Kauai excursions etc. - help
 

Going to Kauai in exactly one week...so excited!! First time to Kauai. I know my DH will want to do an ATV excursion, and wondering how to find the best one and best deal. I just got the book Kauai revealed but haven't been through it yet. I'm sure it will suggest reputable places...I am curious because there are some online sites that have lower rates if you sign up online. But the sites are 3rd party, so just want to make sure I don't get taken. Anyone have good/bad experiences to share? I am also curious about hotel upgrade experiences. I have never asked for an upgrade and is that all I do...just ask? We are staying at the Hyatt for part of the trip and Nov is one of the least active months....are they likely to upgrade if rooms are avail or does it just depend on getting a nice person at the desk? Thanks!

also...are zipline tours worth it?

The ATV tour at Kipu Kai Ranch offers the most diverse topography and views. Gets rave reviews here.

Hotel upgrades -- just ask for one at time of check-in. I casually ask, "Any chance for a better room?" -- with a smile! 8-)
At worst, they'll say "No".

The Princeville Zipline tour is another one that gets rave reviews.

Have a _great_ visit to our beautiful Garden Island!

YES YES, the zipline in Kauai is awesome. I forget who we used, but I did a trip report from our trip back in Jan. 2006, if you click on my name you can find it buried somewhere. It was awesome. Did not do an ATV but wish I had.

Here is my Kauai trip report link in case you are interested.

http://tinyurl.com/y82ufo

StephCar, thanks for the link...very helpful! I'm thinking 2 activities (paid type tours) is probably the max since we are only there 6 nights. Since ATV has to be one of them, do you think the zipline is a good second choice? It's probably between that and kayaking. or??? There is the Princeville zip or Kipu zip and I think I'm leaning toward Princeville. Also, we'll be doing the Kipu ATV, so might be good to see a new location. What would you say is the most beautiful/interesting hike that would only take 2-3 hours (in it's entirety or if we turned around part way)? I feel kind of overwhelmed that there is so much to do and so little time ( I wish we could stay longer!). Thanks for your help! and thank you auntiemaria too!

We did the zipline through Kauai Backcountry Adventures, and it was really fun! The guides were very friendly and funny. I thought I would be scared but it was a blast!

Has anyone book excursions through hawaiiwebdesign.com? So far I have found the best prices through that site.

Gretsch,

I think I used Princeville for my zipline and I highly recommend, it was really cool. I would choose that over kayaking, maybe...although the Wailua River kayak/hike is super neat--you kayak then stop and hike a mile to a gorgeous waterfall. Tough choice! As for a great hike, it has to be the one at the end of Ke'e beach (North shore) ..great views of Napali coast. If you get to the first beach and feel like you want to keep going you could always go to the waterfall, but make sure you have plenty of water and food. Hope that helps. Good luck. Kauai is PARADISE. I wish I was going back next year, but instead I will be having a baby in May. :)

StephCar, a baby in May....congrats!!! At least that will take your mind off not being in Kauai for a little while. :) Thanks again for your wonderful advice. One more question, for the hike at Ke'e beach, do you go to that beach and from there find the trail? Or do you end up at that beach from the trail? Do you think that info is in the Kauai Revealed book?

It is easy, you just drive to the North Shore until you can't drive anymore--the road ends at Ke'e Beach. Then you park and the trail can't be missed, it is on the left hand side as you drive in, clearly marked. And there will be other hikers there for sure. Go early if you can. I think it is in Kauai Revealed, probably under NaPali coast hikes? It is very popular, and the first half is pretty easy. The waterfall is hard though, the first time we did it we were sorely unprepared and did not bring enough water and food, and we were wearing sneakers. To this day I am surprised we made it. 2 years later we did it again with plenty of food, water and hiking boots. Have fun!!!!! I love love love Kauai, it is my fav. place in the world.

One of the reasons we can't do a long/strenuous hike...we are not hikers and do not have hiking boots. Will just have good ol tennies on. So it sounds like we will take the trail until we get to a beach and then if we do not want to continue on to the waterfall, we would turn around? Will we get a somewhat decent viewing of the Napali coast from that trail? That's what I'm hoping for by doing that hike instead of others on the island since we won't be seeing the incredible Napali by heli or boat.

Oh yeah, you will get GREAT views. And the first part of the hike to the beach is not too bad, wide trails, a little steep but otherwise not too strenuous. If I could do it in tennis shoes so can you. I see people hiking this trail in water shoes too. Anyway, you will love it, can't go wrong, bring a camera. FYI it was this hike that got us addicted to hiking in Kauai. It is such an awesome island to hike.

Thanks again! I am so excited I can hardly stand it. :)

If you can only do 2 tours, one of them should absolutely be a helicopter tour. It's expensive, but soooo worth it for the scenery that just can't be seen any other way. I would also strongly consider a NaPali coast tour. We went with NaPali Catamaran and were very pleased with them. I'd rate either of these tours above the ATV. The helicopter really is a can't miss experience on Kauai.