What part of Kauai?
 

We will be traveling to Kauai for the first time with two teens. We will be interested in snorkeling, hiking and enjoying the beach. We would prefer to stay where there is a swimable beach, looking at condo's or a hotel for <$200. Anyone have a suggestion?

What month are you going?

Is a condo ON the beach important?

We will be there in Feb. Not importand to be on the beach as long as it is a reasonable walk. Is there a drier area of the Island?

If you decide on the North Shore check out Sealodge. There are lots of listings at VRBO.com and at http://www.kauai-vacations-ahh.com/k...odge-kauai.htm. It's very reasonable (about $185/nt for a 2 bedroom condo with a view).

It's not "on" a beach but on a bluff above -- with breathtaking views (that I'm looking at as I write this!).

The south shore (Poipu) is typically drier--but at the moment, it's cloudy everywhere on the island. Out of the past two weeks I had eight consecutive days of glorious sunshine, followed by a week of clouds and sporadic showers on the north shore. Only two days of heavy rain and it's supposed to be sunny again in a day or two. When it rained hard here, it rained everywhere on the island.

I much prefer the beauty and lushness of the North Shore. To me, that's Kauai. And that's my two cents from paradise :-)

Hi Songdoc - glad to hear you are having good weather. Hope you are having a wonderful time. Looking forward to your trip report when you return home.

As much as I LOVE LOVE LOVE the north shore, I don't think I would chance it in February w/ 2 teens.

The sunny beaches and activities of Poipu will be more appealing to teenagers than the lush but often wet landscapes of Princeville and Hanalei. Particularly in February, there is likely to be NO safe ocean swimming on the North or East Shore.
I rented a very nice 2 bedroom 2 bath condo in the Poipu area earlier this year for less than $200 per night. It was a comfortable walk to the beach, plus tennis courts and a nice pool area were very close. I had a teenager with me, and he seemed to have a great time. With luck, this link will take you there:
www.vrbo.com/114402

I see you are back... Gonna do us a great trip report, aren't you?

We had a great time in Kauai! We stayed at the Sheraton (great rate with Hotwire)in Poipu--thought the beach and hotel was great. We did travel most days to see as much of the Island as possible. We hope to make it back next year to really enjoy more hiking and snorkeling. We also hope to stay in a condo.

I am looking for a cottage for August. I am drawn to the lushness of the North Shore. Would you recommend it for August or too much rain then? Thanks,

I forgot to ask in prior reply, where is a good swimming beach on the north or northeast shore?

August on the north shore is nice. You'll have overnight rain showers (love that) and probably some passing showers during the day. We usually go in July/August and love that time of year.

Surf conditions permitting, Makua (Tunnels) Beach in Haena can have very nice snorkeling in the morning before the afternoon winds start kicking up.