Am I going to regret 8 days in Kauai??
Jul 21st, 2005, 11:19 AM
#22
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Beena77, Hawaii is close for us since we live in southern California. Flight is only about 5 hours. So we have gone to both Maui and Kaui. We have also been to the Carribbean, which is a lot further.
Overall we prefer the Caribbean as far as being able to find an island that still has areas untouched by tourism, and that still has a good chuck of its native habitat (flora) still growing, that hasn't all been chopped down and replaced by landscaping! WE liked Dominica and St. Lucia for example in the Caribbean.
Okay, but on the positive side for Hawaii, it's close for us. It's USA so no worries about drinking the water, the language, etc. And we liked Kauai more than Maui! What I loved about Kauai is they have laws about building so no high-rises, it's a whole lot of cute little towns and adorable beaches and cute little shopping areas. Also the Waimea Canyon area is an interesting day-trip, accessible from the south side of the island. Kauai is beautiful. Jurrasic Park (the movie) has a helicopter shot taken of Kauai. I would happily go back to kauai again and enjoy myself. As for the coral reefs, they are definitely affected by man, all the ones we saw in Hawaii are affected by man, but you can still see some cool fish!
Overall we prefer the Caribbean as far as being able to find an island that still has areas untouched by tourism, and that still has a good chuck of its native habitat (flora) still growing, that hasn't all been chopped down and replaced by landscaping! WE liked Dominica and St. Lucia for example in the Caribbean.
Okay, but on the positive side for Hawaii, it's close for us. It's USA so no worries about drinking the water, the language, etc. And we liked Kauai more than Maui! What I loved about Kauai is they have laws about building so no high-rises, it's a whole lot of cute little towns and adorable beaches and cute little shopping areas. Also the Waimea Canyon area is an interesting day-trip, accessible from the south side of the island. Kauai is beautiful. Jurrasic Park (the movie) has a helicopter shot taken of Kauai. I would happily go back to kauai again and enjoy myself. As for the coral reefs, they are definitely affected by man, all the ones we saw in Hawaii are affected by man, but you can still see some cool fish!
Jul 21st, 2005, 12:56 PM
#23
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Isn't it funny how we most love what we can't have - or find difficult to get? I live MUCH closer to the Caribbean than Hawaii but pass up opportunity after opportunity to spend time in the Caribbean in order to save my time and money for Hawaii. I could spend eight WEEKS on any one of those lovely islands and still wish I had a little more time!
Jul 21st, 2005, 05:15 PM
#25
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As long as you don't expect it to be the same you will love it! I just looked at Anna's pics and it made me start to get excited for my October trip. Her pictures brought back memories of the places I had been on Kauai, like Kipu Ranch ATV tour and made me want to explore some of the beaches I missed in the week I was there two years ago. Was in Maui last year and hey don't get me wrong it was wonderful but I prefer Kauai or even Oahu! Great pics Anna!
Jul 21st, 2005, 11:37 PM
#26
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At first I clicked on this thread just to see what Kal had to say... LOL, imaq! I just got back from the Big Island and Maui. Kauai is so special! Don't worry about bucking up for expensive tours. All you have to do is take a walk or drive in you car to see AMAZING scenery EVERY where you turn! Sigh!
I can recommend the Napali coast boat ride and/or a helicopter tour, although it includes dramamine for me. Took the helicopter a few years ago, when I was 6 months pregnant. Picture this... Pregnant woman gets best seat in the copter near the window. No dramamine, so I'm greener than Kermit the frog, I've been given the responsibility of taking the pictures, so I've got the camera in one hand, I "using" the barf bag in the other, and I've got tears running down my cheeks at this stunningly gorgeous part of the world for us to relish. Even as sick as I was, I'd do it again in a heartbeat! Kauai is amazing with it's power to take your breath away, de-sress you and somehow make your everyday, non-vacation life seem so small!
I can recommend the Napali coast boat ride and/or a helicopter tour, although it includes dramamine for me. Took the helicopter a few years ago, when I was 6 months pregnant. Picture this... Pregnant woman gets best seat in the copter near the window. No dramamine, so I'm greener than Kermit the frog, I've been given the responsibility of taking the pictures, so I've got the camera in one hand, I "using" the barf bag in the other, and I've got tears running down my cheeks at this stunningly gorgeous part of the world for us to relish. Even as sick as I was, I'd do it again in a heartbeat! Kauai is amazing with it's power to take your breath away, de-sress you and somehow make your everyday, non-vacation life seem so small!
Jul 23rd, 2005, 02:27 PM
#27
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Hi Ashley24
sorry for late reply
The company was Kauai Sea Tours (NEVER AGAIN !!). We picked the Na Pali PM snorkel/dinner cruise from Port Allen
On the boat I realized that we were the only ones from outside USA (we are from Europe) and nobody said something to complain !! People was just taking care of drinking beers, eating, kidding, jocking, talking...etc. so we also said nothing to the crew !! We even did not reach a far away decent viewpoint of the Na Pali Coast. We just turned back. Once home I wrote a complaint by e-mail and I even did not get any answer as " we are sorry...etc.."
Jul 24th, 2005, 05:58 AM
#28
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I'd have to second the recommendation on Kipu Ranch ATV tours and Napali Catamaran boat tour of Napali Coast. Did both last May and they were wonderful!!! Also - would recommend taking the time (if you can handle bumpy dirt roads) to drive to Polihale for the sunset. And get ready for some magnificent rainbows!
