In Kauai:

Surfing in Hanalei
Helicopter Ride - Napali Coast

Hi Nancy I have been to Hanalei in August. I have to tell you hanalei bay is more like a lake in terms of waves. A lot of people like that for floating on a raft. I can't imagine it changes all that much in September perhaps someone could prove me wrong on this. Maybe the end of September its different?

We stayed on Northshore Kauai in September 02 - and Sara is right - sort of. My husband was dying to surf - he used to do it all the time living in Jersey, and surfing Hawaii is a dream for him. Well when we arrived it was glassy flat - for 5 of the 7 days we were there. Then, magic! While we were actually doing an afternoon catamaran tour, leaving Hanalei Bay, the waves arrived. They were awesome. When we returned that evening, we rented a surfboard (if you are experienced they give you real decent boards, not the foam beginners) and spent the last two days at Hanalei, which was perfect - depending on which end, and how far out you paddle, you have surf quality from beginner to professional. As for time, all day every day, with of course a requisite stop for fish taco lunch!

They say helicopter is best in the mornings - we booked Interisland which included lunch - it was perfect - but it still (always) rains inside the crater - but hey it was sideways rain going right thru the copter!

Joan: Did you eat lunch in the morning then?

I assume you're talking about the helicopter?...I think we had a 10:30 flight, which means 11:00 with checkin, etc, so by the time we got to the waterfall lunch, it was noon.