Kauai Activities- more questions!
 

I have read through the Ultimate Kauai Guidebook, and lots of Kauai posts here. My mind is swimming with all the possibilities, so I'm trying to narrow it down.

We will be staying at the Hanalei Bay Resort in August for 9 days. Two adults, two children (10 & 12) and one fairly active senior (70+ MIL). I'm trying to find the right balance of action & relaxation, taking into account the limitations of a tri-generational trip. Here are my questions so far.

1. Helicopter tour - obviously leaning toward Heli-USA, since we're staying on the North Shore, but I can be talked into the drive if the other tours are much, much better (the blue book does not rate HeliUSA very high). Keep in mind, that since we're 5 people, we can't do Inter-Island unless we split into two groups.
2. Horseback Riding - Princeville Ranch. Looking at the 3 hr ride with waterfall hike. However, I have read that the waterfall hike can be strenuous which would be a problem for MIL. Maybe we should consider the 1 1/2 hour bluff ride instead? (She has done guided trail rides in Yosemite and Costa Rica with us before and loved them!)
3. Waimea Canyon - since we will be seeing this from the helicopter, would you recommend taking the drive? If so, are there some not-so-strenous hikes that would be worth our while?
4. Easy hikes - Any other easy to moderate hikes with lots of great scenery?
5. Snorkeling - should we opt for a organized tour or grab some gear and hit the beach on our own? The Napali catamaran trip looks intriguing.
6. Kayaking- the Kalihiwai looks nice and not too tough. Any experience on this river?
7. Botanical gardens-Fern Grotto or the National Tropical Botanical gardens? Worth the drive?

We also plan on some golf, tennis and boogeyboarding/surfing, and general beach/pool bumming around. We've dropped the ATV idea for this trip, and since we did ziplines in Costa Rica (at 1/3 of the price ;)), we'll skip that too.

Any feedback will be greatly appreciated. I have already gotten terrific restaurant recommendations from the Kauai posters out there. Thanks in advance!

3. Waimea Canyon - since we will be seeing this from the helicopter, would you recommend taking the drive? If so, are there some not-so-strenous hikes that would be worth our while?

Absolutely take the drive also. It's a beautiful drive all the way up and back. As far as hike, I don't know, but you don't even have to hike to see beautiful scenery.

Sounds like you have a pretty full agenda, but believe me, the ATV ride is fun and also scenic.

Thanks iceeu2,

We're going to save the ATV ride for when the kids are over 16 and can drive their own. =-o

Realistically, how long will it take us to drive from the Princeville area to Waimea? How long should we allow for the canyon drive?

Thanks!

Better suggestion:
1: Get off plane
2: Throw away Ultimate Kauai Guidebook
3: Enjoy

How did you find all of those things to do?

Everyone KNOWS....OK....now everybody...............

"........there is nothing do, it's always raining, there are no good restaurants, the are bugs the size of Havana cigars and the chickens will cart off your first born....."

My friend Bill, you really shouldn't wear green...it doesn't become you...
And another thing, it's only 10 more days!!!!!!!!!!!

i2,

Did you mean green like this? :&

10 days until what? ;;)

-Bill

The rainiest spot on earth with NOTHING to do. All those activities are hoaxes as the authors of that trashy book toast each other and laugh at tourists. Throw that book out! If the skies clear up and you manage your way to Waimea Canyon, the wild boars will eat your fairly active senior. And let's not even talk about Leptospirosis (which I got the spelling from that book you just threw out) stay out of the waterfall on your stables trailride...the poor things, carting you around...and the bugs.....oh the bugs......they will take your appetite away, which is a good thing, since there is no food in Kauai...good grief, you're doomed.

BILL! ((R)) "........there is nothing do, it's always raining, there are no good restaurants, the are bugs the size of Havana cigars and the chickens will cart off your first born....."

You're killing me smalls! :D You too G'Lou!

Oh no. I have been horribly misinformed. That sounds just awful. Maybe I should reconsider. But wait, if I stay here in L.A., I'll just get shot driving on the freeway.

I guess I'll try Branson or Orlando. Are there any trashy blue books about these places?

AuntieM, can you help me? Not that the input from the Kauai Komedian Klub wasn't helpful...... :))

lvk...you are quite the comedian yourself! KKK, I like it!

By all means, keep your Ultimate Kauai guide. The maps and descriptions of places and driving distances are great.

Hopefully AuntieM will see this upon awakening and be able to help you out!

lvk,
Me a member of the "KKK"?

Who'd thunk it? Not bad for a gay, liberal democrat from the San Francisco Bay Area!

Thanks for the laughs.

-Bill

i2,
How many more?

Just remember that if you do go to Kauai, never, never kill a chicken!

But, I think you should go to Branson , but first please dye your hair blue.

Hi lvk,
We enjoyed our tour with Napali Catamaran. The crew was nice, the coast was beautiful, and we were first to the snorkel spot. Right before the boat left Hanalei a rainbow appeared. I got a killer shot of the entire rainbow circling Bali Hai.

We did a kayak tour with Kayak Kauai. I think it was called blue lagoon, not that difficult if you've ever paddled before. I probably wouldn't do this tour again, since the snorkel spot they use is at the Princeville's beach. So there really isn't much need since you can go there for free.

For shore snorkeling I would try Anini. Since you've got little ones with you, this beach will be safe for them.

Auntie's up and vigilant!! 'nuff with the KKK gang! :-D

lvk:
I'll try to give you some local-kine answers to your questions.

Waimea Canyon -- if you've got a day to spare, definitely drive up to the top. Lots of hikes available (from easy stroll, to strenuous). You'll find more info here:
http://www.aloha.net/~inazoo/kokee.htm
Expect the drive from Princeville to the Kokee Museum (non-stop) to take you about 2 hours...but take the whole day, stop along the way, and enjoy yourself!

Horseback riding: Do the shorter tour, so that _all_ of you can enjoy the experience. Princeville Ranch has a great reputation on the island BTW.

Hikes: this island has more than I can list here. Grab one of the many free visitor guides available from the kiosk at baggage claim in Lihu`e when you arrive -- especially "101 Things to Do on Kaua`i" -- for more info.

Snorkeling: since you'll be on the north shore, just grab some gear and head to any beach -- below Princeville Hotel is good, but definitely make time for Makua and Ke`e Beaches.

Paddling: This site gives a very objective description of the various kayaking options:
http://www.aloha.net/~inazoo/kokee.htm

Gardens: Definitely NTBG over Fern Grotto! Limahuli is right here on the north shore, but go _early_ before it gets too hot.

Have a _wonderful_ visit!

Wow, lvk, I'm glad auntiem woke up and the KKK gang went back to bed. What great links she provided.

thanks auntiem for the great tips.

Thanks, AuntieM and Annahead for your real answers :) . AuntieM those two links (Waimea and paddling) are identical. I'll look up Limahuli too.

Any input on the Helicopter tour?

I really didn't think through the initals (KKK). Yikes!

Wishing you all lots of laughs at your GTG! ((D)) :)) ((R))

I thought Jack Harter for the helicopter tour was absolutely outstanding. I would definitely go with them again. The pilot was well-informed, funny and friendly. The flight was amazing beyond words. The combination of narration, music and silence in my headset was perfectly timed to the incredible sights. At one point, we swooped up over a mountain top as the music swelled in my ears, and the open lush green crater that opened up before us literally took my breath away. I almost cried it was so spectacular. We had a coupon for a free video at the end also which I pop in now and again for a quick trip back.

Since we were in Lihue for the flight, we visited a small museum there and did some souveneir shopping at Hilo Hattie's.

Don't miss Waimea Canyon from the ground-level perspective though. The drive there is nice with lots of great photo opportunities. There was a place not far from there where we stopped and had some really delicious pizza also.Wish I could remember the town but the pizza place ajoined another fancier restaurant and there was a police station across the street. Maybe this rings a bell to someone else more familiar with the area.

Kauai is gorgeous, and I can still smell the Plumeria. Lots of great hiking all over the place. Have fun!

((r)) PlumeriaTattoo - was the pizza place you're speaking of possibly named Paradise Pizza, right next to Wrangler's in Waimea? We discovered this place on our trip in February and loved it - great pizza at reasonable prices!

Yes, I think it was Paradise Pizza where we ate lunch on the way to the canyon! Thanks! We had some concoction with zucchini, pineapple and a bunch of other stuff that was out of this world! Ate outside and watched the chickens. I'd kill for another slice of that stuff. :-)

PlumeriaTattoo -just don't kill the chickens for another slice of that pizza!~:> ;)

LOL margot55! No actual killing for the pizza, but I'm thinking I need some POG juice also! I hate cravings for things I can't have. :( Boy I miss Kauai.

((R)):'( I'm with ya on those sentiments, PT!

Now wouldn't that be a hoot!!! Our newly named KKK putting that other &^%$@)*&%KKK out of business. Good times!!! Like auntie said, do that trip everyone will enjoy at the stables. Pull that blue thing out of the trash, and make your way to Polihale/BarkingSands beach, making your way to Queen's bath if the surf is up....add that to your visit to Waimea. Good times!

...As Groucho Marx said, "I wouldn't join any Klub that would have me as a member!"8-}

lvk
1)Are you aware that the walk to the beach takes 8 minutes from your hotel? May not be good for someone 70+ yo or for anyone with chairs, bags, refreshments etc. I think this resort sits atop the bluff and the climb is steep. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.
2) IMO you can see plenty of Kauai without a helicopter but if your heart is set on it - enjoy!
3) Waimea canyon drive will take you the better part of a day. Once you get to the town of Waimea from Princeville then you'll be winding up a steep grade for quite a while. And what goes up must come down. ; ) Again if your heart is set on it go ahead. It's lovely but a very scaled down version of the Grand Canyon. Absolutely don't go if it's raining and cloudy. There probably won't be much visibility up there.
4) I'm not a big fan of the Fern Grotto, v. touristy.

Thanks, all, for the additional replies. The Fern Grotto has now been crossed off the list in favor of the NTBG.

I am aware of the walk down to the beach from the HBR. I am also aware that the chairs and hammocks there are for Princeville Hotel guests only. (For $450/nt, they can have them!) I refuse to let any of this dampen my Aloha spirit.

Also, MIL walks her dogs a couple of kilometers a day through all kinds of miserable Bavarian weather. She also trekked through the Costa Rican rainforest with us last year. She should be fine (I swear, she'll outlive us all.)

Our plan is to get the kids and Oma all worn out, so they crash at night in the condo, while we escape to the Happy Talk or Living Room. :S-

We had a great experience on the Air Kauai helicopter ride. Huge windows, seats 6, and the intelligent pilot has a nice balance of informative discussion and QUIET, i.e. doesn't feel the need to constantly chatter. This company also gives a nice tour of Waimea Canyon, which might be a better option than driving to the Canyon and second-guessing that the weather holds.

The downside for you is that Air Kauai is HQ'd at Lihue airport. Still, it is not THAT far from Hanelei Bay Resort (we stayed there, as well as the Hyatt Poipu, a few days each.) You might want to book a late morning/ early afternoon flight.

'By the way, believe anything Auntie Maria tells you. She is an excellent source of good, hospitable information.

Bill,
A Democrat!!!! Who knew? ;)

lvk, Just remember "Plan B".

One of our fave "hikes" is to park at the big tree at the first big right turns on the road to Polihale, a few "washboard miles" in...go up over the big sand dune and walk all the way to the NaPali Cliffs.

Find out what time the sunset is and try and time you walk to be coming back at sunset.

I finally got our personal computer up and running and got the chance to down load all the '04/05 Kauai pics....Got some good 'uns of Happy Talk Lounge.

233 mo' days!!! \:D/

I have disavowed the KKK =D>, am showing up and am ready to be useful!

The other beach that is great for snorkeling is Hideaway. Park just before the Princeville Hotel and in between the tennis courts and the condos is a path that takes you DOWN to a cute little beach with nice water, few people and great snorkeling if the surge is down.

Another beach that we have yet to try, but is on our list for July is Larsens. Kaua`i revealed mentions it and it sounds like it can have great snokeling if the conditions are right.
It is a research opportunity!

I would find a spot on Hanalei Bay, plop yourself down and soak it in. There will be waterfalls, rainbows, sunshowers and fluffy clouds and it is all for free! Less is definetly more in Kaua`i.

-Bill

Allerton (NTBG) is a wonderful garden; my wife and I have visited it on all three of our trips to Kauai. (Try to get Al for your tour--he's a great guide.) Another option closer to where you're staying is the astonishing Na Aina Kai in Kilauea; check out their web site for information. The views at Limihuli are spectacular; if you decide to visit it,however, you should definitely take a guided tour. My wife and I also love the Moir Cactus and Orchid Garden at Kihuana Plantation in Poipu and the charming gem of a Japanese garden at the Kikuioloni Golf Course--yes, the golf course-in the Kalaheo area on the western side of hte island.

Plumeria,

I make my own POG in L.A.! My boyfriend says they used to have it when he was little in northern California, but I've never seen it. I buy each ingredient separately and mix!

love
roxy

Don't forget the bug repellent at the NTBG - if you're like me, you'll need it (but I didn't use it and spent three days in itchy agony). Dear Hubby got 2 bites that disappeared in hours.

Bag the Fern Grotto unless you're going to kayak the Wailua and do the Secret Falls hike (which is probably too long for kids & MIL). It's not a garden, just a cave covered in ferns. Big whoop.

I've stayed in Princeville a couple of times (with kids, younger than yours) and here's some suggestions for you.

We had a great hike in Waimea - amazing views and its relatively easy. My 5 year old did it. Do check on the weather. A great way to get some views of Na Pali w/out having to actually hike it.

Another thing we did w/kids (and they loved) was kayak the Hanalei River.

No need to get a guide for snorkling, although you'd probably learn a lot if you did. Just get some decent gear and take it to every beach you go to. Some of the best snorkling on the north side is Kee and Tunnels - just be careful and don't step on the reefs! I saw several people do this and it drove me crazy.

Spend as much time as possible on the beach at Hanalei Bay. The best beach ever for just swimming and enjoying unreal scenery, w/a great town right there. You could also take surfing lessons too, which most of my family did, and loved it.

The catamaran trips are not what they used to be, since they can no longer leave from the north side. So you'd have to drive all the way around the island and then the boats don't get you to the really great parts of Na Pali - they don't have time. Locals have told me this, but confirm this when you get there.

Never did the helicopter thing, although I would like to. There's so much to do we never have enough time, despite spending 2 weeks there each time.

You should hike at least a small part of Na Pali (maybe not the 70 year old.)

Have fun in paradise....

I'm pretty sure there are a couple of companies that can still leave from the north shore to cruise Na Pali, but I'm too lazy to figure out what they are right now. Anyone remember which ones?

love
roxy

roxy,

Howz'bout the Northshore Napali Cruise Co?
Hey....you can be lazy I can be, too!:-D

Can't recall if I have our E-mail addy but I got a Kauai Pic for you. Finally d'loaded all my pics from Dec'04 /Jan '05 pics and started laffin' when I saw the one I took esp 4U!

Trust me...I'm a Fodorite!!! ;)

If MIL has a difficult time walking down to the beach, hop in the car and drive over to the Princeville Hotel. They have an elevator that goes down to their pool/bar area down at the beach. If you order a nice drink from their bar, you don't feel quilty for using their elevator down! The views are unbelivable from that beach. You might try a meal at the Princeville restaurants, or on the outside patio of the Library bar. I think your MIL would enjoy the canyon and there are places you can walk up to, but as others have said, don't bother going if the weather is bad there. We liked snorkeling at Ke'e and Tunnels beach. If the kids are uncomfortable being out in the ocean, or aren't strong swimmers, there is a beach (Lydgate? something like that, it's in the book) where they are an area closed off from the ocean that kids can snorkle. We didn't like it, too crowded, but we might be tempted to go there if we were taking kids.