My sincere thanks to the posters who kindly answered my questions. I'm especially grateful for the suggestion to get The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook. It's most comprehensive.

We stayed at the Cliffs at Princeville and spent most of our time on the North Shore. We went kayaking on the Hanalei River and Bay. One day we hiked on Na Pali to the beach at Hanakapiai. Watch for the feral cats. They look innocent but one of them stole a chicken breast from my hand. I ended up with trail mix for lunch.
Another day we hiked to the waterfall past the Jurassic Park gate. We enjoyed Hideaways Beach, Lumahai and Tunnels. Loved Queen's Bath... Could have gone there every day. Loved the town of Hanalei, the shops, Bubba's burgers. We basically fixed our own meals but had dinner at Zelo's one night. Highly recommended, especially the ono. Weather was ideal. Did not want to come back home even though I live in San Diego which is not too shabby as destinations go.

Treesa, another kauai nut. My wife and I travel from Pennsylvania to Kauai and stay at "The Cliffs" every year. We have 3 weeks of timeshare there. have not found another place we enjoy better. Sounds like you found most of the good stuff on the island. I leave in 51 days, not that I'm counting

Would you suggest Kauai for a single traveler- late 30's?

We want to rent a convertible. Alamo seems the cheapest. Did you all have any luck with other rental agencies??

Jayhawk: We have used Alamo many times and most often they are the cheapest, but shop around, Budget is near them and close to their prices. Careful with a convertible, especially on the North shore as numerous showers occur every day

Jayhawk,

Just wanted to offer a differing opinion from that of RichinPA on renting a convertible.

I would absolutely recommend one as the scenery on Kauai is just gorgeous. And don't let the threat of rain stop you. Because that's all it is, a threat....was there for 6 days in February (the supposed rainy season) and stayed on the North Shore and it didn't rain for more than 15-20 minutes any day we were there. Maybe we just got lucky but if it does rain all you have to do is close the top.....takes all of 15 seconds. The 99.9% of the time it's not raining you'll be thrilled you have one.

Enjoy!

Doug and all: You mis read me, I didn't say not to get a convertible, just said be careful. I've been there many times and have seen many people get soaked in convertibles, just keep your eye on the sky, but do enjoy every minute and don't let the threat of rain keep you from anything.

We rented from Alamo. They were the cheapest. Next time we'll rent a convertible. We invited another couple with us and they brought everything except the kitchen sink (they even packed two beach chairs which they never, ever used) so a convertible was out of the question for the four of us.
Kauai is definitely addictive.

Jill: I'm not sure how to answer your question re: traveling solo in Kauai. I've done my share of solo traveling in Europe many moons ago and if I did not have a significant other, I certainly would go alone anywhere.... But then I'm an only child so I've learned how to enjoy my company.

Thanks so much for your charming Kauai vacation report. I am truly impressed.

Jor: I guess I deserve the dose of saracasm. In return I'm sending you a dose of hemlock.

I will notify the Postal Inspector about your threat.

Treesa, I am planning a trip to Kauai in July and was reading through all the emails out here and ran across yours. You had mentioned that you hiked to the waterfall past the Jurassic Park gate. Which hike would this be considered? I thought it sounded pretty neat to be able to see the gate that they made for Jurassic park and to see the waterfall, but I am in need of some direction. Could you help me with that? I would be most greatful for any information. Thank you so much. Actually anyone with any information on this hike would be great to hear from. Thanks.

Vicki:
I'm at my office right now so can't give you precise directions, but will do so when I get home this evening. Do you have the book Ultimate Kauai? If so, they have excellent directions for the so called "Jungle Hike". I'll get back to you later

I just got back from Kauai too. That guide book is the best. Did you eat at Kintaro? I dined with a couple from San Diego there one night.
To Jillc1, I would. I was a late 30's single traveller and had an awesome time. Place is great and a lot of friendly people.