We are leaving for Kauai and the Big Island in two weeks and I'm wondering if any of the experienced Hawaiian travellers could answer these questions. 1)Is there much of a mosquito problem when hiking in Kauai? 2)Which island would be more highly recommended for horse back riding,the Big Island or Kauai? (Any stables or trail rides stand out?) 3)Is a sport coat neccessary attire for dinner at any of the more upscale restaurants? We don't want to limit our choices but we also would prefer to pack lightly.
Thank you for your suggestions.

You do not need a sports coat for any restaurant on Kauai. Dressed up means slacks (Dockers-type) and an aloha shirt.

Thanks for your reply. Our suitcases just got lighter!

It's true, nobody wears suits in Hawaii. Even the newscasters wear aloha shirts. Most funerals are like that too.

Yes, only attorneys here will wear suits, and only so in court. It's just too hot and humid here to be wearing a suit in the daytime and even at night it's just too warm.

1) We just spent a week on the North Shore of Kauai and the only place we encountered any mosquitoes was outside the "Bubba Burger" Restaurant in Hanalei. We even hiked two plus miles into the Na Pali trail and did not encounter mosquitos. However, most of our goings and comings were during daylight hours, and if you are going to be out in the evening, you may want to pick up some "Repel". Do not get an aerosol type as they may not let you take it or check it on the airplane.
2) We are not horse people but having been on both the Big Island and Kauai, we think there are more horse opportunities on the Big Island. However, we did see some stables just outside of Princeville on Kauai.

3) Suit coat: If you show up in a coat and tie at most restaurants in any of the islands, it is our belief that they may throw you out. LOL. Seriously, you absolutely do not need a coat or tie at any of the upscale restaurants we can think of. However, some very fancy restaurants might require a gentleman to have on slacks as opposed to shorts in the evening.

Bring insect repellant for the hikes. Although mosquitoes aren't a problem when there is some wind about, many of the hikes go through very lush areas that are protected from wind.

If you're around the coastal areas and the trades are doing their typical 15-25 mph thing, then flying bugs aren't much of a problem. I think Bubba's Burgers on the north during a calm was the only time we really noticed flys/flies, and some birds got a little too brave with their thievery (frys/fries). As noted, there is a horse ranch and rentals around there.

The above poster is right! Only attorneys wear suits and only for court. If I see a guy on Kauai in a suit I know right away he has been in the courthouse! Suits are not even worn to funerals; 99% of funeral announcemnts state: "aloha attire requested."

The Mormons do wear ties to church on Sunday.

If you're going into a valley hike, you should bring some mosquito repellant if you're sensitive to them. I've only done valley hikes on Oahu but I'll tell you that valleys with stagnant streams are huge breading grounds for mosquitos. I've been swarmed by them, and while you can avoid them by walking very fast, you'll get tired eventually and want to sit down for a drink or just to relax, absorbing the atmosphere. Kind of hard to do that while swatting mosquitos away.
Ridge hikes don't have a whole lot of mosquitos, as the water doesn't tend to stand around for long.

You should wear insect lotion because of the small chance of catching the genge (sp?) fever. They are everywhere on Oahu right now.

Right next to the Hyatt on Kauai is a nice horseback riding place.

You will never need a jacket. They sometimes require collars.

For horse back riding, consider Waipio Valley. The views were gorgeous. I would definately do that again.