We have one week (first week in July) to visit a hawaiian island. We are really into snorkelling, body surfing and hiking. It looks like BOTH islands offer excellent hiking but I was hoping for some feedback from those who have experienced both. Also, both islands seem rather expensive compared to Maui (where we usually go) and we are on a budget (low Canadian dollar and all)
Does anyone have any suggestions for clean, safe INEXPENSIVE accomodations that are in a good location close to beaches, inexpensive resturants etc.?

On the BI, we have stayed twice at the Royal Kona Hotel. Understand it has recently been renovated so should be nicer than last time we stayed. But it is located right in Kona, so it's a great location. Wesbite is: http://www.hawaiianhotels.com/Web/Ma...n.cfm?Orig=RKR.

I don't have personal experience yet but we are headed to the BI and Kauai this summer. We have reservations at The Kona Tiki hotel on the BI-70.00/night(US)-right on the ocean-few amenities-does include kitchenette and light breakfast. They have been very nice on the phone. On Kauai, we have reservations at Plantation Hale(a Best Western)-95.00/night (US). We also considered Islander on the Beach for 78.00/night(US) but decided to go for a suite at Plantation Hale. If you go to www.wizardpub.com you can see aerial photos. Highly recommend these books for planning your vacation-both of these hotels are solid gold values according to these books. Hope this helps.

I think for your amount of time and the time of year that you are going Kauai is the better bet. North Shore as you know receives more rain yearly than any other islands. Summer is usually a great time as it only rains in morning and evening, days are sunny. This is the best time to visit Kauai. Don't know how you are seeing these islands as more expensive but I stay in condos so perhaps that is why I don't see this jump. BI in particular has some amazing condo deals.

Kauai is just a lot smaller so it is really ideal for 1 week. You can make your way to North and Western parts of the island they offer the most scenic and best hiking. Kokee national park, Alakai Swamp, Keyke beach, Tunnels are all spectacular. You could probably spend a week exploring diverse trails just around the canyon/kokee park.

I have been to all of the islands, Big Island first for 1 week than 3-4 long weekend trips from Oahu. I remember a lot of driving on BI. Yes there is some special scenery. Volcano is tremendous but you are always in that car for a minimum of 40 minutes, who wants this with only a week’s vacation. A better way to do the BI is by coming back and spending two weeks. Remember BI does not have as many beaches rolling around it as Maui or Kaui. It is a bit more work to find the good swimming beaches.

Also I remember BI being stifling hot in summer months near the volcano area. I would prefer to come here outside of summer months. What helped me select my island of choice this year was sitting down with 2 of the Andrew Dougherty guide books. I made the decision in one evening. I have been to all the islands several times but still have trouble choosing each year when I am showing people the islands. IMH BI is incredible more exciting than Maui but it deserves careful research, driving and time spent on different areas of the islands. So many people come on this forum only having stayed on kona side. Wild horses in Waipio Valley and you never even hear talk of this or the tremendous cliffs that surround this area. We use to fly over to Oahu and just stay on the Hilo side because of the rainforest, volcano at night etc and some people turn this into a day trip.

Gave little time to Kauai here and that is the island I am suggesting to you. I find this island to have the most diverse landscape in the smallest pocket of space. North Shore is about as beautiful as that very green coastal stretch at the end of the road to Hana. Only on the North Shore of Kauai you can stay in the beauty. This is why I think it is special, you don't have to drive to all of the beauty. 1 week Kauai would be my choice. I am taking two weeks and I am still returing to Kauai 3rd year in a row.

6 more days until my honeymoon in Kauai
I've read all the posts and websites.
I have so much information I could spend 3 weeks there and not do everything. I'll be there for 11 days 4 in Lihue and 7 in Princeville. Hey Robin ..what's the most memorable thing you did on the North Shore....Any last minute suggestions welcome. Thanks -Jay

OKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!! the one thing you absolutely can't miss unless you are not physically fit is that hike from Kekey (sp) beach to Hanakepe (sp)(North Shore), first portion of the Kalalau trail. I have never even made it all the way to the first beach but the stretch of Napali coastline that you see pearing out in the distance is like nothing you will ever see again in your life. There will be similar settings like the Cliffs of Mohr in Ireland but this place is special and unique, certainly nonexistant on the mainland, U.S.. If you are YOUNER AND STRONGER than I am go even further. There is a stream crossing that I don’t recall even making once (3 trips)and I still was able to see the mountains trailing into the distance. This is the best view anywhere on Kauai IMHO. I don't know if I will make it to that first beach this year. So what else what else???

What was memorable for us last year was the Alakai swamp. We were too noisy for the birds but the area before the swamp was isolated from tourist because you needed a 4wd. It also was surrounded by that canyon. I remember us with the kids echoing out and seeing into the colorful distance of that canyon. There was a picnic table that over looked all of this. The landscape is very unique inside the swamp so while our giggling kids freighted away those birds it was still a very interesting area. Take time to know what Kokee offers, we meet people every year that spend days hiking in there.

REMEMBER I SAID IT IS ALL MEMORABLE…ONE MORE MEMORY. The stars at night on the west coast driving back after dinner and the day of hiking. My brother in-law had one beer and was slurring his words. We always have to laugh at this. In his stupor he said pull over let’s see what the stars are doing. We pulled the car over on the side of the roads outside of Waimea town area and oh my what an amazing sight. SOOOOOO MANY STARS. Better than any mountain night view I have ever seen.

JayT you should come back on here and tell Steph how the weather was on your trip. Always see if a hike is reccommended in rainy weather. Alakai is a nightmare in the rain and the center at Kokee tells you to stay away in rain. Kauai ultimate guide says this also. Same is true for Napali/Kalalau hike those paths when muddy can actually be trecherous.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN THE RAIN. RAMBLING Waterfalls, Incredible rainbows, peace and quiet. Head to the southshore if you are not a person who can appreciate this beauty. I love it when I am not in Kauai can be found in Scotland, Ireland, England. Jay I would take rain pants and rain jacket. It can be great to hike in the rain even if for a short time, so peaceful.

Jay remember to schedule a tour at the lighthouse NS. I would call and do this now they book up. I think Albatrose still might be in Kauai. If not there are many other birds adn there are gorgeous peaks to tour and view birds from. THIS IS MUST SEE. Call your concierge and ask them for number to book free tour.

Thanks for the info Robin !! personally I don't mind the rain. I think hiking in the rain would be a nice excursion. I can just imagine the serenity now : ) I'll have to pick up some lightwieght rain gear. We plan on doing the first portion of the Kalalau trail or at least try. We're in all right shape, so hopefully we can make it. I'll call for the lighthouse tour too, that was something I wanted to check out. I will definately report back on the weather for Stephie. Hopefully we have good weather. If not I'll have the rough it : ) Hey if it's raining I bet there won't be a wait at the Prince golf course.

Aloha,
Jay T-If it does rain on your hike, be careful as the Na Pali can be very slippery even if it hasn't rained for a few days. And be careful as the rain can form some nice waterfalls and kick up the current on a few streams, so a place where you crossed easily one sec., may not be as easy on the way back.

Have you looked into the "Powerline Trail"? Starts up in Hanalei area and comes down to the Kealia/Kapaa area?

We may look into doing that one this/next year.

As for the Prince Course, all I can say is "Ahhhhhhhhhh".

Steph-Never been to the BI so I can't comment on it's hiking.

Steve-Even tho you're staying at Plantation Hale, it's worth the small walk over to the Sand Bar for a mai tai or 3. Say hello to my favorite barstool and bartenders!
Mahalo,
Kal

After your comments and a bit more research, I think we will do Kauai. BI would be great; we found the Sliding Sands Trail on Haleakala, Maui to be the most amazing hike.... and we really would love the "volcano experience" but I think the time of year and the short amount of time we have would make Kauai a better choice. Thanks so much for your comments and feedback regarding the hikes.

Kal
The powerline hike does sound good.
I read about that in the ultimate kauai guide book. I might try that one. I went to the driving range last night to practice for Kauai. My wife-to-be was hitting them better than me : ) I can't wait to golf at Princeville !! 5 more days....

and why should we expect you are better JayT !!!!

just kidding

PS Ultimate Guide to Kauai is an excellent guide for Hiking but explore other books there are many hikes. Go online to Kokee National park they will send you trail maps. We did not explore these fully before we left last year, no pictures and we got lazy. Jayt pick this up at the Kokee visitor center. We were sorry once in Kauai that we did not do this research before hand. Also Kauai Ultimate guide suggests a hiking guide book they give you name and author. I looked at this book and found it useful.

Thanks Robin !!! I know, I know you cannot just assume I'm better : ) She only started golfing 2 years ago and I've been golfing for about 15 years. I give her about 12 strokes per nine holes, but I might have to cut that down this year I did get some additional hikes from some website I can't recall. But there were 20 or so around the Kokee area that were listed. I'll definately pick up some maps from the visitor center. Thanks for all your help !!

Any advice on Marriage ?

(just kidding)

JayT Have a great TIME!!!!

I will give you marriage advice if you give me groom finding advice. I am definitely a looker just not a finder badumpdom!!!

JayT-Don't forget to try Kukuilono, the Pub Course out in Kalaheo. 9 holer for around $10/w cart. Not even as close to being as well kept as P'ville but the scenery is right up there!

My fave Kauai course is still The Grove-Puakea.

I'm breakin' in my Teva Vectors for the P'line Trail in Dec/Jan

Marriage hint: You will stay together quite a long time if the both of you golf and love to travel, especially to Kauai. We just turned 28yrs together of which 22 as an old, happily married couple!

Robin-You in Nor Cal? Have I got a recently divorced pharmacist buddy for you!
No rain-no rainbows!
Kal
255!

Thanks for the hint Kal !!! As long as we get to golf and travel what more can I ask for. (except $$ to travel) I'm very lucky to have a sweetheart who golfs : ) I never thought I'd actually get to golf on Kauai, with my new bride, nonetheless It will be a dream come true. Congrats Kal on your 28 years...quite impressive !!! It gives me something to strive for : ) I think I will try thr Grove farm GC. I already got tee times at the Keile and the prince course, so I'll have to try the Pub Course as well. That's all I'll be able to afford after the others ; ) 4 more days...

Reading this thread brought back a funny memory...well, it wasn't funny at the time! My boyfriend and I hiked the first part of the Kalalau Trail (which I highly reccommend doing, btw) and we spent too much time making out on the beach (turn-around point for us) and started our way back a little too late. The sun suddenly started going down REALLY fast and we were going as fast as we safely could. Didn't want to fall off the mountain! Anyway, it was getting to the point where we really could not see and we were crawling on our hands and feet so we wouldn't fall off the edge. I started crying because I got really scared after my boyfriend slipped once. I knew we weren't that far from Kee Beach, but what good is that if we can't see AT ALL? So, I suddenly started screaming, "HEEEEEELP!!!!!!!!" at the top of my lungs. I heard someone in the distance yell, "Where are you?" I yelled back that we were on the trail and couldn't see anything. Well, the coolest thing happened. Someone yelled back to sit tight for a minute. Then the 3 cars that were still in the parking lot turned on their brights and positioned themselves in such a way that it gave us just enough light to see to come down. Not much, but after being completely in the dark it was enough to hike the rest of the way down. Of course, once we got to the bottom I was EXTREMELY embarrassed, but also extremely grateful! I laugh about it now, but when I really go back and think about that day it still gives me goosebumps. Not exactly the kind of "Hawaiian experience" I had hoped for! Ha!

So the moral of that story is GET AN EARLY START! Have a great time!

Very funny Christy and scarey too. That last bit coming back is steep. Also there is a path just before the final stretch that looks like a goat path, hope you knew to be on all fours here. Glad you got down ok.

PS Christy wish more people shared their travel stories. Too many opinions not enough story.