North Shore Kauai Condos -- Worth it?

May 4, 2009 10:11 PM

We're heading to Kauai in late June/early July for our anniversary, and are leaning toward staying on the North Shore--I'd love to hear from folks out there about their experiences with condos. Worth it? A Hassle? If I can't sear a mahi mahi steak to save my life, and there aren't any restaurants nearby, will we starve?

(tried combing the other Hawaii posts, but couldn't find anything that fit just right...please redirect me if I overlooked something!)

A few additional deets:
My husband and I have been to Maui, and stayed in Ka'anapali. Although it was probably a bit more touristy for some folks' taste, I enjoyed being able to pretty much walk wherever we needed to go--beach, ocean, pool, food, drinks, etc., were right nearby, without feeling too crowded.

Hotels that aren't going to break our bank (i.e. under $300/night) do not seem to exist on the North Shore of Kauai, so we've been reviewing condos (using the "ultimate kauai" Bible, of course). A lot of them seem to be larger than we need (it's just the 2 of us, typical condos we've looked at come with 2 bedrooms at a minimum), and it also appears to be luck of the draw when it comes to which rental agency you use--some good, some not.

For some strange reason, I have a weird impression that renting a condo is a much bigger deal/commitment than renting a hotel is [I shudder to think what I'll be like when/if I actually purchase a home], so am a bit more cautious than I would be normally. As such, my questions are thusly:
If you have stayed on the North Shore, did you condo-it or hotel-it?
If you were in a condo, how did you navigate the dizzying number of rental companies/agents to ensure you got the best price for the most well-kept place? Any rule of thumb we should follow?
Did you go local for your food, or stock up in Lihu'e at yonder WalMart?
Most people I know who have been to Kauai rave about the seclusion they feel--if you have been there, and still wanted to do "stuff" did you feel too secluded?

Thanks again for your help!

posted by Ham_On_Rye to Travel & Transportation (5 answers total)

Went to the North Shore of Kauai many moons ago for a wedding. Lush and beautiful as all get out. Hotel choices are limited if you want seclusion: the place is so great in part b/c it's more condo-oriented than hotel-oriented. Some guests took condos, others hotels, but I'm not sure it makes a big difference either way. You'll need to rent a car, and are going to probably spend a lot of the time just hanging out at the beach, so keep that in mind. Good idea to hit the grocery store when there, no matter how good at surf-casting you are. Good luck.
posted by ornate insect at 10:26 PM on May 4, 2009

Stayed at Turtle Cove on the North Shore about a year ago and it was so beautiful! You will need to rent a car and there is usually lots of traffic in town. I do agree with ornate insect that you will need to hit the grocery store when there - very limited resturants (very limited everything) on the north shore. It is more secluded. Have a great time!
posted by pamspanda at 3:19 AM on May 5, 2009

I wanted to recommend the SlowTravel section on Kauai as it's a great resource for people who like to "travel slow" and stay in condos and such. The founders of the (rather extensive) website have done extensive long-term condo stays in Kauai.
posted by Dukat at 6:38 AM on May 5, 2009

I stayed in a condo with a group of friends on the North Shore a few years ago, which we found on VRBO. We got our groceries either at the Foodland in Princeville, or a big grocery store (can't remember the name) off the main road on the way to the North Shore. We did a lot of driving, partly because we had a lot of rain while we were there, but also because we wanted to see places like Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali Trail.
posted by mogget at 11:02 AM on May 5, 2009

Best answer: this is probably too late, but we just got back on tuesday.

You absolutely need to pick up The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook

Worth it? A Hassle? If I can't sear a mahi mahi steak to save my life, and there aren't any restaurants nearby, will we starve?

There are restaurants nearby. At most you'll have to drive 30 minutes from any spot.

If you have stayed on the North Shore, did you condo-it or hotel-it?

Both. 1/2 the trip in hotels, 1/2 the trip in a vacation rental. Each has its advantage. Overall I preferred the vacation rental, which was a remote house. I don't know what the advantage of a condo in particular would be since you're still around people, unless you're bunking with another couple and saving some $ by sharing responsibility and space. Maybe nicer furniture and bedding? Don't stay at Hanalei Colony Resort, by the way. It was awful, despite what the guidebook said.

If you were in a condo, how did you navigate the dizzying number of rental companies/agents to ensure you got the best price for the most well-kept place? Any rule of thumb we should follow?

Reviews on VRBO. Ask for them to waive the cleaning fee or give you a discount. Don't stay within earshot of the highway or screaming kids. Don't worry about walking distance from the beach since you'll want to drive to really remote beaches and spend the day there instead.

Did you go local for your food, or stock up in Lihu'e at yonder WalMart?

We went with the idea that we'd be cooking, and after two days of eating locally, decided we'd rather pay for amazing food and enjoy our vacation than do it ourselves.

Most people I know who have been to Kauai rave about the seclusion they feel--if you have been there, and still wanted to do "stuff" did you feel too secluded?

No, you'll see. you can be secluded if you want or go into town. The island is small and everything is within driving distance.

Rent a jeep, btw.
posted by Señor Pantalones at 12:57 PM on July 23, 2009