JohnZimm

My family,wife 2 daughters 16, 18 are going to Kauai in June. We are looking for a 2 bedroom condo in Kauai with a good swimming beach and nice accomodations. We are also on a budget. Does anyone have recommendations where to stay? Also any recommendations on "can't miss" things to do?

Margot Harris

We own time share at the Lwai Beach Resort, which has 1 and 2 BR condos, and even though they're time share, the resort does rent them out for relatively reasonable rates. It is located across from a small swimming/snorkeling beach (Lawai Beach), but is also within easy driving distance of many nice beaches on the Poipu side. You can also look into the Embassy Suites (expensive

Margot Harris

Well something weird happened that didn't let me finish my first response, so I'll try again. Let's see, where was I...oh yeah, Embassy Suites is expensive but deluxe. You can also try the Poipu Kai, and Kiahuna Plantation Resort, also on the Poipu side. There is much to do on the island, depending on your tastes, including great hiking (do the first 2 miles of the Kalalau Trail - it's breathtaking, in more ways than one!), snorkeling, ATV tours of the back country (a lot of fun!), and helicopter tours ( a must!), to name just a few activities. Whatever you decide to do, I know your family will have a great time! Enjoy and aloha!

Tammy

There are a couple of condos on the east side of the island that were not overly expensive and fronted a beach. One was Lae Nani and the other the Wailua Bay Condos. Lae Nani is in a pretty spot. Wailua Bay is perched right at the edge of wailua beach. Another nice condo-though not as cheap, was kiahuna Plantation. Look on vrbo.com to see actual pictures of these properties and inexpensive rental prices. Don't miss exploring the north shore-some of the beaches are gorgious. We especially loved Ke'e beach for snorkling. Lumahai beach is great to walk on and look at the waves but the swimming is not safe. Have a great time!

Dolores

Hi John, We went to Kauai last July with our three daughters ages 13, 7 and 4. We stayed at the most wonderful place on the Poipu side called Poipu Kapili. It is not ON the beach, however, it is right on the ocean and the ocean front condos are superb! It is very close (right across the street) from the Sheraton which has a GREAT beach!! Also, I would try the Kiahuna Plantation. Have fun!

Paul

What part of the island you stay on will make a big difference in the weather you get. We stayed in the north, in the Princeville area. It is lush and beautiful but you are going to get rained on frequently. On the south side of the island, it's the opposite - pretty but not nearly as lush, but you're not likely to have your beach trips rained on.
As to what to do, I'd strongly recommend a river canoeing/kayaking trip. The waters are calm, the scenery beautiful, and you can stop for a hike to waterfalls. It's an all day event. The beach at Poipu on the southern end of the island was pretty good for snorkeling and sunning. In the northern end of the island, there are fabulous hiking trails near Na Pali and more good snorkeling on some of the nearby beaches.
Be prepared to spend serious $$ on gasoline for your car! You'll probably drive alot and gas prices are ridiculous.

Anna

We rented a condo last April from Grantham Resorts at Nihi Kai Villas, the complex is located in Poipu across the street from the ocean and only a block or two to the nearest beach. The 2 bedroom unit we had was very nice with 2 large bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms plus a washer and dryer. The grounds were well kept, and they had a decent pool.

http://www.granthamresorts.com/

Kerry

Also stayed at Lawai Beach in the Ali'i building and loved the view and the fact that great snorkeling was 100 feet away.