Kauai

Kapaa Sands is located right on the beach (which isn't swimmable—however still nice). The studio is small, however the Murphy bed makes good use of space and is easily folded up and out of the way. The studio comes with a small kitchen and bath and a decent sized lanai. No a/c, but there is a ceiling fan and a breeze from the lanai.The waves are wonderful to listen to at night. The location is good, although centrally located it is off the main road and therefore not completely private once you wonder away from the site.The pool is very small and nothing special. Check-in and out was easy and overall a great stay. The price was $128 per night

Food was very good here, it was the service or lack there of that was suffering. The server was friendly, however it took so long to get anything. We were fine waiting, however the table next to us freaked out, caused a scene and requested the manager. The manager basically told them to take it or leave it. They left it. We stayed and enjoyed the meal, however the wait was too long and not justified for the crowd, or the food we ordered.

When we were at Hideaways Beach last year the snorkeling was fabulous. We were just here this week and the water was murky and the snorkeling was not as good—I would attribute this to possibly the weather in Kauai lately. The beach area is small and can feel crowded if enough people are there. Overall a nice spot, although the hike up and down wouldn't be recommended for small children or individuals that have any difficulties navigating some differing terrain.