Author Topic: Kauai, HI Master Thread (Read 936917 times)

Dan · « **Reply #100 on:** November 17, 2011, 10:48:07 AM »

When are you going?

businessmachine · « **Reply #101 on:** November 17, 2011, 11:26:57 AM »

Thanks for the trip report. I can't wait to go to Kauai!!! will be there late december/early january and will be staying at GH...north shore would be too wet during that time of year

Yellow · « **Reply #102 on:** November 17, 2011, 11:52:39 AM »

Quote from: Dan on November 17, 2011, 10:48:07 AM

When are you going?

Jan 15-19

Dan · « **Reply #103 on:** November 17, 2011, 11:57:16 AM »

Anyone going to be in Hawaii the first half of December?

Dan · « **Reply #104 on:** November 17, 2011, 12:00:01 PM »

Quote from: Yellow on November 17, 2011, 10:38:21 AM

Thanks for your input, its very comprehensive and sums up all my questions

Actually what we'll do it probably stay 2 nights on the north shore (still deciding btwn westin and SR) and 2 nights on the south shore (GH). its a hassle to move around i know, but i do want to get a taste of both the north and south during my trip

Personally I'd stick with just one place for a 1 day stay otherwise it won't be very relaxing.

And if you're not looking to be relaxed then maybe spend a day at each place, fly to Hilo and watch a volcano erupt and watch sunset on top of Mauna Kea and then a day on Maui and drive to road to Hana and watch sunrise on top of Haleakala.

You just can't do it all on 1 short trip. (Unless you do what I did for my honeymoon and spend a month there!)

kivabb · « **Reply #105 on:** November 25, 2011, 12:09:00 PM »

Anyone go to Kee beach winter time and watch sunset over Na Pali on North side. Anyone do first 2 miles of Kalalau trail right there? Revealed book makes big deal of the views but having hard time searching what I'm in for as far as danger of hike in Winter. Thanks.

Yellow · « **Reply #106 on:** November 30, 2011, 05:15:19 PM »

Two questions:
First of all i am booking a helicopter tour, and according to Kauai revealed Blue Hawaiian is the most recomended company but I just heard that on the 10th there was a major crash and everyone was killed. Now i'm sort of freaked out to go! What would you do?

Second of all, in terms of snorkeling, where is the best/safest place for beginners?

tia

Dan · « **Reply #107 on:** November 30, 2011, 07:08:38 PM »

Blue Hawaiian carries about a million tourists a year on the tours in Hawaii. It's been 11 years since their last crash.
I wouldn't hesitate to go.

Poipu Beach (about a mile from GHK) has excellent snorkeling. I've seen great fish, turtles, monk seals, etc, there.

Yellow · « **Reply #108 on:** November 30, 2011, 08:27:12 PM »

Quote from: Dan on November 30, 2011, 07:08:38 PM

Blue Hawaiian carries about a million tourists a year on the tours in Hawaii. It's been 11 years since their last crash.
I wouldn't hesitate to go.

Poipu Beach (about a mile from GHK) has excellent snorkeling. I've seen great fish, turtles, monk seals, etc, there.

Thanks for your input! Really appreciate it

Did you rent your snorkeling gear? or did you buy it?
Also for a beginner, snorkeling in poipu beach is safe? I only ask because in the revealed book they reccomend tunnel beach for beginners. But it sounds like poipu is the place to go. as a novice who's never snorkled i'm just worried about currents and stuff

Dan · « **Reply #109 on:** November 30, 2011, 08:47:43 PM »

Poipu is fine for beginners.
I bought from Walmart.

YankyDoodle · « **Reply #110 on:** December 01, 2011, 12:01:54 AM »

Quote from: Yellow on November 30, 2011, 08:27:12 PM

Thanks for your input! Really appreciate it

Did you rent your snorkeling gear? or did you buy it?
Also for a beginner, snorkeling in poipu beach is safe? I only ask because in the revealed book they reccomend tunnel beach for beginners. But it sounds like poipu is the place to go. as a novice who's never snorkled i'm just worried about currents and stuff

In the winter time north shore beaches have much much stronger (and deceptive) currents. Stick to Poipu for any water activities if your a real novice!

westman812 · « **Reply #111 on:** December 01, 2011, 12:03:36 PM »

Quote from: Dan on November 30, 2011, 08:47:43 PM

Poipu is fine for beginners.
I bought from Walmart.

Wonder if that means he's takin the little guy snorkeling?

And I guess this time the trip report will focus on activities with a child

Dan doesn't seem to like hiking even without a child, so I gotta imagine it's not in the itinerary

Either way can't wait for the report, and maybe this one will include the maui report from last time lol

auntiemus · « **Reply #112 on:** December 01, 2011, 08:02:36 PM »

I am thinking of going again in January. Am I crazy to go to Kauai then because of the rain?

Dan · « **Reply #113 on:** December 02, 2011, 12:04:27 AM »

Quote from: westman812 on December 01, 2011, 12:03:36 PM

Wonder if that means he's takin the little guy snorkeling?

And I guess this time the trip report will focus on activities with a child

Dan doesn't seem to like hiking even without a child, so I gotta imagine it's not in the itinerary

Either way can't wait for the report, and maybe this one will include the maui report from last time lol

Take a baby snorkeling?
I didn't like hiking without a baby?

Not sure where you come up with this stuff.

lechaim2life · « **Reply #114 on:** December 27, 2011, 09:33:04 AM »

Quote from: Dan on June 29, 2010, 08:23:33 PM

I would rather have a convertible.
There are some a couple places high up in Waimea Canyon where a 4WD would come in handy, but overall I don't think it's worth it.

I know this was discussed before but any changes in opinion? Also, if I go with a convertible, what's the best way to see Waimea Canyon without doing the long hike you talked about in your Trip Notes?
And lastly, any reccomendations on snorkeling/whale watching tours?

Thanks again for the super-informative Trip Notes!

lechaim2life · « **Reply #115 on:** December 28, 2011, 09:47:53 AM »

@Dan and whoever else got a second fridge at GHK--

What type of refridgerator did the hotel give you? Is there enough room to put in a weeks worth of refriderated goods (steaks, chicken, deli roll, etc.)?

westman812 · « **Reply #116 on:** December 28, 2011, 10:38:33 AM »

Quote from: lechaim2life on December 28, 2011, 09:47:53 AM

@Dan and whoever else got a second fridge at GHK--

What type of refridgerator did the hotel give you? Is there enough room to put in a weeks worth of refriderated goods (steaks, chicken, deli roll, etc.)?

Typical mini fridge..between the 2 fridges you should be able to keep a weeks worth easily...

Dan · « **Reply #117 on:** December 28, 2011, 11:12:36 AM »

Quote from: westman812 on December 28, 2011, 10:38:33 AM

Typical mini fridge..between the 2 fridges you should be able to keep a weeks worth easily...

+1

Dan · « **Reply #118 on:** December 28, 2011, 11:16:00 AM »

Quote from: lechaim2life on December 27, 2011, 09:33:04 AM

I know this was discussed before but any changes in opinion? Also, if I go with a convertible, what's the best way to see Waimea Canyon without doing the long hike you talked about in your Trip Notes?
And lastly, any reccomendations on snorkeling/whale watching tours?

Thanks again for the super-informative Trip Notes!

If you have a 4WD (2 and 4 door Wranglers on common at the rental agencies) there are a couple different drives you can do such as Milolii ridge road that I wrote about in my trip notes. But you may not want to do it with a baby and it's not for novice drivers.
A 4WD vehicle also gives you better access to parts of Polihale and maybe a spot or 2 up north.

If you're not planning on doing any of that stuff then stick with a convertible for sure.

lechaim2life · « **Reply #119 on:** December 28, 2011, 11:24:43 AM »

Quote from: Dan on December 28, 2011, 11:16:00 AM

If you have a 4WD (2 and 4 door Wranglers on common at the rental agencies) there are a couple different drives you can do such as Milolii ridge road that I wrote about in my trip notes. But you may not want to do it with a baby and it's not for novice drivers.
A 4WD vehicle also gives you better access to parts of Polihale and maybe a spot or 2 up north.

If you're not planning on doing any of that stuff then stick with a convertible for sure.

I was strongly considering doing Milolii ridge road but I also really wanted the convertible. Is that trail so good that I should splurge on taking a 4WD for a day from the Avis at the hotel?

Also, which snorkeling company did you use (if any)? The guidebook seems to reccomend a few and I was hopeing for some first-hand guidance. And if you have any info about whale watching to share that would be great. Again, only a short excerpt in the guide.

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

Topic Wiki

Author Topic: Kauai, HI Master Thread (Read 936917 times)