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I noticed that a lot of people split their time betweent the N. and S. shores. I am staying on Kauai for 5 days. Do you think it is really worth it to split time between two hotels? I do plan to spend a lot of time exploring the beaches in the North. However, I like that the south has more restaurants. What do you all recommend?
thanks.

jo

We liked the south better. Warmer, funny, cheap public golf course. good restaurants

jj

I agree. The south is sunny and warmer.
I would not move from one hotel to another. You could always take a (long) day trip to the north shore if you are curious.

Consider also a helicopter tour of the Napali coast.

mark

The island is too small to bother having to switch between two hotels. You would waste too much time. Also, some hotels offer the 5th night free if you pay for four (we did this in May at the Sheraton Kauai). I would recommend the south shore for the weather, shopping, and restaurants.

Lani

May to October - I recommend the North Shore in the summertime (for Hawaii). It is so magnificently lush and beautiful, and there are PLENTY of wonderful restaurants there. South shore, though I love it, cannot compete with that beauty!

November thru April, I would say South Shore because it will be much drier and sunnier that time of year.

Brenda

I vote South shore. You can drive to the North shore one day and spend time on the beaches and exploring Hanalei and Heana. I think the better restaurants are on the South shore but that is my opinion after 15 annual trips to Kauai. Don't get me wrong, North shore is more beautiful, but all in all South shore has better weather and easier to access more restaurants, shopping etc.. and west shore is not as long a trip from south shore.

hobojo

I just got back from Kauai. Who cares about restaurants? You certainly will not starve on the North Shore. The weather was so much better on the North Shore. Everytime we went to the south
(twice) we ran into rain. You could spend the whole 5 days in the north and not be bored at all. It is just sooo beautiful. You will not be sorry if you stay in the North-as long as it is in the summer.

helen

We personally like the north side. It has more personality and Hanalei is a little funky. I've read a lot of posts here from people who have encountered too much rain in the north. Any rain we've been in hasn't been unbearable.

Last time we were on Kauai we split our lodging between north and south. Our displeasure with the south was more due to a hotel problem than to the weather.

Most hotels on islands around the world are on the leeward side and that is our preference as well. But Princeville is so spectacular that we make an exception.

Eric

My vote is to stay on the East side and enjoy the best of both worlds. That way you split your time between the North and the South with never more than 45 minutes either way in the car (which by the way is a beautiful drive no matter which way you are headed.)

karen

This question is asked so much and it is still difficult to answer b/c of so many variables like how long are you going to be on the island, what time of the year are you traveling and is it your first trip to Kauai.

For five days, I'm not certain I would split up my trip, however, IMHO, you do not really experience the true Kauai spirit unless you actually spend (stay) some time on the North Shore. We go to Kauai annually every Feb/March and would not miss the opportunity to spend some time on the North Shore yet we own two weeks at Lawai Beach resort on the "sunny south shore." Winter is when we need to get away traveling from snowy, cold Pittsburgh winters, however, we still love the North Shore the best - weather cooperating. However, we have experienced torrential downpours on occasion on the North Shore yet that would not deter us from spending time there each year. Conversely, the last several years we have stayed in the Princeville area, we have had picture perfect days even in February. However, if you're not a betting person and are traveling in the Winter months, and this is your first trip, and you don't have ten days to two weeks on the island, my recommendation would be to stay South where you are more assured of better weather - not always, but usually. There are great restaurants all over the island, be it North, East or South shores so don't let that be a consideration. If my husband had his way, he would probably spend the entire time on the North shore - rain or shine. He finds that the beauty there is evident and forever present regardless of the weather.

Good luck and enjoy one of the loveliest islands you will encounter.

me

If it were a 10 day stay I would say split the visit. Many of my friends have done that. A good combo is Kiahuna/Hanalei Bay Resort, that's heavenly! But 5 days isn't enough to do justice to Kauai, alas, and a day of hasssling with hotels may not be worth the effort.

I prefer the north for its scenic beauty. Hanalei and beyond is lush and gorgeous.

Many people prefer the upscale-ness of Poipu and the fancy dining options. Poipu is a tad too hot, dry, and sterile looking for me. It reminds me of California, LOL.

Those are just personal observations; I live on Kauai's east side which is where the bulk of local residents reside
for convenience and temperate weather.

p.

Hello, personally I wouldn't split a 5 day trip - it's already too short ! So, it really comes down to what you want to do while there and that sounds like north from your remarks. If the hotels are too high $$, consider the condo route (our favorite way for a vac).
It's wonderful up there and there's good places to eat too, good luck & have a wonderful trip.
p.