michn

Hi Everyone!
I hopey ou can help me out. My DH and I will be traveling to Kaua'i from N.J. on 8/10 and staying 2 nights (night of arrival and 8/11). This is our first time to Kaua'i and we have a VERY limited time. We are staying at the Hyatt on the South Shore and were wondering if it is possible to rent a car and get up to the North Shore for very beginner snorkeling on the first morning we are there 8/11. Not sure if that is an option and how far it is from the South to the north to actually do this. Is it worth it? Any suggestions would be great! Thank you so much!
-Michele in NJ

volcanogirl

We stayed in Lihue and drove up to the North Shore every day; the beaches up there are gorgeous. Check out Ke'e and Tunnels, but watch for riptides. We also enjoyed Poipu beach on the other side. We had some great snorkeling there right off the beach.

volcanogirl

Also, if you have time, we loved our helicopter tour of the Na Pali Coast; it's one of the best things we've ever done on a vacation - so neat to see things from another perspective and one of the most gorgeous spots on earth. Have fun!

RichinPA

It is doable. It will take you over an hour to get from Hyatt to Tunnels for some good snorkeling. There is the option of stopping below Princeville at Anini as this is very calm water and you stated you were beginners. There is good places for beginners also at Tunnels, just cruise along the reef in 4 to 5 ft water.

I would leave your hotel no later than 7:30 or 8 am to get up to tunnels. earlier is better.

michn

Thank you so much everyone! Keep the suggestions coming! Also, about the helicopter ride...I am prone to motion sickness...was it bad?

volcanogirl

michn, I am prone to it too, but I took Dramamine and wore Sea Bands, and I had no problems. It's one of the best things we've ever done.

gigib

If the ocean is flat, ditto Poipu Beach, plus we found some very nice snorkeling on the south shore at Lawai Beach (on the road that heads out to the Spouting Horn, just next to the Beach House restaurant). At Poipu, as you look out to the ocean there is a sand bar thing called a tomolo, the snorkeling is to the right. Both these places are just a few minutes' drive from the Hyatt, but the water will need to be very calm.

The drive to the N. Shore is really beautiful! You should probably do it just because your time on Kauai is so limited. You could perhaps fit in an afternoon snorkel at Poipu before you return to the Hyatt and collapse.

It may save you time to rent your car at the airport when you arrive, then you can head out very early. You will be wide awake anyway well before the sun comes up!

Are you going to rent your snorkel gear? There are Snorkel Bobs at Koloa and in Kapaa, both open at 8:00 a.m. There is also a place right at the Beach House restaurant, we saw many people getting gear there.

MBnancy

When we stay at the Hyatt, we go snorkeling in Poipu, at Lawai Beach, just a few minutes from the Hyatt.

With only one full day in Kauai, why spend the time driving to the north shore, when you are at the Hyatt, unless you are getting the nights for free? Take advantage of their gorgeous grounds and saltwater lagoon pool. Better to stay at Princeville if you want to be up north.

We take the Inter-Island helicopter from Port Allen, it's wonderful, and you start seeing the sights immediately.

I'd rent a car at the airport for your arrival, so you would have transportation on the Island. Traffic can be bad in some spots, due to 2 lane roads. It certainly takes us more than an hour to get to the north shore from the Hyatt. It's an all day excursion to go to the beach and back.

Enjoy your trip!

beatofhawaii_com

Since your time is not more than a first glimpse visit, I suggest you skip the north shore, which albeit wonderful, will take most of your time and could involve lots of traffic. Instead I suggest you do a helicopter tour, stay around the south shore, and consider driving to Waimea Canyon. That is about 1 hour each way (but little to no traffic).

Hope you enjoy and come back and spend a week or two.

Aloha, http://beatofhawaii.com