• Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
• Activities: Not Available
• Amenities: Very Good
• Unit Satisfaction: Very Good
• Family Friendliness: Very Good
• Service: Not Available

The units aren't spacious, but they are adequately equipped and clean.

Resort Experience:
We like the area better than we expected. It was a 20-minute ride to the Poipu Beach area, which has one of the best-rated beaches on the island (though the beach across the street from the resort is just as nice). Kauai is the oldest of the islands and has the most vegetation. The Waimea Canyon is a must-see. And a catamaran or helicopter ride to the Napali Cliffs is also a must. The golf courses are numerous with all levels of play and price from Poipu Beach, where the Grand Slam tournament is held, to Wailea municipal course north of Lihue.

• Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
• Activities: Not Available
• Amenities: Good
• Unit Satisfaction: Very Good
• Family Friendliness: Very Good
• Service: Very Good

• Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
• Activities: Not Available
• Amenities: Good
• Unit Satisfaction: Good
• Family Friendliness: Good
• Service: Good

• Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
• Activities: Not Available
• Amenities: Not Available
• Unit Satisfaction: Good
• Family Friendliness: Very Good
• Service: Very Good

The shopping across the street provides a nice selection of boutique-type shops, souvenir shops, art studios, and restaurants. We were able to pick up a couple of lovely pieces of specialty art for our walls at home. We also were able to nab some really REALLY comfy thong sandals (slippas). We toured the Marriott grounds that centered the bay/harbor.

The Marriott had a bar - Duke’s - that had a nice waterfall, with seating all around the waterfall and Koi pond. Next to the Marriott was a country club and tennis club with a full golf course. They had beautiful grounds, which we wondered through. Some of the vacation homes along the cliffs had wonderful views of the harbor.

Again, the best thing about staying at Banyan Harbor was its location and proximity to Lihue and neighboring towns.

• Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
• Activities: Not Available
• Amenities: Fair
• Unit Satisfaction: Good
• Family Friendliness: Good
• Service: Not Available

• Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
• Activities: Good
• Amenities: Good
• Unit Satisfaction: Good
• Family Friendliness: Very Good
• Service: Good

Our two-bedroom unit was townhouse style—living room, dining area, full kitchen, and ½ bath downstairs. The two bedrooms, full bath, washer/dryer (the dryer took forever to dry) were upstairs. All in 920 square feet of living space. There are also balconies off the living room and one or both bedrooms—these areas have window air conditioners and ceiling fans. Each bedroom has one double bed. We had three balconies because we were in an end unit. Otherwise, you get two. There are tennis courts, two BBQs, and a basic swimming pool with a view overlooking the harbor. The property’s grounds are simple. The property lacked glory and the unit was a little beat up. We were in Kauai to walk down Memory Lane and were actually in the "search mode" with RCI for our exchange this year hoping to get one of the resorts we designated in Lake Tahoe. I happened to call (for future reference) to ask how difficult it was to get an exchange anywhere in Hawaii. That’s when I was told that Banyan Harbor was available for September 10th. 24 years ago we flew to Kauai on September 9th and stayed at the Kauai Surf (now the Marriott) just across the street. It was an omen and we’re glad we answered the call this year.

The morning after check-in Banyan Harbor has an orientation to tell you about things to do and see. Representatives from some tour companies are there also. They had a raffle for a few 2-for-1 offers and we won the 4x4 back roads trip. If you are willing to spend 30 minutes--yes, just 30 minutes on a short timeshare presentation you can get a Blue Dolphin Cruise for 2-for-1. It was really more like a short talk about the property.

In the years to come and you look at your photos and cherished expensive or cheap souvenirs; what you will remember is beautiful scenery, relaxation/rejuvenation, romantic moments, and the desire to return. Kauai, the island of simple pleasures. It will take your breath away. I hope you pick up the phone when she calls for you. Enjoy and Aloha!

• Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
• Activities: Fair
• Amenities: Fair
• Unit Satisfaction: Fair
• Family Friendliness: Excellent
• Service: Fair

We were not unhappy with our unit though. Its location and the quality of the pool and tennis courts more than made up for any shortcomings.

• Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
• Activities: Not Available
• Amenities: Excellent
• Unit Satisfaction: Very Good
• Family Friendliness: Very Good
• Service: Very Good

If you are like us and gone most of the day, this resort is fine. But if you want to relax close to the beach and avail of different amenities, you might want to look elsewhere. It is a 5-minute walk to the beach, but due to our small kids, we preferred to go to Lydgate State Park (that has an enclosed area for snorkeling - I highly recommend this! - aside from a nice playground). The playground across the street was not well maintained when we were there. Although I would say that the Kalapaki Beach seems a lot of fun for surfers!

The next time I go, I think I would like to spend less time with touristy stuff and find a resort that would be more beachfront (I liked Poipu Beach, Kapaa areas - although the water there might not be great for swimming). Thought that Princeville resorts were beautiful, but being up the cliffs from the beach doesn't do much for me (maybe if I golfed more).

• Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
• Activities: Not Available
• Amenities: Fair
• Unit Satisfaction: Fair
• Family Friendliness: Good
• Service: Good