In your opinion, which hotel or condo complex in Kauai has the best swimming beach during the summer?

Poipu has the most easily accessible beaches on the island. For easy access to Poipu/Kiahuna beach which is the nicest swimmable beach you can stay at the Sheraton, Waiohai or Kiahuna Plantation. Be very careful in selecting a condo at Kiahuna because it is very spread out and condos can be a good walk to the beach.

Alan

I wasn't that impressed with Poipu. The actual sandy-bottom beach area is quite small and there end up being many people on a small space. The Sheraton Poipu has a small wedge of the beach and it's too crowded. The Hyatt beach is too rough for swimming. If you really want a better beach, go up to Princeville.

If you are looking for a condo or hotel that is just steps from a swimming beach your choices are very limited on Kauai. Many more options on Maui. My recommendation on Kauai would be the Marriott in Lihue, which is on lovely Kalapaki Beach. If you want a change of beach scenery, it's centrally located for drives to either the south or north shores. If your budget allows and you don't need resort atmosphere, you might also check the private cottages and homes for rent along Anini Beach Road, which is another beach with excellent swimming. I've stayed at the Sheraton in Poipu. Beach is good, however agree that it can be a bit crowded. The hotel is vastly overpriced for the so-so rooms. Our
"deluxe oceanfront" was a huge disappointment. I am not a fan of Princeville, either. The beach accessible from the condos there is down a steep path.

The beach in front of the Sheraton/Kiahuna Plantation/Waiohai (sp?) is really nice. We didn't find it crowded at all and Poipu Beach is a 2 minute walk away. Good snorkelling at Poipu.

I will admit that I was slightly disappointed that the beaches weren't miles and miles long like Maui, but got over that very quickly when the beauty and the atmosphere of the island took over.

Have no plans to return to Maui, but lots of plans to return to Kauai!!

valerie,
I agree that the beaches around Poipu are smallish, but there are many beaches on the north shore that are long stretches.

Hanalei Bay
Lumahai
Haena Beach/Makua(Tunnels)
Anini

And then of course there is Polihale

-Bill

Bill-

Last time I was on Kauai you needed a 4 wheel drive to get out to Polihale. Have they fixed the road?

Otis

Otis,
We went three years ago and our Sebring convertible bottomed out a few times, but we made it.

Thanks. I'll be over there next week for the PGA Grand Slam and will try and get something with a little ground clearance.

I would agree that in general the north shore has nicer beaches than the south shore, although Mahaulepu does rival any north shore beach. The original poster asked about swimmable beaches. Many of the north shore beaches are not swimmable especially in the winter months and unless you stay at Princeville Hotel or Hanalei Bay resort you need to drive and/or walk down a steep cliff to the beach.

Alan

jmc223,
Since you are asking about the summer, and many north shore beaches are swimmable and in some cases calmer than Poipu in the summer and as Alan said beach access from hotels and condos on the north shore may not as simple as just walking out to the beach, I would rent a beach house in Hanalei either on the beach or across Weke Rd from the beach. Hanalei Bay in the summer is like a swimming pool.

-Bill