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?

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Agree with jojo#s about considering when you plan to travel as northern (e.g. Hanalei & Princeville) Kaua'i ocean waters can be rough in winter months, while southern shores may be calmer with less (e.g. Poipu).

The largest towns of Lihue & 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.

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?

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? :-?

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.

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!

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

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

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

Here is a link to vrbo.com 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. Golf cart rides available to the beach below the resort. July should be a great time to visit the beautiful North shore!

...or my arch nemisis...centipedes!

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