what part of Kauai to stay in?

There are so many areas to stay in, i%26#39;m overwhelmed! i%26#39;m sure they are all nice places but what are your suggestions for a 31 year old couple doing Hawaii for the first time? nothing too touristy. we want off the beaten path. we are budegt travelers so we will be looking for a cottage, yurt or something similar but on the beach. we are looking to relax, not days packed with adventures though we do want some adventure. any tips, suggestions etc. Thanks!

what part of Kauai to stay in?

What time of year are you planning on? It makes a big difference on suggestions that may be offered.

what part of Kauai to stay in?

aloha and welcome to the Kauai forum. I totally agree with Mrs.bab - it really depends on when you come. Most of us would tell you to stay on the southern part of the island if you are coming during the winter, and stay on the northern part of the island if you are coming during the summer. Obviously, you can stay anywhere on the island - depends alot on the actitivites you want to do. But the ocean changes with the season, so that is why when you are planning to come is important.

There are several good websites for finding budget vacations . . .I am also a budget traveler - last year, I found a studio condo for $66 a night - so it can be done, but places on/near the beach will be costing you more. www.vrbo.com probably has the most listings.

I would also highly recommend you getting/reading a copy of the Ultimate Kauai Revealed - very detailed with maps, activities, etc. Happy planning! :)

We stayed at Poipu beach in the south of the island, which was an excellent location concerning to the weather in Ausgust and was a good base for several day trips.

Kauai is very laid back and Hawaiian - no highrise bulidings, just this awesome natural sights!

I would recommend staying either in the Poipu area or in the north, but nowhere inbetween.

thanks ya%26#39;ll!! I really want to go in April. There are no set plans as of yet but if i can swing the budget, April is what i am shooting for. We really just want to relax and enjoy the scenery. we are not the busy type. i would like to do the ';must do%26#39;s'; but not days filled with places to be. i am looking into maui as well but from what i have read, Kauai seems to be more up my alley. the airfare is about $500 cheaper for me as well. hope this helps with narrowing down where to stay. I am going to go buy Kauai Revealed at the book store. Thanks!

Having been to both islands I would recommend going to Kauai on as it is more ';Hawaiian'; (what you expect Hawaii to be like)....no highrise bulidings, beautiful beaches, canyons, Na Pali coast...I still think Kauai is overwhelmingly awesome and one of the most beautiful places on earth (and I have travelled a lot..)!

The must-sees/dos are:

- boat trip to Na pali coast (just breathtaking)

-polihale State beach (';Barking Sands beach';)

-Waimea canyon

-a trip to the north of the island

it is really like paradise!

Maui is very beautiful too, but already more touristy with several highrise buildings. As the island is bigger it offers more for people who stay longer. If you go there, stay on West Maui (Napili beach or Kapalua) and visit:

-Haleakala

-Hana

-drive around West Maui

But I would really recommend Kauai!!!!

I tend to recommend staying on the east side, especially for first-timers who are going to want to see everything. East side gives you good access to both north and south shores, and there are plenty of lodging options. Also lots of restaurants, shops if you%26#39;re interested, and the best priced grocery stores. Both north and south tend to be expensive on all fronts.

How much are you willing to spend on accomodations? Being right on the beach may be tricky if you are on a tight budget. I recommended Princeville to friends of mine that wanted to stay for about $100/night. There are several condo complexes in Princeville that are fairly inexpensive. You can try ';Sea Lodge'; or ';The Cliffs';. I found several listings on this website:

www.kauaivacationrentals.com

My husband stayed in a lovely cottage a couple of years ago that was also wonderful, just outside of Old Koloa Town and very secluded. You would have to drive about 5 minutes to get to Poipu Beach but this might be something you would like. It%26#39;s in a very quiet residential area very close to Koloa Town and Poipu.

www.pbvacationrentals.com/omaocottage.html.

There are other little places tucked away and you can try vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/usa/hawaii/kauai

I would stay away from the east side though. The beaches will not be swimable that time of year and it is very crowded. The traffic is not great through Kapaa and there are a lot of shops, grocery stores and other commerical outlets in tha area.

Thanks again for all of the replies! Martik, I am really trying to find something that is under $150. I am willing to spend a bit more to get right on the beach. I have seen that i might have to spend more to get on the beach but i think that will be worth becasue i am a beach person and i think i would regret getting something else.

One recommendation to stay on the east side and one that says stay away from the east side. hhmm? I do want to have access to all the things that are recommended to see but we will be getting a car so driving won%26#39;t be a problem. what about Poipu Coast?

I see now the posts about Poipu. Has anyone heard of this Yurt?

www.kimosvacationrentals.com/index.html

it%26#39;s on the North Shore. Looks interesting.

The reason there is confusing over staying on the east side is most of the beaches are not simmable. Since you are a big beach person I might stay away from this area. There are the most reasonable places to stay in that area though. April can be iffy on the north shore. Last year the weather was great most of the time. 2 years ago not as good. The south side will be your most expensive place to stay. There are some super deals at condos right near the cosntruction sites, but the ';right on the beach places'; will be pricey. I do know a few studio condos at Hanalei Bay Resort for $125-135/nite. You have a beach at the bottom of the path. This resort is located on the north shore. Some of the greatest beaches in the world are witin 10 minutes of here. The condos in this price range will be the second half of owner%26#39;s 2 bedroom units that are locked off. They are large units with private lanais. They don%26#39;t have a full kitchen etc. Just like a hotel room. It is a good option for budget travelers though. They have a great lounge with nightly entertainment and free appetizers on friday nights as well as special drink prices. Music is also provided. The night life in Kauai isn%26#39;t great but if you enjoy beauty, quiet and adventure, then Kauai will be great.