Kauai Beach Villas vs Princeville

[puppymommo]

I just made reservations for 4 nights at a resort in Princeville (Ka 'Eo Kai) with my Wyndham points. Then I noticed there was availability for the same 4 nights at Kauai Beach Villas. At first I thought Princeville would be nice and pretty although I've never stayed there. Though I've been to Kauai more than a half a dozen times I've never stayed in a timeshare there. Now I am having second thoughts. Maybe staying in Lihue would be better (more central) since we only have 4 days. There will but just 2 adults (myself and my sister) in a 1 bedroom at either resort.

I can change the reservation. But I should decide sooner rather than later.

 

[DeniseM]

Ka 'Eo Kai is in the Princeville development, and it is not on the beach and doesn't have ocean views. One issue for me is that Princeville is cooler and wetter in the winter - so it depends on when you are going.

Kauai Beach Villas in not actually in Lihue, although it's not far. Kauai Beach Villas is right on the ocean, but only buildings F, G, and H are ocean front buildings. When I'm in Hawaii, I want to see the ocean from my lanai, so if you can get an ocean front reservation at Kauai Beach Villas, I think that would be a better reservation.

 

[linsj]

I would take KBV for the location, especially for such a short stay, unless you want to spend all your time up north.

 

[WatsonC2]

We stayed in Princeville for a whole week last April and had 1-1/2 days of solid rain. A co-worker stayed in Lihue the same week (we actually had the same flight over) and they had NO rain the entire week. I wouldn't gamble on a short trip and would pick the drier side.

 

[tugcccsp]

I stayed with family at Ka 'Eo Kai for a week in October of 2015. It rained for a day and a half, but the rest of the week the weather was excellent all over the island. Our two bedroom unit included the whole second floor (top floor). The master bedroom was very large, but the second bedroom was very small with only two twin beds and a tiny bathroom. The kitchen and living room were very roomy. The unit as a whole was old and things would break on us (sliding door to deck, ceiling fan, others). There was no air conditioning, no wind, and stifling heat. The pool was small. I will not return. I haven't stayed at Bali Hai, but the sample units looked nice. I think only the Presidential Units at Bali Hai have air conditioning. Other than the accommodations, we had a great time snorkeling and exploring the island. The air tour was magnificent.

 

[DaveNV]

I used to own at Kauai Beach Villas. It's a great place to stay for exploring the island. Centrally located, right on the beach, and easy to get to/from the airport. Princeville is certainly fancier, but is more a destination area, and as noted above, that resort is not on a beach. So if your intention is to explore the island, or kick back with your toes in the sand, KBV is a better option. Bonus: If the weather is bad up north, head south. And vice versa, as appropriate. Starting in Lihue, you're already halfway to wherever you want to be.

Dave

 

[puppymommo]

What does "ocean view" mean at (Wyndham) Kauai Beach Villas?

 

[DeniseM]

It means it directly faces the ocean, in bldg. F, G, H (I would call it ocean front.)

This is a 3rd floor view from Bldg. G or H:

 

[puppymommo]

It means it directly faces the ocean, in bldg. F, G, H (I would call it ocean front.)

This is a 3rd floor view from Bldg. G or H:

Oh that would be worth the points! The 1 bedroom is "garden view" and the "ocean view" is a 2 bedroom. More than we need, but as I said, I think the view would be worth the points. Thanks, Denise!

 

[puppymommo]

Thanks folks, I did change the reservations!

 

[taffy19]

Oh that would be worth the points! The 1 bedroom is "garden view" and the "ocean view" is a 2 bedroom. More than we need, but as I said, I think the view would be worth the points. Thanks, Denise!

A view makes all the difference in the world when you are on vacation, IMO. I would rather have a less fancy condo but with a beautiful ocean view than the other way around.

The extra points are worth it to have your coffee on the Lanai in the morning and Mai Tais and Pupus during sunset and listen to the surf as well.

I know that there are people to which a view doesn't matter one way or the other. It's OK when you plan to be out most of the day. That is one nice thing that you can use points and get what you want. You will enjoy it!

 

[DaveNV]

Definitely worth it to get the view. Garden View is "parking lot." Enjoy!

Dave

 

[ecwinch]

Thanks folks, I did change the reservations!

Only downside is if you get into Building F on a first floor unit. The 2BR gives you a better chance of getting a better view, as you avoid getting one of the units at the end of the buildings.

 

[LJT]

Can you actually get in the ocean there or is it too rough? We are deciding on locale for next year.

 

[DeniseM]

Can you actually get in the ocean there or is it too rough? We are deciding on locale for next year.

It depends on the weather and the time of year.