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Hawaii Newbie - Alii Kai Good for Families?

A

AcesFull

TUG Member
Joined
Mar 27, 2006
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Location
Lake Dallas, Texas
We've never been to Hawaii and are planning to go for 2 consecutive weeks in 2010. We plan to stay at 2 different resorts, probably on different islands.

I got a hit through RCI for the Alii Kai in June, 2010. I put a hold on a unit, but I'm trying to determine whether it would be a good choice for our family. We have 3 kids, which will be ages 14, 12, and 8 when we go in 2010.

Should I take this unit?

All opinions welcomed, thanks!

Chris Mc
 
That depends

upon what you are looking for in a resort.
The Alii Kai II has large 2 bedroom 2 bath units fully equipped with all the appliances including a washer/dryer.
The resort is part of a condo complex, in Princeville. Close to all that the north shore has to offer.
And during the summer the beaches in the north are great.
If you are looking for water slides, super pools, mini golf, this isn't that place, as it has a medium size pool and hot-tub area, with not much else .
We enjoyed it, the units are well done, quiet, and like I said close to Hanalei and the rest of the north shore.

fwiw,

Greg
 
Thanks for the response!

No, we aren't looking for a 'tourist trap'.

We may hit the pool occasionally (I did find a picture), but I think we would spend most of our time exploring the local beaches and the rest of the island.

I did some looking around last night and it looks like Princeville (and the rest of the island, has a lot to offer).

I just wanted to do quick check with the TUGGERS that are much more educated on Hawaii than myself! :)
 
The Princeville area is beautiful and Kauai is breathtaking! I'm sure you would be just fine here.
 
If you join TUG you can read the TUG reviews for this property - Tuggers rate it 7.67 out of 10 which is a decent score.

I don't think you will be unhappy with it, but with kids, I prefer to be right on the beach or at a resort with a great pool, and when I'm in Hawaii, I gotta have that ocean view! I think there is going to be a lot of availability in Hawaii next summer because of the cost of airfare and the economy, so you may want to hold out for something closer to the beach, if you have a strong trader.
 
Go South

IMHO poipu Beach would be the place for kids. there is no accessible Beach at the Alii Kai .We have stayed there three times and find the units clean and comfortable.Ther are some units with views of the crashing surf far below.
Another choice would be to stay in the Kapaa area which is the best location if you want to go North a few days and South and West a few days.
 
Enough said about the Allii Kai

The previous posts about it have it about summed up... pleasant enough, but in a greaaaaaaat location.

But, regarding Princeville v Kapaa v Poipu... I would never stay in Kapaa unless all else failed. For me, it is Kauai's blight, along with Lihue. That leaves Princeville and Poipu as the remaining timeshare locations. I love both, but I love Princeville and the North Shore to the uttermost. I only stay in Poipu for three reasons...

1.) I always visit Kauai for multiple weeks and for variety's sake, I like to make Poipu one of those weeks.

2.) Traveling to Waimea Canyon and other great spots and activities on that half of the island from Princeville is too much to do repeatedly, as my interests would dictate.

3.) If it wasn't for the outrageous beauty of the North Shore offering something much better, I would be completely content with Poipu's beauty and charm.

I don't mean to offend anyone with my comments about Kapaa and Lihue, but, in the interest of those seeking opinions, I think it is important to be honest and blunt, as needed. I feel downright morally obligated to warn people away from Kapaa and, to a lesser extent, Lihue, when Princeville and Poipu are options. Besides, it is just my opinion.
 
Your sure wouldn't want to stay where the natives lived!!!

As most of the people that live on Kauai live between Lihue and Kapaa, the area isn't Disney or Hilton Head Island.

Just where most of the stores, restaurants, and people work and live.:ignore:

It goes to show that on any public bbs, you will find many varied opinions.

We love Kauai, We can afford to own anywhere, we choose Kapaa and the Pono Kai for the reasons below.

1st, we specifically bought Ocean front units at the Pono Kai, with some of the best ocean front views in Hawaii because the 11 acres is flat, the buildings have elevators, and a/c in the master and living area.

Granted, the PK doesn't have marble counters or in suite jacuzzi tubs, but we have all that stuff at home, what we don't have the ocean or great sunrises at home.:whoopie:

2nd , we can walk over to Ono's, Beezers and the little shops in Kapaa.

3rd, we can make a trip to Safeway or Costco in less than an hour, try that from Princeville.

4th, we like the Hawaiians, many of their celebrations are held at the County park a block north of the Pono Kai, like Coconut Festival, etc, and we enjoy walking over to mingle.

They also have one of the best sunshine markets at the other park west of the highway over by the access road with great fruit and fresh island vegges, can't wait until November.:cheer:

On Kauai we have owned the @ The Cliffs Club, Poipu at the Point, Lawai Beach, Alii Kai 2, Pahio Kek Eo Kai, The Makai Club Cottages,and looked at all the other resorts on Kauai.

The moral here is that there are many assorted opinions, you will need to decide what is right for you.

I will climb down off my soap box now.

jmho,

Greg



alanraycole said:
But, regarding Princeville v Kapaa v Poipu... I would never stay in Kapaa unless all else failed. For me, it is Kauai's blight, along with Lihue. .
Click to expand...
 
Greg is right everyone's idea of a perfect paradise is different. We are currently staying at Westin in Princeville and I love this side of the island despite the people that say it is too rainy :D ... Right now the sky is a beautiful blue out here on my balcony.

Anyways... we drove past Ali Kai and I thought they were fine. Most of the resorts on the Princeville side have more a residental/condo look to them. I'd be happy at Ali Kai. I've stayed at Cliff's Club and I'm a Marriott/Westin snob but at times I like what is outside more than the resort. The Princeville area is very quiet and slow. Not a ton of nightlife but there is a couple good restaurants, hiking, snorkeling, horseback riding, & long boarding.

I've never stayed in Kappa. i've stayed in Poipu and will be there next week. We do like the easy access to beaches at Poipu. Here in Princeville you will have to drive to the beach or walk a way to the beach with all your stuff. Also, you'll have to be able to walk down a cliff or steps to get to the beach or you can drive to beach a little further away to get easier access.

I don't know of many resorts in Kauai that have a super pool & slide. The slide here at the Westin is for toddlers so it doesn't count but I don't think it trades through RCI.
 
Why would anyone feel it necessary to presume motivations for my opinions?

My dislike of Kapaa and Lihue has nothing to do with who lives there. Rather, it has everything to do with the upkeep of the two towns. There isn't much, relatively speaking. I go to Hawaii for its NATURAL BEAUTY which can best be found on the North Shore beyond Princeville, such as Hanalei Bay and Ke'e beach and in the west around and beyond Poipu, such as Waimea Canyon.

Subtlely (or not so subtlely) associating my opinions with racism is a personal insult that must be answered. I have Native Hawaiian friends, including some whom I have invited to join me during my past stays at the Waiohai. They have a standing invitation to join me during all my stays at the Waiohai... they love the pools and the beach. Moreover, back in Ohio, almost all of my closest friends live paycheck to paycheck, including many who don't succeed in that. I live in one of the poorest areas of Ohio. I come from a long line of Kentucky hillbillies, literally, whom I love. I am as far from a snob as you'll find. Nevertheless, I don't go to Kauai to prove my social affinity with anyone. I go to enjoy the island's natural beaty to the fullest. That dictates staying in Princeville and Poipu.

To avoid dragging this hurtful turn of conversation on, I'll not say another word about it.
 
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Ok, folks, I'm passing out some Aloha here....let's keep this thread friendly! :hi:

Kauai is my favorite island too. Although I wouldn't want to stay right on the street in Kapa'a, there are some surprisingly secluded resorts in this area. To name a few: Pono Kai, Kauai Coast Resort at the Beach Boy, and Kauai Beach Villas (where we own.) We really love the KBV - because it is smack dab ocean front, and there is only one other development in the area - the Hilton, which is convenient if we want to eat or drink without hopping in the car.

We also like the area because it's in the middle of the East coast and about half-way to everything you might want to drive to and major grocery stores, etc. And I even enjoy funky little Kapa'a - on our last vacation we spent 2 evenings at the Olympic cafe, which is open air, 2nd floor, and across the street from the ABC store - GREAT people watching spot! (Good food at reasonable prices, too!)

However, I like Poi'pu a lot too - especially Lawa'i Beach, although it can be very busy, and it's going through some big changes right now with all the construction.

I think the Princeville area is gorgeous, and I'd love to exchange into the new Westin some day, but as far as owning, I want to be beach front.

BTW, Kauai Lovers - did you know that you can sign up for a daily email from the Kauai Garden Island Newspaper - http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2008/08/03/breaking_news//breaking05.txt
 
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