Hi everyone.

My wife and I have eight day on Kauai in early October and had several questions we'd love help with

1)How should we split the days (looking for moderate activities - good restaurants, nightlife not a big deal)?

2) Should we rent a car for the whole week?

3) Is the Sheraton south shore the next best resort after the Hyatt in the south shore?

Thanks for any help

dam

Dan, the first comment I'd make is that in Hawaii, the summer season is May through October, and I'd go to the North shore rather than the south that time of year, probably Hanalei Bay Resort or a good B&B. m It can be very hot then, and I'd prefer the Northern coast.

But if you insist on the South, I'd say Sheraton is second to Hyatt. And you'll definitely need a car on Kauai all seven days...........there is no public transport, and it's a small island where you can buzz around in your own car, and in eight days, really see all the highlights.

Please do "Caffe Coco" on the Eastern coconut coast..............one of the most charming (mostly)outdoor restaurants on the island, and I LOVE "A Pacific Cafe" if it is still open in Kapaa.

If you're a timid ocean swimmer like me, go to the beach at Lydgate Beach Park on the Eastern coast, behind the Holiday Inn Sunspree for an afternoon. They have a section of the ocean about the size of a football field, with a rock wall all around it, and you can stand and see the beautiful schools of fish without actually snorkeling. The water, at the deepest in that "pond" is about 5 feet, and I loved it. (No sharks, I wouldn't think either!) Have a great time on Kauai.........it's an enchanted place.

We stayed at the Sheraton in late May and enjoyed it. However, be aware that a road runs through the middle of the hotel complex, so try to stay in a building on the ocean side of the road. Those rooms are more expensive, of course. There is a map of the complex on the hotel's web site.

Hi Dam Kauai is expecting a dry winter so early October this year and this year only I would try out the North Shore. South sure is always the better bet for weather. The nearby west coast is also great for hiking.

North is very scenic I don't know what the waves are doing in early October I would imagine they are begining to get rough in October. We heard nice things about Embassy suites next to the Hyatt, the location is great for long walks on the coast. I like being in a condo for more than two nights, more space and cooking facilities you don't want to pass up with the fresh fish and produce of the farming island.

Emabassy Suites is on the South Shore

Embassy Suites is very nice but may be too far away from the beach for some tastes. If you do get the Sheraton on the beach side, the beach is right there. Prob. one of the best, but small beaches on the SoShore. May even be a small amount of "early riser" whales starting to hit then islands then?

Def. need a car rental. You never know when a whim may strike you and you need to run out to Brick Oven Pizza for a pie! Convertible all the way, baby!
I'd suggest an ATV tour too.

Kauai's not that big so you may be wasting time splitting your stays, IMHO.
Mucho Mahalos,
Kal

First of all, Kauai's a GREAT choice! We honeymooned on Kauai in 1997 and REALLY, REALLY loved it.

1) We enjoyed hiking the Napili trail on the north shore and seeing Waimea Canyon on the south shore. We don't recall there being a nightlife, except if we went to our hotel's lounge.

2) Yes, rent a car for the whole week.

3) Not familiar with either of those hotels. We stayed at the Princeville Resort on Hanalei Bay - couldn't have been more romantic. Best sunset I've ever seen.

As there is little public transportation, I would definitely recommend a car for your entire stay on Kauai. With regards to "splitting" the days, I assume you mean how to organize your activities. We spent mornings on the beach, lunch at a local place, a rest in the afternoon and then sightseeing or more "beaching" in the late afternoon. Other than restaurants, there isn't much open on Kauai after 5 p.m. If you stay on the South Shore, you will want at least one full day to travel to the North Shore and hike the Kalalau Trail on the Napali cliffs. You will also want to allow at least one day for Kokee State Park and Waimea Canyon. As for beaches, if you aren't swimmers or snorkelers, Lydgate Park would be great. If you do like to swim and snorkel, I would suggest Malahepu Beach(sp?)and Salt Pond Beach Park on the South Shore and Ke'ee Beach (at the trailhead of the Kalalau Trail) on the North Shore.

For a great seafood dinner on in Hanalei (north shore) try Postcards Cafe. The chef's specials they had when I was there last October were two of the best meals I've ever had (yes, we went twice)... and I've eaten at my fair share of good restaurants. Go early to avoid a wait...

http://www.postcardscafe.com/