My husband and I have been tossing around many ideas for a trip this coming February. While we were originally set on going to the Caribbean (we love the laid back seclusion of those islands), we found that our frequent flier miles can get us to Kaua'i so now we are completely sold on going there! We've been to O'ahu and Maui. We loved both, but probably Maui a little bit more because of how relaxed it is. Kaua'i sounds perfect for what we are looking for.

I'm only in the beginning stages of planning, but I already have a few questions that I know the Kaua'i experts here can help me out with, mostly related to the time of year--February.
- Is it going to be too rainy to enjoy anything?
- Will we still be able to snorkel?
- Will we still be able to take a Na Pali boat tour?
- How about hiking--will the trails be too wet and washed out in February?

A few tour questions:
- Has anyone done a zipline tour? Any recommendations or comments about it?
- How about horseback riding? Suggestions for good tours?
- We want to do a whale watching trip. Considering Captain Andy's--is that a good choice?
- Any other tours (movie, ATV, etc.) that people highly recommend?

Anything else we should think about or consider?

Thank you so much in advance. I really appreciate the great advice I always get here

We visited Kauai in February and loved it. You are going during peak whale season. Take at least a pocket sized set of binoculars and when you see what looks like a puff of smoke on the horizon, focus on that spot and you will see a whale. We must have seen about 15 whales every morning from our lanai at Makahuena Point. (and a pod of about 100 dolphins)

Unfortunately, the water is too rough on the northshore to do the NaPali Boat tour but if you are in fairly decent shape and don't mind hiking a good part of the day, the Awaawapuhi/Nuololo/ Cliffs trail is spectacular and you will have it all to yourself. It is our favorite all time hike. Check on trail conditions with the ranger and go on a clear day. The last part of the hike is all uphill and not that fun but the rest of the hike makes it worth the climb.

Many people also hike the first 2 miles of the Kalaulau--It's really better to do this one first--fabulous scenery but more people and not the whole "on top fo the world" experience that you get at Lola Vista (a viewpoint on the other hike)

Snorkeling was fine. Calmer in the morning. You have to be careful on the northshore in winter, but teh water was calm when we visited. I prefer the Caribbean for snorkeling.

As far as the weather, it is mostly luck. We did stay in Poipu, which generally has sunnier winter weather. We watched the weather every night and determined where we would head. The northshore had really lovely weather when we were there.

We have never done any tours on Kauai--still fell in love with the island.

Pijeta:
Not sure where you will be staying but if your in Princeville try your horse back riding there I think the place is called Princeville Ranch if am not mistaken. Did not see you mention anything about Waimea Canyon try not to miss it, this is one of my favorite places, make sure you go all the way to the top. Unfortunately, I can’t help you with weather the times I’ve been 2x Sept. 1x June. Take care and enjoy your trip.
Gina

Aloha from Princeville...

Regarding winter weather on our beautiful island, we just take what comes.

We've had some winters with little or no rain; we've had some winters with days and days and days of rain. Sometimes it only rains on the north shore; sometimes it only rains on the south shore; sometimes the entire island is covered by rain. There are no guarantees...

But the temperature is usually near 80 degrees during the day, so you won't be cold. And as the saying goes: No rain, no rainbows! 8-)

I personally love it when we get a day of rain here on the northshore -- our waterfalls are spectacular.

"Will we still be able to snorkel?"

Not on the north shore. Check water conditions anywhere on the island in the winter before getting in. We listen to the surf report in the morning before heading out. Don't end up a statistic. If you get caught in a riptide, the next stop is Japan.

"Is it going to be too rainy to enjoy anything?"

It will be rainy somewhere on the island everyday you are there. The trick is to find out where that is and stay away from it. Conventional wisdom says to stay south shore in the winter for dryer weather and calmer seas.

"How about hiking--will the trails be too wet and washed out in February?"

One of my favorite hiking areas is the Maha'ulepu area just north/east of the Hyatt in Poipu. This rugged coastal area is a very unique place.
Again, check the weather in the area you plan on going. Kauai's red dirt turns to the slipperiest surface on the earth when it is wet.

I just had to write this as most people don't realize this fact. The dry leeward sides of the islands receive the bulk of its rainfall in the wet season (Nov-April) If the trade winds are blowing, the leeward sides are dry. However, in the winter, Kona Lows form and pull up moisture up from the deep tropics. This can cause the normally dry leeward side to become quite rainy. It really just depends. Like some have said, some winters are wet, some very dry. The NWS in Honolulu just released yesterday that they believe 2009 will be wetter than normal. Honestly, february is a gamble. Historically, that month is the most unpreditcable month for weather in Hawaii!

I was in Maui one year in early March during a Kona Wind and it rained heavily in Kaanapali for 5 straight days! ACKKK.