Just thinking out loud here, and wanting some input. We are thinking of going to NYC for Thanksgiving (flying from NZ). On the way back thought we might do a stop off at Kauai, to break up the journey. Probably only three or four nights. We would be flying Hawaiian Airlines. Suggestions on where to stay where we would be by a beach, and can just chill. (Not in the literal sense .

Hi Nelsonian!
Just yesterday, I started talking about planning a return trip to NZ.

A few questions then maybe I can help.

do you know if you want the North Shore or South Shore?
a hotel -- or a condo?
do you want to be "on" a beach -- or would a short drive to a beach work?
price range?

And the most important question ... would you like to meet? I'm not sure if you know that I moved to Kauai's gorgeous North Shore.

Hi Songdoc.

We tend to be budget travellers price wise especially with the NZ exchange rate, so that will limit our choice I suspect. Hotel or condo would work. Would like to be by a swimmable beach with a view!! (Is it warm enough to swim in December? DH would be doing the driving, and would prefer to limit that as much as possible just because he has to concentrate so much re driving on the other side of the road. When we were on Oahu we did hire a car for a day and did a trip around the island.

Yes would love to meet up if dates work out. Not sure whether this trip will actually happen, but we are definitely planning on it in the next year or so. Having a young American grandson now in New York tends to limit our choice on travel now. I thought Hawaii though is a good place for a stopover.

At that time of the year, the weather will be better on the south shore. And yes, you can swim at that time of the year in Hawaii.

A rental agency on Poipu beach is www.suite-paradise.com, they rent out condos on the south shore.

I just checked and that is a rough exchange rate for you. (But it will be good for me!)

Re: the driving... if you want to see the best of the island, you will need to drive -- or take bus tours. Driving on the "wrong" side is easier here than most places because in many areas there is only one lane in each direction.

I agree with Kathie that the South Shore would be best that time of year for swimming. But I'd be sure to see the rest of the island.

https://kauai-vacations-ahh.com is also a good condo rental agency. Friends of mine recently stayed at Kuhio Shores condo and liked it.

I hope we'll get to meet.

I hope we'll get to meet!

Another vote for the South Shore, ocean will be calmer that time of year there.