BigBlue

Until the big hurricane in the early 1980s destroyed the unit we used to rent at Kiahuna we liked to go to Kauai for the beaches. After that we found a place in Kihei on Maui which we liked a lot. Unfortunately, the closest beaches to us were the Kamaole Beach Parks and we discovered that the wind always seemed to come up around 11 a.m. which made them undesirable. Generally speaking we far prefer the Kihei area to the the Lahaina/Kaanapali area.

After a 30-year absence we're thinking of going back to Kauai but have no recollection of wind patterns on the beaches. We would appreciate some feedback as to what we could expect to find in January or February were we to go back to Kiahuna and area. Also, what should we expect to find by way of wind along the Lihue and upward coast?While we really enjoy Hanalei we find it is too far removed for us to spend two weeks there.

Thanks for your input. Any suggestions regarding rental houses or condos on the beach for January or February would also be appreciated.

Mahalo,
BigBlue

BigBlue

After looking at some of the other posts I wonder if I'm being premature in ruling out Hanalei as being too remote. The first time I ever stayed there was Labor Day weekend of 1965 and it was heaven. But, it wasn't a place where I'd want to stay for two weeks because of the lack of dinner options.

No doubt there might be one or two more choices than there were then. I'd be very happy to hear any suggestions with regard to the beaches as well as recommendations on lodging. We're a couple in our late 70s who are interested in proximity to the beach as well as to a swimming pool. Of great interest to us as well are good options for dinner not too far from our lodging.

wekewoody

I love Hanalei, but we go in the summer. I don't know what the winds are like in the winter.

jamie99

I usually go to Kauai in the fall, so not familiar with the winter months, but I'd stay south that time of year for calmer seas. Poipu area has a lot of new restaurants now, Merriman's, Tortilla Republic, Josselin's for tapas (he used to run A Pacific Cafe in Kapa'a) and the new shopping center (starts with a K, cannot remember how to spell it), Bubbas Burgers, Savage Shrimp, also Hanalei Dolphin either has opened or will be opening a new branch in the new center, so lots of new places to dine for you to explore along with old favorites.

DanM

We are just back from 8 days in Hanalei. There are plenty of dining options there or within 20 minutes depending on what you want and were you will stay. We ate dinner at the house three nights and had four lunches at the house mainly because we wanted to stat right where we were. As for winds, we had no problem, but it was not January or February.

Songdoc

I spend a month on the North Shore (near Hanalei) every winter--spanning January & February.There have been days when it was very windy--and days when it was beautiful, sunny and calm. But that can apply to the entire island. I remember one day on the South Shore at Mah'aulepu Beach (one of my favorites) when the wind was intense. Other times there's been no wind at all.

I suspect similar wind patterns would likely apply to all the islands--but I'm no expert. But I will say that it is windier during the winter than at other times. Similarly, I've been there at times when the surf was too high and rough for safe swimming at some beaches--and other times when it's been perfect.