I am about worn out from looking at various websites trying to find a reasonably priced hotel or Condo without winding up in a dump. There are two couples going in October and we don't mind sharing a room. Any suggestions

My suggestion is you narrow your choices to a region: North shore, south shore or east coast. Then your price range, would help us suggest.

Oh, I found this link from another post:
http://www.pbvacationrentals.com/condos.html
These rentals are in the Poipu Beach/ south shore area.

Since it is our first time to Kauai we are at a loss for which area to stay. I always want a bargain, But, we would like to keep the nightly rate below $300.00

We are in our lat 40's and early 50's and are active. We will likely hike quite a bit and will want to see as much as possible of the island.

Check out the two bedroom units at Kiahuna Plantation in Poipu. Castle resorts handles some and Outrigger handles some. You will find many on vrbo too. This site is useful too.
http://www.kiahunaowners.net/

We stayed at Kiahuna Plantation and enjoyed it very much. I don't remember the price, but it was not too expansive. See if you can get a two bedroom unit, but in the building fronting the ocean. There is another behind it with "garden" view.

Great, oh, look bbq, we got virgins!!!!

Seriously, geezer, you may want to check out the brand new Waipouli Beach Resort in Kapaa. It's an Outrigger mananged resort, plus, you can find lots of rentals on vrbo.com When you go to vrbo, go to East Kauai, Waipouli.
We stayed there in March and it is splendid.

You may also want to check at the new Marriott Waiohai in Poipu.

Now, here's some other places to check for condo rentals.

vrbo.com
redweek.com
tugbbs.com
timeshareforums.com

Lots of people put their places up for rent.

When you find places that interest you, check back as there are many Kauai experts on this board.

Happy planning.......you've picked our favorite island!

Here's a couple of more websites...

htse.net
summitpacific.com

At htse, if you call them or email, they will give you a guest sign in code and you can search without signing up for their service.

We were happy at the Wailua Bay condos in Kappa. Found via VRBO.com. One bedroom condos with sleeper sofa in main room. I think it was only around $150 a night. Good central location with great ocean front views and nice balcony. Full kitchen.

On my first trip to Kauai many years ago, I rented from an agency called Suite Paradise. We rented a 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo at the Poipu Crater resort.

The unit was large, two stories with high wood beamed ceilings inside, a private lanai, and was really nice. The beach was just a short walk.

I prefer Poipu for it's snorkeling, drier climate and location (approx. 1/2 way between either end of the road). We enjoyed having evening drinks at the nearby Hyatt Regency.

I just checked their website for some random dates and found rates of $120 per night for the 2br/2ba.

Since this trip I've stayed at several other locations, but never enjoyed any of them more than Poipu Crater.

http://www.suite-paradise.com

I've never quite understood why anyone would pay over $300 per night for a small hotel room when they can have a 1200 sq. foot condo for less than half that. To each his own!

Anyone know if Poipu Crater is still nice?

Virgins? Now there's a word I have not heard in a long time.

We are going to Kauai in two days. Last week I got a great deal for the Hilton Kauai Beach Resort. It is $120.00 a night for an oceanview room. This is through the entertainment book. I just bought one for $9.99 on their web site. The Hilton Hotel was 50 % off.I think it is a great value. The hotel is in Lihue.

We have stayed in Kauai several times and love a small condo complex on the beach called Kapaa Sands. They have two 2 bedroom units beachfront that are dreamy for $185 a night in the summer (less in Oct) The pool is nothing spectacular but to hear the ocean from your bedroom (one of the rooms) and also from the living room is wonderful. There are 2 bathrooms. It is clean and old as is everything in Kauai that isn't in Waikoloa. We don't like that location at all-very distant. Good luck! We are going again in July!

Forgot to mention that we do NOT like Poipu at all either. There are some nice resorts in Poipu and Waikoloa but as far as proximity to hiking and all the fabulous beaches they are terrible locations. If you want to hang at your resort or golf all day then stay in one of these areas otherwise Kappa is it! Many more options on eating out as well in Kappa. We have never understood the impulse to stay in Poipu, there is nothing there!

Here is the website
Remember you must stay in the 2 bedroom ocean front units for it to be a great place. They are 2 story.
http://www.kapaasands.com/ There is an Outrigger complex nextdoor that is nice as well. However, we love to be right on the ocean and to leave the slider open while sleeping to the sound of the waves

FYI, I was very stressed before my first trip, trying to figure out which area to stay in. I couldn't get a grasp of the differences between the areas and was frightened that I'd make a mistake and ruin my vacation. I was also scared of desceriptions of the North Shore as being very rainy.

I split my time between the Kauai Beach Resort on the Eastern Shore (near Lihue) and a cottage on the North Shore. FYI, IMHO the KBR was "okay." Beautiful pool and good location. The beach is pure magic in the early mornings. But the hotel itself and the rooms was only fair--and the restaurant was very expensive. I didn't "dislike" it -- and I had a wonderful vacation, but I wouldn't stay there again unless it was a great deal.

My personal preference was the North Shore -- hands down. It's a completely different feel from the rest of the island -- and your decision really should depend on what you like.

Poipu had nice beaches, somewhat crowded with families and those who enjoy laying out and basking in the sun. The scenery seemed like "generic beach resort" to me -- nothing dramatic or special. That does NOT appeal to me. It wasn't my idea of "Hawaii."

My clear preference was the lush, dramatic, less crowded, scenic areas near the Na Pali cliffs -- on the North Shore. When I return in July, we're renting what looks like a very nice one-bedroom condo with a FABULOUS ocean view at Sea Lodge in Princeville (North Shore) -- for $140/nt. When I Googled "Kauai condos" I found countless options to choose from.

The only negative to the North Shore for me is that it's the farthest distance from incredible Waimea Canyon, where I'll definitely return. So, on one day, I'll do an extra hour of driving; big deal.

For me, Kapa'a is too much of a city/touristy feely. I'd NEVER stay there -- but obviously, lots of people enjoy it. Its advantages include being close to lots of shopping malls and restaurants.

So ... it all comes down to what you prefer. But the good news is that with the island being so small, it's easy to explore EVERY area, regardless of where you stay. So, I don't think you can really make a "mistake."

Enjoy!!!

Sorry, I feel so stupid, in my first post I mentioned Waikoloa. I was talking about Poipu. We have the same dislike for Waikoloa on the Big Island and I got a little mixed up! It was late. Have a wonderful trip!

Kapa'a ain't my cup of tea either. Hanalei or bust.

I like Kapa'a. Different strokes! Stroke it to the east, stroke it to the west!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stroke it to the north, stroke it to the south...