Ncz

Hi,
We are planning a trip to Princeville in January. I understand there could be some (or a lot ) of rain. Based on those who have visited around this time:
- will you highly suggest stayin in Poipu for more sun?
- will we still be able to enjoy some sun/pool time in Princeville?

I understand weather is hard to predict but I was looking more into personal experience vs looking up the averages/statistics online. Thanks!!

Tomsd

Poipu is usually sunnier than Princeville - but hey - I also like the rain. Read Sondoc's many blogs - and you can get nice weather on the North Shore in Jan - but there are also big storms that do blow in/through.

The one advantage of the rain is that when it's over - the Bali Hai mountains have many waterfalls streaming down - very beautiful.

Songdoc

Over the past several years I've spent a month from mid-Jan thru mid-Feb in Princeville every year. I'll be there again this coming year.

I've only hit one really rainy week that was mostly a washout. But it was stormy in Poipu that particular week, too.

Much of the North Shore's notorious rain comes during the night, or in short showers. If you do hit a rainy spell that doesn't affect the South Shore, you could easily drive to Poipu for the day.

Sorry, my crystal ball's in the shop, so I don't know what kind of weather you'll have. But I promise that if it were consistently rainy, I would hate it -- and I wouldn't return year after year.

I hope we both get beautiful weather. I love watching the whales!

Ncz

Very helpful, thank you both!

Ncz

Btw- Songdoc I don't know how to direct message you but what are some of your favorite cafes/restaurants both in North and South shore? Thanks!

Songdoc

Ncz—I rent a condo, stay for a month at a time, and eat most of my meals on the lanai overlooking the ocean, so I’m probably not the best person to suggest restaurants. My preference is to buy fresh, organic fruits and veggies from the Farmer’s Markets and pick up a huli-huli chicken at Foodland. When I do eat in restaurants I rarely go to “upscale” places.

That said, I love Kountry Kitchen (for pancakes); Shrimp Station (for coconut shrimp); Hamura’s Saimin (for wonton saimin & chicken BBQ sticks); Neide’s (for Brazilian panceque). I sometimes eat at the Mexican and Chinese/Thai places in the Princeville shopping center, or get a custom-made sandwich at Foodland to take to the beach. The only place I’ve been on the South Shore is Roy’s—which I liked.

Hope you have a great trip.

FrankS

will you highly suggest stayin in Poipu for more sun?

Ncz

Awesome, thanks everyone! Can't wait to try the fresh poke at Foodland too

Tomsd

Also try the Hanalei Dolphin - very good fish - and a great/authentic setting but you can also buy fish to cook at your condo - if you have a stove. We love making Mahi Mahi sandwiches.

And Tahiti Nui is a classic bar/locals place in Hanalei town. There are also a number of places to eat at the Princeville shopping center.

wekewoody

If you are there on a Wednesday or Thursday evening, I would suggest the "FarmFishForage" dinners put on by KauaiOno in Hanalei. We've eaten at all the Hanalei restaurants mentioned above and this was the best meal of our last trip. http://www.kauaiono.com/ Delicious, casual and unique.

Another place in Princeville we like is the Tavern at the Princeville Golf Course. Semi- low key place with very good food and surprisingly good sunset views.

If you are having a pizza craving, Pizza Hanalei serves very good pizza.