The unit was as advertised. Very spacious and clean. Great East view in 4202, from a cliff. Not on the beach, above it. Very quiet! Good beaches nearby. Hanalei is sandy, Annini is calm, Kee is picturesque but very limited parking. The beach East of Kee is great if the waves are not big. Plenty of parking and life guards. Great snorkelling on the right side. Closed due to a storm in New Zealand! Good jogging along the golf course. Drop into the Princeville Hotel for an experience pf excess. They have a beach but is is one long walk down and harder back. The lighthouse was interesting.

My husand and I (late twenties) stayed in these condos for ten days in early April '08. First to clarify, there are two sections to Ali'i Kai, an older and newer (I and II respectively). This review is for the older ones, that is were we stayed. They were built in the 70s and have not had alot of exterior work done. If you want to be right on the bluff (water's edge) you need to book in the older ones, the newer ones are set further back with no ocean views. Never being to this island before, my husband and I were not sure what we were looking for, but we were adamant about finding a condo with an oceanview balcony. We had a price range in mind, and that is what led our internet search to Ali'i Kai I. It was one of the only ocean view condos in our price range, witch exception of Cliffs and Sealodge. Cliffs was right next to us and seemed average, Sealodge was a few minutes away and was way below our standards.

From our trip we learned quite a few things, biggest being that being on the ocean (for us) was nice but not the end-all be-all. We learned we could have a much more upgraded unit with beautiful mountain views for much less money. Being on the ocean will really hike up your price, so decide if its really worth it for you. There were many other complexes nearby with mountainviews that we will consider for next time... Plantation at Princeville, Nihilani, Hanalei Bay Villas, Bali Hai...

Second thing we learned is that units within a complex can really vary, depending on who owns it and how they have kept it. Our unit, 5303, could have used alot of rennos. It was relatively clean, spacious and very functional, it had everything we needed. But alot of room for improvement as well... Bad/crusty carpets, very weathered and windows/balcony door, needs a fresh coat of paint, and just overall decor was very dated and worn. Everyone's standards are different of course, but there were much more updated units available in the area for less money...just without ocean view. As well we noted a unit directly below us with ocean view that was completely and beautifully rennovated, 5203, for the same price we were paying. It was not available when I booked, otherwise we would have stayed there. My point--just make sure you know what unit you are getting and how it compares to others available for the same price. There are many different owners at Alii Kai who either deal privately or through management companies. Check all your options.

Third thing we learned was the importance of the grounds. We initially didn't think we'd stay at the condo much, but we did. It would have been nice to have access to a BBQ (all they had was those dinky briquette ones you see at local parks, we didn't use them once). A nicer/larger pool/lounging area would have been nice too...we only did that once as it was very small and somewhat uninviting (note, no jacuzzi either). The other complexes I mentioned above have much nicer grounds and facilities for the afternoons you just want to hang out at the condo. I'd also recommend Ali'i Kai II --it's pool and BBQ area was much better, and the buildings were newer and less expensive as well.

One thing we don't regret is the area of Princeville itself. It was by far our favorite part of the island. We went everwhere...east, south, west and enjoyed the northern shore the best.

Kauai on the whole was an excellent vacation choice, we had an excellent time and plan to return for years to come. But we will not be returning to Ali'i Kai I when we go back next March. We'll look at some of the other ones I mentioned. It is a decent place, but there were much better if you don't care about being on the water. Email me if you have any specific questions, love to hear from you!

We stayed in condo 7 102 (7102) in the middle of March 2008. It has everything you could possible want and need at this condo and around this area. A grocery store is right down the road to stock your fridge with food, beer and/or wine!! Watch the whales right from your lanai/patio. There are so many gorgeous beaches around this area or relax at the pool right next this building!! Met the owner of this condo and she was very nice! Gave us so many good ideas on places to go and not to go!! Says she is doing more renovations in the spring/summer! Can't think of much more she could do?!

We had a fridge, stove, microwave, dishwasher, washer/dryer, granite countertops, pots/pans/silverware/plates, , tv with cable, and high speed internet!! king bed in one room and queen in the next room! I also saw a pullout bed in a closet, ocean view is gorgeous here. You can see the ocean from everyroom....literally!!!

Oh and the water pressure was amazing....i hate going to places that has a trickle of water for a shower!!

We are going back in a year and a half. The northshore of Kauai is very lush and mountainous! We saw 5 raindrops the entire 10 days we stayed here. I can not tell you how much i enjoyed this vacation!! It was sooo relaxing, but yet so much you can do too!!!

I became Padi certified at Seasport Scuba in Poipu on the south shore. These guys were great!! Saw turtles on all four dives. At one point a turtle was less than 10 ft. away from me.....I was in awe. I will never forget that moment for the rest of my life!! I also saw dragon eels (rare), large puffer, many parrot fish, a frog fish (which was so cool), an eagle ray, many starfish, and so many more fish!

Top ten places I would pick to visit if you are in good health and pretty good shape are:

Tunnels beach snorkeling amazing just a foot from shore!!

Queens bath (lava rock bay surrounded by ocean waves crashing)

Scuba diving seasport diving (ask for Brownie (his name))

Ono burger (near kapaa) and/or Bubba burger (hanalei)

Princeville hotel Luau

Napoli Coast dinner sunset cruise (blue dolphin charters)

Deep sea fishing BUT ONLY IN THE SUMMER MONTHS WHEN FISHING IS GOOD!!!

learn to surf (hanalei)

order seafood/fish....do not get on sundays (fishermen do not fish on sundays so it won't be fresh)

friends we met there went to waimea canyon and saw beautiful pics of that....but you need to hike like 15 miles to get to the actual waterfall part


Blue hawaii and Pina coloda were my favorite drinks

I have been to many different vacation spots and I rarely write a review of a place where I have stayed but Condo 7102 was especially nicely decorated in the Hawaii theme.
The king size bed in the master bedroom which has an en suite, is very comfortable, as is the queen size bed in the guest room. Both rooms, as well as the living room, have magnificent views of the ocean as well as the sound of the waves which I found very soothing and restful! There is a T.V. in the living room as well as a good selection of Hawaiian music C.D.s which add to the atmosphere of this vacation spot.
The kitchen and bathroom were very clean and well-stocked with cleaning supplies. There is a stocking washer and dryer in the kitchen. In the linen closet, I found new bedding and towels.
This Condo is centrally located, close to shops and has no steps to go to the entrance.
This is a great spot to look out from the balcony to see the ocean and the wildlife.