A couple of questions about the North Shores of Kauai / Oahu (Kilauea: rentals, condos)

[Surfer-Girl]

I have a couple of questions about Kauai and Oahu.

1. Which island has more selections of natural/raw/organic/gluten-free foods?

2. I know Kauai is rural, but if you were to move to, say, the North Shore, how far is your nearest neighbor likely to be?

3. Question number 2 but for the North Shore of Oahu?

4. Which island has safer beaches (though obviously none truly are seeing as they're in the middle of the ocean...)?

5. How secluded are the beaches of Kauai's North Shore compared those of Oahu's North Shore? On an average day, how many people are likely to be on the same beach as you on Kauai? Oahu? Lots? A couple? None?


Thanks in advance!

[cagary]

1. Which island has more selections of natural/raw/organic/gluten-free foods?

Kauai has lots of Health Food Stores, but only about 65,000 people. Oahu has way over a million people so specialty foods are going to be a lot more available there.

2. I know Kauai is rural, but if you were to move to, say, the North Shore, how far is your nearest neighbor likely to be? In Hanalei houses are pretty close to one another. Outside of town, lots are often an acre or more.

3. Question number 2 but for the North Shore of Oahu? Land is expensive on the North Shore. The population is a lot more dense almost anywhere on Oahu.

4. Which island has safer beaches (though obviously none truly are seeing as they're in the middle of the ocean...)? Both islands have several beaches that have safe swimming conditions most of the year. There are reefs and natural protected bays to calm the waters.

5. How secluded are the beaches of Kauai's North Shore compared those of Oahu's North Shore? On an average day, how many people are likely to be on the same beach as you on Kauai? Oahu? Lots? A couple? None?

If you take the somewhat easy hike into Kalalau Valley on Kauai, you'll see very few people. Even the beaches you can drive to aren't that crowded on Kauai's North Shore.

During the winter when the surf contests are being held, the North Shore on Oahu is an absolute ZOO, but if there is no contest, the beaches are uncrowded. The rest of the year, there are so many beaches that you'll not see any crowds.

[KauaiHiker]

cagary wrote: "somewhat easy hike into Kalalau Valley on Kauai"

The hike to Kalalau is a grueling 11-mile hike, only for the fittest backpackers. I have seen some locals in flip-flops hike it carrying a short board, but they already have an illegal camp in the valley. Regular hikers need permits and supplies. I have also seen towed-in surfers on the Kalalau Beach break, but I don't think it's worth that much trouble.

Surfer-Girl, it sounds like you're trying to choose between these two places. Is this for a vacation, safari, for moving, or ??? Kauai has lots of beaches and breaks, some deserted, some a bit more crowded, especially after work or on weekends. NS Oahu has better waves from what I understand (sorry, not a surfer myself). Safety seems like an odd question, as many breaks are not near lifeguards. Generally, I bet Kaua'i has even fewer guarded beaches than Oahu, but I don't know them all.

As for population density, where there is affordable rentals, it is denser. Kilauea has detached house neighborhoods, but dense (probably R-8, 8 houses per acre, not including "downstairs" rental units). Princeville has big expensive houses, but still R-4, but most of the rentals are condos/appartments (which are usually R-20 I think). Hanalei itself is probably R-6, but it's either astronomical vacation rentals or locals living there, very few other rentals. Beyond Hanalei to the end of the road is called Ha'ena, mostly beach houses, with a few side streets. Probably R-4 density, but again, very desireable and very few long-term rentals. Still you may get lucky, but it would help to know what you're planning and what your budget is.

[Surfer-Girl]

Originally Posted by KauaiHiker

Surfer-Girl, it sounds like you're trying to choose between these two places. Is this for a vacation, safari, for moving, or ???

Well, right now, for vacation (planning for next year). But I would love to live there someday. But a lot of it is just curiosity and dreaming...

[kaimuki]

Originally Posted by Surfer-Girl

Well, right now, for vacation (planning for next year). But I would love to live there someday. But a lot of it is just curiosity and dreaming...

Why would you move to Hawaii? Your post in the link below suggests you will have issues with us locals. I was really turned off by your post. It looks like the mods removed your post, but not mine when I quoted you.

Check out post #68 The real issues

[Surfer-Girl]

Originally Posted by kaimuki

Why would you move to Hawaii? Your post in the link below suggests you will have issues with us locals. I was really turned off by your post. It looks like the mods removed your post, but not mine when I quoted you.

Check out post #68 The real issues

I never posted anything on that thread... I think the quote you were referring to is someone with the username of "Sirfer Gurl"? Mine is Surfer-Girl.