Where to stay in Kauai with 1 yr old baby May/June
 

We are travelling to the BI/Kauai at the end of May/beginning of June and wanted some advice on where to stay. Last time we went to kauai was pre-baby, was in Nov, and i remember staying in Poipu, but driving all over the island to explore, hike, seek out local foodie finds, etc (we remember really loving the north coast).

This time of course will be different. As of now our little guy is still napping twice a day, and we pretty much try to respect that otherwise we're in for a world of hurt. So we don't want to stray too far from our home base. We will be looking primarily at condo-type places. Seems like the 3 main places are Poipu, Kapaa, and Princeville/hanalei areas?

Would love opinions, tips, tricks from seasoned Kauai travelers. The thought of travelling with this squirmy baby plus the sheer volume of STUFF to pack...yikes. Any advice is really appreciated!

I love the north shore, and I would suggest you look at Hanalei Colony Resort http://www.hcr.com if it fits your budget. It is absolute beachfront. The garden view units really do not have a view of the water, but as soon as you walk out the door you are literally only steps from the beach. All the other buildings do offer a decent ocean view at the least. Unfortunately it has been a few years since the last time I was there so I can't give an updated report on it, but it is currently well-reviewed http://www.hawaiirevealed.com/free-t...-colony-resort It is about a 15 minute drive into Hanalei, and 10 min to Tunnels or Ke'e beaches.

Or I would look for a cottage or apartment in Hanalei.

Hanalei Colony Resort is beautiful and has a nice restaurant but normally the beach is not swimmable there, very rough. I'd look into a condo rental in Princeville, Hanalei Bay Resort is very nice (but rent from an owner, the hotel rooms are starting a much needed remodel). Or maybe look for a cottage in Hanalei (no condos in Hanalei, only houses).

Just our personal opinion - we'd much rather be at beach level (HCR, etc.) on a non-swimmable beach than high up on a cliff overlooking the beach (Princeville).

If you decide to go south, Kiahuna (north is more lush and beautiful, but south has Kiahuna, which I think is THE place to stay with kids on Kauai).

I'd rent a cottage in Hanalei. I rented a small cottage in Hanalei in May, 2010, for myself, my husband, and daughter. We liked being able to walk to Hanalei Bay, and it was very calm when we were there in May.

Outrigger Waipouli Beach Resort - in Kapaa. Nice modern condos. Not really a swimmable beach but a great pool area. Plus we saw monk seals on the beach in the early morning. It was pretty just walking around the beach even if we didn't swim in it. It's a short drive to Lydgate beach park which has a nice protected swimmable beach. Kapaa isn't exactly the most "Hawaiian" place in Kauai but it'll provide the convenience factor - lots of restaurants, supermarkets, stores, etc. and not too far from Lihue airport. Otherwise, I would stick to the Princeville or Hanalei areas since you liked it the last time. It's always great to be in a location you love.

I don't think having a baby in tow affects which part of the island you stay in. I see families with toddlers and infants everywhere I go. They were splashing in shallow tidepools in Kapaa -- and I see them every day at the water's edge at Hanalei Bay.

My personal preference is the North Shore. I think the East/Coconut Coast's main benefit is its central location. But I'd rather just stay on the North Shore.

You didn't mention your budget, so it's hard to make a recommendation. But there are condos to fit every budget in most areas. I like Sealodge in Princeville. Unbeatable views and low prices. For more money you can get fancier and newer buildings -- but you can't beat the Sealodge views. A cottage in Hanalei will cost more--and it's unlikely you'll get views.