How does this 5 Night Kauai itinerary sound?
 

This is our first trip to Kauai and we are bringing two kids, 5 and 9. How does this sound?

Day 1: Arrive in Kauai from Maui at 10:00 A.M., get car, eat lunch (?) and start heading east.
In east Kauai area we would like to do the following:
See Opaekaa and Wailua Falls,
Visit Lydgate Park to feed the fish/snorkel and let kids play on playground,
Hike the Sleeping Giant.
Then we will continue to go towards Princeville where we will visit lighthouse and Hanalei before going to our hotel for two nights (Princeville Hotel). Is this way too much??? I am figuring that we won't be able to get into our room until at least 3:00 anyway. Any suggestions on this day would be greatly appreciated!
Day 2: Husband hikes Kalalau trail while girls and I have a fun day at the hotel and maybe checking out a beach in the PM when husband returns where we could look for shells. Any suggestions?
Day 3: Leave hotel in the AM and go to Wailua River to kayak and hike to waterfall.
Then eat lunch (or should we bring a lunch with us on the kayak and eat at waterfall area???)and go to Spouting Horn and Poipu beach for a bit until time Hyatt room will be available.
Day 4: Swim at hotel pool in the AM and then do ATV tour (Kipu Ranch) in the PM.
Then go to Hula Show at Hyatt while eating at restuarant at sunset. (forgot which rest. this is??)
Day 5: Relax at hotel with New Year's Eve fireworks at Poipu Beach in the PM. Dinner????
Day 6: Return to Maui and then home.

Please give me your honest opinions!
Thanks!
By the way, I know that I didn't include Waimea Canyon in the itinerary but I couldn't figure out where to put it without taking away a day just to relax. Suggestion for including it or should I just leave it out???

On Day #1: I would skip the Sleeping Giant. Unless you make it all the way to the top there won't be many scenic views. And I doubt kids the ages of yours will go all the way to the top without some serious whining, LOL.

At Lydgate Park check out the giant new map near the main restroom area, be sure to take the kids to Kamalani Kai Bridge as well as Kamalani Playground.

Feeding fish is a no-no, better just to observe them!

Don't want to add anything to your ideas but our boys were 6 and 8 when we first took them to Kauai; they really loved Poipu, Barking Sands/Pole Hale park, Ke'e beach -also known as the end of the road since its right where the napali hike starts. Not much to see in Hanalei unless you want to get dinner there one evening. We didn't hike sleeping giant or go to Lydgate Park - the seas were a little rough and you may find it that way as well since it looks like you'll be there in late December/early January. We stayed at the Princeville - very nice and at that time, kid friendly. Take the kids to Bubba's for lunch on the way to Princeville. there is also a fruit and jam factory between Poipu and Waimea Canyon - they do little tours and its pretty fun. Keep in mind that you may have to shift plans depending on weather.

What are you folks doing with your luggage? I wouldnt leave it in your car while your doing all those activities. Its probaly better if you have lunch then drive up north. Princeville hotel will probably store your luggage before check in. If check in is at three, you can kill some time by checking out the lighthouse.

We went to Kuaui this summer with 8 year old daughter. I would highly recommend not missing driving through Waimea Canyon to the end of the road in Kokee (sp?) State Park. Views of Na Pali Coast from here are awesome. Maybe you can swim pm Day 3 and do this Day 4 am & early pm. I would also recommend that you consider going to Kee Beach with girls when your husband hikes Kalalau Trail. Beautiful drive and nice beach if you and kids can hike about 1 mile of trail views are great. Finally helicopter rides are little expensive but unforgettable.

I would not take small kids to Ke'e Beach in the winter, just too dangerous.

Will our car be within view at Lydgate park? Is this the part of day one that you feel our luggage would not be safe? I was under the impression that the two waterfalls were next to the road. Is that correct? Based on someone's recommendation, we won't be hiking the Sleeping Giant but can you see the Giant from the road as well (I realize you won't get the great view but I have already talked up the legend of the giant so my kids will at least want to do something with it!)?
Thanks!
As far as going to Ke'e beach goes, I may do something like that in the evening but I want to spend at least one of my two days at the hotel relaxing and enjoying the view from the pool area since it cost so much to stay there! Maybe after husband is done with the hike, he can drive us back there to the beach. I don't want to feel stranded at the beach the whole time he hikes (many hours) with us only having one car. I would rather be at the hotel and be able to use their pool/beach. Is there a good beach for finding shells in the area?

On your way from the airport to Princeville stop off at Duane's Ono Char-Burger in Anahole for lunch. Really good burgers and helps set the tone for an uber-relaxing stay in kauai.

Hey Ashley, would suggest on day 1 that you visit the 2 fall areas, which are easily accessible by car then drive through Lydgate Park to see what it is like. Personally, would suggest checking into the Pville Hotel after visiting the falls area, because you avoid having to go through your luggage to prepare to swim in the water. Also, you might consider enjoying the Pville beach and pool and save Lydgate as a back up plan in case it ((r))rains((r)) in PVille or the ocean is rough. BTW, I would speculate that Lydgate is a safer area for cars/valuables than Kee, though Kee is endlessly inspiring. Agree with above recommending Waimea Canyon, it can be viewed a few steps from your car without hiking. :S-

I also planned on checking out the two falls on the way to Princeville. Someone had told me that our luggage would be safe in the car, as you can see the falls from the road?
Is this correct?

Thanks

didn't we see pretty much the same post a couple weeks ago, Ash24?

Yes, you can see them both from the road.....i.e., your car can always be in your sightlines.

uuhhh,
I have made changes to my original plans and wanted to verify that the plans were alright. Sorry to bother you! I have received a lot of good suggestions from people on this board, especially johnd and I appreciate it. Thank you guys for taking the time and effort to help others!

Ashley, it's interesting to see how your trip is morphing. One piece that I haven't seen people mention: RAIN! You are heading over to Kauai during the winter. You have an agenda full of outdoor activites- you might want a few back-up plans for rainy days. I notice that you have moved part of your stay from Poipu to the Northshore. It's beautiful up there but the weather is really unpredictable anywhere on Kauai, especially on the Northshore. I personally think that your first plan was a bit better. I've spent some gorgeous winter weeks over there and a couple that were incredibly wet. Don't mean to rain on your parade but I'd sure hedge my bet by staying on the south shore and driving up north. I've had the experience of 7 solid days of rain in Kauai. We were taking trips to wal-mart and borders to buy anything to keep our kids busy. Just felt the need to interject this little dose of reality. I've stayed at the Princeville without kids and at the Hyatt both with and without. I'd stick to the southshore and the Hyatt or the Sheraton. The Princeville is a beautiful hotel but is not what I would consider a great treat for the kids. (And I have five and nine-year-old daughters.) Believe me, the south shore hotels will put on just as wonderful a show as the mighty Princeville. Save that one for a trip with your honey.

Kip,
I guess I was under the impression that the rains were light and usually didn't last too long. I was imagining people just going on their business regardless. My girls were excited about swimming in the pool while it rained and looking for rainbows. We will be at the Princeville for only two nights so I can't see it "ruining" our trip. The rest of the time we will be at the Hyatt plus we will be coming to Kauai after 7 days on the sunniest part of Maui (Wailea). I'm not too worried but thanks for the heads up anyway. When we return, I'll let you know if the rain put a damper on the trip (pun intended!).

Ashley,
We went to Kauai in March (rainy season)and got quite alot of rain....BUT, it never dampened our spirits! As a matter of fact, on the day of the hardest rain, we drove north and it was wonderful..Had the entire place to ourselves! Our photos of the north shore are beautiful because we have the same shots during the rain as we do during the bright sunshine. Both are awesome!
With all of the great advice you have received and with all of the planning you have done, you are destined to have a wonderful vacation....with or without rain, because,,,,,,you will be in Paradise!

Ashley,

Just to try and lift your spirits a little, my wife & I stayed at The Princeville this past February (again, the height of "rainy season") and it didn't rain for more than 15-20 any of the 6 days we were there.

So, yes, it may rain (as evidenced by kip and iceeu2) but it also may not (as I can attest to). But one thing I will concur with and join in the sentiments of, whatever weather you do get, rain/shine or otherwise, you'll have a wonderful time....it's impossible not to on Kauai.

Ash,
We've been going over in Dec/Jan for the past few years and really don't recall it ever raining maybe more than a day or two but seldom hard enough to cancel any outdoor activities...other than tanning...which we limit now anyway!

Any hiking plans may have to be reconsidered since rain makes the trails slick as you-know-what.

One time I have to disagree with vivi but The Sleeping Giant would be a great hike especially if you "talked story" about his legend to your kids.

360 degree view of the whole CocoCoast and Mt Wally, Wailua River, etc.
Little picnic area located on his chest.
If you walk up to his head, be careful with the kids because it's really steep in a few places.
If not, there is a turnout off SR 56 where you can get some good pics. I got some outstanding pics of Da Big Guy last year while taking the "short cut" i.e. the SR 56 by-pass that starts near Kintaro's/Coconut Market place and comes out near ABC Store/Bubba's in Kapaatown. Just make sure there is no to light traffic and pull over in a safe area and snap a few off.

"No rain-No Rainbows".((R))
Mucho mahalos,
Kal

Before you even leave the airport, I suggest stopping at a book/news stand to pick up this bright-blue guide, "The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook, Kauai Revealed," by Andrew Doughty & Harriett Friedman. It's the most worthwhile $14.95 you can spend! The authors actually live there and give very detailed reviews and directions to sites even locals might not know about. It's a fun, entertaining read as well. Have fun! Your trip sounds great. Definately see the Waimea Canyon.

If you get to Waimea, be sure to stop at JoJo's shaved ice for a combination ice cream cone and snow cone. Your kids and you will be delighted.

Oh yes, I agree that Sleeping Giant is a great hike. Heck, I can see the giant's head from my bedroom window and I wave to him every AM! I was mainly advising the originial poster that flying to Lihue, picking up rental car, going to lunch, going to Lydgate, going to the Lighthouse, going to Hanalei, AND
hiking the Giant all before checking into the hotel sounded like too much with young kids. Especially in December when the trail is very slippery. I know my own kids would have had a meltdown in that jam packed itinerary!

viva vivi, Yer killin' me!
Me and Da Big Guy have a cosmic connection!
BTW, I forgot about the "rush-rush" Ash24 was planning for the first part of the trip.
A hike when you first get there might be pushing it.
Kal

Okay, got the rain thing over with. We did have one exceptionally rainy trip- and it happened to be a trip that was a bit a whim- a quick week over to celebrate a 40th birthday. It rained so hard at times that water was spraying sideways through the louvered windows. We made the best of it, learned that beach mats turn into quick shelters, that the ocean feels a lot warmer on a rainy day and that Kauai has amazingly large frogs that emerge after a downpour. Of course, the sun came out on the last day! This was Jan. '02, and according to friends the sun never quit shining after that week. Two years before we had three gorgeous January weeks. That's Kauai.
I'd also recommend the Sleeping Giant, very managable an a little less of a slip and slide than the trails up in Waimea after rain. We laugh at our house because my 9-yr-old still talks about her favorite hike: one from the 1st edition of "the Ultimate Kauai" book. It was a waterfall hike but we never found the waterfall. We did find a number of abandoned cars but the find that stuck in my kids' memories was a toilet sitting in the middle of a beautiful grove of trees. The commode and everything else in this little glade was covered with the splattered drips of hot pink paint ball paint. My kids thought that it looked like heaven; so here are my children who have walked through lava tubes and steam vents on the Big Island, played in lavender fields in Kula,camped in the eden-like Waipio Valley and watched gliders ride the Kealia trail on Oahu, where do they really want to hike next: to the famous toilet bowl somewhere in the jungle behind Kapa'a. You never know!
Also- don't miss the Keiki Hula at the Hyatt. It's great fun and your girls will love it.

I must be tired -or dreaming of Kauai. Make that "watch the gliders ride the thermals while hiking on the Kealia trail."
Thought of one other suggestion: a stop at the "Green Garden Restaurant" in Hanapepe- a definite Kauai institution- feels a little like dining in your elderly aunt's house surrounded by hundreds of potted plants. Good for a slice of Lilikoi pie on the way to Waimea Canyon. Also, my girls love to buy shell necklaces, charms and fancy shells from the outdoor stalls at Spouting Horn. Make sure they have a little spending money for some little treats.

Kip,
Can you tell me more about the Hula at the Hyatt? Is this something I need to sign up for in advance? Prices?
Thanks!
I guess my problems is not filling up our time too much but not wanting to miss something either. But those things we end up missing will be the excuses for returning, right???

Ashley, the Hyatt does a sunset torch lighting ceremony every evening on the Seaview Terrace. This includes traditional music and sacred hula. It is quite lovely and the view from the terrace is gorgeous. Two nights a week, a local hula school has its young dancers perform after the torchlighting ceremony. (Keiki is Hawaiian for children. The Hyatt refers to this performance as Keiki Hula.) They put on a wonderful performance and it's always a treat to watch them. We've been taking our girls since they were tiny and they still love watching these talented kids perform. There is no need for reservations. Just head down early enough to get good seating. (It usually starts around 6:30 p.m.) We order Mai Tai's, get our girls smoothies, order pupu's and call it dinner. It is one of our favorite Kauai traditions and gives you a lovely taste of Hawaiian dance without some of the tackiness of the big luaus. Afterwards we like to take a stroll through the torchlit Hyatt grounds and walk down to wiggle our toes in the warm sand on the floodlit beach. Our girls also really like the buffet breakfast at the Ilima Terrace. The swans glide by the window tables and the food is very good. It's been almost two years since our last Kauai trip and I'm getting nostalgic!
On Maui my girls love to boogie board at any of the Wailea beaches, love the Maui Ocean Center, and like getting a little dressed up and going to the Humu humunukunukuapua'a Bar (kid's can sit in the bar areas of restaurants in Hawaii however they can't sit at the bar) where we order them very fancy ice cream drinks that come in coconuts with flowers, etc and little glowstick necklaces. They don't like the road to Hana- both have gotten carsick on it so I don't blame them. Their mother, me!, loves spending a day upcountry on Maui, visiting the lavender farm and the Surfing Goat Dairy. Very fun and a very different side of Maui. They give little tours at the Dairy and there are always lots of baby goats around for the kids to ooh and aah over. Still, my kid's favorite activities are playing in the water; boogie boarding, building sand castles and getting covered with sand. You'll have a ball!

Kip,
Your information about the Hyatt, Kauai and Maui have me very very excited about our trip! I love those kinds of details...I can imagine myself doing all of those things and it sounds like paradise! I am going to print out your information and take it with me on vacation! If you have any more suggestions, I would greatly appreciate it! By the way, is it easy to find the dairy? Is that mentioned in the Blue Book; I don't think I have heard that mentioned before but it sounds like a neat thing to do! Thanks again!

Just wanted to reiterate from the post way above...feeding the fish alters the ecosystem. It's important to not feed the fish, even if you see a hundred other people doing it, which you may. The real jerks are the ones who know they're not supposed to do it but shrug and laugh that they're doing it anyway.

Also, about collecting shells...I don't know, I thought you weren't supposed to take anything like that from Hawaii? Won't Pele and her homegirls get mad??

love
roxy

Nothing wrong with a little research & some "to do" lists, but be flexible. I've seen/met so many people who think they've "failed" if every item on their list isn't checked off.
It's s'posed to be a vacation ;)
We too make such lists but more often than not they fade into the background and become mere suggestions once we've actually arrived there :)
Have a lovely trip.

Ashley: We just returned from the Hyatt. The Keiki hula show is just held 2 nights per week at 7 p.m. (at least in Sept. that's the case). Saturday night for sure (I'm looking at a copy of their daily activity paper) and, I believe, the other night was Friday. Luau is held on Thursdays and Sundays. Your girls will love the Hyatt (as will you and your husband). Lots of tropical birds throughout, the most wonderful swimming pools/lagoons imaginable, and beautiful grounds. Seaview Terrace just makes you say "ahhh", this is paradise!

ErinH1,
How is the construction at the Hyatt? Was your room a newly finished room?
Thanks!