We are spending 6 nights in a condo in Poipu in January and want to spend another 4 nights on Kauai. Should we stay in Poipu or relocate to Kapaa? We are planning to hike, snorkel, swim and hang out, see the island.

Why not go up to the north shore (Hanalei or Princeville) for the other 4 nights?

You may find that the south beaches offer the best protection against winter swells. I recall that, in general, the east beaches are the least swimmer/snorkel friendly year-round.

Enjoy your trip.

Stay in Hanalei.

Kapaa is nothing special and the beaches are not good for swimming/snorkeling.

Poipu by a long shot.

North Shore. No contest ;-) I'll be there, too.

To me, Poipu is "nice"--but generic. It could be in the Caribbean or anywhere else with pretty beaches. But the North Shore, with Hanalei, the Napali Coast, Ke'e Beach, views of Bali Hai, etc ... is gorgeous--and uniquely Hawaii.

But that's why they make 32 different flavors.