a week for Hawaii/Kauai?
 

never been; want to plan a week b/n the big island and Kauai; want some outdoor activities including biking; gentle hiking; beach exploration and some hanging out and/or scenic car rides.<BR><BR>maybe one to be a splurge hotel/resort (we don't golf) and the other less so???<BR><BR>what do you recommend? I'm an eager advance planner, this for Jan. '03.<BR><BR>Thanks!!

My main recommendation is to do whatever you have to do to to get two weeks instead of one. You'll get a much better feel for the islands in general and perhaps you can throw in a 3rd island. My wife and I spent 15 day there in October last year: 4 on the Big Island, 7 on Kauai and 4 on Maui. While we would have loved more time on each island (especially on the BI) we found 3 islands in 15 days was a good compromise. I don't think one week does justice to such a wonderful place, especially if you don't know when/if you'll be back.

thanks, John.<BR>Should have said we are spending a week on Maui with friends; the 2nd week is on our own. Don't have more than that: so if you're inclined to recommend as per my initial inquiry, that would be great. Thanks!!

My recommendation is for spending a week on Kauai for the outdoor activities that you are looking for and a nice laid back feel. There are numerous hiking trails associated with Waimea caynon and also the Na Pali coastline that range from strenuous to strolling along. Also, the beaches tend to be less crowded with lots of area for exploration. Depending upon what exactly you are wanting to do more of and the kind of scenery you like would dictate what area of the island to stay on. When we went last year, we stayed on the East side in Kapaa, a good central location to everything, but we spent the majority of our time on the North side of the island, which is more lush and tropical than the south side, but also tends to rain more (which we didn't mind) and can be a little rougher in the winter months. If you need more specific information I would be happy to help out, this is really general I know.

Aloooohaaaaa Belle,<BR>7 days is too much and 21 days not enuff for Kauai!<BR>A week on Kauai is a perfect R&R Rx after having spent the 1st week on Mauai w/ friends! ;-)<BR><BR>This Dec/Jan will mark our 11th trip over and we still can't wait to get over and get some Polihale between our toes or NaPali red mud on the Teva's.<BR><BR>Just type "Kauai" in the "text search" and you'll see plenty of suggestions for what you're looking for.<BR>We too usually stay on the East/Coconut Coast as it's closer to everything but the better props on the island are Princeville Res. Hyatt, Marriott, Shearton, Embassy Suites or one of the many nice condos and houses available.<BR><BR>We did an ATV tour for the first time last year and can't wait to take the longer "waterfall tour" this trip.<BR>May try the ultra light planes this time if they can handle my girth! <BR><BR>Mahalo,<BR>Kal<BR>206 mo' days

Belle, I've been to both the BI and Kauai and I would not try to split one week between the two. The BI will be noticeably larger and quite different from the time spent on Maui. For the activities you listed you might choose Kauai. It has great beaches, snorkeling, a variety of hiking opportunities, lots of hanging out and is very scenic. <BR>There are beautiful spots on the BI as well but I recommend Kauai.

Oh brother Kal how'd you beat me again!!!!

Timing is everything and I'd rather be lucky than good!<BR>Kal

Oh, so it's not all in the wrist?<BR><BR>Belle you want to splurge on the hotel? What do you want to spend on your splurge? What kind of amenities do you like to have available?<BR><BR>Go to wizardpub.com to see some interesting things about Kauai and the BI and then buy the book(s). They list great activities, recommend some good hikes and have better directions than most guide books.

You know Belle when you post but never respond back to people that have offered you info than you look like a travel agent. If you are a travel agent than at least follow through on the part you have assigned yourself and respond back. Just as valuable for us to hear weather or not we have been helpful.

sorry see you responded earlier

I see Kal mentioned wearing Tevas on the Na Pali trail. I have read you should have hiking boots, but am loathe to lug them in the suitcases. Are Tevas adequate to do the easier trails?

Which Na Pali trail? I just hiked part of the Kalalau(sp?) trail last month in a pair of light tennis shoes which were fine. No need to lug heavy hiking boots. I imagine Tevas would be OK too but have always felt more comfortable hiking in closed toe shoes.

Hi to all who have written back,<BR>NOOOOOOOOOO, I'm not a travel agent! Just an avid planner and fairly new to this site so am learning the etiquette.<BR><BR>For the splurge hotel, I dunno, maybe $350 -$400 a night; but it would have to be pretty special to plunk down that kind of cash a night. My husband is maybe in the 60something reduced rate, if such exists?<BR>And, then, a special place that isn't necessairily huge and splashy but with beach access or nearby would also be a lovely thought, I think.<BR><BR>Sounds like we oughta concentrate that week on Kauai, or on BI, but not both?<BR><BR>More thanks in advance, travel buffs that you are!!!<BR>

So if you're going to Kauai in Jan '03 you need to think about weather before you decide which part of the island to stay on. If you stay in the south, most people will point you to the Hyatt which is a lovely resort. On the north, most will point you to the Princeville. Do you want to stay in a large resort or are you looking for a different kind of vacation?

go to any Hawaii based hiking based website on Kauai and you will be told tennis shoes and sandals are a no no for hiking, on the kalalau trail. I have hiked the first part of the Kalalau trail (frequently referred to as Napali coast trail) several times, the entire trail is 11 miles long. On one trip in 2000 I was told a women was airlifted because she sprained her ankle, she thought tennis shoes were enough. Went with my sister last year who insisted on not switching from her cross trainers as you can see even bare foot people coming down the path but a very stupid idea. The trail is rarely in an expected condition. If you bump into slippery patches you want some tred and ankle support which is what my sister found out. She trashed her cross trainers and was also sore from the lack of ankle support. We turned around midway before Hanakape beach which is just two miles when completed into the trail. IMO (not so humble) absolutely take light hiking boots. <BR><BR>Hard to always know the condition of the trail. I always take light hiking boots and I am never sorry. Don't want the bulk, wear them on the plane and take them off during the flight if they are too much for you. <BR><BR>But Kal where can I get a deal on those tevas? I would like them for beach walking.<BR><BR>A hui ho!!!<BR><BR>66 more days<BR>

Alohaaa...after all of that "eating in Chicago" talk, I had to run to a buffett for lunch!<BR><BR>I bought some heavy duty Teva sandals that had an instep and sole designed for hiking. "The Vector"??? The trick is to break them in BEFORE going over and not actually ON the NaPali hike! Got a massive blister on my achilles tendon that pained me the remainder of the vacation.<BR>Mrs Kal had some Chacos with a lug sole that worked our well for hiking.<BR><BR>Yes, we saw a lot of people hiking the first length of trail in anything from bare feet to Polo white deck shoes. Bet they weren't white after that!<BR><BR>Would be very slippery to go in tennies right after a rain.<BR>The other couple we hiked with had the $250 hi-tech hiking boots but they brought over around 5 bags of luggage for a 15 day stay.<BR>I got it it down to 3 pairs of swim trunks, sandals, tooth brush, stick of deodorant and aspirin...oh...and 20 gals. of SPF 30+ sunscreen!!!!<BR><BR>As for Kauai vs BI, we've never been to the BI but to split the 7 days between the 2 may not be fair to the BI as we hear it takes longer to drive all over it? <BR>Kal

Belle here in NYC many summer hiking boots in the better sports stores go on sale in August. I would pick up a pair then. You could probably find more deals at REI and the like that time of year also. Have to tell you though while they are predicting a dry winter for the islands I would shy away from Kauai in January. Although Kal goes every Feb. maybe he can shed more light.<BR><BR>Maui is in whale season in January and the best island for viewing I would head there. Would be surprised if you could hike Kalalau trail in Winter, too wet and some stream crossings are too high in rains. <BR><BR>66 days A hui ho

Sarah, I got them thru the Teva internet sight.<BR>Speaking of ankle support, the sole does grab quite well because in the last 200 yds of the hike, while stepping down from a 1.5 ft rock, the sole grabbed while the top part or my r. ankle slipped forward. So...I not only had a big blister on the r. foot, it was a bit of a sprain too. Had to sit around the bar all night with my leg up and an ice sack icing it down from the outside and the Fire Rock icing it down from the inside. Darn!<BR><BR>And, a good point on a January trip. It does rain a bit more on the NoSide in Jan. But what an adventure!<BR>Kal<BR><BR>Teva Vectors:<BR>http://www.teva.com/products.asp?d=1&g=men&c=terra&sc=5<BR>

Kal what are the whales like on Kauai that time of year? You can also see albatross from the lighthouse in Kilauea