Kauai in May - asking for help please!!

My husband and I are starting to plan a one week trip to Kauai in May 2010 (3rd or 4th week in May). We are in upper 30%26#39;s/early 40%26#39;s and will be traveling with his parents - early 60%26#39;s. We will be wanting to rent a 2/bdrm 2 bath condo and I cannot decide on north or south side.

I am looking for beach front location(Mother in law has a hard time walking very far)where we can swim so I am thinking more south side maybe? Our interests: hubby and I at least 1 round of golf; snorkeling/swimming, planning on Smith%26#39;s Luau one night; deep sea fishing trip 1 day.

With what I have read - I keep thinking North side would be best, but I am concerned about the beach access from the different condo/resort areas with Mother-in-law%26#39;s walking problems.

Any and all suggestions are welcome!! This will be our first trip to Hawaii!!

Kauai in May - asking for help please!!

You%26#39;ll do better with beach access on either the South coast (Poipu) or the East side (Kapaa). None of the condos in P-ville are on the beach.

Kauai in May - asking for help please!!

we have stayed in Poipu a couple times and love it there, we have stayed at Poipu Kapili and Poipu Shores and enjoyed them both very much. This next trip in February we will be staying at Kiahuna Plantation. It%26#39;s a large property but it does front the beach so you may want to look into it.

For your parents, the idea of Kiahuna Plantation is a good one.

You have the beach right out front, easy walk, and even a nice stroll along the beach up to poipu.

Golf is very near by, with the really fabulous Poipu Bay Golf Course, as well a the Kiahuna Golf course which looks like it has improved, just from our observation.

You have some fishing charters going out of Nawiliwili harbor, only about a 20 minute drive from poipu, traffic depending. Learn about the puhi by-pass, and you will have a nice alternate.

Smiths luau is probably about 30 minutes, again learn the by passes, and short cuts to take you totally around lihue and hanamaulu.

Also, in the poipu area, you can drive to many, many sites, shopping, dining, etc., in just a few minutes, and I mean 5 to 10. That will also make it easier on everyone, not having long distances to travel, unless you are , of course , planning to see waimea canyon, some water falls, or drive up to the north shore.

No long walks, or steep paths, or long drives to the beaches. It is all right there.

Do pick up a good guide book , with good maps, and that covers most everything that you might have an interest in.

We have several, but when we want to know something, we select the Ultimate Kauai Guide Book, we also have the Kauai Underground Book, and others.

Have a most wonderful visit.

Denny

All areas of Kauai are beautiful that time of year. I always go in May. If you want to see the true beauty of Kauai then stay up North. Yes beach access is not as easy but there are a few options. For instance at Hanalei Bay Resort they offer golf cart service anywhere around the resort including the beach. When you want to be picked up, just pick up the phone at the bottom of the beach path. The views are unreal form there. I am here now. You would probably enjoy going to the Lighthouse, seeing the botanical gardens, taro fields, Ke%26#39;e beach and so much more. Hanalei Colony in Haena is on the beach.

If you do decide on the South Shore, Kihauna Plantation is nice, but also check out a 2 bedroom at Kuhio Shores. They have an elevator and small beach next door. You will enjoy watching the turtles in the bay next door.

You%26#39;ve chosen a lovely time of year to visit.

I have a lot of trouble with my legs, too, and I think a house along Anini Beach would be wonderful. We haven%26#39;t stayed there - only driven many times - but the houses at the far end are just steps to the most amazing beach and the lanai%26#39;s often have a direct and close view. Of course, it is secluded and you have to drive for any services, but for just being right there, I can%26#39;t imagine anything finer. Price range, of course could be an issue.

I am a HUGE Kiahuna fan. I love the property, love the walk to the beach, can hardly wait to return in November. BUT, I don%26#39;t know if I will be able to get around this time. Again, if price is not an issue, beach front at Kiahuna can%26#39;t be beat!! Getting a two bedroom and beachfront may be the issue. You would definitely need to be booking far in advance, as it seems you are. Good luck.

p.s. The voice of experience - even with the very real difficulties I experience, it is heaven to be on Kauai and though lack of mobility has its frustrations to say the least, your MIL will love being in paradise. And so will you.

Thank you everyone for your responses - keep them coming!!! I still have plenty of time to decide and welcome all suggestions. More recommendations on where to stay are also welcome - We have budgeted $2500 for the week for a place to stay. We would like to be in an area that is not real crowded (thats why we are choosing Kauai) but it doesn%26#39;t need to be total seclusion by any means!!

In May I would go North with plenty of beaches that are not a hike down...along w/JBETT%26#39;s suggestion (HBR) Hanalei Bay is probably the easiest and the least steps to the beach. We have always found it less crowded and easier to park than Poipu Park. With your budget and time frame I would go for home/cottage in Hanalei or Anini beach..both are in North and beautiful time of year (less crowds).

Look into the Pahio Beach Villas...they are ocean front and an extremely quick drive to Lydgate Park, where your entire group can enjoy a VERY comfortable swim.

movingtoKauai,

Is the beach in front of Pahio Beach Villas swimable? It%26#39;s a very nice complex but I%26#39;m curious about the beach directly in front.

Marti