Hi, looking for an overall lazy beach type of vacation with maybe a lil site seeing & snorkeling mixed in. I have the opportunity to stay at either of these 2 places, I've been to Oahu 2x, never been to Kauai. Really like Oahu, both north & south shore but never been to the Makaha area. The Makaha property is on the beach. I'd love to see Kauai, this place is on North Shore with waterfall/garden views, short drive to beaches but not sure about the bug factor in that area, bothers me a lil more than some.

Curiously, which would you choose?

Since you've been to Oahu, and considering the relaxing a lot, snorkeling and sightseeing a little that you want, definitely Kauai. There's always Unscented Off (can't stand bugs OR fragrance) if you go into somewhere with a few buggies, but I've never found Kauai to be any worse than any other island, bug-wise. At least where I've been.......... But the North Shore of Kauai, I think, is as beautiful as it gets.

Yeah I have only had bug problems before a rain in the woods, on any of the islands.

I would go for Kauai also. Have you stayed in Makaha before? How well do you know the area. It is beautiful but has a crime problem like no other part of the islands. I met someone stationed at Hickham who said they were told not to even visit for day trips. While I think that is extreme we did have our car locks pick every time we went.

Having said all of that, nearby Makua not Makaha is my favorite beach on any island. Have not been in a few years though and the government was doing target bombing here a year or two ago. It may have changed. It use to be shangrala though.

I am in agreement with the other posters. Last summer was my first time in Kaui after many enjoyable trips to Oahu and I loved it. Less crowded and less developed. We stayed on Poipu and only drove to the North Shore. I wouldn't make a choice based on Oceanfront vs Garden or Jungle view unless you plan on spending lots of time in your room! Have a blast in paradise!

Thank you so much for the opinions, they've been very helpful and pretty much confirmed what I thought. Everyone talks about all the natural beauty there, I think I would regret not seeing Kauai at least once.

I agree with the others as well, Kauai is definitely the way to go for a relaxing vacation. And it doesn't get any more beautiful.

Aloha gg!

Waterfall and garden views on the north shore, Kauai... aahhhhhhhh!

Gotta love O'ahu, but north shore Kauai for a nothing to do, lazy, beach hopping time really is heaven!

Time of year may be a consideration... then again, maybe not.

Aloha Makai1, that is exactly what we were hoping to do, mostly beach hopping and a couple of days to see the popular tourist sites.

We are now officially booked, just confirmed our interisland flts to Kauai at end of August. Got a 3rd choice which is perfect, garden view on one of the complexes in Princeville, Kauai. This way I can visit a jungle without staying in it, and I'll have a jacuzzi to relax in at night at the complex. I'm thrilled!

Since we are just there 6 days, should we get the Kauai revealed book?

Thanks!

ggrtist, I look at the price of guidebooks this way. When I think of the thousands of dollars I will spend on a trip to Hawaii, what is another $15 to $20 for a good guidebook to familiarize myself with all the nitty-gritty good stuff about the place? And I always get the latest edition for the place I'm going, even if I have an older one. So many things can change in a place over a couple of years, and I think a good guidebook is worth it's weight in gold. As well as the "Revealed" series, I really like Frommers for the most up-to-date info on Hawaii! Aloha...

Well, ggrtist, I think it depends on what you want to do. If you're just going to relax & snorkel on the North Shore, a travel guide probably won't be necessary. If you plan to go on any hikes, visit other parts of the island or drive to Waimea Canyon, though, I'd highly recommend it. Kauai Revealed was invaluable to me, but I dragged my poor family everywhere.

gg,

I'd grab one just for the fun of researching during the flight over... if you use it great, if not, you'll enjoy the reading!

6 DAYS!!!!!

Ooooohhhhhhhhhh! Paradise! Enjoy Hanalei... my fav small town.

ALOHA... be sure to share when you return!

I went ahead and grabbed one on the way home and I'm glad I did. Just skimming over it and a taking a look at the beach reference pics and stuff, I can see it'll be good stuff and a nice reference.