I am going to Kauai in early September and I'm deciding between Poipu and Hanalei/Princeville. Any advice? I've stayed at Kiahuna Plantation before and loved it . . . Any hotel/condo tips?

For a trip in September, I see no reason not to do the north shore (Hanalei/Princeville). It's much more scenic and feels more Hawaiian and tropical. Poipu has great weather during the winter months when the north shore is rather wet, but the north shore is typically sunny and dry in September (at least that's what I've read) so there's no reason not to stay there. Lusher and more exotic-feeling than Poipu.

Ken

This is a common debate and if you do a search you will find lots of help. In September, you will probably not be able to use the beach at Poipu as it should still be rough at that time. the north shore is tranquil until about October. You have not seen Kauai until you have seen the north shore..why don't you split your time(the Hyatt at Poipu is lovely, but the scenery on the north shore is to die for.

Horatio,

Those of us who stay in Poipu take day trips/picnics to the other beaches around the island, and of course to the north shore. Have you ever been swimming at Poipu Beach Park? It is just lovely and has good snorkeling too, and only about 5 min. car ride from the Hyatt Resort, or 10-15 min walk through the condos. Shipwreck Beach in front of the Hyatt is a no swimming beach, but they have a huge saltwater lagoon.

However, there is nothing wrong with splitting your time between the two areas to get a good feel for both.

I like the choice of restaurants better in Poipu.
8-)

I was wondering if I catch hook on to this question and inquire what to expect for the northshore weather the end of May. Is it as nice as was described in September?

Our best weather here on the northshore (IMHO), is Spring and Fall -- the water temperatures are warm, the tradewinds are fairly consistent at 10-20 mph, the temperature is...well...temperate -- daytime highs around 80; overnight lows in the mid- to low-70s.

The surf is transitioning in Spring in Fall, but the northshore beaches which are enclosed by lagoons (Ke`e and `Anini) are predictably calm year 'round.

We went last year in May, and split our time, 4 nights in Poipu, 3 nights on the North Shore. I was really happy with the split -- the day where we switched, we had a lazy drive north, stopping at the guava plantation and the lighthouse (both places that felt "okay" to leave our luggage in the car). I knew we'd want to go up the canyon a few times, and also do the first part of the Na Pali trail, so splitting the location allowed us to reduce driving time (and try great restaurants on both sides of the island, without a long drive after dinner).

Auntie,

Have you heard any update on A Pacific Cafe? Thought it was supposed to reopen in June, but no one is reporting on dining there. Do you see construction anywhere, what do you know?
Mahalo
8-)

We're wondering if the "new" cafe was just a smokescreen.

It was supposed to be open by now, in (or adjacent to) the small Coral Reef Hotel in Kapa`a. There's been no further mention of Pacific Cafe in our local paper, since the restaurant closed their old location.

Drove by the "new" location 2 times today -- the only construction happening there, is for the hotel's new swimming pool.

Strange...strange indeed.

Speaking of food, my new favorite place is Pomodoro's in Kalaheo. Loved our first dinner there so much on Monday night, that we gladly made the 90 minute drive to return their tonight -- and were not disappointed. If you want food like your Italian mama made for those big family holiday gatherings, this is the place!

North Shore always wins hands down....

north shore, day trip to poipu