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ilovemaui Aug 19th, 2008 09:32 PM

Need Kauai help!
 
I am finally going to book a trip to Kauai. HELP! We have been to Hawaii four times....all to Maui, BI and Oahu. We'll be traveling with the "kids" ages 20, 19 & 17. We love beaches, a little city life like Old Lahaina Town on Maui and beach hopping for snorkeling, sun and boogieboarding. Condos work well for us and I don't mind cooking but I do appreciated a little maid service. Would like a nice pool when the sand gets old (just in case!). Any ideas on specific places? I've read a thousand threads and all the reviews are starting to look the same. Any ideas?

Kal Aug 20th, 2008 07:12 AM

Topping for some of the other "been to Maui-stay in condos on Kauai" friendly Fodorites.


suze Aug 20th, 2008 08:14 AM

I don't believe there is a town as similar to or as large as Lahaina on Kauai.

jojo46 Aug 20th, 2008 08:30 AM

Hi Ilove Mauai, WHEN do you plan to go to Kauai? That is also a factor in making suggestions.

Marginal Aug 20th, 2008 10:09 AM

The nearest I can think of would be Hanalei, but I dont' know of any places in Hanalei that have a pool. There are house rentals, but unless you are staying in a condo in Princeville, you won't have a pool.

However, I think your "kids" would love Hanalei.

travelisfun Aug 20th, 2008 10:19 AM

I personally loved the Grand Hyatt, but it's not condos. Their pool area is fantastic and it's just a short drive to Poipu for shops.

gigib Aug 20th, 2008 11:22 AM

We stayed at Pono Kai in the town of Kapaa a few years ago with two teenagers, they liked it partly because it was a short walk into "town". Kapaa doesn't have the charm that a Lahaina or Hanalei does, but it does have lots of restaurant choices. Unfortunately, it is not a good swimming beach there.

It is pretty much halfway between Poipu and Hanalei, and may be your best bet for a selection of condos. Princeville has several beautiful condo complexes on the cliffs, but it is a little isolated. But, it's just a short drive down to Hanalei town.

Poipu also has condos and some really lovely beach house rentals on the road out to the Spouting Horn, Lawai Beach area, I think it was. Check out wizardpub.com for the Hawaii Revealed guidebooks, they have great aerial views of all the major hotels and condos on the island.

kendell Aug 20th, 2008 02:21 PM

sounds like you are a candidate for the north shore. try regency pacific rentals for condos. we like hanelei bay resort for avery pretty pool.

Shar Aug 20th, 2008 02:49 PM

I rented a lovely home in 2001 on the Golf Course in Princeville - 3 large Master bedrooms each with it's own bathroom plus a 1/2 bath upstairs in teh main living area 2 story home - open floor plan with 2 big lanai's and a pool for the homeowners in the community. Can't guarantee what it is now but here
is the info....Hale Kipa Golf Course Home toll free 1 800 866 2539. Not sure if they have a website but you might try. we very much enjoyed our stay with our family.

iamq Aug 20th, 2008 02:52 PM

Rent a house in Hanalei or a condo in Princeville if you really want a pool. As others have said Hanalei is as close to Lahaina as your going to get on Kauai, which doesn't mean that Hanalei is ANYTHING like Lahaina.

napali properties
anini aloha
bali hai reatly
kauai vacation rentals
vrbo.com

JohnD Aug 20th, 2008 03:43 PM

Agree with <font color="blue">jojo#s<font color="black"> about considering when you plan to travel as northern (e.g. Hanalei &amp; Princeville) Kaua'i ocean waters can be rough in winter months, while southern shores may be calmer with less ((R))(e.g. Poipu).

The largest towns of Lihue &amp; Kapaa (pop. of ~ 10,000) are centrally located and as stated above nothing like Lahaina, and second those above recommending southern and northern locations. Agree that Hyatt has the nicest pool. If you name certain condo's you are considering, would expect you'll receive more advice. :S-</font></font>

ilovemaui Aug 20th, 2008 06:52 PM

Thank you all for your help! We booked with FFM, so we leave JULY 6, 2009...(hate planning for so many months away, but didn't want to lose my miles!)

Have been impressed with Hanalei Bay Resort, yet it seems as though no condos...only motel rooms. Anyone know for sure?

Kal Aug 20th, 2008 07:06 PM

But we are all wondering why on Earth you'd even want to go to Kauai?

You do know it's dark at night and there is no nightlife? :-?

beth_fitz Aug 20th, 2008 08:06 PM

Hanalei Bay Resort are condos. Use www.summitpacificinc.com to see what is available.

Kauai is a beautiful island with some great beaches and hiking. Not much of a night life on Kauai though.

jojo46 Aug 20th, 2008 08:23 PM

So July 9.......We've found that Hanalei Bay, which can be so rough in winter, is so beautiful and calm in the summer. Consider it a giant bathtub for whole family to enjoy!

jojo46 Aug 20th, 2008 08:25 PM

Sorry, couldn't delete, July 6 not 9.

iamq Aug 20th, 2008 08:37 PM

&quot;You do know it's dark at night and there is no nightlife?&quot;

Kal, you forgot to mention leptosporsis and cockaroaches the size of cigars.

JohnD Aug 21st, 2008 03:12 AM

Here is a link to <font color="blue">vrbo.com<font color="black"> HBR listings:
http://tinyurl.com/5lrr5y

Have stayed in an HBR hotel room and condo and likely to revisit soon, though hear the restaurant is currently being renovated.

The pool is of good size with an awesome view but it is not as elaborate as the Hyatt and recall the jacuzzi almost always occupied. Expect local HBR ~:&gt;~:&gt;~:&gt; will be crowing to coordinate critter control. :S- Golf cart rides available to the beach below the resort. July should be a great time to visit the beautiful((R)) North shore!</font></font>

Kal Aug 21st, 2008 07:11 AM

...or my arch nemisis...<i>centipedes</i>!


KarinNp Aug 21st, 2008 07:34 AM

DH and I leased a beachfront 2bd/2ba condo with www.KauaiBeachVillas.com . It is next to the Hilton in Lihue. We did get kicked out of the Hilton pool b/c we didn't pay the extra $15.00 a day. The condo units do have their own pool but the path we took didn't lead us to it. Yes I am still a bit upset with Hilton and that was 3/2008. (we are Hilton members)

Not every condo has air conditioning which with the mentioned roosters at all hours did mean I could close the bedroom window at night.

Karin

DaveS Aug 21st, 2008 08:52 AM

Stayed in this condo a few years back and thought it wonderful. Can rent the condo alone or with attached hotel room. Building was at the bottom of the hill with no other buildings in front to obscure the view.

http://hanalei-bay-resort.com/hbr8231-32/

ilovemaui Aug 21st, 2008 07:39 PM

Well Fodor Friends...why Kauai? Living in the West (Wyoming to be specific) ...a few hours from the beautiful Teton Mountains and Yellowstone Natl Park..Hawaii has become our second love. Been there 4x...Maui, Oahu and BI...never been to Kauai and have had 3 different friends in the last year tell us &quot;if I didn't have a dog I wouldn't have come back!&quot;. They loved Kauai so much!

Now comes the planning of the days....I'm not to worried about &quot;the night life&quot; as even now our night life consists of watching tv or shopping Walmart on a Saturday night just to beat the crowds! (Our lives have focused around 3 kids as 3-sport athletes...traveling every Fri &amp; Sat to ball games!)

On Maui, days were spent beach hopping, snorkeling and bodysurfing..eves consisted of hubby and son stayed in the condo and watched ESPN and daughter and I went to various giftshops or did the laundry! So with that in mind, do you think Kauai vacation will be too &quot;boring&quot;? Are the resorts activie enough the &quot;kids&quot; can find other &quot;kids&quot; to hang with?

Excited that we finally booked, just now my family asked...&quot;great Mom! What is there to do?&quot; So my next quest begins.

Should I break up the trip...staying at 2 different places? Fly over to Maui for a few days? Day one is shot just traveling...so that leaves us 9 full days and we take a red-eye home on day 10. Any ideas?

You all are awesome! Thank you for any ideas!

Kal Aug 21st, 2008 08:14 PM

i((L)),

We Kauai fans are just giving you a good joshing.

Believe it or not a lot of complaints about &quot;too dark-too many roosters-no night life-too expensive..&quot; etc.

Go...have fun...and leave some for us!

Marginal Aug 21st, 2008 08:17 PM

You've got a year, yet. See if you can rent one of the Moon cottages in Hanalei, right on the beach.

Why are you arranging activities for your near-adult children as if they were 10 year olds? Surely you can get ahold of some guidebooks and give them the task of finding activities. The NaPali boat trips, Waimea Canyon, beaches, kayaking.... Any decent guide can tell you all. And, if you stay in Hanalei, there is enough for the kids to do independently during the day, but not be dependent on driving.

On Kaui, you can have the same activities as Maui, and more because of the relatively unspoilt nature of Kauai. I wouldn't go through all the hassle and expense of going to Maui.

kauai_aka Aug 21st, 2008 08:23 PM

have you thought about the ziplines? they opened another one, or at least just now afforded a sign, going to south shore. today, was the first day i noticed it, but will remember to pay attention and get a name.

auntiemaria Aug 21st, 2008 08:24 PM

Aloha from Kaua`i!

If your family is outdoorsy, there's enough here to keep everyone busy...and too exhausted for any type of nightlife. ((H))

Having just finally done the 3-hour ATV tour at Kipu Kai, it's high on my recommendation list. Fun for the whole family (we had our 7-year-old granddaughters along, too)...dirty and dusty (or dirty and muddy, if we've had rain), and an absolute blast! I've got back and neck issues, but had no issues riding with DH in a 2-person Rhino. Up and down hills, up and over lumpy tree roots, through pastures and lowland forests and groves of massive bamboo...with to-die-for views of our beautiful island and the surrounding ocean. Oh and critters, too -- wild pigs running along the road, flock of peacocks &amp; peahens, chickens (surprise!), wild pheasants, cows, cows, and more cows (it's a cattle ranch). Kipu Kai ATV tours. Thumbs up!!

WARNING: your clothes -- and you -- will be FILTHY. They supply and require wearing of helmets, goggles and kerchiefs...but no jumpsuits to cover your clothes or your shoes (close-toe shoes, mandatory). With two washings, our jeans came clean. But our t-shirts are now in the rag bag. That Kaua`i red dirt is powder-fine on the tour -- the inside of our t-shirts was as dirty as the outside...as were our bellies!

Sorry...got distracted with my in-person report...another activity for the family is paddling kayaks (recommend Hanalei Bay to Hideaways for snorkeling), snorkeling (Ke`e, Makua). Nearby Princeville Ranch offers horseback rides and zipline tours.

And be sure to leave plenty of time to just r-e-l-a-x. Have a great visit!


Kal Aug 21st, 2008 08:35 PM

<i>Hellllllo Auntie M</i>
;;)
See you in about 130!

Marginal Aug 21st, 2008 09:06 PM

To OP &quot;ilovemaui&quot;- I think you are a bit afraid that Kauai will disappoint after your good experiences in Maui ( reference your handle). I, too, was apprehensive about Kauai, after just adoring Maui. My first experience was in Poipu, at the Hyatt. It was not a glowing experience. I really like a swimming beach, and the Hyatt is on an unswimmable beach, and it was a big noisy hotel, and it was crowded. The highlight of that trip was the trip to the Allerton Gardens/Arboretum. At that time, you took the old 50's car down into the valley, along old rock walls hidden by vegetation, as if you were transported back into the past. Now, as they sadly predicted, there is a huge condo/expensive residence development practically on top of them.

Ok, back to the point. My second, third, and fourth trips to Kauai have firmly planted Kauai as my favorite, and most endearing island on Hawaii. It's different than Maui, better in most every way. Staying in Hanalei, you will feel as if you are in a different country, far far away from Wyoming. Somewhere very much tucked away from major tourism. If you have 10 days, why not spend a couple of them on the west side, to enjoy the surf. But save Hanalei for last.

pspercy Aug 21st, 2008 09:29 PM

North side would be great in June, most condos are in Princeville so not beachside.
Poipu has many condos within easy walking distance of the beach there and Koloa is close tho' nothing like Lahaina !

We've stayed at both Marriott's Waiohai Beach Club (discounted teaser - but it is very nice indeed &amp; they do have rentals) and at the Manualoha section of Poipu Kai via Suite Paradise http://www.suite-paradise.com/ . There's also houses to rent in that area - just one example: http://www.pbvacationrentals.com/

Good hunting :)

pspercy Aug 21st, 2008 09:33 PM

Should've made it clear that I mentioned Poipu as an alternative to the north end !!

ilovemaui Aug 23rd, 2008 08:04 AM

Again Fodor Friends, thank you for your ideas. Planning for such a trip is easily a vacation in itself!

Marginal, arranging activities as if my &quot;kids&quot; were 10 year olds??? Ever had 5 adults together on a business trip try to make a decision on where to eat dinner? ;-)
They have months to read, explore and give input...and we have months to save for any excursions! Even a 2-3 hr trip is usually $1000 for a family of 5. Adds up fast even doing 2 or 3 &quot;planned&quot; events.

One thing we love about Hawaii....the beach is free...the snorkeling is free...and the locals are the warmest people on earth! (Exchange the beach/ocean for the mountains/lakes and you've got Wyoming!) Travel books are great, but they are not as personal as my Fodor Friends.

Auntie Marie, what are ziplines?



gmac Aug 25th, 2008 11:49 AM

http://adventureskauai.com/

The link for Ziplines. Great fun, kids will love!


ncounty Aug 25th, 2008 02:40 PM

I love Kauai. The hiking is gorgeous. The Napali coast hike is quite memorable and I highly recommend a canoe or kayak adventure up the river. I liked all of the island in its variety but I do think Hanalei Bay has a special magic.

Keleka Aug 26th, 2008 10:43 AM

We found the ziplines at Kipu Falls to be expensive ($265 for two, plus tip) and not very exciting. Only three short zips. The kids might be happy with the rope swing into the falls at the end, and its free.

Mocat Sep 21st, 2008 04:39 PM

We will be in Kauai in Jan and I was originally trying to get info on suggested things to do during the day. However, when I read the comment from someone re roaches the size of cigars, I nearly had a stroke. I'd rather come in contact with a boa than a big roach (aka palmetto bugs?) Someone please reassure me I wont encounter these creatures!!!!!
Mo

jojo46 Sep 21st, 2008 06:01 PM

The Kauai regulars like to tease on this site.....roosters, roaches etc. Just like the bumper stickers.... if you love Kauai send your friends to Maui.

I've been to the islands dozens of times and in the last 10 years mainly to Kauai and I've only seen a couple and they were small! I have excellent vision or I'm just lucky??

iceeu2 Sep 22nd, 2008 04:55 AM

mocat, you will love Kauai! I haven't seen one of those cigar sized varmints! iamq is a clown! and, a very funny one at that:-d

iamq Sep 22nd, 2008 05:39 AM

Okay, maybe not cigar-size, but it was at the least the size of a small summer squash...and it flew! Ewwww. Did I mention the fangs?


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