OK, I was planning a trip to the Southern Caribbean and had to change due to a work conflict. I am now researching to go to Kauai in May or early June. I've been to Maui and Oahu previously.

I'm considering a cruise with NCL from Honolulu to the islands or a visit to Kauai only. My first choice in accomodations is the Kauai Hyatt. Boy is it out of my price range! The least expensive I could find right now is $496 a night. Not willing to pay that much.

So, I've been reading the boards and researching condos, rentals, etc. How overwhelming

I've gone to vrbo and kauai rentals. There are so many options. Any thoughts or tips on researching where to stay in Kauai? I'm thinking I want to stay on the South Side of the island (driest?)

I will spend up to $200 a night for five nights. Hoping to do mid-week, Thursday to Tuesday.

Either way, cruise or land...I'm excited about another visit to paradise.

Thanks as always for your help!

At $200/night, your options for a resort or decent hotel is limited.

One option is the Kauai Marriott at Kalapaki Beach. If you become a Marriott Rewards member and use rate code M11, you might get a non-view room rate at $199 in May or June.

We stayed there on our last trip to Kauai. The positives: Awesome grounds, really nice pool, right on the water. The negatives: The rooms were musty and in need of remodeling. I sent a complaint letter to Marriott and the hotel manager responded, saying they were updating the rooms. If you read some reviews on other sites, some people still complain that the rooms are musty. The other negative is that the beach is not good for snorkeling. The water is calm, but very cloudy, I think due to the sand they trucked in to make the beach. The other negative is that it is on a small bay that also houses a port, so you;ll see cargo ships and small cruise ships coming in. Oh, and it's practically next door to the airport.

I have a file on all of my Kauai favorites. Drop me a line at my email and I can forward it to you.

WOW, I did not expect that it was going to be that difficult to find something under $200 a night that is decent. I had so many options on Maui and Oahu. Oh well, I'll keep looking. You never know. If I have to, I'll raise my amount for the right location.

Thanks.

Kauai is my favorite island and the north shore is my favorite place to stay, especially that time of year. I can heartily recommend Hale Maluhia, a free standing two bedroom condo in the Princeville area. It is only $1253 per week! I have no personal involvement with this property, other than loving it during our stay there. I don't think you can find a better value. I have tons of photos inside and out and would be happy to give you more details if you want them. Just email me at:
[email protected]

Here is the website:
http://www.kauaivilla.com/

The vrbo.com listings for Kiahuna are worth looking into. Kiahuna is a great spot on a good beach in Poipu. Also try:

http://www.pbvacationrentals.com/

http://www.kauairentals.com/

-Bill

You can stay in a Garden Room at the Grand Hyatt for $249 a night with the Stay Certificates. Call and make sure your dates are available, then send for the certificates. You get them in a week and you give the number off them to the person taking the reservation. Someone here recently asked for 5 nights and got them at that price.

https://www.certificates.hyatt.com/ConsumerCerts.aspx

Gosh whenever I am in the Islands I try and avoid the typical resort. The islands, especially Kauai are so beutiful in and of themselves, who needs landscaping. Years ago I had the best time in Kauai simply renting a little condo on Poipu Beach. They are cheaper and most have pools.
Also for cheaper hotel accomodations see if they have any Outriggers?
Last time I was in Kaui, I went to the Hawaian Tropical Gardens there. I believe it is a State sanctuary? I loved it.

Check out the condos at Prince Kuhio. They are steps away from a nice beach, beautiful pool,lovely grounds including grills for cooking, laundry on site, and the price is right. We rented #211 and loved it....in fact we are returning this July. Happy hunting! Okie

Friends of ours come to Kaua`i every winter -- they own 2 weeks at the Marriott Resort. Some years, they arrive in advance of their 2-week reservation, and they always stay here:
http://www.gardenislandinn.com/

Same neighborhood, much smaller, much more of what they call "a family feel" from the owners. And the rates are waaaaaaaaaaaay lower than the Marriott.

And I've always had a soft spot for Hotel Coral Reef -- right on the highway in Kapa`a, but so close to the surf that you truly cannot hear any noise from the road:
http://www.hotelcoralreefresort.com/

Completely renovated by the new owners within the past 2-3 years, this one has gone from a really sad Motel 6, to a beautifully furnished resort (complete with brand new pool, spa, and exercise facilities). Rates are $125 to $249.

Wow auntie, that is so cool about the Coral Reef. We walked by it in 2005 when they were putting in the pool and doing lots of work on the buildings and it certainly looked like a diamond in the rough. I'm gonna check it out in August. Might be a fun place to stay sometime. Mahalo!

sk84fungirl,
If you are going in early June, I'd consider staying on the north shore at one of the condos in Princeville.

Finding the right place is often hard work, but as my good friend sistahlou always tells me, "google yer akahine off and you'll come across something." And I always have.

-Bill

LOL @ Bill...I will google until I can't google anymore.

Thanks for all of the feedback. I will spend many nights researching as I always do. Will definitely keep you all posted.

Mahalo

I'm also partial to the North Shore, and May/ June are perfect months to go North. Have you looked at any of the condo units at the Hanalei Bay Resort? I stayed in a nearby condo complex, but visited HBR several times for drinks at the Bali Hai Restaurant (well mostly for the views, but the lava flows were good too). HBR has many units under $200 a night. I also noticed while walking around that it had a great pool. Having not stayed at the resort I can't personally recommend the units, but it's definitely in your price range.

Keep googling!!!! Hyatt schmyatt! Condo or beach house mo bettah! Liked 4207 Cliffs thru Kauaivacationsrentals a lot as it is clean and fresh and well maintained with a nice view - no freaky floral fabrics or wall of mirrors! Lots of nice Poipu places too.

You'll find it, just trust your judgement and go for it when you see it! After seeing alot of things I don't like, knowing what I love and what is a great find becomes easier.

Besides - You'd be amazed at how bla'se' the Hyatt can look after getting local and cooking your own banana mac pancakes in the morning and enjoying them on your lanai!!!

Keep up the good search! The payoff is priceless, finding a life memory!!!
sistah

Oh yeah,

I remember taking notice of CoralReefs AuntieM! Looked like something to reckon with. Take notice everyone!

YOu might try Sea Lodge in Princeville. It has been a few years since I stayed there but they are very nice condo's with ocean views. Also try Pali Ke Kua in Princeville also with wonderful ocean views.

My fav in the Poipu Area is Poipu Shores - a Castle Resorts and Hotels. I have found this on VRBO as well.

OK, will be researching this weekend and will keep you posted.

Thanks!

Wow,
we are staying at the Pali Ke Kua for 195 a night nice condo etc.. There were some places that were 100 a night in Sea Lodge and Pali Ke Kua the 100 anight places had garden views. The first night we are staying at the Hilton 4 miles from airport for 249 . I don't think you should have a problem. WE booked through www.kaui-vacations-ahh.com You should try them Also, they will come down if you ask them. jt

aloha! I live here on Kauai and there are lots of great places to stay for under $496!! Try www.kauaivacationrentals.com. They are a easy to deal with, a locally owned and operated company with over 200 homes and condos. And if you call them, they will gladly help you narrow things down. See you soon in paradise!