and the upstairs portion which overlooks the bay and is only open for dinner.

The Sheraton is going through a major remodel but should be done in September or October and should be nice. The less expensive garden view rooms are across the street though.

Kiahuna Plantation gets lots of good reviews, whether you need AC depends on time of year, etc. There is a very nice onsite restaurant called Plantation Gardens. Their pool is across the street but the beach is lovely.

Hope this helps a bit.

wtm003

I've stayed at both Kiahuna Plantation and the Kauai Marriott Resort on Kalapaki Bay. I prefer Kiahuna Plantation but it really depends on what you are looking for during your vacation.

If you want a nice pool Kiahuna Plantation is not for you, but the beach is awesome - probably my favorite of all the Hawaiian Islands. As mentioned above there are several restaurants across the street including Roys, Keoki's and Puka Dog as well dining options at the newer Kukui'ula Village which is a short drive away. The only time no AC was a problem was late afternoon especially if we were getting dressed for dinner. I remember trying to dry my hair and the bathroom was practically a steam room. Research the location of the condos. The rooms close to the road may have noise issues and the rooms overlooking the cactus garden may not have the view you are expecting or wanting.

The Marriott Resort was nice and our room had been updated but I'm not sure if that is the case for all the rooms so make sure you ask. The pool is gorgeous but I only used it once since I prefer being on the beach when in Hawaii. As for Kalapaki Beach it is swimmable but not for me. There are nicer beaches on Kauai so if you don't mind driving that would be my recommendation. We enjoyed dining at Duke's several times during our stay. We found Lihue a good starting point for exploring both the north and south side of the island.

Have fun planning!

rncheryl

I have only stayed at Hanalei Bay Resort, which is just "up the path" from StRegis Princeville. The beach is very nice, and the hotel facility looks amazing. I don't know what the Costco package is, but you could not go wrong here. Hanalei town is cute, and lots of things to do.

clshelton2222

Thank you all for the great advice! I believe I'll probably book the Outrigger at Kiahuna Plantation since the beach comes highly recommended and hope that the no air conditioning won't be too much of a problem for the first week of June.

montereybob

Your choice is a good one. However, if for some reason you have to switch over to the Marriott at Kalapaki Bay, don't worry about the beach there. It is one of my favorite beaches in Kauai for these reasons:

1. You have a choice of sitting in the sand or on a park-like strip of grass that has some shady spots.
2. The walk out into the water is on a very gradual slope.
3. The waves there tend to be gentle but are often very good for boogie boarding.
4. It is easily swimmable, with no rocks.
5. The beach and grass area are long enough so that it doesn't feel crowded.

However, the beach at KP does have the advantage that it is a very good snorkeling spot.

Either property is a great Kauai vacation spot.

sf7307

If you're game, the surfing lessons at Kiahuna were terrific.

clshelton2222

Surfing is definitely on mine and my husband's list of things to do! We can't wait to try!

willowjane

I hope you post a report for your trip!

nobigdeal

I'm interested in the beach at Kiahuna, as montereybob mentions that it is good for snorkeling. If I'm not staying on the property, is there somewhere to park to access the beach? I'm hoping for a February/March trip, and I'd love to try some new beaches and snorkeling locations!

montereybob

Nobigdeal: the beach near the kiahuna plantation is Poipu Beach. It is part of Poipu Beach County Park which is a public park open to everyone. There is a parking lot across the street and also street parking. It is usually an excellent snorkeling spot.

nobigdeal

Great, thanks, montererybob! I didn't realize it was Poipu Beach there, but I've never even been to Poipu Beach -- I'll check it out.