5 weeks in Kauai!! WOO HOO!!
 

I know, I know....5 weeks in that hell hole will be unbearable but nonetheless, we're going to give it our best shot! It's part of my retirement celebration which will begin mid June, 2006.

But I need help! Week 1 we're in Haena on the North Shore with two other couples. Our friends will then return home and weeks 2 & 3, my husband & I will be on our own. After that, he'll return home & weeks 4 & 5, my college roommate, who is also retiring next summer, will join me in Poipu.

So my question is this...where would you recommend we spend weeks 2 & 3? Stay on the North shore or try the East? And why? I know the obvious answer is to split the two weeks but we really rather not move around that much. One day, we think we'd be crazy to leave the north shore then the next day, we're convinced we should experience the east. HELP! What would you do? We'd really appreciate your input.

This will be our second trip to Kauai. Our first was in 1986 & we stayed in Poipu. Our priorities, in no particular order, are beach time, relaxation, good food, snorkling, hiking, tennis, and sunset cocktails!

Thanks for your help!

It will be unbearable regardless of where you spend weeks 2&3...WOO HOO, you say? Are you nutso?

We stay in Kapaa and love the ease of going whichever direction suits us for the day.

Is this for real? How can anyone be so incredibly lucky, or are you just smart? Or, still, maybe you are just daydreamin!

((r))i'2

Yikes! I barely made it two weeks!

How are you going to do 5!?! You are retiring for this?

I supposssssssse if I HAD to and were in your miserable shoes I would rent this terribly awful rental house (Plantation Cottage from NaPali Properties) in the dump of Hanalei for weeks 2 and 3. Beleive me, two weeks will be about all you will able to take. We hated it there. I can't imagine a worse spot on the face of the earth. Good Luck!


-Bill

Wait till Kal sees this post.

Hi iceeu2! Yes, it's for real! And no, not smart, just very, very lucky! My husband says he'll probably never get me home from that hell hole! Ya think? :-d I like the idea of Kapaa for the same reason. From your trip report, I see that you stayed at Pono Kai. How was that? Would you recommend it? We definitely want a condo.

Ahhhhh, Bill, from your report, I checked out the Plantation House but it's such a dump ;-) Could we stand it for 2 weeks?

Yes, daydreamin...Pono Kai condos are much nicer than appear from the outside of the buildings. I don't remember the building # we stayed in this last time, but it was next to the highway and beside the front desk.

I would recommend checking out vrbo, rci or calling Pono Kai directly. We have stayed in the 1 br and 2 br and much prefer the 2 br. It has a king bed in the master and air conditioning. The 2 br also has 2 baths that we really like...that way, I can leave the real icee sleeping and not disturb him while I use the other bath and have my coffee....He sleeps so well, that I locked myself out on the lanai and had to flag someone down at 7 am (quiet time)(and in my nightie) and have the front desk call him and let me back in the condo! He was like...what the hell is a lanai? He said he didn't know where in the dickens I had run off to!! We call it a patio!!

Anyway, I was just daydreamin and got carried away, but yes Pono Kai is very nice and the price is right. The ocean front buildings are A,B,C & D...this time we had a garden & pool view which was great. The gardens at Pono Kai are magnificent.

Pono Kai is great for walking downtown Kapaa. That way you can make your purchases and take them back to the condo...then go back downtown and make more purchases and take them back to the condo..walk to lots of restaurants..and if you should overindulge in the spirits..no big deal..just roll home!

You know, we were going to wait until 2007 to go back to Kauai, but I'm not sure that is possible. All of you keep on and on, so I'm thinking we may just have to share in your misery!

daydreamin, have a wonderful time!

daydreamin,

Can you say JEALOUS?

Yes, I think you could stand 2 weeks in the Plantation Cottag...I mean dump.
We loved it. We prefer stand alone houses to condos. It was very quiet and private as it is set back off of Weke Rd. It is on an acre of land, so even though there are houses around you, we never felt like we were on top of our neighbors. It is the last lot mauka before you get to the big old Wilcox estate almost as far as the pier. 2 minute walk to the beach pavillion. 5 minute walk to town and all those lousy restaurants.

The house is perfect for two. Nice comfortable bed, plenty of storage/closet space, a covered "mudroom" type of place with a clothesline/washer/dryer and more storage. My favorite thing about the house was the outdoor shower. I never used the one inside! The other really nice thing was the HUGE covered lanai in the front. It was as large as the bedroom and living room. It was a great place to take afternoon naps as there is a daybed.

Jeez Louise!

I could go on and on and on about that place. When we go back we will stay there again fa sure. Why the hell aren't we goin back this summer?

Hmmmm....Maybe.....((R))

149 to go for P.V.
271 to go for St. John (another dump)

-Bill

Billyboy, were your referring to me about being JEALOUS? And, btw, have you lost my email address?

daydreamin...The condo right behind the Coconut Market Place..can't remember the name..where Hukilau Lanai is..appears to me to be a wonderful condo on the east side.

i2,

Where did you learn to be so SUBTLE? ;;)

daydreamin,

I have been thinking about this terrible dilemma that faces you. Since I am not planning my own trip to Kaua`i, it helps my addiction symptoms to help plan other people's.

Where are you staying with your friend in Poipu? Maybe you could stay there for a week with you hubby before your friend arrives so he can partake in that area's charms.

I also like the Kilauea area on the north shore. There are cottage rentals and b and bs springing up all over that area these days.

-Bill

KAUAI 5 WEEK CONTRACT FROM FELLOW FODORITES WHO KNOW BETTER.......

1. Complain, complain, complain.....

2. Stay in Hanalei for weeks 2 and 3, but then complain about the rain, the lack of good seafood. Ugly beaches, overcrowded. Bugs. Over commercialism..the DARK.....and ROOSTER......

2A. ooops...that's true, they crow from 1 am - 6am........but after week 1.......oooops, lied again....you'll never sleep a wink the whole time your on the island. You'll be a rainsoaked mosquito bit, underfed, over touristed miserable shipwrecked friend.

3.Return to Fodors completely disgruntled. You knew you should have spent 3 weeks in Disney and 2 weeks in Vegas!!!!!! Post it post it post it...."Damn miserable island......"

4. Never admit that you only kinda hated it........let's be honest here......you are going to totally hate it and forever mourn those 410K dollars wasted on a miserable godforesaken island.....stupid island.......

5. When asked by people who question your motives, simply reply, I was medicated under the advisement of my physician, Dr.Kal........

Sign here...._____________________

Date it ...When others have finished the contract......or we will see to it that you never make it thru customs....


Are you sure you don't want to go to Aruba? or just enjoy the city life in Honolulu???

GREAT TIMES!!!
GOOD FOR YOU!!!!!!
Gyppielou

Well...I'm guessing that when your friends leave, you and your husband will just want some quiet time...and the north shore would be my recommendation for week 2.

Then one week in the Kapa`a area (many accommodation choices there...timeshares/condos/cottages...and then 2 weeks in Po`ipu.

Have a _great_ stay -- and don't let these jealous folks get you down! ((H))

Aloooooha to iamq, iceeu2, and da gang!

daydreamin - Kauai....5 (count 'em, one, two, three, four, FIVE WEEKS!!!).... envy :& (gut wrenching, spasm causing, covetous) envy seethes from my every pore. I can scrunch myself really, REALLY small and fit into your suitcase... ;;) ...no? Oh well, there's always next year.

Wow - we ALL envy you.
((S))((*))

Go Kamahina go go~!!!! Be the suitcase!!! FOCUS!!!!!!!!!! Breathe..........breathe....Now call Fedex and address yourself to Daydreamin.......

Stupid daydreamin and her stupid 5 weeks......

Dang......

oh, GyppieLou, you're so right. Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! But your contract is just what I need to get through this! It's signed, dated & I'm in full whining mode already. Shouldn't it be required for ALL fodorites entering that miserable pit of the Pacific? What a fine public service you're doing!

Bill...if it helps your addiction, maybe this trip will be worth it. Ah, a noble cause...just the ticket to combat the certain misery we face.

An outdoor shower?! Now THAT could be addicting!

In Poipu, we'll be at oceanfront at Poipu Sands (which probably means miserable, monotonous sunsets every night). We decided on PS because of it's close proximity to the Hyatt where we hope the food, drink and spa services there will help ease our pain.

Iceeu2....noble too! What a generous thought to come share in our misery. Yes, you must! June 15-July 22 & we'll have a GTG where we can all commiserate. I'll look for the crazy lady in her nightie! :D I bet Mr.i2 will never forget what a lanai is!!

Is Pono Kai on a nice beach? I love the idea of being able to walk to shops & restaurants.

Auntimaria--yes, we'll want some quiet time when our rowdy friends leave! Hope to relax & soak it all in after a 20 year absence. Any suggestions for a place up your way?

kamahinaohoku, if only there was room! And don't mean to make you jealous. This trip is really a result of all those cancelled trips the last five years due to ailing parents & work priorities. The longest vacation I've ever taken is 2 weeks so I can't even imagine retirement much less 5 weeks in paradi....I mean in that pit!!

I still don't know how we'll get through this but with all this fine support, I'm sure we'll find a way
~:> ((R)) ((#)) ((D)) ((F))

But we STILL can't decide on weeks 2 & 3! Help! What a delimma.

daydreamin, Pono Kai is NOT on a swimmable beach.

((r)) i'2

gyppielou - I'm concentrating, really I am...I Am the suitcase...I Am the suitcase. Damn, I just looked down and I am definitely NOT the suitcase...nor would I fit in one. And FedEx isn't likely to ship me as a parcel. BIG sigh... :-< and LOL. Still breathing, though.

Ah daydreamin - I know how you feel. Ailing parents, what a blessing, but...
My mom passed away in May after 5 years health struggle, so I really do know what you've been going through. And if anyone deserves 5 weeks in Paradise (there, I said it myself), it's you. Have the very best time for all of us.
((S))((*))

Good Times........

Very good times.........

Da best!

Auntie! Where ya been? I've missed your voice of knowledge and reason. Gyppie, i2 and Kal have all been beating up one me! :((

daydreamin,

One word: HANALEI! ((R))

-Bill

i2 - I was afraid that the beach at Pono Kai wasn't swimmable but will check into the other place you mentioned behind the marketplace. Need to be in the water! BTW, I've printed out your trip report & it's great!

kamahinaohoku...I'm so sorry about your Mother. I loss my Father after a long illness too. Aside from the huge loss, a long good bye can be a real gift, can't it.

Bill - ahhh, HANELEI! It's definitely calling to me! And will check out Kilauea area too. And poor you--St John!! PV? Puerta Vallarta?

Gyppielou...yes, VERY good times! I've been re-reading trip reports, including a couple of yours. The Cliffs is on our short list & was glad to see your recommendation. And I see you spent Christmas in Hawaii! We did too years ago; north shore of Oahu. I can't remember a more magical & memorable one. ahhh...!

As a new Fodorite, this has been great! Mahalo to you all!! ((R))

My billyboy friend...how have I been beating up on you? You won't even acknowledge that I am breathing these days.

btw, auntiem, just where have you been?

and, daydreamin, I keep reading this thread and reading this thread saying that it just can't be true. Glad to see you signed the contract! You and Kal can be the Kauai Komedians for a while since the rest of us klubbers aren't feeling so funny these days!

Changing my signoff from ((r)) to :& i'2

i2...no, no, no, you must remain ((R)) - it's YOU! And who knows, maybe you WILL return sooner than you think! You know, even though we have the airline tickets weeks 1, 4 & 5 locked in, this trip has not seemed at all real until I posted this message yesterday. Now thanks to you all, it is ((l))

After reading all your trip reports, is information overload normal? Just the restaurants alone! I can probably expect at least a 15 pound weight gain, right? See, doesn't that make you feel a little better? Even paradise, I mean that hell hole, has it's down side!!

((8))HANALEI MOON((S))((8))
© 1974
Lyrics & Music: Robert Nelson

When you see
Hanalei by moonlight
You will be
In heaven by the sea

Every breeze
Every wave will whisper
"You are mine,
Don't ever go away"

Hanalei
Hanalei moon
Is lighting beloved Kauai

Hanalei
Hanalei moon
Aloha no wau ia 'oe

i2,

((L)) + ((K)) = :*

How's that for acknowledging your presence? You'll have mail.....

daydreamin,

Yes, information overload (I think it's called obsessing) comes with the territory, at least for me it does. I can get myself worked up into such a frenzy over such dumps like Kauai, Australia, Italy,Puerto Vallarta, Paris and the Cariibbean it is amazing. I LOVE IT!

-Bill

kamahinaohoku...thank you for Hanalei Moon lyrics! Beautiful! And my family thanks you too because now they don't have to listen to "Puff the Magic Dragon!" :-d

Bill...another obsessor! There's never too much information, right? And the dumpier the place, the more we obsess!

Question for you Bill. You mentioned the Kilauea area. Are there restaurants and shops within walking distance of rentals and B&Bs or would the closest be Princeville and Hanalei?

Mahalo! ((R))

daydreamin,

In Kilauea there is a market where we've gotten yummy sandwiches, a great pizza place/bakery, and a couple of restaurants. I think there is also a fish market. That area is pretty spread out and far flung, so I'm not sure if there are rentals within walking distance of the businesses or not. We went to see Fareheit 911 at the little gym/theater there two years ago. What a trip. It's a very laid back place. Lots of dreadlocks and pakalolo. Princeville is about 10 minutes and Hanalei about 10-15 minutes further. You're also not that far from Kapa'a which has a lot of really awful places to eat. If your budget allows for it, check out the secret beach cottages in Kilauea(www.secretbeachkauai.com). Never been, but its on my to-do list for sure.

-Bill

daydreamin
I don't know just how to break this to you since I don't know you, but.... these so called friends of yours aren't being entirely truthful. They are just trying to make you feel good with your dilemma. Actually, based on my vast experience and all the advice I have read on this board, you will not be able to stand more than one week on this tiny little island with nothing to do. SO.....I do provide a service....you know like they save seats at the Academy Awards while some star goes to the little girls room!!! Well, I would be willing to subject my self to the boredom of staying the extra five weeks if you want???? Let me know. Or else I will have to just make do with our two weeks next month. But I would like to help give you the real scoop.

jg,

Welcome to the Klub. You're in.

-Bill

Stay on the east coast. Lae nani condos are very nice. They are walking distance to the Coconut Market Place, Lydgate beach park and some eateries. Also dont miss SMITHS Luau, it is entertaining and yummy.

jq, you really think even you can stand 2 weeks in the month of October in that forsaken land?

Yep, I would say you will be holding an important office in the Klub very soon.

daydreamin....the more I think of it..I would stay one of weeks 2&3 on the North Shore and then move on down to Kapaa/Lihue area for one of the weeks.

((r)):& i'2

Bill,
It's JQ !!! Dumb site won't let me change to Caps so you can read it without reregistering. Know a way?
Back to business!!! Is being a member of the "klub" a good thing? I don't want to start bragging about my membership and then found out I should be hiding!! And besides, I don't know any of the special posting mumbo jumbo with all the special keys, etc! That doesn't disqualify me does it.
I just want to pick all your brains clean and maximize my miserable time there. I don't know how many people say what are you going to do there for two weeks, and I just smile. I would share my experiences of our past trips, but they are so long ago, many of you probably weren't born yet!!! I find that a lot lately. Does that mean I'm getting old. Good thing I work for the state seniors dept. Last time I was there, I was teaching Charo how to dance!!!

JQ - you're not old...you're just ripening to perfection =D> Many years ago I had a client (tourist) in Honolulu who told me that the last time he'd been in Honolulu was as a teenager in 1906! He was in the navy and on a sailing vessel that was taking Teddy Roosevelt's daughter on a goodwill trip to Japan. Now THAT'S OLD. (He was 96 at the time I met him.) It was fascinating to talk about all the differences between then and now.

The first time I visited Kauai (aka that damned hell hole...) was 30 years ago. And I still remember it like it was yesterday. Subsequent visits have been equally as memorable. I've been to 37 countries, visited 35 states, and yet it's still my favorite place in all the world.

daydreamin - you're most welcome for the lyrics. I was trying to find a site where you could listen to it, but no luck. I think I'll go back to daydreaming about ((#))((R))8-)
((S))((*))

jq -- another generous Fodorite! What a kind service to offer! I'll tell you what...if after that first week, I find I just can't take that miserable hell hole anymore, I'll call on ALL ya'll -- jq, Bill, i2, kamahinaohoku & gyppielou & any other "Klubbers" you recommend to come help me out. LOL - can you imagine this group together! :P

Bill...Secret Beach cottages look perfect in every way but one & I bet they don't dicker on the price! I'll save it for the day the lottery finally comes through!

i2...((R)) is back! Yay! Your idea of splitting those 2 weeks between the north shore & Kapaa is my preference too. My husband wants to find a place & stay put for the 2 weeks. We're still "negotiating" but I think we're getting close. Stay tuned!

jinxiejo--Thanks! I'll check out Lae Nani. Is Lygate Beach swimmable? I already have Smith's Luau on our definite to-do list! It sounds very yummy!

kamahinaohoku--I found "Hanalei Bay" on an old CD!! I am driving my poor family crazy over this trip, especially the nonstop Hawaiian music! Well, that plus obsessive planning! ;)

Mahalo, EVERYONE!
((R)) ((#)) ~:> ((F)) ((D)) ((R))

A note to all klubbers and other Kauai krazies:

And, y'all thought I drove you nuts with questions upon endless questions!

daydreamin is already campaigning for president of the Klub!((r)):&

That's fine since we all know the President buys the pupus and libations...

You think I'm asking a lot of questions now!?! Hah! Just wait--you have 8 more months of me! And I would love to buy you all the pupus & drinks you want but I'm afraid this crowd might just break the bank! ;)

We are so getting ahead of ourselves everyone.......no one really enters the circle of trust without the blessings from Kal............KAL?????????????Where are you???????? I'm looking at you!!!!!!!!

Goodluck daydreamin....5 weeks is one thing, joining this scary group....GOTTO have Kal's blessin's

So??? Kal????????

Sorry jq! I hate it when people call me jamq or iamg.

Here's my visual of Kal giving daydreamin his blessing:

Kal enters an ornate room drapped in long flowing robes in gold with little purple sashes and various ornaments hanging off his person. No one notices that he is wearing his Keen's as the robes are VERY long. Incense is burning and he is swinging something with a burning substance in it back and forth. The odor is more than vaguely familiar. He is holding a gold staff with a large jeweled orb on the end. On his head is a large cone shaped hat.(A good place to hide a bottle of wine) Daydreamin is kneeling before him. Ah cr_p, I got to go. Late for a meeting! Can someone else finish this? You get the idea?

-Bill

well..i didn't think i'd be back to this fodor's site after our trip..but alas, here we are back from another miserable rainy trip. I will post a trip report, but i do hesitate to, you know, because the island needs our tourist dollars. sigh..so depressed from all that wretched relaxation.

i have some pictoral evidence of the dreadful place,
but don't really have the extra bandwidth on our personal site. Does anyone know of any free sites for sharing pix. I know most charge a fee..but as i have a very limited need for this service..

sea wahine....please please give us our fix now! We must see photos!

The easiest for me to use is worldisround.com....my friend iamq used yahoo...and others use kodak, I think.

Someone please finish iamq's story...just where the hey is Kal anyway?

((r)):& i'2