FamTrvl

Planing a family trip to northshore Kauai for next summer with 3 teenagers. Our budget is under $300/nt. We are torn between renting a small house/cottage in Hanalei or a larger condo in Princeville. We are leaning heavily toward Hanalei but would love the opinions of those who have been there. None of us has ever been to Kauai. Thank you!

Hanalei
+ walking distance to town & beach will give teens some space and independence
+ Hanalei Bay seems to be a place our family will love and want to spend lots of time
- Homes in our budget are on the Kuhio Hwy or just a few houses in, will it be noisy?
- no a/c for homes in our budget

Princeville
+ condos in Princeville have more amenities (pool, some have a/c)
+ better chance of having a great view, but this is not a priority
+ less noise from traffic
- will need a car to get everywhere

sf7307

I'd personally choose Hanelei because of your first two ++. I would add that I don't really like Princeville because it's a planned development (manicured golf courses, walking paths, various hotels and condo developments and private homes)- I prefer "funkier".

The one thing that would give me pause would be "no A/C" - do they at least offer the opportunity for cross-ventilation?

FamTrvl

sf7307 - thanks for your thoughts. I think our family would love the Hanalei vibe but I am concerned the a/c would be an issue. I expect us to be out all day hiking, kayaking, swimming etc... and we don't want to come back to sweltering heat in the evening. We do not plan to spend any time in the rental during the day. I know this issue is very subjective!

Princeville is way to manicured for our tastes and we would be dependent on the car but a good night sleep may over ride that.

Has anyone NOT had a/c in Kauai in July? How bad was it? Remember, we WON'T be on the ocean...

Anyone know about the noise near the Kuhio Hwy in Hanalei?

Songdoc

I stay in a Princeville condo every July and August (as well as other times throughout the year) and I have never been sweltering. I've rarely even been warm. But ... it all depends on the exact location. The units where I've stayed in Sealodge not only have stunning views--but amazing breezes. They're not air conditioned because they don't need to be. During this past July and August I only used a fan occasionally. But ... I was right over the ocean and facing just the right way for the marvelous trade winds.

It's really a trade-off because it would be a big plus for the teens to be able to walk in town and to Hanalei Bay. But, there's a beautiful trail along the Princeville golf course, there'sa trail down to Sealodge Beach, and lots of other places for them to walk. There would also probably be a pool at any condo you'd rent in Princeville.

Can you check reviews from others who have stayed at the house in Hanalei? They would likely mention noise and heat if these were problems.

voyager61

I have been to Kauai more than once, but not recently. We usually go to Maui, and a couple of times to the Big Island. However, I think some of your questions apply to any location in the Hawaiian islands. If you are on a main road in Hawaii, it will be noisy. Since supply trucks headed to Princeville must use that highway, you can imagine that mornings might be rather busy with commercial vehicles. In general, try to find a rental property on a much less busy side street, or something at the back of a larger property so you have a buffer zone. I think cross breezes are important for any Hawaiian rental, but most especially if there is no air conditioning.

Usually, we go for condos with air conditioning, unless a cottage fits all the above criteria and has very good reviews.

Shar

U will need a car regardless of where u stay. Hanalei is funkier and I agree with checking reviews to c what others say about the cottage. Princeville is lovely but it is nice to just walk out your door to get to the beach without walking down steep hills and hanalei would give u that . The beach is great at hanalei and bike riding is fun since it is flat. I have been to Kauai many many times and never had a/c ceiling fans and floor fans if u need them work well.