Kauai - wow, just WOW!!!

Old Apr 26th, 2015, 08:51 AM
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Kauai - wow, just WOW!!!

Now I understand why some people are in love with it. It's stunning. We just returned from almost 2 weeks, split between south and north shores. We were gifted air miles for our anniversary from my SIL - enough miles for two first class tickets to Honolulu. It was going to be 3 flights no matter how hard I tried. Buffalo / Charlotte / Dallas / Honolulu. The flight from Dallas was on a wide bodied plane with sleeper seats. Personal tablets were handed out where you could pick your own movies. Champagne before takeoff and lots of food and drink and hot towels offered. I could get sooooo used to this.

I was on Oahu in 1981 at the age of 19. My husband has never been. I went back and forth on whether or not to spend more than two nights there, but decided to just spend two as I really wanted to get to Kauai. My husband didn't care, as long as he got to see Pearl Harbor. We arrived around 5:30 p.m. and took a quick taxi ride to our hotel. We stayed at the Aston Waikiki Circle Hotel. I picked it because it was inexpensive, across the street from the beach, and got decent reviews. Plus I got 7,000 air miles for staying there. It was plain, small, pretty clean. It was fine for 2 nights but I don't think I could stay longer than that. We just needed a place to sleep.

We set down our bags, changed and freshened up, and started walking. There was a free hula show on the beach. Waikiki seemed so much smaller to me than it did in '81. I was sorry to see the Int'l Marketplace was closed. We had so much fun shopping and eating there. 14k gold was all the rage back then. It was everywhere in Honolulu and very cheap. Maybe I wouldn't have found the marketplace as interesting as I did at age 19, but I would have liked to see it again. Not much has changed in Waikiki except for all the high end shopping and chain restaurants. Anyhow, we walked around and went to bed early. I had a tour booked for early the next day.

We were up early. This was our only full day in Honolulu. We walked around, had a quick breakfast, and got picked up for our tour. We booked through Viator. It was the Arizona Memorial / Honolulu / Punchbowl tour. We saw the highlights of Honolulu, including the palace. There were major demonstrations going on near the palace. Something to do with a new telescope being placed on a sacred mountain top on the Big Island. Anyhow, it was a great way to see Honolulu and Pearl Harbor, etc. with a knowledgeable guide. Ours was native Hawaiian and he told many stories. We returned by 2:30. We grabbed something to eat and drink down the street at a 2nd floor outside patio at a hotel - name escapes me. Then got in our suits and went in the water at Waikiki. We walked around again at night and then to bed early.

I'm glad we stopped in Honolulu. It was fun to see again after so many years. I don't think I'd go out of my way to return unless it was a stopover to another island or if I was staying on the north shore. It seemed very run down. Well at least the parts we saw. I'm sure that like any other city it has it's beautiful sections and we just didn't see them.

The next morning, we're off to Kauai!
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Old Apr 26th, 2015, 09:25 AM
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Love your report so far.
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Old Apr 26th, 2015, 12:32 PM
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Did you get to the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor?

Echoing your enthusiasm for Kauai
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Old Apr 26th, 2015, 01:37 PM
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Kauai no ka oe! (Probably spelled wrong).
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Old Apr 26th, 2015, 02:45 PM
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Thanks, Dayenu.

Yes, it is azzure (I had to look that up).

rncheryl, yes we did get to the USS Arizona. It was part of our tour. Very moving and all tastefully done. Although he wasn't in Pearl Harbor until after the bombing, my dad was a WW2 vet and I thought of him the entire time we were there.

More to come in a bit.
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Old Apr 26th, 2015, 04:30 PM
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On a side note - the day we took the Honolulu tour, we were walking around after breakfast. I asked a police officer on a bike something, and afterward he asked me where we were from. I told him Buffalo. He replied, "Oh, my sister lives there - about 15 minutes from Niagara Falls." I walked away wondering why anyone would move there from Hawaii. About 30 minutes later, we were picked up for our tour. Another couple got on with us and immediately struck up a conversation. Nice couple from California. They asked us where we were from. The husband replied, "Really? I was born in Buffalo and have family in Tonawanda (suburb)." I said, "Well, I lived in Buffalo until two years ago and now I live in Tonawanda." He went on to tell us his parents up and moved them to California to get away from family. Apparently his uncles were involved in the mafia in Buffalo and they were contractors and something about a body in a trunk. He told me the name and to feel free to Google it. I did. They were mobsters. You never know who you'll meet on vacation.

So, on to Kauai the next morning.
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Old Apr 26th, 2015, 05:17 PM
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We had a 11:00 a.m. flight on Hawaiian Airlines. Love their logo on the plane - so pretty. We were there in no time. Took all of 5 minutes to get our rental car. Got it directly through Budget. Their pay upfront plan. A few days before we left I looked on Retail Me Not and found a coupon. I was able to apply it and get a better vehicle. I had looked at other sites, but directly through Budget was the best I found. We walked out and were immediately greeted by the famous chickens and roosters!

We set off to the south shore. I knew from all my planning that the south side was very dry, so no surprises there. However, I didn't expect to see cactuses! We had reservations at the Grand Hyatt. That type of hotel is usually out of my rice range (we're champagne lovers on a beer budget sort of people). But I had signed up for the Hyatt credit card and joined their passport program. They have an awesome credit card deal. If you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months, you get two free rooms, any level, any hotel. Not resort fees. No tax. I usually put all my purchases on an airline credit card, but this offer was too good to be true. So we took our 2 free nights there which saved us a LOT of money and it justified the other 3 paid nights. I got the AAA rate that included the buffet breakfast. It's usually $33.00 per person, but with the AAA rate it came out to be about $10 per person above the room rate. Coffee and toast at that hotel would have cost that much, so it was a good deal.

The arrived at the Hyatt. My husband dropped me off with the luggage while he parked. Self parking was so easy and close. They gave me the most beautiful lei. I didn't want to remove it. My husband caught up to me and we walked into the open air registration area. OMG - the view!!! I immediately knew this was going to be good. Shout out to Coreen at the front desk. When we were all registered, I asked her about upgrading if I didn't like the garden view room. I asked if there were any upgrade rooms available and what they cost. Well, it turns out she had already upgraded us. She gave us a great room (partial ocean). It overlooked the big lawn area to the right of Tidepools restaurant (right if facing the ocean). To the left was the view of the hotel's waterfall and fabulous landscaping. To the right the ocean. Straight ahead more landscaping. Close walk to the pool and ocean. She even sent up champagne for our anniversary.

This hotel was absolutely beautiful. The landscaping was out of this world gorgeous. It was exactly what I wanted. To feel like I was staying in a fabulous Hawaiian resort that felt exotic. Sigh. I want to be there right now.

The pools were very nice and the landscaping carried on over there too. The beach is beautiful (but not swimmable). Red flags were up. But people were going in anyhow. I sat down there on a towel every afternoon and watched the surfers and (what are they called - skim boards or short boards)? One local kid would sit on his board and watch. In the blind of an eye he would take off in the blink of an eye, hit a small wave, and flip in the air like a snowboarder. I could have watched him for days.

We spent the afternoon of our arrival and the entire next day just relaxing by the pools and beach. We were pooped from traveling and our rushed visit to Honolulu. We were off to a boat tour of the Napali coast the next day.

The Napali coast - OMG. And WOW!!!

I have to make lunch and get my outfit ready for work tomorrow (how I wish I didn't have to). I'll try to post during lunch time.
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Old Apr 26th, 2015, 07:44 PM
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I'm loving your report about my favorite place. Looking forward to more. And I wholeheartedly agree that the Napali Coast is indeed OMG WOW!
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Old Apr 26th, 2015, 07:51 PM
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Sorry for all the typos! I'm exhausted and backwards and should be going to bed, but I'm having a 2nd wind. I went from not sleeping for almost 30 hours to sleeping 16 hours. I think. I'm not sure.

Thanks, Songdoc.
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Old Apr 27th, 2015, 06:34 AM
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What a great report so far - reminds me of our trip in Feb. Love Kauai and it's beauty!

Very good deal to use the 2 free nights at the Grand Hyatt. I will make sure to stay there the next time on Hyatt points (if only for a few nights). We used our Hyatt certificates at the Andaz Maui. The Hyatt properties in Hawaii are all really great. With the Hyatt card, you get a yearly free night at up to a Cat. 4 property. The Hyatt Place in Waikiki falls under that. We will probably use ours there sometime this year or next, maybe to stopover in Oahu on our way to another island or maybe even spend a week on Oahu as it's been a while since we've been.

Looking forward to more!
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Old Apr 27th, 2015, 06:52 AM
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BuffaloGirl, you just made my day! I was so excited to see your report! I was thinking about you all last week... I knew we would be hearing from you. I had no doubt you would fall in love with Kauai! Can't wait to read more!
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Old Apr 27th, 2015, 08:54 AM
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tifa2276 - yes, it's a great deal. After I signed up, my best friend got the card and we did a girls weekend in NYC at Christmas time. We stayed at the Hyatt Grand Central.

louistraveler5 - I can't stop thinking about it!
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Old Apr 27th, 2015, 09:10 AM
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Before I go on, I just want to let you know that I won't have many restaurant reviews. We don't like to eat out 3 meals a day, or necessarily get out of our bathing suits to go to dinner, so we tend to wing things.

The next morning we were up early and off to our catamaran ride with Capt. Andy's. This was the highlight of my trip. The Napali coast is amazing. We were told that we were lucky as big swells were coming in the next day. We got all the way to that beautiful valley (the one you look down to from the top of the canyon road). We saw dolphins and even whales! Yep, some stuck around for a while. Just for me, I'm sure.

I just couldn't stop staring at that coast. What a sight to behold. Our crew was phenomenal. One of them was a native Hawaiian named Kal. Made me think of Kal from these boards who talks about Kauai. They were very nice, helpful, and extremely knowledgeable.

So the catamaran ride included a snorkeling stop. When you look at the website they stop in calm crystal clear water. But big swells were on the way the next day and we're already slowly moving in so the stopped earlier on in some choppy dark water. I was determined to try as was my husband. We listened to the instructions and geared up. Beginners were asked to go in last. No problem for me as I was very close to removing gear and staying on the boat. Then the guide said we will see fish and sea turtles and octopus. Uh oh, did he say octopus? What if I get snarled in its tentacles? Oh, and stay away from those sharp rocks. And swim with a buddy. But don't worry one of the staff goes in with you. You can see where this is going right?

They told us to keep arms at our side and kick legs and fins to move. DH went in first and did the opposite. Started swimming like a weiner dog in a bathtub. But then he straightened out and properly took off. One problem. I was sitting on the bottom step and the ton of lead in my butt kept me there. What to do? Staff telling me to go for it. My swim buddy took off and that water was dark blue with octopus. And then......he came back for me. He knew I was scared and he came back. What a wonderful, caring man. He popped his head up, removed his breathing tube, looked me in the eyes, and I said to him, "I'm sorry..I'll come in now." And that's when my DH said, "No you arent...I'm getting out. This isn't for me. And if it isn't for me then it really isn't for you!” Although I was slightly - and I do mean slightly - hurt that he wasn't coming to get me, I was thanking the Hawaiian gods and every other god I could come up with that I didn't have to go in. I'll stick to the pool.

The swells caused some up and down riding, and it was fun. I got soaked. We were pooped when we got back to the hotel. All day on a boat in the sun can wipe a person. I think we just relaxed and had a light bite to eat on the terrace while we drank wine and listened to some Hawaiian music.

Lunch is over - more later!
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Old Apr 27th, 2015, 09:34 AM
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So we took our 2 free nights there which saved us a LOT of money and it justified the other 3 paid nights.

Here's a tip for those who haven't done this yet -- we EACH got a Hyatt credit card and got 4 consecutive nights at the Grand Hyatt Kauai!
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Old Apr 27th, 2015, 10:08 AM
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sf7307 - it never occurred to me to do that as they sent a card to both myself and my husband. I found out afterward that we could have both applied. Live and learn.
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Old Apr 27th, 2015, 12:36 PM
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Great report, thanks, been out with Captain Andy's before, heard he got a new boat a couple of years ago called Southern Star, supposed to be really nice and they serve hot food instead of make your own sandwiches. Waiting for more when you get a chance,, thanks.
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Old Apr 27th, 2015, 01:15 PM
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Don't know your DH (obviously), but love him and his caring for you!
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Old Apr 27th, 2015, 02:46 PM
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jamie99 - yes, it was the Southern Star. I had a grilled teriyaki chicken sandwich. I think they served baked beans and cole slaw with it, but I just had the sandwich. It was very good. The boat is very nice.

Thanks, rncheryl.
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Old Apr 27th, 2015, 03:39 PM
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How was the free hula show? We missed it when we were there last week.
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Old Apr 27th, 2015, 05:04 PM
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RainyDay09 - the hula dancers were little girls. It was adorable!

The day after the boat trip looked sunny and clear, so after breakfast we headed up to Waimea Canyon via Waimea Canyon Road. You didn't have to go far to start seeing beautiful ocean and canyon vistas. We pulled over at every lookout. The higher we went the more beautiful the views. And then WOW!!! I've been to the Grand Canyon, which is appropriately named. But Waimea was grand in its' own way. The day was very clear and we had unobstructed views. Loved the colors and the waterfalls. What a special place. Then we made our way to the top to Kalalau Lookout at Koke'e State Park. (That's the valley we saw from the boat the day before). There were clouds but they broke 3 times while we were there and were awarded with THE most beautiful views. They didn't last long, but we felt so lucky to see it. It's almost impossible to explain it. I would love to be there on a clear day. I think I would stay there forever.

It was another long day, so we headed down the mountain, but we turned off onto Kokee Road and took that down to Waimea. There are some crazy curves but beautiful ocean views. We drove through town. They were setting up for a lawn fete at the church. I was thinking it would be fun to stop if it was open, but not for a few more days. Otherwise, nothing in Waimea made me want to stop. We passed the Plantation Cottages I've seen mentioned here. I'm sure they are nice, but don't think I'd care to stay there unless I was a hiker who would be spending time in the canyon.

Hanapepe and Old Koloa Town are cute little towns that we passed through a few times.

We headed toward our hotel and stopped at Spouting Horn. It spouted, but no all that high. Then we stopped at Poipu Beach. DH wanted a cold beer so we stopped at Brennecke's. I gulped a margarita or two while my husband nursed his beer. Then I left him there and walked over to Poipu Beach Park. What a lovely small, clear, swimmable beach. If I had my suit I would have jumped in. Everyone was standing on the sand and looking at the water. I asked someone why and she said a "crazy turtle lady" was running around telling everyone to get out because a turtle was swimming there and it was tired." What do I know?

Anyhow, back to our hotel for a swim. I think we had dinner at Dondero's that night. It was good! We took our wine down to the fire pit on the grassy area outside of the restaurant and sat there and star gazed. Then off to bed. Another long day, wonderful day.
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