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#1294 - 03/02/04 01:59 PM
Kapaa Shores Resort Review
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CSTUCKY
Administrator/Forum Host
Registered: 02/11/04
Posts: 1683
Loc: Kirkland, WA, USA
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Have you stayed at Kapaa Shores? Here's your chance to tell other owners what it's really like. How big is the pool? How hot is the hot tub? What do you wish you had known before your left home?
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#1295 - 04/17/04 10:54 AM
Re: Kapaa Shores Resort Review
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Deeboh
Registered: 04/15/04
Posts: 5
Loc: CA
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Kapaa Shores by on means is the most opulent of the worldmark resorts. I only stayed in a one bedroom so I can't speak for the others. The bedroom was small, the bathroom was ok, but the Tub was a slippery as ice even with shower shoes (use of the tacky mat is a necessity). No A/C might be very uncomfortable in the summers from what the locals say.
However the greeting staff and all the other employees we spoke with were great and very kind. The Owner meet and greet ice cream social is a very cool function as well as the 15 min chair massage guy. The location to grocery stores, resturaunts, shopping malls, Bar's, and the Kauai attractions is great. 10 minutes from the Lihue airport, 15 minutes to Lihue (walmart and hilo hattie), 25 minutes to the Kaui Coffee fields (nice stop on the way to waimea), 30-50 min to Waimea Canyon. Poi pu is also nearby and a great place for kids to play in calm (little to no rip current) Turtle and Seal infested waters. Don't forget to stop at the Red Dirt Shirt factory store:D. To the leeward side the lighthouse, kapaa town(awesome pancake house down the street from kapaa shores), princeville, Hanalei(ineenee beach is great for kids too) and Na Pali are all a very short drive. If you just want to be lazy and enjoy the kapaa shoreline there is a nice 1-3 mile walkin loop through a very nice neighborhood and near other resorts.
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#1296 - 06/04/04 12:57 PM
Re: Kapaa Shores Resort Review
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Myrna
Registered: 03/26/04
Posts: 864
Loc: NW Washington
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Aloha everyone,
We have stayed at Kapa'a Shores twice. Both times in a 2 BR unit. The first was in the long building facing the ocean, and overlooking the pool in early September, 1997, the second in the side building overlooking the pool and hot tub in late June, 2001.
Both units were clean and nice. I have zero complaints. We had a washer & dryer in both units, plenty of towels, etc.
Granted it is an older property, but well maintained. No A/C but we didn't feel it was necessary. We kept the ceiling fans on all the time. We closed up the front curtains when we were in the ocean facing building in the morning and the back ones in the afternoon for maximum sun blockage and to keep the heat out. When we returned home each time, we opened alll the windows and the sliding door for a wonderful cooling breeze off the ocean. In the side unit, we never had to close the slider off. We kept the windows open all the time and had the most lovely cross breeze all day and could enjoy sitting on the lanai any time of the day.
The staff was wonderful, the pool was cool and perfect after lazing in the hot sun. The jacuzzi was great. Oh, Hawaii is Wonderful and I look forward to returning to Kapa'a Shores again and again.! Take me back!!!
Myrna
_________________________
"Take the time to stop and smell the roses, don't merely look for the thorns!"
Been to:11 lovely WM resorts
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#1297 - 08/07/04 04:03 PM
Re: Kapaa Shores Resort Review
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Chambelman
Registered: 08/07/04
Posts: 77
Loc: Bellevue, WA
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Staying anywhere in HI is relaxing, but it is really hard to recommend risking one's vacation in one of the 1 bedroom units at Kapaa Shores.
The resort was well kept and the staff was excellent. The beach was coral rock and unswimable, but that adds to the relaxation of listening to loud waves all night.
The problem we had is that the one bedroom unit we were assigned was less than 100 feet from the busiest highways on Kauai. Even with the windows shut (even though the units have no air conditioning) one was kept awake nights listening to the constant drone of traffic. Then you are jostled awake by the resonance of the even heavier commuter traffic in the morning.
Our only recluse was to abandon the bedroom and sleep on the murphy bed in the living room (doable since there were only 2 of us). With the slider open we could easily be lulled to sleep listening to just the ocean and enjoying the cool tradewinds. Generally we rarely heard the traffic 15 feet away from the bedroom. One wonders why WM does not either cement over the 1 bedroom windows or provide extra thick sound proofing draperies in these back building units. At the very least, do what they do for a resort like Kihei---specify that some units (perhaps those closer to the beach) are more desirable than the back units.
Be aware the 1 bedroom units also share a common laundry
facility, as W/D are only in the 2 bedroom units.
People we talked to that stayed in the 2 Bedroom units and front building one bedroom units had no comments about the traffic noise.
It is a beautiful small resort with great beach views but bring ear plugs if you have any risk of being assigned a back building 1 bedroom unit and cannot sleep in the living room because of other guests in your party being there.
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#1298 - 08/08/04 05:39 PM
Re: Kapaa Shores Resort Review
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PDX_Kathy
Registered: 03/26/04
Posts: 236
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We were at Kapaa Shores in a 1 bdrm. in Feb. 03 and loved it but I guess we lucked out. Our unit was on the second floor, right above the spa. We didn't hear any traffic noise and listened to the ocean from the front and back.
Kathy
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#1299 - 08/24/04 10:26 AM
Re: Kapaa Shores Resort Review
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Leilani
Registered: 03/30/04
Posts: 8
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I was in Kapaa Shores 8/12 thur 8/19/04. My sister got a 2 bedroom condo and I was in a 1 bedroom condo just below her. Rooms 310 and 210. Our lanai was closest and faced the ocean. We got a beautiful sunrise every morning. No A/C was not a problem as the cross breezes were perfect to keep us cool all day and night. We even turned off the ceiling fans. The pool was cleaned and levels checked daily. It was swept of leaves, clean and the jacuzzi was perfect to relax in after a hard day of playing.
Our 1 bedroom had no washer/dryer, but since my sisters did, we used theirs. There is a common laundry area if you really need one downstairs by the pool.
We caught an island orientation presentation at beach side, and one afternoon by the pool for the ice cream social.
Read you check-out pamplet because they ask you to put all your linens and towels in the bath tub before you leave. I wonder if the extra pillow cases weren't thrown in that they didn't get washed? Our extra pillowcases didn't look too fresh.
Edited by Leilani (08/24/04 10:41 AM)
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#1300 - 08/27/04 09:42 PM
Re: Kapaa Shores Resort Review
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geed
Registered: 08/27/04
Posts: 2
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We just returned from Kapaa Shores today and I joined the forum to give you our impressions of the resort. Perhaps it was because we had just spent 5 nights at the Marriott resort in Poipu Beach, but we were quite disappointed in the Worldmark resort in Kapaa. We knew it was one of the older properties in our system and that it had no air conditioning, but our two bedroom unit fell far below the quality we associate with Worldmark Properties. The interior was in serious need of repair, paint peeling, cabinets not closing properly, carpet stained. Probably because there was no air conditioning, the entire unit felt tacky, likely due to having the windows/sliding doors open all of the time and salty ocean spray coating everything. Although there were pretty constant winds of 10-15 mph, the unit (room 320) was very stuffy and we had to leave the front door open to get any breeze through the unit. The dishwasher had a sign on it that it was not working (dated 9 days before we arrived and still not repaired when we left 5 days later). The office, the first area you will see, is a tiny dark space; not very impressive.
On the positive side, the grounds were well kept up, the pool and hot tub were very clean. Staff was friendly as expected. Beach was very small, and as stated by others, unswimable due to the reef and rocks right off shore. Nice grass area behind the shoreline with a good combination of shade and sun. Pretty nice tennis courts that were protected from the constant winds by the building and the windscreens. Our unit faced north/south and did not face the road, so car noise was not a problem. The main noise we could hear at night was the surf, wind, and occasional rain. Safeway is conveniently located across the street and 100 yards down. And of course, Kauai is just a beautiful island to be on.
We have been to Worldmark Properties in Leavenworth, Birch Bay, Gleneden Beach, Eagle Crest, and Cabo, and Kapaa Shores was far and away the least desirable facility. Since we pay more credits per night for facilities in Hawaii than on the mainland, you would think that the quality of the property would reflect that. Quite frankly, we brought my sister with us and the property was an embarassment. Worldmark should really do some serious remodeling to maintain quality.
_________________________
David in Yakima
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#1301 - 10/17/04 10:14 AM
Re: Kapaa Shores Resort Review
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KOConnor
Registered: 10/16/04
Posts: 2
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We stayed in a 2 bedroom overlooking the pool. The waves crashing was nice--the traffic from the 2nd bdrm. downstairs was not. The resort property itself was well kept, clean, and pleasant. The condo is in dire need of upgrading or at the absolute least fresh paint and flooring. The carpets were absolutely filthy ( I know because I have a crawling 10-month old whose legs were black ). It is expected though since you have to leave the slider open to have air circulating. Also, be sure to leave the front door open when you are in because it is unbearable otherwise. In fact, I would go so far as to say that if you aren't used to humidity or have health issues that might be bothered by humidity do not stay here. It was okay in the middle of the night but not around dusk or during the day. If you have kids be sure to ask for tupperware --they have it on request. We also had some really worn out sheets that they gladly replaced for us when we asked. I did not use the pool or spa because there are far too many beautiful beaches around. The only other Worldmark facility that we have stayed at was the newer Las Vegas one. I was disappointed to see that there were not more organized activities for guests such as yoga/tai chi classes (that oceanfront lawn would be a perfect spot), hula lessons, lei making classes...anything like that. Perhaps LV is the only place that does things like that.
The staff was friendly but I wouldn't say all that helpful in terms of recommendations for sightseeing or restaurants. It seemed almost as though they were not permitted to give out recommendations/suggestions.
I am one who is in favor of older, non-intrusive hotels/condos (especially in such beautiful surroundings) but I do think that Kapaa Shores could use some minor retouches such as the paint and flooring (isn't that what our maintenance fees are for?). Overall, the condo was adequate but I don't know that I would go back to Kapaa Shores. Kauai is awesome though--so if you want to go to Kauai and this is your only option for accomodations definitely go!
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#1302 - 11/02/04 01:57 PM
Re: Kapaa Shores Resort Review
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allen_jeng
Registered: 11/02/04
Posts: 1
Loc: San Jose, CA
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Kappa Shores in my opinion is one of the poorly maintained resorts among all Worldmark resorts. My wife and I stay at the 1 bedroom (room 219) during 10/26-10/31/04. There was no AC, thus, the bedroom and the entire condo was very stuffy. Having the sliding door open was not very helpful since breeze doesn't get in as much as we wanted. The carpet, flooring, and walls needs some remodeling -- the deadbolt was virtually useless as the bolt was loose; if you forgot and open the door with it latched, you'll see the frame coming off with the bolt. The fridge door looks quite nasty, but good thing that the inside is good & clean. If traffic noise bothers you, then you'll have a hard time sleeping since you can hear it clearly from the bedroom; closing the window would help a little but that also means that your room would be extra stuffy. We had to open the bedroom windows + kept the ceiling fan on + kept the bedroom door open to allow air flow. The bathroom are okay, although stuffy. Remember to use the matt provided as the tub is very slippery. Needless to say, we were a bit disappointed with the quality versus other Worldmark resorts. (it's not comparable!)
They have a thing with ... if it's raining, turn on the TV ... heh... not sure why, but it's pretty funny.
Now to the positive sides: the front desk are very friendly -- although not very helpful with suggestions for restaurants. The landscape is kept in good order, the pool is very clean, the beach in the back side is beautiful  The exterior looks good. Since it's going to be way cheaper to stay at Kappa Shores (your points vs your money) than at other hotel/resorts -- hopefully, Worldmark would do something to make the inside nicer as well
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#1303 - 02/16/05 03:47 PM
Re: Kapaa Shores Resort Review
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LisaHernandez
Registered: 02/16/05
Posts: 1
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We just returned from a week at Kapaa Shores. Prior to our vacation, I came to the forum to see what people had to say. I got off the plane in Lihue, a little worried about what the resort would be like after reading some negative reviews! But I can tell you, it's fine. It's great, actually. I'd go back today if I could. Everyone we spoke to at the front desk was very friendly. They even gave us pineapple chicken one afternoon - poolside! How cool is THAT! And it was at that time of day when you're thinking 'I'm hungry, but I don't want to get out of the pool!'
One of the negative things said was that the front desk wasn't helpful in suggesting things to do, etc. However, keep in mind that they are not our tour guides, and everyone who checks into the resort is different - I wouldn't expect them to offer suggestions on what to do when they don't know me (I'd never scuba dive, or kayak!). I gladly did my own research; there are activity books ALL OVER the island, all you have to do is grab one, pick an activity and call.
So, GO TO KAPAA SHORES!! If you see a dollar on the ceiling of the Pua Hana Bar & Grill, across the street from Kapaa Shores - 4th booth from the front, Lee and Lisa 2005 (in red ink) THAT'S US! Put your dollar up there too so you can go back and visit it again =)
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#1304 - 02/18/05 03:39 PM
Re: Kapaa Shores Resort Review
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travelingman
Registered: 04/04/04
Posts: 4
Loc: Carson City, NV
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Thanks Lisa,
I am going in June to Kapaa and I am bringing two good friends and my mother and father-in-law too. It will be their first time to a Trendwest and I was afraid that it would look like the cricket infested Buro Inn motel in Beatty, NV I stayed in last year. Thanks again for the info. I will look for your dollar...
Wil
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#1305 - 02/19/05 01:30 PM
Re: Kapaa Shores Resort Review
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sharpg75
Registered: 05/26/04
Posts: 2
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I will be staying at Kapaa shores in April and have been trying to find all there is to do. A lot of sites have discounts if you book your activity online. And there's no better place to find info than online.
Does the resort have internet access?
Thanks!
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#1306 - 02/19/05 01:31 PM
Re: Kapaa Shores Resort Review
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Myrna
Registered: 03/26/04
Posts: 864
Loc: NW Washington
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Hi Wil,
Keep in mind - that 5 of you traveling to Kapa'a shores together, the 2 BR units are configured as such. Downstairs BR has 2 twins (don't know if they can be made into 1 or not). The upstairs BR and bathroom is a loft overlooking the living room. Ours had a queen bed, both times. The couch makes into a bed too. The upstairs folks will hear all going on downstairs after they go to bed (if they go earlier) and vice versa. You go through the dining area and the living room to access the stairs. The downstairs BR did not have a tv.
Just some additional thoughts. We LOVE the resort however, it's location and the smallness of it. We have stayed in a 2 BR both times. Once just my husband and myself (his Mom decided not to go after we had booked) and the other time we had our granddaughter with us.
You will have a wonderful time.
Myrna
_________________________
"Take the time to stop and smell the roses, don't merely look for the thorns!"
Been to:11 lovely WM resorts
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#1307 - 03/09/05 11:14 PM
Re: Kapaa Shores Resort Review
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cwbygeej
Registered: 04/04/04
Posts: 1
Loc: California
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My wife and I recently stayed at the Kapaa Shores for our honeymoon. We were fortunate enough to have been able to book 1 week in Kauai and 1 week in Maui. We first stayed in Kauai and enjoyed every minute of it. Having an ocean front room, with the lanai leading right to the water, was a very nice and enjoyable touch, in our opinion. The location of the facility is ideal for many of the local attractions.
Two great restaurants, The Lemongrass Grill and Coconuts, are directly across the street (walking distance) and are highly recommended. Just south of the resort, the Coconut Plantation resort puts on a wonderful luau and for a resonable price. Behind the Lemongrass Grill you can find the movie tours attraction (recommended for the movie buff and those who want a nice island tour for your first visit). About 5 miles away from the resort is the Wailua River and the Smith Tours which take you to the Grotto and botanical gardens, another tourist attraction highly recommended.
I cannot sing enough praises about our trip to Kauai. I wish that I could say the same for the second week we spent, which was in Maui. Our trip to Maui was one to forget. The resort was very nice, we just did not find Maui to be all that appealing. We would have loved to just stay in Kauai for the two weeks. My sister and her husband will be spending their 10yr anniv. is Kauai on our recommendation, and my friends have also become owners of Trendwest just from viewing our photos from our trip to Kauai. We are Pleased with this resort.
_________________________
Darin W.
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#1308 - 03/10/05 12:26 PM
Re: Kapaa Shores Resort Review
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Myrna
Registered: 03/26/04
Posts: 864
Loc: NW Washington
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Hi,
I couldn't have put it better myself. We have stayed at the Kapa'a Shore resort twice, ONLY one week each time and we LOVE it there. Although I have been to Kauai 9 times, we never used the WM resort as I was with other gal pals and wanted to save WM credits for vacations with husband and granddaughter. But we love the location, we don't care that you can't swim in front of it because you CAN sit or lay on a lounge or towel on the sand if you choose and there is that lovely pool to cool off in.
Although we haven't ever eaten at the 2 places you recommend, we have eaten at a few other places, but mostly we ate in. Lunches were usually deli sandwiches toted in our fold up cooler we always take from home. If we were near the resort at lunch time and an occasional dinner, we stopped at Taco Bell! This is our granddaughters favorite place to eat in the world. We managed to find them on Kauai, the Big Island and Oahu. I think she has a homing device implanted somwewhere because if there is one anywhere around, she will find it. We did go to the Coconut Plantation luau too and really enjoyed it, loved the Fern Grotto. Haven't been there since 1997 but understand the sword ferns have come back very nicely since they fixed the drainage system, etc that was so damaged in Hurricane Iniki in 1992, so I bet it is full and lush again.
On my one trip to Maui, way back in 1983, we stayed at Valley Isle (before it became a WM property). We loved the location and view and sounds of the ocean but didn't like the beach there. We drove to Kihei to Kamaole Beach Park for our beach excursions. Since I haven't been back there, you can guess it isn't one of our favorite islands. We do plan to give it another try in 2007 since my husband has never been there. I imagine it is a whole lot different than it was in 1983.
But am really glad to hear you nice report on Kauai and Kapa'a Shores.
Myrna
_________________________
"Take the time to stop and smell the roses, don't merely look for the thorns!"
Been to:11 lovely WM resorts
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#1309 - 03/10/05 10:17 PM
Re: Kapaa Shores Resort Review
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PDX_Kathy
Registered: 03/26/04
Posts: 236
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I second everything you said, Myrna. We just spent 2 weeks on Maui and my husband says he'll never go back. We've been to Kauai twice and love it.
We needed a 3 bdrm unit for 7 nights this time because our "kids" and their spouses came over so were were at Kihei while they were there plus several days before and then spent 3 nights at Valley Isle.
We listened to traffic, screeching tires and sirens all night long at Kihei. I finally bought some ear plugs. Valley Isle was a haven after that since we were right on the beach and listened to the surf all night instead of cars.
Kathy
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#1310 - 04/11/05 09:57 AM
Re: Kapaa Shores Resort Review
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mia
Registered: 04/08/05
Posts: 3
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We just got back from a long week during Easter 2005 in a 2 bedroom upstairs unit. First impression of Kapaa Shoes was not very good. A very small unit with no air conditioning (It was kool when we were there, but this will be a problem in late spring and summer), hallways and stairwells were dirty, smelly stairwells, balcony dirty, front door jam very strongly gouged from overuse, the Lanie floor with filthy, bedroom door delaminating, some things inside not build to current code, 4 chairs for the dining table for a unit that is supposed to sleep 6, crummy sleeper sofa instead of a Murphy Bed like we are used to at Worldmark, missing window screen, no way to control (or reach) upper vertical blinds or vent louvers, no washer dryer (They were installing them while we were there), bird droppings all over the entrance, not even close to ADA compliance (Like we are used to in California - there is a step to the front office and to the restroom near the pool - my wife fell leaving the restroom one night and twisted her ankle - she's still not back to normal a week later - with no lighting to warn of the step) parking lot and sidewalk, mold on the concrete everywhere and old swimming pool with tile in dire need of cleaning, a view from the front door of dilapidated housing next door (worse than anything I have seen in Mexico (hope I haven't insulted anyone here) with rusted corrogated panels for walls and a backyard looking more like a junkyard. Even the color beige and dark brown suggest oldness. It is right off the main street with very heavy traffic (Worse than anything we see in San Jose - a 2 mile commute could take over a half an hour! and is in a mized area with commercial on the main street and mixed multiunit and single family housing around the complex in an old community (a tourist publication refers to Kapaa as the only working class town on the island). This will not be mistaken for a resort area.
However, my spouse enjoyed this the most of any Worldmark development we have been to, inluding Kihei, the big island, Oceanside, Las Vegas (the older one), Klamath Falls, Bass Lane, etc. We have noticed that Worldmark properties, at least where we visited are not located in prime locations. Kihie is across the street from the beach, the Big Island has no beach, Oceanside is a good walk from the beach, Bass Lake is over an hour from Yosemite Valley, etc. Kapaa Shores is the first one that is right on the ocean. All the units either face the beach (under 10 yards) or face the pool which is a few yards from the ocean. With the Palm trees blowing, it is an idyllic setting. It is the first Worldmark location where we are "right there." The grounds are contrantly maintained. The pool area is hosed down daily and the leaves in the pool and on the grass are picked up daily. The parking lot and sidewalks (with the bird droppings) are hosed off daily. This is a high maintenance area requiring constant maintenance (They should invest in a good pressure washer and use a little bleach to get rid of the mold on the grounds - particularly in the stairwells, hosing things off didn't work very well). Our windows even got dirty while we were there because of salt buildup - it was windy and with the waves very very close, we could still feel some salt mist, even on the third floor. It was very easy to find things which were rusting out, but our recent vintage rental car (Alamo) showed signs of rust. We learned to ignore the neighbor (The people on this island seem to be very poor in general - ingore the few Escalades and Mercedes you see around), and took delight and felt safe in the neighborhood. All of the towns we visited were the same, with dilapidated buildings and poor housing - this is old Hawaii and recalls an era when everything was on the main road. The location is very convenient, and it was easy to make left turns out of the complex. If there is a little opening in traffic, just go (car or pedestrian) - traffic will stop. Traffic was generally very courteous - not like a metropolitan area, but then again, it is a small island, so no one is going to go for a very long drive anywhere. The complex is close to a variety of restaurants and stores. Within short walking distance (under 1/2 mile), you can find Pizza Hut, another Italian, Taco Bell, Mexican, Burger King, 3 Thai restaurants, Vietnamese, Small Bars, Chinese, Sushi, and McDonalds. The Safeway is very close - be sure to bring your Safeway Card - it works there - to get their sales which are very similar to on the mainland. We found that meat (with $2.00 off stickers) was much cheaper than on the mainland, and almost everything had the stickers. Milk is expensive and fruits and vegetables are outrageous though - we bought one Tomato which, after club savings, was still over $2.50. Bread is expensive, but the bakery was reasonable. As usual, Lucerne and Select brands were substantially cheaper than name brands.
At low tide, go to the ocean and walk to the left. You will reach a beach park and a canal with a pedestrian bridge and you can keep going though a large resort complex. Be careful. The bare rock exposed at low tide is easy to walk on and generally safe, but the outer rocks 15 feet away have moss on them and are VERY slippery - I found out the hard way).
There is a Kmart,Wallmart and Macy's on the island as well, but the Safeway was so convenient, we went there. While we were in Kauai, there were public hearing on a prospective Costco - who knows if it will be built. Note that many of the shops appear to be chains, so you will find the same shops at the resorts, Coconut Marketplace and many of the towns on the island.
We visited the resort areas of the island - Poipu Beach and Princeville, and were happy we didn;t stay there - They are sterile but overcrowded, there are no swimming beaches and no shopping except in the local mall as part of the development.
This is a great island for slowing down and relaxing or hiking. You will see everything by car in 2 or 3 days (We even drove to the far west shore - note that there is a very rough 4+ mile dirt road to get there). The beach is not swimmable, but most beaches on the island are not anyway (Take the kids to Lydgate Park - they have an extensive bridge/maze and playground for the kids and there are two protected sandy swimming areas where the kids can go wild (2-3 feet deep at low tide - they can learn to snorkel and look for fish in these areas - be careful of the crabs on the rocks though).
This is not a party island, so if your teens want that, go somewhere else.
Would we go again? I got bored but enjoyed it. I would like to do more hiking. Would my spouse go again? In a minute!
Hint: If you stay and are trying to go west during the commute, turn left into the Coconut Marketplace, go through the front parking lot, then turn left at the street. Go straight down the road and turn left back onto the main road towards Lihue at the Shell Station (second cheapest on the island ($2.59 in April 2005).
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#1311 - 04/13/05 07:08 AM
Re: Kapaa Shores Resort Review
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verdoonie
Registered: 03/27/04
Posts: 399
Loc: Gresham, Oregon USA
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We stayed at Kapa'a Shore over Spring Break (March 21-29) and just loved it. We were in building "A" and had a fabulous view (Room 208). I got up most mornings to watch the sunrise. Everyone thinks they were sunsets from my pictures. Just beautiful. The unit (a 1BR on the 2nd floor) was not fancy, but perfectly adequate. Our lani view was more than adequate - great! We sat out there and watched sea kayakers, para surfers, cruise ships and whales breeching, not to meantion that awesome Pacific ocean. We found the unit clean, but there were a couple of things that probably needed to be fixed, but nothing to hold us up. The tradewinds were blowing most of the time, so we didn't mind not having air conditioning. The grounds were kept manicured and beautiful. The only thing that was missing in my estimation were some tiki torches. The resort was a great base of operation for our daily excursions around the island and we enjoyed our meals on our own lani. Easter morning breakfast out there was a real treat. PuPu hour (appetizers) was our favorite time!
We had great weather except for 1-1/2 days of rain, but it didn't stop us (it is warm still). The helicopter ride (our first full day there) was spectacular and worth it to us. We went on Kauai Air. The vistas are hard to describe (spiritual) and there is a waterfall almost at every turn. We had perfect weather for the flight.
As stated by a pervious post, the 4 mile dirt road to the west end of the island was most adventuresome, but we did enjoy the beautiful beach and lovely sunset. We always manage to find a dirt road.
We walked in to a waterfall one day that the locals apparently like (Kipu Falls). It was listed in the "Kaui Revealed" guide book. Anyway, that was about the only place that I didn't feel too safe. When we came back to our car (which you have to park on the road), there were some local boys walking around with a baseball bat in their hands. I wondered if a few car windows were going to be missing that day. We were glad we were leaving.
Waimia Canyon and area is great. You had to hike to the last lookout while we were there. There is a road, and it wasn't in too bad of condition, but it was blocked off. We noticed that the Kauains are not too concerned about roads on this island. Most main roads are still two lane and, on the north end, there are about 5 one lane bridges on the main road. There is also a bridge that washed out in the 1992 hurricane, that they just haven't replaced yet. I felt that they wanted to keep the island very rural, and this is one way to accomplish this. Unforetunately, the Kapa'a area really suffers, traffic wise, for this decision. We were almost late to a reservation one moring because we couldn't seem to turn left from the WM resort. But, as stated previously, we found drivers to be courteous and would let you in if you inch out. We learned to allow enough time after that.
The beaches in the south are great, but more crowded. You can find practically deserted beaches in the west and north though. We enjoyed the surfers at Shipwreck beach, and then enjoyed walking around the beautiful grounds of Hyat right by there afterwards. We loved Anini Beach and Tunnels Beach, and the snorkeling was very good. You have to pay attention to the waves though and not go out if there is big surf unless you're very experienced.
We had some lovely dinners out including our last night at Cafe Portico in the Marriott resort right on a bay. Very beautiful and wonderful food. The piano bar guy is very entertaining. We bought one of his CD's. We enjoyed Gaylords Restaurant, which is in an old plantation house. You eat out on a covered patio and every lady receives a free orchid lie. It was great - plus we had a two for one coupon so our whole breakfast (for 2 people) was $13.00! Not bad for Hawaii!
I had been to Kauai 33 years ago, and was pleasantly surprised to find that it had changed very little. I was even able to drive right to the house of the family I had stayed with to say hi. It looked the same. The Fern Grotto trip up the Wailua River was a little dissapointing. The hurricane must have really messed it up, and they were doing construction there, so it wasn't that great. My husband hadn't seen it, though, so I'm glad we went. The National Tropical Botanical Garden was very nice. There are several to see. We only went to the one by the Spouting Horn. The flowers and foilage are fabulous.
We found most everyone charming, friendly and helpful. We loved Kauai and would go back in a minute. There was an abandoned restaurant across the street from the old Cocoa Palms resort that was for sale. My husband and I were tempted. We did have some problems at the local Safeway, but I think it was just because it was Spring Break and more crowded than usual. There are only about 80,000 permanent resedents on the whole island - very rural.
I've been to all the islands, and I KNOW I would go back to Kauai or Hawaii (Big Island). This is because of their beautfy, but also because they are not so over developed and populated. We even got into IZ over there (singer). I was a great 30th anniversary in paradise. Thanks to one and all for all your suggestions. We found that most helpful. Especially, thanks to Myrna. I'm a fan of Kauai now too, Myrna (and Kapa'a Shore). I am so glad to hear that they are going to restore the Cocoa Palms resort. It was a magical place in years past before the hurricane. Now it's just an eyesore. Can't wait to go back to see it.
Aloha,
Verdoonie
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#1312 - 04/13/05 11:43 PM
Re: Kapaa Shores Resort Review
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Myrna
Registered: 03/26/04
Posts: 864
Loc: NW Washington
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Hi Verdoonie,
I have bene waiting and waiting for your trip report. I'm so glad you find Kauai as magical and peaceful as I do. I was sure you would be happy at Kapa'a shores too. Right it is not new and can use some upgrading, but it has it's own charm and like you said. That view cannot be beat!
We too found that by inching out into the traffic, they would pretty much let you in. We found the lovely people of Kauai, as well as the other islands to be most helpful and courteous. I love that Kauai hasn't become way too commercialized, even though it does have the stores. I like the fact tha the nightlife is what you make it. There can always be a "party" if one loks for one. I know the resorts in Poipu have lounges. At least when we stayed at Poipu Beach Hotel in 1978, they had a great band called "Hauula". theydid a great rendition of "Staying Alive" from BeeGee fame, as well as great Hawaii sounds too. I'm sure those type of nighttime activities can still be found.
You came to know IZ, huh? Isn't he wonderful? I got his "Facing Future" CD last year. found it at Circuit City, I think it was. His "Lost in IZ World' we bought while on Kauai in '01. What a great loss to the musical world. You should check out the Cazimera Brothers too for some great Hawaii sounds. I really like them too.
Looking forward to seeing pictures too!!!!! Glad you had a wonderful time.
Myrna
_________________________
"Take the time to stop and smell the roses, don't merely look for the thorns!"
Been to:11 lovely WM resorts
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#1313 - 04/14/05 06:28 AM
Re: Kapaa Shores Resort Review
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verdoonie
Registered: 03/27/04
Posts: 399
Loc: Gresham, Oregon USA
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Hi Myrna,
Sorry it took so long to get something written, but we were having computer problems. I got some wonderful pictures (we went digital), and I hope to get them posted one day. The sunrises were unreal and the shots from the helicopter were great! We got hooked on "IZ" when our helicopter pilot "brought us home with brother IZ" at the end of our flight. It was the "Over the Rainbow" song. So we bought the "Alone in IZ World" CD. A local lady at Waimea told us about a good CD for more tradional/classic Hawaiian music. So now when I'm stressed I turn on my Hawaiian music and get that Aloha spirit back! I'd forgotten how much I LOVE Hawaii.
I have friends that I've now convinced to go to Kauai instead of Maui this summer. My friends that I stayed with 33 years ago were born on Maui, and I remember him saying that it was a desert! Haha!
Aren't the grounds lovely at Kapa'a Shore? The shuffle board game was a big hit, and the hot tub seemed always to be well used. It was good and hot! I didn't see a lot of mold (like was reported previously) and they did completely wash down the building and stair wells every week. I didn't use the laundry facility so I can't report on that. We were there 9 days, so they came and cleaned after 7 days. We were able to pick the day and time. I thought that was nice. The kitchen was well stocked as always, and the furniture was okay comfort wise.
I used most all of your suggestions and really appreciated your advice. Did you say you were going to Hawaii this year? Is it Maui? I couldn't find that post of yours. Well, I'm jealous. Hope to visit Kapa'a Shore very soon. Thanks again.
Aloha,
Verdoonie
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#1314 - 05/10/05 03:33 PM
Re: Kapaa Shores Resort Review
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sharpg75
Registered: 05/26/04
Posts: 2
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We just got back from 10 near-perfect days in Kauai. Apr 22-May 1. We stayed in a 2 bedroom in the building closest to the highway (313). When I was reading some of the other posts (complaints) about Kapaa Shore I was a little concerned about how bad teh traffic would be on the highway next to the condos. It's true that this highway is the busiest... because it's the only highway. The bad traffic times are usually only in the mornings and afternoons. If you can find anyone on the road after 9pm, you did better than us. This island has a pretty slow pace with little or no night life which was just fine with us.
We were so tired from getting up with the sun every morning and doing stuff during the day, that we were generally in bed around 9 anyway.
I'm not sure what to say to the person who was bored after 2 days and claims you can see everything in 3. We were there for 10 days and already have a list of things we want to do next time because we didn't have time to get to them this trip.
We have pictures posted on imagestation if anyone is interested:
www.imagestation.com/album/index.html?id=2127307171
We rented a car because there's not really any other way to get around the island, if you want to see all parts of it.
Our favorite spot was Tunnels beach on teh north shore where we snorkeled on 4 different days. If you like physical activity, I would definitely recommend getting a kayak and paddling up the river. You can park the boat and hike up to some falls which are very nice. We swam in the pool under the waterfall despite the cold water.
The weather was surprisingly perfect. I despise humidity, but it was very pleasant the whole time we were there. The evenings even cooled off very nicely. The only day it rained was the day we took a catamaran up the Na Pali coast. Even with the rain the coast is "spectacular" as our captain would say.
The people on the island are very nice and full of Hawaiian history and culture. If you like horse riding, I would recommend Kahana II Trail rides. The owners grew up on the island and love to share Hawaiian folklore and history with you as you ride up the beautiful mountains just west of Kapaa.
My wife and I absolutely did not want to leave and can't wait until we can go back. There's a lot to do and see on this island. If anyone is thinking of going and has questions, I would be happy to answer if I can. Send me a private message.
Happy vacationing!!!!
Edited by CSTUCKY (05/10/05 04:26 PM)
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#1315 - 05/11/05 06:25 AM
Re: Kapaa Shores Resort Review
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verdoonie
Registered: 03/27/04
Posts: 399
Loc: Gresham, Oregon USA
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Loved your pictures. We were at Kapa'a Shore in March, and so your pictures brought back great memories for me. We so wanted to go Kayaking, but the day we were scheduled, it was really raining, so we cancelled. I loved seeing your hiking pictures. We want to do more of that on our next visit. Like you, we can't wait to get back to Kauai. We have our list of "next times" too. Your sunrise and flower pictures were great! Thanks so much for sharing them. Tunnels Beach is great. Did you go on that 4 miles dirt road to the beach at the northwest end of Na Pali? Quite a deal, but a great beach. Try that next time! Thanks again for sharing. I think Kapa'a Shore is a great resort too. Enjoy.
Verdoonie
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#1316 - 05/11/05 11:06 PM
Re: Kapaa Shores Resort Review
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Myrna
Registered: 03/26/04
Posts: 864
Loc: NW Washington
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What a wonderful review of Kauai and the resort. One of my favorite places on earth! Glad you liked it. I tend to rave about it so am always glad someone else likes it too.
Thanks for sharing the great pictures. I kept finding myself smile as I read some of the captions on them. I kept hearing myself comment on the water, it's beauty and it's color and clarity. Around each bend when another beautiful body of water came into view it was always "Just look at that beautiful water!" or "Can you believe that any water can be such a beautiful color?". I'm sure anyone around got tired of hearing me say something
Wow, I've been there 9 times and still haven't seen all you did.
Glad you had a good time. We spent our 35th anniversary there. From your pictures it could have been the same room. Might I also add you are a very attractve couple.
Myrna - 132 days and counting till Hawaii for me!
_________________________
"Take the time to stop and smell the roses, don't merely look for the thorns!"
Been to:11 lovely WM resorts
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#1317 - 05/11/05 11:11 PM
Re: Kapaa Shores Resort Review
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everett_goob
Registered: 04/02/04
Posts: 92
Loc: Everett, WA
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Wow. Nine times. I've only been once. Maybe by the time I've been there 9 times I'll have scratched the surface. I'm gonna try.
_________________________
"WorldMark is more fun than a clown on fire."
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#1318 - 05/12/05 11:26 AM
Re: Kapaa Shores Resort Review
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Myrna
Registered: 03/26/04
Posts: 864
Loc: NW Washington
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Yeah, 9 times. I do love it there. We have actually stayed at the Kapa'a Shores resort twice, both times in a 2 BR unit. Once in the back building - nearest the road, but quite a ways away from it and once in the building that runs vertical to the ocean. We loved both places but loved the second one best because we had zero sun directly on the lanai and had great cross breezes all day. As we were there the end of June, that was a good thing.
We found the resort met all of our needs and more. We love the relaxed, smallness of it.
That being said, don't know when we will be able to return. Next WM Hawaii trip will be to Kihei in 07.
Myrna
_________________________
"Take the time to stop and smell the roses, don't merely look for the thorns!"
Been to:11 lovely WM resorts
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#1319 - 08/22/05 10:02 PM
Re: Kapaa Shores Resort Review
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dnordwall
Registered: 08/22/05
Posts: 1
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My wife and I just got back this morning from Kapa'a Shores. I wanted to post while my mind was fresh (heh, after a plane ride).
We stayed in a one bedroom there. I would not recommend the one bedroom. There is no laundry within the unit and that can be rather annoying, particularly if you pack lighter on hopes of using the laundry.
We had an excellent location, overlooking the pool, jacuzzi, and the shoreline, on the second floor. We had wonderful sunrises the few mornings that I payed attention to it. My wife really enjoyed watching the full moon rise over the ocean and sitting in the cool breeze at night. She also made extensive use of the pool and jacuzzi. I used it some. They were fine for my use, and my wife liked them. I felt that the very leafy (and dropping them madly) tree in the north eastern corner of the pool area really needed to go, because it polluted the pool with leaves.
The entrance to the rooms overlooks the parking lot, and on the other side of that are some tennis courts (I think) which we did not use. There really needs to be more of a noise barrier there... Kuhio Highway is frighteningly busy.
The windows in the single unit we stayed in on the street side were what I've come to know are Jalousie windows. undoubtedly, these, in a timeshare without air conditioning, were necessary. However, they pose many problems.
First of all, they provide next to no privacy... seeing as how they are situated in the master bedroom of a couple's suite in a honeymooner's location, one might expect something a little more private.
Secondly, since they don't seal at all, they allow in the noise from the highway, and more importantly, the omnipresent Kaua'i chickens of eternal crowing. Every morning I was awakened at 4am by said chickens.
Thirdly, since the unit is not air conditioned, you close those and your air flow within the unit goes away (save for a small bit above the door). The fans in the timeshare were helpful, but required with the open windows to keep the place cool in the summer.
We ended up moving around the problem by sleeping on the murphy bed. It had a similar problem, but less noise. We had to keep our balcony door open.
The support staff was quite nice, in particular a lady by the name of Geraldine was quite helpful. The groundskeepers were very thorough. Indeed, they were too thorough one morning mowing at 6am so that we could here them through our jalousie windows.
The parking was adequate, but did seem to follow the trend on Kaua'i that all parking is for very small vehicles. It was quite difficult to maneuver our "compact" rental into the locations (a Saturn Ion, don't ever get one).
The pay laundry facilities were adequate, and laundry soap was provided. I'm not quite sure why you would charge the 1 bedroom folks and not charge the 2 bedroom folks. Seems a little odd.
Mats were provided to lay out on the lawn overlooking the rocky beach. I actually like the rocky beach, so not having sand was not an issue for me.
I was quite disappointed to discover that there was no high speed internet access. Now, I'm quite sure that most would say "but you are in Hawaii, why would you want that? go to a beach and relax!" Of course, that's all well and good, but publishing pictures of your trip on the web, as well as planning activities, becomes much simpler with it available at the place you are staying. There are several location that provide fee-based wireless internet access near by, but the nearest free one is a bar called The Shack, at the north end of Kapa'a. Nice bar, and I did use it. Still, you could cover most of Kapa'a Shores in 1 wireless access point, and definately get the whole thing in 2. You wouldn't even have to have any more than 1 DSL line for the whole place to provide some basic free access to guests (password available at the front desk).
Indeed, I think this should probably be offered at most of the resorts. It's not expensive, it's not high maintenance, and provides a real benefit for a portion of the owners
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#1320 - 08/23/05 09:18 AM
Re: Kapaa Shores Resort Review
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Myrna
Registered: 03/26/04
Posts: 864
Loc: NW Washington
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Thanks for your post and review. Kapa'a Shores is one of my favorite vacation spots that WM offers. I just wish we could get there more often. We have stayed in the 2 BR unit both times so far. Once in the back building overloking the courtyard area - and I agree with you on the sunrises, gorgeous. The second time was in the perpindicular building, right above the hot tub so again - wonderful sunrises, just not directly on us. We never closed our jalousies either time. well, not true. In the back building, we closed them in the afternoon, along with the drapes to block out the afternoon sun. I don't recall any noise from the street, but we slept in the upstairs bedroom. We did keep our lanai door open all the time we were in the unit, just to get those ocean breezes and the ocean sounds. Ah, Hawaii.
My husband enjoyed the rocks too. He visited with a neighborhood dog who was out exploring the rocks too, on one visit.
We never felt the need for A/C either visit. The fans and breezes kept us fine. Never even contemplated using the computer while there either. But then again, my sister lives on Kauai and if we had wanted to, we could have used her computer. I just wait till I'm home to download the pictures. I actualy take them to WalMart - .19 a copy and I can edit them, enlarge them, zoom in close, etc. Turns out to cost less then ink and photo paper, we have found.
Myrna 29 days till take off for our Hawaii vacation:)
_________________________
"Take the time to stop and smell the roses, don't merely look for the thorns!"
Been to:11 lovely WM resorts
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#1321 - 08/23/05 12:27 PM
Re: Kapaa Shores Resort Review
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PDX_Kathy
Registered: 03/26/04
Posts: 236
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I'm with you Myrna. Kapa'a Shores is one of our favorites too. We stayed in a 1 bdrm, probably right below your 2 bedroom, and didn't notice the street noise either. We also left the lanai door open and all I remember hearing from both directions was the sound of the surf. I'm sure that wouldn't be the case if we were close to the highway though.
I did miss the convenience of having a washer & dryer but used the laundry room close to the pool. I met several women who were staying there and we all ended up hanging out and chatting while our clothes washed.
Several people mentioned the lack of the washers/dryers in the 1 bdrm units when we were at the ice cream social and we all wondered why they haven't been installed since the units are plumbed and wired for them.
I want to go back. I envy you Myrna! Enjoy.
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#1322 - 08/23/05 10:00 PM
Re: Kapaa Shores Resort Review
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Myrna
Registered: 03/26/04
Posts: 864
Loc: NW Washington
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Thanks Kathy, We will have a really good time, I know it! How could we not, with 8 friends, all girls, let loose in a 2700 sq. ft. house.
I know we stayed in the building at Kapa'a Shores, closest to the road but I still can't remember hearing noise from there. Maybe I just blocked it out. Who knows? Another case of my looking for the roses, not the thorns:).
Myrna
_________________________
"Take the time to stop and smell the roses, don't merely look for the thorns!"
Been to:11 lovely WM resorts
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#1323 - 08/23/05 11:01 PM
Re: Kapaa Shores Resort Review
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Caroart
Registered: 05/25/04
Posts: 6
Loc: Oregon, Arizona or wherever th...
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We were there for 2 wks in May. We were in a 1-bdrm on the 2nd floor, right side, over-looking the grassy area. No noise from the street at all. We loved the tradewinds-- would have been quite stuffy without them. Only one complaint-- no washer/dryers in the 1-bdrm units, which was fine, except I don't believe we should have had to pay for the washer/dryer use. Having to "schlep" the laundry down and upstairs was payment enough!
It was a very enjoyable 2 weeks, to say the least.
Art & Caroline
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