First timer to Kauai - could use some advice
Jul 5th, 2009, 02:10 PM
#21
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Thanks so much, Jo. What a great list. And as far as Na Aina Gardens, I hadn't heard of it until I went last week & got the AAA TourBook. Don't know HOW I missed it! I think we're going to change our plans from Allerton Gardens to Na Aina. Again, thanks!!!
Jul 5th, 2009, 03:57 PM
#22
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For your research consideration: Jack Harters Helicopter 90 minute flight. Very costly but very worthwhile. Not our first choice, but a serendipitous find: Holoholo boat tour of the Na Pali coast. We did the sunset cruise; maybe next time will do snorkeling. Did you put ATV Kipu tour back on your wish list?
Jul 5th, 2009, 04:05 PM
#23
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Hi Cheryl
Yes, I think we'll do the Kipu tour. I think we're going to do HoloHolo for sunset tour, too, and Na Pali SeaBreeze for daytime tour from the North w/snorkeling, I think. Leaning toward Wings over Kauai, airplane over helicopter. A little nervous about heli tour, plus my DH has a Vertigo thing & is concerned about that on a heli. Thanks for your advice. LOVED your trip report.
Yes, I think we'll do the Kipu tour. I think we're going to do HoloHolo for sunset tour, too, and Na Pali SeaBreeze for daytime tour from the North w/snorkeling, I think. Leaning toward Wings over Kauai, airplane over helicopter. A little nervous about heli tour, plus my DH has a Vertigo thing & is concerned about that on a heli. Thanks for your advice. LOVED your trip report.
Jul 5th, 2009, 05:18 PM
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It's been 5 years, but I absolutely LOVED the Allerton gardens tour. A truly unique place in a beautiful setting.
Sounds like you've got lots of activites planned. Be careful not to overprogram yourselves. Allow time to RELAX and take it all in. It's hard to do that when one is constantly on the go.
Sounds like you've got lots of activites planned. Be careful not to overprogram yourselves. Allow time to RELAX and take it all in. It's hard to do that when one is constantly on the go.
Jul 8th, 2009, 11:13 AM
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If you are going to go to Na Aina Sculpture Gardens be sure to book your tour ahead of time. Many times "walk ins" will not be honored.
I second Iamq--be sure to relax. Watch a sunset, walk Hanalei Bay in the morning, become mesmorized by the Kauai blue waters and just enjoy the beauty that surrounds you.
Jo
I second Iamq--be sure to relax. Watch a sunset, walk Hanalei Bay in the morning, become mesmorized by the Kauai blue waters and just enjoy the beauty that surrounds you.
Jo
Jul 9th, 2009, 11:22 AM
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Just returned from the North Shore of Kauai. We also spent a week there last year and never left the North Shore for both weeks. It is truly a special and wonderful place.
A couple of recommendations:
1) Tunnels beach is incredible for snorkeling, but not much parking so you'll probably end up parking at Haena Beach Park and walking (but it is a walk). It was practically a lake when were there in June and August should also be quite nice. There is a rip current, but if you stay close to shore, it really should affect you too much. Ke'e Beach is also nice for snorkeling, easier access if you can get a parking spot (get there early).
2) Luma'hai beach was our favorite (the east side) in terms of tidepooling and swimming. You can jump right off the rocks into very deep water. The west side of the beach is open, but the east side is protected and really wonderful. Ignore the danger signs as you are going down as you.
3) I would recommend not renting a jeep as it turns out to be a rough ride and annoying if you are driving for any length of time. You will be driving primarily on regular roads, so I wouldn't bother with getting a jeep. My brother-in-law rented one several years ago and returned it after 3 days because they couldn't stand the noise/rough ride.
4) We love renting kayaks in Hanalei and then taking them to the beach or up the river. You don't need a guide unless you really want someone to enlighten you on the plants/history.
5) Swimming in Hanalei Beach (or kayaking) while watching the waterfalls off the mountains is a truly special experience.
6) If you are going to do a luau, we enjoyed Smith's Family Luau. It includes a tram tour of the gardens/all you can eat and drink buffet dinner/show. They do tend to sell out so you may want to book your seats early.
7) The Kilueau Lighthouse is incredible for sea birds. If you want to see interior birds, it is better to go the interior. We saw many seabirds as well as 2 sea lions sunning themselves on the shore.
8) Hanmura's Saimin (fresh ramen noodles in broth) in Lihue is an institution. Sit down at any open spot for fresh noodles. If you want manapua, go to the stand for some really delicious Manapua.
A couple of recommendations:
1) Tunnels beach is incredible for snorkeling, but not much parking so you'll probably end up parking at Haena Beach Park and walking (but it is a walk). It was practically a lake when were there in June and August should also be quite nice. There is a rip current, but if you stay close to shore, it really should affect you too much. Ke'e Beach is also nice for snorkeling, easier access if you can get a parking spot (get there early).
2) Luma'hai beach was our favorite (the east side) in terms of tidepooling and swimming. You can jump right off the rocks into very deep water. The west side of the beach is open, but the east side is protected and really wonderful. Ignore the danger signs as you are going down as you.
3) I would recommend not renting a jeep as it turns out to be a rough ride and annoying if you are driving for any length of time. You will be driving primarily on regular roads, so I wouldn't bother with getting a jeep. My brother-in-law rented one several years ago and returned it after 3 days because they couldn't stand the noise/rough ride.
4) We love renting kayaks in Hanalei and then taking them to the beach or up the river. You don't need a guide unless you really want someone to enlighten you on the plants/history.
5) Swimming in Hanalei Beach (or kayaking) while watching the waterfalls off the mountains is a truly special experience.
6) If you are going to do a luau, we enjoyed Smith's Family Luau. It includes a tram tour of the gardens/all you can eat and drink buffet dinner/show. They do tend to sell out so you may want to book your seats early.
7) The Kilueau Lighthouse is incredible for sea birds. If you want to see interior birds, it is better to go the interior. We saw many seabirds as well as 2 sea lions sunning themselves on the shore.
8) Hanmura's Saimin (fresh ramen noodles in broth) in Lihue is an institution. Sit down at any open spot for fresh noodles. If you want manapua, go to the stand for some really delicious Manapua.
Jul 9th, 2009, 12:03 PM
#28
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"Ignore the danger signs as you are going down as you."
Please do not ignore the danger signs at Kauai beaches. The rocks that kangamom mentions jumping off of at Lumahai are the rocks where a family got swept off the rocks into the ocean. The mother and father were drowned and the young boy was left without a mother and father.
This part of Lumahai is very nice, but when we were there in the summer (July and August) the water conditions were surgy and there were waves breaking over the rocks.
It it best to observe the danger signs at Kauai beaches, not ignore them.
Please do not ignore the danger signs at Kauai beaches. The rocks that kangamom mentions jumping off of at Lumahai are the rocks where a family got swept off the rocks into the ocean. The mother and father were drowned and the young boy was left without a mother and father.
This part of Lumahai is very nice, but when we were there in the summer (July and August) the water conditions were surgy and there were waves breaking over the rocks.
It it best to observe the danger signs at Kauai beaches, not ignore them.
Jul 9th, 2009, 12:33 PM
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good lord kangamom, the editors should put you in timeout for posting such HOMICIDAL advice as ignoring danger signs in Kauai.
Hawaiian virgin, I have many trips to Hawaii under my belt and it could even be suggested that I am obsessed with the islands. Please study ocean safety. The conditions and ever changing ocean in the middle of the Pacific Ocean is not to be taken lightly and certainly not to be IGNORED
I am so angry at kangamom's suggestion.
Hawaiian virgin, I have many trips to Hawaii under my belt and it could even be suggested that I am obsessed with the islands. Please study ocean safety. The conditions and ever changing ocean in the middle of the Pacific Ocean is not to be taken lightly and certainly not to be IGNORED
I am so angry at kangamom's suggestion.
Jul 9th, 2009, 12:50 PM
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Jul 9th, 2009, 12:55 PM
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Jul 9th, 2009, 02:02 PM
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Hey, Virgin: what does the itinerary look like now? I second IMAQ's recommendation to not over schedule. We did. Thought maybe we would never be here again, and have to see all we can. But there are so many opportunities just to chill out and relax, unplug from the electronic world. Think about it. We are demanding a trip report, you know!
Jul 9th, 2009, 08:18 PM
#34
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You know, it's so funny being called Virgin after all these years. lol. I am taking everything "under advisement". Hubby & I are very cautious, so we will definitely be heeding the signs.
As far as itinerary, it's still up in the air. We are deep in the throes of graduation party planning (my son just got out of high school), so we haven't firmed up our plan. We're thinking of doing the air tour on our first full morning, then taking the rest of the day to chill & get our clocks in sync. After the party, the serious planning will happen. Will post our plan when it's done & look for feedback.
Thanks again & again for all the help.
As far as itinerary, it's still up in the air. We are deep in the throes of graduation party planning (my son just got out of high school), so we haven't firmed up our plan. We're thinking of doing the air tour on our first full morning, then taking the rest of the day to chill & get our clocks in sync. After the party, the serious planning will happen. Will post our plan when it's done & look for feedback.
Thanks again & again for all the help.
Jul 10th, 2009, 11:53 AM
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Retraction: Please do not ignore the danger signs!!! But do not let the danger signs dissuade you from enjoying the some of the most beautiful beaches of Kauai. As always one should always be aware of their surroundings including the tide/weather conditions/swimming ability etc. The east side of Lumahai beach is highly recommended in the Kauai Revealed book along with warnings about the west side of the beach. We just returned from having a great time with 5 and 3 year olds at this particular beach, but we did not venture far and stayed close to shore. I've been to Hanalei Bay when it was a glassy pool, but I've also been to Hanalei Bay when the water was so rough that I wouldn't dare enter. So I guess the point is, use your common sense! Sorry if I offended!
Jul 10th, 2009, 05:25 PM
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Welcome to the 'fodorites who take ocean safety very seriously group', kangamom! Your retraction is admirable and appreciated. Alas the blue book authors were a lot more reluctant then you.
As some may know, I have been planning a future BYOBBB 4th of july bonfire party on Hanalei.
(bringyourownbluebookandbrabonfire)
well I just sent someone off to the hellhole and they brought me back a new Revealed book as mine was outdated! LOL!!!!
As some may know, I have been planning a future BYOBBB 4th of july bonfire party on Hanalei.
(bringyourownbluebookandbrabonfire)
well I just sent someone off to the hellhole and they brought me back a new Revealed book as mine was outdated! LOL!!!!
Jul 23rd, 2009, 05:18 PM
#38
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Aloha once again. We are counting down the days (27) until the big Kauai trip & are deep into the day-by-day planning. Got my calendar out & am trying not to overbook it.
We definitely want to do a garden, but I'm flip-flopping between 2. So, I'm looking for a vote: Which is the better garden, Allerton or Na' Aina????
So. Cheryl, I don't have a set itinerary yet, but am planning to do (in 6 days) a daytime & sunset Na Pali cruise (first day & last day), one of the gardens above, an airplane ride over the island (that's only 70 minutes), and a kayak trip. We'll do some sightseeing, too. Plan on driving out to Waimea canyon & spend some time at the Kilauea Preserve. Leaning toward Na' Aina, since it's near the lighthouse & preserve. Too much?? I don't know that I'll ever be able to get back, so I want to make the most of my time. I figure, lots of these things are pretty low key. Would like to know your opinions. Thanks again.
We definitely want to do a garden, but I'm flip-flopping between 2. So, I'm looking for a vote: Which is the better garden, Allerton or Na' Aina????
So. Cheryl, I don't have a set itinerary yet, but am planning to do (in 6 days) a daytime & sunset Na Pali cruise (first day & last day), one of the gardens above, an airplane ride over the island (that's only 70 minutes), and a kayak trip. We'll do some sightseeing, too. Plan on driving out to Waimea canyon & spend some time at the Kilauea Preserve. Leaning toward Na' Aina, since it's near the lighthouse & preserve. Too much?? I don't know that I'll ever be able to get back, so I want to make the most of my time. I figure, lots of these things are pretty low key. Would like to know your opinions. Thanks again.
Jul 25th, 2009, 03:44 PM
#39
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The tour for the Na Aina Gardens takes no longer than 3 hours. Wear capris or pants. There are mosquitos and take bottled water. Take the early tour. The Lighthouse will only take about an hour and a half. Definitely not too long of a day. Stop at the Kong Lung Village it is on the road to the lighthouse and take a peek in Banana Patch and Island Soap and Candleworks. There soaps are excellent.
Also, have ice cream at the ice cream place in the video store acoss from Kong Lung Village. Are you taking the Sea Breeze Tour? Enjoy
Jo Jo
Also, have ice cream at the ice cream place in the video store acoss from Kong Lung Village. Are you taking the Sea Breeze Tour? Enjoy
Jo Jo
Jul 25th, 2009, 10:15 PM
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I have spent a good deal of money at Banana Patch! I look forward to trying the less expensive ice cream!!!
For your possible 2 ocean excursions, watch the surf report and check the cancelation policy. But then, no matter how much I love the ocean, I do seem to get seasick more than I'd like.
For your possible 2 ocean excursions, watch the surf report and check the cancelation policy. But then, no matter how much I love the ocean, I do seem to get seasick more than I'd like.
