lmjack25

Hi.. me and my husband will be traveling to Hawaii for the first time this April. We have to be on Maui for his work related function for 4 days. We want to go out earlier and stay on Kauai for 3 nights before flying on to Maui. I think we will stay at the Grand Hyatt on Kauai but need some help planning some activities. What are the top things to see on Kauai for the time we will be there. Basically we will have the rest of the day on Sunday from when we arrive, all day Monday and Tuesday and some of Wednesday until we leave for Maui. Thank you for all your input and advice!

Kathie

The things many people would call must-see are the north shore and Waimea Canyon. That would put you in a car for much of a day. Frankly, I don't want to spend too much of my Kauai time in a car. What are you must-sees, dos? If you love tropical gardens, one of the garden tours at the Allerton Gardens is just wonderful (I've not been impressed with any of the other garden tours). There is a nice walk/hike from the Hyatt to a lovely beach nearby you might want to consider.

It sounds like you have decided on the Hyatt, a lovely property, but if it was me (and it isn't) I'd look into the Koa Kea, a smaller, more intimate property.

Inakauaidavidababy

I'd base it on how far you're flying and what time you arrive and what time you depart. On the short side, I'd say one day enjoying resort and one day exploring wither north or west. I prefer north. On the longer side you might be able to fit in both and resort time. For me it's about balance.

jamie99

I would do a Na Pali coast boat tour out of Port Allen (you can only see it via boat, air or long hike other than a lookout up at Waimea Canyon).
Gotta say that is a pretty short stay, I personally would be inclined to stay on Maui the whole time (and Kauai is my favorite island).

vincenzo32951

Waimea Canyon
Na Aina Kai Botanical Gardens
Kilauea Lighthouse
Hanalei

Dukey1

Yes, I realize that some people think "all of the reviews on Trip Advisor are fake" but when we were researching a place to stay on Kauai we read all the reviews for ALL the properties and finally settled on the Hyatt.

Part of the reason we did so was the recommendations we received about the differing weather conditions depending upon where on the island itself one is.

Short or not it is better than not at all IMO.

Songdoc

I can’t imagine going to Kauai without spending a full day exploring the North Shore--and another one at Waimea Canyon/Koke’e Park. You would definitely not be spending your entire day driving.

Without stops, it’s about an hour and fifteen minutes each way from the Grand Hyatt to the North Shore. Along the way you could stop at Wailua Falls and Opaeka’a Falls. You could take a detour at the Kilauea Lighthouse. (For me, that’s not a “must-see,” but it’s pretty and it is a must if you are bird lovers.) Park at the pier at Hanalei Bay (which is NOT accessed from the main road) to take in the gorgeous views, and stroll on the beach. Then continue through the prettiest scenery on the island to the end of the road (Ke’e Beach). If (facing the ocean) you walk a few minutes to the right you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the Napali cliffs. This would entail a full day, but you'd be spending much our your time out of the car.

When you head west toward Waimea Canyon you could stop for coffee tasting at the Kauai Coffee Company plantation (which happens to have an awesome gift shop). My favorite moderate hike at the canyon is The Canyon Trail, which would take about 90 minutes. Continuing just past Waimea Canyon is Koke’e State Park with the Kalalau Lookout (not to be confused with the Kalalau Trail). This is possibly the most magnificent view I have ever seen. (If it's rainy or cloudy, give it at least 20 minutes. It usually clears and you get rewarded with rainbows crowning that view!)

On your way north, if the timing works out, you could have an amazing breakfast at Kountry Kitchen in Kapa’a (one banana/mac pancake is an entire meal!) or a memorable, unique lunch at Hamura’s Saimin in Lihue.

If timing permits, I agree with the suggestion to do a boat trip of the Napali Coast. It is truly breathtaking. I hope you have a wonderful trip. The Grand Hyatt is a beautiful resort--but it’s a resort. If you want to see the beauty of the island you’ve got to explore.

One more thing … one of my favorite walks/hikes--the Maha’ulepu trail--begins at the Grand Hyatt. The beauty is unearthly, and like nothing else on the island.

Enjoy!

lmjack25

Such great advice! Might be changing things up a little. The Hyatt is really expensive and we can stay at the Hilton Garden Inn for free with points. Also was looking at Kola Landing. Does anyone have any information on either of these 2 properties? Thanks!

livejumpjoy

Most definitely book a helicopter trip. Unfortunately most of Kauai is privately owned by the Robinson family. You wont see much of Kauai from the roads. The helicopter ride will take you to the Jurassic falls which is amazing. Mahalepu is mind blowing.

Kathie

We all have different advice for you! I'd never book a helicopter trip, but I do recommend the boat trip to the Napali Coast if you have the time. The Hilton Garden Inn is between Waimea and Kapaa, not an area I like (but I'm sure there are others here who like it). Koloa Landing is in the Poipu area, though not right on the water. I much prefer the Poipu area. I haven't been inside either property, so am going only by location.

cmstraf

And Kathie is one of my favorite Fodor's posters, but the helicopter tour we took (just the two of us and the pilot) was a truly wonderful and memorable experience. I would recommend paying whatever extra is involved not to have others.

I prefer Poipu or Princeville/Hanalei area, which is rainier but super lovely. I don't like the Waimea/Kapaa area much either.

Songdoc

Kapa'a is not the most scenic part of the island, but for such a short visit, staying there might be a good idea because it is a more central location for your day trip to the North Shore. It sounds like you will be spending very little time at your hotel, anyway.

lmjack25

That's what I'm thinking. Seems like if we have a car, which we will, things are pretty accessible. And not far drives. Can you do the North Shore and Waimea Canyon in one day?

Kathie

"Can you do the North Shore and Waimea Canyon in one day?"

Unlikely if you want to see anything. Do be aware that a view in the Waimea Canyon is not guaranteed. Often, you drive up there to find the whole place socked in by clouds. So take that into consideration as your plan. Also, it helps if you think of this as your first trip to Kauai rather than your only trip. It's ok to skip some things to do/see things that catch your fancy.

Be aware that during the morning/evening rush hours the traffic in the Kapa'a area is terrible.

Songdoc

"Can you do the North Shore and Waimea Canyon in one day?"

I agree with Kathie: "No" about doing the North Shore and Waimea Canyon in the same day--unless you want to basically stay in your car the entire day, snap a few pix, and say you've seen it ;-). While it's theoretically possible, it would make for an extremely long day--and not much fun.

Each one is worth a full day with lots of stops, and if those are your only activities Monday and Tuesday you will have seen of the best highlights.

I have been to Waimea Canyon at least ten times, and at various times of day. I have never been unable to see the canyon views. But ... on several occasions, the spectacular view from the Kalalau Lookout (a 10 - 15 minute drive past the canyon lookouts) has been completely blocked by fog. Still, most of the times, it has cleared when I was patient.

Kathie

You and I must go to Kauai at different times of the year, songdoc. Likewise, I've been to Waimea Canyon 8-10 times, and half of the times, we couldn't see anything because of the fog. It can be sunny down below, but totally engulfed in clouds at the top. If you can see anything, the views are spectacular. If not, you'll feel like you've wasted your time.

Shar

great hike Maha’ulepu trail-- not too strenuous and outstanding views. I would definitely take in a snorkeling trip Cap't Andy - have used him several times. Great trip out of Port Allen.. but it is pretty much most of the day. So much beauty on that Island. I love the Hyatt on Kauai. Fabulous hotel but the beach is not swimmable. A must for us is Brenecke's for a burger or fish in Poipu and now Merriman's at the Kukuiula Shopping Center

Kal

Ditto a possible Kapaa location.
Been staying in Kapaa every year since '89.

Even when we stay in P'ville for the Hanalei Canoe Club's 8 Mile Haena to Hanalei event, we make sure we spend a few days in Kapaa.

Central location for drives to No/So and West Shores.

Plus our regular hotel in Kapaa is within walking distance to some very good, fairly inexpensive restaurants like Huki Lau Lanai, Lava Lava, Kintaro's, Street, JO2, Ono Family, Oly Cafe, Brick Oven Pizza et al.

I couldn't imagine not taking a helicopter ride on Kauai if it was my first, and possibly last time there.

For songdoc....we finally went to Poipu to do the Maha’ulepu trail. Did most of it, turned around about 45 mins into the walk, then decided to drive down to the beach....darn near lost some fillings in my teeth! lol

Never experienced a rougher road and that's after going to Polihale about 25x.

Songdoc

Thanks for that info, Kal. When I went to Polihale, the road was on par with that road to the beach at Maha'ulepu -- but it went on MUCH longer. So, obviously, they must have improved the road to Polihale. I won't drive that road to the beach at Maha'ulepu again. I park at Shipwreck Beach and walk!

I'll look forward to Polihale next time.

cindy2

This string is fabulous. Thanks everyone!

My husband and I plan to visit Kauai this summer. We have flexibility. When is the sunniest time and where is the sunniest place to stay if we definitely want to veg on the beach part of the time.

Feedback appreciated!