We're looking for some good advice RE: our vacation planning. My husband and I are having a terrible time deciding where to rent a condo for 2 weeks on Kauai next fall. Our primary reason for picking Kauai was the natural beauty of the north shore, so we originally planned to stay there for the full 2 weeks, but now I'm noticing that many of the sights and activities we're interested in (helicopter tours, luau, waimea canyon, day sails, hikes, etc.) originate in other parts of the island. Since we don't want to spend half the trip driving around, our second thought was to stay on the east coast where we'd be more centrally located, but I've recently heard a number of folks say that the east coast is not a desirable place to be in terms of scenery, traffic, beaches, etc. Although we don't plan to spend a lot of time at our condo, it would still be nice to stay somewhere that's beautiful and relaxing, with a good (swimmable) beach. Now I'm wondering if we should just split our time with a week up north and a week in the south, but that seems like it would be a real hassle (repacking and unpacking) and we'd pretty much lose a day with the move. Any advice? Thanks in advance.

Pretty simple since Kauai and Maui have been discussed extensively just recently.

Try typing in "Kauai" or "Kauai Condo" in the "text search". You'll be suprised at all of the current information. You picked a good island.

You're right the North shore is breathtaking. We have stayed in Kapaa one time, but the other 3 times we have visited Hawaii, we have stayed in Poipu. Poipu is very sunny with a good beach too. We usually stay for 7 days. One day we will drive to the canyon, that is only approximately a 35-40 minute drive. We will also travel to the North shore a few times to snorkel and that drive is so beautiful we don't mind the hour or so it takes. Kauai is a beautiful island, but small enough that you won't spend you're whole vacation, let alone even one whole day driving to destinations. I would love to stay in the Princeville area some day, but I hear that it can be rainy and we love the sun at Poipu. Have a wonderful trip. If you do happen to stay in Poipu, the Hyatt is paradise. Aloha

If you are really going to be on Kauai for two weeks you can easily stay on both the north and south shores. We stayed at Anini beach on the north shore and loved it but while the drive is only an hour or so from one side to the other, my wife and I found it discouraging to contemplate after the 2nd time we did it. There are great places to stay on both shores and it would be great to be close to both side's attractions.
Our impressions of the east coast were only taken from driving through it and weren't very favorable for vacation purposes. There are many great places to stay in the north and south however so you've got a lot to choose from.

We stayed on the East coast largely to be halfway between north and south. It worked well for us and we were near ( a 2 minute drive) to Lydegate Park - safe swimming and decent snorkeling. The East coast is not as scenic as north coast but certainly not ugly and one big advantage is availabilty of a wide range of eating options within a short distance. By the way if hiking is important - the Waimea canyon is excellent - it is a longish drive from the East coast and a very long drive from the north coast. Personally I found the area around Poipu (south coast) a bit overrated. Along the south coast, the area west of Poipu was much more interesting. We actually got to share a quiet beach with a mionk seal (DO NOT disturb one if you get lucky too - stay at least 20 feet away - MAJOR fines for bothering them - plus they need a lot of rest and it is cruel to disturb them.) Wherever you decide to stay - you will have a great trip.

My wife and I honeymooned on Kauai late in August, splitting our time between the north and south shores. My advice to you -- skip the south shore, it's much too touristy, and stay on the north side of the island -- it is lush and green with beautiful little towns and far and away the best beaches. Hanalei is wonderful.

And if you really want to get away from it all, stay at "secret beach estates", preferably Hale Lani -- it's a great little home all to yourself, with a path down to a secluded beach. It's romantic and unforgettable.

I'd also recommend making a trip to the south shore's "glass beach", which is a very cool spot -- the entire beach is covered in beach glass of different colors, a wonder to behold.

Have a great time.

JP - am also researching trip to Kauai and have about decided on north shore rental. Can you tell me more about Secret Beach Estates and where to research it on the net? My budget is $150/night or less.....

I have read on this board only that the attractions you mention are not available on the North Shore, i.e. sailing, luau, . I was surprised since on other trips to the North Shore I had found all of these activities and more (excluding the Canyon)on the North Shore. I was just there in August. In Hanalei you can get on a sailing or motor boat charter. These boats carry between 14-18 people, Kyack, Luau (Princeville Sheraton). I found three companies if the first place I inquired in Hanalei and there were other travel shops. As for hiking areas you have the Na Pali Coast trail (Kalalau), Light house with adjacent bird sanctuary, falls leading up to Princeville.

The only problem I do see is that the hiking around Waimia Canyon, Alakai Swamp, Kahala trail, are on the west side. I think a few days stay on that side would be nice. I would not stay on East side unless I were on an extremely tight budget. The North Shore is the image of Hawaii you have in your head. South shore is ok only for its proximaty to but less lush. Does not seem like you have done the right reading if you are being led to stay outside of North Shore for many of the reasons you have mentioned. Try reading The Ultimate Guide to Kauai by Andrew Dougherty.

opps Kahala trail is more eastern

Linda how many people are you. I had a great rental 1 1/2 blocks from beach in Hanalei which is where I like to stay. It was 171 a night after all taxes cleaning fees etc. It was a 2 bedroom condo with cathedral ceilings, 3rd loft bedroom with 2 singles (no closet if I recall correctly in the loft), giant Lanai, grill, Washer/dryer/. Just loved this rental, it was very nicely managed so I always feel the need to promote it here.
http://www.hanaleihouse-kauai.com/information.html scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on Aloha hut that was the unit we had. There are other units that are cheaper and smaller if you are not traveling with a brood as we were.

I also like Hanalei North shore properties they encouraged me to take this rental even though I found it without there assistance and they still had availability.

I found my property by asking owners at www.vacationspot.com if they had availability and if they could suggest other rentals if they did not have vacancies. Have a great time,,,and take me with you!!!!

P.S. Do not rent near public access paths or to beaches anywhere. Kids or Surfers have parties some times right on beach we learned this after staying too close on Oahu's Lanikai.

Thanks, Sarah. Trip will be just hubby and I so looking for 1 bedroom accomodations. Really wanting beachfront - got lucky on first ever trip to Hawaii this year (North Shore Oahu) w/affordable beachfront cottage and lanai 6 paces from beach. It was the most wonderful, relaxing vacation we've ever taken - we had a hard time leaving that lanai! Wanting something similar for North Shore Kauai.

I am sure there are many wonderful beach front locations you could probably still find on Hanalei or Haena on the North Shore Kauai. I suggest not staying near the Pavillion in Hanalei, by that I mean ear shot. It is a lovely beach but live in your car type surfers where here last August.