Kauai Beaches
 

I am planning a vacation to Kauai and I am not sure whether I want to stay in the Poipu area or on the north coast. My main interest is beach activities such as swimming and snorkeling but I would also like to experience the paradise of Kauai that everyone dreams of. I am thinking of going in either June or October/November. What will the weather/water conditions be like? The trip will be for a week. I don't need a luxury resort but a nice hotel/condo on a great beach is the plan. Any suggestions? Should I split the week up between the two areas or would that be too hectic?

My wife and I spent a week at Anini Beach on the north shore in October this year. The weather was nice and warm and mostly sunny. We had one day of rain so we went to the south shore but it was sprinkling there also. Wasn't a problem though. The surf was up, so some of the beaches weren't all that great to swim at but I spent LOTS of time snorkling at Anini with no problem at all. <BR><BR>You could easily spend half your time north and half your time south since it is only about an hour's drive from one side to the other. For us however, it was nice to have one base of operations on Kauai since we had stayed in two places on the Big Island the week before.

My wife and I honeymooned at Hyatt Hotel at Poipu, Kauai this past June. We stayed there for 5 nights and it was sunny everyday, around 80 degrees. Hyatt's beach was too rough, but we drove to the next beach, Poipu Beach, where the beach was calmer. You could also drive pass by the Hyatt Hotel, through the rough roads (and they're really rough,) to some secluded beaches. The white sand beach, nice little crabs running around, not too many people... very nice (no life guard of course!) We did drive to the north for a one day trip, saw Queen's Bath and the beach at the northeastern end of Kauai. We didn't do much on the north shore except driving around and admiring the beauty of the island. Have fun and enjoy everything there!!! :)<BR><BR>David

Typically the surf is rougher and the weather rainer on the north side of Kauai and it is sunnier and drier in the Poipu area. For this reason, I stay in Poipu. The beach is pretty good, but watch out for the sea urchins! The beach at the Hyatt is Shipwreck Beach. Last December while we were there, they had to close the beach at Princeville due to 20-ft. waves.

The surf is higher in the North during winter time and the southern beaches are calmer. However, in the summer, the North beaches are calm and vice versa for the south.<BR>C

If you go in June, the south shore will be rougher. We went to Poipu last June and the water was pretty rough, but not too bad. I did a shore dive while there. The Poipu Beach Park is protected and always a safe bet for swimming, snorkeling, etc. Brennecke's has great boogie boarding. We are returning in August for 2 weeks at Poipu at the Nihi Kai Villas. Fantastic rates on a wonderful condo across from the beach. We rent from the owner in Canada. Have a fantastic time on Kauai. It is so beautiful This will be my fourth time, and I never tire of it.