Hi everyone!


In March of 2014, my boyfriend and our parents are going to stay on Kauai. My father, myself and my brother have all gone before ( we stayed plantation Hale and loved it!). It will be the first time for my boyfriend, his parents and my mom. I loved the Northshore and was wondering where is a good place to stay. Plantation Hale worked well for us because it's clean and affordable. We'd allbe there about a week. Should we stay around Kapaa (central and we've stayed there before)? Or head up near Tunnels and Northshore? Best advice please and thank you!! Can't wait no matter where we stay!

There are many affordable condo options in Princeville. I don't know Plantation Hale, so I can't compare.

There are numerous vacation rentals in Hanalei all the way up to Haena, where Tunnels (Makua Beach) is located.

There are also rentals and B & B inns in the Anini Beach and Kilauea areas of the north shore.

If you want to stay on the north shore, the nice thing about renting in Hanalei or Princeville is that you are close to facilities and in some cases can walk to restaurants and the beach.

If you are looking at finding a rental near Tunnels, be aware that many rental owners advertise their rentals as being "close to Tunnels" or "on Tunnels" when in fact they are not. Be sure to ask a lot of questions.

For years we have been toying with the idea of staying up in Haena and always fall back to our Hanalei default as there is easy walking access to the beach, restaurants and shopping.

Driving times to other places from the north shore are often a concern to some who stay on that part of the island.
From Hanalei:
Kapa'a is about 30 minutes
Lihue and the airport is about 45 minutes, longer in traffic.
Poipu is about an 60 - 75 minutes or more
Waimea Canyon and Koke'e is about two hours.

I would not stay in Kapa`a if you wnat to spend a lot of time on the North Shore---I don't like having to drive that much to get my beach day started! If you liked Plantation Hale before, I'd say going back there would probably be a good choice. Really depends on exactly what you plan to do from your "base" and how much driviing you like to do.

Would you be looking for 3 separate units, a 3 bedroom condo or a 3 bedroom beach house or estate house up in Princeville (some are quite affordable when divided by 3 couples)

Thank you for all the advice! We would be open for 3 separate units, condo or beach house. I'm leaning toward Hanalei or Haena, any further thoughts?

Hanalei would get my vote.

Lots of listings on vrbo.com
We have used kauai vacation rentals and na pali properties as well as vrbo.com

I'd recommend Princeville. I've stayed at Plantation Hale--and I think you can do MUCH better for the same or less money.

Check out Sealodge and Ali'i Kai. I typically book at www. kauai-vacations-ahh.com/

We stayed in Haena for two weeks and loved it. It is very private. We rented a home a block from the beach. Most of the time we were the only people on the beach. There are private paths to the beaches that only the locals know about. You can walk to Tunnels if you choose or Ke'ee. Beautiful, tropical, lush. Will be going back soon. Also check out Lumahi Beach.

I would take Songdoc advice. he is a true veteran of Kauai. I have stayed also at sealodge and it is reasonable and nice and close to Hanalei which I love....Check out some of his posts to find out good restaurants etc. this is his 2nd home or perhaps his first and the mainland is his second!!

I think all the advice offered on this thread has its merits, not just one person's. Many of us travel to Kauai often and know what we are talking about.

Aloha from Kauai...plenty of options!... condo vs.cozy cottage,on the shoreline, etc.
Condos in princeville are good for dollar savvy. Careful on which complex as many are older. Nice reprieve yet away from the ocean. I've booked many little choice homes in Haena for friends and guests throughout the decades; True "Tunnels" has a handfull of "on the high tide mark" homes that are high end($1000+ per night), the rest private homes. A bunch that are a block or two back off the shore down little roads are way more affordable with county easements to the shoreline. The entire Haena shoreline is gorgeous, a little before Tunnels are great little rental communities with cottages that are on unpopulated portions of the beach. Haena beach park is the only main parking for visitors(aside from two small lanes that can hold a dozen other cars while we surf...). Gets a bit crowded with that singular beach focal point but rarely overcrowded unless mid summer. Kapaa not the best locale for stunning beaches and scenery yet our fun little crowded town for "stuff".
Do search vrbo, halemakai cottages haena, etc...enjoy the search. have a great vacation!

I love the North Shore, but not sure I would want to stay in Haena in March, if it rains too much they close the bridges and you cannot get in or out, sometimes for just an hour or so othertimes for a day or more. Beautiful other times of year though.

wekewoody

Jamie99...I hear you. We go in Dec/Jan and would LOVE to stay in Hanalei/Haena but don't just for that reason...as well as mudslides!

Wouldn't even condsider staying in P'ville. Way to pretentious for our tastes IMHO.

Hmmm...Kal, did I really say that all the advice offered here has it merits?