We just returned from the Waiohai on July 21. My husband asked me if I would return and I have to think about that one. Luckily we had a gorgeous view of the ocean and were in Hale 1 on the second floor. We were told we were quite lucky to get that one as usually only owners there were the special ones to get Hale 1. Our friends traveling with us weren't quite as fortunate, as they were put in Hale 5. It could have had something to do with the check in. We arrived on Sunday and they arrived on the Friday before. I would say we got lucky.

We are owner's at the Marriott KoOlina Beach Club. We are going back to Oahu next year. Even with the traffic and the overcrowded Honolulu, the KoOlina is away from all that.

Pros of the Waiohai: great beach, not far from great places to eat. Try The Beach House. Make reservations early for a great seat. It was the best on the island. Roy's across the street in the shopping area was also wonderful but loud and hated the seating. Underground parking is good and they don't charge which is a plus. Kauai Pasta in Lihue is a great place to eat. We had time to kill before our late night flight so it was perfect. Prices are very reasonable. It is just north of the McDonalds next to the 7 Eleven. Kind of hard to find (you can pass right by it) but well worth it.

Cons: ROOSTERS! 3 AM crowing till 7 AM. Even with ear plugs they drove us nuts! Just for that reason I will still have to think twice about going back. We went down to the Marriott Beach Club (Lihue) for our last day and even though the two rooms combined lacked the space of the Waiohai and the full kitchen (had a mini kitchen with microwave and small dishwasher) it was nicer. Also, the restaurant was closed Monday through Thursday. I know most people do choose to cook in their units, it would be nice to be able to go down for coffee instead of having to get it in the market. We noticed that the employees were not nearly as friendly as the KoOlina. We did have a great presentation of the place by Rick. Nice guy and no pressure to buy. Be sure if you are getting your drinks and coffee in the market place to ask for a punch card. (Get a free one with so many purchases) They finally gave me one on my 6th day! You would think they would ask people if they have one to begin with. Gezzzz I also had a tough time at the computer trying to print boarding passes. I was behind some guy that took forever. Then it took me forever because of their computer. They need chairs.

All in all Kauai is beautiful, laid back and love that they really just have the one road going through. Easy to get around. Speed limit is never over 50. The south shore is wonderful. Be sure you see the Na Pali coast. We went with Blue Dolphin tours on the catamaran and the crew was great. Food wasn't too bad either and the guys did an exceptional job in all areas. That was probably our favorite adventure. If you want to snorkle head to Tunnels Beach on the north shore. Amazing. Hard to find a place to park so keep driving and you will come to the beach park with lots of places and just walk down. If you are traveling with children to the beach, keep a very close eye on your kids there. There are very few lifeguards and it is so secluded that it very hard for emergency vehicles to get there. We know first hand at that as there was a fatal accident there while we were snorkling and that is not a good way to end a day in paradise.

We just booked our third trip to Kauai and I'm excited to go back to the Waiohai! In 2005 we stayed at a condo near Brenekes the first week of the trip. It was OK. Then we stayed at the Marriott on the third floor -the views were amazing. Two years later, in 2007 we stayed on the ground floor. It was a huge difference for us with a one year old baby. With the walk out access to the lawn and beach, we could walk back without taking the elevator and room key. My wife and I traded reading on the patio while the baby took naps. The other sat at the pool with our 3 year old. We could see eachother and communicate. We were still sharing the time together. Now, we are excited to go back in 2009 with our third child who will be one year old. We had to have the ground floor again. With three kids under 5, we couldn't manage it any other way.

We just returned late last night from a week at the Waiohai...
it was truly a dream come true to have three generations traveling together to Kauai! Today has been a bit of a tough re-entry as we are all experiencing the little slice of paradise that we enjoyed during our stay at the Waiohai.
We stayed in a two bedroom/two bath unit in Hale One for a week that we purchased directly from a timeshare owner on www.redweek.com. The transaction was smooth and professional in every way. The room that we were assigned was 1206- Hale One (Building One) on the second floor. There are four floors total in the units and I imagine that the fourth floor has the best unobstructed view, however, we could not have been more delighted with our ocean view. We could see the ocean from both bedrooms as well as the main room. We have never stayed in a oceanfront setting before...what a treat to watch the ever changing but always beautiful Pacific Ocean out all the windows and/or from the terrace!
Yes, lots of chickens just like the reviews promise! The first morning they were a bit of a unwelcomed intrusion into our sleep (would crow regularly around 4:30 a.m.)...but they really did begin to grown on us as we would watch the hens and their little families scurrying about. By the second or third morning the crowing was not even a issue- we would hear it and just fall right back to sleep.
The beaches around the hotel are lovely...perfect for sunrise walks, frolicking in by day and sunset walks in the evenings.
We saw one monk seal in the Poipu beach cove on one of our morning walks...sadly no turtle sightings while in the area. (However we did snorkel with the turtles while on a Napali coast cruise...beautiful scenery).
The pools are great with a fun family oriented pool oriented more towards games as well as several children's pools, hot tubs and a relaxation pool that caters more to the quiet swimming/reading/sunning experience...something for everyone!
If you are not opting to pay for a ocean view unit, I/we suggest the units facing the interior courtyard by the pond where the swans are. We would frequently walk this area and it is lush and peaceful with BBQs close by. At night when the tikki torches are light, the stars and moon is out the grounds at the Waiohai become magical!
Through the years we have stayed at full service resorts, private homes and condo. style timeshares such as the Waiohai. Each, in all fairness, has its pros and cons. We came away from the Waiohai feeling thankful to have had the time there to be able to soak in its beauty and make many a wonderful family memory. Kauai is a beautiful island with much to see and do- each island has its own beauty and allows distinctly different opportunities for fun and realaxation.
Thank you Waiohai and all that we crossed paths with for making our week on Kauai so special!

My family of four stayed in Hale 8 which is oceanfront. Unbelievable view. The Waiohai is on the best beach in Poipu area. Great swimming pools, beautiful grounds. Check out pics posted here.

The units are very large, with two bedrooms, one on each side of the living areas (living room & kitchen). TV's in both bedrooms & living room. Internet connection & DVD player in living room. Large windows in bedrooms opened to sound of the waves. Our unit had a king bed in one bedroom and a queen bed plus a sofa bed in the other bedroom (the bedrooms are big). There was also a sofa bed in the living room. There was a full size stacking washer & dryer in one of the bathrooms with double sinks and a shower/tub combination. The other bathroom had large jacuzzi tub with separate shower. Large balcony with table & chairs and lounge chair. These are time-shares so no daily maid service. Housekeeping comes once mid-week to tidy up and bring fresh towels. There's a place where prior guests can leave beach chairs, mats, etc. so those staying after them can enjoy.

There are good places to eat & shop within walking distance. Definitely check out Joe's at the golf course across the street for breakfast, and try Brick Oven pizza in nearby Kalaheo. Across the street in the Poipu Shopping Village, try Roy's for an excellent upscale dinner and the must-have Puka Dog (Hawaiian style hot dogs) for lunch. The Poipu Broiler is within walking distance and is great too. There is a restaurant and a deli-type place on the premises, as well as a small hotel-type store. A nearby Pizza Hut delivers, although on Hawaiian time so don't be in a rush (and why would you be?) In addition to the full kitchen in the unit, there is a nice BBQ area for guests to use . There is a grocery store in Koloa town and a Costco & Wal-Mart in Lihue so you can stock up on the way from the airport.

The Waiohai is a great place for everyone, lots of room for a family. Will definitely return.