We are planning a visit to Kauai for the first week of June, 2009. So glad to have found this group and its insightful knowledge!

We are a family of 3 couples and 3 kids (toddler and 2 tween/teens). We are looking for a 4 bedroom vacation home on or very VERY close to a gentle beach.

We are open to the different shores, but are leaning towards west and south because the guide books tell me they are less rainy. Am I being too concerned about rain at that time of year? Are the north and east shores fine then as well?

We are considering Hale Ohana on Maulili road in Poipu. It is lovely and straining at the top end of our budget and I'm still hoping to find something less costly. We don’t really need that 5th bedroom, but I can’t seem to find anything else toddler friendly in that area on/near the water. The Baby’s Beach Bungalows I and II looked quite nice but I fear that our family will fall into 2 separate camps rather than enjoying a single communal space for gathering. I’ve searched my heart out – so if anyone has anything to suggest, I’m all ears!

We are also considering a lovely beach home on the west shore in Kekaha. Is that a very remote area? We’ll certainly have a car, but, were hoping not to spend all of our time driving. Are the waves too rough for kids on the west shore at that time of year? We like the idea of letting the older kids come and go to the beach as the mood strikes them, but only if the water is gentle.

Finally, Hale Ohana seemed to fit so many of our criteria – big enough, on a gentle beach, well situated… But I have been reading the posts here about construction. Much of it seemed to be in early 2007 and as we’re well into 2008, I’m interested to know how that situation may have changed. Coming from New York City, we were hoping to avoid construction chaos paradise. Is the location of Hale Ohana affected by the construction?

And so -- for the first week of June we are looking for a 4BR vacation home on/NEAR gentle waters in a peaceful but vibrant area where we won't face being rained out or drowned out by construction. That's do-able, right?

I sure welcome your experienced feedback. Mahalo! AmyO

We were in Poipu last October, and I think you should be VERY wary of that location. It's right in the area where construction was just beginning then on huge, huge housing developments. It would be terrible to stay in the middle of what we saw (we were in a small condo further to the east end of Poipu Road).

I hope someone else will have more current information. I've just been googling to see if I can find anything that shows the area of construction, but I've been unable to find anything.

Aloha!


I use to work for a Hawaiian Tour Company..

4 bedrooms can be very tough to find..

so when you find it...don't wait too long to decide


Definately 2 cars ....maybe a mini van and then at least a midsize

Also many units can be on the 3rd story with no elevator, so check that out

In the Poipu area I do love Kiahuna Plantation, BUT they are not air conditioned UNLESS they have begun updating the units WONDERFUL grounds and quiet beach ..or at least it was

As you've probably discovered in your research ....
Poipu is the busiest and constantly under some sort of construction...they have a Home Depot on the island HOWEVER the weather is better, up towards Hanalei you will get more rain. It's so green for a reason!!!!

Weather is totally unpredicatable, but usually it's liquid sunshine as it's a burst of rain and then it stops just as suddenly..It's actually very welcoming when it's so hot!

Personally I stay up in the Hanalei area because it feels more like Kauai of years ago.

You can rest assured you can pack light because there is a Longs Drugs, and I think even a Costco
plus several grocery stores that arent really that more expensive than California. Also, find out
when the local farmers market is...lots of times they have a guy there with machete cracking coconuts
you drink right there...a GREAT experience for all! plus fresh veggies and fruits of the islands

I would also purchase the Entertainment book for Hawaii for coupons.

The book.... Kauai Revealed is an excellent resource.


My favorite cheap eats is Bubba Burgers...if I lived there ..it would be a place I would take (drag)you to..the burgers are unbelievable...not to mention the attitude and ambience...they also have chicken and veggie burgers...google them for reviews!

You must try Lapperts ice cream..learn the history before you go. and ENJOY!

Another cool place to visit is the Guava Kai plantation..just google it...
everything you ever wanted to know about Guava....and the products to go with it...YUM!

I'm sure I'll think of more!

A hui hou!

I'm heading over for 5 days at the end of September. I'll give an update when I return. I'm staying in Lihue but I'm certain I'll be going through Poipu at sometime. Remind me before September 25th if you want me to check out the rental.

Where2next - Thanks for the information. I've found it useful. Hopefully Amy will also.

No problem..thought of some more

Disclosure..I haven't eaten here in 2 years...

Country Kitchen in Kapaa town is scrumptious..huge portions and a extensive menu..EXCELLENT for breakfasts...macadamia coconut pancakes, loco moco's, probably even some spam masubi.. Check at your condo or with any local to see if they are still stellar.

ABC Store and Longs Drugs are the best for souveniers..do a little research on Kukui lotions, oils etc...lots of healing properties with the Kukui nut oil products...so know before you go..in case you are tempted.

If you are planning on snorkeling...invest in your snorkel and mask you buy from home..if you want flippers rent those...companies say they clean them...but I"ve heard of people getting some pretty disgusting cold sores..etc after using them.

Remember too much of a good thing isn't good ...
pineapple can cause canker sores, sunshine burns and dehydrates, and those pina coladas taste really
good while you are reclined but not so much when you stand up

just relax in a somewhat responsible manner!!!!

aloha...

to the op

you didn't mention if the kids are well traveled or not.

Hawaii is such a wonderful culture and depending on your kids interests.

Teach them about the ONLY Royal Palace located in the USA ...it's the IOLANI Palace in HNL..

Languages..have them learn words...

They are traveling with thier OHANA, swimming in the KAI, they might see HONU. They still have time WIKI WIKI isn't necessary. As they travel through Hawaii it's important for you to learn what might be KAPU

http://www.aloha-hawaii.com/hawaii/native+tongue/


Most importantly Learn about living in Aloha

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Live_Aloha


Learn about the history of Hawaiian shirt, which is fun!

There's several sites, just google but here's one

http://www.mauishirts.com/shirthistory.html

Regarding letting the kids come and go.
I wouldn't, what might look calm from the shore is not, and sun/water can wear you out unexpectantly and instantly. 1 or 2 adults should ALWAYS be present.

A hui hou!

Amy,

I stayed here several years ago.
Last November, I stayed at a condo close by and noticed that the property was still being rented out to families. It's a lovely place with a main house and 3 bungalows with its own pool. It's walking distance to Poipu and Brennecke's Beach. You can read my review here.

gloria

Aloha folks,

Thank you so much for your feedback. I appreciate it! We decided to hold off on Hale Ohana in Poipu. We just couldn't see paying the most our budget allows for the possibility of construction. (We are coming from New York City where neighbors are renovating so we are trying to get AWAY from that!)

Marta -- I welcome your construction report. Hale Ohana is in Poipu on Maulili Road near Baby's Beach. Have a wonderful trip in September!

Where2next, the kids are fairly well traveled. Thank you for your suggestions. We will travel anywhere for a great burger!

Gloria, we did try Hale Pohaku, but they are booked the 1st week in June. Another time. It did look charming.

Yes, 4 bedroom rentals are a rare breed. But, we have found a few and are considering:

A home in Hanalei across the beach on Weke Road. Can someone tell me if that road has a lot of traffic? Is it noisy/congested?

A house in Kekaha. Is there much traffic there? Beautiful house, we're a bit concerned it might be a little too remote on that part of the island. Thoughts?

A beautiful beachfront home in Anahola. Any advice/recommendations in this area?

A beachfront home on Anini Beach -- the "Anini Bikini" home.

I love the idea of staying in Hanalei. Interesting town, lovely bay -- but it seems so hard to find a 4BR rental on the beach side. I've tried vrbo, Kauai Vacation Rentals, Hawaiian Beach Rentals. It feels like I've searched everywhere on the Internet. If there is a resource that you'd recommend -- I would love to know. It just feels like the right house is out there and I haven't put my finger on it yet.

Is there much biking on the island? Is Hanalei a town you can get around on bike?

I welcome your feedback. Thank you so much.

Warm Mahalo, AmyO

quote:

Marta -- I welcome your construction report. Hale Ohana is in Poipu on Maulili Road near Baby's Beach. Have a wonderful trip in September!

I will do. I'll bring back lots of photos.

Edited to add - Amy, if you have links to the rentals, it would be great if you included them in your post. We can often give you feedback on the rental from our experience if we see the website. Thanks!

Great idea, Marta! I hadn't thought of that.
I look forward to checking out your blog. Again, have a wonderful trip. Safe, slow travels!

Our dream place 1 week vacation rental would be a 4BR on the shores of Hanalei Bay that doesn't cost the same as 4 years of college tuition....

These are the vacation rental contenders:

Hanalei Home
http://www.vrbo.com/178270

Kahahka Home
http://www.villa4vacation.com/vacation-rental/Kekaha/440658.aspx

(The above two homes I'm wondering about the traffic/noise level on the roads that run between the houses and the beach.)

Anini Home:
http://www.vrbo.com/178270

And this is the Poipu home we were interested in but most concerned about the construction in the area. Chris on this board says to beware. Rental agent says it's not a problem (!!!) And who's to know what it will be like a year from now?

Hale Ohaha Poipu http://www.hawaiianbeachrentals.com/Hawaii/Kauai/Poipu/HaleOhanaKauai.htm

Aloha and thanks! AmyO