My family is going to Hawaii in late March. We're trying to decide exactly where to go and are really interested in the Hanalei Bay Resort. Question is, what kind of swimming beach does the resort access? I'm getting mixed answers. Some people say it's great, others say too rocky.

Can anyone clarify for me?

The beach is down a steep, rocky path. The beach itself is fine, just around the bend from the Saint Regis Princeville. The resort itself has a couple of nice pools.

Question is the condition of the ocean in March on the North Shore.

The resort itself is lovely, especially depending on the view from the unit you rent.

OK. another question -- how far from there to a better beach for swimming?

Hanalei Bay is less than a ten-minute drive. I LOVE the beach there. The ocean might be calm enough for swimming in March--or not. There aren't any places on the North Shore with guaranteed good swimming that time of year, but that's still where I like to be. If the ocean is too rough, I go for long walks on the beach--and swim in a pool. I'm not a fan of Poipu, so I can't comment about whether the ocean would likely be better for swimming there.

Waves are usually calmer on the west and south sides of the islands, but it depends on where storms are located in the Pacific.

Winter storms typically approach the islands from a northerly direction; the reverse is true during summer. So if you're looking for swimming beaches and more reliably good weather, best to go south. That said, swimming is usually okay at Anini Beach because it's protected by a large reef. But the current there is stronger during winter, and while it's only about 2 miles from Princeville as the crow flies, it's 5 - 6 in a car.

Hanalei or Anini are probably your best bets, otherwise head to the South Shore, Poipu Beach Park and Salt Pond which often gets overlooked by many tourists.