Author Topic: Kauai, HI Master Thread (Read 836252 times)

SSLPhD · « **Reply #3040 on:** February 17, 2023, 03:39:21 PM »

The former St. Regis in Princeville
https://kauainownews.com/2023/02/16/sustainable-luxury-resort-built-into-cliff-along-hanalei-bay-opens-on-kaua%CA%BBi/

yoohoo · « **Reply #3041 on:** February 18, 2023, 07:29:18 PM »

Quote from: SSLPhD on February 17, 2023, 03:39:21 PM

The former St. Regis in Princeville
https://kauainownews.com/2023/02/16/sustainable-luxury-resort-built-into-cliff-along-hanalei-bay-opens-on-kaua%CA%BBi/

I actually pulled up there an hour before the grand opening but they wouldn’t let me near. Too bad it was pouring there for the first guests

Dan · « **Reply #3042 on:** February 18, 2023, 07:36:36 PM »

Quote from: yoohoo on February 18, 2023, 07:29:18 PM

I actually pulled up there an hour before the grand opening but they wouldn’t let me near. Too bad it was pouring there for the first guests

Northern Kauai is always pouring.

yoohoo · « **Reply #3043 on:** February 18, 2023, 07:49:31 PM »

Quote from: Dan on February 18, 2023, 07:36:36 PM

Northern Kauai is always pouring.

right which is why I would think a grand opening in the summer would’ve been a better idea

PBaruch · « **Reply #3044 on:** February 18, 2023, 08:11:18 PM »

We've stayed there several times when it was the St. Regis. Can definitely say it's not always pouring and it was one of our favorite hotels. The scenery and views are simply stunning.

yoohoo · « **Reply #3045 on:** April 21, 2023, 05:29:53 PM »

PSA:There's a minyan this shabbos at the GHK

nirc · « **Reply #3046 on:** April 23, 2023, 08:56:03 AM »

Quote from: yoohoo on April 21, 2023, 05:29:53 PM

PSA:There's a minyan this shabbos at the GHK

seems an odd time. reason?

not spring break, pesach or fare sales (hotel or airline).

yoohoo · « **Reply #3047 on:** April 24, 2023, 09:30:43 AM »

Quote from: nirc on April 23, 2023, 08:56:03 AM

seems an odd time. reason?

not spring break, pesach or fare sales (hotel or airline).

big conference

Traveler718 · « **Reply #3048 on:** July 20, 2023, 12:02:41 AM »

BH offers 2 helicopter tours: Discover Kauai out of Princeville for $419, and Eco Adventure out of Lihue for $379, plus another $100 to sit in front. The maps of where they go look pretty similar, and the first one is 45 minutes while the second is 50. Which is the one that everyone here raves about? Is it still worth it even though the prices have skyrocketed, or should I perhaps go with Jack Harter who's cheaper for a longer tour ($304 for doors on, $324 doors off)? Any way to get any of these for cheaper?

SSLPhD · « **Reply #3049 on:** July 20, 2023, 07:51:30 AM »

Quote from: Traveler718 on July 20, 2023, 12:02:41 AM

BH offers 2 helicopter tours: Discover Kauai out of Princeville for $419, and Eco Adventure out of Lihue for $379, plus another $100 to sit in front. The maps of where they go look pretty similar, and the first one is 45 minutes while the second is 50. Which is the one that everyone here raves about? Is it still worth it even though the prices have skyrocketed, or should I perhaps go with Jack Harter who's cheaper for a longer tour ($304 for doors on, $324 doors off)? Any way to get any of these for cheaper?

Definitely do doors off if possible. If they're offering an upgrade to sit in front, it is extremely desirable, which means the other seats are a lot less desirable. Doors off you'll either be in front or at an open door, IIRC. Feeling the spray of the waterfalls...amazing. Aside from the waterfalls (10? minutes) it wasn't very exciting. I do remember being slightly uncomfortable, and we did have a bit of rain, but I'd choose that option again.

Dan · « **Reply #3050 on:** July 20, 2023, 09:14:56 AM »

Quote from: SSLPhD on July 20, 2023, 07:51:30 AM

Definitely do doors off if possible. If they're offering an upgrade to sit in front, it is extremely desirable, which means the other seats are a lot less desirable. Doors off you'll either be in front or at an open door, IIRC. Feeling the spray of the waterfalls...amazing. Aside from the waterfalls (10? minutes) it wasn't very exciting. I do remember being slightly uncomfortable, and we did have a bit of rain, but I'd choose that option again.

I've done both, tough call for me, but I think I'd do doors-on in the future.

Quote from: Traveler718 on July 20, 2023, 12:02:41 AM

BH offers 2 helicopter tours: Discover Kauai out of Princeville for $419, and Eco Adventure out of Lihue for $379, plus another $100 to sit in front. The maps of where they go look pretty similar, and the first one is 45 minutes while the second is 50. Which is the one that everyone here raves about? Is it still worth it even though the prices have skyrocketed, or should I perhaps go with Jack Harter who's cheaper for a longer tour ($304 for doors on, $324 doors off)? Any way to get any of these for cheaper?

Eco Adventure front.
Costco Kauai used to sell GCs.

Traveler718 · « **Reply #3051 on:** July 23, 2023, 04:30:50 PM »

Air Kauai has a $100 solo special, where if they've sold 5 seats on a tour, you can get the last seat for only $100 (https://airkauaihelicopters.com/single-seat-special). Besides that it can only be booked the day before, the main downside is that they generally put in the back middle seat.

How much do you lose out when not sitting in front or by a window? Do you still get most of the same experience just maybe not the same photos, such that it would be worth it to get it so cheap, or are you missing so much of the experience that it's worth paying full price to do it right?

Traveler718 · « **Reply #3052 on:** July 23, 2023, 06:45:18 PM »

I'm headed to Kauai for my first time on a solo 4-day trip - Sunday 1 PM - Thursday 1 PM. I have an overnight Kalalau permit for Monday, but I'm debating if it's worth using up 2 of my 3 full days for this hike, which won't leave me much time to see the rest of the island.

I'm a pretty strong day hiker and have done several 15-20 mile day hikes with 4000+' of elevation gain, so my alternative is to dayhike Kalalau on Monday with a much lighter pack, knowing I won't make it all the way to the beach, but starting early and going as far as I feel comfortable, then turning around about 1ish and hiking out, which will cost me the full Kalalau experience but gain me a full day Tuesday for the rest of the island. This may be my only visit to Kauai. WWYD?

And if I do the dayhike option, what are my best options for turnaround points? I was bummed to read that miles 2-6 are mostly inland with limited views. Are the views around mile 7-9 so great that it's worth aiming for that (yes I know that's Crawler's Ledge area), or is it not so much better than what I get the first 2 miles? I also thought about going to Hanakoa Falls and back (the one that's 6.5 miles in), but it seems like a bummer to hike all that way past mile 2 and not get any more epic coastal views. Thoughts?

Dan · « **Reply #3053 on:** July 23, 2023, 06:56:50 PM »

Quote from: Traveler718 on July 23, 2023, 04:30:50 PM

Air Kauai has a $100 solo special, where if they've sold 5 seats on a tour, you can get the last seat for only $100 (https://airkauaihelicopters.com/single-seat-special). Besides that it can only be booked the day before, the main downside is that they generally put in the back middle seat.

How much do you lose out when not sitting in front or by a window? Do you still get most of the same experience just maybe not the same photos, such that it would be worth it to get it so cheap, or are you missing so much of the experience that it's worth paying full price to do it right?

I'd say you're getting what you're paying for.

SSLPhD · « **Reply #3054 on:** July 23, 2023, 07:01:32 PM »

Have you read any TRs on hiking to Kalalau?

https://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=72973.msg1675734#msg1675734

Things to consider: you may need a permit and/or dropoff/pickup.

Dan · « **Reply #3055 on:** July 23, 2023, 07:03:41 PM »

Quote from: Traveler718 on July 23, 2023, 06:45:18 PM

I'm headed to Kauai for my first time on a solo 4-day trip - Sunday 1 PM - Thursday 1 PM. I have an overnight Kalalau permit for Monday, but I'm debating if it's worth using up 2 of my 3 full days for this hike, which won't leave me much time to see the rest of the island.

I'm a pretty strong day hiker and have done several 15-20 mile day hikes with 4000+' of elevation gain, so my alternative is to dayhike Kalalau on Monday with a much lighter pack, knowing I won't make it all the way to the beach, but starting early and going as far as I feel comfortable, then turning around about 1ish and hiking out, which will cost me the full Kalalau experience but gain me a full day Tuesday for the rest of the island. This may be my only visit to Kauai. WWYD?

And if I do the dayhike option, what are my best options for turnaround points? I was bummed to read that miles 2-6 are mostly inland with limited views. Are the views around mile 7-9 so great that it's worth aiming for that (yes I know that's Crawler's Ledge area), or is it not so much better than what I get the first 2 miles? I also thought about going to Hanakoa Falls and back (the one that's 6.5 miles in), but it seems like a bummer to hike all that way past mile 2 and not get any more epic coastal views. Thoughts?

Gosh.
My vote is hike to Kalalau beach and come back another time to do the tourist stuff with the family.

yoohoo · « **Reply #3056 on:** July 23, 2023, 09:02:38 PM »

Quote from: Dan on July 23, 2023, 07:03:41 PM

Gosh.
My vote is hike to Kalalau beach and come back another time to do the tourist stuff with the family.

I would agree if hiking is your thing and need this in your book. I’ve never done the complete hike (I’m not at all a hiker) but I did up until the first insane scenic point (maybe 1.5 mile IIRC) and was enough for me

Did you secure a parking pass too?

Traveler718 · « **Reply #3057 on:** July 23, 2023, 11:35:20 PM »

Quote from: SSLPhD on July 23, 2023, 07:01:32 PM

Have you read any TRs on hiking to Kalalau?

https://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=72973.msg1675734#msg1675734

Things to consider: you may need a permit and/or dropoff/pickup.

Quote from: yoohoo on July 23, 2023, 09:02:38 PM

I would agree if hiking is your thing and need this in your book. I’ve never done the complete hike (I’m not at all a hiker) but I did up until the first insane scenic point (maybe 1.5 mile IIRC) and was enough for me

Did you secure a parking pass too?

Yes, I have all the permits in place - overnight camping, park entry, and overnight vehicle parking, so none of that's an issue. I have also read many TR's, not just here but more recent ones on AllTrails and the Kalalau FB group.

I have a realistic sense of my abilities and also my limits. I'm not a hard-core hiker who goes out every Sunday, more of a bucket-list hiker that tries to make my time outdoors count. Two summers ago I did 20 miles/4200' elevation in an 11-hour day at Grand Teton NP, which definitely pushed my limits.

I probably could do 22 miles, but I've seen elevation estimates as high as 6000-7000' for the full Kalalau round-trip, and combined with the heat and humidity, plus Crawlers Ledge, feels like more than I'll want to do in a day, especially solo. I'll definitely give it my all and start early and travel light to make good time, but realistically I would likely turn back around mile 8-9.

My internal debate is whether it's worth giving up 1 of my 3 full days just to get those last few miles, which also means 1) having to hike with a much heavier pack (tent, sleeping gear, tefillin etc.), and 2) likely needing an extra suitcase for all the extra gear.

Ironic that @Dan is pushing me to do it, when he turned me down 2 years ago when I had a chance to get permits just as HI reopened post-Covid.

If I do it, I would aim for helicopter Sunday afternoon, M-T Kalalau, Wed a couple waterfalls en route to Waimea and Polihale, with Thursday morning for loose ends up north (I'm staying in Princeville), but it definitely means missing out on some highlights of the island - all for those last 2-3 miles.

And realistically, Hawaii is my 50th state, and I'm starting with Kauai, but when I come back with the family, it will be Maui and then the Big Island, so realistically I'm not getting another chance for a long time.

Also, my Rav - who worked with me to let me get to Antarctica with all the halachic issues involved - has been quite adamant that I not spend Friday or Shabbos in Hawaii, so the most I'll ever get there is the S-Th I'm doing now. Thoughts?

efflpetzel · « **Reply #3058 on:** July 23, 2023, 11:49:44 PM »

I did the whole hike, I wouldn't sacrifice my trip for that,
go to mile 2 enjoy the view & call it a day

Dan · « **Reply #3059 on:** July 24, 2023, 10:31:03 AM »

Quote from: efflpetzel on July 23, 2023, 11:49:44 PM

I did the whole hike, I wouldn't sacrifice my trip for that,
go to mile 2 enjoy the view & call it a day

TR?

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 836252 times)