Where to stay in Kauai
 

If you had three days to spend in Kauai for a special occasion, where would you stay? Money is not an issue, but we aren't millionaires. We just want something very nice, I guess on the beach. You tell me. Any help or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Near south and near west sides have been heavily gentrified. The mayor lives around 1600 south, for heavens sake! Don't worry about wandering into a bad neighborhood - the tourist areas are very safe. Pickpocketing is the biggest crime

[couldn't figure out what 1600 south meant until I saw the header for Chicago]<BR><BR>Kauai fans often differ radically, to the point of confusion. We had more than 3 days, so split our time between Princeville and Poipu. Some swear by one, some by the other. Both are great. Princeville hotel is very luxurious, especially the suites, and that part of the island is very low key and tropical. However, you may or may not have much sun.<BR><BR>On balance, I'd say Poipu. Better weather, and although it is very built up by Kauai standards, it is nothing like Maui. <BR><BR>Try Poipu Kai Poipu Sands, building number 5 (you're practically on the property of the Hyatt). That's the only place I've stayed, and I loved it, but beware that you'll not be facing the sunset from your condo.

Sun depends on the time of year in on the North Shore, July August September have always been good for me. Rainy season is November to May but people still even go in those periods. I have never not had sun for most days on a summer trip in August<BR><BR>Might be nice to stay flat in the middle for three days. I use to go over for weekends from Oahu if you stay in Lihue you are half an hour from Poipu 45 minutes from Princenville & Hanalei area. Marriott in lihue is nice with its own beach. Hard call because the North Shore is wonderful but I would not go to Kauai and skip the canyon or Kalalau lookout on the western side. Poipu is ok but I would skip it if I only had three days. Good thing to stay in the middle it will cut down your drive time.

For a short three day stay, I'd go for the sure weather bet and stay at the Hyatt in Poipu or at Gloria's Spouting Horn B&B, also in Poipu area.<BR>The Hyatt is pretty breathtaking. I'd skip the deluxe oceanfront rooms, not worth the distant view, IMHO. There is plenty at the resort to keep you busy for your short stay. It's especially beatiful in the evening when the paths and ocean walk are torch lit. Great pools, as well. Also, definitely do a dinner at the Beachhouse. Stiff hike or bumby drive from the Hyatt to Maha' ulepu Beach- a spectacular, natural beauty. <BR>Gloria's has a lap pool and miniscule beach-and that's being generous- but lots of aloha and a gorgeous spot along the coastline. With 3 days, I wouldn't go for any option the includes a lot of driving to get to the north or south shore.

Wouldn't stay at Hyatt if only had 3 days as you need a beach you can swim at. Try Hana Beach Resort on North Shore.

Celebrated our 20th in Sept. I too was looking for something nice but didn't want to be with children or big crowds. Didn't need the resort thing so we looked at a condo. We found a great place right on the ocean called Whalers Cove, Poipu area. We asked for building 1 which is right on the water though no sandy beach right there. The condo was beautiful inside and out. The pool is within spitting ditance to the ocean so it's like you're at the beach and pool at the same time. You can get a btter rate through Suite Paradise though one poster here said he called the office directly and got a better rate. Suite Paradise was great in accomodating our request for building #1 and upon arrival handed us a couple of Mai Tais when we picked up our keys. People tell us that the photos taken on our lanai look fake because they're so beautiful. The lanai was really big with a table and 4 chairs and two lounge chairs and still plenty of room. Both the living room and the master bedroom open onto the lanai and there was nothing between us and the ocean except a small strip of grass. Suite Paradise has only 2nd floor and higher of a 3 story building. We did not want ot be on the ground floor so that worked out great. There are only 38 units so it was very quiet but the service from the front desk was great! Have fun. Kauai is so beautiful.

If you plan on seeing as many Kauai sites as possible in 3 days, the Princeville may not be the best starting point. It is about a 45 minute drive to the Poipu area and much longer to Waimea Canyon. In three days, you could spend much of your time in the car.<BR><BR>However, if you are going for relaxtion by the pool, some light sightseeing, and would prefer to have breakfast in full view of lush green Mountain and waterfall, stay the the Princeville Resort. <BR><BR>I'd definately recommend a suite at the PV. It is in a quieter wing of the hotel and these rooms have an unbelievable sunset view (Our room had a sunken bathtub with a great view of the sunset. My wife's early evening ritual - bubble bath, Champagne, Sunset.)<BR><BR>If you do stay on the South Shore, at least take a drive to the North coast. A sunset cocktail at the Living Room bar at the PV is nice way to spend some time.<BR><BR>In any case, have a nice time.

Stay at the Hyatt. Good location and great pool area. If you want to see the sight, best to take a helicopter ride as we did. we only had four days, but with the helicopter ride to see the sight, we saw many of them in about a two hour period from start to finish. We took Jack Harter.

Only three days...wow is that hard. I've been twice now and I would have to say that the Princeville Resort would be the place I would stay if money wasn't an issue. The sunsets from the "living room" bar were the most amazing thing. They have their own beach. Even if you don't stay on the northshore, please go to the Dolphin for dinner.. http://www.hanaleidolphin.com/ It's the most romantic place in Hanalei on the rivers edge. No matter where you stay, you will remember your days in Kauai. It is a great place to visit and it stays with you forever. Have fun!!