If you've been to Kauai, Opinion Please!

[DawnCt1]

Five years ago we went to Kauai and stayed on the North Shore. It was beautiful but there really wasn't any where that you could get to without a car. DS's would enjoy walking to shops, restaurants, etc. We are going back next summer and I thought that the East Coast, Kapa'a would be a good choice because there was a good price on a condo, ocean view, nice pool, etc. So, I put a no risk deposit on Lae Nani with Outrigger for an OV. It's really not a swimmable beach but it has a sheltered area that looks like a heiue and we use pools more than the ocean. I can get the same thing from a TA that used before for less so when I called her, she suggested Poipu Kai. Of course the ocean views will be in the distance there for the same $$$ but Poipu has some of the best beaches in the state. I am guessing that there are still plenty of places the DSs can walk to. Any thoughts?

 

[Honu]

For beaches it's Poipu. The Kiahuna Plantation has the best beach, but I haven't been there in about 10 years and have no idea what the condition of the resort is. Marriott or Hilton built a timeshare next door recently. There is an open air shopping center across the street and there are shops and restaurants, but Kauai has no nightlife if that's what your sons are looking for. The way we choose is Poipu in the fall/winter and Princeville in the late spring/summer. That's when the water/surf/weather is significantly better for those areas.

 

[DawnCt1]

I have read mixed reviews on Kiahuna; thin walls, noisy, etc, and value. Its a great property but very expensive for ocean views. There seems to be better values in other locations of Poipu Kai. We stayed at Hanalei Bay Resort last time, and there is no place to walk, even for a hamburger. Night life is definately sparse on Kuaui but no one is looking for that on Kauai, just convenience. Don't get me wrong. We loved it. We just want to be closer to other things on Kauai.