Kaua'i - timeshares and locations

If you want to hike the Kalalau Trail or visit Ke'e beach to snorkel, consider the limited parking there. You'll do a lot better getting there early--which is easier to do from a condo on the north shore.

If you want to visit Waimea Canyon or snorkel the beaches around Poipu--that's easier from the south shore. It's even possible to stay a few nights at the Koke'e Park cabins to see the mountain views and sunsets--but that requires an early start on reservations and the endurance to face a cold night in a primitive cabin.

Or, if you can't make up your mind, the east shore around Kapa'a gives you a starting point that is midway--plus easy access to the airport and shopping.

Quick Tips:

Kaua'i is a small island--only about 35 miles in diameter. With a day to spend touring, you can drive easily from any location to any other spot on the island. But that's not to say that where you start from is not important. If you book a tour for early in the morning, you don't want to spend hours driving there.

Best Way To Get Around:

Driving around the island? Not possible. The northwest shore is blocked by the high cliffs of the Na Pali and by the (restricted) Pacific Missile Range. Highway construction problems are similar to those in the Grand Canyon or across Cape Canaveral.

Best Things Nearby:
For winter season visitors, the south shore is where the rain and waves are least. It's sunny and warm, with good snorkelling and scenic boat excursions from Port Allen. And here, next door to a prime snorkelling beach, a fine restaurant, and just a few miles from Poipu and Spouting Horn is the Lawai Beach Resort.

Best Things About the Resort:
This complex of several different timeshare buildings has beautiful view of the sunset, and one of the best available activities and tour directors. Just minutes away, the small town of Koloa has a grocery store and a farmers market (at least once a week) where crafts and fresh papaya and pineapple are a delight.

Resort Experience:
We've watched from our lanai (porch or balcony) while tour groups went on scuba, snorkelling, and snuba expeditions at the beach park just across the street. One scuba guide even brought up an octopus for his group to examine. It's one of the closest places to sleep in luxury, then make a quick dash for Waimea Canyon. Luxury? We even have covered parking and an elevator. See: .

• Unit Type: 1 Bedroom
• Activities: Excellent
• Amenities: Excellent
• Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
• Family Friendliness: Excellent
• Service: Excellent

Best Things Nearby:
There's a beautiful beach, the Coconut marketplace, a central location to the whole island, only a few miles from the airport, Lihue, and the Wailua River.

Best Things About the Resort:
Beautiful grounds, beachfront condos, and convenient location.

Resort Experience:
Just across the street from shopping and restaurants in the Coconut Marketplace and right on the (fairly private) beach. Yet several times saw endangered monk seals taking naps on the beach behind the condo. Lots of luxury in this two story multi-building complex. Nice grounds too, if you just want to hangout in the pool, hot tub, or under the waterfall.

• Unit Type: 1 Bedroom
• Activities: Excellent
• Amenities: Excellent
• Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
• Family Friendliness: Excellent
• Service: Excellent

This is for hardy campers in cabins which sleep up to 7 (most in bunks). The nights get cold and you'll need a fire. There's a full kitchen, but a primitive one. Bring groceries in you car, as there is little available on site. The maximum stay is 5 days. A great way to see the high country in early morning or night. Breakfast & lunch are available at the Lodge. Don't try to drive here on your first night -- it's too far & the office closes at 4 PM.

We've stayed at three, some years ago.
Pahio at Ka'Eo Kai, Alii Kai, and the Cliffs. All are comfortable, spacious, luxurious lodging. The activities program at the Pahio is by far the best. However, with a little net surfing or local inquiry, you can book your own activities.

Princeville is an exclusive residential area on a high cliff overlooking the ocean and adjacent to two golf courses. There's no beach you can walk to easily, but it's a great location for a quick drive to Kileaua Lighthouse, Ke'e beach, and the Kalalau Trail.

The Alii Kai and the Cliffs are almost across the street from each other. Some of the Alii Kai units have lanai which nearly overhang the cliff.

A caution for newbies who may reach Kaua'i late at night after a long flight from the east coast, a wait for an inter island flight and rental car pickup: you'll be tired and sleepy. It may not be late by island time, but it will be for you and the drive from Lihue is long, dark, and has few sign posts. Map out your directions in advance. Maps are available through AAA, your car rental, or on the web. But I particularly recommend the maps offered by this commercial website: click here. We got our copy compliments of one of the resorts.