In October, which part of this island would be the best to stay? North, South?? Does it really matter?? Just looking to see great sights & veg!

They're both nice--many people prefer the north--Princevill, Hanalei area, NaPali coast. But, it does rain more in that area. You'll like either, and some of the better experts can probably give you more specifics.

tommyd,
Price range matter? Condo v. hotel?

Oct may still be "safe" to do the NoCoast.
We like the CocoCoast since it's in the middle and only about 30 mins to Poipu or Princeville and near a lot of good restaurants...maybe one being La Playa Azul, right Icee?

If you're used to driving where you live now, either location isn't bad, tho. Just a lot of gorgeous scenery.
Mahalo!

While I'm no expert, we've always stayed at Princeville - its a bit quieter and more relaxed for us. However, we often drive to Poipu if its cloudy up north. There are great beaches on both ends - tunnels, end of the road, etc north and Poipu, Baby, Shipwreck and Barking Sands south.

Kal, where do you stay on the Coconut Coast? We usually stay on the North Shore but we want something farther south for our Febuary trip. Thanks!

s3az-We've always stayed at the Aston Islander on the Beach.

It is not everyone's cuppa tea, tho.
We started staying there in '89 because we had to ($) ) and now we do it 'cuz we want to.
Check out the Fodor's Kauai Hotel Revus.

My fave comment, and I apologize to the person making it if they are still out there but they said "this hotel doesnt compare to the four seasons maui that we stayed at previously."

:-? Let's seeeee...Aston property vs a Four Seasons. Hmmmmmmm.
I hope they didn't pay FS prices at IOB.

There are a poop load of hotels and condos all along the CocoCoast that are relatively inexpensive. Sometimes the Marriott, Radisson and Sunspree (the old Holiday Inn) have specials.

Good luck!
Kal

Hyatt on south coast is our definite favorite. Though if finances are a concern, the Radisson on the east coast is very acceptable and has some really good internet specials--often including breakfast, which can really save you a lot of money if you eat a big breakfast then just a snack at lunch.

Agree with Kal. Although we stayed in Princeville last time and it was nice being close to Hanalei, just getting to Kapaa was a traffic pain let alone going to Poipu. In October, I would recommend staying around Lihue/Wailua/Kapaa so that you can go either direction rather easily on any given day. Gas and groceries are significantly cheaper in Lihue/Kapaa than at the North shore.

La Playita Azul is a pretty small place without much atmosphere (ggod for lunch), but we like Hula Girl Restaurant (Cocoanut Marketplace) for dinner and drinks -- among other places.

Is the Radisson the old Holiday Inn Sunspree. Have read some good reviews on it. We have stayed at the Marriott in Lihue (timeshare portion)..great place and location. Also at Pono Kai in Kapaa (also a timeshare). Nice clean rooms, very pretty grounds. Super location.
As for LaPlayita Azul.......although it is small...we loved the food. We went for dinner both times we were there.
Kapaa area prices for restaurants, shops and groceries seem to be lower than other parts of the island to me.
I have noticed on biddingfortravel.com that people consistently get the Lihue Marriott, Sheraton and Radisson in the $95-$110 range. I have read several reviews on the Radisson and they have been pretty good reviews.
Guess it just is what floats your boat.

\

Duh........did I mention that I have read some good reviews on The Radisson?