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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 824085 times)

Offline Dan

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Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #240 on: April 01, 2012, 09:37:09 PM »
i had a great experience there in the summer. it also depends if you start from the north shore or not
Absolutely.  I've never been to Hawaii in the summer, and in the winter they only offer it from the south shore and it was just miserable.
By all means, please post about your experience.
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.

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Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #241 on: April 15, 2012, 07:06:51 PM »
According to the Chabad website, there about 1,000 Jews living in Kauai.
Pretty cool, no?
Such a tiny island in the most western part of the world...

Offline Dan

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Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #242 on: April 15, 2012, 07:11:41 PM »
The only question is why only 1000.
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.

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Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #243 on: April 16, 2012, 03:57:49 PM »
For HNL-EWR would I be better off booking BF/displaced and being seated in economy or a confirmed BF from HNL-IAH-EWR confirmed but IAH-EWR is 738?

Offline Dan

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Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #244 on: April 16, 2012, 05:37:38 PM »
Good question :D

When are you going and what are the plane types?
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.

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Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #245 on: April 16, 2012, 10:31:37 PM »
Good question :D

When are you going and what are the plane types?
Jan 2013. HNL to IAH is on a 767

Offline Mocha

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Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #246 on: April 17, 2012, 02:12:06 PM »
Ok need advice. Shabbos is 4:46pm on Jan 25 2013, is leaving LIH at 9:55pm and arriving into JFK at 2:28 p.m. pushing it too close? That would be just 20k/40k miles depending on Coach/BF

Or should I just take a direct HNL-EWR (arrive 10am) despite the nuisance of no interlining bags? But then I also have to pay for the inter-island flight which would be at least another $180 so 20/40 + 180

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Re: Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #247 on: April 17, 2012, 02:38:26 PM »
Ok need advice. Shabbos is 4:46pm on Jan 25 2013, is leaving LIH at 9:55pm and arriving into JFK at 2:28 p.m. pushing it too close? That would be just 20k/40k miles depending on Coach/BF

Or should I just take a direct HNL-EWR (arrive 10am) despite the nuisance of no interlining bags? But then I also have to pay for the inter-island flight which would be at least another $180 so 20/40 + 180

I wouldn't take the risk. It's not worth it when it comes to Shabbos.
"Not all who wander are lost"

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Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #248 on: April 17, 2012, 02:45:57 PM »
+1
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Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #249 on: April 17, 2012, 03:02:36 PM »
Ok need advice. Shabbos is 4:46pm on Jan 25 2013, is leaving LIH at 9:55pm and arriving into JFK at 2:28 p.m. pushing it too close? That would be just 20k/40k miles depending on Coach/BF

Or should I just take a direct HNL-EWR (arrive 10am) despite the nuisance of no interlining bags? But then I also have to pay for the inter-island flight which would be at least another $180 so 20/40 + 180

Recently took that exact flight but shabbos was 530 landed at 2 and had no problems, That being said it was a bit nerve racking . Also live less then 15 minutes from airport.

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Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #250 on: April 17, 2012, 03:19:27 PM »
Alrighty then HNL-EWR it is. Thanks guys.
Still not sure about the whole interlining situation hope I can get it sorted out.

Edit: How many hours before shabbos would one call safe?
« Last Edit: April 17, 2012, 03:31:03 PM by Mocha »

Offline eliteflyer

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Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #251 on: April 17, 2012, 03:32:46 PM »
Alrighty then HNL-EWR it is. Thanks guys.
Still not sure about the whole interlining situation hope I can get it sorted out.

Edit: How many hours before shabbos would one call safe?
Can you stay in Hawaii for Shabbos, then go out Saturday night or Sunday?

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Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #252 on: April 17, 2012, 04:22:26 PM »
Can you stay in Hawaii for Shabbos, then go out Saturday night or Sunday?
Dont wanna stay over shabbos cause leaving baby at home.

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Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #253 on: April 18, 2012, 05:29:04 PM »
What's your opinion....
If I'm planning a trip from the east coast to Kauai from a Tuesday to Monday is it worth stopping in LA for a day or so?
"Not all who wander are lost"

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Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #254 on: April 18, 2012, 05:30:53 PM »
What's your opinion....
If I'm planning a trip from the east coast to Kauai from a Tuesday to Monday is it worth stopping in LA for a day or so?

Better to stop on the big island for a day :D
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Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #255 on: April 18, 2012, 05:32:45 PM »
Better to stop on the big island for a day :D

 I want to. My travel companions refuse  to fly on a small plane. No island hopping for me :/
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Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #256 on: April 18, 2012, 05:38:58 PM »
I want to. My travel companions refuse  to fly on a small plane. No island hopping for me :/
Boeing 717=Small plane  ???
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Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #257 on: April 18, 2012, 05:41:04 PM »
Boeing 717=Small plane  ???

I guess it's not as small as I thought. My bad for not researching it more.
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Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #258 on: April 18, 2012, 05:50:53 PM »
I guess it's not as small as I thought. My bad for not researching it more.

I guess your friend thought it would be the kind of plane from Sde Dov to Eilat  ;D ;D

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Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #259 on: April 19, 2012, 03:16:40 PM »
What's your opinion....
If I'm planning a trip from the east coast to Kauai from a Tuesday to Monday is it worth stopping in LA for a day or so?

I for one love visiting Los Angeles.  On my last trip to HNL we stopped over for 3 nights from CLE.  We got to do a whole bunch of touristy stuff and still had a half day to cruise through a couple of beaches and hang out in the beach towns.  However, I don't know that you'll be able to see much of anything for one day midweek except for freeway traffic.