Kauai Info Help/Suggestions
Mar 24th, 2003, 10:34 AM
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Kauai Info Help/Suggestions
Hi all, my best friend and I will arrive in April on a Saturday and depart on a Wed night. We're staying at the Hyatt. Can I get some recomendations on what to see and do? I love kayaking and snorkeling and would like to try Snuba if it's offered there. I would also like restaurant recommendations (nothing fancy, just good food and where the locals go). Thank you all for your time and input!!
Mar 24th, 2003, 11:34 AM
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Hello, my wife and I just returned from Kauai, last week. I highly recommend that you purchase a copy of "The Ultimate Guide to Kauai" or blue bible as locals refer to it which is available at Banes and Noble Bookstores-it will greatly aid you in deciding what and where to do things. You should rent a car and drive up to the Princeville/Hanalei Area and eat at the Princeville Hotel (many restaurant choices inside) while the sun is setting, later drive north until the road ends at Kee Beach. Snorkeling is also decent at Princeville Hotel Beach (you do not have to stay there to use the beach). Snorkeling varies from day to day depending on ocean and wind conditions but we find Kee Beach to be worth the trip. Also at Kee Beach is the entrance to the Napali coast hiking trail for rugged hikers, it has amazing views. Whalewatching, Kayaking, and snorkeling trips are available from Hanalei Bay and southern points such as Port Allen, you should do some kind of boat or helicopter tour viewing the pristine Napali coast. With regard to points south, Poipu Beach has good snorkeling and the nearby "Beachhouse" Restaurant has excellent food and you should try to reserve early to get a sunset view dinner. A drive to view the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific" or Waimea Canyon is also worthwhile. For souvenir deals check out WalMart and KMart in Lihue first before you buy anything. Good Luck!
Mar 24th, 2003, 11:36 AM
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You should first invest in The Ulimate Guide to Kauai. Great book with good ideas. For Kayaking near poipu you could try the trip up the Wailua River. Many people do this with a stop at the Fern Grotto.
Sorry, we ate at the expensive places because we were in a condo and ate out only at dinner. You might do a search on "Kauai" and check out places recommended by KAL. He's been to Kauai every year for like 11 years or even more. He has lots of info. Good luck, Kauai is beautiful.
Sorry, we ate at the expensive places because we were in a condo and ate out only at dinner. You might do a search on "Kauai" and check out places recommended by KAL. He's been to Kauai every year for like 11 years or even more. He has lots of info. Good luck, Kauai is beautiful.
Mar 24th, 2003, 11:48 AM
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Well John and I were obviously posting at the same time. Hope you don't feel nagged about the Ulimate book! :0
I agree with John on the Beach House but it's not cheap. We were sorry we saved it for the last night. If we had eaten there earlier we would have definitely gone back for another night!!!!!
I agree with John on the Beach House but it's not cheap. We were sorry we saved it for the last night. If we had eaten there earlier we would have definitely gone back for another night!!!!!
Mar 24th, 2003, 11:55 AM
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1st of all, of the both of you are not yet Hyatt Gold Passport memebers, make sure you join thier Frequent Customer Program.
Even though you will be new members, you can always ask if there are any free 'upgrades'; they're more inclined to give it to Gold Passport members, especially if the hotel is not full.
One of my favorite casual locals place is Brennecke's Broiler. It located at Poipu Beach, a short drive from the Hyatt. They have VERY fresh seafood served in a very casual, beachside-tpe restaurant.
Although very touristy, I still think the Fern Grotto boat ride is a fun, kitchy way to spend several hours.
Even though you will be new members, you can always ask if there are any free 'upgrades'; they're more inclined to give it to Gold Passport members, especially if the hotel is not full.
One of my favorite casual locals place is Brennecke's Broiler. It located at Poipu Beach, a short drive from the Hyatt. They have VERY fresh seafood served in a very casual, beachside-tpe restaurant.
Although very touristy, I still think the Fern Grotto boat ride is a fun, kitchy way to spend several hours.
Mar 24th, 2003, 12:01 PM
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Hi,
I just spent the month of February on Kauai staying in Poipu area at Lawai Beach Resort.
There is good snorkling at the beach near the Beach House Restaurant. Probably the best on the south shore, easily accessible.
As far as restaurants go, there are a number to choose from in the Poipu area. I would recommend the following for not too expensive food, but good value for the money: Joe's On The Green( for great breakfast and lunch), Keoki's ( eat in the bar. The bar menu is good and not expensive. Do not recommend eating at the full service restaurant. Not the best in my opinion), Poipu Beach Bar and Grill
( newest restaurant on south shore. They have good food, nothing over $18 on menu, and a good salad bar), Finally, go to Kalaheo and try Brick Oven Pizza ( some of the best pizza I have ever eaten. A very popular place), Pomodoro's ( local italian restaurant, very good food.), Camp House Grill
( great for breakfast and lunch. Not the best for dinner. Be prepared for an older building that could use some updating.)
Hope you have a great time. Do drive to the North shore, and see the Waimea Canyon.
Have a great time.
I just spent the month of February on Kauai staying in Poipu area at Lawai Beach Resort.
There is good snorkling at the beach near the Beach House Restaurant. Probably the best on the south shore, easily accessible.
As far as restaurants go, there are a number to choose from in the Poipu area. I would recommend the following for not too expensive food, but good value for the money: Joe's On The Green( for great breakfast and lunch), Keoki's ( eat in the bar. The bar menu is good and not expensive. Do not recommend eating at the full service restaurant. Not the best in my opinion), Poipu Beach Bar and Grill
( newest restaurant on south shore. They have good food, nothing over $18 on menu, and a good salad bar), Finally, go to Kalaheo and try Brick Oven Pizza ( some of the best pizza I have ever eaten. A very popular place), Pomodoro's ( local italian restaurant, very good food.), Camp House Grill
( great for breakfast and lunch. Not the best for dinner. Be prepared for an older building that could use some updating.)
Hope you have a great time. Do drive to the North shore, and see the Waimea Canyon.
Have a great time.
Mar 24th, 2003, 01:46 PM
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John, Suzie, Anthony and Brenda:
Thank you all for getting back to me so quickly! I guess I'll be going to Borders this evening to buy a blue book.
Oh, Anthony: I am very much a gold passport member, this is how I got the free nights at Hyatt. Last year it was an earned free week in Aruba.
Thank you again, everyone, for your suggestions. I've taken careful notes and look forward to hearing from others!
Have a great day.
Thank you all for getting back to me so quickly! I guess I'll be going to Borders this evening to buy a blue book.
Oh, Anthony: I am very much a gold passport member, this is how I got the free nights at Hyatt. Last year it was an earned free week in Aruba.
Thank you again, everyone, for your suggestions. I've taken careful notes and look forward to hearing from others!
Have a great day.
Mar 24th, 2003, 02:12 PM
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We did SNUBA near the Beach House restaurant in Poipu. It was fantastic experience if you aren't a certified diver. It nice to get furthur down near the fish & coral, especially if you can't hold your breath and snorkel-dive.
I don't know if they have it in Kauai now, but you may look into doing an intro-dives. That way you can SCUBA, but an instructor is with you at all times.
Have Fun!
Amy
I don't know if they have it in Kauai now, but you may look into doing an intro-dives. That way you can SCUBA, but an instructor is with you at all times.
Have Fun!
Amy
Mar 24th, 2003, 02:19 PM
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Aloooohaaaa,
I can't recall but isn't Kauai closed for maintenance in April? I think that is the only month they can paint the mountains and cliffs green? ;-D
All good suggestions mentioned above, espcially the Ultimate Guide...or as my friends on Kauai call it, "Satan's Book"! (Sorry JohnD).
Since you're down in Poipu, try an ATV tour, too. We took the "Sunset Tour" and wound up at the resevoir with a 360 degree view of the Poipu area and the mountains. They also take you in a long tunnel thru the mountain and it comes out in the area where they filmed Jurrasic Park. The "Waterfall Tour" is next on the agenda.
If you waterski, you can ski the Wailua River up in the Kapaaa area. You can kayak up it too.
Ditto on Joe's on the Green, especially for breakfast. "Joe's Scramble (taro leaves instead of spinach) w/ added jalapenos"!
Tropical Burger is also located in the same Poipu Shopping Ctr as Roy's and Keoki's. Pretty inexpensive and good burgers/salads.
The "HULE PIE" at Keoki's or Duke's haunts me to this day!
Brenneke's cerviche is "ono". Especially w/ Taro chips.
Nice pizza place in Kalaheo but The Brick is still the best, IMHO.
A lot of good places to eat in the Lihue/Kapaa area too. Hamaura's, Oki Diner, Rob's Goodtime Grill, Duke's (Taco Tuesdays! $2 fish taco/$2 draft beer.), Coconuts, Lemongrass, A Pacific Cafe, Kintaro's, HukiLau, Bullshed.
You golf?
Mucho mahalos,
Kal
ps...Suuuz...278!
I can't recall but isn't Kauai closed for maintenance in April? I think that is the only month they can paint the mountains and cliffs green? ;-D
All good suggestions mentioned above, espcially the Ultimate Guide...or as my friends on Kauai call it, "Satan's Book"! (Sorry JohnD).
Since you're down in Poipu, try an ATV tour, too. We took the "Sunset Tour" and wound up at the resevoir with a 360 degree view of the Poipu area and the mountains. They also take you in a long tunnel thru the mountain and it comes out in the area where they filmed Jurrasic Park. The "Waterfall Tour" is next on the agenda.
If you waterski, you can ski the Wailua River up in the Kapaaa area. You can kayak up it too.
Ditto on Joe's on the Green, especially for breakfast. "Joe's Scramble (taro leaves instead of spinach) w/ added jalapenos"!
Tropical Burger is also located in the same Poipu Shopping Ctr as Roy's and Keoki's. Pretty inexpensive and good burgers/salads.
The "HULE PIE" at Keoki's or Duke's haunts me to this day!
Brenneke's cerviche is "ono". Especially w/ Taro chips.
Nice pizza place in Kalaheo but The Brick is still the best, IMHO.
A lot of good places to eat in the Lihue/Kapaa area too. Hamaura's, Oki Diner, Rob's Goodtime Grill, Duke's (Taco Tuesdays! $2 fish taco/$2 draft beer.), Coconuts, Lemongrass, A Pacific Cafe, Kintaro's, HukiLau, Bullshed.
You golf?
Mucho mahalos,
Kal
ps...Suuuz...278!
Mar 24th, 2003, 11:17 PM
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Haemura's(locals,locals.locals) is something you should check out just for the experience. I agree with Brenneke's for good food in a casual atmosphere. I actually really enjoyed the museum in Lihue..there is a great exhibit on the cultural and physical history of Kauai. Try to rent the PBS-American Playhouse- "Hawaii's Last Queen" before you go.
Mar 25th, 2003, 07:43 AM
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Kal, will your cruelty never end? I see since your trip report from Kauai you've had a trip report of wine country and you've also been to SF. Apparently you're living my life BC (before children)
Mar 25th, 2003, 01:29 PM
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Suuz,
"Nevah"!
Since we're NCs (no children) or DINKs we try and do a "small trip" every month.
SF again next month, Sonoma/Napa May, San Diego in June, a possible "top secret" destination in late June/July, Chicago Sept....other than Hell, any suggestions for Oct, Nov?
Kal
"Nevah"!
Since we're NCs (no children) or DINKs we try and do a "small trip" every month.
SF again next month, Sonoma/Napa May, San Diego in June, a possible "top secret" destination in late June/July, Chicago Sept....other than Hell, any suggestions for Oct, Nov?
Kal
Mar 26th, 2003, 07:09 AM
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BrendaM,
Thx but if that's your definition of "short"...well there's a joke in there I'm not touching! ;-)
BUT, fall foilage!!! We've been threatening to do the Hwy 49/20 fall foilage tour in Oct. Stay in NevCity, Downieville or ???? Hmmmm.
Not as BIG as NE but a bit closer.
Thx for the lightbulb!
Kal
Thx but if that's your definition of "short"...well there's a joke in there I'm not touching! ;-)
BUT, fall foilage!!! We've been threatening to do the Hwy 49/20 fall foilage tour in Oct. Stay in NevCity, Downieville or ???? Hmmmm.
Not as BIG as NE but a bit closer.
Thx for the lightbulb!
Kal
