The General
Footballguy
I have never been there. It's for an event so dates are set, we can stay either in Lihue (east side) or Poipu (south side). Any advice from FBG's who have been there?
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Kauai in January (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter The General
- Start date
Yenrub
Footballguy
[SIZE=10.5pt]I just got back from there about 2 weeks ago. We stayed at resorts in Princeville (north side) and in Lihue (east side).[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]Nice relaxing island. Per the local tourist channel the south side is safer for being in the water. The waves and currents on the north side are very rough in the winter.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]Nice relaxing island. Per the local tourist channel the south side is safer for being in the water. The waves and currents on the north side are very rough in the winter.[/SIZE]
simey
Footballguy
The south side is more dry (less rain) than the east. Both sides are beautiful. Kauai is one of my favorite places on earth.
The General
Footballguy
I was just reading, as Simey mentioned, the south side is dry especially in the winter. We are coming from wet Seattle so that I think sells us on that part of the island.
Any good food / fun hikes or activities / other stuff is appreciated.
Any good food / fun hikes or activities / other stuff is appreciated.
leftcoastguy7
Footballguy
Take a helicopter tour. You get to see sweet views of the entire island, and they are reasonably priced.
Keep an eye out for the wild chickens that are everywhere.
Keep an eye out for the wild chickens that are everywhere.
The General
Footballguy
North side is the best part of the island and I think Lihue is closer.
tommyboy
Footballguy
Princeville in North is more old money. We rented a house North of lihue bout 15 miles and from there traveled the whole island, which I'd do again if we went. Poipu in the south is more "resorty/touristy". More of a desert climate. If you stay there be sure to drive to the waimea canyon https://www.google.com/search?q=waimea+canyon+kauai&client=ms-android-verizon&prmd=minv&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi8lez8hOPLAhUO0GMKHRZgAwwQ_AUICCgC&biw=360&bih=559
The General
Footballguy
Grabbed a hotel in the southern town mainly to get the sun and some traditional tourist beach. Just started looking last night and the drive up to Waimea is going to happen. Google said we could drive up to Princeville in around just over an hour so probably spend a day or two cruising around try and see the Napali Coast area as well, need to look into that more.tommyboy said:
Looks very chill on this island even by Hawaii standards.
Michael Brown
Footballguy
Kauai is the definition of chill. We were there for six days on our honeymoon and literally drove everywhere you could possibly drive on the island. Unless things have changed since 2009, you can only get to Napali coast via air or sea (or if you're a REALLY experienced hiker). There's a long stretch of beach on the west coast of the island called Polihale that again, is more about the journey than the destination. It was just a cool adventure drive for the wife and I. Started near the mouth of the Waimea River and headed up til we couldn't drive anymore. Then we drove a bit more 
Waimea Canyon itself is an amazing drive, and the Kalalau Lookout might be the best view I've ever seen. Looks like it's fake it's so amazing.
One of my favorite spots was Queen's Bath in Princeville, although not advisable in the winter months as the waves are pretty unpredictable up there.
We stayed at the Grand Hyatt...that particular beach left a lot to be desired, but the resort itself was so cool and Poipu beach is nearby. Great saltwater lagoon pool and a small lazy river pool at the hotel. If you DO want a beach recommendation, I'd suggest Lydgate (especially if you have kids, as the swimming area is enclosed by a rock wall) or Anini which is one of the most relaxing places I've ever been. Enjoy!
Waimea Canyon itself is an amazing drive, and the Kalalau Lookout might be the best view I've ever seen. Looks like it's fake it's so amazing.
One of my favorite spots was Queen's Bath in Princeville, although not advisable in the winter months as the waves are pretty unpredictable up there.
We stayed at the Grand Hyatt...that particular beach left a lot to be desired, but the resort itself was so cool and Poipu beach is nearby. Great saltwater lagoon pool and a small lazy river pool at the hotel. If you DO want a beach recommendation, I'd suggest Lydgate (especially if you have kids, as the swimming area is enclosed by a rock wall) or Anini which is one of the most relaxing places I've ever been. Enjoy!
The General
Footballguy
Awesome, thanks. We love to drive around stopping at places so looking forward to exploring by car.Kauai is the definition of chill. We were there for six days on our honeymoon and literally drove everywhere you could possibly drive on the island. Unless things have changed since 2009, you can only get to Napali coast via air or sea (or if you're a REALLY experienced hiker). There's a long stretch of beach on the west coast of the island called Polihale that again, is more about the journey than the destination. It was just a cool adventure drive for the wife and I. Started near the mouth of the Waimea River and headed up til we couldn't drive anymore. Then we drove a bit more
Waimea Canyon itself is an amazing drive, and the Kalalau Lookout might be the best view I've ever seen. Looks like it's fake it's so amazing.
One of my favorite spots was Queen's Bath in Princeville, although not advisable in the winter months as the waves are pretty unpredictable up there.
We stayed at the Grand Hyatt...that particular beach left a lot to be desired, but the resort itself was so cool and Poipu beach is nearby. Great saltwater lagoon pool and a small lazy river pool at the hotel. If you DO want a beach recommendation, I'd suggest Lydgate (especially if you have kids, as the swimming area is enclosed by a rock wall) or Anini which is one of the most relaxing places I've ever been. Enjoy!
culdeus
Footballguy
Do understand that driving there is a fairly painful experience. They basically have one road and it's two lanes nearly the entire way. A 30 mile drive can easily take an hour+. It's part of the charm.
We did the big hike at the north end of the island. 2 days before that CNN girl died doing it. It's killed about 90 people in the last decade or so, mostly people being idiots (like her). Some of the hikes are crazy extreme. Talking you scramble up wet muddy rocks on a 16% grade. Bring serious footwear and suggest a pole. There are places that will rent you broken in shoes and poles.
Food/Restaurants there are pretty meh in general. The food trucks offered the best overall experiences while driving between different activities. #### is also real expensive there. Get your booze at the grocery store if that's your plan.
Also be prepared to see lots of poverty. It's a Tea Party nightmare that island. Something like each citizen costs us $0.80 for $1 paid in tax which is the highest except maybe West Virginia or some other deep south state. Some of that obviously is due to lots of retirees living there and having little taxable income, but still. It's the definition of a welfare state.
We did the big hike at the north end of the island. 2 days before that CNN girl died doing it. It's killed about 90 people in the last decade or so, mostly people being idiots (like her). Some of the hikes are crazy extreme. Talking you scramble up wet muddy rocks on a 16% grade. Bring serious footwear and suggest a pole. There are places that will rent you broken in shoes and poles.
Food/Restaurants there are pretty meh in general. The food trucks offered the best overall experiences while driving between different activities. #### is also real expensive there. Get your booze at the grocery store if that's your plan.
Also be prepared to see lots of poverty. It's a Tea Party nightmare that island. Something like each citizen costs us $0.80 for $1 paid in tax which is the highest except maybe West Virginia or some other deep south state. Some of that obviously is due to lots of retirees living there and having little taxable income, but still. It's the definition of a welfare state.
Buck Bradcanon
Footballguy
There's a hidden beach that's a few hundred yards long..somewhere on the Princeville side if memory serves. Heaven on earth.
We ate at Roy's for one of our meals. Roy's is available stateside now but very worth it over there imo. One of the best experiences I have ever had at a restaurant.
We ate at Roy's for one of our meals. Roy's is available stateside now but very worth it over there imo. One of the best experiences I have ever had at a restaurant.
Michael Brown
Footballguy
Not 100% sure, but I believe the Roy's in Kauai closed down. It's something else now, apparently still great, but my cousin said the old place moved. Agreed on it being the best place we went when we were there.
Beach House in Koloa is pretty good if you want a nice restaurant with a great view
Mookie
Footballguy
We stayed in the Poipu area a few years back and had a great time. The island is more manageable than Maui and less crowded. Surf on the north shore will be pretty big in January, but south shore will be pretty sheltered. I thought the snorkeling on the south shore was pretty average compared to Maui, as it seemed that there was less coral due to big storms several years ago. Like someone else posted, it's a great island for driving around and exploring, especially if you like to hike. Waimea canyon, the Napali coast (Kalalau Trail), and even the Poipu area have some really nice hikes - a good guide book will serve you well. Take your time driving around and you'll find lots of great lunch or snack spots. Above all else, relax - Kauai really slows you down.
Brony
Footballguy
The General
Footballguy
The General
Footballguy
Bump for more FBG Kauai knowledge to be dropped. Lots of great info so far. TIA.
Random
Footballguy
We did all of this. Only regret was not getting the permit to do the full Kalalau Trail, but not sure if we would have had time anyway. Wonderful place.
Phil Elliott
Footballguy
Love Kauai. Another vote for Poipu. Nice beaches and sunny. North side is beautiful also but the few times we were there it was pretty rainy. Lihue is just ok. No place is too far driving. Enjoy!
The General
Footballguy
Not sure if there is an official thread so I'll put this here. Many things we weren't able to do and we need to go back but some highlights stuff I would do again/recommend:
Boat tour Na Pali coast. A bunch of options we did this one and they were good and I would recommend - Captain Andy's - Stop for coffee afterwards at Kauai Coffee Plantation.
Farmer's Market at this place on the southern part of the Island on Wednesdays - The Shops at Kukui'ula - This place had a ton of good places to eat as well but the Farmers Market was very cool with lots of good food.
Kayak from Hanalei - Go up river inland. Then hang out in Hanalei. Amazing little town on the north shore.
Boat tour Na Pali coast. A bunch of options we did this one and they were good and I would recommend - Captain Andy's - Stop for coffee afterwards at Kauai Coffee Plantation.
Farmer's Market at this place on the southern part of the Island on Wednesdays - The Shops at Kukui'ula - This place had a ton of good places to eat as well but the Farmers Market was very cool with lots of good food.
Kayak from Hanalei - Go up river inland. Then hang out in Hanalei. Amazing little town on the north shore.
Sand
Footballguy
We just made plane tickets to go to Kauai for a week ($750 for two of us from Atlanta, an absolute steal). Going late October/early November. How would you go about doing the whole trail? No way realistically to bring a tent and there is no way to do 22 miles in a day (probably could, but lord that'd be no fun at all). Thinking about doing 6 in/6 out, but if there is an option to do the whole thing I'd be interested.
Any more FFA info/advice is good!
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Kiddnets
Footballguy
going in August for a week - 1st time ever - Kauai for a week then some island hopping for a week....ill hit other thread for the island hopping but for Kauai
Staying Grand Hyatt
Booked Captain Andy
Wife/oldest doing helicopter tour while I stay with younger two
eating at hyatt for dinners as there with family for the week and parents dont want to leave resort much - but open for lunches if any suggestions
plan on visiting the canyon
really looking fwd to it - thx for the thread!
Staying Grand Hyatt
Booked Captain Andy
Wife/oldest doing helicopter tour while I stay with younger two
eating at hyatt for dinners as there with family for the week and parents dont want to leave resort much - but open for lunches if any suggestions
plan on visiting the canyon
really looking fwd to it - thx for the thread!
gianmarco
Footballguy
Keep in mind some of that trail is pretty dangerous. We saw it from our boat tour and there were 2 people wrapped on the cliff, barely moving. Our tour guide said some people have to drop their have backpacks because they can't fit with them.We just made plane tickets to go to Kauai for a week ($750 for two of us from Atlanta, an absolute steal). Going late October/early November. How would you go about doing the whole trail? No way realistically to bring a tent and there is no way to do 22 miles in a day (probably could, but lord that'd be no fun at all). Thinking about doing 6 in/6 out, but if there is an option to do the whole thing I'd be interested.
Any more FFA info/advice is good!
Also, because of the recent flooding, it's closed indefinitely right now.
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Buck Bradcanon
Footballguy
Ahh Kauai. Hoping to make it back for our 20th anniversary in a few years.
tommyboy
Footballguy
go to a saiman place for lunch one day
go to a plate lunch place for lunch another day
if you can find a hot pot place, try that also ---found this on yelp https://www.yelp.com/biz/wbs-restaurant-and-grill-lihue-2
Kiddnets
Footballguy
Dr. Octopus
Footballguy
We did a kayaking tour on the Wailua River that ended at Opaeka Falls (waterfall) - it was pretty amazing.
Toured Allerton Gardens which was pretty cool which featured the giant Moreton Figs trees made famous in the film “Jurassic Park.”
As mentioned Waimea Canyon is a must see.
There's zip lining, helicopter tours (pretty amazing, but made my wife ill).
We rented a mustang convertible and just driving around was beautiful enough.
ETA: We went to a pig roast luau one night which was a bit disappointing - it seemed very "Disneyfied".
Toured Allerton Gardens which was pretty cool which featured the giant Moreton Figs trees made famous in the film “Jurassic Park.”
As mentioned Waimea Canyon is a must see.
There's zip lining, helicopter tours (pretty amazing, but made my wife ill).
We rented a mustang convertible and just driving around was beautiful enough.
ETA: We went to a pig roast luau one night which was a bit disappointing - it seemed very "Disneyfied".
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ex-ghost
Footballguy
Dr. Octopus
Footballguy
tommyGunZ
Footballguy
Porky's Kauai - food truck just off the road near Waimea Canyon. I'm a redneck from southern Virginia, so a quality hot dog covered in Kalua pork may be my "last meal" choice. Best dog I've ever had. Perfect for lunch after a morning in the Canyon.
FreeBaGeL
Footballguy
If you can swing it find some time to do the helicopter tour yourself too. Not sure there is a more scenic place in the entire world than what you can cover in that helicopter tour, and most of it is only accessible to see that way.
tommyGunZ
Footballguy
The General
Footballguy
The view from the patio bar that is in the giant hotel up there (Hyatt maybe) was just amazing. Everything in Hawaii is always spectacular but we caught it as the sun was going down, you could see multiple surf breaks, waves were big so tons of people were out. Golden light coming off the ocean, the whole 9 yards.
tommyGunZ
Footballguy
There is a St Regis up there, though this webcam is from an adjoining property. They have a similar bar with a spectacular view as well.
Kauai rules.
Phil Elliott
Footballguy
Princeville and Hanalei bay (“puff the magic dragon” fame) is beautiful but can be rainy. Ke’e beach is at the end of the road on the noorth side. Nice beach but most visited. Has been used in some movies/tv shows. Down south past Poipu is the Spouting Horn “blow hole”, depending on the tide, water can tower up some 40-50 feet.
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ex-ghost
Footballguy
From the Fodor's Kauai message board:
The latest guesstimate is that the road past Hanalei (which is the only access by land to Wainiha, Lumahai, Tunnels, Haena, and Ke’e beaches) will remain closed until at least October. There are two times a day when work crews leave their work long enough for locals, with proof of residency, to drive on the one lane that has been (mostly) cleared road. The repairs will include replacing three bridges and the cost is estimated at $80 million.
There is no timetable being offered for reopening the Kalalau Trail or the Wai Koa loop trail in Kilauea, but some are saying the damage is so extensive it will take a year. When the road re-opens there are plans to restrict the number of visitors to Ke’e, but the details are still being worked out.
The latest guesstimate is that the road past Hanalei (which is the only access by land to Wainiha, Lumahai, Tunnels, Haena, and Ke’e beaches) will remain closed until at least October. There are two times a day when work crews leave their work long enough for locals, with proof of residency, to drive on the one lane that has been (mostly) cleared road. The repairs will include replacing three bridges and the cost is estimated at $80 million.
There is no timetable being offered for reopening the Kalalau Trail or the Wai Koa loop trail in Kilauea, but some are saying the damage is so extensive it will take a year. When the road re-opens there are plans to restrict the number of visitors to Ke’e, but the details are still being worked out.
culdeus
Footballguy
Random
Footballguy
I'm not sure, never really planned on doing the whole trail (would like to but it wasn't in the cards time wise that trip). I believe the permit is required past the beach at the 2 mile mark.We just made plane tickets to go to Kauai for a week ($750 for two of us from Atlanta, an absolute steal). Going late October/early November. How would you go about doing the whole trail? No way realistically to bring a tent and there is no way to do 22 miles in a day (probably could, but lord that'd be no fun at all). Thinking about doing 6 in/6 out, but if there is an option to do the whole thing I'd be interested.
Any more FFA info/advice is good!
We recently returned from Maui and word was that the north shore of Kauai was not accessible due to flooding.
