Kauai in November
 

Hello - my sis and I want to spend about 10 days on Kauai while she is on a break from teaching in November. We did the NCL cruise a few years ago and Kauai was our favorite stop. I've been looking at Costco packages in the Lihue area; as that seems to be central; i.e. not far to drive to either the north or the south shore. Costco has good deals on the Kauai Marriott and the Aqua Kauai Beach Resort...any opinions? We would like a swimmable beach (Kalapaki? Lygate?) but also would like a pool. All suggestions welcome!!!

I'm not fond of the Kauai Marriott, but it does meet your criteria - swimmable beach beautiful pool, etc. But Lihue is not an attractive city and doesn't have a great selection of restaurants. You would be better off in Poipu - not far from Lihue - or the north shore for restaurants. The north shore has a lot of rain in November. Poipu will be drier.

I completely agree with Kathie, except I don't think the pool is beautiful (large and opulent perhaps, but not beautiful). Also, last time we were there (2007) the whole place seemed a little "worn" -- if it's been renovated since, then maybe, but if it hasn't, I wouldn't even consider it.

I would stay at the Marriott and have many times. The beach at Kauai Beach Resort is not swimmable and you would have to drive to a swimmable beach.
My late husband and I owned a timeshare at the Marriott for 15 years and they redecorate about every 5 years. The beach is nice there, has a strip of grassy lawn with loungers and shady trees so you can get food and drink service there also (not on the sand though).
As far as the weather, who knows? You can always get in the car and drive elsewhere unless there is a tropical depression hanging over the entire island (only happened to me once in many years).

The timeshares are nice, I was referring to the hotel portion.

Thanks, everyone. I'm starting to lean toward the south shore with the promise of sunnier weather. Still looking at Costco offerings (we love the convenience of having airfare, car and lodging arranged for us, and the prices are very good): In Poipu there are three that we can afford: Outrigger Kiahuna Plantation (cheapest), Aston at Poipu Kai, and Koloa Landing (most expensive). Only the Kiahuna seems to be on a swimmable beach...drawbacks are that the swimming pool is across the street at an athletic club, and there's no a/c. (Does this matter in November?) Also all three have only a king bed and a pull-out sofa; my sister and I would prefer two doubles but that arrangement doesn't seem to be available at any of these resorts. Any thoughts would be welcome!

The Outrigger Kiahuna Plantation has the best location, though I expect they won't guarantee you will be on the beach. If you are located on the beach, you don 't really need AC, if you are not on the beach, I expect you will need AC (no tradewinds coming off the water). But not having a swimming pool readily available makes it much less desirable, IMO.

The Aston at Poipu Kai is near a swimmable beach at Poipu State Park. Depending on where your condo unit is, you might be very close to the beach or farther away.

There is a Sheraton nearby - is it not available or too expensive?

Koloa Landing is on the main road, so farther from the beach.

You might want to check with these places directly, as I know the Aston at Poipu Kai, and the Outrigger have two bedroom units, but Costco may not give you access to them. While Costco packages can be a good deal, they usually don't give you access to all the room types available.

We stayed at Courtyard Marriott at Coconut Beach which was kind of economical compared to others. It was a nice place and experience was good. If you are interested in activities and places, you can find the details in our blog (our experiences and photos).

http://www.lifeasweexplore.com/home/kauai-hawaii

The Sheraton is on a lovely stretch of beach at Poipu and has rooms with two beds. We stayed in the building furthest from the beach for the lowest rate.

Thanks everyone...we will be at the Aston at Poipu Kai for 10 days in November. We did go with a Costco package that includes our flights and car, and we upgraded to an "oceanview" unit, mostly in the hope that we may not have to walk too far to the beach (Poipu or Shipwreck as I understand it).

Still looking for activity ideas...know for sure we will be taking the Napali cruise with Captain Andy.

Many consider shipwreck beach "not swimmable" but Poipu is lovely for swimming and snorkeling.

also stayed at the Marriott in Lihue. Would never stay there again. Very over the top pool area with frogs (or some creature) spraying water into the pool and average room which took a long time to get to with all the twists and turns in the hallways. Massage we got there was strange as the locker room had but a few lockers to put your belongings in and absolutely no atmosphere. The beach there is NOT nice compared to so many beautiful beaches on Kauai. Think twice about staying there. Strange that Costco travel only has these two hotels as we use them a lot.

Capt'n Andy is great. We have gone with them 4-5 times and there are some good hikes on the island as well. Helicopter tour is awesome, expensive but worth it. Merrimans restaurant in the new shopping center in Poipu is outstanding. Can't wait for 2017 for our return trip.

I enjoyed many stays at Marriott in Lihue, I like the beach and you can get food and drinks from the Kalapaki Beach Hut as long as you are on the grass and not the sand. Also service to the pool loungers which is super convenient. I loved the pool. But since OP is staying in Poipu it is a moot point.
Loved both Captain Andy's and Holo Holo, if you can afford a few extra bucks, take the Southern Star boat which serves hot food instead of the usual make your own sandwich.

Thanks for the advice. As jamie99 noted, we are staying in Poipu as we were told the chances are better for good weather in November.

Because I've read that you really don't see all of the Napali coast from the boat tours that depart from southwest Kauai, we're probably going to opt for a helicopter tour instead! (Though we're a little bit scared.)

Other must sees: Waimea Canyon drive to Kokee SP, Luau Kalamaku, bike path in Kapaa, Hindu monastery, farmer's markets in Hanalei and Waipa, and lots of different beaches!!