We are two Cdn. couples looking for 1 wk condo in Maui and 1 wk. condo in Kauai. Looking on websites I see that condos seem to be a lot cheaper in Kauai - we do like a quieter, being by the ocean kind of holiday so now I'm wondering if it would make sense to spend 1 wk on S. side of Kauai (Poipu) and 1 wk on N. Side of Kauai (Princeville). Does that make sense or would it be silly to move to a different condo on the same island? Is Princeville a nice area? Thanks for any responses

Aloha jumpy,

Sounds good to me, are you travelling winter or summer?

Princeville is a nice area with awesome scenery though not all condo's are right on the beach.

Feel free to inquire about specific condo's, many will be glad to help!

Kauai is so small that it is easy to drive anywhere in short order. It seems that moving to another condo would be more of a pain than it is worth. The Poipu area is more reliably sunny. When we were there a month ago we stayed in the Poipu area and drove to Princeville on the one day that it was sunny there while we were there. We met up with a couple in Maui who had spent the same time in Princeville and they had rain everyday. All areas are gorgeous. Regardless of what you do you will love it.

One of the condos I saw in a website under Kauai Vacation Rentals was Pu'u Pu'a in Princeville. They looked really nice and were reasonable. Does anyone have any idea of the location and the ocean by this resort?

We stayed next to the nice Puu Poa condo's in March (when it tends to be more rainy than the summmer months), they are ocean front on a bluff across from the Princeville Hotel, and some stairs lead down to the beach in front of the condo's.

Ultimate Kauai guidebook also has photo and details about Puu Poa, here is a link:
http://www.wizardpub.com/kauai/kauai.html

Many people have stayed there and commented previously if you research this forum, and you'll probably hear from them.

Personally would recommend a week stay on Maui and a week stay on Kauai, rather than a full two weeks on Kauai, if this is your first visit to Hawaii.

Jumpy - my husband and I did Maui and Kauai last Sept. Stayed 16 nights and did 7 nites on Maui and then 5 nights on the North shore and 4 nights on the South Shore. Love both sides and didn't want to spend the time driving back and forth.

Stayed at the Kihei Surfside on Maui. Very reasonable condo - deluxe oceanview. Lots to do on Maui, hiked Haleakala, snorkeling (from the shore and boat), exploring, etc.

Stayed at the Pali Ke Kua condos on the North shore (right next to Puu Poa). Hiked the Napali Coast and did a lot of snorkeling. Had several great meals/drinks at the Princeville Hotel. And yes, Princeville is an absolutely wonderful and beautiful area!

Stayed at the Makahuena condos on the South side. Poipu Beach and snorkeling, tubing and exploring there. More great meals/drinks at the Hyatt.

So don't think you can go wrong with whatever itinerary you pick. You will love it!

You didn't say what time of year you were planning on going. If its winter time, you should stay on the south shore of Kauai as the surf gets rather rough on the north shore. Summer is fine on the north. As far as condos go, you might want to consider Kiahuna Plantation condos on the south side. Quiet and very relaxing with its own beach area. A lot of great restaurants within walking distance or just a short drive away. Great golf courses too.

I would suggest seeing Maui if you have not been before. There is much to do, however staying two weeks on Kauai is my idea of a near perfect vacation Even though it is a small island, splitting your time between the north and the south is a great way of doing it. Each side has it's own feel.
Princeville is a very nice, upscale resort community on the north shore. The condos you mention are in a great location with amazing views off the cliff to the ocean below and the mountians beyond. The is a great beach just below that has good snorkeling when the water is calm. The north shore is very gorgeous, green and lush. It has excellent beaches. Summer is the best time on the north shore for sun and calm waters. Keep researching and evetually you'll know what to do.

Why oh why would anyone want to spend time on Kauai is waaaaay beyond me!

I think it's been well-established that there is no nightlife, nothing to do and it rains all the time.

As a favor to all, and in my well documented efforts into researching this phenomena, I will gladly accept airline miles, airline drink tics, Kauai Entertainment Cards to go over and make sure that these statements remain correct.

In fact, we're leaving in 192 mo' days so hurry and get all of it to me.

IMHO, do a week on each island (but not changing condos on the island) if this is your first time to Hawaii.
There are VERY affordable large beachfront condos on both islands. I stayed in a huge one br condo oceanview right on Kahana Beach for $125/night last yr, and am about to leave for Kauai, and a two bedroom condo also right on the beach.
What season? What is your price range? Let us know so you can get more specific suggestions at this site.
For starters, go to the www.outrigger.com website. Most of their properties (hotels and condos) acce[t the Entertainment card, with 50% off rack rates, *IF* you book early enough and the limited number of rooms they release at a discount are still available.

I forgot to say, on Kauai, beachfront , the condos (i.e. the ones my family is staying in) are $115 for one bedroom, $148 for 2 bedroom. So the good prices ARE there, if you research and book early enough. Also, ALOHA and good wishes, and enjoy the planning and researching. Anticipation is part of the fun (-;

To Cali Nurse - I'm interested in your prices for condos - as I have said, we're Cdn. so the prices add up. For example - when I look up Kiahuna Plantation it looks like a 2 bedroom ocean front would be about $300 US. We're going in March of 2005 - when would be a good time to reserve, should we reserve prior to Christmas?
We're looking to spend no more than $150 Cdn per couple, so that would probably be no more than $225 American per night. Thanks for any help

One week on Maui and one on Kauai sounds pretty good to me ! Look at the online prices at

http://www.suite-paradise.com/

I have resv for a 2/2 which works out at $500/couple for the seven nights. Pretty good.

For Maui there's lots of condos too, last trip we stayed at the Mahana
http://www.themahana.com/

Have also stayed at Noelani
http://www.noelani-condo-resort.com/

Good hunting

jumpy
We used Pleasant Hawaiin Tours several years ago, they booked the airfare, hotels at Maui and Kaui, rental cars at both places (convertible, aahh)plane jump from Honolulu to Maui to Kaui and included a BUNCH of 2 for 1 things to do like a whale watch in March which was unforgettable, discount on helicopter tour, Fern Grotto, Hawaiian BBQ, Luau's and much more. You could give it a shot, I don't know how anyone else has fared with them but with us it was great!
Jeri