I see many posting about condos on north and south shores, but nothing about condos around Kapa'a or Lihue. Are there any top-notch ones in those areas?

I'm a big fan of the Kapaa Sands. It's right on the water (be sure to get an oceanfront, not an oceanview, condo) and convenient to everything. Sea turtles frequent the beach there, and are fun to watch. The condos feature either studios or 2-bedrooms. It's a small complex, and the staff is very pleasant and helpful. Plus, it's fairly reasonably priced ($117/night for oceanfront studio).

Here's where I am staying next month:
http://www.wailuabay.com/

Wailua Bay View condos are in Kapaa. Since I've never stayed there before, I don't know how good/bad they are!
(I tried to stay at Kapaa Sands, but they only had 2 bedrooms avaliable.)

Just got back from a 10 day stay in Kaapa. Not long enough! We stayed at Lae Nani. It's an Outrigger, I think, but we went through Best4Hawaii and got a pretty good deal. Very well equipped, absolutely beautiful grounds and ocean front location. Building 5 has the best view. This condo is located next to Kaapa Sands - there really are turtles almost every day. Saw tons of whales from our lanai (deck), but they'll be gone soon I imagine. A pretty big pool and lava rock enclosed pool, plus cool tidal pools on beach. There's enough beach to swim and boogie board. It was the most relaxing week travel week we've ever had. We toured a bit, but really just wanted to stay around Lae Nani! Close to Coconut Market Place if you want to shop or eat out. We really enjoyed the Kaapa area, except for rush hour. Contra time, they call it, I think. Central location, close to the airport and many of areas you may want to tour.
I would recommend this condo to all.

Apology - Kapa'a, not Kaapa!

Thanks for the info. How swimmable is the water at Kapa'a Sands, Wailua Bay View, and/or Lae Nani?

We have stayed in Poipu several times in a rented condo that we found thry suite paradise. Condo was very nice, clean and near beach. I think they have a website www.suiteparadise.com -also Embassy suites there.

marie, the beach right near the Wailua Bay Views is a place where locals surf and swim. You are just a short ride/long walk to Lydgate beach. Nice area where we usually go for long morning walks.

Most of the beach from Wailua to Islander on the Beach has some rocks, and coral so it is not the primo spot to swim but we've had no problem. They give surf lessons there so how bad can it be? Each trip we do see out share of turtles, monk seals resting on the beach,fish and whales (Jan/Dec) so it's an active area.
It's no Poipu or Annini, tho but not many places are.

We've had friends that have stayed at Lai Nani, Lanikai and Kapaa Sands and they all enjoyed their stays.
And crys is correct, get the o'front, not o'view.
Kal
249 mo' to go!

Not sure exactly what you mean by swimmable, but we found the beach at Lae Nani (same as Kapaa Sands) to be warm, clear and most days the waves weren't huge. There's a mix of sand and reef. Saw quite a few people with reef walkers. Lots of people swam, snorkeled, surfed, boogie boarded. Of course, this was in April; I am not expert enough to know about the changing of the seasons! Have a blast. Wish I was back there now!

chuck just a guess but some beaches in Kauai are dangerous for swiming due to rip tides and currents. They tell you this is not a swimming beach guessing that is what Marie meant.

There are NO top notch resorts in the Lihue or Kapaa area. The top notch resorts are in Poipu or Princeville. Kapaa has some moderately priced family resorts that are suitable for those who do not want to pay alot but want nice decent accommodations. Generally the beaches in front of places like Kapaa Shores are not very swimmable and have alot of coral etc.. You will be happier going elsewhere to swim. Also be aware that Kapaa has the worst traffic on the island and gridlock is common. If you want to be near grocery stores, restaurants and commercial shopping strip malls, Kapaaa is where they are. Frankly, I don't need to see another Taco Bell or Mcdonalds when I am in Hawaii. Usually I just go to Kapaa to shop and then get the heck away as fast as I can. I suggest Poipu or Princeville for a more Hawaiian experience and feel. Kapaa is very very ordinary!