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Kauai condo opinions wanted

We are going to Kauai in April and I am currently looking for a place to stay. We honeymooned on Maui last year at the Aston in Waliea, (now an Outrigger) would like something comparable but for less $$ in the Poipu area. Shereaton and Hyatt are too expensive for this trip. Travel-Hawaii recommended Aston at Poipu Kai over Outrigger Kiahuna Plantation. HAs anyone stayed at these condos and could you give me your opinion? Recommend something else? Is the entertainment book helpful? Thanks!

We stayed at the Aston at Poipu Kai for one night last week. We had reserved four nights if that helps in any way. The major reason we checked out early was because these units do not have air conditioning. That's not important if you have proper cross-ventilation and your units don't face directly into the sun. Believe me, I spent an entire school year living in a Range room at the University of Virginia which has no a/c and you have to go outside for the bathrooms. Those were designed properly to keep the heat from getting to be too much. Unfortunately, our unit at the Aston only had a window and an overhead fan in the bedroom. Supposedly there was a second fan but we could not find it in the unit. We faced directly east and according to the thermometer we had, it was close to 100 in there after the sun went down. It was a miserable night and I usually don't run the a/c at home in the summer (Washington DC) which can be just as warm. Another problem we had with the unit we were in was cleanliness - it wasn't horribly dirty but the bathtub/shower needed a good scrubbing, some of the dishes in the kitchen weren't clean and there were belongings from prior guests in the drawers and under the bed. Additionally, we did a couple of loads of laundry since the facilities were available and the dryer in our unit did not work properly requiring 4-6 30 minute cycles per small load to dry the clothes. We were up most of the night anyway so it wasn't a tragedy for us to wait for the dryer. I know it sounds nit picky but I did a lot of research beforehand and I was expecting a little bit more comfortable place to stay. On the plus side, the units are large and generally well appointed with a dining area, bedroom, living room and kitchen as well as a patio or balcony. The entertainment book rate my inlaws received was $120 a night. We didn't get as good a rate and were charged $160. We ended up using some frequent flier coupons from American for buy 1 night get 1 free at the Hyatt for the rest of our stay which equalled $170 a night. It was definitely worth the extra money!

I can't reccomend a condo in Poipu as we prefer Princeville. However...we use a rental agent that we thought was great. Our condo was clean, bright, exceptionally well equipped, and exactly as described to us. We got much more personal service than we had previously received from Aston. If interested, ask for Janet at Bali Hai Treasures http://vacation2hawaii.com/

We have stayed at the Embassy at Poipu and had a very nice 2 bedroom condo and it included a Hawaiian breakfast each morning and a reception in the evening. I believe we were right next door to the Hyatt and we got a really good weekly rate - this was 2 years ago, I'm not sure how the prices are anymore.

We stayed at the Waikomo Stream Villas in April. Very large, very nice end unit on second floor (overlooking pool). 1100 sq ft with large lanai. There was no air but large windows with wood blinds to block out sun in AM and let in a lot of ventilation in PM. Also large patio doors for good cross ventilation and ceiling fans as well. My husband thought he would die without air but found it pleasant. Price was around $89 per night. Not on beach but an walk to Sheraton.

We stayed at the Poipu Kapili several years ago and loved it. Beautifully maintained condos, nice pool and beautiful views of the ocean (we had a 2 bdrm townhouse, there are also 1 bdrms that are oceanview). It is a rocky shoreline, not a beach, but there are wonderful sea turtles catching the waves at sunset. I don't know how the price compares to your other choices, but sometimes they have deals, like 7th night free that helps the budget. They do have a website, but I don't have it anymore so you would need to do a search. I would definitely go back there.

I have to agree with Dick above in that I too used Bali Hai Travel Service, now known as All Globe Travel, now that they have added Mexico to their destinations. They are HI. specialists. We stayed at the Poi Pu Kai Resort Condos, very clean, super nice, our unit was one of the best we have ever stayed in. We booked through suzzane. Poi Pu is a dry area with lots of sun. We drove to princeville twice in two weeks rain every time. Nicer beaches up there. Best beach on the south is not well marked or named, just follow road resort is on past other resorts eastward onto dirt road past golf and turn right on dirt road to end, very nice uncrowded beach. Gotta get out by 5pm or so, farmers lock gate, read signs.

We just got back from a week at Poipu Kai - Kahala condos. Got a 1 bdrm "Ocean View" for cheaper than a hotel room (~$140). Highly recommend the condos and the extra ~$20 a night for the 2nd or 3rd floor ocean view. Best arrangement we ever had. Make sure you visit the Brenekkies Thursday night King Crab special. They rent through Suite-paradise.com which is a good web site to visit.

Hi, Been to Kauai several times. Definitely prefer north shore; it is quiet though. (We like that.) Try Carole at Kauai Paradise Vacations in Princeville. Tell her I sent you. We like Hanalei Bay Resort. Aloha, Kendell

I put this list together for a friend. These condos are all over the place, but are very good deals. (cut and paste the URL's to go to the sites) Nihi Kai Villas: http://www.kauairentals.com - $750 per week includes 1 Bedroom condominium with pool, tennis, oceanfront in Poipu (sunny south shore) Kokee Lodge & Cabins: (808) 335-6061 - this is a state park set in a canyon setting - gorgeous. They rent housekeeping cabins for $35 - $40 a night. They have woodburning stoves, full kitchens and all linens, plates, etc. You have to bring food and cook though! It is the only accomodation near the park and I think it is worth a night or two so you can check out the incredible hiking they have in Waimea Canyon. If you think you might want to do this, try to request the Lehua cabin. It's brand new and nicer than the rest. Happy Hula Hut: http://planet-hawaii.com/hula-hut - This is a 1 bedroom condo with spectacular ocean views in Princeville - a gorgeous north shore community - I love it there. $90.00 a night. Ocean Hideaway: http://10Kvacationrentals.com/oceanhideaways/index.htm - 1 bedroom, kitchen $85.00 a night. Akamai Studio: http://www.riverestate.com/studio.htm - 1 bedroom, kitchen, Princeville $65.00 a night. Ali'i Kai Condo: http://www.aliikai.com - 2 bedroom, 2 bath Condo with mountain view, Princeville $85.00 a night. Kilauea Vacation Rental: http://www.kauai-vacation-rentals.com/akana/akana.html - 2 bedroom, 1 bath condo by Kalihiwai Beach - beautiful - $450 - $550 per week. Pali Ke Kua: http://planet-hawaii.com/visit-kauai/pali108.html - 1 bedroom condo with ocean view in Princeville - gorgeous views from this complex - I stayed here for 2 weeks once - nice pool with hot tub and hike to Queens Bath. $100 a night. Houston Moloa'a Hale: http://kauai-vacation-rentals.com/tc...on/houston.htm - 1 bedroom free standing house very nice - I was going to book this for Ken and I last April - $600 - $650 a week. Haena Place: http://www.kauai-vacation-rentals.com/tc/haenaplace/htm - 2 bedroom 1.5 bath mountain and waterfall views - Haena is the "end of the road" absolutely breathtaking - great hiking and snorkeling nearby. $650 - $700 a week. Anahola B&B: http://aloha.net/~enchant/hawaii.html - Double room $65.00 a night - bkfst included. Anahola is a quiet town in the center of everything. Very local. I like it. House Rental: http://www.hawaiian.net/~koh/kauai_garden_isle.htm - This is a house on an estate with 1 Bedroom and 1 Bath, by Anahola, near a beautiful beach, for $85.00 a night. Hibiscus Hollow: http://hawaiian.net/~hollow - This is an unbelievable deal - Ken and I were booked here also-located in Kapaa, the gateway to the North Shore - a studio with a small kitchen for $45.00 a day and $280 a week! They also own a larger condo called Hale House also in Kapaa which is a 2 bedroom, 1 bath with full kitchen for $65 a night or $400 a week. Marjorie's Kauai Inn: http://www.bbchannel.com/bbc/p241151.asp - This is a Bed and Breakfast with Lawai views - south shore, sunny side, sunset side, the side where I own a timeshare. Bkfst included $55-$75 a night depending on room. Ken and I were also booked here for a few nights. The owner sounds really great. General Search Site: http://planet-hawaii.com/visit-kauai/ - This site has a lot of rentals but some are very expensive and some are huge 5 bedroom houses. Hanalei B&B: http://bbchannel.com/bbc/p222095.asp - A B&B in Hanalei which is a beautiful place close to the end of the road with ocean views. $65 - $125 a night.

Try the Lawai Beach Resort in Poipu area. It is a timeshare resort but I understand you can rent units from them. Property is located right across street from ocean, unobstructed view. Has nice 1 and 3 Br units, pools,hot tubs, daily activities, activity desk, beautiful grounds, across from one of the best restaurants on Kauai(Beachhouse Restaurant),and close to all the stuff in Poipu area. Beach across the srteet is great snorkling beach. call 808-742-9581.

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Noelle, I am returning to Kauai in June for my third time. I stayed at the Coco Palms the first time. It was Heaven, but is now closed. I stayed the second time at the Nihi Kai at Poipu. This is just across the street from the ocean and across from Brennecke's Beach and one very walkable block to Poipu Beach Park. We are again staying at Nihi Kai and are renting from the owners from Canada for $600 a week for a 2BR 2BA condo. The pool overlooks the ocean. There are also paddle ball and tennis courts on site. There are also 1BR units available. This is a very well maintained complex and has wonderful gardens. The units are large. email me is you have questions. Enjoy!!

Thanks for all of the responses, I have not booked anything yet, but I think that all of the information provided will be very helpful.