Auntiemaria, I had no idea where Tessie's was, so thanks for the clarification. The Sea Lodge, I realized was cliff condos. so, if you were a 50ish 1st timer who wants calm waters to snorkel in (thus the enchantment of Annini and the hope of beating the crowd to Kee'e one day), as well as access to the rest of the island for heli tour and canyon viewing and a Napali boat tour, ( not to mention some of the many waterfalls), would you stay somewhere on/near Annini or Sea Lodge, or other? I'm hoping to be very economical with lodging but do want a view and some comfort. Just don't need posh.Thanks again, OSB.

Amelie, Thanks for your reply! I have looked at this unit on-line before and that's the one I had in mind when I was inquiring about the distances or ease of access to the various things the island has to offer. I guess you were also pleased with the location as far as this is concerned? Did you go to the "private beach"?
I Loved your pictures...are you a photographer by profession?! OSB.

ggrtist, Thank you, also for your reply. I hope to get beach/ocean front and just must have either a cot or sleeper sofa if not two beds. I appreciate the info! And , again, I really enjoyed your report!OSB.

OSB, keep in mind if you're staying at a Sealodge condo in Princeville, you are at the North shore of the island so you will not be close to activities on the South or West side like Waimea Canyon or Port Allen boat trips. They are about 1 1/2 hour + away, which still isn't too bad. Check out a map of Kauai to see where you'll be in relation to driving to Waimea Canyon and most of the Boat departures for Napili Coast tours. However, there are posts on here about a boat tour that leaves from Hanalei (can't remember name) which is only 10mins or so from Princeville and there is also HeliUSA helicopter tours in Princeville. We found we liked the North Shores beaches and snorkeling much better than the South area, so planning the Heli tour from Port Allen, Waimea Canyon visit and Poipu all on one day trip worked perfectly for us.

BTW, is it bad to be wistful of you guys that are going soon...I already want to go back! :">

gg
As Cher said, "snap out of it" Wistful, mistful....it is a silly little island that is a pain in the rear to get to with rain and unswimmable beaches, and no nightlife....Got your back Kal, why oh why do they keep wasting their money to travel to this overpriced rock?

OSB - Thank you! I'm not a photographer by any means, it's just a good camera.

We were pleased with the location of the Sea Lodge. You have to drive to the beaches, but you would have to do that no matter where you stay (to experience more than one beach!). We didn't go down to Sea Lodges beach. They have a sign warning about how dangerous and steep it is. We talked to a woman who lives there, our last night there, and she said it's perfectly fine and not that bad at all, just to wear tennis shoes. The journal in our condo, signed by guests, indicated that a lot had ventured down there and find it to be ok also. I'm just a big chicken! We really enjoyed Anini beach and Ke'e beach. (Anini more so because of all the parking, but Ke'e had the best snorkeling for us).

If you have any more questions about SeaLodge let me know.

Oh, and we stayed there for 5 nights and then went to the south shore to stay at the new Marriott.... so we wouldn't be driving back and forth, north to south every day.

amelie

Amelie, yes, that is what I'm thinking would probably work the best! Thanks!OSB.

gg,
:$ Shhhhhhhhh....

Musta been an old ad, eh sistah? ;)

oops...mums the word!