I have a flight booked for a week's stay in Kauai in April. I am travelling with my 13 year old son. We would like to stay on a beach with swimming and snorkeling. Preferably the East or South side of the island. I'm not rich but want to make the most of this vacation. We don't need fancy but location is important. Does anyone have suggestions on a good hotel on the beach?

Aloohaaa,
I'd suggest the less inexpensive East side starting from The Radisson on up thru Pono Kai.
Beaches there aren't as swimmable as the SoShore but a good beach is always a short drive away on Kauai.

A lot of inexpensive places to eat and buy groceries on the East side, too.
Mucho Mahalos,
Kal

The Prince Kuhio on the South Shore usually has reasonable deals. They have studio condos which is nice. Rented by individual owners or through Kauai rentals agencies. To rent from owners go to vrbo.com. Local rental agencies are: suite-paradise.com, grantham-resorts.com, KauaiVacationRentals.com. Good luck, I am sure you will find something reasonable.

I've not toured this property personally (perhaps some of our Kauai regulars, i.e. Kal, know of it) but the Hotel Coral Reef seems very well situated and reasonable with oceanfront rooms going for $89/night. The website is: http://www.hshawaii.com/vacplanner/k...ral/index.html

East shore beaches generally arent great for snorkeling but you might check out Kauai Sands. Ask for a renovated room (we upgraded to ocean view for $10 per day. Right next to Coconut Market Place and right on the ocean. Nice even drive to both north and south shore from there too.