Author Topic: Kauai, HI Master Thread (Read 936914 times)

mokellman · « **Reply #1020 on:** July 18, 2014, 04:21:56 PM »

Going with my wife from Sunday to Sunday in the end of August.
1) current rate for HNL-LIH with Island Air is 144 + bag fee and Hawaiian 185.
What is the best way to fly? With miles or use the corporate account for free baggage?

2) We are looking for a relaxing vacation. As of now, we are staying for 5 days in South Kaui and debating if we should stay for Shabbos in Princeville or should we fly to a different island?
Thanks

alpicone · « **Reply #1021 on:** July 18, 2014, 05:49:24 PM »

Quote from: mokellman on July 18, 2014, 04:21:56 PM

Going with my wife from Sunday to Sunday in the end of August.
1) current rate for HNL-LIH with Island Air is 144 + bag fee and Hawaiian 185.
What is the best way to fly? With miles or use the corporate account for free baggage?

2) We are looking for a relaxing vacation. As of now, we are staying for 5 days in South Kaui and debating if we should stay for Shabbos in Princeville or should we fly to a different island?
Thanks

I booked my Hawaiian flights using miles. It was 10k RT using unites miles and I was able to add a stop over so it was HNL-OGG-LIH-HNL. For the first leg I was able to have delta interline the bags to avoid the fee. When I booked it was $17 per bag. Now its $25 so you need to do the math.

I dont think its worth switching islands for one week. You loose too much time traveling. If you can try out princeville for a couple of days. It is beautiful there and also much closer to all the north side activities.

Mocha · « **Reply #1022 on:** July 18, 2014, 06:02:59 PM »

Quote from: Dan on July 17, 2014, 06:28:07 PM

Left a small suitcase at the andaz maui and they shipped it back free of charge!

Grand Hyatt wants to charge me. anybody going to be there over the next few weeks?

mokellman · « **Reply #1023 on:** July 20, 2014, 12:45:21 AM »

Quote from: alpicone on July 18, 2014, 05:49:24 PM

I booked my Hawaiian flights using miles. It was 10k RT using unites miles and I was able to add a stop over so it was HNL-OGG-LIH-HNL. For the first leg I was able to have delta interline the bags to avoid the fee. When I booked it was $17 per bag. Now its $25 so you need to do the math.

I dont think its worth switching islands for one week. You loose too much time traveling. If you can try out princeville for a couple of days. It is beautiful there and also much closer to all the north side activities.

Thank you

Is an hour enough time between flights HNL to LIH. I'm going to be checking in my bags to LIH

MC · « **Reply #1024 on:** July 20, 2014, 12:35:22 PM »

I'm working on my Kauai trip for late August... I've gone through the Kauai Revealed app multiple times and tried reading through most of this thread. Here's what I've come up with.

We're leaving early Sunday morning and coming back Thursday night (from LAX). We didn't want to stay shabbos since the psak I got was to keep two days. So we've got three full days and two half days on the island. I know it's not enough according to most of you, but it's gonna have to be

Hotel: two nights at the GH and two at the Sheraton
Car: still working on, can't decide how worth it a convertible really is since it looks like it's close to double the price.

Day 1- we land around 2. I figure by the time we've gotten the car, gone to pick up some food and snorkeling kits, and driven to the GH we'll probably just want to stay on the grounds and relax, maybe go to Poipu beach for sunset

Day 2- helicopter ride, Wailua Falls and ‘Opaeka‘a Falls Lookout, Queen's Bath and Ke'e Beach

Day 3- Snorkeling on Poipu beach, Spouting Horn, Tunnels Beach

Day 4- Waimea Canyon, Pu‘u o Kila Lookout

Day 5- we have a 2 pm flight back to LAX so I'm not sure what to do that morning

Am I missing anything major or is anything on my list not worth it?

Something Fishy · « **Reply #1025 on:** July 20, 2014, 12:57:33 PM »

Quote from: MC on July 20, 2014, 12:35:22 PM

I'm working on my Kauai trip for late August... I've gone through the Kauai Revealed app multiple times and tried reading through most of this thread. Here's what I've come up with.

We're leaving early Sunday morning and coming back Thursday night (from LAX). We didn't want to stay shabbos since the psak I got was to keep two days. So we've got three full days and two half days on the island. I know it's not enough according to most of you, but it's gonna have to be

Hotel: two nights at the GH and two at the Sheraton
Car: still working on, can't decide how worth it a convertible really is since it looks like it's close to double the price.

Day 1- we land around 2. I figure by the time we've gotten the car, gone to pick up some food and snorkeling kits, and driven to the GH we'll probably just want to stay on the grounds and relax, maybe go to Poipu beach for sunset

Day 2- helicopter ride, Wailua Falls and ‘Opaeka‘a Falls Lookout, Queen's Bath and Ke'e Beach

Day 3- Snorkeling on Poipu beach, Spouting Horn, Tunnels Beach

Day 4- Waimea Canyon, Pu‘u o Kila Lookout

Day 5- we have a 2 pm flight back to LAX so I'm not sure what to do that morning

Am I missing anything major or is anything on my list not worth it?

Pretty good itin, but your day 2 and 3 are a bit mixed up IMO as far as running back and forth between the north and south sides. Here's what I would do:

Day 2 - Heli, the two falls, then Poipu beach and spouting horn. This would keep you in the south/east parts all day.

Day 3 - The north side: Queen's Bath, Tunnels, and Ke'e. Also do the first part of the Kalalau Trail (it starts off Ke'e Beach). It's stunning and could take as long as you like, up to a couple of hours. Also remember to stop by the Hanelei Valley Lookout just past Princeville.

If time is an issue, you could really do the two falls either day, as they're pretty much on the way.

Also make sure to check out Polihale Beach.

BTW, if you're switching hotels anyway, why don't you stay on the north side instead? It's a completely different experience, not to mention much closer to the north shore activities and sights.

MC · « **Reply #1026 on:** July 20, 2014, 01:58:20 PM »

Quote from: Something Fishy on July 20, 2014, 12:57:33 PM

Pretty good itin, but your day 2 and 3 are a bit mixed up IMO as far as running back and forth between the north and south sides. Here's what I would do:

Day 2 - Heli, the two falls, then Poipu beach and spouting horn. This would keep you in the south/east parts all day.

Day 3 - The north side: Queen's Bath, Tunnels, and Ke'e. Also do the first part of the Kalalau Trail (it starts off Ke'e Beach). It's stunning and could take as long as you like, up to a couple of hours. Also remember to stop by the Hanelei Valley Lookout just past Princeville.

If time is an issue, you could really do the two falls either day, as they're pretty much on the way.

Also make sure to check out Polihale Beach.

BTW, if you're switching hotels anyway, why don't you stay on the north side instead? It's a completely different experience, not to mention much closer to the north shore activities and sights.

Good call on days 2 and 3. I just mapped it out and your suggestions make a lot more sense.

I wish we could stay on the North side but I just don't have enough points. I'm still relatively new to this game, and most of my points have been well spent traveling back and forth between coasts. So staying on the south side and making a full day trip out of the north side seems my best bet for now. And I'll save the St Regis for when I go back on my honeymoon iyh

Has anyone tried ziplining in Kauai and able to report back?

alpicone · « **Reply #1027 on:** July 20, 2014, 02:28:50 PM »

Quote from: MC on July 20, 2014, 01:58:20 PM

Good call on days 2 and 3. I just mapped it out and your suggestions make a lot more sense.

I wish we could stay on the North side but I just don't have enough points. I'm still relatively new to this game, and most of my points have been well spent traveling back and forth between coasts. So staying on the south side and making a full day trip out of the north side seems my best bet for now. And I'll save the St Regis for when I go back on my honeymoon iyh

Has anyone tried ziplining in Kauai and able to report back?

There is a Westin in Princeville also that is cheaper than the St. Regis (which is stunning) but still more than the Sheraton.

Something Fishy · « **Reply #1028 on:** July 20, 2014, 02:31:44 PM »

Did you consider a condo?

MC · « **Reply #1029 on:** July 20, 2014, 02:53:02 PM »

Quote from: alpicone on July 20, 2014, 02:28:50 PM

There is a Westin in Princeville also that is cheaper than the St. Regis (which is stunning) but still more than the Sheraton.

I only have the bonus from my recent SPG sign up which is still not enough for the Westin.

Quote from: Something Fishy on July 20, 2014, 02:31:44 PM

Did you consider a condo?

Yes, but it's not worth it for just two people IMO. I'd rather spend the $ on activities.

Dan · « **Reply #1030 on:** July 20, 2014, 03:04:15 PM »

Sell the SPG and use it to buy someone's free nights at the GHK.
Sheraton Kauai isn't worth category 5 points.

Or priceline it.

MC · « **Reply #1031 on:** July 20, 2014, 03:18:14 PM »

Quote from: Dan on July 20, 2014, 03:04:15 PM

Sell the SPG and use it to buy someone's free nights at the GHK.
Sheraton Kauai isn't worth category 5 points.

I like that idea, gonna work on that.

shmu1 · « **Reply #1032 on:** July 21, 2014, 04:57:04 PM »

Just came back from Kauai...
here is my 2 cents...

we booked a car through priceline name your on price, we got a midsize from hertz - when we got to the counter they offered us an upgrade either 75 a day for suv or or 50 for convertible - we negotiated and got a convertible for an extra 20 dollars a day - best 80$ i spent - you feel like you are part of the scenery, it was amazing (thanks dan for recommending the convertible).

- if driving up north to princeville stop at the fresh fruit stand on the way its in the book (obviously there are others...), if mixed swimming is an issue queens bath is small, even if only 15 people there might be uncomfortable..also its about a 10 minute trek down to queens bath, if it just rained can be slippery and muddy, (we got soaked, starting raining as we were making our way up) the drive from the east shore to the noth shore is great.
- if you want secluded beach polihle is great for that...although sand was boiling hot (maybe get water shoes). we were just there and seems like they just filled in the potholes so we had a very easy ride.
- Grand hyatt was great, beautiful grounds very helpful staff, we had ocean view (dont think it compares at all to garden view) we had grand club and they let us order complimentary pancakes or waffles each day for breakfast, besides for the kosher bagels and lox. (although not sure would recommend them - the pancakes and waffles).
- we brought pomagrante meals with us and they heated it up (each dish 10$) and we had them serve it to us in the tidepools restaurant - was pretty neat.
- the pools at the GHK are open 24/7....
- we didnt find the heli. worth the money, 210 each, but most people think its amazing so....we were not so impressed with blue hawaiin they switched the times of our flight on us and then switched it back (could be that also influenced the negative experience).
- we missed sunset on the west, but from spouting horn on the east side it looked like it would have been beautiful.
All in all great island has plenty of beaches and plenty of beautiful gorgeous natural sights. Highly recommend.

mochada · « **Reply #1033 on:** July 21, 2014, 05:17:33 PM »

Quote from: Something Fishy on July 20, 2014, 02:31:44 PM

Did you consider a condo?

I've stayed at the Bali Hai in an upgraded condo down the block from the Ali Kai. Also a nice property.

arid · « **Reply #1034 on:** July 22, 2014, 12:43:00 AM »

Quote from: Dan on July 20, 2014, 03:04:15 PM

Sell the SPG and use it to buy someone's free nights at the GHK.
Sheraton Kauai isn't worth category 5 points.

Or priceline it.

really? i booked it with the 5th night free so it comes out to 9600/night. it's really not worth it? seems like all the buyers are offering peanuts nowadays and im getting a good value per points.......
is it not a nice hotel ot you think i could do better than it for $150-180 a night.... Also i have gold status so there is a decent chance well get a better room....

MC · « **Reply #1035 on:** July 23, 2014, 08:05:13 PM »

Has anyone gone to the Kilauea Lighthouse?

Tzadik Nistar · « **Reply #1036 on:** July 23, 2014, 08:25:27 PM »

Quote from: MC on July 23, 2014, 08:05:13 PM

Has anyone gone to the Kilauea Lighthouse?

Yes, when I was there there was 20 ft. Waves then and that was one of the nicest places to see the waves crashing into the bluff, but in general its nothing special just a nice view

arid · « **Reply #1037 on:** July 28, 2014, 05:52:31 PM »

Quote from: arid on July 22, 2014, 12:43:00 AM

really? i booked it with the 5th night free so it comes out to 9600/night. it's really not worth it? seems like all the buyers are offering peanuts nowadays and im getting a good value per points.......
is it not a nice hotel ot you think i could do better than it for $150-180 a night.... Also i have gold status so there is a decent chance well get a better room....

bump

arid · « **Reply #1038 on:** July 28, 2014, 05:52:59 PM »

anyone gonna be in Kauai 8/17-22?

arid · « **Reply #1039 on:** July 28, 2014, 06:04:38 PM »

will the hyatt concierge book excursions for you if you are not a guest there?

Name	Area	More Info	Comments
____________________________________________________________________________________________________	_____________________________________________________	__________________________________________________________	____________________________________________________________________________
Grand Hyatt Kauai	South side	Website	Generally considered to be the top hotel on Kauai, and countless DDF'ers have stayed there. The weather is perfect year-round, it's right by Poipu beach, and you drive through an awesome tree tunnel to get there. There are countless pools and exotic birds all around.
St. Regis Princeville	North side	Website	Another beautiful hotel, this is an SPG category 7. The setting of the SRP is absolutely breathtaking, with the ocean crashing on the cliffs below and the waterfall-filled mountains in the background. The views from the rooms are unparalleled, but most rooms have no balconies.
Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas	North side	Website	SPG category 6.
Sheraton Kauai Resort	South side	Website	SPG category 5.
"Get your own place"	Anywhere	Website	There are countless condos, timeshares, or villas available to rent on the island. The advantages are that you get more for your money - a couple of bedrooms, living/dining rooms, and a full kitchen. There will usually be a pool, sometimes even a private one. Additionally, they're often cheaper than a hotel. There are many places to find them - HomeAway Kauai VRBO Kauai Airbnb Kauai, etc.

Name	Area	Comments
______________________________________________________________	____________________________________________________	_________________________________________________________________________________
Poipu	South side	This beach is right by the GHK. Full amenities (lifeguard, showers, etc.). Snorkeling is amazing here, especially in the morning. Sea turtles and the critically endangered Hawaiian monk seal are commonly seen here. Gorgeous sunsets.
Ke'e	North side	This beach is the gateway to the famous Kalalau Trail. The view from here is amazing, looking out over the majestic Na Pali cliffs. Great snorkeling, with a large fringing reef. This beach could be deadly winter, when 20-foot waves crash onto shore. However, at times it's perfectly calm. Use common sense. The beach is part of Hāʻena State Park
Tunnels	North side	Beautiful crescent beach, with a lovely view of "Puff the Magic Dragon" mountain. Great snorkeling, and beautiful sunrises. May be dangerous in winter.
Lumahai	North side	Very pretty beach, where they filmed South Pacific. Extremely dangerous winter.
Polihale	West side	17 solid miles of uninterrupted sand. Fairly remote, and accessible only via dirt and sand road, so 4WD is preferred. Unswimmable most of the year, but the area called Queens Pond is safe all year round. Since it's so huge, you could easily find a secluded spot. Great view of the south side of Na Pali, with amazing sunsets.
Queen's Bath	North side	This is a rocky beach by the cliffs under Princeville. Very cool during the summer, when you could swim in a rock pool with the fish, but absolutely deadly during the winter (people die there all the time).
Kalalau	North side	One of the most beautiful beaches in the entire world. Unfortunately, it's only accessible via one of the most difficult and most dangerous hikes in the world, the Kalalau Trail.
Honopū	North side	Another one of the top ten beaches in the world. The only way to get there is by swimming - from Kalalau beach !
Hanalei Bay	North side	A beautiful crescent beach with wonderful views. Mediocre snorkeling, but safe even in the winter. Very predictable waves, so this is the top spot for learning to surf or paddle. Breathtaking sunrises and sunsets.
Secret	North side	Relatively secluded beach, and needs a bit of a hike to get there.
Lydgate	East side	A fully protected beach, with pretty good snorkeling. Great for little kids, but is usually very busy.
Nawiliwili	East side	Boring beach, but the park of the the side is a nice place to stop for lunch and watch the kitesurfers.
Kapa'a	East side	Another relatively boring beach, but a nice place to have lunch if you're in Kapa'a.

Name	Area	Comments
______________________________________________________________	____________________________________________________	_________________________________________________________________________________
Hike 1	Area 1	Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
Hike 2	Area 2	Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.

Activity	Comments
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________	_________________________________________________________________________________
Helicopter tours	Easily the most expensive activity on Kauai, and easily the most amazing. You get to see otherwise inaccessible places - among others, you fly into Waimea Canyon, along the stunning Na Pali coast, and into the crater of the extinct Mount Waiʻaleʻale, now the wettest place on earth. It's an experience that could simply not be matched. Blue Hawaiian is the most popular and usually recommended. Jack Harter also flies amazing doors-off tours, which are wet, windy, and exhilirating .
Powered hang gliding	This is a unique flight lesson (counts a flying time for a pilot's license) in what's basically a motorized tricycle with wings. Supposed to be tremendous fun. Offered by Birds in Paradise.
Waimea Canyon	Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
Kalalau Valley overlook	Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
Hanalei Valley overlook
Kayaking
Biking
ATVing
Horseback riding
Ziplining
Cruises
4 Wheel Driving

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Author Topic: Kauai, HI Master Thread (Read 936914 times)