Trip to Kauai, Hawaii

[Speedster56]

I am planning a trip to Hawaii this coming winter and wanted to go to the island of Kauai. I wondered if any of you who had been there could suggest the best areas of the island to stay in, and any must see/do activities while there. I am traveling with my wife and it is a special anniversary vacation.
Thanks for any comments.

[McLovin]

How long are you staying?
Are you going to any other islands?
Kauai is pretty, but IMO there's not a lot to see or do there.
If you are planning on staying for any period of time, I'd plan on going to other islands, too.
Can't imagine being on Kauai for a full week.

[Speedster56]

We were thinking of a week and a half, perhaps 12 days max. If Kauai isn't your first choice, can you suggest an alternative. We have been to Maui previously, but that's the only island we've seen.
Thanks for your assistance.

[2porscheguy]

We have a timeshare at the Hanalei Bay Resort in Princeville which is in the north shore and use it annually. We absolutely LOVE Kauai!

Check out this fairly recent thread for some good info:

Things to do on Kauai

Also Tevake (Richard) is our resident expert Pelican on Kauai as he has lived there for many years.

[McLovin]

I'm sure others will chime in. But it really depends on what you're looking for.

I do know is there's no way I would want to spend 10-12 days on Kauai.

I guess some people might do that, but I think that would be fairly unusual.

[DonDavis]

Went there in 2014 for 10 days and had a blast. We stayed on the south side for a few nights then went to Hanalei Bay for the remainder.

Beautiful trip, want to go again. If you're outdoorsy you'll love it.

As mentioned Tevake lived there for decades/ He'll chime in.

Here are my threads from the trip.
Headed to Kauai, flight recommendations?
Our Time in Kauai and the Race

[kanadary]

Agree, if you just want to veg on a beach then kauai works. I personally love Maui, lots to do other than the beach. Oahu is nice too but Honolulu is like another big us city. But there are some historic sites like pearl and the North Shore

[kevin993]

Love Kauai and it is easy to spend 2 weeks there. It isn't as built-up or polished as Maui, but also is more charming and less crowded. Not a lot of restaurants or fancy pools/waterparks or mini-golf or dance clubs. If that's what you want, you will be disappointed.

Four main areas:
- East - airport, supplies (WalMart, Home Depot, cell phone stores), less popular for tourists to stay

- South - Poipu - best weather on the island, becoming more built-up, nice Hyatt, good VRBO condo choices, decent snorkeling, some great small beach nooks and crannies if you're willing to explore.

- West - Grand Canyon of the Pacific (Waimea), very scenic with some modest hiking, very little built up so you quickly feel like you're by yourself.

- North - most lush and rainy part of the island, Princeville and Hanalei, pretty beaches, great snorkeling, Four Seasons hotel, plenty of hiking along the Na Pali coast, small/charming eateries. It seems to rain every day around 2pm, so we usually tried to plan around that.

There are lots of beaches scattered around the island. Many end up being barely populated, so easy to find a quiet place. There are waterfalls around as well if you're willing to drive a bit.

Driving takes time, so don't expect to boogie around the island quickly.

Kauai has lots of outdoor activities - hiking, ATV tours, kayaking, snorkeling, etc. The chopper tour is fantastic and shows you places unseen otherwise.

It can be a little pricey, but if you find a VRBO and make your own meals, there are a few grocery stores around and a Wal-Mart supercenter not far away from the airport.

This guidebook is mandatory for a visit:
https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Kauai-Guidebook-Revealed/dp/0983888760

I'm not an expert by any means, but we've visited a few times to happy to answer specific questions if you have them.

[SpyderMike]

I have stayed in Poipu (Coastline Cottages) and a house at Anini Beach. Both were great. Poppy is getting built up. Amino Beach was rather quiet and somewhat secluded.

[JavaBrewer]

Originally Posted by Speedster56

We were thinking of a week and a half, perhaps 12 days max. If Kauai isn't your first choice, can you suggest an alternative. We have been to Maui previously, but that's the only island we've seen.
Thanks for your assistance.

Advice totally depends on what you want to do on vacation. Lay on the beach, eat fancy food, shop, hike, snorkel, dive, fish, what is the focus for you?

We have visited Maui and the big Island (Kona). We are water lovers (dive and snorkel) and have experience on both islands. We have spent a total of $200 in souvenir shopping on our last 4 vacations (HI islands, Costa Rica, Aruba) ...so perhaps we don't match your style?

[biosurfer1]

I would suggest the Waipouli Beach Resort, but make sure you book through the owners, not the concierge.

Its a very nice place, has 2 bed/3 bath condos (with kitchen, living room, etc), amazing grounds with nice pool, waterslide, lazy river. It was hit hard during the downturn and hasnt recovered so you can find places on VRBO for $150-175 a night which is a steal.

[tevake]

Kevin993. Realy summed it up nicely for you.
Kauai is a nature wonderland, so if you enjoy outings in nature, snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, boat trips etc you will find a lot to enjoy there. It is also a small remote island with a small population, so don't go lookin for big social cultural events.

Some folks on the other hand show up, get into their rental cars and drive all over the island and " do Kauai ". In three days and are ready for other islands,

Others come to feel part of the island, coming back regularly, staying longer each time and have a hard time leaving.

Your visit will give you time to get a good feel for Kauai and to scratch the surface of the magic that is on offer there.

Hiking in Kokee is a nice break from the coasts, swimming with wild dolphins in the early morning at secret beach, sweet. Checking out any of the botanical gardens, interesting/ beautiful. There is a lot to do, and many out of the way spots to experence. Its all up to you to seek out the things that interest you.
Many sweet spot are not in the guide books. Chatting with locals may turn up unexpected surprises.

I would think that splitting your visit half south/ west side, half north shore, would give you a chance to experence the variety of all parts of the Island with less driving back and forth.

I'm happy to respond to any questions that may come up. Hope you have a great visit!

Cheers Richard

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by McLovin

I'm sure others will chime in. But it really depends on what you're looking for.

I do know is there's no way I would want to spend 10-12 days on Kauai.

I guess some people might do that, but I think that would be fairly unusual.

Different strokes but I respectfully couldn't disagree more.

My family has rented a house in Hanalei bay for two weeks several times and we love every minute of it... matter of fact hate to leave.

But then we are a water sports family snorkel, boogie board, boat rides... I'm even guilty of hanging out on the beach in a shady spot with a good book.

Yes, most of the island shuts down at 9:00PM so if you are looking for night life maybe not the best choice.

If I had a chance to move to Kauai I would do it in a heartbeat.

[bleucamaro]

Helicopter Tour
Ice Cream at Lapperts
north shore beaches
hikes in the jungle or canyon.
Try not to run over chickens or step on frogs.

[Rinty]

Originally Posted by scottmandue

My family has rented a house in Hanalei bay for two weeks several times and we love every minute of it... matter of fact hate to leave...

I could easily spend a couple of months there. We like Maui and the Big Island too; they all have their attractions.

We visit one of the three each year so that my wife can attend a medical convention.

[2porscheguy]

Originally Posted by tevake

Kevin993. Realy summed it up nicely for you.
Kauai is a nature wonderland, so if you enjoy outings in nature, snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, boat trips etc you will find a lot to enjoy there. It is also a small remote island with a small population, so don't go lookin for big social cultural events.

Some folks on the other hand show up, get into their rental cars and drive all over the island and " do Kauai ". In three days and are ready for other islands,

Others come to feel part of the island, coming back regularly, staying longer each time and have a hard time leaving.

Your visit will give you time to get a good feel for Kauai and to scratch the surface of the magic that is on offer there.

Hiking in Kokee is a nice break from the coasts, swimming with wild dolphins in the early morning at secret beach, sweet. Checking out any of the botanical gardens, interesting/ beautiful. There is a lot to do, and many out of the way spots to experence. Its all up to you to seek out the things that interest you.
Many sweet spot are not in the guide books. Chatting with locals may turn up unexpected surprises.

I would think that splitting your visit half south/ west side, half north shore, would give you a chance to experence the variety of all parts of the Island with less driving back and forth.

I'm happy to respond to any questions that may come up. Hope you have a great visit!

Cheers Richard

What he said...lol!

I just might add that if you're planning on being there during the period of November to April, I would probably stay in the south..Poipu, etc, as the North Shore can be pretty wet in that period...look, they call it the rainforest for a reason!!

If you're planning on May to October, the North Shore and up to Kapaa would be ideal as the area receives less rain and the surf tends to be lower which would allow for safer swimming and snorkeling.

[LakeCleElum]

Can only add one thing: Was there a year ago and loved it....Had a great Condo only a block from the County Park at Poipu Beach.....We never thought about asking if it had air conditioning.

It didn't and the heat broke all records with no trade winds blowing. We were told many units don't have air due to the cost of Electricity there......Other than that, the best time ever on 6 trips to Hawaii..Perfect mix of the old world and just bit of the new. I will never go back to Maui or Oahu ever....Too much like the rat race I try to escape......

[Speedster56]

Thank you too all who took a few minutes to respond to my query. Your comments have been very helpful in sorting out our plans. I also appreciate the pictures from Kevin993 and the offers to answer any questions. I am very grateful to you all and hope I can respond in in a similar way some day.