We are going to be spending 9 days in Kauai in March. We have been to the islands many times and Kauai a couple of times, but we have always stayed in the Poipu area. Many moons ago we camped all over the island and hiked the Kalalau trail. We are thinking of staying on the North Shore this time and look for a vacation rental rather than a hotel. It will just be my husband, me and our 27 year old daughter. I found a couple of neat looking places in the Moloaa Bay area and then several nice spots - a couple near Tunnels, one closer to Wainiha Ku'au Beach and one in Princeville above the Hanalei Bay Villas. While the Moloaa area looks beautiful, it seems like it might be a little remote. We are looking to relax, canoe, hike etc. But I would like to be able to go to dinner now and then and not have to drive too far. Can someone who knows the island please help give me a sense of where I should focus?

I stayed with friends once in Moloaa. I think it was about a 15 minute drive to Princeville. The water may be rough in March, too.

Make sure it is a legal rental, since Wainiha is not a designated visitor area like Princeville or Poipu is. When checking listings ask for the TVR number (tax id does not mean it is a legal rental). If it does not have one, run. It would be terrible to arrive and find your lodging which you paid for has been shutdown. Kauai is cracking down on these rentals.
I would look at a condo at Hanalei Bay Resort, if those are too high maybe SeaLodge or PuaPoa.

If you enjoy getting in the water, consider Poipu again for this trip, and save the north shore for a late spring - early fall visit, when ocean conditions there are at their best. You're likely to see more rain on the north shore in March too.

From what you describe you're looking for, IMO, Hanalei would work best as a north shore base. The activities you're seeking are in town and/or nearby, and you can walk to dinner. Vacation rentals, however, are pretty much limited to homes and cottages. Our favorite location on the island is west of there in Haena, but it's a 10 - 15 minute drive back into Hanalei, so not a great base for exploring the north shore, and the only dinner option in the area is Mediterranean Gourmet. I don't think there's a better place in Hawaii for scenery and relaxation though.

Thanks everyone. I actually found a nice home in Hanalei which looks like an area that I think would work for us, right by the beach and we can walk to restaurants etc. I am a little worried about the weather, but I think most of the activities we are looking for might be on the North Shore - hiking, canoeing, zip lining and golfing. And just relaxing and being on the beach. And I guess we'll just keep our fingers crossed about the rain! If it gets too bad, we can always make a drive to visit Poipu!

Any pointers on specific activities would be appreciated.

Alohaaaaaa from Kauai.

We've been staying in Wailua Kapaa area every year since '89.

Central location to all island sights and adventures and short walks, drives to JO2, Kintaros, Brick Oven Pizza, Hukilau Lanai, Streets Kauai, Monico's, Wahoo, Olympic Cafe, e.g.

5-10 min ride to airport.