Kauai-north shore/south shore or both for lodging
 

I am planning a trip to Kauai in November and thought we would stay on the south shore. After reading I wonder is it a good plan to stay a few days on the north and then move to the south part of the island. Both areas seem to have lots to see, do and experience. I think the driving back and forth would take up a lot of time. Have you stayed on both parts on one trip. I appreciate any feedback ...looking at condos at this point in my planning.
Thanks,
Bigdgirl

I would certainly consider splitting the stay. Especially if it is your first time to the island and you are an explorer. I've stayed twice in Poipu, once at the Islander in the east, which is a nice middle ground and many times on the north shore. I am hoping to spend a few days in Poipu the next time as we tend to drive by going to a few selected spots and Polihale, but never spend time taking in as much as we'd like as the drive back at night to the northshore is long after a day in the sun, hiking or beaching and exploring.

One thing to consider is cleaning fee's. You may be able to negotiate a reduced cleaning fee, if you are staying just a few nights rather then a full week. If I do that, I try to do all the laundering I can with linens and towels to help the cleaner on my part.

But if you find a property that calls you, just hunker down and do a couple of days of adventurous commuting from either side!

or ... stay close to the middle -- somewhere like Kapa'a or the Coconut Coast. Yesterday, I drove from Princeville (North Shore) to Waimea Canyon--with lots of stops in between. It was spectacular--but a very long and tiring day.

I love the North Shore so I always stay in Princeville and just do one or two trips south. But I spent a couple of days at Pono Kai (condo on the east side) and really enjoyed that, too.

I loved staying in the Princeville area on the north shore. Can't wait to get back to the detached condo we rented the first time we were there. You can search my name for the trip report I wrote a while back. If you are interested, I'll send you a link to the photos as well. Here is the link to the condo:
www.kauaivilla.com

A little cottage in Hanalei followed by a few days at the Whaler or Kiahuna in Poipu would be a nice contrast and a great stay. How long are you planning on staying total?