Transportation

Air Travel

The main airport, Lihue, is a small international airport. There is basically one main road on Kauai which outlines the island and is shaped like a U.  Lihue is at the midpoint of the U opposite to the part of the island that makes up the gap — which is the Nā Pali Coast.

Ground Travel

Do not go to Kauai if you are unable to afford car rental.  There is so much to do and you simply won’t be able to do the majority of it well if you do not have a car.  I typically used Kayak to find the best rate.  Before kids, I was particular about my car rental type — going “specialty” and getting a Jeep Wrangler with soft-top.  It was incredibly fun to drive around in the Hawaiian sun with a convertible 4×4 vehicle!

One important note: prioritize booking your car. I learned the hard way during my Christmas trip in 2012 that inventory can be limited on this little Hawaiian Island.  Following this painful lesson, I started booking our car immediately after booking our airfare.

Accommodations

Two quick call outs:

1. I have personally stayed at each of the locations listed in this category. I feel Poipu is the best location to stay in Kauai because:

a) It is on the South Shore which is the sunny and dry side of the island.

b) There are a ton of beaches that have little to know current so they are safe to swim. Beach access on my beach vacation is sort of a non-negotiable for me.

2. I prefer to stay in a private rental vs. a commercial rental for a few reasons:

a) I don’t actually spend a lot of time INSIDE the property

b) I can cook my own meals in my own kitchen.  This is important to me because I feel my food is MUCH better than anything I’ve found in an overpriced Kauai restaurant.

c) Private rentals are often more reasonably priced which gives me more discretionary income for my vacation.

d) Private rentals often include a washer/dryer which is SO HELPFUL because who wants to travel home with a large pile of dirty laundry?  [Especially when traveling WITH kids.]

Commercial Rentals

The Princeville Resort Kauai in Princeville| learn more

This was the first place I stayed in Kauai.  It is a beautiful resort BUT it constantly rains on the North Shore due to its proximity to Mount Waialeale [which is one of the wettest places in the world].  Since Seattle is already pretty wet, I avoid staying in Princeville all together.

Kauai Shores in Kapaa | learn more

We only stayed here for one night and it was pretty bad.  [I would liken my experience to one in a budget hotel in New York City].  In this case, “cheap” didn’t leave me feeling too “cheerful”. It looks like it is under new ownership so hopefully that has led to some positive changes.

Private Rentals

Lawai Beach Resort in Poipu | learn more

This is the first place I stayed in Poipu.  The space itself is a great balance between comfortable and convenient.  Pool is good.  It’s right across the street from one of the best snorkeling spots on the south shore.  Also across the street from a popular restaurant/sunset spot where you can enjoy watching surfers as you sip drinks and wait for the sun to go down.  Two thumbs up!

Kiahuna Plantation #123 in Poipu | learn more

This was the first place that Jason and I stayed together in Kauai.  We were on vacation for our second wedding anniversary and I have to say I think that is by far my FAVORITE place that I have stayed in Kauai! The property is directly on Kiahuna Beach which is the same beach as the Sheraton Kauai Resort.  The unit itself is really nice, great kitchen and the owners had great customer focus and customer service. FIVE STARS!

Koloa Landing Resort in Poipu| learn more

This is beautiful luxury property had just opened when we stayed there. The only downside is that it is not beachfront.  The pool is great and I can see this being a real winner with kids.  It was also about a minute drive to the nearby Kiahuna Beach which again is the same beach as the Sheraton Kauai Resort. I would definitely stay here again with our kids.

Poipu Kai #221 in Poipu | learn more

In December 2013 Jason and I stayed here during our winter vacation. My aunt, uncle, his mother and their three children also stayed here. Yes, eight of us! It was THAT big.  It fit all our needs, was about a 10-minute walk to Poipu Beach Park and would definitely be my first pick if you have a large family/group.

Waipouli Beach Resort in Kapaa | learn more

This is a nice property with modern kitchens and a nice pool area. However, the current on the Coconut Coast is too strong and I felt unsafe swimming in it.  I prefer to be in the ocean on a beach vacation vs. the pool which made me realize that the money I saved by staying in Kappa wasn’t worth the longing I experienced by constantly wishing I would have booked somewhere in Poipu.

Provisions & Essentials

Grocery Stores

Adventure & Entertainment

Pro Tips

Hire a professional photographer

Professional photos are a great way to memorialize your special occasion. As long as you don’t mention the word wedding — there are plenty of local photographers that will be reasonably priced. I typically search Craigslist Kauai and aim to book 1-2 months in advance. 

5 Private Rental Must Pack Items

1. Fire TV/Roku | hook up to the rental wifi
2. Echo/Bluetooth speaker | make your dance party portable
3. A great chef’s knife | all rental knives are predictably dull
4. Your favorite spices | pack small quanties so you don’t have to spend a fortune on garlic powder etc.
5. Coffee | we consume ~1 pound a week and grew tired of paying the 3x island markup