We need help finding condos in Kaui for 2 wks. in March. Since we have 2 wks, we would like to spend 4 nights on the north shore 10 nights near Poipu. Needs to be max. of +-$200/night, with a pool, and preferably low rise and smaller complexes. Looking at Kiahuna in Poipu and maybe Pali Ke Kua Condos or Hanalei Bay Resort in north?? Any other recommendations? We have been to the big island before and loved it; been to Maui but found it too busy. We have 2 kids under 12 with us. Prefer on or near beach, like to snorkel and site-see. What is the best way to get a good rate at Kiahuna?

You are aware of the rainy season that time of year on North Shore? I suspect it is pretty stormy in March. Westest spot on earth on Kauai. HBR is fine, stayed last summer. I would prefer staying in Hanalei if you were going in a drier time of year. If you search online you can get cheaper than $200 near or on Hanalei beach which is a very nice family beach. You don't have the distant view that Princeville gets but you are still in a gorgeous location and the beach is extreemly calm but not in March. Sorry thought I would throw this in. You will need a pool on the North Shore during winter and spring. vacationspot.com is a starting place for looking. If you are still staying on the North Shore I would also consider poa pua condo's across the road from Sheraton and spectacular views of ocean. Have never stayed. Pali ke Kua condos came recommended to me by Hanalei North Shore prosperities a company who received a good review in the NYT. The Marriott on the south shore has one of the best pools on the island also a nice beach. They have condo rental units call front desk for number of company. I think the Marriott is about 20-30 minutes from poi-pu but trust me poi pu is not so impressive on it’s own. Good luck I hope I gave you something you did not already know.

I disagree with the above about Poipu. IT is a great family beach with a reef courtesy of Iniki that tempers the surf allowing snorkeling and small ones to try boogie boarding. We stayed at the Kiahunas last summer and found the grounds really nice and the units decent, but didn't like that you had to use the Sheraton pool. Also the on-site restaurant was overpriced and overrated. There is a shopping area close with several decent restaurants though.

Thanks for the help. Joeylee-what was wrong with using the Sheraton pool? Too crowded, or too far from Kiahuna? Also, how did you book the Kiahuna? Is the Marriott a better location than Kiahuna? Finally, we thought staying in the north would break up the 2 wks. Is there enough to do in the South for 2 wks.? Thanks for all help.

If you don't mind the rain I think the North shore will be spectacular. You won't be able to hike much I am guessing. My guidebook warns you against flash floods in kokee near Waiulili and it just gets too muddy on the NaPali trail. It is gorgeous up there and plenty but sometimes more expensive things to do. Best snorkeling on the island at Tunnels, 25 minutes from Princeville. I like where the Marriott is and you can still take a short drive to Poi Pu. Look up comments on Poi Pu before you make it a priority. From earlier reads, I am sorry to say I am not alone in my judgment. Read "The ultimate guide to Kauai" by Andrew Dougherty, it is a quick read and very helpful right down to where you should take kids snorkeling/swimming and where you should not. Can't believe we all have lee in our name.

Sheraton pool was just not convenient and it was not beach side. They have a beach pool but Kiahuna people were restrcited to garden pool. It was a nice pool though.

We booked as a package via Pleasant Holidays. Our unit was managed by Ourigger, I think.

Never been to Marriott but their brochure is quite impressive.

Ginny Lee - To each is own, my family loved the Poipu area and beaches. We ventured to the North side and didn't really like it. My name doesn't have "lee" in it. I was trying to be funny.

and funny you were. Did you really have to wreck my day I was happy we were all named Lee.