Really enjoyed your report. We’ve been visiting Hawaii almost yearly for 35 years. We’ve been to all the islands except Lanai and we strongly favor Kauai. We stay in the Poipu area (there is no Poipu town), usually renting a condo or a house. If you ever want to return and do the same I highly recommend The Parrish Company which has many of the finest rentals on the island, especially their “elite” collection. While not a resort area such as those in Maui that you share with many thousands of your newest friends it has developed (many say enough) over the years. There is a Marriott time share resort that also rents, the K’oa Kea a small but swanky hotel and a Sheraton that has recently upgraded. The beach runs nearly continuously along those resorts and some condos to the public beach at Poipu although it’s suffered from erosion over the years. More restaurants and shopping have moved in over the last decade. We walk that path to the Grand Hyatt almost every morning and stop there to have a coffee, feed the koi and chat with the parrots. We often encounter guests who are surprised to find that although the Grand Hyatt fronts a large beach it is unsafe for swimming. But the pools are pretty nice. And my golfing friends really like their course. Hawaii is a magical place and we feel fortunate, living in California, to have it just a direct 5 hour flight away. Hope Alaska Airlines which recently acquired Hawaiin Airlines does not spoil that!
Back in 2016, the most interesting part of Poipu (whether you call it a town, area, or "a census-designated place" as Google maps does) was the shave ice stands. You can get a better idea what the area is like by 'driving' through the area on Poipu Rd. or Ala Kalanikaumaka St. using Google Street view.
I guess you can consider it a resort area, but outside the Grand Hyatt and Marriott, the area is mostly a mix of residential houses, vacation rental, Airbnbs), small condos and small family-run resorts. There just isn't much in the way of attractions within walking distance from anywhere- you need a car. There are a few publicly accessible swimming beaches but not many.
Thanks Alan S. for the comprehensive travelog of this Tauck tour. My partner and I are leaving Jan. 12 so it was time to get serious and read some reviews. Your's was wonderful- thanks for completing it.
The Westin chain in the Hawaiian Islands are fabulous! It's been an extremely wet season in the Islands this year, recommending booking a guided tour of the Road to Hana and leave the driving to the locals instead of possibly getting stuck😆
Comments
Really enjoyed your report. We’ve been visiting Hawaii almost yearly for 35 years. We’ve been to all the islands except Lanai and we strongly favor Kauai. We stay in the Poipu area (there is no Poipu town), usually renting a condo or a house. If you ever want to return and do the same I highly recommend The Parrish Company which has many of the finest rentals on the island, especially their “elite” collection. While not a resort area such as those in Maui that you share with many thousands of your newest friends it has developed (many say enough) over the years. There is a Marriott time share resort that also rents, the K’oa Kea a small but swanky hotel and a Sheraton that has recently upgraded. The beach runs nearly continuously along those resorts and some condos to the public beach at Poipu although it’s suffered from erosion over the years. More restaurants and shopping have moved in over the last decade. We walk that path to the Grand Hyatt almost every morning and stop there to have a coffee, feed the koi and chat with the parrots. We often encounter guests who are surprised to find that although the Grand Hyatt fronts a large beach it is unsafe for swimming. But the pools are pretty nice. And my golfing friends really like their course. Hawaii is a magical place and we feel fortunate, living in California, to have it just a direct 5 hour flight away. Hope Alaska Airlines which recently acquired Hawaiin Airlines does not spoil that!
Back in 2016, the most interesting part of Poipu (whether you call it a town, area, or "a census-designated place" as Google maps does) was the shave ice stands.
You can get a better idea what the area is like by 'driving' through the area on Poipu Rd. or Ala Kalanikaumaka St. using Google Street view.
I guess you can consider it a resort area, but outside the Grand Hyatt and Marriott, the area is mostly a mix of residential houses, vacation rental, Airbnbs), small condos and small family-run resorts. There just isn't much in the way of attractions within walking distance from anywhere- you need a car. There are a few publicly accessible swimming beaches but not many.
Thanks Alan S. for the comprehensive travelog of this Tauck tour. My partner and I are leaving Jan. 12 so it was time to get serious and read some reviews. Your's was wonderful- thanks for completing it.
Going to Hawaii in August.
Two questions:
Staying at alternative hotel on big island (Westin Hapuns Beach). Has anyone stayed there, and does that change the schedule/itinerary on those days?
Has anyone done the Road to Hana on the Maui free day? Rent a car or book a tour???
The Westin chain in the Hawaiian Islands are fabulous! It's been an extremely wet season in the Islands this year, recommending booking a guided tour of the Road to Hana and leave the driving to the locals instead of possibly getting stuck😆
ToddSaltus -- I recommend booking a tour along the Road to Hana.