Dearest Kauai Folks . . .
Sep 21st, 2006, 07:15 PM
#1
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Dearest Kauai Folks . . .
After lurking in the shadows of this forum for a verrrrry long time I have decided to come out of hiding and join the conversations. I am planning a trip for 6 to Kauai from June 3 to June 11, 2007. We have already paid for a rental home in Ha’ena (yes, I’m an early bird . . . yall go ahead and make fun of me now). This trip will be a family honeymoon, and I believe we’ve chosen a good location that will meet our needs. And yes, the mosquito repellant with DEET is already packed. Being from Northeast Texas we are well familiar with the little bloodsuckers. Now for the questions:
1) We want to do the NaPali cliffs tour from the north shore and I understand that there are only two options there. After doing my research I’m leaning towards Na Pali Catamaran but I am concerned about the transfer from the outrigger to the catamaran. One of the travelers in our group is disabled and I need to make sure that the transfer from one boat to the other is do-able for her. Has anybody done this boat tour? And if so, how difficult is getting out of the outrigger into the cat? And how about boat access after snorkeling? Is that easy as well?
2) We plan on doing a bit of hiking, both from the north shore and also from the canyon. Can someone give me a trail recommendation in the canyon area that is no harder than moderate and won’t take all day? Maybe 2 – 3 hours.
3) I’m freaking out about the snorkeling at Makua (Tunnels) beach because of all I’ve read about the channel on the left side. Most of our group are novice snorkelers, but we are all strong swimmers. How bad is the current on that side? Yall stop laughing at me. I know I may be overly cautious and a bazillion people a year snorkel there, but I want to make sure that we pay the ocean the proper respect.
4) I’m having trouble finding a good rate on a rental mini-van. I haven’t found anything for less than $450 for the week. Yikes! Any hints would be greatly appreciated.
And lastly . . .
5) Just out of curiosity does anyone have any experience with the Wainiha River House (vrbo 82192)? As I said, it’s already booked and paid, but I would love to hear reviews of the place.
And while I’m here, let me just thank all you “regulars” for all the wonderful advice and answers you give here. I’m sure I’ll have many more questions.
Thanks,
MPF
1) We want to do the NaPali cliffs tour from the north shore and I understand that there are only two options there. After doing my research I’m leaning towards Na Pali Catamaran but I am concerned about the transfer from the outrigger to the catamaran. One of the travelers in our group is disabled and I need to make sure that the transfer from one boat to the other is do-able for her. Has anybody done this boat tour? And if so, how difficult is getting out of the outrigger into the cat? And how about boat access after snorkeling? Is that easy as well?
2) We plan on doing a bit of hiking, both from the north shore and also from the canyon. Can someone give me a trail recommendation in the canyon area that is no harder than moderate and won’t take all day? Maybe 2 – 3 hours.
3) I’m freaking out about the snorkeling at Makua (Tunnels) beach because of all I’ve read about the channel on the left side. Most of our group are novice snorkelers, but we are all strong swimmers. How bad is the current on that side? Yall stop laughing at me. I know I may be overly cautious and a bazillion people a year snorkel there, but I want to make sure that we pay the ocean the proper respect.
4) I’m having trouble finding a good rate on a rental mini-van. I haven’t found anything for less than $450 for the week. Yikes! Any hints would be greatly appreciated.
And lastly . . .
5) Just out of curiosity does anyone have any experience with the Wainiha River House (vrbo 82192)? As I said, it’s already booked and paid, but I would love to hear reviews of the place.
And while I’m here, let me just thank all you “regulars” for all the wonderful advice and answers you give here. I’m sure I’ll have many more questions.
Thanks,
MPF
Sep 22nd, 2006, 05:20 AM
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Welcome aboard MauiPF. As a former lurker who also finally got around to jumping in, I did the same thing you did, posted a bunch of sort of involved questions. I was a little hurt that the "helpful" regulars didn't jump in and answer all my questions. Someone made a suggestion that helped me so I'll pass it on to you for whatever it's worth...Just address one question at a time and post a new thread for the second question etc. It's overwhelming when someone see all the questions, they might be able to answer one but not the rest, and they don't answer any.
Hopefully that will get you the info you're looking for. Good luck.
Hopefully that will get you the info you're looking for. Good luck.
Sep 22nd, 2006, 05:28 AM
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Aloha MPF,
Lurking ain't half as fun as playing!
I'm like you. I ususally get my accomodations taken care of as early as possible. On the north shore, that is usually a good idea, as some of the best places get snatched up.
3)Don't freak out about Makua, but you are wise to be aware of the currents that exist there. They are real and move from right to left. We've snorkeled here more than 20 times in the summer months and it has never been so strong that it has been a problem. Before I get in the water, I sit on the shore and look at the water conditions and just notice what is happening for a few minutes. You will see other snorkelers. Watch them to see what the current is doing to them.
Here is what we do. We usually access the beach via the first little right-of-way you get too as you are driving down the road. If you enter the beach this way, walk a little to your right up the beach about 200 feet and you will see some sandy areas to enter the water. Swim out and when it starts getting deeper you will see a shelf to your left. Follow that and float around the top of that and you will see some great stuff. The current will move you from right to left so we usually turn around when we've come opposite with the second, larger parking area on the shore between two rental houses. It will be harder swimming into the current, but not bad at all. Some days the current is stronger than others.
Please be careful not to walk on the reef. It kills the coral organisms that are struggling to survive. We see people doing this all the time and it breaks my heart.
When we are done snorkeling and want to hang in the water, we walk down to the right to the point, get in, float on our backs, and let the current slowly take us down to the main part of the beach again. Floating in the water, looking up at the pali and Makana Peak is one the great treats that I always look forward to when we are on Kaua'i.
Hope this helps.
-Bill
Lurking ain't half as fun as playing!
I'm like you. I ususally get my accomodations taken care of as early as possible. On the north shore, that is usually a good idea, as some of the best places get snatched up.
3)Don't freak out about Makua, but you are wise to be aware of the currents that exist there. They are real and move from right to left. We've snorkeled here more than 20 times in the summer months and it has never been so strong that it has been a problem. Before I get in the water, I sit on the shore and look at the water conditions and just notice what is happening for a few minutes. You will see other snorkelers. Watch them to see what the current is doing to them.
Here is what we do. We usually access the beach via the first little right-of-way you get too as you are driving down the road. If you enter the beach this way, walk a little to your right up the beach about 200 feet and you will see some sandy areas to enter the water. Swim out and when it starts getting deeper you will see a shelf to your left. Follow that and float around the top of that and you will see some great stuff. The current will move you from right to left so we usually turn around when we've come opposite with the second, larger parking area on the shore between two rental houses. It will be harder swimming into the current, but not bad at all. Some days the current is stronger than others.
Please be careful not to walk on the reef. It kills the coral organisms that are struggling to survive. We see people doing this all the time and it breaks my heart.
When we are done snorkeling and want to hang in the water, we walk down to the right to the point, get in, float on our backs, and let the current slowly take us down to the main part of the beach again. Floating in the water, looking up at the pali and Makana Peak is one the great treats that I always look forward to when we are on Kaua'i.
Hope this helps.
-Bill
Sep 22nd, 2006, 05:57 AM
#6
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MPF, looks as if you have a great place booked for your upcoming vacation.
Wish I could help with some of your specifics, but alas the only one I can help you with is the mini van rental..maybe........I found the rate from the entertainment book was the best for me.....or, you may get a good rate on priceline.
What I do is search all the car rental sites and find the best one and just keep on plugging until I come up with a good rate. Some people like to use Costco for their car rentals and say they get a good rate from them.
One good thing is with the rentals, you don't have to give your cc # to secure the reservation, so you can cancel without any problems when you find a better deal.
Happy planning......
iamq is the expert for snorkeling at Tunnels...or maybe RichinPa will see this...I think they share the same tree at Tunnels.
i'2
Don't dispair....the king of the K9's (Kal Kahuna) is on vacation right now. And, the others....well, sometimes we get our hands smacked for playing around too much.
When we did a Napali Coast tour, we did it out of Port Allen with Holoholo Charters. I realize this is far away for you and you want to go from the north shore, but it is a thought and it was a great cruise.
I'll leave the comedy up to the Kauai Komedian, Mr. iamq! Now, I call him billyboy...but that's just my pet name for him....ya heah??
Wish I could help with some of your specifics, but alas the only one I can help you with is the mini van rental..maybe........I found the rate from the entertainment book was the best for me.....or, you may get a good rate on priceline.
What I do is search all the car rental sites and find the best one and just keep on plugging until I come up with a good rate. Some people like to use Costco for their car rentals and say they get a good rate from them.
One good thing is with the rentals, you don't have to give your cc # to secure the reservation, so you can cancel without any problems when you find a better deal.
Happy planning......
iamq is the expert for snorkeling at Tunnels...or maybe RichinPa will see this...I think they share the same tree at Tunnels.
i'2Don't dispair....the king of the K9's (Kal Kahuna) is on vacation right now. And, the others....well, sometimes we get our hands smacked for playing around too much.
When we did a Napali Coast tour, we did it out of Port Allen with Holoholo Charters. I realize this is far away for you and you want to go from the north shore, but it is a thought and it was a great cruise.
I'll leave the comedy up to the Kauai Komedian, Mr. iamq! Now, I call him billyboy...but that's just my pet name for him....ya heah??
Sep 22nd, 2006, 07:36 AM
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Aloha, MPF
The Haena area is wonderful! We stayed there for a week in June and loved the jungle feel. Your rental looks great...lucky you!
#1 - We took a Kauai Sea Tours cruise out of the small port in Waimea so I can't help with the north shore cruises. It was a great day though; one jaw dropping view after another and lots of spinner dolphins and sea turtles!
#2 - We only hiked the last mile of the Waimea Canyon Road so I can't help with trails either but can suggest you stop at the store in Kokee State Park (you can't miss it - there's a store, restaurant and picnic area). The store employee we talked to lives in the park and was very knowledgeable about the trails.
I bought a hiking book that was very helpful for hikes all over Kauai. I can't remember the name of the book right off but if you click on my name, you can find my trip report and it's in there. The descriptions of each were excellent.
#3 - Bill offers VERY good advice about the currents at Makua (Tunnels) Beach!! First time out, they were so strong, there was no swimming back for me. I had to drift in and walk back. But I figured it out by doing just as he suggested -- observing the conditions and other snorkelers. The snorkeling there is wonderful and well worth the effort!
Also, parking there is somewhat limited. We were lucky in that our house was steps from Makau but we know people who never got to snorkel there because they couldn't park so you might want to go early.
#4 - didn't rent a van but we did get a very good rate on our car with a Delta Airlines promotional code from either the website or the monthly (maybe quarterly?) newsletter - can't remember which.
Hope this helps
The Haena area is wonderful! We stayed there for a week in June and loved the jungle feel. Your rental looks great...lucky you!
#1 - We took a Kauai Sea Tours cruise out of the small port in Waimea so I can't help with the north shore cruises. It was a great day though; one jaw dropping view after another and lots of spinner dolphins and sea turtles!
#2 - We only hiked the last mile of the Waimea Canyon Road so I can't help with trails either but can suggest you stop at the store in Kokee State Park (you can't miss it - there's a store, restaurant and picnic area). The store employee we talked to lives in the park and was very knowledgeable about the trails.
I bought a hiking book that was very helpful for hikes all over Kauai. I can't remember the name of the book right off but if you click on my name, you can find my trip report and it's in there. The descriptions of each were excellent.
#3 - Bill offers VERY good advice about the currents at Makua (Tunnels) Beach!! First time out, they were so strong, there was no swimming back for me. I had to drift in and walk back. But I figured it out by doing just as he suggested -- observing the conditions and other snorkelers. The snorkeling there is wonderful and well worth the effort!
Also, parking there is somewhat limited. We were lucky in that our house was steps from Makau but we know people who never got to snorkel there because they couldn't park so you might want to go early.
#4 - didn't rent a van but we did get a very good rate on our car with a Delta Airlines promotional code from either the website or the monthly (maybe quarterly?) newsletter - can't remember which.
Hope this helps
Sep 22nd, 2006, 08:14 AM
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1. There's lots of protests in Hanalei right now, about tour boats launching from our bay...not sure if it will be halted again, or what:
http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2...ews/news01.txt
You might want to instead book a tour departing from Pt. Allen. You should ask the tour company about whether they take disabled passengers (some do; some don't).
2. This site lists all of the Koke`e trails, with full descriptions:
http://tinyurl.com/jkc7t
3. Follow iamq's info about Makua -- summer surf is usually calm there.
4. Dig into your wallet and use every possible discount you've got -- Costco, AAA, AARP, etc. As has been pointed out, it costs nothing to make a reservation, so keep shopping.
5. Wainiha River House is a nice, quiet location -- and you've got your DEET, so you'll be just fine.
http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2...ews/news01.txt
You might want to instead book a tour departing from Pt. Allen. You should ask the tour company about whether they take disabled passengers (some do; some don't).
2. This site lists all of the Koke`e trails, with full descriptions:
http://tinyurl.com/jkc7t
3. Follow iamq's info about Makua -- summer surf is usually calm there.
4. Dig into your wallet and use every possible discount you've got -- Costco, AAA, AARP, etc. As has been pointed out, it costs nothing to make a reservation, so keep shopping.
5. Wainiha River House is a nice, quiet location -- and you've got your DEET, so you'll be just fine.
Sep 22nd, 2006, 10:01 AM
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You could try this for car rentals. They do require a credit card number, but it doesn't get charged until you drop off the car. Got good rates for both Kaui and Maui when we went in August. Prompt emails and no problems with the reservations.
http://www.discounthawaiicarrental.com/
http://www.discounthawaiicarrental.com/
Sep 22nd, 2006, 12:01 PM
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MauiPigFarmer,
Welcome to Fodors. Are you addicted yet?
Lucky you. I love Kauai. My last trip was in Jan. 2006--seems like too long ago. I wrote a trip report. Here is the link in case you are interested.
http://tinyurl.com/jkgfh
I can only help with one of your specific questions. For the canyon hike you could do the Kukui Trail. You could do just the nature loop which is easy or you could go down into the canyon which is pretty steep and strenuous. It is accessed right off of 550 and is on the right hand side just past the 8 mile marker.
I have a lot of other hikes I recommend in my trip report if you are interested. I love hiking Kauai!
Oh, and I have snorkeled Tunnels several times in different seasons and never found it difficult. I know it can be though, if there are flags I stay away!!!!
Have fun.
Welcome to Fodors. Are you addicted yet?
Lucky you. I love Kauai. My last trip was in Jan. 2006--seems like too long ago. I wrote a trip report. Here is the link in case you are interested.
http://tinyurl.com/jkgfh
I can only help with one of your specific questions. For the canyon hike you could do the Kukui Trail. You could do just the nature loop which is easy or you could go down into the canyon which is pretty steep and strenuous. It is accessed right off of 550 and is on the right hand side just past the 8 mile marker.
I have a lot of other hikes I recommend in my trip report if you are interested. I love hiking Kauai!
Oh, and I have snorkeled Tunnels several times in different seasons and never found it difficult. I know it can be though, if there are flags I stay away!!!!
Have fun.
Sep 22nd, 2006, 04:20 PM
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Look how helpful we've all been!
Come on sistah! Give us the low-down, the who-for and what-not! There must be something you can add?
Do you prefer floating at Makua on a raft or bareback? I want to know! And I bet Maui Pig Farmer does too!
Do you hike in your slingbacks or your tevas? I know you don't bring hiking boots like someone else I know.
MauiPigFarmer,
I found a great DEET product. It is called Sawyers lotion. It is a time release, low absorption formula that works great. Not oily, smelly or "Deety" like so many. I get it at REI and I can highly recommend it.
-Bill
Come on sistah! Give us the low-down, the who-for and what-not! There must be something you can add?
Do you prefer floating at Makua on a raft or bareback? I want to know! And I bet Maui Pig Farmer does too!
Do you hike in your slingbacks or your tevas? I know you don't bring hiking boots like someone else I know.
MauiPigFarmer,
I found a great DEET product. It is called Sawyers lotion. It is a time release, low absorption formula that works great. Not oily, smelly or "Deety" like so many. I get it at REI and I can highly recommend it.
-Bill
Sep 22nd, 2006, 05:36 PM
#18
Welcome. If you check out my "Songdoc's Kauai Trip Report" and a separate post of "Songdoc's pix . . ." I have a feeling you'll be planning to hike on the Kalalau Trail. (It was only so rough because of the previous night's downpour.)
I'd also say that the Canyon Trail at Waimea Canyon should not be missed -- and it's a much easier hike than Kalalau.
Have a great time!
I'd also say that the Canyon Trail at Waimea Canyon should not be missed -- and it's a much easier hike than Kalalau.
Have a great time!
Sep 22nd, 2006, 06:17 PM
#19
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MPF, when you do the Kalalau Trail hike, do not go after or during rain!
As Songdoc said, it's pretty rough. And, if you are undertall, as I am, it is more climbing and jumping than actual hiking. And slick....ohwee....you can slip and slide even in really good $20 hiking boots.
As Songdoc said, it's pretty rough. And, if you are undertall, as I am, it is more climbing and jumping than actual hiking. And slick....ohwee....you can slip and slide even in really good $20 hiking boots.
Sep 22nd, 2006, 08:06 PM
#20
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Aloha!
Thank you guys SO MUCH for all the wonderful advice!
StephCar - not only am I addicted already, but also head over heels for everyone on this forum. Such nice, nice folks. And I will be checking out your trip report just as soon as I get through with this reply.
IAMQ - that is exactly what I was looking for in reference to Makua. You so rock. Now tell me which tree and I will go pay homage to it in your honor when I am there.
Thanks to everybody for info on the car rental. I'm gonna keep looking using all the links you guys provided. I had completely forgotten about Amex travel, so thanks to Pilates for mentioning it. I wonder if I can trade in some points for credit of some sort? Hmmmm . . . It would be a darn sight better than the 30,000 points I traded in for a crappy digital camera last time!
AuntieMaria thank you for the link to the article. I think we will wait a bit to book a trip until closer to time. Perhaps things will settle down directly. Thanks also for the link on the trails. Trying to find something to make 6 people happy is about like trying to find a needle in a haystack!
Songdoc, I've been all over your trip report and pictures. So much so that I could probably be considered a stalker in some states! Excellent report, beautiful pictures. Color me jealous. You guys look so happy there. Makes me want to sit around a campfire and listen to you sing.
Sistahlou - when we went to Maui last year I decided that I was going to do whatever it took to retire to the islands . . . even if it meant moving upcountry and farming pigs. Thus the name. My nephew who is very well traveled and has been to all the islands several times tells me that Kauai makes Maui look like a ghetto. I'm afraid after this trip I'll be standing in the airport crying at the thought of boarding the plane to come home.
And while I'm here . . . how about another question (cuz yall know I haven't asked enough of those just yet). Any leads on a photographer who would come out and do a family portrait while we're there? Let me clarify . . . a photographer who would not cost me an arm and a leg. Gotta save some money for shave ice ya know!
And in closing, if any of yall ever need trip advice on NE Texas (ummmmm . . . yeah, right) you be sure and let me know. I'll be right on it!
Always -
MPF
Thank you guys SO MUCH for all the wonderful advice!
StephCar - not only am I addicted already, but also head over heels for everyone on this forum. Such nice, nice folks. And I will be checking out your trip report just as soon as I get through with this reply.
IAMQ - that is exactly what I was looking for in reference to Makua. You so rock. Now tell me which tree and I will go pay homage to it in your honor when I am there.
Thanks to everybody for info on the car rental. I'm gonna keep looking using all the links you guys provided. I had completely forgotten about Amex travel, so thanks to Pilates for mentioning it. I wonder if I can trade in some points for credit of some sort? Hmmmm . . . It would be a darn sight better than the 30,000 points I traded in for a crappy digital camera last time!
AuntieMaria thank you for the link to the article. I think we will wait a bit to book a trip until closer to time. Perhaps things will settle down directly. Thanks also for the link on the trails. Trying to find something to make 6 people happy is about like trying to find a needle in a haystack!
Songdoc, I've been all over your trip report and pictures. So much so that I could probably be considered a stalker in some states! Excellent report, beautiful pictures. Color me jealous. You guys look so happy there. Makes me want to sit around a campfire and listen to you sing.
Sistahlou - when we went to Maui last year I decided that I was going to do whatever it took to retire to the islands . . . even if it meant moving upcountry and farming pigs. Thus the name. My nephew who is very well traveled and has been to all the islands several times tells me that Kauai makes Maui look like a ghetto. I'm afraid after this trip I'll be standing in the airport crying at the thought of boarding the plane to come home.
And while I'm here . . . how about another question (cuz yall know I haven't asked enough of those just yet). Any leads on a photographer who would come out and do a family portrait while we're there? Let me clarify . . . a photographer who would not cost me an arm and a leg. Gotta save some money for shave ice ya know!
And in closing, if any of yall ever need trip advice on NE Texas (ummmmm . . . yeah, right) you be sure and let me know. I'll be right on it!
Always -
MPF
