Which side to stay on the Big Island & Kauai?
Aug 9th, 2005, 02:13 PM
#1
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Which side to stay on the Big Island & Kauai?
I am in the planning stages of a trip to the Big Island and Kauai for next summer. Which side of the island would you suggest on each island? We plan to stay 1 night by the volcano on the BI.
We love snorkeling, beaches, and we like to be close to things (ie: dining). We are very active on our trips, so being too far out of the way is not for us. We'll have a car on both islands.
Thanks for any help you can give.
We love snorkeling, beaches, and we like to be close to things (ie: dining). We are very active on our trips, so being too far out of the way is not for us. We'll have a car on both islands.
Thanks for any help you can give.
Aug 9th, 2005, 02:39 PM
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Haven't been to the BI yet but all my research says to stay on the Kona side.
As far as Kauai, I don't care what anybody says, all my vast 8 days of experience says that **Tunnels** and Ke'e beaches on the NORTH side of the island are best...
** We didn't do a catamaran or kayak trip over to the WEST side so it may actually be really nice too...
As far as Kauai, I don't care what anybody says, all my vast 8 days of experience says that **Tunnels** and Ke'e beaches on the NORTH side of the island are best...
** We didn't do a catamaran or kayak trip over to the WEST side so it may actually be really nice too...
Aug 9th, 2005, 03:18 PM
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I like to stay on the underside of Kauai. 
But, if you want a central location on Kauai so you can get to all shores, I'd park it in the Kapaa area, Coconut Coast.
Make it up to P'ville/Hanalei in 30 or so mins depending on traffic, ditto Poipu and about 45-60 to Polihale.
Some great dining at HukiLau, Coconuts, Lemon Grass, Kintaro's, Scotty's, Mema's, Bullshed, Oly Cafe, The El, etc.
Nice beach/snorkeling at Lydgate...Wailua River's right there.
Not as "pretty" as NoShore but....
But, if you want a central location on Kauai so you can get to all shores, I'd park it in the Kapaa area, Coconut Coast.
Make it up to P'ville/Hanalei in 30 or so mins depending on traffic, ditto Poipu and about 45-60 to Polihale.
Some great dining at HukiLau, Coconuts, Lemon Grass, Kintaro's, Scotty's, Mema's, Bullshed, Oly Cafe, The El, etc.
Nice beach/snorkeling at Lydgate...Wailua River's right there.
Not as "pretty" as NoShore but....
Aug 9th, 2005, 04:39 PM
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If you want beaches and snorkeling on the BI, you'll need to stay on the Kona side, as there really are not many swimmable beaches on the Hilo side.
You are very correct to stay near Volcano one night. It will make your time at the park SO much better. We stayed at the Country Goose B&B right in Volcano Village, and it was great.
You are very correct to stay near Volcano one night. It will make your time at the park SO much better. We stayed at the Country Goose B&B right in Volcano Village, and it was great.
Aug 9th, 2005, 04:40 PM
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On Kauai..Kapaa' on the East coast would be a good central location to the South and North shores.Also good location if you choose to go to Waimea Canyon.
We stayed at a B&B in Kapaa.She also rents cottages and condos.Here is the website if you are interested.
www.rosewoodkauai.com
BTW..she was recommended to us by a friend who used to live in Kauai.
We stayed at a B&B in Kapaa.She also rents cottages and condos.Here is the website if you are interested.
www.rosewoodkauai.com
BTW..she was recommended to us by a friend who used to live in Kauai.
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Aug 9th, 2005, 04:45 PM
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By the way..on Kauai..near Princeville is a place that is a little hike to called "Queens Bath" its a natural pool and well worth the hike.If you are not sure how to get to it..just ask someone.We also went to Kee' beach on the North shore...early in the morning to have it to ourselves. IMO..Kee' had the best snorkeling.
Have a great time..we have been to Kauai,Aruba and St.John and so far..Kauai is our favorite.Oh..don't forget to go to Wailea Falls..very beautiful.You might just see a
while you are there!
IMO..Kee' had the best snorkeling.Have a great time..we have been to Kauai,Aruba and St.John and so far..Kauai is our favorite.Oh..don't forget to go to Wailea Falls..very beautiful.You might just see a
while you are there!
Aug 10th, 2005, 04:58 AM
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Thanks to all for your suggestions! It really seems like it's Kona on the BI. Kauai seems like a mixed bag though with some votes for north and some for the east. Anyone else have a vote on Kauai?
Aug 10th, 2005, 05:16 AM
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North Shore Kauai hands down. Places not to miss for grinds-Postcards Cafe, Sushi Blues, Dolphin Restaurant, Cafe Hanalei-Princeville Hotel, Tropical Taco, Polynesian Cafe. Beaches-all of them. Na Pali coast hikes or excursions. Happy Talk Lounge at HBR for drinks and entertainment. I used to love Tahiti Nui..wondering how it is these days for drinks and entertainment...havent gone there on last few visits cuz i was too busy running around with my sister as she was doing business/working. Cant wait to move there this winter!
Aug 10th, 2005, 06:46 AM
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Stay in Hanalei! We just spent the last two weeks there and it was fabulous. There are many rentals. Our place was a 5 minute walk to town, across the street from Hanalei Bay, and a short drive to all of those gorgeous north shore beaches!
-Bill
-Bill
Aug 10th, 2005, 08:41 AM
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littlehouse, the East Coast is the more commercial area, with more moderate accommodations. It is centrally-located, but the island of Kauai is not that big .... The North Shore is more expensive, it's true, but it's also drop-dead gorgeous. I would stay there, in summer, and do a couple of day trips to Poipu and to Waimea Canyon ... and spend the rest of my days looking at and enjoying all that "gorgeous" on the North Shore!
