Kauai questions: surfing and surcharges

[DonM]

I've only been to Kauai once a few years ago, and need advice for a guest exchange I'm making for a friend

He wants to surf with his sons. I seem to remember surfers on the south side of the isle near Poipu bay? Where are there good areas to surf? - (I'm not sure what quality surfers they are)

They will be exchanging into Lawai Beach Resort. Other than the room tax are there any other fees? e.g. Energy surcharge? any idea how much per week?

thanks
don

 

[SherryS]

We were at Lawai Beach last February for an exchange. Our fees were about $70 for the week (Kauai timeshare tax, energy surcharge, and admin. fee) for a 2 BR unit. There were surfers we watched just to the right of the beach across the street from Lawai Beach Resort.

 

[DeniseM]

Yes - right in front of Lawai Beach Resort is a very popular surfing spot, but I don't think it's for beginners. When I was there last summer I saw a middle-aged, overweight, tourist go out and "try" to surf with the locales and he got into trouble. Fortunately, one of the other surfers brought him in. If they have never surfed, I'd recommend that they take a lesson. Also - there is a surf shop right there in the Beach House Restaurant building where they can get more info., and all the guidebooks have surfing info.

 

[wa.mama]

Shortboard or longboard?

Beginner surfers can rent soft tops right on the beach to the right of kiahuna plantation. The beach at Kiahuna is shallow and has easy waves but there are rocks here and there. In front of the Waiohai there is sometimes a bigger break, but not always. If they are more experienced surfers they may want to try Infinities on the west side, but wouldn't do it unless they are pretty experienced. In Lihue, Kalapaki Bay is pretty safe and dependable, also for stand up paddleboard "surfing" which is pretty popular right now. East and North side has Kealia (my kids' favorite) and Kalihiwai as well as Hanalei Bay, but that's a drive and also can be big in the winter.

 

[hibbeln]

We've rented boards before at Sheraton Beach very cheaply. Maybe $10 for an hour.....but it's very relaxed and they'll make a deal for 2 boards, etc. They don't really keep track of time, and if the guys renting the boards get bored or decide to surf, then it's just kind of whenever you feel like returning it. If you don't know what you're doing, they'll give you a mini lesson on shore (worked fine for us).
In the summer we've always watched the surfers right across from Lawai Beach Resort. Waves never looked "scary big" in the summer......they are a little ways out, so they will have to paddle a bit to get to them, but looked easily do-able for most levels of surfers.