Hi, Fodorites!

First, not to worry -- I’m not spending only 1-2 nights on Kauai. I’ll be renting a house out near Spouting Horn for 10 nights with my sister and her family, but I thought it might be fun to go out a day or two early. I think they will be on the BI for a few days before heading over to Kauai, so I’ll probably be on my own for the couple days before we check into our house.

Based on other comments I’ve seen here, I thought the ResortQuest Islander on the Beach might be a good choice for me. What I’m looking for:

-- oceanfront complex – I probably won’t be doing too much island exploring these first days, just spending some time with myself and relaxing; would also love good opportunities for daily walks, especially on the beach

-- walking to restaurants and shops – not sure if I’ll even rent a car for this period (though I probably will, as I plan to do shopping for provisions before the house stay), and I thought it might be nice not to have to drive anywhere for dinner for those nights

-- budget of $150/night or so – it looks like I can get a garden view room for just about $300 for two nights, or a partial ocean view for a bit more. Any preferences here? Usually I’d go for ocean view, but the house is oceanfront, so I will be able to enjoy water views for the rest of my trip

-- snorkel opportunities are a plus – I love, love to snorkel, so anything nearby would be a huge bonus for me

The dates I’m looking at are 3-5 July 2009, so this will be over the July 4th weekend. If there’s a good nearby spot for viewing fireworks, that might be fun as well.

So, does the ResortQuest Islander on the Beach sound like a good choice? Any other options I should be considering? I’ve been to Kauai before, but not too familiar with lodging in this area. But given my preferences, it seemed like it might be good option for this short stay. I’d love to hear your advice!

We stayed at the Islander a few years ago and like the location for the ease of walking over to Coconut Mktplace. Very nice to just walk back to the room after a drink or two with dinner! The beach there is pretty, but I don't believe you can swim or snorkel there. It is a great place for a walk, with beautiful sunrises, and there is a paved walking path that runs in front of several properties. You can snorkel at Lydgate which is about a mile away, although that is a walled area and might seem quite tame to an experienced snorkeler. Again I think it is too rough to snorkel outside the walled area.

If you are going to be in Po`ipu for 10 days, you might think about spending the first couple days up in the town of Hanale`i. You could rent a studio or small apartment and walk to restaurants and to the beach. You'd need a car to get there.

Sounds like a great trip--have fun planning it

Hi, it IS nobigdeal! Poipu/Spouting Horn area in south is great for snorkeling whereas the lovely stretch of sandy beach at Islander on the east shore has so-so swimming (benchrock) BUT it IS a great location for relaxing (next visit WE want to meet Kal and his wife at the bar) It's adjacent to the Coco. Marketplace with its shops and restaurants, you can stroll/walk/jog oceanfront as far north as the timeshare Mokihana/The Bull Shed restaurant (across canal from the Outrigger Waipouli) with nearby Foodland, Safeway, Long's etc for food and sundries. You can eventually connect to picturesque pedestrian bike path to the north, rent a bike in Waipouli/Kapa'a or take the Kauai bus. Some Fodorites talk about the traffic congestion at Waipouli/Kapa'a (true at specific times) but oceanfront you're in another world!!! Not aware of Kuhio Highway.

For many years we divided our time between Poipu in the sunny south in winter and the east/north shore in summer. On the island you do need a car to experience its many charms but on our first summer visit on the east shore we walked/took the bus our first week and later rented a car when we moved to Poipu. Can be done and it was so relaxing. Have a great holiday!

PS nobigdeal, We did take a cab from airport and a caution, summer has higher humidity so we liked to walk/stroll early in the day!

Thanks so much for the input! I had thought about renting a small place up north, but then I thought I might prefer the atmosphere of something a bit livelier while I'm on my own (even though I mainly plan to read, walk, and eat!). The walking path sounds very nice, and the idea of being able to have a drink with dinner without worrying about driving is also appealing.

I will probably end up getting a car upon arrival, because I doubt I'll be able to resist the island's many charms for even a couple days. Right now, doing nothing sounds great, but I know I'll probably want to get out and about once I'm there.

Thanks again for the thoughts, very helpful in my planning!

I've only been going to The Islander almost every year since '89 so the jury is still out.

Sand Bar, Huki Lau, CocoMktplace, Kintaros, Monico's, Eggberts, Bullshed, Oly Cafe etc all within walking distance.
Yeah...I may go back again in maybe 136 mo' days.

http://www.iotbowners.com/Webcam~71776~12205.htm

Ahhhh, I've already picked out my pool chair from the webcam view -- now I just have to wait until next summer!

Poifect!

Barstool #4 is reserved from 12-30 thru 1-17.

The Islander is my go to place for a night or two before a rental. Good price, good atmosphere, nice decor, central location - just what one needs

unless of course you are going in January, which has an infamous guest of debauchery. You have been warned! LOL!!!!

Daang,

I just read - over the 4th of July???

Nothing like the North Shore over the 4th!

Tunnels is filled with families and Hanalei has about 50 bonfire land firework parties....
My trip report from a couple of years ago.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34846549

Sorry...I still have both of my baucheries! :-"

gyppielou,

Thanks for the information about the north shore over the holiday weekend. I'll review your report and consider that as an option -- sounds fun!

kal, if I do end up at the Islander, I'll be sure to keep a very close eye on your favorite barstool. Heck, I may never leave it!

Be kind to it...it's served me well for oh so many years. #39;(

The great thing about Kal's barstool is it has a lifeline attatched in case of a Tsunami. No need to evacuate the bar if the sirens sound!

Ditto gyppie for the north shore over the 4th... http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34669307

although...
I have witnessed (and joined) the big kahuna and his lovey mrs. around #4, and it proves to be a very lively occasion! Love ya big guy!

Aloha nobigdeal... happy planning!