Where to stay on Kauai...does time of year really matter?
 

My husband and I are booked on a trip to Kauai for 7 nights at the end of February 2015. This is our 2nd trip to the Garden Isle (you can visit some pics of our first trip five years ago on my blog: http://sulynnchen.com/travelblog/?p=665)

We've always been told to steer clear of the north shore during winter months because the chances of rain and/or high surf in the area. Should we continue this pattern? I know many of you are partial to Princeville - would it be ok in February or should we stay further south and just "visit" the north shore on sunny days?

On our last trip in January 2010, we stayed in Waipouli and Poipu and the weather was great for us. We were also on the north shore for about 6 hours one day and it was hot and humid. I'm open to staying in the same resort (Waipouli Beach Resort) again but thought of trying something new.

What are some of your recommendations for February? If you have specific condo recs, that would be great as well. Air Conditioning is a must, I'd prefer it to have a renovated bathroom and kitchen, and an ocean view would be really nice to have but not if it costs a fortune more. I'd like something in the 1or 2 BR range as I think studios are a bit too small for one week. I'm ok with spending up to 250 a night or less than 2000 for the week, and I *may* be inclined to spend more than that if we can get everything we want, however I have not come across something like that yet.

I also have the option of using points at the Grand Hyatt - but it is a lot of points and I probably only have enough for 3 nights and then have to move elsewhere anyways.

We're open to all areas of Kauai - we are planning to drive all over the island anyways. We want to spend more time on the north shore as well as visiting Waimea canyon. And you know that the hubs and I are big foodies so easily accessible to great food (high and low end) will be great as well.

Thank you!!

Most years the northern parts of Kauai, Oahu and even Maui have wind and rain in February. It's winter; they HOPE for good rain. Some years (especially this year) there were floods of rain, resulting in mud slides and road closures in some locations. We don't know if a new pattern is in force, or if it was 'just 2014'.

I would stay south. We have enjoyed Poipu Kapili, but haven't been back to Kauai in some years. There may be some newer options.

Maybe look into Koloa Landing, those are fairly new and pretty sure they have AC. Poipu Kapili also gets good reviews, haven't stayed in either as we had a timeshare at the Marriott in Lihue.

tifa: I posted an answer on "What's there to do on Kauai?". It was before you actually posted this question.

Been to Kauai 12-13 times and have never stayed in a condo on Kauai that had AC and have really never missed it since they have the wonderful trade winds. South Shore is better in February. Love the Grand Hyatt. One year we stayed 6 nights in a condo and our last night at a hotel just to be pampered. You might consider that, however, a lot of condos require a week stay. Koloa Landing are new and more than likely have AC. VRBO again for good info on condo or google condos with A/C on Kauai and see what you get. paradise awaits you.

We were in Maui in mid February this year. While we were there a weather pattern was affecting the islands in such way that the south shore of Kauai was getting hammered with rain and the north shore was sunny. You never know...

The only condos in Princeville that I know of that have a/c are The Hanalei Bay Resort and possibly the Westin Villas. There are selected units at Pali Ke Kua and Pu'u Poa that have ac, but you will have to hunt for them.

Thanks everyone for the good advice! In between flip flopping between the north and south, I've decided to just make a refundable reservation at the Waipouli Beach Resort in the eastern part of the island. I'm in the process of placing a deposit for a partial ocean view 1-BR 2-BA condo and the total price is right under the 2000 a week budget. Whew! I still have about 60 days out from my date to cancel without penalty, so I do have some time to look around if something else strikes me fancy, but so far it seems to have everything I want, A/C, separate bedroom, gourmet kitchen, washer/dryer, a large pool and a bit of an ocean view.

I do like the convenience of the location, but the only thing is that I think I would prefer a smaller resort. After staying at the Honua Kai this past fall in Maui, I realized that large complexes are exactly that...large and people everywhere but overall I did appreciate all the conveniences.

Chisue - thanks for the always sage advice!

jamie99 and Shar - thank you! I have looked at Koloa Landing and it is just over my budget for a 1-BR that has an obstructed view - probably because of construction. It does look amazing though and totally up my alley. I would love to stay there one day. The A/C is important to me because I grew up in SE Asia and know what it's like to sleep without A/C and so I've just grown too accustomed to it now. LOL.

louistraveler5 - Saw your post! Thank you so much! I am still deciding on the split stay but it's just more economical to rent the same condo for a week. But in an ideal world, I'd love to rent a nice condo on both north and south shores. If I were on Kauai for longer than a week I'd definitely do that!
I'm glad you like the pictures of Kauai! I thought it was so pretty.

wekewoody - thanks again for the wonderful advice. I know...the weather patterns can be unpredictable. I'm hoping for decent weather, but whatever it ends up being, it'll be better than sub-zero temperatures in New Jersey. I was looking at Hanalei Bay too as the condos there seem to be the most affordable. It does also seem to be a really large resort - but their pool does look very nice.

thanks again everyone!

Hanalei Bay Resort is very nice and believe they have AC, also their bar and restaurant (Happy Talk Lounge) will be open sometime this fall which is a big bonus.

jamie99 - thanks for the info! I'd like to check out the new lounge if we can!

Do you want a no-beach location...and in Kapaa? I realize these are newer and have A/C.

I never cared for Honua Kai. That tall, elevator building with a see-and-be-seen courtyard shape doesn't appeal. The beach isn't good, and it has more condo units than most hotels have rooms. Give me low-rise, low-density -- with A/C available if needed. Were there a million kid in that 'lazy river', or was school in session?

no beach access at the Waipouli Beach Resort just keep that in mind although you are not too far from Kealia Beach which is very nice. We rented bikes in Kapaa earlier this year and loved the paved bike path that runs along the beach.

ChiSue - Since we have stayed at Waipouli before, we kinda know what to expect...although I do think I am a slightly different and more experienced Hawaii traveler now and can appreciate the more low-key resorts and don't require all that much luxury (sometimes ) :)...it just so happens for the week-long price that resort offers us the most bang for the buck. I did have some other condos that I liked...but they were all booked for February! I do like Kapaa - I like conveniences and having restaurants around us and we plan to do a lot of exploring around the island as usual :)

Shar - thanks for the info! I've read about that bike path and it looks beautiful...a but of embarrassing info about me but I have never learned to ride a bike...but I can always take a walk! I remember not having beach access...but that was ok because when we woke up for sunrise, we saw monk seals on the beach twice! Amazing!

tifa2276 it would be an great walk. I think it is 5 miles each way or maybe it is 5 miles round trip. great scenery...Enjoy you time in paradise....

OK, so I kinda didn't follow up on putting a deposit on the Waikoloa Beach Resort condo...I was going to, but things got crazy at work and so I never did reserve it.

So I thought about it for a while and thought we should do something different on this trip. I did another search, and we've ended up not reserving a condo at all. We got a cute 2-BR cottage in Poipu for a week in Feb. It has a private garage, a/c, and two master suites. Plus we have access to a pool which is part of the larger resort complex. It seems to be a short walk to Poipu beach which is nice and the best part it comes in at just under 2000 a week including all taxes and fees.

Here's the link to our cottage.
http://reservations.poipubeachvacati.../Details/75402

I think we made the right choice (hopefully) in the end. Thanks for the advice everyone! 208 days (but seems like forever)!

I know this area very well. Beach and eats are between a 10 to 15 minute walk. It looks cute and to have a/c in a condo/house on Kauai is not as common as you might think. We prefer stand alone houses to condos. I think you are going to like the extra space.

Thanks everyone! Have a little blurb about the selection process on my blog. http://sulynnchen.com/travelblog/?p=685

Mahalo for your tips!