Well I would head north but I do love Kuhio Shores and vote for that over Wailua Bay View. I have seen nice units there (WBV) but I just don't like the location. (don't yell at me) You look at a deserted restaurant and across the street is Coco Palms looking like a pathetic pile of rubble. What about Lae Nani?

Sealodge is a good deal and the views from many are great. They are not large units and the path to the beach is steep, but for the price they are nice. They look like a weather beaten Cape Cod condo. You could also check out the Cliffs, a one bedroom with loft at Hanalei Bay Resort or a 3 bedroom at Princeville Plantation or Nihilani. Sealodge and KS does not have a/c. The end of May you should be OK.

Happy planning.

Kuhio Shores in a great location. Right on the water and close to some of the best restaurants on the island. I personally love the south shore and we stay very close to Kuhio Shores on each and every trip (in a house). Kuhio Shores has some fantastic values for the location. No pool but the ocean and great beaches are right there. I agree with jebett about the east side. I only stay either south or north. Never liked the east side....

Sea Lodge has some great values and a great location. Not sure what the interiors look like. I've seen mixed reviews on those units. We drove by the complex in July and it looked "interesting".

Decisons, decisions,

also agree that it would come down to Kuhio Shores, or Sealodge.

May is about the time, that the north shore swells calm down.

Your choice, look over the propeties, and the amenities, and the area, and what you like to do, and what is important to you.....may do the piece of paper, and draw a line from top to bottom, and list what makes you feel good.

That might help with your pick. It really is hard for us to pick something out for you, when we do not know your inner feelings, and what is important to you two.

Either will be great, but both will be different.

Denny

Thanks for your replies. I've decided to not go to Wailua Bayview. So its either Sealodge or Kuhio Shores. Kuhio Shores doesn't have a pool but swimming next door. DH wants amenities close by like stores and restaurants. How are these two for amenities. We really want to relax and take in the beauty of the Island. Nature. We are mid age (60's) so we aren't into strenuous hike or activities but will do moderate things. I was only on Kauai 2 years ago for 1 and a half days while on my cruise. Thats why I'm coming back because it wasn't long enough. We did take a circle flight around the island which was great. Again thanks for your replies

As I said before the Beach House restaurant is right smack next door to Kuhio Shore. At Sealodge you need to drive but very good restaurants are within 5 minutes. The new Lanai restaurant at HBR will be open by April of 09. (They are dismantling the kitchen as we speak) I don't think you can wrong at either place but for a great close to the water experience KS is it. A tad over your busget, but I think worth it. Sealodges's pool isn't anything to get excited about so I think KS wins with a snorkeling beach out the back door. Now here's your next decison. Do you want to stay on the bay side or ocean side. I say ocean, but some bay views (I like 308, 207) are very nice too. To see the sunset you just walk out back. For the ocean side stay towards the middle. My favorite is 316($$$) and 217 is nice too. There are many being remodeled that I have not had a chance to see. Read the reviews and check them all out. I think you will have a great time no matter where you stay.

The only shops/restaurants in walking distance to Kuhio Shores is the Beach House Restaurant. Basically, at both places you will need to be getting into the car to get to shops and restaurants. So on that note they're equal.

I personally would pick the Princeville area over Kuhio Shores. I know there are many fans of KS here and I know the direct oceanfront views are unparalleled but I just don't care for the lack of 'atmosphere' there. To me, it's an outdated boring looking structure, no grounds to speak of , no pool, and the road behind it. The small 'beach' next to the Beach House restaurant is quite rocky but a good snorkeling beach once you get out into the water above the rocks. For one who wants to sit and gaze out at the water and sunsets I'm sure it's great.

Pick one of the condos in Princeville and you'd have more of what Mother Nature offers, imo, to look at and walk to, including lovely grounds and nice walks with views of the ocean, mountains, waterfalls. You may have a unit with just garden views of course but the beauty is in what's around you and the peaceful, tropical settings.

It's a matter of personal choice of course.

I kind of agree with you Napaguy, but to me it's all about the view. I think guiltygirl might find a Sealodge unit with a view in her price range too. As I said head north, but Kuhio Shores is a good option close to her budget in Poipu.

Since it is just the two of you, quiltygirl52, you should check out the hotel room units at Hanalei Bay Resort. These are the second bedroom of the studios or 2 or 3 bedroom condos, that can be "locked off" to make a separate unit. Some have drop dead gorgeous views. By the time you arrive, the new bar and restaurant will be open and HBR has the beautiful grounds, new St Regis Hotel next door (with shuttle service to it) and a path to the beach below. Privately owned rooms rent for $120-195 depending on the location and view. Most have coffee makers and microwaves plus mini fridges. The walk to the shopping center is 2 miles along the golf course path. I can help you find a really nice one by PMing me. I know the interiors of almost all of them. You might find a good deal at Pali Ke Kua too.

Look at Summit Pacific's website or VRBO.

JB (an ex Seattle area girl)

I think the north shore is much more beautiful than the south, but also like the restaurants better in the south. (We usually end up staying in both locations if we are there two weeks or longer.) The Sealodge units are pretty small, but they have beautiful elevated views. KS is closer to the water, a bit larger. Yeah, the building itself is nothing special to look at, but the location is really outstanding. We are in your age group and stay there frequently. The lack of a pool doesn't phase us and as a result there are fewer families with kids around -- nice and quiet.

One other option mentioned you really ought to take a look at is Lae Nani. These are oceanfront in Wailua with kind of a unique location that makes the grounds very private, but easy walking distance to lots of shops and restaurants. Plus, you can drive easily to north or south from there.

I will be getting a good taste of both next week, though instead of Sealodge I'll be staying at HBR. I decided initially to stay the entire time at Kuhio Shores, but later decided to spend my first 3 nights on the north shore. I've stayed at Kuhio Shores before, and yes...it's not a place of luxury and the real selling point is the proximity to the water. You are literally just a few feet from the surf, no matter what unit you stay in. Personally, I love waking up in the morning to the sound of the ocean, sitting on my lanai with my coffee, and just soaking up the relaxing atmosphere. I'm amazed at how good it is for my blood pressure. In the evenings nothing beats relaxing on the lanai, listening to the waves and almost falling asleep to them.

Having said this, I'm also inclined to believe that HBR and Sealodge also offer a lot. You are up on a bluff away from the water, but the views are still fantastic. A good view isn't important to everyone, and being close to the water isn't either. It's definitely a personal decision. I'm sure you'll enjoy wherever you stay though.

Hi quiltygirl52,

We will be in Kauai a few weeks after you. I did a ton of research on the where to stay to get the "best bang for the buck"... all signs (and people/reviews) pointed me to Sealodge. I had chosen Sealodge D8 in particular, I think it has the best view in the complex. Some things changed and I was able to add a little more to my budget for lodging and ended up booking at Pali Ke Kua just down the road from Sealodge.