Could anyone offer any advice on a short trip I'll be taking to Kauai at the end of October? I'll be arriving in Kauai in the evening, and then I'll have 2 full days there.

I'd like to see as much as possible in the short time I have and would like to know what are the must see sights. I know most people advise against a tour, but I'm thinking that might be my best bet to see most of the island that first day and then can go back on my own the 2nd day to places I'd like to see more of or that weren't on the tour.

Also, I'll be staying at the Kauai Beach Hotel & Resort. I've read that it's nearing completion of its renovation and transition to becoming a Hilton property. Anyone have any impressions of that hotel?

Thanks!

With 2 full days and staying at the Aloha Beach Resort (be sure to let me know how it is), you won't need a tour.
Get a good guidebook....Go north one day and to the canyon one day. Plus, you can stop down around Poipu coming back from the canyon. And with the Aloha Beach Resort being almost smack dab in the middle, you can have some mighty fine dining in the Kapaa area both nights.

Aloha,
i'2

Thanks for the advice. Actually I'm staying at the Kauai Beach Hotel (the one that's becoming the Hilton) that's in Lihue. I'll plan to dine in Kapaa, though.

Alohaaaaaa...what about a helicopter or airplane tour?

See the whole island in 60-90 mins and you have most of the day to go back to the places you spotted.

I think your hotel is going by way of down the road The Islander and maybe "cond-tels"?

As I'2 said, good location.
Olympic Cafe for b'fast....
Huki Lau Grill for dinner...

How long should I spend at the Wailua River State Park? I probably will not take the river cruise, so is 2 hours long enough or should I set aside more time? I'm trying to figure out if there's enough time to go to Kee Beach and do the 2 mile hike to Hanakapiai, and then to go over to the Wailua River, all in one day.

Also, I'm going to Kauai at the end of October - will the temperatures on the North Shore make it too cold to swim at Kee beach (and is that beach even swimmable)?

If you hit the bricks early (leave Kapaa by 6-7) to the NaPali and are decent hikers, you could do the Wailua later in the day.
As for a swim at Kee, too a bit rushed for my taste but if you only have 2 days...go for it!

Oct should be OK but watch out for high surf warnings. They usually start around Oct/Nov.

What? No Smith Family cruise up the Wailua?
Mahalo!
Kal

Thank you for the reply. If we can realistically do both Wailua and the 2 mile hike near Na Pali, we'll try to. Probably will skip a swim at Kee Beach, though.

Is going up the North Shore better early in the morning or are there any cons to doing it later in the afternoon (e.g., crowds, parking, etc.)?

We did the 2 mile hike at Na Pali (isn't it 4 miles round trip), quick swim at Kee beach and got to Hanalei by just after noon for lunch. And we were coming from Kalaheo (near Poipu), which is about 40 plus mins to Kapaa. I think we left just after 6:30 a.m.. That's the key, start your day early and you'll be surprised how easy it is to do a lot.

On Kauai "the early bird gets a better and probably safer parking space at the trailhead!"

Try and "Wake Up" at a little cafe in Hanalei for a pre hike b'fast.

Thanks to all for your advice! I think I have a plan in mind - it also partly depends on whether my traveling companions also want to try to fit in all the sights or have a more relaxing/beach vacation! In any case, thanks for everyone's suggestions!

On Kauai I'm a BIG B&B fan...Beach and Barstool!