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Kauai Overview/DansMeals:
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Dan 2014
Dan 2009, Auntiemus, Benarroc, Westman812, Hudi, Yellow, Lechaim2life, DanFan2010, Jmansour, Something Fishy, Rivky, chuchem, dealvr, Amusch,
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Dan's concierge packet.


Related DDF Threads:
-Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
-Kauai Master Thread
-Maui Master Thread
-Oahu Master Thread


Before you go:

How long should I go for?
You could spend 10 years on Kauai and not get your fill. That being said, the bare minimum to enjoy your stay is 4 days on the ground. A week is ideal.

It's possible to do a short trip by leaving early Sunday morning, getting there in the afternoon, and then leaving Thursday night and being back home for shabbos.

Do I need a guide book?
Very definitely. Sure you could find most info online, but nothing compares to a good, written-by-a-local, guide book. Kauai Revealed is by far the best option, and will possibly be the best $16 you spent on your trip.

What about Shabbos?
Some authorities hold that there's a dateline issue with Shabbos.
The local communities keep shabbos on Saturday.
Definitely ask your LOR before you go - some hold simply that Shabbos is on Saturday, some hold that you have to keep Shabbos on both Friday and Saturday, and some hold that you have to keep D'oreisas on Friday and full Shabbos on Saturday.

If you must keep 2 days, remember that there are many questions that could come up (such as when to light Shabbos candles, how to warm up food, etc.), so make sure to discuss it all with your LOR.

There have been books written about the Chabad opinion of keeping shabbos only on Saturday. Rabbi Aharon Dovid Gancz gives an absolutely fascinating pilpul on the topic, if you get a chance to attend one please record it (with permission) and upload the video online.


Getting there and getting around:

Air:
The main airport is in Lihue, and is designated LIH.
You could fly directly from the mainland to LIH from
DEN (UA)
LAX (AA, DL, HA, UA)
OAK (AS, HA)
SAN (AS)
SEA (AS)
SFO (UA)
SJC (AS)
PDX (AS)
PHX (US)
YVR (WestJet)

There are no direct flights from the East coast, so you will stop in one of these cities.
Alternately, you could fly directly to Honolulu (HNL) and continue to LIH from there.

Hawaiian, Go, and Island Air fly interisland to LIH from HNL and OGG. There are no direct flights between LIH and the Big Island (ITO/KOA).

You can also use 5K AA or, 6k UA, or 7.5k HA miles each way to fly interisland. United allows a free stopover on a round-trip, so for instance you can fly HNL-LIH-OGG-HNL for just 12K miles.

Car:
A car is necessary on Kauai. All major companies have branches, mostly at the airport. There are also some local companies.

National has Executive Aisle/Selection at the airport, but Hertz doesn't have Gold Choice. Avis also has a desk at the Grand Hyatt Kauai. Check out www.discounthawaiicarrental.com - they book from the major brands, and are worth a try.

There's nothing like a convertible on Kauai, but a 4WD is better (sometimes even necessary) for certain places such as Polihale Beach or Milolii Ridge Road. Taking a convertible for most of your stay and a 4WD for a day or two is a good idea.


Where to stay:

There are 3 major areas where to stay. The South side is drier so good weather is more or less guaranteed. The North side is far prettier, with sheer cliffs and a backdrop of lovely green mountains. However, the weather in winter could be rainy and it can be buggy as well.
The rain typically doesn't last long, and is usually accompanied by numerous rainbows, so it's usually not too bad. However, it's something you should take into account. The East side has the cities of Lihue and Kapa'a, alone with countless hotels and resorts. This area isn't as beautiful and the North or South side.

When choosing an area also consider how far it is to your chosen activities, not just the weather, For example, it takes about an hour from the Grand Hyatt to Waimea Canyon, but over two hours from the St. Regis.  On the other hand the St. Regis is much closer to north shore activities.

Here are some places that are discussed in this thread:

NameAreaMore InfoComments
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Grand Hyatt KauaiSouth sideWebsiteGenerally 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 PrincevilleNorth sideWebsiteAnother 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 sideWebsiteSPG category 6.
Sheraton Kauai Resort South sideWebsiteSPG category 5.
"Get your own place"AnywhereWebsiteThere 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.


What to do:

Beaches:
There are countless beaches on Kauai, and all are public. Most offer amazing snorkeling. The East and South side beaches are safe for swimming / snorkeling year round, while some North and West beaches could be deadly in winter. Here are some popular ones, in no particular order:

NameAreaComments
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PoipuSouth sideThis 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'eNorth sideThis 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
TunnelsNorth sideBeautiful crescent beach, with a lovely view of "Puff the Magic Dragon" mountain. Great snorkeling, and beautiful sunrises. May be dangerous in winter.
LumahaiNorth sideVery pretty beach, where they filmed South Pacific. Extremely dangerous winter.
PolihaleWest side17 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 BathNorth sideThis 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).
KalalauNorth sideOne 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.
HonopūNorth sideAnother one of the top ten beaches in the world. The only way to get there is by swimming - from Kalalau beach :o!
Hanalei BayNorth sideA 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.
SecretNorth sideRelatively secluded beach, and needs a bit of a hike to get there.
LydgateEast sideA fully protected beach, with pretty good snorkeling. Great for little kids, but is usually very busy.
NawiliwiliEast sideBoring beach, but the park of the the side is a nice place to stop for lunch and watch the kitesurfers.
Kapa'aEast sideAnother relatively boring beach, but a nice place to have lunch if you're in Kapa'a.


Hiking:
There are a tremendous amount of great hikes on Kauai. Check the Kauai Revealed book for detailed info on all of them, with maps, difficulty ratings, etc. These are just a few which are discussed in this thread:

NameAreaComments
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hike 1Area 1Lorem 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 2Area 2Lorem 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.


Other activities:

ActivityComments
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Helicopter toursEasily 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 :D.
Powered hang glidingThis 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 CanyonLorem 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 overlookLorem 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


Shopping:
  • Costco in Lihue has some kosher food, as well as the cheapest gas on the island
  • Wal-Mart, also in Lihue, also has some kosher food

« Last edited by cgr on February 24, 2022, 09:16:59 PM »

Author Topic: Kauai, HI Master Thread  (Read 824005 times)

Offline efflpetzel

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Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #1220 on: December 25, 2014, 02:30:23 AM »
I'm curious to hear from people that have done Shabbos at the GHK.
besides for the sensor issues that Dan has already covered,

I'm assuming keeping the food warm with a hotplate & using tea light for shabbos candles,
Anything else I've missed?

Offline Joe4007

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Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #1221 on: December 28, 2014, 08:13:01 AM »
FTR, scuba lessons at the GHK are now $29.

Offline yos9694

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Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #1222 on: December 28, 2014, 10:25:10 AM »
Looking for some help getting the best price/value on Blue Hawaiian heli tour-

1) How far in advance should I book? (I'm going in a week)
2) What's the best payment method? I have amex offers for Hyatt Place - $50 off 150 on multiple cards - and I could get gift cards as Dan suggested on DDMS but I'm not staying at GHK so is that idea any use to me for this? If not, is Costco my best bet?
3) Any advice on going at the beginning of my trip vs. end? I was thinking at the beginning but would appreciate others' opinions

TIA

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Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #1223 on: December 28, 2014, 10:40:16 AM »
Looking for some help getting the best price/value on Blue Hawaiian heli tour-

1) How far in advance should I book? (I'm going in a week)
2) What's the best payment method? I have amex offers for Hyatt Place - $50 off 150 on multiple cards - and I could get gift cards as Dan suggested on DDMS but I'm not staying at GHK so is that idea any use to me for this? If not, is Costco my best bet?
3) Any advice on going at the beginning of my trip vs. end? I was thinking at the beginning but would appreciate others' opinions

TIA

1) Shoulda booked long ago. Do it ASAP.
2) I believe this is long dead. Book on their site for the best price, and pay with a CSP for 2x on travel (not sure if the PRG gives 3x for this).
3) Absolutely the beginning. Day 2 or 3 is probably best.
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Offline yos9694

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Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #1224 on: December 28, 2014, 11:09:12 AM »
1) Shoulda booked long ago. Do it ASAP.
2) I believe this is long dead. Book on their site for the best price, and pay with a CSP for 2x on travel (not sure if the PRG gives 3x for this).
3) Absolutely the beginning. Day 2 or 3 is probably best.

OK thanks, booking now. But it seems like I have to pay now too, when it seems like most people in this thread paid when they got there. Is that right?

Also, anything on using Hyatt GC to pay?

Offline Joe4007

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Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #1225 on: December 28, 2014, 06:53:33 PM »
2) I believe this is long dead. Book on their site for the best price, and pay with a CSP for 2x on travel (not sure if the PRG gives 3x for this).
Jack Harter didn't post as an eligible travel transaction on the Arrival, are you sure Blue Hawaiian gets you 2X on the CSP?
OK thanks, booking now. But it seems like I have to pay now too, when it seems like most people in this thread paid when they got there. Is that right?
Most of these places just need your CC in case you don't show up without canceling your reservation, but you actually pay when taking the tour.

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Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #1226 on: December 28, 2014, 07:42:23 PM »
Jack Harter didn't post as an eligible travel transaction on the Arrival, are you sure Blue Hawaiian gets you 2X on the CSP?Most of these places just need your CC in case you don't show up without canceling your reservation, but you actually pay when taking the tour.

Just checked my CC statement:

- Blue Hawaiian charge was posted the day of, not during reservation.
- I did get 2x for travel.
« Last Edit: December 28, 2014, 08:27:19 PM by Something Fishy »
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Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #1227 on: December 28, 2014, 08:22:06 PM »
Thank you SF and Joe

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Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #1228 on: December 29, 2014, 10:40:44 PM »
What's the difference between these rooms?

Offline Ergel

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Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #1229 on: December 29, 2014, 10:47:49 PM »
Club access
Life isn't about checking the boxes. Nobody cares.

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Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #1230 on: December 29, 2014, 10:50:07 PM »
Club access
Thanks, just making sure it isn't like an upgraded room.

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Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #1231 on: December 30, 2014, 08:12:15 AM »
I think someone should add to the wiki that the book "Kauai Revealed",is now available on the app store for just $7.99 (it takes up a lot of memory).

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Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #1232 on: December 30, 2014, 09:52:48 AM »
What's the difference between these rooms?

The Clubroom also has Ocean view. Also was larger room then garden view when I stayed there 2 years ago.

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Re: AJK's Trip/Route Planning Thread
« Reply #1233 on: January 05, 2015, 12:17:30 AM »
Feb, IYH.

That's quite close. Any plans re. lodging/activities yet?
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Re: Re: AJK's Trip/Route Planning Thread
« Reply #1234 on: January 05, 2015, 12:23:11 AM »
That's quite close. Any plans re. lodging/activities yet?

Nope, not yet! I have about 18 hours to get that sorted :)
2015: 116K bkd | 1.6M brnd | F: OZ,NH,AA,EK | J: UA,CA,TK,DL,TN,AF,VA | LIH,NRT,ROR,PEK,CNS,BOB,MEL,TLV & Pacific Hopper

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Re: Re: AJK's Trip/Route Planning Thread
« Reply #1235 on: January 05, 2015, 12:23:57 AM »
Nope, not yet! I have about 18 hours to get that sorted :)
How many days in HI?
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Re: Re: AJK's Trip/Route Planning Thread
« Reply #1236 on: January 05, 2015, 12:24:25 AM »
6, IYH.
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Re: Re: AJK's Trip/Route Planning Thread
« Reply #1237 on: January 05, 2015, 12:25:34 AM »
My shabbos afternoon thing to do lately is to review again & again the Kauai ultimate guide book.. If u can splurge on some SPG points & stay at the St Regis He says its amazing... Great location.. Was never there but can only tell you what he says in the book. A must read.. Got it when amazon had 25% off any book a few weeks ago. Good choice :)

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Re: Re: AJK's Trip/Route Planning Thread
« Reply #1238 on: January 05, 2015, 12:27:08 AM »
My shabbos afternoon thing to do lately is to review again & again the Kauai ultimate guide book.. If u can splurge on some SPG points & stay at the St Regis He says its amazing... Great location.. Was never there but can only tell you what he says in the book. A must read.. Got it when amazon had 25% off any book a few weeks ago. Good choice :)
This is AJK. I'm sure he can swing the St. Regis if he pleases.
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Re: Re: AJK's Trip/Route Planning Thread
« Reply #1239 on: January 05, 2015, 12:28:17 AM »
Also he'll get the 5th night free hes staying long enough