Kauai (1 Viewer)

[Pole Cat]

With the wedding planning and all, we haven't gotten to do much research. We'll be there for five or six days before heading over to Maui. We love hiking and exploring, beaches, snorkeling, etc. Also love good food. Looking for any and all suggestions. We're staying at a small B&B on the southern part of the island and will be renting a car. Thanks!

 

[Sinn Fein]

With the wedding planning and all, we haven't gotten to do much research. We'll be there for five or six days before heading over to Maui. We love hiking and exploring, beaches, snorkeling, etc. Also love good food. Looking for any and all suggestions. We're staying at a small B&B on the southern part of the island and will be renting a car. Thanks!

If you are already married, the honeymoon is over.

 

[TidesofWar]

With the wedding planning and all, we haven't gotten to do much research. We'll be there for five or six days before heading over to Maui. We love hiking and exploring, beaches, snorkeling, etc. Also love good food. Looking for any and all suggestions. We're staying at a small B&B on the southern part of the island and will be renting a car. Thanks!

If you are already married, the honeymoon is over.

ShhhhhAt least let the guy enjoy his day in the sun, and on the Islands

 

[Dexter]

Kauai is great for that stuff. I suggest doing Kayak adventures. It's a 3 in 1 tour. You kayak up a river, hike through the forest and then visit a waterfall you can swim under. (808)826-9340

Waimea Canyon is a must: Take Waimea canyon Dr (550) and NOT Koke'e Rd (552). Waimea Dr offers much better views if you really want take Koke'e on the way back down, but you'll be pretty disappointed.

After doing Waimea stop at Jo-Jo's for some Shave Ice they have the best on the island.

Lumaha'i Beach should have some big waves this time of year.

Kauapea Beach aka secrect beach is cool. It's kind of hard to find and it's a bit of a hike down, but worth it.

Also take a cruise to the Na Pali Coast. beautiful.

 

[Ralph Furley]

My top three recommendations:

1) Kayak the Na Pali Coast ( It is tough depending on currents, but IMO the most rewarding.)

2) Hike Waimea Canyon ( Tons of trails for all levels)

3) Take Helicopter ride specifically to the 100's of waterfalls (Absolutely incredible)

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Waimea Canyon was awesome. They also have the world's Westernmost brewery there, if you're into that kind of thing.

 

[Worm]

My top three recommendations:

1) Kayak the Na Pali Coast ( It is tough depending on currents, but IMO the most rewarding.)

2) Hike Waimea Canyon ( Tons of trails for all levels)

3) Take Helicopter ride specifically to the 100's of waterfalls (Absolutely incredible)

Good recommendations.We did a snorkel tour along the coast, hiked the 9 mile Awa`awapuhi/Nualolo trail (link), and took a heli tour. All were fantastic. Would love to go back to do some other hikes and explore a bit more.

Also, splurge on the upgraded convertible rental.

 

[Dexter]

Waimea Canyon was awesome. They also have the world's Westernmost brewery there, if you're into that kind of thing.

I went there in 07 and the food was terrible and they didn't have any home brew. I guess there was some dispute with the owners so things were really slipping.

 

[Uwe Blab]

We went on our honeymoon about 8 years ago, but we had one of our best/most favorite meals at this place: Link

Italian, obviously....if you ever get tired of eating fish.

 

[Dexter]

We went on our honeymoon about 8 years ago, but we had one of our best/most favorite meals at this place: Link

Italian, obviously....if you ever get tired of eating fish.

Seconded.

 

[bostonfred]

the world's Westernmost brewery

 

[MekaLekaHiMekaHineyHo]

Kauai is great for that stuff. I suggest doing Kayak adventures. It's a 3 in 1 tour. You kayak up a river, hike through the forest and then visit a waterfall you can swim under. (808)826-9340Waimea Canyon is a must: Take Waimea canyon Dr (550) and NOT Koke'e Rd (552). Waimea Dr offers much better views if you really want take Koke'e on the way back down, but you'll be pretty disappointed.After doing Waimea stop at Jo-Jo's for some Shave Ice they have the best on the island.Lumaha'i Beach should have some big waves this time of year.Kauapea Beach aka secrect beach is cool. It's kind of hard to find and it's a bit of a hike down, but worth it.Also take a cruise to the Na Pali Coast. beautiful.

I second kayaking the Napali Coast - just make sure you have the stomach for it. I thoroughly enjoyed Duke's Canoe Club for dinner on Kauai.Mama's FishHouse and Longhi's are a must on Maui for grub.

 

[newteech]

3) Take Helicopter ride specifically to the 100's of waterfalls (Absolutely incredible)

I did this and I highly recommend it. It's a couple Cnotes per person, but well worth the money. Try the helicopter with no doors!

 

[zoonation]

Have dinner at the Beach House in Poipu. The views of the sunset over the ocean are fantastic and the food is great (but overpriced...like everything else on Kauai).

You may be able to get a reservation given it is low season.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Waimea Canyon was awesome. They also have the world's Westernmost brewery there, if you're into that kind of thing.

I went there in 07 and the food was terrible and they didn't have any home brew. I guess there was some dispute with the owners so things were really slipping.

That sucks. I was there in 04 and they did have some decent home brews.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Have dinner at the Beach House in Poipu. The views of the sunset over the ocean are fantastic and the food is great (but overpriced...like everything else on Kauai).You may be able to get a reservation given it is low season.

Great idea. I forgot about that place. Amazing views.

 

[QUEZILLA]

Why don't you go and bang your wife again instead of posting in the FFA.

 

[Mr. Pickles]

Why don't you go and bang your wife again instead of posting in the FFA.

Nonsense.Keep us updated.

 

[TwinTurbo]

IMO the NaPali Coast is the most beautiful piece of real estate in the entire world. Lots of fantastic beaches on the island. My favorite is Hanalei Bay. The only downside is that it rains a lot but that's why the island is so beautiful. My only piece of advice is don't leave any valuables in your car when you park at any beach. In fact, don't leave anything in your car. Don't think it's safe in the trunk either. Car break-ins are very very common.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

pola hale(phonetic spelling??) beach. western most beach on the island. it's at the southern base of the na pali coast. it's a schlep to get there & not very well marked(at least it wasn't) but it's one of the more breath taking places i've ever watched the sunset in my life. the na pali cliffs make up the right side of the incredibly pristine long ### white sand beach. i dove with fathom five out of poipu, first rate.

SLBD lives over there too, he'd have plenty off ideas i'm sure.

 

[ArcticEdge]

Go on the movie tour.

Thank me later.

Hanalei Bay is nice but they don't like tourists there. If you drive past Hanalei Bay about a quarter mile there is a real nice beach with low traffic.

 

[Sofa King Money]

I'm here on the north shore with extended family celebrating my in-laws 50th anniversary. Any updated suggestions from recent visitors? TIA

 

[Ministry of Pain]

One of the most beautiful places in the World. Shaved ice w/Mac Nut ice cream.

 

[Sofa King Money]

Bump for Monday crowd

 

[VA703]

setup that webcam and provide us the stream

 

[Nick Vermeil]

I would recommend driving up to the St. Regis Princeville resort at the north of the island. You can valet your car for free at the entrance. The beach there is pretty quiet and it's very easy snorkeling over a large area.

Once in Maui, go to Mala Ocean tavern in Lahaina for a sunset dinner on the deck. This was probably the best meal we had on our trip and a lot more cozy than Mama's fish house. We also took a snorkeling trip out of Lahania that went across the ocean to Lani. It was amazing.

ETA I didn't realize this was from '09 so you may not be going to Maui!

 

[Phil Elliott]

Its been a while since we were there but there is a great hiking trail near Ke'e beach:

Hanakapi'ai Trail

Over on Maui:

There are some casual but nice restaurants at the Kapalua country club.

The snorkeling is pretty good off the Hyatt Regency in Kaanapali.

There are excellent beaches and lots of sun in the Wailea/Makena area.

You may enjoy the bike ride down Haleakala also.

 

[Sarnoff]

Never been, but it's on my to-do list to get a photo in front of the mountain from Raiders of the Lost Ark.

 

[Sofa King Money]

Its been a while since we were there but there is a great hiking trail near Ke'e beach:

Hanakapi'ai Trail

Over on Maui:

There are some casual but nice restaurants at the Kapalua country club.

The snorkeling is pretty good off the Hyatt Regency in Kaanapali.

There are excellent beaches and lots of sun in the Wailea/Makena area.

You may enjoy the bike ride down Haleakala also.

Did the Hanakapiai hike today - great suggestion - thanks

 

[bierfiend]

haven't been to kaui in 20 year, but go to maui almost every year. some of our favorites:

Restaurants:

Roy’s- Kahana (there are two next to each other…..Nicolina’s is more formal- same menu)

ios

pacific'o

Kimo’s- lahaina (trendy, but still ok)

Tropica- Kaanapali (at the westin) oceanside.

Hula Grill- Kaanapali (good place for lunch and app’s around sunset)

Mama’s fish House

Moose’s- in Lahaina. Good for happy hour….. $2.00 maitai’s,etc.

aloha mixed plate- GREAT Lunch place.... we prob hit it 3-4 times on our trips

maui tacos makes for a nice lunch as well

sansei- kapalua also

Merriman’s Pineapple Grill

a lot of other great restaurants all over the island.

Activities:

Chocolate & champagne sunset cruise (scotch mist)- it’s on a small sailboat (holds about 8 instead of 80)

Scuba- there are some good sights near lanai. Hawaiian rafting adventures was very good. We’ve seen dolphins along the way…they let us get out and snorkel with them…also have seen whales on the ride over.

Snorkeling- you can go with a group (i used to like the catamaran booze cruises that had snorkeling). Some good spots if you just want to go on your own: Honolua Bay, black rock, and mile marker 14.

Kayaking

luau- feast of lele is pretty good

Haleakula- sunrise at the top of a large cater, then bike downhill for 7+miles……

Helicopter rides

The Road to Hana- it’s long!!! Nice waterfalls along the way. With a little hiking you can find some cascades (pools). there is not much in hana.

there is a winery on the island... not the best wine, but still fun.

there are some decent micro breweries.

renting jet skis

surf lessons (if you don't know how)

windsurfing

whale watching (when they are migrating)

 

[Britney Spears]

haven't been to kaui in 20 year, but go to maui almost every year. some of our favorites:

Restaurants:

Roy’s- Kahana (there are two next to each other…..Nicolina’s is more formal- same menu)

ios

pacific'o

Kimo’s- lahaina (trendy, but still ok)

Tropica- Kaanapali (at the westin) oceanside.

Hula Grill- Kaanapali (good place for lunch and app’s around sunset)

Mama’s fish House

Moose’s- in Lahaina. Good for happy hour….. $2.00 maitai’s,etc.

aloha mixed plate- GREAT Lunch place.... we prob hit it 3-4 times on our trips

maui tacos makes for a nice lunch as well

sansei- kapalua also

Merriman’s Pineapple Grill

a lot of other great restaurants all over the island.

Activities:

Chocolate & champagne sunset cruise (scotch mist)- it’s on a small sailboat (holds about 8 instead of 80)

Scuba- there are some good sights near lanai. Hawaiian rafting adventures was very good. We’ve seen dolphins along the way…they let us get out and snorkel with them…also have seen whales on the ride over.

Snorkeling- you can go with a group (i used to like the catamaran booze cruises that had snorkeling). Some good spots if you just want to go on your own: Honolua Bay, black rock, and mile marker 14.

Kayaking

luau- feast of lele is pretty good

Haleakula- sunrise at the top of a large cater, then bike downhill for 7+miles……

Helicopter rides

The Road to Hana- it’s long!!! Nice waterfalls along the way. With a little hiking you can find some cascades (pools). there is not much in hana.

there is a winery on the island... not the best wine, but still fun.

there are some decent micro breweries.

renting jet skis

surf lessons (if you don't know how)

windsurfing

whale watching (when they are migrating)

Great list, we have been poaching from it.

Any list available like this for Kauai?

We are headed over there for 4 days then coming back to Maui.

Looking for great food and activities.

 

[Britney Spears]

SLBD, clear out some space in your inbox!

 

[Nick Vermeil]

haven't been to kaui in 20 year, but go to maui almost every year. some of our favorites:

Restaurants:

Roy’s- Kahana (there are two next to each other…..Nicolina’s is more formal- same menu)

ios

pacific'o

Kimo’s- lahaina (trendy, but still ok)

Tropica- Kaanapali (at the westin) oceanside.

Hula Grill- Kaanapali (good place for lunch and app’s around sunset)

Mama’s fish House

Moose’s- in Lahaina. Good for happy hour….. $2.00 maitai’s,etc.

aloha mixed plate- GREAT Lunch place.... we prob hit it 3-4 times on our trips

maui tacos makes for a nice lunch as well

sansei- kapalua also

Merriman’s Pineapple Grill

a lot of other great restaurants all over the island.

Activities:

Chocolate & champagne sunset cruise (scotch mist)- it’s on a small sailboat (holds about 8 instead of 80)

Scuba- there are some good sights near lanai. Hawaiian rafting adventures was very good. We’ve seen dolphins along the way…they let us get out and snorkel with them…also have seen whales on the ride over.

Snorkeling- you can go with a group (i used to like the catamaran booze cruises that had snorkeling). Some good spots if you just want to go on your own: Honolua Bay, black rock, and mile marker 14.

Kayaking

luau- feast of lele is pretty good

Haleakula- sunrise at the top of a large cater, then bike downhill for 7+miles……

Helicopter rides

The Road to Hana- it’s long!!! Nice waterfalls along the way. With a little hiking you can find some cascades (pools). there is not much in hana.

there is a winery on the island... not the best wine, but still fun.

there are some decent micro breweries.

renting jet skis

surf lessons (if you don't know how)

windsurfing

whale watching (when they are migrating)

Great list, we have been poaching from it.

Any list available like this for Kauai?

We are headed over there for 4 days then coming back to Maui.

Looking for great food and activities.

When you head back to Maui, Mala Ocean Tavern on Front in Lahaina. Oh yes.

 

[Phil Elliott]

Its been a while since we have been there but here a few things to check out:

- Poipu Beach on the South side is usually very sunny. Nice place to stay.

- Princeville area/ Hanalei Bay can be rainy but its pretty.

- Ke'e beach is nice. On the North side about the end of the road.

- Napali coast - either by air or go snorkeling

- Waimea Canyon

- Kilauea Lighthouse

- Wailua River/Fern Grotto/Opaekaa Falls

- Check with the hotel and they can usually tell you where to go to swim in a natural pool/water fall (the mountain in the middle of Kauai gets most rain on earth-450 in/yr)

 

[flapgreen]

Definitely going here one day

 

[Britney Spears]

Thanks Phil & Johnny...

Any recommendations for great food?

We are thinking fish, and hear they do quality farmed beef up there, so we will be seeking that out...

 

[Rodeojones]

Spent a week in Kauai in July. Four days at the Grand Hyatt in Poipu and three in a condo in Kapaa. I have been to Maui and now Kauai and Kauai is by far my favorite. Not alot of tourists and very laid back.

Family of four with two teen age boys and our highlights:

Costco: I know, really!? Island prices are very expensive and this was one of our first stops. Minutes from Lihue airport and where we got our gas, macadamia nuts (gifts), etc. They even had poke (Hawaiian sashimi) in the meat section.

Kipu Ranch Adventures: ATV tour of a private, 3000 acre ranch where numerous movies have been filmed. Jurassic Park, Raiders of the Lost Ark, etc. Price included lunch and an absolute blast. Highly recommended...

Waimea Canyon - Called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific and a gorgeous drive with several breath taking view points.

Tomkats Grille - Koloa. Little hole in the wall restaurant with excellent food. Char was our waitress and a sweetheart. Gave us tons of local recommendations and a super cool person.

**I highly recommend Lonely Planets "Discover Kauai" book. Very easy to read and chalk full of information. Much of what we did and where we ate was found in the book. Cheap on Amazon.**

We love Kauai and will definitely return.

 

[ditka311]

This is kind of random. Not sure if it is in season but try opakapaka (type of fish). Had it a few times when I was there for my honeymoon. Amazing. Also, the Shrimp Station in Waimea was really good too. Kind of a dive but great food.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Brit, I was there last Fall. Will try to come up with some recs.

 

[Britney Spears]

Thanks everyone, this is great stuff. We have the little boy, so we are a bit limited on adventurous things we normally would be looking for.

We think Wimea canyon might be the target area for today.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Kilauea Fish Market has awesome Ahi wraps

Common Ground is an awesome place to check out as well.

Tahiti Nui is a sweet tiki bar with great Mai Tais.

Hanalei Bay is the beach to see.

 

[Britney Spears]

The sunset cruise up the Na Pali coast would be really good for the whole family. And if you're doing Waimea Valley and returning towards Poipu Beach, you drive right past the marina from which all those cruises launch.

Reading that the best tours leave from the north shore this time of year, as opposed to port Allen. Thoughts?

Sunset cruise, and contained environment, sounds ideal for the little guy. Unlikely he could cause a wreck.

 

[zoonation]

The sunset cruise up the Na Pali coast would be really good for the whole family. And if you're doing Waimea Valley and returning towards Poipu Beach, you drive right past the marina from which all those cruises launch.

Reading that the best tours leave from the north shore this time of year, as opposed to port Allen. Thoughts?

Sunset cruise, and contained environment, sounds ideal for the little guy. Unlikely he could cause a wreck.

Definitely take a boat tour leaving out of Hanalei Bay. You see WAY more of Napali as it literally starts just around the corner from the bay.

Bar Acuda is an awesome tapas restaurant in Hanalei with great wine and an awesome vibe.

Tunnels beach is my favorite for snorkelling and scenery. Ke'e is beautiful but the snorkelling is overrated.

If you go north (which is by far the nicest part of the island imo) stop in at the Regis for a pinneaple mojito, which is ridiculously good.

 

[zoonation]

The sunset cruise up the Na Pali coast would be really good for the whole family. And if you're doing Waimea Valley and returning towards Poipu Beach, you drive right past the marina from which all those cruises launch.

Reading that the best tours leave from the north shore this time of year, as opposed to port Allen. Thoughts? Sunset cruise, and contained environment, sounds ideal for the little guy. Unlikely he could cause a wreck.

Someone would have to explain to me why leaving from one port would be better than leaving from another. Especially if I were going to be driving right past one port and the other was a relatively long drive to get there.

The tours out of the south don't even compare to the ones out of the north. It takes forever just to get to the coast out of the south and you pretty much miss the best part, which is up north.

 

[zoonation]

The sunset cruise up the Na Pali coast would be really good for the whole family. And if you're doing Waimea Valley and returning towards Poipu Beach, you drive right past the marina from which all those cruises launch.

Reading that the best tours leave from the north shore this time of year, as opposed to port Allen. Thoughts?Sunset cruise, and contained environment, sounds ideal for the little guy. Unlikely he could cause a wreck.

Someone would have to explain to me why leaving from one port would be better than leaving from another. Especially if I were going to be driving right past one port and the other was a relatively long drive to get there.

The tours out of the south don't even compare to the ones out of the north. It takes forever just to get to the coast out of the south and you pretty much miss the best part, which is up north.

OK, that's good info. We are planning to go back May of 2014... I'll make a point of going from the north coast this time and report back. But my biggest concern for Spears was that they're only on Kauai for a few days... and they're going up Waimea Canyon today... and Port Allen just just a stone's throw from the road that take you up that way. Is the best use of their very short time to drive up to a northern port... with a kid... and then drive all the way back to Poipu afterwards? Perhaps it is worth it, but it better be *a lot* better than going from Port Allen. I'll be able to make that decision next May.

You'll be glad you did.

Remember that tours out of the north are seasonal. I think may to the end of september. Gets too rough during winter and shoulder season.

I also recommend staying up north too. Has a cool relaxed vibe and Hanalei is such a cool town. I saw that you stayed at the Koa Kea. We were thinking of staying a couple of nights there next trip. Do you recommend it?

 

[bierfiend]

This is kind of random. Not sure if it is in season but try opakapaka (type of fish). Had it a few times when I was there for my honeymoon. Amazing. Also, the Shrimp Station in Waimea was really good too. Kind of a dive but great food.

opakapaka is pink snapper. very good and should be available year round. when in hawaii, it's hard to pass on ahi. it was very fresh when i would bring it in in colorado, but nothing beats boat to table. i also like ono...season is almost up. just have to be careful...very delicate. easy to overcook.

 

[Britney Spears]

Ok, I've been in touch with BRONG and with his help, we've had an incredible time. He's directed us to some awesome beaches and places to eat. I've visited a few places listed in this thread as well, based on his recommendations and so far:

- Tunnels & Hanalei Bay were our best beach experiences. Ke'e was better scenery, but was pretty crowded when we were there.

- Bar Acuda was excellent. Temparillos FTW.

- Watched an hour or so of NFL at Kalypso on Sunday with excellent breakfast (Mahi-Mahi Huevos Rancheros). Great place if you are here during football season.

- Wimea Canyon is really the only thing we've done since we have been here that would warrant time outside the north shore area.

- Helicopter ride was worth every penny. At the recommendation of BRONG, we took one that left from Princeville. Very kid friendly, and they treated my son like a king (let him play around in the pilot seat, special headset, etc).

- Hanalei in general was our favorite area, and one of those places that you hope doesn't get too overrun by touristy stuff.

If we come again, we are definitely staying on the north shore. I'd definitely like to come here when my kid is older so we can hike. I also would want to take a boat tour, which we ended up not having time for. We loved the helicopter, but both would be better.

There is supposedly some sort of sugar irrigation tunnel that you can take through the mountainside from the east and end up on the back side of the canyons on the north shore. It absolutely kills me that we couldn't check that out, as it sounds amazing. 1 mile hike in the mud with a 1.5 year old though is just not happening for us.

I can't stress enough that the north shore was much more our speed (slower) and unique IMO. I could see us coming back here later in life, or with my sisters and their family sometime.

Protips:

1. Yelp has tons of great info for food. We have eaten a lot of fish tacos because they are so damn good here.

2. Bring some beater shoes here, as the red dirt will definitely get on them.

3. Listen to BRONG.

 

[Mr. Pickles]

BRONG is.. the man.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Last night on the North Shore.  This is the most awesome place on earth.  Saw Ben Stiller, Laird, and Gabby Reece.  Ate at the Dophin 3 times in a week.  Hanalei is where I'd live if I had F U money. 

 

[Random]

Went in June.  Stayed at the Hyatt south shore and rented a jeep. We Kayaked the Na Pali coast (17 miles), hiked the Kalalau trail (only the first 2 miles, still stunning), hiked a few trails in Waimea Canyon, took a doors off helicopter tour of the island, dove in Queens Bath.  Agree, that place is stunning.