My husband and I are in our mid thirties, no kids, and are going to Kauai for the first time. We love snorkeling, diving, great scenery and and a great beach. We would like to stay somewhere on the water or very close to. (hotel or condo) We stayed at the Sheraton in Maui five years ago and were disappointed by the small, uniform rooms and TONS of kids. (like it more quiet & relaxing) Our price range is about $250/night, give or take. I'm pretty picky about rooms being of high quality - clean, nice furnishings, A/C. (but not Princeville $) Any suggestions? The more suggestions, the better.

Thank you!
Amy

We once stayed at The Cliffs in Princeville and it fits your price range.

http://www.cliffs-princeville.com/re...NCEVILLE/RATES

We had a 1 br, 2 bath condo with kithen, lvg rm, washrm, and patio. It was nicey furnished and clean.

Seemed like it was more adult oriented.

Downsides:

It is called The Cliffs for a reason. Though great views you need to take a path down to the beach.

We preferred to drive down the road for beaches, which seemed more secluded.

It also had paddle fans which were sufficient enough.

It was extremely relaxing.

Warning #1 -- November, December, January are peak times for visitors here on Kaua`i...especially those with families. These families book themselves at the high-end resorts, at the timeshares, at the condos, and in vacation rental homes. Difficult to avoid. 8-)

Warning #2 -- you mention that you love snorkeling. Our winter surf conditions are already in full force (we lost two visitors to drownings yesterday). Best chance for ocean fun in December (on any Hawaiian island) is the south shore area. No guarantees that the south side won't have an occasional day of heavy surf though.

aloha auntie, where were the drowinings? How sad.

One was up here on the north shore -- a surf spot near Makua Beach. The other was on the east side. Both were visitors, in waters where there are no lifeguards.

When locals say that our waters are life-threatening, they're not trying to scare folks -- just wanting them to live to enjoy their visit.

Winter surf throughout Hawai`i must be respected. Even local residents have fallen victim to the pounding waves, the undertows, and those scary rip currents.

"When in doubt, don't go out"