Topic Wiki

Kauai Overview/DansMeals:
http://www.dansdeals.com/archives/39185

Trip Reports:
Dan 2014
Dan 2009, Auntiemus, Benarroc, Westman812, Hudi, Yellow, Lechaim2life, DanFan2010, Jmansour, Something Fishy, Rivky, chuchem, dealvr, Amusch,
Tzadik Nistar, an613, @Yehuda, @Ygygold, Wizmanison 2017, CGR

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 958762 times)

Offline efflpetzel

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Aug 2012
  • Posts: 2965
  • Total likes: 169
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #2480 on: February 08, 2017, 02:02:41 AM »
I think it's time the GHK open up a kosher kitchen & shul, it's only fair

Offline mgoldhammer18

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jan 2016
  • Posts: 738
  • Total likes: 16
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
    • View Profile
  • Location: West Hempstead, NY
  • Programs: American Airlines, Citi thank you, British Avios, Hilton, SPG, AMEX Platinum, Jetblue
Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #2481 on: February 08, 2017, 08:22:33 AM »
Heading to GHK next week - any hidden toasters or burners left over from yeshiva week?

I think chulent613 collected a bunch of toasters for future travelers

Offline ejb123

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite
  • ****
  • Join Date: Nov 2014
  • Posts: 375
  • Total likes: 38
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: United States
Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #2482 on: February 10, 2017, 12:24:01 AM »
Anyone have any experience at any of the luaus on Kauai? Seems like most include food. Anyone find one that just has the show or that you can bring your own kosher food?

Offline sedge

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Aug 2015
  • Posts: 547
  • Total likes: 6
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: Palm Springs, CA
Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #2483 on: February 10, 2017, 12:49:45 PM »
Anyone have any experience at any of the luaus on Kauai? Seems like most include food. Anyone find one that just has the show or that you can bring your own kosher food?
You can often get show-only tickets but the preferred seating usually includes food.

Offline ejb123

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite
  • ****
  • Join Date: Nov 2014
  • Posts: 375
  • Total likes: 38
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: United States
Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #2484 on: February 10, 2017, 01:59:50 PM »
Is there one that you suggest?

Offline ushdadude

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Apr 2013
  • Posts: 6636
  • Total likes: 1226
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 5
    • View Profile
  • Location: NY
Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #2485 on: February 10, 2017, 04:43:37 PM »
I was able to see the one at ghk from one of the elevated grassy areas. Obviously not as good of a view.

Offline ejb123

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite
  • ****
  • Join Date: Nov 2014
  • Posts: 375
  • Total likes: 38
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: United States
Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #2486 on: February 19, 2017, 02:12:56 AM »
Checking out tomorrow of GHK - have toaster (meat), grill and small burned. Let me know if you want it

Offline samtheman

  • DansDeals Copper Elite
  • *
  • Join Date: Jun 2013
  • Posts: 19
  • Total likes: 1
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: chicago, il
Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #2487 on: February 19, 2017, 07:14:42 PM »
Im going to the GHK on April 2-6. You think they'll keep it for me at the front desk?

Offline shmebeble

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Apr 2013
  • Posts: 1672
  • Total likes: 88
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 2
    • View Profile
  • Location: NYC
Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #2488 on: February 19, 2017, 07:26:49 PM »
Im going to the GHK on April 2-6. You think they'll keep it for me at the front desk?
Ill be there March 21-26 Ill put my stuff away for you.

Offline samtheman

  • DansDeals Copper Elite
  • *
  • Join Date: Jun 2013
  • Posts: 19
  • Total likes: 1
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: chicago, il
Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #2489 on: February 19, 2017, 07:33:01 PM »
Awesome! Thanks!
What do you have?
Im headed to Kauai from April 2-6 for my honeymoon. Booked GHK on award, though unfortunately NOT using a diamon account. Can I still switch it to Diamond? And will I be charged a resort fee? Im really confused about previous posts- if they heat up my double wrapped meals, they will charge me? Also in general whats the kosher matzav at GHK- is there a lot of fresh fruit etc available? And is breakfast possible for the kosher traveler at GHK? Additionally if anyone has updated ideas please let me know! I have the Ultimate Kauai guide, and am reading up! One Q- is BLue Hawaiin better or having an open door ride?

Thanks for all the posts guys, you're really teaching me a lot!!

Offline stever

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite
  • ****
  • Join Date: Oct 2011
  • Posts: 481
  • Total likes: 2
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: Los Angeles
Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #2490 on: February 19, 2017, 08:30:35 PM »
Awesome! Thanks!
What do you have?
Im headed to Kauai from April 2-6 for my honeymoon. Booked GHK on award, though unfortunately NOT using a diamon account. Can I still switch it to Diamond? And will I be charged a resort fee? Im really confused about previous posts- if they heat up my double wrapped meals, they will charge me? Also in general whats the kosher matzav at GHK- is there a lot of fresh fruit etc available? And is breakfast possible for the kosher traveler at GHK? Additionally if anyone has updated ideas please let me know! I have the Ultimate Kauai guide, and am reading up! One Q- is BLue Hawaiin better or having an open door ride?

Thanks for all the posts guys, you're really teaching me a lot!!

yes they will charge $10 per heated up item

plenty of fresh fruit/ yes they should have a kosher menu for breakfast room service and some items avail from cafe

depends on your thrill, BH is the most popular, open door is more for thrill seeker. i was thrilled with BH


Offline shmebeble

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Apr 2013
  • Posts: 1672
  • Total likes: 88
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 2
    • View Profile
  • Location: NYC
Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #2491 on: February 19, 2017, 08:40:41 PM »
Awesome! Thanks!
What do you have?
Im headed to Kauai from April 2-6 for my honeymoon. Booked GHK on award, though unfortunately NOT using a diamon account. Can I still switch it to Diamond? And will I be charged a resort fee? Im really confused about previous posts- if they heat up my double wrapped meals, they will charge me? Also in general whats the kosher matzav at GHK- is there a lot of fresh fruit etc available? And is breakfast possible for the kosher traveler at GHK? Additionally if anyone has updated ideas please let me know! I have the Ultimate Kauai guide, and am reading up! One Q- is BLue Hawaiin better or having an open door ride?

Thanks for all the posts guys, you're really teaching me a lot!!

1-no resort fee if fully with points
2. breakfast is definitely possible for kosher traveller if you have access to the club room, I wont either, so stopping at Walmart to get what I need for breakfast.
3- they store the meals for free, and that is why people have the toasters and other cooking devices to heat and cook food
4- we are taking the open door- because something we wouldnt do anywhere else and guaranteed to have  a "good seat" and not be stuck in the middle back of the heli.

Offline PBaruch

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: May 2013
  • Posts: 2296
  • Total likes: 380
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
    • View Profile
  • Location: HutzNPlutz
Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #2492 on: February 19, 2017, 08:48:01 PM »
The club room has kosher lox - just ask to take it out from the packaging yourself.  They will also get you kosher bagels from Oahu Kosher (you may need to ask 24 hours in advance) but the bagels are frozen.  There is plenty of fruit throughout the day - not just for breakfast.  They also have a variety of kosher cereal (individual boxes) and coffee.  Finally, there is butter, cream cheese (individual sealed packages) and kosher jam (individual small glass jar).  We all enjoyed the club room so if you can book through a Diamond Account I'd highly recommend that.
What do you do after your dreams come true?

Offline samtheman

  • DansDeals Copper Elite
  • *
  • Join Date: Jun 2013
  • Posts: 19
  • Total likes: 1
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: chicago, il
Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #2493 on: February 19, 2017, 09:24:26 PM »
Once my reservation is booked, is it possible to cancel it and rebook it by transfering my Hyatt points to someone elses Diamond account?

Offline shmebeble

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Apr 2013
  • Posts: 1672
  • Total likes: 88
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 2
    • View Profile
  • Location: NYC
Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #2494 on: February 19, 2017, 09:48:56 PM »
Once my reservation is booked, is it possible to cancel it and rebook it by transfering my Hyatt points to someone elses Diamond account?
CMIIW (correct me if I am wrong) but it will be hard to transfer the resy if there is no longer availability at the hotel.

Offline samtheman

  • DansDeals Copper Elite
  • *
  • Join Date: Jun 2013
  • Posts: 19
  • Total likes: 1
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: chicago, il
Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #2495 on: February 19, 2017, 09:50:56 PM »
CMIIW but it will be hard to transfer the resy if there is no longer availability at the hotel.
what does CMIIW mean?

Offline yoohoo

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Feb 2015
  • Posts: 1403
  • Total likes: 192
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
    • View Profile
  • Location: United States
Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #2496 on: February 19, 2017, 10:53:57 PM »

Offline samtheman

  • DansDeals Copper Elite
  • *
  • Join Date: Jun 2013
  • Posts: 19
  • Total likes: 1
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: chicago, il
Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #2497 on: February 20, 2017, 10:29:17 PM »
Does anyone have any good photographer within a decent price range?

Offline efflpetzel

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Aug 2012
  • Posts: 2965
  • Total likes: 169
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #2498 on: February 21, 2017, 01:46:58 AM »
Once my reservation is booked, is it possible to cancel it and rebook it by transfering my Hyatt points to someone elses Diamond account?
The GHK is still available on points for your dates so I'd definitely cancel, transfer & do a guest of honor booking as the club room access at the GHK is a huge benefit

Offline mochjas

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Oct 2015
  • Posts: 9859
  • Total likes: 1115
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 125
    • View Profile
  • Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium Elite, AA EX PLAT, Jetblue Mosaic, Qatar Gold, United Silver
Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #2499 on: February 21, 2017, 03:29:11 AM »
Does anyone have any good photographer within a decent price range?
see Benjies TR