Greetings -- I have only two weeks to spend in Kauai and want to make the best decision. My husband is mobilized and we are going to spend his R&R in Kauai to relax and regroup. So, which part of the island is best - weather wise -- location wise. We are looking for quiet, downtime with seeing one or two (or possibily three) of the sites. Princeville, Poipu, etc. ... they all sound GREAT, but I'm stressing over making is the right choice. THANK YOU everyone for input ... this is a wonderful group to gather information from.

Lee

P.S. Any recommendations on B&B's or lodging -- ocean view IMPERATIVE ... thank you.

Lee

Lee, don't stress about where to stay. Kauai is just so wonderful, it's just a magical place. Poof....happy happy.

That said, this time we stayed at The new Waipouli Beach Resort. It is in Kapaa. Not on a swimmable beach. Great pool, but lots of children. Within walking distance of decent shopping and restaurants. Safeway and Long's are just across the street. Outrigger manages, so you can probably find it on their website. I rented a 1 br, 2 ba, ground floor....turned my head one way to see the ocean and the other way to see the beautiful garden and pool. Found it on vrbo. Great place.

We also stayed just down the street, still in Kapaa at Pono Kai. It's old, but well kept and clean, much quieter and absolutely breathtaking gardens. Right in the heart of old Kapaa town.

Again, you can't go wrong with Kauai. Just google google google and search here for trip reports and ask questions before you make your final decision.

Happy Kauai Planning!!!!!

You mention that your husband is in the military -- you might want to consider the oceanfront cottages at Pacific Missile Range Facility-Barking Sands:
http://www.pmrf.navy.mil/
Rate is based on pay grade.

PMRF is on the far westside of our island, and ideal for the quiet downtime you mention you want for this vacation. Take one day to visit our north shore; take another day to tour Koloa/Po`ipu. In between, enjoy the beautiful stretch of Barking Sands beach.

Lee, auntie is always soooooooo smart.
Budman and his better half stayed at Barking Sands a couple of years ago and really liked it a lot.

We stayed at Barking Sands in May of 2005. We loved it!! I'll e-mail you some information and pictures.

I think it depends entirely on what you like. My definite preference is the North Shore. It's more lush and the scenery is more dramatic -- and my main thing is scenic beauty.

Kapa'a is a very different feel--more of a town, with more traffic, but also more shops and entertainment options.

Personally, I would not enjoy staying in Poipu -- with it's nice, pristine beaches, but much less dramatic scenery. However, I know others who love it there; especially those who primarily want to lay out in the sun and swim. To me, it felt more generic.

But the good news is that the island's small enough to explore all of it from wherever you might stay. Last year, I was so stresseed about which area to stay in and so afraid that I'd make a "wrong" decision. So, I split my time between the Eastern Shore (between Lihue and Kapa'a) and the North Shore and I had a great time.

When I return this July, I'll be staying at SeaLodge in Princeville -- with a spectacular ocean view from the condo on the North Shore. But I will still revisit Waimea Canyon, despite the 90 minute (or more) drive.

I'm guessing you'll have a great time wherever you stay.

Hello. Last year we stayed 8 nights in Poipu and loved it. That said I wouldn't of enjoyed staying at the Marriott or some of the condos at Poipu Kai. Everytime we walked by the Marriott it was filled with screaming kids and some screaming adults!
We stayed at Kiahuna Plantation and it was heaven. The grounds are beautiful and what can be better than bbqing fresh fish with a view of the tropical Pacific? If you decide on Kiahuna book through an owner on VRBO.com. Also stay away from the far flung units. Look for a unit that looks out over the Royal Garden and the twin bridges.

This year we are breaking up our trip and staying part of the time in Princeville. They say the drive from Poipu to the Northshore is 75 minutes but don't believe it. There is quite a bit of traffic while driving through Kapaa. Plus we'll save on gas and we won't ad to the traffic conjestion. Again you can find some nice condos for the North on VRBO. We found a great place at Emmalani Ct.

What ever you do have a wonderful time.

Wow, if you can stay at the Missle range that would be great! I'd do a week there and a week on the northshore Priinceville area in an oceanview condo or a cottage in Hanalei. Try vrbo.com and kauaivacationrentals.com

See? Told you that you couldn't go wrong. Everyone has posted differently and loved where they stayed!!

Aloha