I am interested in staying at the Mariott in Lihue and have a couple questions.

First of all, has the swimming area at the Mariott become less swimable because of the cruise ships? I have heard that the swimming was poor there, however, when we were there on a cruise ship two years ago it seemed fine.

Secondly, does the Lihue Mariott have condo units? The web site doesn't give me much information but it does appear that there are some condos. I was wondering if they offering full kitchens.

Thanks for any help you can give me.

The condo-style units are under the name Marriott Kauai Beach Club. I believe that the kitchens are more efficiency style..microwave and small refrigerator. Double check, though, as I could be wrong. I usually get the best info by calling direct rather to a central 800#. Their phone # is 808-245-5050. I swam in Kalapaki Bay, in front of the Marriott, in July. Seemed the same as always to me. Not real clear water, but I think that's due to a nearby stream rather than to the cruise ships. I like the calm water and sandy, shallow bottowm.

Not sure when you're going, but I just read that the Kauai Beach Club will be undergoing refurbishmen of all units Sept. 6-Dec. 18.

The units have microwave, toaster, blender, coffee maker, dishwasher, bar-size fridge and tableware.

Interesting you mention the quality of swimming because of the cruise ships. I feel the cruise ships coming into port there really take away from enjoying the beautiful scenery. It's such a disappointment to look out your window on the ocean ($$$$) and see an awesome view then wake up the next morning to see a giant cruise ship muddying it up.

I agree with other posters regarding cruise ships detracting from the beauty of the bay.

Just one note........last year we saw 3 to 4 cruise ships a week while we were there and this year one per week.

Hi,

We own a timeshare there. The other posters are correct, the Marriott Kauai Beach Club timeshare units have kitchenettes and not full kitchens (this used to be a Westin hotel and it would cost a fortune to replumb and rewire, the Marriot Maui Ocean Club is the same). If you want a full kitchen, try the Waiohai on Poipu or a condo.

We had no issues with the beach at Kalapaki Bay, it is normally very calm and nice for swimming. Cruise ships are down due to cancellations of two of the cruise ships. We personally liked watching them go in and out of the bay. They are on the other side of the bay from the swimming beach.

We loved the pool there so much - never made it into the bay.

the Marriot Maui Ocean Club is the same

Just to clarify, this is true of the portion of the Marriot Maui Ocean Club that used to be the hotel. The new buildings to the right and left (called the "villas") have full kitchens.

Our condo is the across the street from the Marriott and we were just there last week. The pool is awesome and the beach is really nice to hang out at. The water is calm and easy to navigate. It is not the clearest water but I don't see anything bad about it.

The cruise ship (only one now) comes in on Thursday morning and leaves on Friday afternoon. No big deal.

If you want a condo, you'll have to look elsewhere but if you want a pseudo-condo, the Marriott will work.