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 824369 times)

Offline Mh1

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Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #2960 on: July 11, 2019, 10:11:53 PM »
So I`m heading to hawaii for my first mostly points paid trip!

I have 13 days and flying into LIH, planing on staying there at least a week

question is what to do for the last five days, is it worth to do another island or stick to kauai and switch it up like maybe a different side of the island?

will be traveling with a baby.

would appeciate any and all opinions!

Offline Dan

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Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #2961 on: July 11, 2019, 10:13:40 PM »
So I`m heading to hawaii for my first mostly points paid trip!

I have 13 days and flying into LIH, planing on staying there at least a week

question is what to do for the last five days, is it worth to do another island or stick to kauai and switch it up like maybe a different side of the island?

will be traveling with a baby.

would appeciate any and all opinions!
I'd do 2 islands.
Save your time, I don't answer PM. Post it in the forum and a dedicated DDF'er will get back to you as soon as possible.

Offline Mh1

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Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #2962 on: July 12, 2019, 12:50:29 PM »
Thanks Dan!

And really cannot thank you enough for all the knowledge gained from DD and DDF, makes dreams come true!!

Offline yitzw

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Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #2963 on: July 28, 2019, 06:18:59 AM »
I'll echo that sentiment! We're on our first trip to Hawaii mostly through points thanks to Dan!

We're on Kauai, scheduled to do a doors-off heli tour tomorrow. Any recommendations for what my wife can wear as a head covering? The instructions they emailed us said no hats! Wondering if a sheitel is a good option. Anyone have experience/thoughts they can share?

Offline Joe4007

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Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #2964 on: July 28, 2019, 09:59:04 AM »


I'll echo that sentiment! We're on our first trip to Hawaii mostly through points thanks to Dan!

We're on Kauai, scheduled to do a doors-off heli tour tomorrow. Any recommendations for what my wife can wear as a head covering? The instructions they emailed us said no hats! Wondering if a sheitel is a good option. Anyone have experience/thoughts they can share?
IIRC, DW wore a bandana. You'll get some protection from the wind from the heli headphones that go above any head covering.

Offline yoohoo

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Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #2965 on: July 28, 2019, 12:27:57 PM »
I'll echo that sentiment! We're on our first trip to Hawaii mostly through points thanks to Dan!

We're on Kauai, scheduled to do a doors-off heli tour tomorrow. Any recommendations for what my wife can wear as a head covering? The instructions they emailed us said no hats! Wondering if a sheitel is a good option. Anyone have experience/thoughts they can share?
or a wig with a headband

Offline E R K

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Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #2966 on: July 28, 2019, 12:31:10 PM »
or a wig with a headband

Wig will get very windblown and knotty. Spoken from experience.

Offline yitzw

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Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #2967 on: July 29, 2019, 06:52:08 PM »
Bandana worked out great, thanks for the suggestion! And the doors-off heli tour was AMAZING

Offline mgoldhammer18

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Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #2968 on: August 01, 2019, 10:53:12 AM »
Bandana worked out great, thanks for the suggestion! And the doors-off heli tour was AMAZING

I know this is too late, but DW wore a fall and it worked out fine

Offline Mh1

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Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #2969 on: August 04, 2019, 04:28:17 PM »
anyone know how big the in room fridge is at the sheraton?
or if they will freeze food for me?

Offline JMS

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Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #2970 on: August 19, 2019, 01:47:31 AM »
Looking to stay 4 nights at the GHK. If I book the first night through Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts, and then the next three nights at 25,000 Hyatt points/night, would they allow me to combine the reservations and be in an upgraded room for the entire stay? And if so, would the free breakfast from FHR only apply to the first day? (I only have Discoverist status)
Anyone have experience doing something like this?

Offline ruru1000

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Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #2971 on: August 19, 2019, 12:29:22 PM »
Looking to stay 4 nights at the GHK. If I book the first night through Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts, and then the next three nights at 25,000 Hyatt points/night, would they allow me to combine the reservations and be in an upgraded room for the entire stay? And if so, would the free breakfast from FHR only apply to the first day? (I only have Discoverist status)
Anyone have experience doing something like this?
No experience with this at this property, but my guess is they would not make you checkout and check back in (assuming they give you a nicer room because of FHR, however, breakfast would be just for the day booked with FHR. Couldn't hurt to ask though.

Offline Cat18

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Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #2972 on: September 12, 2019, 12:59:27 PM »
any suggestions where a family of 6 can stay (besides $200+/night Airbnb)? have UR & marriot points, but can apply for wyndham, IHG, Hyatt, Hilton cards if necessary. Not need fancy place.

Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas = max occupancy 5

Offline Mh1

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Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #2973 on: September 13, 2019, 11:10:05 AM »
any suggestions where a family of 6 can stay (besides $200+/night Airbnb)? have UR & marriot points, but can apply for wyndham, IHG, Hyatt, Hilton cards if necessary. Not need fancy place.

Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas = max occupancy 5

Maybe look into the Marriott beach club, some nice rooms there or koloa landing resort

Offline nirc

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Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #2974 on: October 03, 2019, 12:20:34 PM »
As of 10/9/19, Kauai will no longer have a Marriot category 4 as the Courtyard is undergoing a name change to Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort (cat 5).

Offline mochjas

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Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #2975 on: October 03, 2019, 01:13:41 PM »
Any thoughts on the Courtyard Kaua'i at Coconut Beach? Has seemingly good central location, is cheapest and walking distance to Chabad.

What are thoughts on buying a 7 day cat 4 cert for $500 cash or using my 165k Bonvoy points for 7 nights? Don't have a much opportunity to use Marriot points, but is seems a waste to spend 25k/night when could pay a mere $70 for cert.
I would pay the $500 if you dont care to not be the primary

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Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #2976 on: October 03, 2019, 10:47:07 PM »
Any thoughts on staying for 7 days @ the Courtyard Kaua'i at Coconut Beach?

Has seemingly good central location and is the cheapest Marriot on the Island.

Since we're keeping 2 days Shabbos, it's also within walking distance (40min) of Lydgate State Park, Smith Family Garden, Sleeping Giant Trail Head and other locations (including Chabad).

« Last Edit: October 03, 2019, 11:11:30 PM by nirc »

Offline shaulyaakov

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Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #2977 on: October 04, 2019, 02:53:56 PM »
Any thoughts on staying for 7 days @ the Courtyard Kaua'i at Coconut Beach?

Has seemingly good central location and is the cheapest Marriot on the Island.

Since we're keeping 2 days Shabbos, it's also within walking distance (40min) of Lydgate State Park, Smith Family Garden, Sleeping Giant Trail Head and other locations (including Chabad).

Depends if they are done with the renovations yet.

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Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #2978 on: October 04, 2019, 03:20:52 PM »
Depends if they are done with the renovations yet.

By Jan 2020 when we're going, everything is supposed to be.


Offline shaulyaakov

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Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #2979 on: October 04, 2019, 03:24:04 PM »
By Jan 2020 when we're going, everything is supposed to be.
Per your post above, won't it be rebranded by then? So past reviews won't necessarily help.