Kauai--Can I...?
 

Can I arrive in Kauai at 4:15 and check into the Hyatt, but still make it to a 5:45 reservation at the Beach House?

Can I drive to the North Shore from the Hyatt, hike the first 2 miles of the Kalalau trail, visit Queen's Bath & the lighthouse, and have drinks at sunset in Princeville all in one day?

Can I do a morning Na Pali tour and a Kipu ranch ATV tour in the afternoon?

Leaving in 4 days!!

Travelisfun, I am going to see if my Mom, who lives in Kauai, can answer your questions better than me. I've been to Kauai 3 times, but really can't comment specifically. Your plans sound pretty action packed and maybe a little rushed (I can relate, however). I'm guessing this is your first trip to Kauai? You are going to love it there. It is breathtaking!! We are way over due to return.

#1 - Unlikely, wouldn't count on it.

#2 - Yes, perfect.

#3 - Not sure about this one. Anyone else?
(I don't like to schedule more than one organized
tour per day. It makes me feel "scheduled"!)

We stayed at the Hyatt this past summer and dined at the Beach House during one of the beautiful sunsets.

The luggage takes time for you to claim at the airport, even though my husband went ahead to get the rental car, that took a half hour, it took another half hour to drive and check into the hotel.
It takes time for the bellboy to bring your suitcases to the room, unpack and freshen up. You would never make the early seating, but you could change your reservations to a later seating.

First question -- I really don't think so. It will take you awhile to get to the hotel, and then another 15 minutes to walk from the lobby to your room (just kidding!) But I really don't think you have time to do this.

You have plenty of time to do this. Be sure to get to the Kalalau trail very early; the parking lot fills up very fast.

After we did the Na Pali tour we were very tired and would not have wanted to do an ATV tour that same day. I would prefer to do these activities on different days.

My reliable source gave me this response...

It takes at least a half hour in the airport once you land..pick up car etc..

The Hyatt is in Poipu, that is at least a half hour drive..and that's when traffic is good..getting out of Lihue at that time of day is difficult..traffic on Kauai has gotten real bad..I would suggest you change your dinner reservation at the Beach House to at least 6:30..

My advice is don't leave the hotel before 8:00, as you will hit traffic going to work..you will hit Kapaa at a good time..the traffic there is awful earlier and after 1:00 pm. until 6:00pm..

I would think you could do the lighthouse..hike the 2 miles and make it..for drinks at sunset in Princeville..It has been raining a lot the past few days..should be clearing up by Sunday..the 10 day forecast..looks like you will hit some sunny days..It might be a good idea to phone anywhere in Hanalei, and check on the weather there the day you plan to go on your adventure..it rains there often..the trail could be very slick..The hotel personnel will be very helpful as well..it is one of our finest hotels..simply gorgeous..

If your Napli tour is early in the morning, I would think you could do the ATV at Kipu ranch..if your back is bad I suggest you ride in the mule..my friend Juliet works there, although I'm not sure of her schedule..she is very friendly and helpful.

I trust this will help you.

Have fun on Kauai..Chris (my Mom, who lives in Lihue, Kauai)

Thanks so much!! I will be changing my dinner reservation and trying to "do it all" up North. I may split up the ATV & Na Pali cruise...give myself more wiggle room.

The special thing about the Beach House is the sunset view at dinner. Otherwise it is just dark outside. Why don't you change your reservations to another day when you can see the sunset during dinner, and go to Roy's in Poipu your first night.

We found what worked best on Kauai, was to have every other day busy ones. Then on the "off" days, take it easy and hit the beach or take a walk. It's such a beautiful place, so I suggest not "cramming" in too much.

What works best for us on Kauai is to throw the plans away while walking out of the airport. ;)