Kauai activity this Sep, what shoes to wear?
 

Hello Guys,
We are going to Kauai and plan to be a light packer. I am looking at this keen Newport H2, is that a good sandal for short hike and being in the water? Been looking at different shoes.
How about big island of hawaii, if we go to the volcano national park, will that be safe just to wear that H2 newport or do we need our hiking shoes??

The Keens should be fine. I used them on our hike up the Kalalau trail and up the "trail" to the warterfall and they worked well. Be sure to wear them some before you go and break them in bit. The canvas/fabric that meets the top of your foot is a little stiff at first.

Although I think Crocks are a crock, I am keen on Keen's. Never get on a plane to hawaii without them and an assortment of 'slippahs'

They are perfect for the short hikes to hidden beaches as well as longer hikes thru varying conditions.

Don't you mean Krocs?

...just can't leave it alone canyah'? [-X

Big Keen fan here but for hikes on Kauai I throw in my Chacos with the thick sole and better hiking tread.

If you could only take one due to light packing Keens, better all around.

As for Krocs I saw a documentary recently on the rise of the McDonalds franchise. No mention of funky shoes. :-?

Chaco hiking shoes, closed toe shoes or open sandles? Time to do some shoe shopping! There is one certainty....

http://ihatecrocs.spreadshirt.com/us/US/Shop/

Chacos open toed sandals with the lug sole, not the smooth walking one.

Easy to walk thru the many streams you can encounter without getting regular hiking boots/shoes soaking wet.

I actually prefer real heavy hiking boots with steel toes. Better for squashing the cigar size bugs that chase me down the trails on that hell-hole.

:$ Not to mention the large ankle biting attack geckos.
I still have scars.

Heavy hiking boots are the only things those darned chickens can't peck through. Very useful for Kauai.

Travelmomma, if you are considering those really cute teal keens - realize, and this isn't bunk, the red sand will likely stain them. I have black and leather that wear well. I'd hate for you to buy a cute color and have it red stained.

Too bad Keen and Chaco couldn't get together to give me traction and pedicure protection!

Discover Kauai! Sit back, relax and enjoy........

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EAe1s3vi_A

I always use my running shoes (Brook or Air Nike) as my all-purpose walking and hiking choice for Hawaii.

I would not expect any shoe meant to be in the water to be comfortable enough for hiking.

Once I hit the islands I never see my <i>twentyies</i> (twice as large as tennies) again until it's getaway day. :`(

I bought a pair of these last year for beach/bar casual: http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/

Very nice on sand/grass but def not for long walks/hikes.

We wore the Keens this past winter for the first time and loved them. They were great on the beaches and hiking to the beaches but please don't wear them snorkeling or near reefs.

At VNP I preferred my hiking shoes.

Keens are too wide for me! :(
Ecco make something similar that fit my feet.
I find hiking boots too hot in Hawaii.

My husband and I both have Keens and love them. We like to use these if we are walking around on rocks/cliffs by the water since if they get wet its okay and they are very sturdy. I would hike in these puppies too but I would highly recommend you break them in first... I find for a 1-2hr hike I prefer to wear my keens with a short sock to keep from blisters happening but that's just my feet you may be fine. We also wear slippahs or flip flops when we go to the beach- I just like the ability to kickem off when I hit the sand.. the keens are kinda tough to put on and pull off so I usually only use these if we are doing hikes around water (no socks) or longer hikes no water (with socks.) If I knew we were going to be hiking with a bit of mud I'd take an old pair of sneakers that are hikeable but that I don't mind leaving behind.. yeah the red dirt is tough to get out.

What an interesting thread!

billlaaaay...don't you mean an interesting <i>tread</i>? :-?

I think sliding down the Kalalau in Crocs would be particularly interesting. Hmmm?

Probably look like Michael Douglas in Romancing the Stone....with not quite the same &quot;happy landing&quot;.
b(