We are thinking about a 2 week trip to Hawaii for our family for August 2000. After reading various posts on this board and other research I have done, it seems like Kauai is the island for us: less developed than others, quieter, lots of natural beauty.
The question I have is whether we should stay in one place for two weeks and just do day trips to various places or split our stay between two places? Should we spend 1 week in the south and 1 week in the north?
We love hiking, swimming, spending time on the beach and would love to do some snorkeling. Shopping, nighlife and golf are of no interest to us.
Any suggestions for good 2 bedroom condos to rent in the south and the north? We would like a nice pool and a great ocean view within walking distance to the beach.

The island is not so big - if you find a great deal and have a car, you can travel around easily.

I'd stay in different places. A week on the north side and a week on the south side should work. But a car is nice too. Kapaa & Lihue (where the airport is) are more touristy. Kauai is less developed, less crowded, much more beautiful. I've had good luck with Kauaivacationrentals.com. Good luck!

I can give you much more specific info (I've been there at least 5 times) if you'd like to e mail me.

I also recommend doing a week in the North (Princeville, Hanalei Bay) & one in the South (Poipu). North has more rain, but is more lush. South has more sun & Waimea Canyon. Lihue & Kapaa were too touristy for me - nice to visit, but not to stay.

Do go to Polihale Beach (south side, near Barking Sands) at sunset - wow. Also, if you like hiking & spectacular views, pack snacks & plenty of water & spend a day or more at Waimea Canyon. Food is good at Roy's & the ambience nice at Gaylord's.

It's a wonderful place... enjoy!

I have been going to Kauai each year in summer and stayed here just last summer. Condo rates should be down, we got our condo through this link ( cut and paste from other post I made)[email protected] Actually this came suggested to us from a neighbor who did not have availability when we inquired. Found her through vacationspot.com

It was a great home for the $$ half a block from Hanalei bay. There was a great deck to look out at the stars with. I prefer to stay in Hanalei because there are very short walks to a swimming beach as opposed to a trek down a hillside in Princeville. Having said that there are also great secluded beaches down some of those hills. This rental was offering 15% discount to return customers and friends so I would inquire. Our place lodged up to six people with 3 bedrooms and with discount was $950, smaller downstairs was $850. Also these were summer rates maybe they are different in Winter. Have fun where ever you lodge.

Other places to check for condos are www.vacationspot.com vacationhost.com
want to look at the waves on the North Shore Oahu www.surfinglive.com
good luck and let us know how you make out.

don't forget four wheel drive if you want to hike Alakai Swamp (bird sanctuary).

Try the SeaLodge on the north side - we stayed there 8 days in 8/00 and liked the place alot...(see my post on SeaLodge elsewhere here)..or email me if you would like. We didnt get to see much of the south so splitting between S and N is what I would do with 2 weks...enjoy!

Four days on the South shore is plenty. That is enough time to go to the canyon, do the helicopter, visit spouting horn, barking sands, and that wonderful garden. There is a million things to do on the North shore. Get the Ultimate Kawaii Guidebook. It's great. Have fun, sharon