We are just now trying to plan ahead for a week to 10 day Kauai vacation for February 2018.
We'd prefer a reasonably priced condo in a smaller complex or small home (VRBO) to stay at with in a short walk to a beach if not on the beach.
We enjoy dining out but want the flexibility of preparing meals also. We are late in our early 60's and enjoy hiking, snorkeling, sandy beaches and peaceful evenings sipping on a glass of wine.

Looking at the 4 basic regions of Kauai we can't decide which region to stay in. We will have a car rental but do not want to spend a great deal driving from place to place.

Thank you from Iowa!

Check out the Coconut Coast for reasonable prices and the convenient, central locations to NoShore and SoShore (40-60 mins), and 60 mins or so to Waimea Canyon-Kokee-Kalalau/Westside (Kekaha/Polihale).
Closer to the airport, too so you don't have to leave an hour early so as to not get stuck in traffic if you are in P'ville/Poipu.

A few of our pals like staying at Pono Kai.
A few on Papaloa Rd, too.

One of the few places where I don't mind being "stuck in traffic"....even in the Kapaa Krawl.

Inexpensive restaurants within walking distance in Kapaa, too, if you like a few pops with your meal.

In February, I'd want to be in the sunniest area of Kauai - the South Shore. We always stay in Poipu, and there are plenty of Condo rentals in the area. Be aware that February sees the largest number of whales. Well worth doing some whale-watching.

I have some notes from our month on Kauai in February - click on my name and you'll find it under my trip reports.

Thanks Kai, lots of great information.

Kathie, we read your report, lots of info on restaurants!
Were aware of the whales in February and that's one of the reasons we picked this time of year.
Thanks so much

Jeler

Kathie, just curious, can you see the whales from the beach in Poipu (we've never been in February)?

Sure. We saw a whale breach from our balcony.

Oops, I meant to add that the Waiohai has put viewers (like binoculars on a stand) out along the front edge of the property so people can look for whales.

'welcome Jeler.

We found that it seems the whales come in a lot closer in Poipu. Don't know if the water is deeper closer to the shore than other parts of the island or ????

We were on the beach between Kiahuna and the Sheraton one year and swear the whale was close enuff I could see it's eye lashes when it winked at me during a slow roll. ;-)

We enjoy Poipu Shores condo and have stayed there several times. We have seen numerous whales from the lanai in February.