My husband and I are going to Kauai for the first time, and we will be going in May. Where would be the best area to stay for clear, pretty water to swim in(and no,not in a swimming pool if we can help it) and also, seclusion and fewer crowds? We also have heard that Poipu, on the south shore is the sunniest part of of the island, for getting that nice tan, but are there other places that are just as good, and quiet? If you have any ideas for sun and pretty beaches, I would love to get some advice!

Aloha Eileen! We've been to Kauai the last four years and we always stay on the North shore. Our resort was the Hanalei Bay Resort which is across from the Princeville Resort.The view from their is fantastic. Sunsets breathtaking! Don't believe anything about the rainfall you may hear. Most of it happens in the mountains.You may get a little shower,but that's about it. Our favorite beach there is Tunnels Beach.I've had my best snorkeling there. The greatest variety of fish and an occasional sea turtle will come in to feed off the reef near shore.Rent a copy of South Pacific with Mitzi Gaynor and see for yourself. It's basically still the same since 1957 when that movie was filmed there on the North shore. Ed

Be sure to try Ke'e beach at the end of the road on the north shore. from April to November the north shore usually has calm surf, allowing you to enjoy all the beautiful beaches the north shore has. Poipu beach is nice but I don;t think it comes close to what the north shore has to offer . Have fun!

I agree with Tammy's post about the north shore - for lushness and beauty, you won't find better, and in May the waters should be calm and swimmable. If you're into hiking, the Kalalau Trail, which starts at Ke'e Beach is absolutely a must, and you can do the first 2 miles in, then back. The beaches on the north shore are fabulous, never crowded. On the Poipu side, my favorite beach is Mahaulepu Beach, which is difficult to find because you have to go down an unmarked dirt road to get there, but it's worth the trip, and your concierge can give you specific directions. It's a magnificent beach. In May, you won't go wrong wherever you go on Kauai, and I'd suggest you sample every section of the island!

Aloha, and thank you, Ed, Tammy and Margot for your helpful replies! My husband and I finally picked up a copy of the Ultimate Kauai Guidebook and also the Kauai Underground Guide, so we have lots of info to study, and I will also take note of your comments! We will make use of our rental car and make sure to see as much of the island as possible! Thanks for your help!

Eileen,
Take the Ultimate kauai Guidebook with you on your trip-it can really make your trip special. It lists places to go and things to do that you wouldn't know unless you actually live there. We recently returned from a trip there and besides Kauai we visited Maui. I don't like it nearly as much as Kauai but we got the book Maui revealed by the same author's as the ultimate kauai book and it gave us great guidance! You cannot go wrong with that book!

Why not stay at the newly renovated Radison Kawaii Beach, it is on the east coast with easy access to both the noth and south. We stayed there last year whenit was an Outrigger and found it had the easiest access to all of Kawaii

Eileen, we spent six days on the north shore in September and I would just say ditto on all of the above posts but don't forget to check out the Entertainment rate on your accommodation. We stayed at the HBR for half the price we were originally quoted. A great deal. Have a blast!

Ditto for the North Shore. To really get away from the crowds you need to get across the Hanalei bridge, so HBR would be ideal. For great clear-water swimming Tunnels is super, and you really really should take the Kayak Kauai "blue lagoon" trip from Hanalei out to Hideaways Beach. It's like swimming in an aquarium. Ke'e beach is great, too. Bear in mind that the mornings on the north shore tend to be sunnier; rain can move in in the afternoons, which is a good time to head to Poipu. Have a great time!

Eileen,

Definitely the North Shore, and if you're watching your money, at the Hanalei Bay Resort for half-price on the Entertainment Card, as other posters have mentioned to you.

The Eastern coconut coast is more convenient but not nearly as pretty as the North Shore. Kauai is not that big, so stay where it's gorgeous!

Have a great trip.

Aloha,

Lani

Eileen,
Ultimate Kaui Guidebook is a must. Do the Canyon in one day & see all the major waterfalls on the drive there. Beaches previous posters mentioned are very nice, although Poipu was a bit of a disappointment to me last year - do it if you have extra time. See the wet & dry caves. Stay in Princeville area. Don't stay at HBR. It is not professionally run & yes, you will be disappointed. We had a bad experience there. Don't let the website or brochures fool you. We stayed at the Ali'i Kai 2 last year through North Shore Properties 808 826-9622. I would recommend this resort. Wonderful accommodations (no a/c in our unit, but not a problem in August), well cared for property. Beautiful pool, tennis, and small/intimate, & very reasonably priced. I will go back here & would recommend it. It is very close to HBR in the Princeville section of Kauai. You can take a walk or drive to see HBR & it's views without the disappointment of staying there. Princeville resort is very expensive but certainly worth taking a look at. A must see/do is to go to Queen's Bath. We saw huge turtles 2 years ago while there & the scenery & swimming is fantastic. The walk/hike there is not tremendously difficult & well worth it. (Grandma did it last year in beach shoes!) Any questions, feel free to e-mail me. We have gone the past 2 years & love it. You will love Kauai!
Elaine