Oahu and Kauai - itinerary planning questions
Feb 1st, 2014, 05:26 AM
#21
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..hit the reply key to soon. As I was saying, I'm torn on Hanalei because I love the beach and not sure I can stay directly on it. So I started looking at condo's in Princeville. The views from there are insane! The Hanalei Bay Resort appeals to me the most.
It all comes down to me just making up my mind.
Sorry for carrying on....an opportunity like this doesn't come along very often, and I want to make the best of it. Again, I really appreciate everyone's help.
It all comes down to me just making up my mind.
Sorry for carrying on....an opportunity like this doesn't come along very often, and I want to make the best of it. Again, I really appreciate everyone's help.
Feb 1st, 2014, 05:50 AM
#23
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Well, I guess in the $200ish range for an average. That could be for the entire time on Kauai, or a combination of $160 per night condo and $325 for a few nights at the Sheraton. Prices may vary 
.
.
Feb 1st, 2014, 05:57 AM
#25
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Have you already looked at these?
http://www.vrbo.com/294416 $175 night
http://www.vrbo.com/261214 $295 night
http://www.vrbo.com/10072 $165 night
http://www.vrbo.com/294416 $175 night
http://www.vrbo.com/261214 $295 night
http://www.vrbo.com/10072 $165 night
Feb 1st, 2014, 06:29 AM
#26
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We know this house and think it is a great deal in a good location.
http://www.napaliprop.com/Hale-Luana.html
This house is close to town and a few minutes walk to the beach. It is on Aku, which is the main road down to Weke Road, but it is private and well maintained.
http://www.bestvacationinparadise.com/tutu-hanalei.htm
We have stayed here. The best lanai in Hanalei.
http://www.napaliprop.com/plantation-cott.html
This is our current place of choice. Guest house on a beachfront estate on Weke Road. Photos don't do it justice.
http://www.vrbo.com/79639
None of these place are luxury, but they all have an "ïsland style" and casual feel that is appropriate for Hanalei.
You have been given advice to split your stay between north and south. Having done that twice, and knowing what I know now, I can tell you that you would not miss out an anything if you just stayed on the north shore and visited Poipu once. That is my experience.
You will find good deals on condos in Princeville. In many cases they will have nice ocean views and/or gorgeous mountain views. Beach access is down steep trails to smallish beaches. Of the condos in Princeville, I think the Hanalei Bay Resort has the best beach with the nicest views.
http://www.napaliprop.com/Hale-Luana.html
This house is close to town and a few minutes walk to the beach. It is on Aku, which is the main road down to Weke Road, but it is private and well maintained.
http://www.bestvacationinparadise.com/tutu-hanalei.htm
We have stayed here. The best lanai in Hanalei.
http://www.napaliprop.com/plantation-cott.html
This is our current place of choice. Guest house on a beachfront estate on Weke Road. Photos don't do it justice.
http://www.vrbo.com/79639
None of these place are luxury, but they all have an "ïsland style" and casual feel that is appropriate for Hanalei.
You have been given advice to split your stay between north and south. Having done that twice, and knowing what I know now, I can tell you that you would not miss out an anything if you just stayed on the north shore and visited Poipu once. That is my experience.
You will find good deals on condos in Princeville. In many cases they will have nice ocean views and/or gorgeous mountain views. Beach access is down steep trails to smallish beaches. Of the condos in Princeville, I think the Hanalei Bay Resort has the best beach with the nicest views.
Feb 1st, 2014, 11:18 AM
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As I recall the Lawai beach is swimmable - but spent more time snorkeling there than swimming. Went by the rocks/reef - just off the nice/round restaurant - whose name escapes me at the moment.
Lawaii is mostly condo/timeshare - so you might have to call to see what units might be available. We stayed there for a week - and most of the time were out and about (going to North Shore a couple of the days - Waimea canyon another, taking a catamarin ride another day, etc) - so we didn't spend that much time there really - but it has a nice pool, bbq area, etc.
Went by the rocks/reef - just off the nice/round restaurant - whose name escapes me at the moment.Lawaii is mostly condo/timeshare - so you might have to call to see what units might be available. We stayed there for a week - and most of the time were out and about (going to North Shore a couple of the days - Waimea canyon another, taking a catamarin ride another day, etc) - so we didn't spend that much time there really - but it has a nice pool, bbq area, etc.
Feb 1st, 2014, 12:03 PM
#30
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Thanks for all those links, wekewoody. They all look like great places!
I get what you are saying about parking ourselves in one place. I'm a beach person. My husband is a pool person. Obviously, there aren't any hotels with pools in Hanalei. There are pools in Princeville, but the beach thing is lacking (well, I know there's a very long hike down to a smallish beach at Hanalei Bay Resort). Combine that with my husband hating to spend any time more than necessary in a car on vacation, and splitting our time works best. It's all good!
Thank you all for your suggestions! I will take all of them into consideration and hopefully get some reservations booked soon. I'll let you know what we decided on!
I get what you are saying about parking ourselves in one place. I'm a beach person. My husband is a pool person. Obviously, there aren't any hotels with pools in Hanalei. There are pools in Princeville, but the beach thing is lacking (well, I know there's a very long hike down to a smallish beach at Hanalei Bay Resort). Combine that with my husband hating to spend any time more than necessary in a car on vacation, and splitting our time works best. It's all good!
Thank you all for your suggestions! I will take all of them into consideration and hopefully get some reservations booked soon. I'll let you know what we decided on!
Feb 1st, 2014, 07:28 PM
#32
I stay in a Princeville condo to enjoy breathtaking ocean views. When I want to go to the beach I get in my car and drive to Hanalei Bay in 7 minutes - or Anini in ten minutes. For budget lodgings, check out Sealodge. It's not fancy, and the pool is small--but it's fine--and the prices are great for those incredible views.
For more luxury (and beach access at the St. Regis--albeit via a steep flight of stairs) check out Pali ke Kua. Even if you stay at a different Princeville condo you could drive to the St. Regis and use their gorgeous beach--with Bali Hai views. (There are no private beaches in Kauai.) Free parking next to Pali ke Kua is very limited, but if you don't get lucky you can pay to park at the St. Regis. It would be less than a five minute drive from most of the Princeville condos.
If you stay in Hanalei, it's unlikely that you will have good ocean views. Just depends on what your priorities are. I prefer to sit on my lanai and watch the sunrise over ocean--then take a quick drive to the beach. But some people prefer to be able to walk to the beach and restaurants. For me, the view that I wake up to -- and see from my lanai -- is more important. And ... I love the sound of the ocean. I'm siting on my lanai right now and loving it. I much prefer that to being on a side street a block or two from Hanalei Bay.
If you enjoying hiking I highly recommend the Canyon Trail in Koke'e Park/Waimea Canyon. It's "moderate" difficulty.
Your other Kauai option is to stay mid-way -- maybe Kapa'a (I like the Marriott Courtyard--and Pono Kai condos) or the Marriott in Lihue. It's not the prettiest part of the island, but it's nice--and you'd be mid-way to the North and South shores. I'm not a big fan of Poipu. Like the Marriott in Lihue, to me, it feels like "generic beach"--as opposed to the North Shore which is more my fantasy of "Hawaii." But some people like it.
The good news is that whatever you decide you will have a fabulous time--so don't stress about it too much.
For more luxury (and beach access at the St. Regis--albeit via a steep flight of stairs) check out Pali ke Kua. Even if you stay at a different Princeville condo you could drive to the St. Regis and use their gorgeous beach--with Bali Hai views. (There are no private beaches in Kauai.) Free parking next to Pali ke Kua is very limited, but if you don't get lucky you can pay to park at the St. Regis. It would be less than a five minute drive from most of the Princeville condos.
If you stay in Hanalei, it's unlikely that you will have good ocean views. Just depends on what your priorities are. I prefer to sit on my lanai and watch the sunrise over ocean--then take a quick drive to the beach. But some people prefer to be able to walk to the beach and restaurants. For me, the view that I wake up to -- and see from my lanai -- is more important. And ... I love the sound of the ocean. I'm siting on my lanai right now and loving it. I much prefer that to being on a side street a block or two from Hanalei Bay.
If you enjoying hiking I highly recommend the Canyon Trail in Koke'e Park/Waimea Canyon. It's "moderate" difficulty.
Your other Kauai option is to stay mid-way -- maybe Kapa'a (I like the Marriott Courtyard--and Pono Kai condos) or the Marriott in Lihue. It's not the prettiest part of the island, but it's nice--and you'd be mid-way to the North and South shores. I'm not a big fan of Poipu. Like the Marriott in Lihue, to me, it feels like "generic beach"--as opposed to the North Shore which is more my fantasy of "Hawaii." But some people like it.
The good news is that whatever you decide you will have a fabulous time--so don't stress about it too much.
Feb 2nd, 2014, 11:04 AM
#33
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Kapaa is less expensive, but you'd drive to a swimmable beach, and the traffic in that area is not a pretty thing!
Other than Hanalei, I'm no use, because we always visited in winter; we enjoyed Poipu Kapili. (Beautiful pool; across small road from seawall; very short stroll to the beach near the Sheraton.)
Other than Hanalei, I'm no use, because we always visited in winter; we enjoyed Poipu Kapili. (Beautiful pool; across small road from seawall; very short stroll to the beach near the Sheraton.)
Feb 2nd, 2014, 02:37 PM
#34
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OMG - soooo many choices....but all your suggestions are very, very helpful!
After doing some research, I definitely want north shore & south shore. I just can't seem to find the right mix of beach/pool/views. I will take all suggestions into consideration and come up with an answer I'm sure!!!
ChiSue- question - how short of a stroll to beach near the Sheraton is it and do the condo's provide beach chairs?
Songdoc - your suggestions are food for thought. Thanks!
After doing some research, I definitely want north shore & south shore. I just can't seem to find the right mix of beach/pool/views. I will take all suggestions into consideration and come up with an answer I'm sure!!!
ChiSue- question - how short of a stroll to beach near the Sheraton is it and do the condo's provide beach chairs?
Songdoc - your suggestions are food for thought. Thanks!
Feb 2nd, 2014, 02:47 PM
#35
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Songdoc - if I stay in a condo in Princeville, but I want to spend time on the beach in Hanalei, do I need to buy my own beach chair and umbrella, or will they be available at the condo?
I really do love the beach. I'm torn!
I really do love the beach. I'm torn!
Feb 2nd, 2014, 03:41 PM
#36
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Hi BG,
Most of the rentals we use have beach chairs, coolers and towels. We usually have to buy the umbrella. They get broken pretty easily.
Lately we have been using one of these.
http://www.sport-brella.com/sport-brella
Most of the rentals we use have beach chairs, coolers and towels. We usually have to buy the umbrella. They get broken pretty easily.
Lately we have been using one of these.
http://www.sport-brella.com/sport-brella
Feb 3rd, 2014, 10:26 AM
#37
Every condo I've ever rented included beach chairs and towels. Many include coolers, snorkeling equipment, beach mats, and boogie boards. What's included will typically be listed on the website--but I can't imagine any of them not including beach chairs and towels. I agree with wekewoody--they rarely include umbrellas--although the one I'm in at the moment does.
Feb 3rd, 2014, 01:39 PM
#38
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"Here is the website to make reservations for Pearl Harbor (they can be make six months in advance). I suggest you do that so that you know what time you will be going out to the Arizona memorial. You do have to arrive one hour before your ticket time--but there is plenty to do for that hour."
martym, you seem to have forgotten to put the link in.
http://www.recreation.gov/tourDetail...d=317399&cat=1
martym, you seem to have forgotten to put the link in.
http://www.recreation.gov/tourDetail...d=317399&cat=1
Feb 3rd, 2014, 03:21 PM
#40
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Buffalo Gal,
Are you by any chance (or your spouse or anyone traveling with you) in the military or retired or a dependent? You can stay at the Hale Koa which is right on the beach in Waikiki. Just wondering. They have a sliding scale pricing system.
Are you by any chance (or your spouse or anyone traveling with you) in the military or retired or a dependent? You can stay at the Hale Koa which is right on the beach in Waikiki. Just wondering. They have a sliding scale pricing system.
