In the summer, I would do a boat trip out of Hanalei rather then the west side - you will see more of the Napali Coast.

I would fit an early morning Waimea Hike - we like the awa~ hike, with an afternoon picnic at Polihale.

What about visiting the Limahuli National Tropical Garden up on N Shore? Doesn't take long and only $15 if you do self-guided. I like Ke'e Beach (that is where the trail starts). Cute shops and nice restaurants in Hanalei. Also check out Kileaua Lighthouse. For a good burger, try Duane's Ono Char Burger in Anahola, good fries too.

Have not been yet, but heard good things about the Hindu Monastery, only open certain days and you have to have an appointment for a tour. Supposed to be fascinating.

Congrats on your 10th.

Also, the most important thing when scheduling time on Kauai, especially in the winter months, is that weather and ocean conditions are a major factor, so due caution and adjustments must be made. Trails may be wonderful one day and under flash flood warnings another. That beautiful red dirt does get slippery and dangerous very quickly. Plan your schedule, knowing you will have to adapt to conditions.

Have you looked into helicopter tours of the island?

We used http://www.helicopters-kauai.com/ and were speechless about the sights we saw.

Some things to consider: snorkeling, zip lining, ATV tour, Waimea Canyon, and definitely the helicopter. I've done all and loved them all.

In summer, you might want an extra day on the North Side in Hanalei area -- beaches and winding road are pretty cool. Hanalei itself is in a spectacular setting.

You might want to pair your Poipu day with Waimea and Polihale.

I agree edjim, the Hanalei area is spectacular. When you are driving into the area and come upon the valley the beauty literally takes your breath away.

The North Shore/Hanalei area is our favorite by far, and we bought a timeshare during our Honeymoon in Princeville - back in '86. For the best info - check Sondoc's posts, which are the best!

We have done the Kalalua hike over half a dozen times - and once - while at Hanakapi'ai, went inland - and scrambled over the rocks a couple of times - about 3? miles or was it 5?- to get to a great inland waterfall.

Suggest you also bring snorkeling gear with you - as the protected cove at Ke'e beach http://tinyurl.com/ak8qo2j (also called Haena Beach Park http://tinyurl.com/ar3z9ax, ) - at the end of the road - where you start the Kalalua hike) - is our second favorite snorkeling place in all of the islands - and the sunsets from there (if you brought a picnic lunch and stayed over) are just fabulous.

And we also enjoyed taking a Catamaran out of Port Allen - up the NaPali Coast - and while we went scuba diving - you can just snorkel from the boat also. http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g29218-d674021-r17619843-Captain_Andy_s-Kauai_Hawaii.html

While en route - we saw dolphins, turtles and the like, and the red cliffs are just spectacular.

Think we went with Captain Andy's - http://www.napali.com/kauai_sailing/ and http://www.napali.com/kauai_sailing/napali_snorkel_adventure.php but there are several others. Definitely recommend a Cat in any event - http://www.napali.com/kauai_sailing/catamarans.html as they ride smoother.

Tom, Ke'e and Haena are not the same. Haena is where they have a campground - always see folks with tents there, surf can be rough even in summer, but walkable to Tunnels. Ke'e is where the road ends, has lifeguard showers and restrooms.

Thanks for the info Jamie. Ke'e has their on parking area, righto? And have seen the tents on the way to Ke'e - but thought it was all Haena Beach Park.

And don't leave valuables in the trunk there either.

Ke'e has their on parking area, righto?

Yes.

Thanks. Parked at the end of the road many times, and just wanted to be sure we are talking the same lingo.

Yep Ke'e has parking but gets full soon, last trip I lucked out, gal was just leaving so got her spot. There is a spillover lot also half a block south and across the street from the beach.

Thanks so much for all the replies.

Here is what I am looking at now.

Wednesday - July 17 - Arrive at 2:30pm, Check into B&B in Kapa'a, Lydgate Beach Park, Sunset at ???

Thursday - July 20 - Na Pali Coast Boat Trip (Morning), Helicopter Tour (Afternoon)

Friday - July 19 - Na Pali Ridge Top Hike

Saturday - July 20 - Poipu, Koloa Heritage Trail, Maha'ulepu Trail, Sunset at ???

Sunday - July 21 - Jungle Hike

Monday - July 22 - Kalalau to Hanakapi'ai Beach (Not the Waterfall), Lunch in Hanalei, Lumahai Beach, Tunnels Beach, Sunset at Ke'e Beach

Tuesday - July 23 - Waimea Canyon Hike

Wednesday - July 24 - Hanalei River Kayak, Anini Beach, Secret Beach, Pools of Mokolea, Sunset at Kilauea Lighthouse

Thursday - July 25 - Surf Lessons (Morning), Check out of B&B, Shopping, Depart at 10:00pm

We decided to skip Polihale (maybe we will make it there next time). We may skip some of the beaches on the North shore if it feels too hectic. Which ones would you cut? Any advice on where to watch the sunset in Kapa'a and Poipu?

<Kalalau to Hanakapi'ai Beach (Not the Waterfall), Lunch in Hanalei, Lumahai Beach, Tunnels Beach, Sunset at Ke'e Beach>

You'd be doing some serious backtracking--probably adding an hour of driving by going from Ke'e Beach (where you p/u the Kalalau Trail) back to Hanalei for lunch--and then going back North again.

Personally, I'd skip the Kalalau Trail. It's in poor condition; VERY demanding (unless you enjoy climbing over boulders and enormous tree roots); treacherous in places; and imho, not worth the effort. Four miles (RT) could easily take four hours. That should give you an idea of what I'm talking about.

You'll get FAR better views of the Napali Coast on the boat & helicopter rides. I'd spend that time walking the length of Hanalei Bay. Gorgeous -- and not demanding. That--and Maha'ulepu are the best beach walks on the island (imo). I love the lush Kuilau Trail (on the East side). It's "moderate" difficulty.

When you go to Waimea Canyon, be sure to see the Kalalau Lookout. My favorite trail there is "The Canyon Trail" from Koke'e. You can see maps of it at the visitor's center.

Not sure what you mean by the Na Pali Ridge Top Hike. That sounds to me like you're describing the Kalalau Trail.

On the way to Waimea Canyon you'll be quite close to the Kauai Coffee Company. I always enjoy a stop there for a quick self-guided tour of the plantation--and tastings. You might also stop at Menehune Fish Pond overlook. Quintessential Kauai views--and only an additional 10 - 15 minutes when you're heading south to Poipu or Waimea.

I'd also suggest that you stop at Wailua Falls and Opeaka'a Falls. Both are beautiful spots and short visits that will not be far out of your way.

Sounds like a great trip!

On your first afternoon - after snorkeling at Lydgate - why not take an exploratory drive (hour plus)- to the end of the road up past Hanalei - out to Ke'e beach - where the sunsets are gorgeous. Think they are around 7 PM that time of year.

And if you get there a little early - you could even take a mini walk up the start of the Kalalau trail and see if you think it's for ye.

I think it's the best hike I have ever been on - but it's been 4+ years or so - and Songdoc really knows what's going on there now, which sounds like more of a scramble?

On your way back - maybe enjoy dinner at The Dolphin in Hanalei - for a marvelous - first day/into to the "Garden Isle". http://www.hanaleidolphin.com/index.htm

I disagree with most everything songdoc advices. He is a fantastic source for many things, but has admitted to having a finicky palette, not a big restaurant goer, and is only after many years of visiting, actually seeing many of the sites of Kauai for the first time. He spends most of his time, per his ongoing trip reports, hanging on the lanai working and strolling a few familiar places.

For instance in one day, I have driven to Ke'e. Done the first 2 miles and back. Strolled the beach. Visited Heana, headed back to a farmers market, made our way back to the condo with fresh fish and produce, made lunch, returned to Lumahai, stopped back in at Hanalei Pier or Ke'e for the sunset and journeyed all those miles back to cook dinner and watch the stars from the lanai.

I greatly respect songdoc's contributions, but they are as limited as anyone of our contributions.

"Not sure what you mean by the Na Pali Ridge Top Hike. That sounds to me like you're describing the Kalalau Trail."

This is a guided hiking day. We reserved a guide to take us out on one of the lesser traveled ridge tops in Koke'e. I don't know which one. Perhaps Honopu or Kalepa.

The days marked jungle hike and Waimea Canyon hike are also guided. Our guide is choosing which trails based on his assessment of our abilities and what I told him I wanted to see.

I keep getting mixed messages about the Kalalau Trail. I don't want to set out doing something that is reckless, but "climbing over boulders and enormous tree roots" actually does sound fun to me. We will both be 30 years old and are in good shape. The exertion does not scare me. Falling to my death does. I think Tomsd's advice about checking out the beginning of the trail and deciding then if we feel safe continuing is a good plan.

I want to see the sunset at Ke'e, but I think going all the way North to the end of the road on our first night is too much. I imagine that with the time difference we will be wanting to pass out shortly after sunset. I don't mind doing the backtracking on the day we are already in that area. I am used to driving long distances everywhere I need to go. I live in Texas and work 35 miles from home. Are there any nice places on the East side to watch the sunset for our first night? I know it will be a mountain view from there, but mountains are nice, too. There aren't any of those where I come from.

Do you know if the helicopter tour visits Wailua Falls and Opeaka'a Falls? If so, is it worth visiting them on the ground. We have some time (probably noon to 6) on the day we leave after we check out of the B&B to do some site seeing before we need to be back in Lihue. I've been trying to figure out what to do with that time (besides shopping) that wont get us all wet, dirty, or sweaty.

Songdoc, I am glad you think so highly of Maha'ulepu. That is the beach I am most looking forward to seeing.

I am also reconsidering renting the jeep. Originally I knew we needed it to make it to Polihale, but since I scratched that from the itinerary, I don't think we need 4-wheel drive. On the guided hiking days, our guide will pick us up, so I don't have to worry about those locations either. We could save money and get a regular car or pay the same amount as the jeep and get a convertible. Any thoughts on this? We are going in July so there should be less rain (more convertible friendly).

Thanks for all the great suggestions.

I did Blue Hawaiian helicoptors in Kauai and it was amazing. I am not quite sure if we went past Wailua falls, because we went past a LOT of waterfalls, some only visible by air. Is Wailua falls the one that you can drive up to? If so, it's very easy to visit and no hike at all, you just drive up and take pictures. It was great and it only took 15 mins!

The waterfall that was amazing to us was the one featured in Jurassic Park (the first one). I am not sure what the name of it is, but duing the helicopter tour, they played the Jurassic park soundtrack when we flew past it. We completely recognized it from the movie and being complete geeks, me and my husband were beyond excited and flipping out in the back of the helicopter. Of course no one could hear us. LOL.

I've hiked Kalalua about a half dozen times - the first two miles in and out. It is one of our favorites. We always go early to beat the crowds and day trippers from the other side.

Like every single other trail on the island, it comes down to moisture conditions. Yes the first 16th of that part of the trail is traversing rocks and boulders, but it is not that big of a deal if you use due caution and again don't go in wet conditions. Crossing the water to the beach also requires due caution, but is not often dangerous, as it is in the winter months and surf conditions.

To do the 11 mile trail is where you will find very poor conditions and a few areas that are often dangerous. We have never been inclined to hike in and camp with a bunch of strangers.

Our favourite hike in Waimea is the Awa-'awapuhi loop, which is much more challenging given the altitude changes, but one we've enjoyed a few times. Perhaps your guide will take you on that one!

We usually end up with a convertible for a few extra dollars a day. We've managed to make it to Polihale many times in a rental car at all times of year - December/Jan/March/May/July It really comes down to the road conditions. If they are ok, you put up the roof and drive real slow and with intense caution. You pull over and let locals pass, and once the dust clears you drive on. When you get there, just stay off the sand and hike onto the beach.

I suggest you purchase cheap surf shoes to protect your feet from hot summer sand and rocks.

No need for a 4-wheel drive.

I think the comments about the trail conditions (depending on the amount of moisture) are absolutely right. The time when I thought I was going to die on the Kalalau Trail started as a bone dry day--or I wouldn't have done it. (I'd done the first two miles before.) But en route to the waterfall it started pouring and there were streams where there hadn't been any. It was as slick as walking on greased ice. I went face down into a rock and thought I was going to drown in a foot of water.

I've also had trouble getting across slippery rocks in the stream to access Hanakapi'ai Beach. I've done some very strenuous hikes throughout the world and I love doing that--but the Kalalau is not a favorite of mine. But ... thousands of people do it all the time and only a tiny percentage of them get injured. If you enjoy climbing over boulders, etc ... go for it. It's iconic -- but I still prefer other Kauai hikes.

Of course you "can" accomplish the back and forth driving in one day. I was only pointing out that you'll be adding about an hour driving.

And Lookin_Glass -- while I mostly write on the lanai during the 3 - 4 months I now spend in paradise each year, my sister visits every summer, and DP spends a few weeks, and I love playing tour guide, so we've done virtually every Kauai "must-see" attraction. I've been to all the botanic gardens, done countless spectacular hikes, eaten at many restaurants, probably been to every "secret" beach and cove, taken various Napali boat tours, been to the fabulous Hindu monastery, and more. But that said, everyone has different tastes, and I only have one opinion. Mine just happens to be the correct one . KIDDING!!!

If anyone has posted more, useful information about Kauai than Songdoc - I have yet to read it.

Now that doesn't mean everybody has the same opinion, but again, he seems to pretty close to the mark from the many times I have been to Kauai, and he has certainly traveled there a lot more recently than moi.

As for driving up to Ke'e/Haena Park the first afternoon - you could see how it goes and how you feel. My guess is the wonderful scenery would energize you and when you get back to the pad - you would really sleep soundly, and have a huge preview of what you plan to do/see.

We never tire of the sunsets at Ke'e - and if you are lucky - you might catch the green flash. http://tinyurl.com/alk7k96

And I have read elsewhere that the Kalalau trial has not been maintained as it used to be, which is a shame. All the more reason to be careful about picking a good day to hike it - and even then - Kauai can draw in some showers when you might least expect it, so you might also take along a couple small hand towels to wipe of the mud, etc.

Also - as mentioned - we had fun hiking inland from Hanakapi'ai Beach to the waterfall (3? more miles?) - where you definitely had to scramble over some rocks - but you weren't climbing straight up - more of a gentle slope - and when we did it - it was dry, and we were younger and in good shape.

There is a great pool to swim in at the end of that portion of the hike - but I would sure ask around about the condition of the trails before I headed out.

We have been to the Koloa Days parade and fair afterward several times and love it. Lots of good food, hula and music.

As far as Waimea Canyon/Koke'e. I think the views from the Pu'u O Kila lookout at the end of the road past the Kalalau Lookout has more spectacular views of the Kalalau Valley than the Kalalau Lookout. Plus, you can pick up the Pihea Trail here that skirts the actual edge of the Valley. It is my favorite hike on the island. Lots of bang for your buck.

It is nice to have an itinerary, but be prepared to toss it our the window of your rental car once you start feeling the aloha.

Bring plenty of bug spray for the sunsets at any of the north shore beaches. If it is breezy, it won't be as bad. Lumahai (the main, non-swimmable part) is open to the breezes and is a good place to watch the sunset.

The tavern restaurant at the Princeville Golf Club has good, moderately priced food (for Kauai) and sunset views just as good if not better than at the St. Regis.

We include hiking in a lot of our vacations and I have to say that the Nu'alolo/Cliffs/Awa'awapuhi Loop may be my favorite all time hike.

We woke up to a clear morning and headed out to Waimea Canyon. The drive up Canyon Rd. is beautiful. We parked at the Kokee Lodge and started down the Nu'alolo. It starts through a forest but after walking a couple miles, it opens to a ridge with great views.

At about 3 miles, you come to the intersection of the Nu'alolo and Cliffs Trails. Before heading across the cliffs, walk out to Lolo Vista. It is a narrow trail that runs out to the edge of the cliff. The view there is breathtaking. You look down at the Nu'alolo Valley and then out at the NaPali Coast. We loved the sign "Trail ends here" right on the edge of the cliff. We waved to people below us in helicopters.

We walked back to the Cliffs Trail, which was actually somewhat washed out and a bit scary--it would have been helpful to have our trekking poles. Once we got past that scary part, there was no going back. We stopped and had lunch and enjoyed the fabulous views.

There are trail markers about .25 mi. apart but we did seem to lose the trail somewhere in the woods and added about another mile to our hike. We backtracked and found more mile markers.

The Awa'awapui Lookout was our next stop. Here we ran into another couple taking a break and enjoying the view. We only saw 6 other hikers the whole day.

The rest of the hike was uphill and I took it pretty slow. This part of the trail was difficult for me but I would definitely hike this trail again if we return. I now use trekking poles and can't believe what a difference they make.

The end of the trail is about 1 1/2 miles from where you park your car--but all downhill. Someone coming from the overlook actually offered us a ride as it was starting to sprinkle.

We started this hike at 11AM and ended at 5PM. We took our time. We did a lot of lingering on the trail as we enjoyed the fantastic views of the NaPali Cliffs.

We also hiked the first 2 miles of the Kalalau Trail a couple days later. I would also recommend this trail. We didn't find it difficult at all. It follows the coastal trail, climbs a bit and then heads down to Hanakapi'ai Beach. It had great views of the valley out across the ocean and up the coast. We were there in February so we even saw whales. It didn't have the "on top of the world" spectacular cliffs' views of the other trail. We probably should have hiked this trail first.

After hiking the Kalalau Trail, you can spend some time just relaxing and having lunch at Ke'e Beach.