My planned itinerary for Kauai
May 26th, 2014, 12:45 AM
#1
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My planned itinerary for Kauai
Am I doing too much? I will be staying at the Grand Hyatt.
I am VERY aware that I must wake early on the two first hikes to get in and out before nightfall. The rest of the time I will just be an aimless tourist on vacation. Are there any MUST DO trips/sights/sites?
Dependent on the weather:
Hike to Hanakapi`ai
Hike to Awa`awapuhi
Walk Mah'ulepu
Photo tour
Hanalei Pier
Lighthouse
I am VERY aware that I must wake early on the two first hikes to get in and out before nightfall. The rest of the time I will just be an aimless tourist on vacation. Are there any MUST DO trips/sights/sites?
Dependent on the weather:
Hike to Hanakapi`ai
Hike to Awa`awapuhi
Walk Mah'ulepu
Photo tour
Hanalei Pier
Lighthouse
May 26th, 2014, 12:21 PM
#4
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Not sure when you are going, my two must dos are driving to the North Shore visiting beaches (can hit the lighthouse along the way)with lunch in Hanalei, and drive to Waimea Canyon and Koke'e State Park for the Kalalau lookout with lunch in Waimea. A Na Pali boat trip is always nice also weather permitting.
May 31st, 2014, 03:47 PM
#6
That seems totally do-able. FYI, there's no reason to be concerned about getting out before nightfall--as long as you start by mid-morning. But bear in mind that unless you arrive at dawn--or get very lucky--parking could be a half mile or much more from the start of your hike to Hanakapi`ai. It would be great if you could hit Hanalei Bay at sunset on the way back--if you don't mind driving the rest of the way in the dark.
Jun 2nd, 2014, 04:44 AM
#11
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Thanks to all (Songdoc, Tomsd, wekewoody, jamie99) who have given me advice. ESPECIALLY to RELAX! I know that I will enjoy the trip despite going solo. I think that the last few trips that I have taken have been mentally the best for me.
Songdoc, I do not mind driving at night provided that I have a few shots of espresso or caffeine in my system. I trust that it is not that difficult to travel at night in Kauai.
Songdoc, I do not mind driving at night provided that I have a few shots of espresso or caffeine in my system. I trust that it is not that difficult to travel at night in Kauai.
Jun 2nd, 2014, 08:09 AM
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Are you planning on hiking the whole Nu'alolo/Cliffs/Awa'awapuhi loop trail? We loved that hike. Try to do it on a clear day. Driving up Canyon Rd is beautiful. We parked at Kokee Lodge and started that loop down the Nu'ololo. Before you start, stop in and ask the ranger if the Cliffs trail is passable and let the ranger know that you are hiking the trail(since you are alone). I wished we had taken our trekking poles on this hike.
I thought the most fabulous part of the hike was at the end of the Nu'alolo. After hiking about 3 miles down, you come to the intersection of the Nu'alolo and Cliffs Trails. Continue down the Nu'alolo until you get to Lolo Vista. The view out across the valley and teh then out at the Napali Coast is breathtaking. And you will probably be completely alone. We only met up with about 4 hikers the entire day. It ranks as probably our favorite all time hike. There were hikers who just hiked down to the Awa'awapuhi Overlook but being at Lolo Vista was amazing.
The Kalalau is also a beautiful coastal trail that climbs along the cliff. It's ranked the #1 trail in Hawaii, but that includes the trek beyond the first 2 miles, where you would need to get a permit so you can hike and camp overnight. It is great to talk to the hikers who return from doing the whole trail. It is a much more crowded trail on the 2 miles to Hanakapi'ai Beach. It's also muddy in places so wear hiking shoes--even though there are people hiking in flip flops. It's nice to relax on Ke'e Beach after you hike.
We also enjoyed walking on the sandstone cliffs out at the Maha'ulepu Beaches. We took Poipu Rd out past the Hyatt, the first beach was Gillin's Beach. We continued down the dirt road to Kawailoa Bay. Really nice place to walk on the cliffs, see waves crashing, sea caves, great views.
I thought the most fabulous part of the hike was at the end of the Nu'alolo. After hiking about 3 miles down, you come to the intersection of the Nu'alolo and Cliffs Trails. Continue down the Nu'alolo until you get to Lolo Vista. The view out across the valley and teh then out at the Napali Coast is breathtaking. And you will probably be completely alone. We only met up with about 4 hikers the entire day. It ranks as probably our favorite all time hike. There were hikers who just hiked down to the Awa'awapuhi Overlook but being at Lolo Vista was amazing.
The Kalalau is also a beautiful coastal trail that climbs along the cliff. It's ranked the #1 trail in Hawaii, but that includes the trek beyond the first 2 miles, where you would need to get a permit so you can hike and camp overnight. It is great to talk to the hikers who return from doing the whole trail. It is a much more crowded trail on the 2 miles to Hanakapi'ai Beach. It's also muddy in places so wear hiking shoes--even though there are people hiking in flip flops. It's nice to relax on Ke'e Beach after you hike.
We also enjoyed walking on the sandstone cliffs out at the Maha'ulepu Beaches. We took Poipu Rd out past the Hyatt, the first beach was Gillin's Beach. We continued down the dirt road to Kawailoa Bay. Really nice place to walk on the cliffs, see waves crashing, sea caves, great views.
Jun 2nd, 2014, 04:07 PM
#13
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song doc has lots of great ideas. Did the Mahaulepu heritage trail hike in March loved it. Also bike riding in kapaa. We rented the bikes there for 2 hours. paved walking/bike riding path about 4-5 miles each way. easy and lovely scenery.
snorkeling with Capt'n Andy from Port Allen is fun. Waimea Canyon is lovely and small hikes or big ones there was well.
snorkeling with Capt'n Andy from Port Allen is fun. Waimea Canyon is lovely and small hikes or big ones there was well.
Jun 2nd, 2014, 08:15 PM
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LindainOhio, this is going to be a "quick" in and out trip. I just want to take a few photos and enjoy the views. I will only be going to Awa'awapuhi as I am traveling alone and do not want to be traipsing about in the dark. How much more (time) is the loop?
I will be taking my trekking poles along with me. Thank you for your guidance on notifying the ranger about my hike. My choice of footwear will be trail running shoes, will those suffice? I would assume that they would be okay, if others are using flip-flops/sandals/slippahs.
I will be taking my trekking poles along with me. Thank you for your guidance on notifying the ranger about my hike. My choice of footwear will be trail running shoes, will those suffice? I would assume that they would be okay, if others are using flip-flops/sandals/slippahs.
Jun 2nd, 2014, 08:18 PM
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@Shar - I will probably check out the views with Capt'n Andy. I will be staying at the Grand Hyatt, from my understanding, all I have to do is to walk out to the ocean and head east, correct? Thank you.
Jun 3rd, 2014, 04:21 AM
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It took us most of the day to do the loop. We started at about 10am and finished late afternoon. We did amble though. Ate lunch,stopped many times to enjoy the views. If I only did one trail, I would do the Nu'alolo. Most of the trail is wooded but that view at the end is spectacular. You actually walk out across a ridge toward Lola Vista. The trail is a little steeper than the Awa'awapuhi.
Trail runners will be fine. The red dirt can stain you shoes, shorts etc. So take your oldest shoes to Kauai.
Trail runners will be fine. The red dirt can stain you shoes, shorts etc. So take your oldest shoes to Kauai.
Jun 3rd, 2014, 09:56 AM
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Kai, Thanks for the reminder to JUST RELAX. Everything I do (except at work) is dependent on the weather and how the body feels for the day. IF I only do two hikes/walks, I will be happy to be away from work and craziness of NYC.
Jun 3rd, 2014, 03:31 PM
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@solo_wolf correct on the hike on Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail. It is around the golf course. Capt'n Andy is quite a ride down to Port Allen and one has to leave early to get there for the morning snorkeling. Enjoy your time in paradise.....
