Lihue vs Princeville, Kauai
 

Trying to decide where to stay - Lihue or Princeville?

We have Wyndham points to use so either The Beach Villas in Lihue or The Bali Hai Villas in Princeville.

Thank you

They are Very very different areas. Lihue is a regular town. Princeville is a planned community (homes, condos, hotels, golf courses).

So since they are very different areas, we are looking for places you could walk/very short drive to enjoy bar/grill type atmosphere. Nice beaches and great scenery.

What time of year?

Late February, Early March

Bali Hai is probably the best Wyndham of the bunch, not sure I would want to stay there that time of year though.

The waters on the north shore of Kauai are much rougher in winter than in summer.

The scenery on the entire north shore is gorgeous.

Princeville sits on a bluff, so you have to either walk down the cliff to the beach, or drive.

Princeville is very close to the popular little beach town of Hanalei, where you'll find your bar & grill places.

I prefer Princeville to Lihue. But if you want to be in a place where you can walk around directly from your hotel then Lihue might work best. But, it's not particularly a tourist area.

Princeville requires a car to get from the resort into Hanalei or any of the other towns. But, still I like the North Shore (even in the winter) as it is more tropical and lush. Hanalei is a cute little town with lots more stuff to do for tourists IMHO. Hanalei is shockingly green and magical.

For me, it's a no brainer. Princeville.
You're a 20 minute walk -- or a 2 minute drive -- to the Princeville shopping center with lots of restaurants and shops. But more important ... You're a 5 minute drive from Hanalei town--and the stunning beach there.

I would never stay in Lihue. Yes, you can walk to shops and restaurants -- but there's nothing there I would want to walk to. It is the least attractive part of the island.

Yes, you risk rain on the North Shore. But I go there that time of year every year. I've only had one year with consistent vacation-ruining rain -- and it rained just as badly on the South Shore. It's usually intermittent showers--and many times they come at night. I'll be back March 1st for 3-1/2 weeks--and I would not keep coming back to be stuck in the pouring rain!

I would stay North -- and on days when it's rainy North--and not as rainy South -- drive to the other shore. You'd want to explore the entire island anyway.

Just my opinion.

Thanks for the great information!! Princeville it is!!

as sf mentioned "The waters on the north shore of Kauai are much rougher in winter than in summer."

You can check with any of the many local dive shops and ask about water conditions at any of the beaches you might be interested in. In the winter many can be fairly dangerous with strong currents or rip tides. And many beaches don't have lifeguards - which is really important to only go to guarded beaches.