The place to stay down south is Poipu, a peaceful resort with three luxury hotels, several condominium complexes, and a few bed-and-breakfasts spread out over many, many acres of prime oceanfront property. In addition to a wide variety of accommodations, it has all the requisite amenities: two stellar golf courses designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., a pleasant shopping center (with more stores in nearby Koloa), and good beaches. Families, in particular, like Poipu Beach because the usually calm water makes it safe for children.

There is one hitch: if you want to go touring, reaching the more scenic, rainier North Shore by car from Poipu can take an hour or more.

You can get about 20 minutes closer and still get plenty of sunshine in Lihue, Kauai’s county seat and home to the island’s airport. It isn't as tranquil a setting as Poipu, but it’s a good option because a large Marriott fronts Lihue’s Kalapaki Beach, another family-friendly spot. The golfing’s way above par at the Marriott, too, with two Jack Nicklaus-designed courses.

In Lihue, hone your knowledge of Hawaii’s oldest island at the Kauai Museum, dine at one of the bargain-priced restaurants popular with locals, and check out the stores at Kukui Grove, the isle’s largest shopping mall.