Kauai Dilemma: Those In the Know -North Shore Water Too Rough ?
Feb 12th, 2013, 11:49 AM
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Kauai Dilemma: Those In the Know -North Shore Water Too Rough ?
Hello All,
Planning 10 days mid to end of April on the North Shore, yet
as we do more research it appears that the ocean may still be
a bit too rough for snorkeling//kayaking/paddle-boarding
and a Napali boat trip.
We are now considering splitting our time between the South/ East shores
and then heading up North.
Any lodging ideas for the South/East shores would be appreciated-
we would not enjoy a large resort-a bit more low key would suit us.
Along with snorkeling, we'll visit Waimea Canyon and the State Park.
Please let us know your thoughts & ideas !
All Experiences with North & South Shores welcome !
Many thanks,
R5
Planning 10 days mid to end of April on the North Shore, yet
as we do more research it appears that the ocean may still be
a bit too rough for snorkeling//kayaking/paddle-boarding
and a Napali boat trip.
We are now considering splitting our time between the South/ East shores
and then heading up North.
Any lodging ideas for the South/East shores would be appreciated-
we would not enjoy a large resort-a bit more low key would suit us.
Along with snorkeling, we'll visit Waimea Canyon and the State Park.
Please let us know your thoughts & ideas !
All Experiences with North & South Shores welcome !
Many thanks,
R5
Feb 12th, 2013, 01:02 PM
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Yeah, May is typically the transition month on the north shore, so April is a bit early if you're thinking about snorkeling. I've never been on Kaua'i then, but have gone several times in late summer, when snorkeling's supposed to be good, and still experienced days when ocean swells forced snorkeling closures at some beaches. Don't let that discourage you from visiting the north shore, though. The stunning scenery of Ke'e and Tunnels is in itself enough of a reason. Throw the snorkeling gear in the car, just in case.
If I could ever convince my wife to stay south, I'd push for something like Kiahuna Plantation. If she insisted on a hotel, and I had a pile of money, I'd choose Koa Kea.
If I could ever convince my wife to stay south, I'd push for something like Kiahuna Plantation. If she insisted on a hotel, and I had a pile of money, I'd choose Koa Kea.
Feb 12th, 2013, 01:10 PM
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There are no guarentees with Kauai surf and sunshine. A couple of days ago a surfer died in Hanalei. A couple of other people drowned the week previous.
today: check out the different web shots to see.
http://www.balihai.com/Blog/kauai-hd-webcam/
I've vistied all times of year. Only time I got completely shut out was one week in December in which we never made it into the water.
If I were to split, I'd do Poipu as a drive to Kapa'a is easy from Hanalei when craving breakfast or a bikeride on the newish path.
today: check out the different web shots to see.
http://www.balihai.com/Blog/kauai-hd-webcam/
I've vistied all times of year. Only time I got completely shut out was one week in December in which we never made it into the water.
If I were to split, I'd do Poipu as a drive to Kapa'a is easy from Hanalei when craving breakfast or a bikeride on the newish path.
Feb 12th, 2013, 01:17 PM
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I have generally stayed in the south in Poipu at that time of year. Poipu Kapili, or Kiahuna plantation are great for condos. I have also stayed at Whalers Cove. I would stay in the front bldg there. The weather is iffy in the North that time of year and the water is calmer in the south at that time and more sunshine in the south. When it is a beautiful day in the North though, there is nothing like it. Paradise!
Feb 12th, 2013, 02:30 PM
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I've been to the south shore in May and couldn't swim let alone snorkle. Like I said, the surf is unpredictable all times of year. Timing is everything. But you can't plan timing. Always wanted to stay at Whalers Cove, and agree with the other Poipu suggestions for a few days to balance your north shore visit.
Feb 12th, 2013, 02:37 PM
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>
So true. We hit a low pressure system that sat over the island for pretty much the entire week we were there. It was unusual weather for May. The week before we got there...sunshine and calm seas.
So true. We hit a low pressure system that sat over the island for pretty much the entire week we were there. It was unusual weather for May. The week before we got there...sunshine and calm seas.
Feb 12th, 2013, 02:48 PM
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Lookin_Glass & kureiff: yes indeed, we plan, God laughs!
22 tango & ellenbw - thanks for your insights and experiences as well !
Many thanks to you all !!
Looks like more lodging/activity research for the South shore is called for. Any other recomendations for lodging/eats
and hiking ?
R5
22 tango & ellenbw - thanks for your insights and experiences as well !
Many thanks to you all !!
Looks like more lodging/activity research for the South shore is called for. Any other recomendations for lodging/eats
and hiking ?
R5
Feb 12th, 2013, 03:17 PM
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"We hit a low pressure system that sat over the island for pretty much the entire week.."
Yup, that's why we don't go in May any more. If we ever get a week of rain in August and/or September, we might have to think of picking a different island.
How/why'd you pick Kauai, R5? If snorkeling is high on your list, the Big Island or Maui would be mo bettah.
Yup, that's why we don't go in May any more. If we ever get a week of rain in August and/or September, we might have to think of picking a different island.
How/why'd you pick Kauai, R5? If snorkeling is high on your list, the Big Island or Maui would be mo bettah.
Feb 12th, 2013, 04:53 PM
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Check out Songdoc's reports - and he has enjoyed a number of clear/calm days when he stays there in Jan, etc.
It all depends on what storms are blowing in.
I have been there a couple of times in March/April and had great weather - and even when it rains - the Bali Hills hills come alive with waterfalls.
Suggest you plan on half your time north and half south.
It all depends on what storms are blowing in.
I have been there a couple of times in March/April and had great weather - and even when it rains - the Bali Hills hills come alive with waterfalls.
Suggest you plan on half your time north and half south.
Feb 12th, 2013, 04:56 PM
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And Kauai does have good snorkeling - it all depends on the conditions. We love Ke'e beach at the end of the road - over 7 one lane bridges - past Hanalei town/bay. There is a lifeuard there - and it's mostly reef protected - unless of course, big seas are up.
Mid-island - just south of Kapaa - Lydgate Park also offers good snorkeling - and believe it too has a lifeguard station, and same thing: Usually fine unless big seas are up/high tide, etc.
see: http://www.kauaiexplorer.com/guides/...snorkeling.php
Mid-island - just south of Kapaa - Lydgate Park also offers good snorkeling - and believe it too has a lifeguard station, and same thing: Usually fine unless big seas are up/high tide, etc.
see: http://www.kauaiexplorer.com/guides/...snorkeling.php
Feb 12th, 2013, 05:09 PM
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22t-
and we had a blast snorkeling on the BI-stayed in a house across the road from the tidepools-an exceptional experience !
Also on Oahu we had a fine time-wasn't USVI quality, but nice.
We picked Kauai because for the last few months folks around us
have just been going to/returning from Kauai, and all we've been hearing is Kauai this and Kauai that, along with having dreamed about snorkeling at Tunnels & Ke'e, and visiting Waimea- we kinda considered it good omen.
Started trawling for airfares last Friday afternoon and found
a VG deal OAK-LIH. Although we have been collecting Kauai and other destination info info here and there,
this is not the first time we've
chosen to do a trip just from listening to what is going on around us or comes across our path.
Oh those crazy Californians !
Along with other parts of the world-we hope to visit all
the HI islands.
R5
and we had a blast snorkeling on the BI-stayed in a house across the road from the tidepools-an exceptional experience !
Also on Oahu we had a fine time-wasn't USVI quality, but nice.
We picked Kauai because for the last few months folks around us
have just been going to/returning from Kauai, and all we've been hearing is Kauai this and Kauai that, along with having dreamed about snorkeling at Tunnels & Ke'e, and visiting Waimea- we kinda considered it good omen.
Started trawling for airfares last Friday afternoon and found
a VG deal OAK-LIH. Although we have been collecting Kauai and other destination info info here and there,
this is not the first time we've
chosen to do a trip just from listening to what is going on around us or comes across our path.
Oh those crazy Californians !
Along with other parts of the world-we hope to visit all
the HI islands.
R5
