It's our first trip to Kauai and we're trying to decide where to stay and think our decision hinges on snorkeling possibilities. Will the waters on the north shore be calm enough for this in early June? If not, we'd opt for a resort rather than a condo because of nice grounds and pool area.

Here are our choices so far: Puu Poa / Hanalei Bay Resort / A house near Tunnels.

I'd appreciate your advice as I'm having a terrible time deciding since I don't know the place.

-karen

I would pick the place you like the best and go for it. They are all on the north shore, so you won't be that far away from any of the beaches in the area. We usually rent in Hanalei and drive to different beaches each day.

One never knows for certain what the ocean conditions will be like at any particular time of year. Usually, the north shore beaches are calmer in the summer months, but this is not always the case. Listen to the surf report and talk to the lifguards (if there are any) at the beaches you go to.

If you do snorkel at Makua (Tunnels Beach), be aware that even in the summer months there is a fairly pronounced current that runs right to left towards the channel in the reef. One can drift down over the reef. It is a little more work going back. Sometimes we just head in to shore and walk back to our starting place if the current is too strong. Before we go in we always looks at the water conditions and watch the water. Mornings are best, before the tradewinds start blowing in earnest.

If you stay at either condo in Princeville you will be closer to restaurants and other services. The place in Haena will be more remote.

OK - since you tagged your thread "California" and don't mention Hawaii in the title - the VAST majority of Hawaii posters will never see your questions. I'd either repost w/ a more detailed title and tag it Hawaii -- or -- maybe e-mail katie and see if she can fix this for you.

her address is [email protected] . . . . .

ToTheTop

You really should re-post this w/ a Hawaii tag if you want more input . . . . .