Spent 8 days on Kauai last year and while I thought it was beautiful, didn't enjoy it as much as I enjoy going to the Caribbean. The water was rough, and cold! We stayed for part of our trip at the Waimea Plantation Cottages and enjoyed that, but every other hotel/resort we saw was of the huge, chain variety. Can anyone recommend a reasonably priced property on any of the Hawaiian islands that is not huge, not part of a chain, and has "charm"? Would love to stay someplace like Kona Village but that's a fortune.

AMEN!

Oh no. Not another Carribean vs Hawaii troll. Wake me when it's over. On second thought.

Sorry if you think this post is a "troll". Actually, I am really looking for suggestions for Hawaii. I live in the West,and getting to the Caribbean is a very long trip, often requiring an overnight in Miami. It would be easier for me to get to Hawaii, and if I could find what I'm looking for there, it would make my vacationing "easier".

fran - To answer your question, Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places on this earth. There are parts of Hawaii that resemble the Caribbean and parts that do not. Kauai is one of the more "laid back" islands of Hawaii. It sounds like you're looking for something a little more upbeat. Try Oahu or Maui. There are plenty of things to do on either of these islands. I love Hawaii and I also love the Caribbean, but the atmosphere of the surroundings is very different. It just depends on what you're in the mood for.

Why not rent a condo, we had a house that was spacious and new and only 1 1/2 blocks off beach. I would stay on the North Shore of Kauai. Would like to try carib sometime but can't come away from Hawaii, so I figure why mess with a place I happy with. I suggest you do the same if you are happy in the carib.

Hanalei, Kauai - no big hotels, rent a house, when it rains we hop in the car and go to the southside of the island.

fran,
I agree with you... for water and beaches alone, the Caribbean is my favorite which is why I still make the loooong trek from the west coast too. But I enjoy Hawaii just as much for different reasons - the scenery is beautiful, I love the food, and prefer the weather (less humidity and heat overall). If your primary focus is on the water, then Hawaii may just not be the right place for you.

We enjoyed Noelani Condo in October 2000. It's in Maui (Kahana). Small, friendly and a nice setting. They have a web site.. check it out,
p.

Fran, your best beaches are actually on Oahu, especially Lanikai Beach on the East side (very Caribbean-like in calmness and color, though still a bit chillier). The entire coastline along Waimanalo (same side) is also quite beautiful. I don't know of any hotels in this region. Perhaps someone can help you out with a B&B or house rental.

I have to say something as rude as this may sound. Define "charming" and "reasonably priced" in your opinion and you may get better information. I used to run a shoe store and get people who would say they want a shoe that is dressy but not expensive. What the heck is that supposed to mean? The fancy shoes were usually too expensive, and the cheap ones were, well, cheap. Is it possible you didn't enjoy Hawaii, because you got what you paid for? Some folks can have a fabulous time on a limited budget, and others could gripe the entire time at the fanciest resort. That being said, be more specific, and I think you will find information to be more beneficial. I apologize for the scolding tone.

Hawaii is DEFINITELY better! The people are more laid-back and friendly. The Carrib natives (especially in Jamaica) are really rude, aggressive, and on the prowl for American women. You could vacation solo anywhere in Hawaii. I can't say the same about the Carib.

Nice reply dave.
I think you are correct.

Dave--we stayed in places in the $200 + range. The water being rough and cold has nothing to do with the price of the hotel. What I was trying to say is, I don't like huge properties. In the Caribbean, I have stayed at smaller, luxury resorts, for example, Young Island or Bitter End Yacht Club, and found them to be reasonably priced...in the $300-400 range, including meals. Hawaiian properties like I would be interested in, for example, Kona Village, seem to be over $500 a night, and then there's food on top of that.

Forgot to mention, Dave, that I did not say I didn't enjoy Kauai---just that I didn't enjoy it as MUCH as I enjoy the Caribbean. Also, as far as safety in Caribbean---I don't go to islands like Jamaica with alot of crime. Stick to the smaller ones, like the Bahama out islands, or BVI.

Fran, I agree the water and the beaches are better in the Caribbean. However, the best beaches I found in Hawaii were on Maui. If you stay up north around Kahana there are some reasonably priced condo's that are small and on the beach. They're also away from the chains at Kaanapali. Check out http://www.wizardpub.com/maui/maui.html for resort options.

To: JustMe

To: JustMe

On the contrary, we were warned before going to Kauai that there have been problems with women who were alone being raped by the native men. I believe that was even talked about in one of the guidebooks I bought before going.

By the way, while I love Hawaii, I don't think there is anyplace in Hawaii that is as safe as the island of Grand Cayman. I would feel safe walking down the street alone at 3 in the morning there.

And Freewoman, 7-Mile Beach ain't so bad, either!!

My family and I prefer the Hawaiian Islands over the Caribbean. Hawaii is more lush, vibrant, exotic, heavenly, and the locals are much nicer. The restaurants and hotels are also cleaner. Hawaii is truly paradise.