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Kauai - day trips to North shore and Waimea Canyon/Kokee State Park

Kauai - day trips to North shore and Waimea Canyon/Kokee State Park

Old Jan 29th, 2015, 07:35 PM
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Kauai - day trips to North shore and Waimea Canyon/Kokee State Park

We are leaving for Kauai in a week. We will be stating in Poipu and weather permitting planning to do 2 driving days trips to North Shore and to Waimea Canyon/ Kokee Park.

What stops should we do on our North shore trip? I marked so far Hanalei , Kee Beach to snorkel, tunnels beach, Princeville. How much time to do Kalalui trail ? Should we stop at Haena? How best to plan a day? What is the nice restaurant in Princeville to watch sunset?

Waimea canyon - what are the best stops/lookouts? Short hikes? Is it worth going to Kokee State Park? Are there short hikes? We've been many times in rain forests and cloud forest in Costa Rica.

And advice/info much appreciated
Irina11 is offline  
Old Jan 30th, 2015, 10:58 AM
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I really enjoyed the Luau at The St Regis Princeville. Even if you don't do the Luau the restaurant has gorgeous terrace with sunset views. Now I was there when it was The Priceville Resort. Not sure if St Regis Properties has renovated/changed the layout at all. Are you just 2 adults? Thrilling open helicopter tour of the Napali Coast was terrific, we also did a day trip of the Napali Coast by boat which was a completely different experience with Dolphins swimming along the boat trying to race us! There are some great casual fish places to eat in Hanalei. Enjoy!
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Old Jan 30th, 2015, 11:44 AM
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Yes Koke'e State Park is worthwhile, in fact go there first, as sometimes the overlooks get fogged in after 9-10am or so, be sure to stop at both the Kalalau and Puu Oh Hila lookouts, then drive down to Waimea Canyon, with a stop at the Koke'e Lodge if you wish (clean bathrooms). Several places to have lunch afterward in Waimea, we liked Wrangler's as it is table service as opposed to Shrimp Station.
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Old Jan 30th, 2015, 12:30 PM
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Not likely that you'll do much snorkeling on north shore beaches. I just checked the Haena/Tunnels/Cannons surf report and it's showing swells up to 12 ft, which is typical for this time of year. Beautiful spot though, so still worth stopping there for a look-see, even if you can't get in the water. Anini would be your best bet as it's protected by a large reef, but I've never seen much when I've snorkeled there.

Kalalau Trail may be a no-go too, particularly if rain's in the forecast rain, or it's rained recently. The trail can be dangerously slippery in spots. If you happen to catch it in good weather, figure 1.5 - 2 hours in to Hanakapiaii Beach, and something less back to your car. Heed the sign at Hanakapiai Beach!

Places you might enjoy regardess of weather/ocean conditions would be Kilauea Lighthouse, Hanalei town (including a stop at Tahiti-Nui for a mai-tai), Lumahai Beach where Mitzi Gaynor Wash(ed) That Man Right Outta My(her) Hair (but don't even think about getting in the water), Limahuli Gardens... Kapa'a has some nice shops, and if you can't hike but the weather's not too bad, rent bikes and ride the path along the coast.
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Old Jan 30th, 2015, 02:30 PM
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Love every recommendation FaceInTheCrowd made!
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Old Jan 30th, 2015, 05:34 PM
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Helicopter ride over Na Pali coast leaving from Princeville (Sunshine Tours I think was the name I used).

Hike Kalalau Trail, weather permitting. I was there in August and it was try. I would say 2 hours one way to Hanakapuai beach. Bring food and lots of water. Start as early as possible as parking is very limited. Stay out of the surf there,,, frequent drownings and rogue waves. No joke. Best hike of the island I think.

Tunnels beach was the best snorkeling I did up there. But again I went in summer so not sure how safe it is now. Parking very limited here too so start early. I didn't think the snorkeling at Ke'e was that great but I didn't venture beyond the reef due to rough surf. Mediterranean cafe is a great place for lunch by Tunnels.

Postcards is great in Hanalei.

Can't remember the name but restaurant at the St. Regis has a beautiful view for dinner and a gorgeous terrace. Great sunset dinner. Luau is good here as well, and also at Tahiti Nui in Hanalei.

Waimea Canyon- try Awa'awapuhi trail.

I also enjoyed Hideaways beach to snorkel. Quiet, lots of turtles. Chickens, too!

The North Shore is gorgeous. Best part of the island. Have fun!
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Old Jan 31st, 2015, 11:37 AM
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Thanks everyone for great info/recommendations!

We are planning to book combo: snorkeling boat tour to Na Pali coast and airplane tour. But still plan to drive to North shore and Waimea Canyon/Kokee park. Like the idea start with Kokee - makes perfect sense!.

Hope for a good weather to snorkel, if not than we will just enjoy scenery anyway and try Anini beach to swim and stop in all places recommended .

Are there weather reports reliable one day in advance? What is the beat site to follow local forecast fir South and North?

Thanks
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Old Jan 31st, 2015, 11:44 AM
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We were in Kauai for 10 days or so at nearly the same time you will be, a few years back. I did a detailed trip report - captions with photos ... you might find it useful for seeing what sights around the island you might be interested in. It's so very beautiful there!

https://picasaweb.google.com/1003399...aiDecember2009
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Old Jan 31st, 2015, 11:50 AM
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Book your Na Pali boat trip for early in your stay so in case they have to cancel due to weather, you can reschedule for a later date. Haven't been that time of year so can't give you current advice, other than the trip is more about seeing the Na Pali than outstanding snorkeling. Have fun.
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Old Jan 31st, 2015, 12:14 PM
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This is a pretty reliable site for weather, but you'll also want to look at the surf reports: http://www.hawaiiweathertoday.com/kauai.php. Swells 0 - 1' are best for snorkeling, and it's not much fun if they're over 2'. You'll more likely find those conditions on the south shore this time of year.
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Old Jan 31st, 2015, 12:15 PM
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"You'll more likely find those conditions on the south shore this time of year."

The good snorkeling conditions, I mean.
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Old Jan 31st, 2015, 12:55 PM
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Agree to plan any hiking or snorkeling in the morning, as the rain comes usually in the afternoon if it comes.

FYI, I have heard of many people getting seasick on Na Pali boat trips, as the surf there is so rough, especially in winter. You may want to re-think that one. Snorkel in a calmer area. Na Pali is best for hiking or air tours.
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Old Feb 1st, 2015, 06:44 PM
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Mjneenan, I loved the way you did your report with the pictures, so cool. And the pictures are gorgeous.
Did you like snorkeling at Kuhio? We swill be staying in Poipu. If we would not be able to snorkel on the North shore what are good places to snorkel on the South shore?
Jamie99, FaceInTheCrowd, brubenow, thanks for all your wonderful advices. Would you recommend to take Na Pali sunset tour instead of snorkeling one? What is the best time to take a boat tour to Na Pali - in the morning to afternoon? We are leaving NY on Feb.6th so will be in Kauia starting Feb7th.



Thanks
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Old Feb 1st, 2015, 07:30 PM
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I'd never recommend the Na Pali coast for snorkeling, but if it's your only morning tour choice and you're concerned about seasickness, a snorkeling tour is probably your best option. As long as you're not expecting good snorkeling. My favorite Na Pali coast tours are those where you actually sail, rough waters or not. There's just something about being out on the water in a sailboat, and there are few better places for that than along the Na Pali coast. If seasickness isn't a concern, in your shoes, I'd choose a sunset sailboat cruise over a morning powerboat snorkeling tour every time.

Na Pali boat tour or not, I'd always recommend a helicopter tour, open doors if you're a photo geek.
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Old Feb 1st, 2015, 09:19 PM
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Yeah I wouldn't recommend Na Pali for snorkeling, either. Trust me. Waves too rough. Tours often canceled in winter due to high surf. Snorkel elsewhere. Save Na Pali for hiking the Kalalau Trail and a helicopter tour.
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Old Feb 2nd, 2015, 11:54 AM
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I'd do a morning tour as the seas are much calmer then. You do not have to snorkel, my late husband never did. While the people are snorkeling the crew is setting up for lunch. I have heard very good things about Captain Andy's Southern Star, and they serve hot food instead of the normal make your own sandwich, etc.
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Old Feb 2nd, 2015, 01:30 PM
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Irina11, To answer your questions. First of all, snorkeling in Kauai is good, but not great. It's not as good as snorkeling on Maui or the Big Island. All that being said, it was still fun. We spent most of our snorkeling time right next to where we stayed in Kuhio Shores. It was good there ... and convenient, of course, since we could just walk to the water. We also spent an hour snorkeling at Po'ipu Beach, just a mile down the road from Kuhio Shores ... it was comparable to the snorkeling at Kuhio Shores.
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