Anniversary trip to Kauai, need some help
 

Hello all! We are heading to Kauai for the first time, staying at the Marriott Kauai Beach Club in Lihue.

We would like to do a bit of hiking (nothing too strenuous), zip lining, helicopter tour, dive/snorkle and maybe a nice sunset sail. Can those of you who have done these give us the names of some operators that you thought did a good job. I have read through some posts and think that interisland helicopter sounds great but need suggestions on some of the others!

Also anything else we should not miss?

Hi stormygirl,

We've stayed at the Marriott a lot of times it has a nice central location.

Lots of good hiking on Kauai, up at Kokee Park, north of canyon, there are lots of trails of various lengths and difficulties, I am sure some others will chip in since I can no longer hike.

We took Inter-Island helicopter two years ago and they were fine.

For boat tours of the Na Pali Coast, we have gone with Captain Andy and Holo Holo, and we greatly preferred Holo Holo morning snorkel tour, one year we made it over to Niihau for snorkeling. Good boat, food and crew. The Captain Andy sunset cruise does get good reviews here and on Trip Advisor though. We just prefer the morning snorkel tour.

Have a great trip and happy anniversary.

We went to Kauai in August of 2006 and 2007. We really liked the sunset cruise with Holoholo out of Port Allen. It was a little rough on the way up to the cliffs but still lots of fun. Just hang on tight. We went on a power catamaran.

A really nice and easy hike is to rent a kayak on the river. I don't remember the name of the place but it was down a steep hill across from the falls. We did the self guided tour and it was easy. Takes about half a day. You kayak a short ways up the river and pull your kayak on shore. There will be loads of other kayaks there. Then you hike to the Secret Falls through the forest. It is a beautiful and easy hike. Our 5 year old grandson walked the entire distance on his own. We swam under the falls, had a picnic lunch and then hiked back to the kayaks. Cost was about $30 each.

Snorkeling at Ke'e beach or Tunnels is fabulous.

Have a great trip!

thanks so much for your replies!

pompa 1 that kyak/hike sounds awesome- if anyone else has any info on that please let me know!

jamie I've got both those operators jotted down, thank you!

Hi Stormygirl,

I did a little more looking to give you better info on the kayak's. If you go to the falls that I cut and pasted below, when you leave the parking lot for the falls turn right. There is a small road on the left after you turn that goes down a hill to a "polynesian village". You rent the kayak's there and they give you a map and instructions. After you go to the falls you can go to a small area that has a rope jump into the river and a small cliff that people were jumping from into the river. My 15 year old grandaughter did the rope jump and loved it.


"Opaeka'a Falls

Used in the movie "Blue Hawaii", you can see these lovely falls from a distance at the viewing area just off Kuamo'o Road. On the other side of the road you can view the Wailua River. Take Hwy 56 to Hwy 580 (Kuamo'o) and turn toward the mountains."


Here is a link that gives some info but it is not for the same company we used. There are lots of kayak places but you have to paddle along way up river. The place across from Opaeka'a Falls is an easy row.


http://kauaiwailuakayak.com/SecFall.html

Let me know if you need more info. We have been to all the islands several times but Kauai is by far our favorite. We are off to the Big Island in 8 days with the grandkids to see the lava flow. Can't wait.

My wife told me awhile back that one of the most breathtaking views she can remember is standing on top of the Napoli cliffs looking out at the ocean. Another great but more difficult hike is around the cliffs from Ke'e beach.

For both hikes make sure to wear good hiking/water shoes. The trails will be muddy and slick but none of us fell or even tripped. We always take hydration packs when we go to the islands so that we have lots of water and a place to keep our picnic stuff and towels. An underwater case for your digital camera is another must. We have 2 of them (the hard plastic kind). It protects your camera but also allows you to take pictures and videos underwater. I have hundreds of pictures and movies of us snorkeling.

happy travels,
Mike

If you are looking for a luau, the Smith Family Luau on the river is one of the best we have ever been to. the show after dinner was very good. If you plan to do this make sure you reserve in advance because on our first trip they were sold out weeks in advance. The second trip we reserved on the internet. Make sure to tell them it is your anniversary. They will play a song for you during dinner.

We did the Inter-island helicopter from Port Allen. Thumbs up.

Capt. Andy's is great for the Sunset Dinner Cruise, also out of Port Allen. Nice large catamaran and clean heads!

Hi stormygirl:

You should not miss the Waimea Canyon it is beautiful and on the way to Kokee State Park. When you go to Kokee State Park, please be sure to go as far as the road will take you park your car and walk to the view it is one of the most beautiful views you will ever see looking down onto the Pacific Ocean from where you are standing. When my husband and I were there last year for our anniversary we took a ride with a boating company that operates from the North Shore. You get the opportunity of seeing the whole Napali Coastline it is just beautiful in addition you also get to go in sea caves. Their office is at Hanalei but for the life of me right now I cannot remember their name so I am sorry about that. This was a highlight of our trip though. Also check out the Wailua River trip as that is conducive to couples celebrating their anniversary or on a honeymoon. Hope this helps. Have a wonderful anniversary trip. Oh one last thing I had purchased a book by A. Doughty called The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook and found it to be very helpful with up to date maps and helpful information from people that actually had been there. It is not expensive and I took it with me everywhere I went.

i have all the kayak info written down pompa1, thank you!

grasshut do you think the outfitter was Na Pali Explorer? I have them bookmarked as doing that kind of Zodiac tour

thank you all!

Great advice here - Feel free to check out my trip report for some more if you want:

http://www.jarredandrachel.com/kauai.html

great report joepa, thanks!

I do have the Revealed book also

Has anyone eaten at Gaylords?

stormygirl...we too will be spending our anniversary in Kauai (Sept 5). We have been to the island many times and always find new things to do.

We have flown with Inter Island twice for the waterfall tour and it was excellent both times. Luka was our pilot for both trips.

We have eaten at Gaylord's every year we go and will do it again on this trip. We really enjoy exploring Kilohana and then having dinner at Gaylord's.

We are planning to do two hikes that were recommended to us:

Hike Sleeping Giant (Drive North on the 56 6 miles into Kapa'a. A nice view of the Sleeping Giant is from the mouth of the Wailua River. Access to the Sleeping Giant trail is along Kuamo'o Rd. between the 2 and 3 mile marks. The trail comes out on Kamalu Rd. (581). Turn left on Kamalu to get back to Kuamo'o. Park at the arboretum for a safer place to park.

Makawehi Point hike along Maha'ulepu Beach (Instead of driving to Maha'ulepu, park at the Hyatt, and walk along the dunes and cliffs to Maha'ulepu, and then along the beach, and a bit beyond past the surprise blow hole and rugged arches). One way is just over two miles. You can take a snack lunch and stop at Kauailoa for break and a swim. Lovely cove, and perfect for some kick back time.

Also these are the things we have enjoyed while in Kauai:

Waimea Canyon all the way to the end of the road. Plan to go early in your trip and early in the morning just in case there are clouds. You can always go back on another day. Lunch at Waimea Brewing Co (http://www.waimeabrewing.com/waimea/restaurant.htm)

Polihale State Beach for great sunsets (http://www.hawaiiweb.com/kauai/beach...eBeachPark.htm).

Drive north to Ke'e Beach and either snorkel or hike. Hit Tunnels for snorkeling. Lunch at Hanalei Dolphin (http://www.hanaleidolphin.com/) or Bubba's Burger (http://www.bubbaburger.com/restaurant.html)

Wailua Falls (http://www.hawaiiweb.com/kauai/sites...ailuaFalls.htm)

Explore Kilohana Plantation (http://www.kilohanakauai.com/)and have dinner at Gaylord's

Dinner at Duke's (http://www.dukeskauai.com/)

Explore the Marriott in Lihue, enjoy the beach and have lunch at Duke's Barefoot Bar or Kalapaki Beach Hut

Check out the swinging bridge in Hanapepe and ice Cream at Lappert's in Hanapepe

Spouting Horn to shop with the local vendors. Eat lunch at Puka Dog.

Explore Maha'ulepu beach and Poipu.

Visit the Kilauea Lighthouse and go to Kilauea bakery

Helicopter trip on island with Inter Island Helicopters out of Port Allen (the waterfall tour is awesome!)(http://www.interislandhelicopters.com/about.htm)

Sunset cruise or snorkel cruise with Kauai Sea Tours out of Port Allen (http://www.kauaiseatours.com/)

Kayaking with Outfitters Kauai on the The Hidden Valley Falls Kayak Adventure (http://www.outfitterskauai.com/hidden.html)

ATV tour with Kipu Ranch Adventures (http://www.kiputours.com/)


Happy Anniversary and enjoy paradise!!!

When will you be there?

Thanks Beth, we are staying at the Marriott and will be there just before you! the 30th -4th!!

We have dinner ressies at Tidepools for our anniversary and I think we'll do Gaylords mid week.

We'll probably eat at Duke's our first night as to not have to go very far! :)

Congratulations on your Anniversary!

Food.. my favorite subject.

If you make it over to the South side/Poipu Beach one more time, do have a meal at the Plantation Gardens Restaurant on the grounds of Kiahuna Plantation. Incredibly romantic and very talented chefs.

Have the steamed shellfish dish wrapped in banana leaves. Cocktails are only o.k., despite being billed as special, but you could always opt for a glass of good wine.

Before or after your meal at Tidepools, consider having a drink at Stevenson Library at the Grand Hyatt. Just a gorgeous bar and they may have live music to add to the overall excellent atmosphere.

Anna Roz

Yeah!! we leave Saturday. Thanks again for all the advice, I have it on a doc that I'm printing and packing right now!

:)

Thanks again for all the advice, we had a wonderful time!

We did the helicopter tour with Blue Hawaiian based on some recent safety concerns with Inter Island. It was awesome. We also did a zodiac tour up the Na Pali coast line with Capt Andy which was my husband's favorite thing.

LOVED our kayak/hike to Secret Falls- pompa1 we would not have know about this so thank you! Found the village no problem. It is now $35 per person but you can have the kayak out all day so it's very inexpensive. We kayaked to the fern grotto too.

ok meal at Tidepools but AWESOME cocktails and sushi at Stevenson Library- thanks anna_roz

We also like Scotty's BBQ and Dukes upstairs.

The Marriott pool is amazing and the location quite good- I'd recommend it if you can get into a renovated room.

Love Kauai!!! my new favorite island :)

stormygirl

icksknay the avorite fay land iay.

Remember it is a hellhole, lots of bugs, very dark, no nightlife, bad food and restaurants and roosters attacking tourists......

"If you Heart Kauai send your friends to Maui!"

Glad you liked the kayak trip. It was one of our favorites also.

We were extremely disappointed with our Big Island trip. I think we have been spoiled by Kauai and nothing can compare.

I agree with the last poster. Spread the word that Kauai sucks and maybe we can keep it to ourselves.

Happy travels,
Mike