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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Garden Island Inn
 | Kauai | Inn | Great location, great price, all you need for a few days in and around Lihue. There's the 4 star Marriott Hotel just down the way, and it sits right ON the beach instead of short hike away. But at a third the price, and a lot more down home, you may just like it a lot more...... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Hotel Coral Reef
 | Kauai | Hotel | This is an outwardly unremarkable place, landmark only because it has been there so long it is a reference post to other places that have supplanted it. But wait- it is 40 feet from a small beach with a protected lagoon. The price, though not a super bargain, is good for the location, and they provide a modest continental breakfast, free local telephone calls. In addition- and this really is a selling point, you can get a Harley Davidson with your room, or a bike, or the more prosaic choice, a rental car. No matter what, you get the local expertise of the owner/operators, who provide the transport mode and a lot of concierge type service normally associated with the fancy places. This is a very basic hotel, partially renovated, subject to road noise, and not in the best part of town. But it is on the beach, and cheap!... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Kauai International Hostel- Kapaa
 | Kauai | Hostel | Like the Banana Bungalow chain, this hostel attracts the back pack crowd, and is located equidistant from Hanalei and Poipu. Close to all services. A good base, and you WILL meet tons of like minded folk.... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Fielding House
 | Kauai | House | One of a number of plantation homes available for rental in this area west of everywhere-beyond Waimea, at the edge of Kekaha Beach Park and Barking Sands. Unbeatable value, but a goodly drive to anywhere. The real appeal, besides remoteness, is authenticity. This isn't pseudo anything- it's a legacy of the real plantation period. I guess anyone wading through these listings has figured out I'm quite a fan.... After all, when in Rome, etc. And short of setting up housekeeping in a traditional Hale, the plantation cottage runs a pretty comfortable second.... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Gilligan's Beach cottage
 | Kauai | Cottage | Ok- The name's kitschy, but then it IS near the beach where they shot Gilligan's Island. Modest, clean, romantic, quiet, idyllic. The problem here will be finding availability. I list this place to give a benchmark- perhaps we can find another spot in lieu, if necessary... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Glo Manor
 | Kauai | Guesthouse | You are unlikely to write home about Glo Manor, except to say what a great deal it is, and in such a terrific location. It's functional, clean, spacious- but not really remarkable, except, as I said, for location and price. Rent the whole place, or just one self contained unit. Where else on kauai would you get a 2br/2000 sq foot suite with full kitchen for $125? Where else anywhere in America?... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Hanalei Historic B&B
 | Kauai | B&B | Absolutely the cutest place. Right downtown Hanalei- if downtown is a good description of the village-like ambiance of this Kauai north shore haven. You'll meet intersting folks here, all attracted not just by the area, but by the allure of meeting like minded folks. And why not? Comfy, friendly, and reasonably well priced.... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Poipu Crater
 | Kauai | Condo | When hurricane Iniki devastated Kauai September 11, 1992, there were few places unscathed. Poipu Crater was one, nestled as it is in the caldera of an extinct small volcano just above Kauai's fabled Poipu beaches. here, some enterprising soul designed and built 30 condos, which are to this day relatively unknown, and a real oasis within the busy south Kauai resort area.
Value, value! At $140 max for a good quality 2 br 1500 sq ft garden apartment, you just can't go wrong. Tip toe views over the crater rim, no a/c- you don't need it!, and space to move and enjoy the lush gardens.
Unless being right on the ocean is of prime importance, seriously consider this place. I like it a lot.... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Kauai Aadheenam- Hindu Monastary
 | Kauai | Retreat | This very unique monastary is not an Ashram per se, it is for renunciates who have chosen to lead a true monastic life in america. Located near Kapaa/ Wailua on a sprawling 450 acre property, it is open to visitors by arrangement. For short time stays, it is possible to live nearby (I have a list of approved accommodations in the vicinity), and partake of the daily dharma works, ritual and practice.... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Magic Sunrise Hawaii
 | Kauai | Retreat | A small retreat facility consisting of a main house, plus a 2 br apartment and a 2 br cottage run by two European women. Located in Wailua, east side of Kauai close to a Hindu monastary.
You can rent a room or apt. privately, or sign up for their very eclectic seminars and courses. Everything from 3 week anatomy classes to Bowtech Bodywork, Family Constellation, and Thai Yoga. Their prices are very low, and they can provide meals-reputed to be wonderful.
Unpretentious but looks deceive- this is a serious enterprise undertaken by focused, genuinely inviting hosts. My choice on this side of the island.... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Kiahuna Plantation
 | Kauai | Condo | On all of Poipu Beach, there is only one truly beachfront condo. This is it. even Whaler's Cove, which outclasses the kiahuna, is on a rocky promontory. So this place gets big points just for the convenient beautiful location. But in addition, it boasts impeccable grounds, if a bit boring, perfect building layouts, and creditable quality units. Here, as elsewhere, you pay a big premium to be in one of the front line condos; I would choose a good ocean view a little bit back. Don't skimp on length of stay- try a week, as there is enough to do that you'll regret the rush job. if you are time limited, stay at one of the hotels- Hyatt, Sheraton, Marriott, Radisson, and The Embassy suites are all good to excellent. Princeville is even more so.... but getting back to Kiahuna, bring the kids, bring your wallet- go for a helicopter tour, and bring your hiking shoes to explore Waimea Canyon. you'll want to get back to Poipu for sunset each evening as the perspective from there is 'the best'... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Lae Nani
 | Kauai | Condo | The Kapaa/Wailua area of Kauai has neither the great weather of Poipu, nor t he gorgeous scenry of the north shore- Hanalei and beyond. It is also exposed to the full force of the trade winds and gets more rain than Poipu or points west. But it is close to all services and has a string of attractively priced accommodations of every stripe. Among these, the Lae Nani is one of the best. It has its own lttle reef protected beach, a great pool just steps away, elegant 1 and 2 br condos (no a/c, but who needs it with the wind blowing in your face). It is priced like a 3 star, but is close to 4 star quality. For 'best on the block' on this part of the island, I vote Lae Nani.... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Nihi Kai
 | Kauai | Condo | Nihi Kai, unlike Poipu Kai, is a small complex, has one property management company, and is near Brennecke's not Shipwreck Beach. Other than that, they are similar, 80's vintage 3- 3 1/2 star, nice places to stay. Some variablility in quality between units, as expected for privately owned places. I recommend Nihi Kai over Poipu Kai because I get better prices for similar digs, and the ease of dealing with one manager. Also, it is closer to the water, though it is a rocky foreshore till you get to Brenneckes. I have never had a client complain about being here....
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Poipu Inn
 | Kauai | B&B | Everyone needs a hook, I guess! for these guys, it's an expensive collection of horse statuary. The parlor is overrun with them; they've even invaded some bathrooms.
Not to say they aren't nice- they are, but like too many doilies and cushions, you do have to ask what is the point? Particularly when the point here is that the inn is authentic plantation architecture, nicely modernized, well located, well run. For me, it does not need the theme to stand out from a crowd of pretty non descript Poipu properties. This is downtown Koloa, not a resort enclave, but steps to the ocean front. I like the charm of the place, though Koloa is a bit more debased than Waimea or Hanalei, for that matter. Worth a stay.
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Poipu Plantations B&B
 | Kauai | B&B | Location, location! On Pe'e Rd., with easy access to Shipwreck Beach. Stay at a nice B&B for half of what a condo at Poipu Kai might cost. Or choose the Ali'i (royalty suite) for $175 and get whirpool tub and granite counter type quality. This is not a quaint, laid back area- so be prepared for the crowds on the beach. The weather is WAY better here in the winter than the more scenic north coast. Choose your time accordingly.
I can't speak for the quality of the breakfast, but I am sure it is in line with the standards of the properry. Also on site are 9 1 and 2 br condos, plus some stand alone cottages. Take your pick- you will not regret it.... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Hanalei Colony Resort
 | Kauai | Condo | No phones, no TV. Just you and the natural beauty of Kauai. This is where they shot South Pacific, and Jurassic Park and and ... The end of the road gives way to the Nap Pali coast trail. Ke'e and Tunnels beaches (meccas for beachophiles) are right there. In fact theis is the ONLY condo resort complex on the ocean in the area, though there are some cute cottages adjacent. Here's what one reviewer said: "If you like your Hawaii unspoiled, uncrowded, and tranquil, then head for Kauai and stay at the Hanalei Colony Resort, an understated bit of heaven on one of Hawaii's most beautiful shores...t's friendly, low-key, and well managed, and offers the comforts and conveniences of home, plus many of the things that lure us to the islands - tropical breezes, sandy beaches, relief from day-to-day stress..."
Mike Thiel, President
Hideaways Guide Newsletter
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Kahelelani- Haena Point
 | Kauai | House | Haena is literally the end of the world on Kauai. End of the road, end of the island. Eight one lane bridges just to get there. Beyond is the famed Na Pali coast, and the trail to the Kalalau Valley. You can walk the first 2 miles to the first lookout in a morning. Or you can snorkel and swim out front at Tunnels beach, with Ke'e just down the way. To say this place is paradise just begins to describe it. The house itself is wonderful, ideal for a close extended family who want a get together at a place where people aren't inclined to run off in all directions. Why would they, when the most beautiful place imaginable is right there.
Remember- they filmed South Pacific RIGHT there, so picture perfect isn't an exaggeration.
Restaurants and stores are about 15 minutes away in Hanalei- itself a 'cute' laid back town, and the resort amenities of Princeville are just a couple of miles beyond.
If the big house does not fit your needs, call me for cottages and condos nearby.... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Kauai Coast Beachboy
 | Kauai | Resort | What used to be a rather tired property got spruced up in 2000, and remarketed as a timeshare. Not a bad thing, either. Everything is crisp, the service is great, it is not one of those smarmy type operations replete with the twentysomething golden hair in-your-face salesforce. What you get are studio to 2br units, glorious east facing ocean front location ( not a good swimming beach), Embassy type quality for a third the price! The pool is the centrepiece, and the convenient Coconut coast location is large enough that you don't feel like part of another roadside attraction...(one of my beefs about The Kaanapali Ali'i or Whaler). Family oriented, but couples like it too, and also perfect for someone doing a bit of business on Kauai and want better than the motel 6 type, but can't afford the Marriott.... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Kauai Cottages at Poipu Beach
 | Kauai | Cottage | One of the penultimate 'plantation retro' style vacation rentals in Hawaii. They are new- designed to emulate old, unlike the Waimea Plantation Cottages, which really did house plantation staff in the sugar heyday.
They are drop dead gorgeous, on the ocean (not beachfront), just beyond Koloa and the crowds. Suitable for couples to families because the accomms. are modular.... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Kilauea Lakeside Estate
 | Kauai | Villa | This unique estate has been so well documented in the ten years since it was conceived and built, that it is hard to add anything to the glowing praises. Suffice to say that a 20 acre lake replete with catfish and bass, a 3 br luxury villa, kayaks, treehouses and rope swings bring out the Tom Sawyer in anyone. close to excellent small beaches and Princeville resort/Hanalei amenities. Expensive, yes.... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Ko'a Kea Poipu Beach
 | Kauai | Hotel | The hotel is one year old as of March 2010, and without doubt has captured the hearts (and wallets!) of well heeled travelers. As an independent, and boutique sized, it is agile and trendy. Their restaurant, Red Salt, already a Kauai favorite for Asian/Island fusion cuisine.
Ideal for those wanting hotel services but not the feel of a big resort.... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Princeville Resort
 | Kauai | Resort | A true Bali Hai backdrop, over the top lobby and public areas. Top quality staff-though they get stretched a bit thin in the summer, which is high season here, unlike Poipu. Weather is a bit more than iffy in the winter. The hotel does need some refurbishing if you look closely. But for a romantic getaway with all the pampering, this is in league with Four Seasons, The Orchid at Mauna Lani (Big Island), but of the size of Kapalua Bay Resort (in fact, run by the same ITT Luxury Collection peopkle- part of Starwood). So you get a better rate by being a Starwood Preferred member.... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Secret Beach Hideaway
 | Kauai | Cottage | The absolute ultimate in luxury on a small scale. Insulated by over 10 acres of private land, with just enough setback from the beach that the peasants can't stare in. The best of linens, furniture, appliances and Asian inspired decor.... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Whaler's Cove
 | Kauai | Condo | This is the best of the best on Kauai. Trip Adviser, Frommers, Fodor's- all of them give top marks to this oceanfront property. It isn't just the infinity pool, or the breathtaking views, the quiet cove, the upscale ambience. It's the synergy of all the above put together. Only 30 odd units, stunningly decorated. A privacy that comes from being elevated above a rocky foreshore. There is a scrap of a beach, but really, that is a small bonus. This is a place not-to-be-seen, not the opposite. Ideal for the well heeled, quiet seeking, appreciative sort. You will not see stretch limos at the front entry, but believe me, the types staying there could afford them if they so wished. Heaven on Kauai!... more |
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