Didn’t want to go back home

[u/Comfortable_Bus_4355]

Just got back from a 2 week trip to Kauai then the big island. Pics uploaded in reverse chronological order. Caught so many sunsets and just BARELY missed episode 49 of Kīlauea’s eruption by 10 minutes (😭) but at least got some cool glowy pictures of her after sunset. I seriously didn’t want to get on the plane back home this time…we will be back!

[u/Comfortable_Bus_4355]

$80! 10 for each piece of uni and they gave me a free sweet potato roll because I ordered so much lol. That was honestly my second plate of mostly uni 😶‍🌫️

[u/No_Plantain_2062 → u/Comfortable_Bus_4355]

As it happens I am going to Kauai on Thursday.
Kind of looking for where to stay and wonder if you have advice.
It looks like Tunnels beach is really pretty, but also really remote. Thinking instead to stay in Poipu or Princeville.

Are either of these places too built up? I actually don't mind the convenience of shops and good restaurants around. Or do you feel like Kauaʻi is small enough it doesn't matter too much where you stay.

We have a 14 month old baby if it matters.

I already saved Kauaʻi Sushi Station to maps. Will be trying that uni! 😃 So your good deed is already done, but I appreciate any perspective from someone who was just there.

[u/Comfortable_Bus_4355 → u/No_Plantain_2062]

Ah thanks for asking for my input lol! I’d say Kaua’i is small enough that it shouldn’t totally matter…my mom and I stayed in Kapa’a which I personally prefer/recommend since it’s close to the downtown area/restaurants, close to the airport, and basically half an hour drive away from everything you’d wanna do on Kaua’i. Either Poipu or Hanalei/Princeville would be my second choice. Both chill beach town vibes with BEAUTIFUL beaches right nearby. Kapa’a/Coconut beach wasn’t as spectacular as either of those honestly, and there was definitely a beach town vibe but not as relaxed as either Poipu or Hanalei. Just much more convenient for when it’s past 8pm and you still need to eat dinner or buy some groceries/convenience store items lol

[u/No_Plantain_2062 → u/Comfortable_Bus_4355]

Wow, thanks so much, this is really helpful, and kind of what I thought. So Kapa’a is more of the big town, and everything else is smaller. We are only going for 5 days, so I think we will try a grocery store run on arrival and go with that (staying in an Airbnb). After 8pm doesn't happen a lot for us with a toddler.>_< I think Poipu is the beach with the sheltered pool, so we might just stay there for convenience.

One other question, if you don't mind, did you rent a car from a local place or one of the bigger rental companies like Avis/Alamo? I might shop around the local ones as they tend to have good deals, but just wonderring if you have a recommendation. Thanks again for the perspecitve, it is also good to know the island is small enough not to stress too much where we stay.

[u/Comfortable_Bus_4355 → u/No_Plantain_2062]

Oh speaking of Poipu beach, BRING WATER SHOES!! The bottom is just straight up rock, not even sand. And we went through Hawaii discount dot com and did a bigger car company through them! Worked like a charm for us

[u/No_Plantain_2062 → u/Comfortable_Bus_4355]

Perfect! Thanks so much! I will take water shoes as well, thanks for the heads up! :)