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

Sarah, We've been lucky enuff to go the first 2x for T'giving/Wedding anniv in Nov/Dec and the past 8yrs we've gone for New Year's, usually from Dec 30th on...One time we did spend Christmas there. Very nice. Our "extended family" was very gracious.<BR><BR>We have been very lucky with the weather on Kauai. One of our 21 day stays we got rained on maybe once where we felt we couldn't do anything and it was all over the islands (we called businesses on No, So and West shores and all rainy).<BR><BR>Good travel weather karma?<BR>Rather rained on in Kauai than 40 degree weather in NoCal!<BR>kal

thanks for the teva link Kal

Sarah...our timing is off or I have to get a DSL line!<BR><BR>The past few Dec/Jan trips we have been treated to a lot of whale action. Our first 2 trips over we saw zippo. Maybe they are making up for it?<BR>We can usually get an afternoon whale show from The Sand Bar at the CocoCoast hotel where we stay.<BR><BR>Our last trip to The Whaler Brew Pub we saw the breeching all over in from of the opening to Nawiliwili Harbor.<BR>And then all we saw were sprays. Looked like NYC Harbor when the fireboats are spraying. Must have been a dozen playing around.<BR>The best viewing we had was in Poipu. Once from upstairs at Brennekes (good cerviche!) and then from the beach between the Sheraton and Kiahuna Plantation.<BR>The beach there drops off sharply so the whales came in so close you'd swear they were winking at ya!<BR><BR>The cliffs to the south of the K'lighthouse was hopping with birds the couple of times we've been there. We have to go back again but keep forgetting that the park closes early even for Kauai time.<BR><BR>Feel free to drop me a line if you want. Always time to "talk story on Kauai".<BR>Kal

definate travel Karma Kal, send it to me! I am heading over in August into what weather people are predicting to be a season of "increased chance of hurricanes and tropical storms". I can hear the lightening already. A more sensible person would cancel the trip but I can't get this Kauai monkey off my back.

I just wanted to clarify that my tennis shoes have what I would consider "aggressive" tread (more like a hiking boot sole than anything else). I do a lot of local hiking where I live and feel very comfortable with them. I'm not talking about wearing keds or the polo deck shoe kind of tennies - I agree those would not have much traction.

Thanks Kal I read your post about the whales holding my mouth saying OH--- MY--- GOD!!!! sounds like an incredible life experience. I lived on Oahu and we use to shoot over to Mauai for whale I never saw 12 whales together, that had to be truly incredible.

I know Patty but my sister in what I call cross trainers was in sneakers that were marketed as hiking sneakers. Sounds like you had a great day, I am just concerned about people who might head into not such a great day you can feel pretty helpless up there.<BR><BR>Talk about great Kauai stories I read a post on here a few weeks ago. This woman spent too much time on Hanakape beach w/boyfriend. They ended up racing to get back to keke beach before complete darkness set in but were not on time. She said she started crawling on all fours and screaming for help thinking she was miles away because she could not see. Then several car lights sprang headlight action onto the path she and boy friend were at the tale end and embarrassed. She told it better than I but it was a true TRAVEL TALE FROM FODORS. I can never get enough of those.<BR>

I forgot to mention, the sun was setting to our right over the point by the Sheraton while the whales continued to do their "thang"...Surreal. I caught a glimpse of Mrs Kal just as a little tear ran down her cheek.<BR>I wish all of those the ability to hang loose on Kauai and give out as much good karma as you receive. Sound good?<BR>Kal

Sarah,<BR><BR>You will laugh when I tell you my husband was in flip flops. We did have a nice day although we still ran into several wet areas.

OK I think it's time to give this thread back to Belle. Sorry to take it off topic.

Ok Kal now I am a bit teary! <BR><BR>Sounds like a serious Karma plan I have to remember this next time someone steps on my last NYC nerve. Note to self, remember this on city bus ride home tonight!<BR><BR>a hui ho!

That is funny Patty glad it was not a problem sorry Belle but wasn't Kal's whale story great?

Hi guys! I just have to say, there's such great "karma" on these hawaii threads....I frequent the Carib board, have lots more experience there, but you know what? the vibes I get here about Hawaii, especially Kauai, really warm my heart, truly unique.<BR><BR>Anyway, Kal, can you tell us more about the ATV excursion? Can two people ride the same ATV? (I'm chicken and would prefer riding tandem with hubby). Location? Price? The waterfall sounds intriguing!

My wife an I wore hiking boots on the Kalalau trail and we passed at least 3 other groups who were wearing tennis shoes or flip flops and looking at our boots with envy. This is a great hike and the pictures we took there are the best that we got on the whole vacation. The trail itself isn't great however... if we weren't stepping on rocks we were stepping in mud... I still haven't been able to wash the red dirt stains off my socks and it has been almost 9 months since we got back. So make some room in the suitcase for the hiking boots. Your feet will thank you.<BR>Another great hike? Awa'awapuhi Trail in Koke'e State Park. The views at the end of this one are not to be believed.<BR>http://www.onedayhikes.com/Hikes.asp?HikesID=88

John how strenuous is that Awa'awapuhi trail is? We will have a soon to be 9 year old with us and her mother. Mother found Kalalau too trecherous and I suspect she would have found it stressful had we not turned back. What about Awa'awapuhi? Is that the trail on the canyon side that is combined with Kalalau lookout points? How did you find this trail?

Sarah, My wife and I went down the Awa'awapuhi trail and then back up. Going down to the cliffs was no problem but coming back up was tough. Not dangerous, just very tiring. <BR>The trail takes you down through a forest and then through flowers and ferns and then you end up at the ocean. Or should I say above the ocean... the cliffs there are 2500' high and seemingly vertical. Unbelievable.<BR>I heard about the hike through a book I have on Kauai and then later on a map we picked up at the Koke'e Visitor's Center.

Thanks John which book?

I believe it was "Kauai Trailblazer".

Joan,<BR>While there are 2-3 outfits for ATV tours on Kauai, we used Kauai ATV.<BR>http://www.kauaiatv.com/html/tours.html<BR>Very good experience with them.<BR><BR>Located a few blocks from "downtown Koloa". You park at their office and sign up. You then follow them down to the old sugar mill where all the ATVs are stored. They give you heavy duty t-shirts, cammy pants, boots and a helmet w/ goggles. They also instruct you on the operation of the bike and then you take a short ride around the sugar mill until you get the hang of it.<BR>In our group, Lydia was the tour leader while Forrest drove the Jeep as a sag wagon. He was also the photographer. You can buy pics and a CD if you'd like.<BR>We didn't see any "2-seaters" but if Mrs Kal and her sis could operate these ATVs you should have no problemo. The tour guides. Lydia and Forrest, were very helpful and even put the bikes in gear for a few of the tourists. Once you put it in 3rd gear, it's basically like driving an automatic.<BR><BR>There are some steep hills (up and downhills) where they stopped us and told us to shift down into 2nd and helped those who had been having a prob.<BR>Pretty simple and nothing to be scaredy cat over! ;-)<BR> <BR>As for the whale story, I don't even want to tell you what happened the first time we saw the Shamu Show at San Diego's SeaWorld way back in the <BR>mid-70s!<BR>JohnR-Oh boy.A new Kauai book to peek at...off to Barnes/Noble!<BR>Kal

Thanks John Kal have you done that trail. the trail mentioned above. I found that if you punch in the trail name along with the word photos you can frequently find photos of many trails. Look at a few different search engine, google has a image searcher. ... here is one for Awa'awapuhi<BR><BR>http://theweb.okstate.edu/fcr/hawaii/kauai926b.html