Hi:
my husband and I are avid hikers/runners and are heading to Kauai in early April for 10 days. Where should we stay? Originally we had planned on the North part of the Island but we really would like excellent weather and now I read that it rains there a lot in early May. We're fine with off-the-beaten path but would like to be within close distance of a good beach for swimming. Thanks for your help!
Alase

Oops, that should read "early April" not May!

Aloohaaa,
Off the beaten path?
Waimea Plantations Cottages on the Westside. Lotta flat road to do early morning jogs. Beach there is good for jogging but not for swimming. A little too murky. And it's right next to the Waimea Brewing Co!

Close to good hiking up in Waimea Canyon.
Only prob is a good swimming beach. Kekaha maybe. Polihale is very nice but some strong currents. I've only gone in when locals are surfing/swimming there.

Downside is the Westside is about 60-90 min. drive to Hanalei/Ke'e-NaPali Coast and about 30-45 to Poipu, depending on traffic.

But OH what a drive!8-)

Hey, Kal -

We leave for Kauai in two days. Can't wait. You mention the Waimea Brewing Company and we have stopped there often for brews after a hike in the canyon, but we've noticed in the past several years, that the quality of the food has declined even for a lunch. Have you noticed or are you just drinking the brewskies? Just curious.

Karen

P.S. SprintGal - We stay mainly in the Poipu area on the south shore where we are somewhat equidistant between hiking on the North shore and in Kokee at the canyon. If you are a first timer to Kauai, I would probably not recommend staying on the west side - not the best of beaches and removed from the bit of activity that Kauai has to offer. We love the North shore and always spend some time there but know that it can be rainy anytime of the year. You are more likely to have the best weather on Kauai on the south shore. We have many times driven from rain in the north and even east side of the island into the sun of Poipu to find that there has not been a drop of rain.

Klqster,
Moi? :-"

Sad to say but we didn't hit the Brew Co this trip. But last year, the food was still good but the service was lacking. They were trying very hard at least but I get the feeling they are operating on a shoestring so the try and keep personnel costs down.

The Nui Nachos were still "onoliscious".

And the Westisde sky is on fire at night due to lack of a lot of street lights.
315!!! ><