jumpy

We are spending 2 wks in Maui but decided to try out the island of Kauai for 3 days before. I realize the time is limited but would like to get a general feel for the island in hopes we'll return there for a longer time. I would love to have a recommendation for a Napali boat tour. Also, it would be great to have a recommendation for one nice restaurant with a beautiful sunset as well as a fun bar where we could hear some 'island' type of music. How long would it take to have a day tour that would include a lot of the islands as well as a chance to hike? We will be staying in the Princeville area.
Thanks for the input, guys!

DebitNM

What time/day do you arrive in KAuai and what time/day do you leave fro MAui?

The reason I ask is to determine do you really have 3 full days</U. [with another day before and after for travel time or do you have 1/2 day on arrival day; then 1 full day; then 1/2 day on departure day. If it is the latter, often times travelers don't take into consideratin time lost on such things as: waiting for luggage/packing to change islands; getting rental car/returning rental car on second island; driving time to and from airport on second island; going through security getting to second island; settling in at hotel and getting acclaimated.

I am not discouraging a second island, it's great idea BUT I think if it is possible stay for more than 3 days. Honestly, anything less than five days [which is two 1/2 travel days and 3 full days] could be more trouble than its worth. And of course, you have the interisland fligt cost to contend with.

We recently did 5 nights on MAui, 3 nights on BI and 5 nights on Oahu and although we had a great time, we wasted a lot of time with going to BI for 3 days -- and irony is --that turned out to be our favorite island!!

Hope this helps...
Debi

iceeu2

Well
,
1. For a Napali boat tour, we did Holoholo and enjoyed it. But, there are others that leave from the north shore.

2. For the nice dinner and sunset, it's probably The Beach House.

Don't know about the fun bar....but, I bet Auntie can bring you up to speed.

DebitNM

opps...should have previewed that one! Sorry about all the underlining...it was supposed to only be under the 3 full days part.
Debi

jumpy

Thanks for the responses so far -actually we'll be there on a Wed. early am flight so will have most of Wed., all Thursday and Friday then leave on Saturday am. We can't stay any longer than that.

iamq

I'd have sunset drinks and pupus at the Living Room at the Princeville Hotel and then have dinner at Cafe Hanalei.

If you really want to do the NaPali cruise, I'd do it from Hanalei to avoid having to drive down to Port Allen.

Take a look at Limahuli Gardens near Ke'e Beach. It is a great place that you can wander around for an hour or two with gorgeous views of the pali and Makana Peak.

I would not do a guided tour of the island. Get a guide book and outline some things you want to see and just go on your own. Waimea Canyon should be on that list.

pila

iceeu2

Ok, since you will be there on Friday night...you may want to check into having the Friday night seafood buffet at Cafe Hanalei. Even with a reservation get there early for a prime seat outside.

i'2

sistahlou

Well if I could add the HellHole to my itinerary for 3 nights on my next trip this is what we would do.

Wed: on my way north, stop for bfast at Oly cafe. Share one order of ban/mac pancakes-maybe a side of meat and then head north. Depending on checkin - we'd stop by light house. That night we'd head to Hanalei for sunset at the pier and dinner and a little exploring of the shops. After dinner, we'd take in the sounds of Surf Jones at Tahiti Nui. I think they start around 9?

Thurs: I would wake up on my own with the only agenda being the open road. I would go deep and head all the way to Polihole Beach and slowly make our way back. Head up to Waimea Canyon, grab a pupu and beer at Kyoto's in Poipu, and explore as far as we'd like. If we happen to be in the area, we might do pupus and fish taco happy hour at Dukes at sunset. After a full day of exploring the whole island would head to lodging and happily crash. If you happen to be in Poipu for sunset, stop by the beach house, or visit the Grand Hyatt to check it out.

Friday, I would just hang local. Hike Napali Coasts first few miles in the early morning and then visit all the northshore beaches. If the surf is gentle, I would spend the afternoon at Secrets Beach and maybe head to one of the areas flower gardens. If the mood wasn't up for Seafood Buffet, I'd head to HappyTalk Lounge for Island sounds and pupus and glorious sunset, and then explore the Princeville Hotel. Or maybe head down to Sushi Blues in Hanalei.

See there is plenty you can do in just a few days to get the feel of the island, yet relax on a beach here and there.

Upon your return, you are invited to tell us, it was miserable. It rained, you were attacked by rooster, and there was no nightlife or food on the island!!!! That my friend is what makes it the "Hellhole" As the bumpersticker says, "If you love Kauai, send your friens to Maui"
Maui mo bettah!!!!
gyppie

jumpy

Thanks everyone for the information - I can hardly wait! I have to tell you - I did go to Kauai once when I was 19 (hate to say it but it was 37 yrs. ago) and all I remember is a chinese restaurant, and we stayed at a bamboo hut type of place that was unbelievably beautiful, I heard the crashing waves all night long. I wish I could remember where it was - any ideas from anyone that lived or visited there that long ago? It was just such a small place and I remember this chinese restaurant was about the only place to eat.