After looking at our Kauai vacation rentals, the next question for first time visitors is what part of the island to stay. It can be a difficult decision when your options include everything from dreamy Poipu Beach to spectacular Hanalei Bay. Here are five ways to make it easier.
First Tip: Plan your Kauai vacation in two locations.
This way you can base yourself in two places and see where you fit in best. This will reduce your driving time too. It can take up to 90 minutes to travel between Poipu and where the road ends on the North Shore at Kee Beach. We make it easy to split your stay by offering a 3 night minimum on Kauai condos and 5 nights on Kauai homes.
Second Tip: Ocean conditions change by season.
Do you want to spend more time enjoying Kauai snorkeling or be adventurous and surf? Consider that South Shore Kauai has larger waves in Summer and the North Shore can exceed 30 feet in winter. That means Tunnels Beach is best for snorkeling from May-September and Poipu Beach enjoys calmer conditions from October-April.
Third Tip: Kauai weather varies by side of island.
Poipu is usually sunny throughout the year and North Shore weather is somewhat more variable during the winter. You can always expect warm days whenever you visit and cooler nights from November through February.
Fourth Tip: Kauai activities on both shores are similar and also unique.
Kauai Golf: You’ll find no shortage of world class golf courses to play including public and private. The majority are on the South Shore like Poipu Bay, Kihauna, Kukuiolono and the very private Golf Course at Kukuiula. On the North Shore you’ll find the top ranked Makai Course at Princeville Resort. Between them is the Wailua Golf Course on the East Side.
Kauai Beaches: Hanalei is often ranked Number 1 in the USA by Dr. Beach. Just one look and you’ll see why. Poipu is equally famous with its white sand beaches, snorkeling and diving. It’s a great place for kids of all ages and ranked a Top 10 Beach by The Travel Channel.
Kauai Gardens: On the North Shore, visit Limahuli Garden and Preserve. Or stop at Na ‘Āina Botanical Garden-Kauai. On the South Shore you’ll find the exquisite Allerton and McBryde Gardens where Jurassic Park was filmed.
Kauai Hiking: Na Pali Coast features the Kalalau Trail on the North Shore and Poipu has its Mahualepu Trail to keep day hikers busy. The Westside also offers renowned hiking spots like the Waimea Canyon Trail and others at Kokee State Park.
Fifth Tip: Do you relate more to a North Shore or South Shore vibe?
North Shore: More rural and relaxed. Edged by miles of golden sand and nestled against lush emerald mountains. Explore sleepy Hanalei town or you may find yourself standing still just to absorb it all. Take the challenge and see who can count the most waterfall tracks on the valley walls. There’s also Princeville Resort nearby.
South Shore: Old Koloa town offers quaint shops in historic plantation buildings while Poipu offers world class golf, tennis, walking trails, designer shops, Anara Spa and superlative dining. The Shops at Kukuiula is a mecca of upscale stores and unique dining places.
Now it’s your turn to comment and add your favorite tips. We look forward to hearing from you and welcoming you to The Parrish Collection Kauai. For additional help on where to stay, we invite you to call us at 800-325-5701.
14 Responses
Hi
I am looking for 3-4 week stay with 2 kids . , want some town activity nearby, beaches . we love the hustle and bustle of life along. Wifi is a must.
Aloha Meena, it sounds like Poipu may be your best choice. We have many options that can have all your requests within walking distance. Give us a call at 800.325.5701 so we may help narrow the options.
My husband and I are thinking of spending two months in the winter of 22. Maybe February 1 until April 1. Happy with a condo prefer two bathrooms, king size bed, washer/dryer and a full kitchen. Need advise on north or south side at that time of year. Interested in gentle but distance hiking, golf, walking beautiful views. Any suggestions for us greatly appreciated.
Aloha Carolyn,
We certainly have plenty of options on both sides. Given the length of stay, be sure to check availability early. My I also recommend that you spend one month up North and one down South, thus you spend less time on the road and can enjoy the hikes, golf, etc. available on each part of the island.
hi! Are any of your properties pet friendly? We would love to travel with our 5 pound yorkie. Thanks!
Aloha Julie, we do have some properties that allow pets on a case by case basis. Please give us a call at 808.325.5701 to go over details. We look forward to hearing from you.
Hi,
We are looking for a beachfront house or condo for our honeymoon. we want to relax at the beach/pool, shop, sightsee, hike etc.
sunny location… what are your recommendations?
Aloha Janice,
Thank you for your email inquiry. Below are some of our Ocean front properties that I think you will enjoy on your vacation. They are all near the shops, restaurants and just a short distance to the beach, very private and intimate, perfect for honeymooners. The first three properties are located on the South Shore. Please click the following links for your guide to activities, beaches and more:
Activities
Beaches
Shopping
Kauai Life
Here are a few of our favorite honeymoon properties:
Hale Makai
Whalers Cove
Hale Awapuhi
More options for all budgets can be found in our Romance Collection.
Congratulations and we look forward to hosting you.
I am looking for a quiet studio or o e bedroom condo or cabin for one month. One or two people. Simple, rustic inexpensive and near swimming beaches
Mahalo Deborah for your interest in our properties. Nalo Bungalow A and Nalo Bunglaow B are two great options. Both are a short walk to Brennecke and Poipu Beach. Another great option is Turtle Cove Cottage which is near Prince Kuhio’s, a great surfing spot. If you want something very private, we have Hale Kai Kalani which is near Rock Quarry Beach on the North Shore. Which month are you looking for? Let us know and we will hook you up.
Looking at 7/20/2020 to 7/31/2020 I would like real ocean frontage or total jungle type location for 2. Our first time to Kauai. Do NOT like crowds
Thank you, Ms Harris Tornblade
Aloha Harris,
Thank you for your inquiry. We are happy to hear you have selected our beautiful island of Kauai as your destination. I am pleased to say we have several options on different sides of the island at different price points, depending on your budget.
We have Anini Beach House which is on Anini Beach on the lush North Shore, with easy beach access, swimming and snorkeling right out your door. There is some traffic out front, but it is more secluded as it is not in a resort area and private as it is your own home.
We do have a beach front condo available. Kiahuna Plantation 197 or Kiahuna Plantation 186, both fronting the white sands of Kiahuna Beach on the south shore of Kauai. Perfect for a day at the beach and the blue crystal waters for swimming, surfing, snorkeling or more. This will be more crowded given it on a popular beach, but you do have a lawn separating you from the beach crowd.
We also have one of the best kept secrets in the Poipu Beach Resort area, Waikomo Stream Villas which fits your “jungle” request well. Waikomo offers a lush garden tropical setting with ponds, streams and lots of trees and foliage. A very nice quiet condo resort with a pool and you can walk to nearby shops and restaurants should you desire to go out. Some options are Waikomo Stream Villa 123 or Waikomo Stream Villa 420.
Lastly, I offer a terrific, very private option on the Westside…The Cottage At Frangipani which is a very private estate guest house with its own pool. one of my favorites.
We have several other options and it would be our pleasure to assist you with any questions or if any of these options would be of interest to you. Please feel free to call our toll free number at 1-800-325-5701 or by email [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you and having the opportunity to welcome you to Kauai.
Mahalo,
Cynthia
Correction
In Kauai, where are the best accommodations and beaches for mobility impaired and beach wheelchairs
Aloha DML, I suggest the Princeville Hotel, Grand Hyatt or the Sheraton in Poipu for accommodations specifically designed for the mobility impaired. In terms of beaches, I know Poipu Beach, Lydgate Beach Park and Salt Pond Park provide all-terrain wheelchairs.