Kauai Condominiums & Frequently Asked Questions About Kauai

Kauai Condominium Rentals - for an authentic Hawaiian experience.

Why Consider Kauai Hawaii Real Estate?

Kauai?
I have never been to Kauai, this summer I plan on going. what are the beaches like ? On Maui and the Big Island good sandy beaches are hard to find, most you walk into the water a few feet and it's coral on the bottom, that can be painful to walk on. Normally you need a river near by to have good sandy beaches. Are there any rivers on Kauai that bring sand to the coast?

What are the whale watching opportunities on the island of Kauai?
I have been to Maui several times to see the whales but my wife and I want to visit the island of Kauai. I know Maui is the best for whale watching, but what are the opportunities for watching whales on Kauai? Are they very plentiful or is a sighting a rare occurrence?

Where is the best and safest snorkeling on Kauai in April?
There was a similar question asked about snorkeling, but I'm hoping for a more specific answer. We'd like to rent equipment and go out on our own but have read that certain beaches can have rough water during certain seasons. Has anybody snorkeled on Kauai in April (and seen fish)? Thanks in advance for your insights!

What is the cheapest and best way to see Kauai?
I found inter-inland tickets for 40$ each way. Is there an island tour that will pick you up from the airport in Kauai?

What is the best waterfall to swim in on Kauai or Oahu?
I would like to swim in a waterfall pool that is safe and clean. Does anyone know of one in Kauai or Oahu? Would they be safe to wade in if we did not dive in and swallow water or should you just avoid them all together?

Where is the best area to stay on Kauai if you want a hotel on the beach?
My wife and I want to take off about 5 days in early May. Is there an area on Kauai where there are decent hotels on the beach, and where there will not be too much rain? Also, if we rent a car, we want to be within a couple hours' drive from good hiking. Or should we just bag Kauai and go to the Kona coast on the Big Island instead, where we know we like it?

What are great activities to do on Kauai?
We will be heading to Kauai on our honeymoon for a week next month and I'd love to hear about great activities on the island.

Why Consider Kauai Hawaii Real Estate? A. Thinking hard whether to buy a property in Hawaii? There might be many reasons to do so. Then Hawaii would be the right one well known for it's beautiful island filled with beaches, added to that is the breathtaking scenery and tourist attractions. If you're undecided about which island on which you want to own property, you should give some thought to Kauai, Hawaii real estate. The island of Kauai is one of the state's most popular and has a lot to offer to property owners, locals and vacationers.

The island is Hawaii's northernmost and is affectionately known as the Garden Isle. Here you will find majestic mountain spires, stunning cliffs, emerald green valleys and of course, spectacular beaches. If you're the adventurous type, the Napali Coast is a great place to visit. Hiking, boating and camping are some of the outdoor activities you can enjoy in this area. On the south shore of Kauai, you will find Poipu Beach. This beach was once named Best Beach by the Travel Channel. Sunbathing, scuba diving, swimming, surfing, fishing and boating are some fun activities to enjoy in this area.

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Kauai?
I have never been to Kauai, this summer I plan on going. what are the beaches like ? On Maui and the Big Island good sandy beaches are hard to find, most you walk into the water a few feet and it's coral on the bottom, that can be painful to walk on. Normally you need a river near by to have good sandy beaches. Are there any rivers on Kauai that bring sand to the coast?

A. Kauai is the oldest island in the Hawaiian archipelago, which means that our sand has been worn down by thousands of additional years of pounding surf. Kauai has GREAT beaches! We also have the only navigable river in the state of Hawaii on this island, though I have to admit that I know nothing about the connection between rivers and beach sand. Do yourself a favor and get a book called Kauai Revealed by Andrew Doughty and Harriett Friedman. It will not only give you tips on the beaches that best suit your interests, it will show you the best restaurants, activities, hotels, etc. I live on Kauai and use my copy frequently!

Aloha and have a great time!

PS - I love it when people say they "did the island" in 2 days. Cracks me up! I've lived here for 3 years and still haven't been to all of the beaches or seen everything there is to see here.

A. Kauai has the wettest spot on the islands.
It is considered the Garden Isle.
it has tons of sandy beaches....and rivers....and waterfalls.
You can do the Smiths River Boat that takes you up the Wailua River to the Fern Grotto (A cave with wild fern growing on it)
You can also do either a helicopter or boat ride to the Na Pali Coast (only access) to see the wonderful Waterfalls!
We just got back from Kauai and we did the whole island in 2 full days and the third day we went to the different malls.
Gaylords Farm is nice too...we did the train ride and the Clydesdale Horse drawn carriage ride!
We also got to see the "grand Canyon of the Pacific" Waimea Canyon....just awesome....
Bring an umbrella....never know when it will rain!
Have a great time!

A. Kauai is the most amazing island or place of any kind that I have ever been.From the moment you step off of the plane you can smell gentle wafts of flowers in the air.When outside it will be raining and you won't even realize it until you go back indoors and feel the moisture on your skin. My skin felt like butter after just three days of being there. I would go back there in a heart beat.Condos, houses and hotels to stay in. North Shore is probably the most expensive of all, though.

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What are the whale watching opportunities on the island of Kauai?
I have been to Maui several times to see the whales but my wife and I want to visit the island of Kauai. I know Maui is the best for whale watching, but what are the opportunities for watching whales on Kauai? Are they very plentiful or is a sighting a rare occurrence?

A. More than likely in the winter months, they should be plentiful. I know on Oahu they are!

A. Winter months (Middle of October to Mid February) for the whole state. Kauai would mainly be on the northern and western side. They have zodiac boat tours that take you along the Na Pali Coast line and you can see the there. It's a real beautiful boat trip.

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Where is the best and safest snorkeling on Kauai in April?
There was a similar question asked about snorkeling, but I'm hoping for a more specific answer. We'd like to rent equipment and go out on our own but have read that certain beaches can have rough water during certain seasons. Has anybody snorkeled on Kauai in April (and seen fish)? Thanks in advance for your insights!

A. Absolute safest - Lydgate Park in Wailua. Lifeguards on duty. Plus you'll be snorkeling in a man-made pond. No waves, no sharks, but probably a lot of people.

Anini Beach on the north shore is very nice and safe. Stay towards the eastern end of the beach(where you drive in from and where the homes begin). The reef on that end is protected so the water is mellow. A lot of people go there, but it's such a big beach that it doesn't matter.

Ke'e Beach at the end of the road is IMO the most beautiful place on earth. The water can get rough and the pool is kinda deep, but lifeguards are on duty. Crowed and parking is tough.

You'll see fish everywhere so don't worry about that. Just be safe. Always respect the ocean. If the water looks rough don't go in. Ask the lifeguards or locals if you have questions about the ocean conditions.

A. Tunnels on the north shore it is beautiful there.

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What is the cheapest and best way to see Kauai?
I found inter-inland tickets for 40$ each way. Is there an island tour that will pick you up from the airport in Kauai?

A. To find the best of everything in Kauai the best resource is the book The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook. It will be the best investment you make! The authors give you the lowdown on everything from lodging, restaurants, and activities on the island. They rate everything and give sound reasons on things to avoid or things that are worthwhile.

A. Nice price for the tickets! There is not really a tour company that will pick you up at the airport, but if you are staying the night, you can stay at a hostel (link below to the two hostels on Kauai) or if you are real flexible, you can search online for a tour that says it picks up at "Lihue hotels" if they say that then they will probably pick you up at the airport or even if they won't you can save a lot of money by just taking a taxi to Lihue city center and then hopping on a tour!

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What is the best waterfall to swim in on Kauai or Oahu?
I would like to swim in a waterfall pool that is safe and clean. Does anyone know of one in Kauai or Oahu? Would they be safe to wade in if we did not dive in and swallow water or should you just avoid them all together?

A. Most of the rivers on Kauai are cleaner than anything you'll find on the mainland. On Kauai there are kayak tours that take you up the Wailua river then on a hike to a waterfall to swim. There's Silverfalls ranch in Princeville where you can take a Horse riding tour to a waterfall and swim there. Way on the north shore at Ke'e beach there's a trail that goes around the island to Kalalau, and a few miles in there's a waterfall you can stop and swim at. There's also Cold pond just before Ke'e beach, with some of the cleanest water in the world.

If you have open wounds of any kind don't go in, be very careful and don't go in. Go to the beach instead. Salt water is supposed to be good for small wounds. Anything big and go to the doctor instead.

I swim in fresh water pools all the damn time, my family swims in them, my daughter swims in them, they aren't diseased. There is a strain of leptosclerosis in the water, yes, but it's only a danger if you swim with open wounds. All the places I recommended to you are fine, I swim in them regularly. In fact, my perfect day includes swimming at Lumahai beach, rinsing off in Cold pond, and getting Subway in Hanalei. I've been swimming in fresh water streams, pools, and resevoirs since I was born, it's FINE. They couldn't commercially take you to a waterfall to swim if it was dangerous. AND I've drank the water(by accident of course). Some of the freshest water you'll find in the world. I went up to Koke'e the other day, pulled over on the side of the road and drank some water from a side stream. I don't recommend you do it because you're not too familiar with the area, but it won't kill you. I'm sure you're smart enough to know the difference between stagnant water and flowing water.

A. Sorry. The waterfall pools are not safe to swim in from over population of pig and deer. I wouldn't advise swiming in any waterfall pools. It used to be healthy and OK for you, but not any more. Trust me I live right by a waterfall and Oahu.

A. Leptosclerosis is an infectious disease, in the stagnent waters from waterfalls, fresh streams, lakes, marshes.

A. If you are sure that you have no breaks in your skin, you could consider taking a chance on swimming in a swimming hole. But if you have any cuts or scrapes, no matter how small, I would strongly advise against it. You can get leptosclerosis, which can make you very ill. Rarely, people die from it. It is from the wastes from wild pigs that get into the streams, as the other woman said. If you are wanting to take the chance, here are a few suggestions: Manoa Falls, Jackass Ginger trail in Nuuanu, or Maunawili Falls in Kailua. I have done the hikes, but have never felt confident about swimming in the water. I would not recommend it.

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Where is the best area to stay on Kauai if you want a hotel on the beach?
My wife and I want to take off about 5 days in early May. Is there an area on Kauai where there are decent hotels on the beach, and where there will not be too much rain? Also, if we rent a car, we want to be within a couple hours' drive from good hiking. Or should we just bag Kauai and go to the Kona coast on the Big Island instead, where we know we like it?

A. Poipu on the south coast would get my vote. Very beautiful, not quite as pretty as the north shore, but less rain. You have a choice of top hotels like the Hyatt Kauai and the Kauai Marriott down to less pricey places like the Aston Poipu Kai and Poipu Point. So stay down south and make excursions dependent on the forecast.

Kauai is brilliant for hiking - challenge yourself with the Kalalau trail on the famed Na Pali coast, or walk the magnificent Polihale beach. Kauai makes a refreshing change from Hawaii so why not do something new?

A. I would stay in Poipu - family friendly, amazing sunsets at Brennecke Beach, and far enough leeward to avoid most of the rain that would get in Princeville/North Shore. Although Kauai beaches are beautiful, many are unsafe for swimming - the water is pretty tame in Poipu.

Poipu is also close to other cool towns like Koloa Town, Hanapepe, and easy drive to town in Lihue. The reality is that nothing is too far away on Kauai.

There are also some good easy hikes in the general area (find Shipwreck Beach) and most of the hotels and resorts are right on the ocean.

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What are great activities to do on Kauai?
We will be heading to Kauai on our honeymoon for a week next month and I'd love to hear about great activities on the island.

A. Aloha, I live on Kauai! This is a list I've compiled over the past couple of years. The pages I quote are from Kauai Revealed, 5th edition.

Activities:

1. Kayaking - either Wailua River or Nawiliwili Bay. Lots of companies to take you out.

2. Take an inner tube ride down an old sugar cane irrigation ditch - Kauai Backcountry Adventures, Hanamaulu (p. 180). They also have a zipline tour which is a lot of fun!

3. Take a boat tour to see dolphins, whales, and other wildlife. Deli lunch is served on board -- I like longer tours better because you will get to snorkel and possibly see the Na Pali coast if you aren’t going during the winter. Great views of Ni’ihau (the “Forbidden Island”) and probably the closest to the island most of us will get!

4. Beaches - All of Kauai’s beaches are beautiful and everyone has his or her favorite. Poipu, Tunnels, Hanalei, Lydgate, and Kealia are great. Polihale is an incredible beach on the far west side of the island. 15 miles long and rather difficult to get to, but you can take a car most of the way in. There is no shade here and the sand gets ridiculously hot, so be prepared! Best to take a beach umbrella with you if you plan to spend the day (takes a while to get to from just about anywhere on the island) so you won’t get fried. You’re really close to Ni’ihau from this point and the views are fantastic. This is as far up the west side of Kauai you can go without a boat. It feels like you’re on a deserted island -- very beautiful.

5. Waimea Canyon - Mark Twain nicknamed it the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific." Very beautiful canyon on the west side of the island. You can drive right up into it and take various short hikes to scenic view points.

6. Spouting Horn, Tree Tunnel, drive up waterfalls - All on the east and south shores of the island. Easy to get to and quite pretty. (The waterfalls are named Opaeka’a and Wailua.)

Restaurants, etc:

1. Hamura’s Saimin, Lihue (p. 214) - Counter-style seating, very local! Excellent saimin (kind of like Top Ramen but much better) with little goodies inside like Spam chunks, fish cake, etc. BIG bowls, very inexpensive.

2. Java Kai in Kapaa and Hanalei - Really good locally grown coffee. They make the frou frou drinks too, which I love. Try the blended mocha anu -- it has coconut syrup in it! Mmm...

3. Lappert’s Ice Cream - Hanalei, Coconut Marketplace, Koloa - The BEST locally made ice cream, ever! Beats Tropical Dreams from the Big Island hands down. Lots of fun flavors; my favorites are Kauai Pie and Banana Fudge. Totally decadent and not cheap, but worth every penny! If you like it and think you’ll get more, be sure to get a punch card so you can get a free treat at the end of your trip!

4. Olympic Cafe, Kapaa - eclectic mix of salads, sandwiches, pasta...etc. Upstairs off of the main highway so you can watch the street traffic go by on one side or have a view of the ocean from the other! Open air and very comfortable.

5. Caffe Coco, Kapaa - Cute little outdoor restaurant with counter style ordering. They provide cans of Off to help you battle the mosquitoes and it's well worth it. Good food, inexpensive, great atmosphere outside among plants and flowers.

6. Kauai Pasta, Kapaa and Lihue (p. 213) - Really good pasta dishes! Very small catering co. with some tables inside. Friendly service and delicious food. Everything I’ve tried is wonderful but I especially like their pesto sauce on spaghetti.

7. Tropical Taco, Hanalei - taco place that used to be inside an old VW van! It has moved into a building and the food is great. A little more than you usually spend for tacos, but quite good. Be sure to stop at Kai Kane (local surf shop) in the same complex while you're there. They have great stuff to take home as souvenirs!

8. Tip Top, Lihue - Local type place with a mixture of Japanese, Filipino, and Hawaiian food. Their loco moco is fantastic! (Rice, hamburger patty, gravy, and an egg on top! Filling, delicious, and full of carbs!)

9. Duke’s, Kalapaki Beach - Duke's is part of a chain that has restaurants on Maui and Oahu as well as in California. Very good food -- ono salad bar! -- and relaxed, slightly upscale atmosphere.

10. Tropical Burgers, Poipu - Trust me, this is NOT the same as the one at Coconut Marketplace in Kapaa! I have been to both and the one in Poipu is far superior. Seating is in a plantation style building, all open air. I have only eaten breakfast there, which is fabulous. I highly recommend the crunchy french toast with a side of Portuguese sausage. Make sure to get the coconut syrup and mix it with a little maple...MMM!

11. Kountry Kitchen, Kapaa - Very popular with locals and tourists. Only open until 2 pm (or thereabouts). Great breakfasts, cozy atmosphere with chicken designs everywhere.

12. Keoki's Paradise, Poipu (p. 219) - fun place! They have live music at times and it is almost always crowded, so make a reservation. Neat atmosphere. I got one of the best steaks I've EVER eaten at Keoki's!

13. Roy's, Poipu (p. 222) - Fantastic Pan-Asian food. Roy's is a chain throughout the islands as well as on the mainland and we have loved every one we've been to! It's a bit pricey but totally worth it. This is the only Roy's on the island, so if you're going to Poipu and you want to eat GOOD food, Roy's is the best choice.

14. Duke’s, Kalapaki Beach - Duke's is part of a chain that has restaurants on Maui and Oahu as well as in California. Very good food -- ono salad bar! -- and relaxed, slightly upscale atmosphere.

15. Tropical Burgers, Poipu - Trust me, this is NOT the same as the one at Coconut Marketplace in Kapaa! I have been to both and the one in Poipu is far superior. Seating is in a plantation style building, all open air. I have only eaten breakfast there, which is fabulous. I highly recommend the crunchy french toast with a side of Portuguese sausage. Make sure to get the coconut syrup and mix it with a little maple...MMM!

A. I'm from Hawai'i...the island of 'Oahu to exact! Kaua'i is where I go to get away from it all and just relax and enjoy the beauty of it all! I'm also in the Tour Industry so I have some recommendations!

If this is your first time to Hawai'i (any island) you must do a Lu'au! I would definitely do a helicopter ride on this island seeing that only 20% of the island is accessible by car! Snorkeling is a biggy and a horse ride on the beach is just the best! Those 4 things should keep you busy! Use your other time to just relax on the beach and take it all in!

Have a wonderful time and Congratulations!

A. I love going on the movie tour, the 4x4 tour and the Napali coast helicopter ride. Of course snorkeling is great there from beginner beaches to advanced. My favorite restaurants are Roys and the beach house in poipu area. Also drive out to the end of Kea beach, real pretty. Kauai is my favorite island and I have been there many times.

A. theres zipline tours, kayak, snorkeling, beach horseback (would be romantic) as well as dinner cruises. thats what my wife and I did on our honeymoon there, and of course...just relax on the beach.

have a great time.

A. I would recommend you to go to a luau, and a dinner cruise. Also there is a snorkeling cruise to Niihau. It is very cool.