Deciding where to stay on Kauai is a very difficult decision. The north shore has the lush scenery and incredible beaches. The south side has the drier climate and more timid beaches. The east side perhaps represents a compromise since it’s centrally located. The west side is more isolated but has the most convenient access to the hiking of Waimea Canyon.
Another way to decide where to stay is to first look at what the accommodations in each area look like, and how much they cost. If you’re a visual person, the best way to do this is by looking at aerial photos of Kauai’s condo resorts
An Aerial view of Kaha Lani Resort
HawaiiGaga.com’s Kauai Condo Guide includes aerial photos so you can see what the surroundings look like. Most aerial photos are taken from the ocean, so you get the coastal perspective.
Our condo guides also include an estimate of average prices, and a subjective luxury rating. The map shows you what beaches and attractions are located nearby each resort. For many people this is very important consideration in choosing a place to stay.
After much research and deliberation you’ve finally decided to visit Kauai for your next Hawaii vacation. As we explain in our Guide to the Hawaiian Islands, choosing an island is the easy part since they’re all nice. Now comes the hard part, deciding where to stay! This is an especially hard decision on Kauai. First, you have Waimea canyon and all its hiking trails on the west side of the island. The canyon is a must see even if you don’t hike. Then there’s the south side with its favorable weather, beaches, and tourist activities. You already know about the north shore’s amazing scenery and beaches. And since you’ve done your homework, you know how big surf affects the south shores in the summer and the north shores in the winter. But you need small surf for snorkeling and big surf for surfing and boogie boarding. So where to stay? How about Kauai’s east coast!
The east coast is considered “central” because it’s about the same distance to the north and south shore’s attractions. Remember the highway doesn’t circumnavigate the island – it ends at the Napali coast. In addition to great weather, the east coast has a picturesque coastline with great walking beaches. Lydgate beach park is one of the safest places to learn how to snorkel. Although Lihue is the capital of Kauai, Wailua and Kapaa (right next to each other) are the tourist epicenter of the east coast with a wide variety of tourist shops and restaurants.
A popular and very highly rated accommodation on the east coast is Kauai Beach Villas Unit G6, offered by Condos in Kauai. When you wake up to a view like this, you know you’re in for a good day:
An incredible sunrise view from Kauai Beach Villas Unit G6
Recently remodeled with granite counter tops, custom art work, ceramic tiles, and new furnishings, it’s the perfect east shore home to start and end a busy day exploring the wonders of Kauai. Also be sure to look at all the great Kauai hiking information posted on the Condos in Kauai web site.
The Princeville St Regis Resort, formally known as the Princeville Hotel, is set to open its doors on July 1st after undergoing extensive renovations, although at the moment the hotel is only accepting bookings starting in October. According to currently advertised prices, rates start at $510/night for a 547 sq ft ocean view room with King Bed.
The St Regis faces competition from the Puu Poa condominiums next door. Puu Poa’s upscale residences range in price from about $230/night to $430 for a penthouse unit, and feature 2 bedrooms, ocean views and 1350-2180 sq ft of living space.
The following virtual tour shows-off the spacious Puu Poa 114 which rents for $250/night during the low season. Click on the picture to load the virtual tour.
Puu Poa 114 - click on picture to load virtual tour
One of the most sought after units in the building is Puu Poa Penthouse Unit 412 featuring incomparable Bali Hai and summer time sunset views.
Guests of Puu Poa can still enjoy the lounges and restaurants of the St Regis, a pleasant 2 minute stroll away.
