How is the weather in early October, and what area would be the best. I understand that the North Shore is more rainy but beautiful...would enjoy this, however, how is the swimming on the North. Heard the best beaches in the Poipu area. Is this true? Any recommendations on awesome little villas with a jacuzzi? Scuba diving recommendations? Thanks!

My favorite topic - the north shore Kauai! We were there late last September and the weather was perfect. We only had one day that was a little overcast with intermittant drizzle. I loved the beaches, Hideaways, Tunnels, Anini. Our villa (see their website www.kauaivilla.com)was a perfect home away from home - our pick for every future trip (alas, no jacuzzi). If you want more information, e-mail me at [email protected]. You can click on our Kauai pictures at http://community.webshots.com/user/maggiwun

Hi oceanlover! I was there at the same time as Maggi, late Sept (we even got to meet each other! but that's another story). I would choose North Shore in October also. I noticed that the ocean changed day by day, the big waves were beginning to come in for the winter, even tho it was only Sept. Our catamaran/snorkel trip was great, but captain couldn't find a calm enough place to snorkel, so we just rode the waves. Snorkeling at Tunnels was zero visibility, due to the stirred up waters. But that's ok, because the beach was gorgeous, my husband got to surf (yay!!!!), and the hiking was awesome.

We rented a fabulous little villa with jacuzzi! It was located on Anini Beach, you could throw a stone from the deck and it would land in the water . Anini is no more than 15 mins from any beach on the North Shore (it's just east of Princeville area). Here's the URL for the villa: top of the line furnishings, immaculate, sliding doors all around.

http://planet-hawaii.com/daystar/anini.html

Have fun choosing! Don't forget to get Maui Revealed guidebook.

I just don't understand this fascination with Kauai!?!?

Therefore, I must return in approx. 310 mo' days to conduct further research.

Mucho mahalos,
Kal

Was there at the end of Sept 2001 and thought the weather was fine. It seemed to be the same whether in both north and south.

We found that it really didn't matter where we stayed as we just did what ever we wanted. Put the top down on the convertible and tooled around till we found the next beautiful location. Missed Polihale Beach which we still lament. North or south, it's all good.

Just returned from Kauai over the weekend and got basically no rain while we were there (6 days)....may have been an aberration (I was very nervous before I left), but I definitely wouldn't let some "potential" rain stop you from staying on the North Shore. If I were to go back, I would stay there again.