5 weeks in Kauai!! WOO HOO!!
Sep 20th, 2005 | 01:12 PM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
5 weeks in Kauai!! WOO HOO!!
I know, I know....5 weeks in that hell hole will be unbearable but nonetheless, we're going to give it our best shot! It's part of my retirement celebration which will begin mid June, 2006.
But I need help! Week 1 we're in Haena on the North Shore with two other couples. Our friends will then return home and weeks 2 & 3, my husband & I will be on our own. After that, he'll return home & weeks 4 & 5, my college roommate, who is also retiring next summer, will join me in Poipu.
So my question is this...where would you recommend we spend weeks 2 & 3? Stay on the North shore or try the East? And why? I know the obvious answer is to split the two weeks but we really rather not move around that much. One day, we think we'd be crazy to leave the north shore then the next day, we're convinced we should experience the east. HELP! What would you do? We'd really appreciate your input.
This will be our second trip to Kauai. Our first was in 1986 & we stayed in Poipu. Our priorities, in no particular order, are beach time, relaxation, good food, snorkling, hiking, tennis, and sunset cocktails!
Thanks for your help!
But I need help! Week 1 we're in Haena on the North Shore with two other couples. Our friends will then return home and weeks 2 & 3, my husband & I will be on our own. After that, he'll return home & weeks 4 & 5, my college roommate, who is also retiring next summer, will join me in Poipu.
So my question is this...where would you recommend we spend weeks 2 & 3? Stay on the North shore or try the East? And why? I know the obvious answer is to split the two weeks but we really rather not move around that much. One day, we think we'd be crazy to leave the north shore then the next day, we're convinced we should experience the east. HELP! What would you do? We'd really appreciate your input.
This will be our second trip to Kauai. Our first was in 1986 & we stayed in Poipu. Our priorities, in no particular order, are beach time, relaxation, good food, snorkling, hiking, tennis, and sunset cocktails!
Thanks for your help!
Sep 20th, 2005 | 02:22 PM
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
It will be unbearable regardless of where you spend weeks 2&3...WOO HOO, you say? Are you nutso?
We stay in Kapaa and love the ease of going whichever direction suits us for the day.
Is this for real? How can anyone be so incredibly lucky, or are you just smart? Or, still, maybe you are just daydreamin!
i'2
We stay in Kapaa and love the ease of going whichever direction suits us for the day.
Is this for real? How can anyone be so incredibly lucky, or are you just smart? Or, still, maybe you are just daydreamin!
i'2
Sep 20th, 2005 | 02:43 PM
#3
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 8,798
Likes: 0
Yikes! I barely made it two weeks!
How are you going to do 5!?! You are retiring for this?
I supposssssssse if I HAD to and were in your miserable shoes I would rent this terribly awful rental house (Plantation Cottage from NaPali Properties) in the dump of Hanalei for weeks 2 and 3. Beleive me, two weeks will be about all you will able to take. We hated it there. I can't imagine a worse spot on the face of the earth. Good Luck!
-Bill
How are you going to do 5!?! You are retiring for this?
I supposssssssse if I HAD to and were in your miserable shoes I would rent this terribly awful rental house (Plantation Cottage from NaPali Properties) in the dump of Hanalei for weeks 2 and 3. Beleive me, two weeks will be about all you will able to take. We hated it there. I can't imagine a worse spot on the face of the earth. Good Luck!
-Bill
Sep 20th, 2005 | 02:59 PM
#5
Original Poster
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
Hi iceeu2! Yes, it's for real! And no, not smart, just very, very lucky! My husband says he'll probably never get me home from that hell hole! Ya think? 
I like the idea of Kapaa for the same reason. From your trip report, I see that you stayed at Pono Kai. How was that? Would you recommend it? We definitely want a condo.
Ahhhhh, Bill, from your report, I checked out the Plantation House but it's such a dump ;-) Could we stand it for 2 weeks?
I like the idea of Kapaa for the same reason. From your trip report, I see that you stayed at Pono Kai. How was that? Would you recommend it? We definitely want a condo. Ahhhhh, Bill, from your report, I checked out the Plantation House but it's such a dump ;-) Could we stand it for 2 weeks?
Sep 20th, 2005 | 03:21 PM
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
Yes, daydreamin...Pono Kai condos are much nicer than appear from the outside of the buildings. I don't remember the building # we stayed in this last time, but it was next to the highway and beside the front desk.
I would recommend checking out vrbo, rci or calling Pono Kai directly. We have stayed in the 1 br and 2 br and much prefer the 2 br. It has a king bed in the master and air conditioning. The 2 br also has 2 baths that we really like...that way, I can leave the real icee sleeping and not disturb him while I use the other bath and have my coffee....He sleeps so well, that I locked myself out on the lanai and had to flag someone down at 7 am (quiet time)(and in my nightie) and have the front desk call him and let me back in the condo! He was like...what the hell is a lanai? He said he didn't know where in the dickens I had run off to!! We call it a patio!!
Anyway, I was just daydreamin and got carried away, but yes Pono Kai is very nice and the price is right. The ocean front buildings are A,B,C & D...this time we had a garden & pool view which was great. The gardens at Pono Kai are magnificent.
Pono Kai is great for walking downtown Kapaa. That way you can make your purchases and take them back to the condo...then go back downtown and make more purchases and take them back to the condo..walk to lots of restaurants..and if you should overindulge in the spirits..no big deal..just roll home!
You know, we were going to wait until 2007 to go back to Kauai, but I'm not sure that is possible. All of you keep on and on, so I'm thinking we may just have to share in your misery!
daydreamin, have a wonderful time!
I would recommend checking out vrbo, rci or calling Pono Kai directly. We have stayed in the 1 br and 2 br and much prefer the 2 br. It has a king bed in the master and air conditioning. The 2 br also has 2 baths that we really like...that way, I can leave the real icee sleeping and not disturb him while I use the other bath and have my coffee....He sleeps so well, that I locked myself out on the lanai and had to flag someone down at 7 am (quiet time)(and in my nightie) and have the front desk call him and let me back in the condo! He was like...what the hell is a lanai? He said he didn't know where in the dickens I had run off to!! We call it a patio!!
Anyway, I was just daydreamin and got carried away, but yes Pono Kai is very nice and the price is right. The ocean front buildings are A,B,C & D...this time we had a garden & pool view which was great. The gardens at Pono Kai are magnificent.
Pono Kai is great for walking downtown Kapaa. That way you can make your purchases and take them back to the condo...then go back downtown and make more purchases and take them back to the condo..walk to lots of restaurants..and if you should overindulge in the spirits..no big deal..just roll home!
You know, we were going to wait until 2007 to go back to Kauai, but I'm not sure that is possible. All of you keep on and on, so I'm thinking we may just have to share in your misery!
daydreamin, have a wonderful time!
Sep 20th, 2005 | 03:57 PM
#7
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 8,798
Likes: 0
daydreamin,
Can you say JEALOUS?
Yes, I think you could stand 2 weeks in the Plantation Cottag...I mean dump.
We loved it. We prefer stand alone houses to condos. It was very quiet and private as it is set back off of Weke Rd. It is on an acre of land, so even though there are houses around you, we never felt like we were on top of our neighbors. It is the last lot mauka before you get to the big old Wilcox estate almost as far as the pier. 2 minute walk to the beach pavillion. 5 minute walk to town and all those lousy restaurants.
The house is perfect for two. Nice comfortable bed, plenty of storage/closet space, a covered "mudroom" type of place with a clothesline/washer/dryer and more storage. My favorite thing about the house was the outdoor shower. I never used the one inside! The other really nice thing was the HUGE covered lanai in the front. It was as large as the bedroom and living room. It was a great place to take afternoon naps as there is a daybed.
Jeez Louise!
I could go on and on and on about that place. When we go back we will stay there again fa sure. Why the hell aren't we goin back this summer?
Hmmmm....Maybe.....
149 to go for P.V.
271 to go for St. John (another dump)
-Bill
Can you say JEALOUS?
Yes, I think you could stand 2 weeks in the Plantation Cottag...I mean dump.
We loved it. We prefer stand alone houses to condos. It was very quiet and private as it is set back off of Weke Rd. It is on an acre of land, so even though there are houses around you, we never felt like we were on top of our neighbors. It is the last lot mauka before you get to the big old Wilcox estate almost as far as the pier. 2 minute walk to the beach pavillion. 5 minute walk to town and all those lousy restaurants.
The house is perfect for two. Nice comfortable bed, plenty of storage/closet space, a covered "mudroom" type of place with a clothesline/washer/dryer and more storage. My favorite thing about the house was the outdoor shower. I never used the one inside! The other really nice thing was the HUGE covered lanai in the front. It was as large as the bedroom and living room. It was a great place to take afternoon naps as there is a daybed.
Jeez Louise!
I could go on and on and on about that place. When we go back we will stay there again fa sure. Why the hell aren't we goin back this summer?
Hmmmm....Maybe.....
149 to go for P.V.
271 to go for St. John (another dump)
-Bill
Trending Topics
Sep 21st, 2005 | 04:06 AM
#8
Guest
Posts: n/a
Billyboy, were your referring to me about being JEALOUS? And, btw, have you lost my email address?
daydreamin...The condo right behind the Coconut Market Place..can't remember the name..where Hukilau Lanai is..appears to me to be a wonderful condo on the east side.
daydreamin...The condo right behind the Coconut Market Place..can't remember the name..where Hukilau Lanai is..appears to me to be a wonderful condo on the east side.
Sep 21st, 2005 | 05:24 AM
#9
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 8,798
Likes: 0
i2,
Where did you learn to be so SUBTLE?
daydreamin,
I have been thinking about this terrible dilemma that faces you. Since I am not planning my own trip to Kaua`i, it helps my addiction symptoms to help plan other people's.
Where are you staying with your friend in Poipu? Maybe you could stay there for a week with you hubby before your friend arrives so he can partake in that area's charms.
I also like the Kilauea area on the north shore. There are cottage rentals and b and bs springing up all over that area these days.
-Bill
Where did you learn to be so SUBTLE?
daydreamin,
I have been thinking about this terrible dilemma that faces you. Since I am not planning my own trip to Kaua`i, it helps my addiction symptoms to help plan other people's.
Where are you staying with your friend in Poipu? Maybe you could stay there for a week with you hubby before your friend arrives so he can partake in that area's charms.
I also like the Kilauea area on the north shore. There are cottage rentals and b and bs springing up all over that area these days.
-Bill
Sep 21st, 2005 | 06:04 AM
#10
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,871
Likes: 0
KAUAI 5 WEEK CONTRACT FROM FELLOW FODORITES WHO KNOW BETTER.......
1. Complain, complain, complain.....
2. Stay in Hanalei for weeks 2 and 3, but then complain about the rain, the lack of good seafood. Ugly beaches, overcrowded. Bugs. Over commercialism..the DARK.....and ROOSTER......
2A. ooops...that's true, they crow from 1 am - 6am........but after week 1.......oooops, lied again....you'll never sleep a wink the whole time your on the island. You'll be a rainsoaked mosquito bit, underfed, over touristed miserable shipwrecked friend.
3.Return to Fodors completely disgruntled. You knew you should have spent 3 weeks in Disney and 2 weeks in Vegas!!!!!! Post it post it post it...."Damn miserable island......"
4. Never admit that you only kinda hated it........let's be honest here......you are going to totally hate it and forever mourn those 410K dollars wasted on a miserable godforesaken island.....stupid island.......
5. When asked by people who question your motives, simply reply, I was medicated under the advisement of my physician, Dr.Kal........
Sign here...._____________________
Date it ...When others have finished the contract......or we will see to it that you never make it thru customs....
Are you sure you don't want to go to Aruba? or just enjoy the city life in Honolulu???
GREAT TIMES!!!
GOOD FOR YOU!!!!!!
Gyppielou
1. Complain, complain, complain.....
2. Stay in Hanalei for weeks 2 and 3, but then complain about the rain, the lack of good seafood. Ugly beaches, overcrowded. Bugs. Over commercialism..the DARK.....and ROOSTER......
2A. ooops...that's true, they crow from 1 am - 6am........but after week 1.......oooops, lied again....you'll never sleep a wink the whole time your on the island. You'll be a rainsoaked mosquito bit, underfed, over touristed miserable shipwrecked friend.
3.Return to Fodors completely disgruntled. You knew you should have spent 3 weeks in Disney and 2 weeks in Vegas!!!!!! Post it post it post it...."Damn miserable island......"
4. Never admit that you only kinda hated it........let's be honest here......you are going to totally hate it and forever mourn those 410K dollars wasted on a miserable godforesaken island.....stupid island.......
5. When asked by people who question your motives, simply reply, I was medicated under the advisement of my physician, Dr.Kal........
Sign here...._____________________
Date it ...When others have finished the contract......or we will see to it that you never make it thru customs....
Are you sure you don't want to go to Aruba? or just enjoy the city life in Honolulu???
GREAT TIMES!!!
GOOD FOR YOU!!!!!!
Gyppielou
Sep 21st, 2005 | 07:12 AM
#11
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,022
Likes: 0
Well...I'm guessing that when your friends leave, you and your husband will just want some quiet time...and the north shore would be my recommendation for week 2.
Then one week in the Kapa`a area (many accommodation choices there...timeshares/condos/cottages...and then 2 weeks in Po`ipu.
Have a _great_ stay -- and don't let these jealous folks get you down!
Aloooooha to iamq, iceeu2, and da gang!
Then one week in the Kapa`a area (many accommodation choices there...timeshares/condos/cottages...and then 2 weeks in Po`ipu.
Have a _great_ stay -- and don't let these jealous folks get you down!
Aloooooha to iamq, iceeu2, and da gang!
Sep 21st, 2005 | 07:28 AM
#12
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,068
Likes: 0
daydreamin - Kauai....5 (count 'em, one, two, three, four, FIVE WEEKS!!!).... envy 
amp; (gut wrenching, spasm causing, covetous) envy seethes from my every pore. I can scrunch myself really, REALLY small and fit into your suitcase... ...no? Oh well, there's always next year.
Wow - we ALL envy you.
amp; (gut wrenching, spasm causing, covetous) envy seethes from my every pore. I can scrunch myself really, REALLY small and fit into your suitcase... ...no? Oh well, there's always next year. Wow - we ALL envy you.
Sep 21st, 2005 | 08:09 AM
#14
Original Poster
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
oh, GyppieLou, you're so right. Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! But your contract is just what I need to get through this! It's signed, dated & I'm in full whining mode already. Shouldn't it be required for ALL fodorites entering that miserable pit of the Pacific? What a fine public service you're doing!
Bill...if it helps your addiction, maybe this trip will be worth it. Ah, a noble cause...just the ticket to combat the certain misery we face.
An outdoor shower?! Now THAT could be addicting!
In Poipu, we'll be at oceanfront at Poipu Sands (which probably means miserable, monotonous sunsets every night). We decided on PS because of it's close proximity to the Hyatt where we hope the food, drink and spa services there will help ease our pain.
Iceeu2....noble too! What a generous thought to come share in our misery. Yes, you must! June 15-July 22 & we'll have a GTG where we can all commiserate. I'll look for the crazy lady in her nightie!
I bet Mr.i2 will never forget what a lanai is!!
Is Pono Kai on a nice beach? I love the idea of being able to walk to shops & restaurants.
Auntimaria--yes, we'll want some quiet time when our rowdy friends leave! Hope to relax & soak it all in after a 20 year absence. Any suggestions for a place up your way?
kamahinaohoku, if only there was room! And don't mean to make you jealous. This trip is really a result of all those cancelled trips the last five years due to ailing parents & work priorities. The longest vacation I've ever taken is 2 weeks so I can't even imagine retirement much less 5 weeks in paradi....I mean in that pit!!
I still don't know how we'll get through this but with all this fine support, I'm sure we'll find a way
~gt; 
But we STILL can't decide on weeks 2 & 3! Help! What a delimma.
Bill...if it helps your addiction, maybe this trip will be worth it. Ah, a noble cause...just the ticket to combat the certain misery we face.
An outdoor shower?! Now THAT could be addicting!
In Poipu, we'll be at oceanfront at Poipu Sands (which probably means miserable, monotonous sunsets every night). We decided on PS because of it's close proximity to the Hyatt where we hope the food, drink and spa services there will help ease our pain.
Iceeu2....noble too! What a generous thought to come share in our misery. Yes, you must! June 15-July 22 & we'll have a GTG where we can all commiserate. I'll look for the crazy lady in her nightie!
I bet Mr.i2 will never forget what a lanai is!!Is Pono Kai on a nice beach? I love the idea of being able to walk to shops & restaurants.
Auntimaria--yes, we'll want some quiet time when our rowdy friends leave! Hope to relax & soak it all in after a 20 year absence. Any suggestions for a place up your way?
kamahinaohoku, if only there was room! And don't mean to make you jealous. This trip is really a result of all those cancelled trips the last five years due to ailing parents & work priorities. The longest vacation I've ever taken is 2 weeks so I can't even imagine retirement much less 5 weeks in paradi....I mean in that pit!!
I still don't know how we'll get through this but with all this fine support, I'm sure we'll find a way
~
gt; But we STILL can't decide on weeks 2 & 3! Help! What a delimma.
Sep 21st, 2005 | 08:40 AM
#16
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,068
Likes: 0
gyppielou - I'm concentrating, really I am...I Am the suitcase...I Am the suitcase. Damn, I just looked down and I am definitely NOT the suitcase...nor would I fit in one. And FedEx isn't likely to ship me as a parcel. BIG sigh... :-< and LOL. Still breathing, though.
Ah daydreamin - I know how you feel. Ailing parents, what a blessing, but...
My mom passed away in May after 5 years health struggle, so I really do know what you've been going through. And if anyone deserves 5 weeks in Paradise (there, I said it myself), it's you. Have the very best time for all of us.
Ah daydreamin - I know how you feel. Ailing parents, what a blessing, but...
My mom passed away in May after 5 years health struggle, so I really do know what you've been going through. And if anyone deserves 5 weeks in Paradise (there, I said it myself), it's you. Have the very best time for all of us.
Sep 21st, 2005 | 09:33 AM
#19
Original Poster
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
i2 - I was afraid that the beach at Pono Kai wasn't swimmable but will check into the other place you mentioned behind the marketplace. Need to be in the water! BTW, I've printed out your trip report & it's great!
kamahinaohoku...I'm so sorry about your Mother. I loss my Father after a long illness too. Aside from the huge loss, a long good bye can be a real gift, can't it.
Bill - ahhh, HANELEI! It's definitely calling to me! And will check out Kilauea area too. And poor you--St John!! PV? Puerta Vallarta?
Gyppielou...yes, VERY good times! I've been re-reading trip reports, including a couple of yours. The Cliffs is on our short list & was glad to see your recommendation. And I see you spent Christmas in Hawaii! We did too years ago; north shore of Oahu. I can't remember a more magical & memorable one. ahhh...!
As a new Fodorite, this has been great! Mahalo to you all!!
kamahinaohoku...I'm so sorry about your Mother. I loss my Father after a long illness too. Aside from the huge loss, a long good bye can be a real gift, can't it.
Bill - ahhh, HANELEI! It's definitely calling to me! And will check out Kilauea area too. And poor you--St John!! PV? Puerta Vallarta?
Gyppielou...yes, VERY good times! I've been re-reading trip reports, including a couple of yours. The Cliffs is on our short list & was glad to see your recommendation. And I see you spent Christmas in Hawaii! We did too years ago; north shore of Oahu. I can't remember a more magical & memorable one. ahhh...!
As a new Fodorite, this has been great! Mahalo to you all!!
Sep 21st, 2005 | 09:38 AM
#20
Guest
Posts: n/a
My billyboy friend...how have I been beating up on you? You won't even acknowledge that I am breathing these days.
btw, auntiem, just where have you been?
and, daydreamin, I keep reading this thread and reading this thread saying that it just can't be true. Glad to see you signed the contract! You and Kal can be the Kauai Komedians for a while since the rest of us klubbers aren't feeling so funny these days!
Changing my signoff from to amp; i'2
btw, auntiem, just where have you been?
and, daydreamin, I keep reading this thread and reading this thread saying that it just can't be true. Glad to see you signed the contract! You and Kal can be the Kauai Komedians for a while since the rest of us klubbers aren't feeling so funny these days!
Changing my signoff from
to amp; i'2
