Looking to travel to Kauai w/ 2 other couples. ANy recommendations on where to stay, A good Luau, good markets for fresh seafood etc for us to make our own meals and ANY other TIPS you care to share, especially for good deal. I am VERY VERY FRUGILE but am saving for this trip.
Last we are looking to go either in Nov or Jan/Feb/March 2011/2012 (I know I am planning WAY AHEAD!) your thoughts? This is for my Husbands 40th along with 2 other friends 40ths.

we just got back from Kauai and I'm frugal too (not cheap) but we got an incredible deal on expedia at the Grand Hyatt which is a stunning 5* resort.
$1,300 per person and that was for an oceanfront suite, first class air, car from SD.
There are some incredible deals right now in Hawaii.
What's your budget?
If your frugal, you'll flip on the cost of a luau..not cheap..better use of money on a great dinner..imho

Following up on ksucat's mention of how expensive luaus are, you could buy tickets for just the show at Smith's Garden Luau (http://www.smithskauai.com/luau.html). Never been to this luau, so I can't provide a firsthand recommendation, although it is often recommended on this forum. Might be a good option if you are mainly interested in the show and not the food.

If you are interested in renting a house here's a website with some possibilities in Hanalei. http://www.beachkauai.com/index.htm

If this is your first time to Kauai,I would strongly recommend using the travel guide The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook by Doughty to help plan your trip.

Wow ksucat! I agree that that is a wonderful rate. We love the Hyatt. The grounds are lush, very well maintained, love their waterfalls and their lounges.

We took a catamaran trip up the Napali coast with Andy's, and thought it was fantastic!! Also be sure to check out Polehale State Park on the west shore...an absolutely beautiful beach!! Oh, and bring a light rain jacket...seems to be raining a bit every day, and not as warm as we had predicted.

Jengym,
What Time of year were you there?

ksucat; is the Hyatt hotel rooms or condo's with Kitchens? I was thinking we'd stay some place w/ kitchen as I really don't mind cooking especially with friends and grilling out and eating on the Lanai(sp?) sounds PERFECT to me!!

Thanks for the tips on Luau, am trying to decide if it'd be worth the splurge as I've read a lot of bad reviews that they are not worth it.

At that time of year of I would suggest staying on the south shore.

I prefer homes or condos over hotels.

Condos to check out are:

Whaler's Cove
Poipu Kapili
Kiahuna Plantation
Nihi Kai

Good rental agencies for homes in Poipu are

kauairentals.com
http://www.parrishkauai.com/
kauaivacationrentals.com

Hyatt is a hotel with hotel rooms.

In addition to the condos iamq listed, you might want to look at the Marriott Waiohai which is a timeshare resort - nice full-size 2-bedroom units on gorgeous grounds, right next door to Kiahuna Plantation, on the beach.