I am a frequent poster on the Asia Board but my wife and I are planning a trip to Kauai in October to celebrate our 20th anniversary. We previously honeymooned on Oahu, Maui and the Big Island. Although it is a one-week vacation, we only have 6 nights, 5 full days so it's not much time. We are in our early to mid-fifties and are in decent shape.

We have chosen Kauai Coast Resort at the Beachboy based on recommendations on Trip Advisor and its central location on the east coast. Also from one of our Asia Forum friends based in Honolulu has highly recommended it, knowing the way we like to travel. We are not beach people so the lack of a good beach does not matter to us. I have read a number of trip reports and threads on this forum and have read "The Ultimate Kauai".

I have tried to rough out an itinerary, knowing that we need to be flexible but also knowing that advance reservations are often necessary. Here goes:

Day 1 (Thursday) up early to visit Waimea Canyon, hike to Waipoo Falls, shopping in Waimea, Hanapepe, sunshine market 3 pm Hanapepe, early tasting menu dinner with wines at Hukilau Lana'i (at KCR)

Day 2 (Friday) up early again for Kee Beach/Kalalau Trail - hike for about 1/2 mile (1/2 hour) and turn back, Limahuli Gardens self-guided tour, Hanalei, Princeville shopping, Kilaulea Lighthouse and shopping. Early dinner at the Eastside (Kapaa)

Day 3 (Saturday) 7 AM kayaking (not tour) from Wailua to Surprise Falls and return, Kauai Museum and Wailua Falls from Lihue, shopping. Dinner at Verde Mexican Restaurant or Kauai Pasta (Kapaa)

Day 4 (Sunday) 8:30 AM helicopter tour (Jack Harter - doors off), walk on beach south of Wailua, bicycling on coastal path north of Kapaa and(or) hike to Ho'opi Falls (NW of Kapaa), Silver Falls Ranch (near Kilauea) horseback riding 3:30-5:00 north shore. Another dinner at Hukilau Lana'i.

Day 5 (Monday) Allerton (Nat'l Botanical) Gardens tour, 8:30 - 11:30, Lawa'i, Koloa shopping, 2:30 Holoholo sunset cruise from Port Allen.

Questions:

1. North Shore activities - will the weather be a factor? Best guess is all that I can ask for.

2. Will we ruin our hiking shoes/boots with the mud on our 1 mile (round trip) Kalalau Trail Hike?

3. My wife likes to shop - while it is difficult to predict how much time we might spend, these all seem like relatively small towns - is my perception correct?

4. Helicopter tour - what are the chance of it getting canceled (due to weather) and what are our chances of rescheduling on our last day?

5. Are we risking bad weather with a late afternoon horseback ride in the north?

6. What do we need to bring for kayaking other than bug spray, a snack and clothing that can get wet? Are Tevas ok for footwear?

7. We like to snorkel but it seems like the seas will be too rough in many of the best snorkeling places (in the north). We don't have enough time to do one of those all day cruises. Can we give it a miss and live with our decision?

8. Do you see any areas in the above itinerary where we will be pressed for time or will have extra time?

I think you can tell that I have researched this a lot (that's half the fun of a vacation) - I'll probably have more questions later.

I'm sure you two will have a wonderful time!

There are a few pieces of info I can offer. When you go to Waimea, do stop on your way back at the shrimp truck. Great local spot, they say they have the best coconut shrimp in the islands. I can't vouch for sure, but it certainly is good.

There are sunshine markets all over the island, different places different days. So if you run out of time on Thursday, just move your sunshine market stop to another day (your hotel can give you a schedule).

All of these are small towns, none are a shopping paradise. That said, I've found interesting items in Hanalei (but not Princeville) and in Kilaulea and in Poipu. Lihue is the largest city and it has lots of shopping, though not especially interesting, IMO.

You are likely to run into rain in the Hanalei area. In our unscientific sample, we've run into rain about half the days we've been to Hanalei. The rain has ranged from light to downpours. Just be flexible.

I think you can give snorkeling a miss without too much regret.

I've been to the Allerton Gardens and found them not especially impressive (and I'm a garden person). You might consider a tour at Kauai Chocolate one afternoon. See my report
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...olate-tour.cfm

PS Our cruise to the Napali coast got cancelled last year due to weather. So both the helicopter and cruise plans may get changed.

I've been to Kauai twice the last was in 2009 so I know the island pretty well.

1.North Shore activities - will the weather be a factor? Best guess is all that I can ask for.

Weather could be a factor for boating and snorkeling if there is an early winter weather pattern. No way to predict that.

2. Will we ruin our hiking shoes/boots with the mud on our 1 mile (round trip) Kalalau Trail Hike?

Yes, it's very red!

3. My wife likes to shop - while it is difficult to predict how much time we might spend, these all seem like relatively small towns - is my perception correct?

Kauia is not host to a lot of shops. There are some small malls around the island. Also small shops but it's not like Mauai or Oahu.

4. Helicopter tour - what are the chance of it getting canceled (due to weather) and what are our chances of rescheduling on our last day?

Impossible to predict.

5. Are we risking bad weather with a late afternoon horseback ride in the north?

I did not notice a increase of inclement weather later in the day when we spent a week in Princeville.

6. What do we need to bring for kayaking other than bug spray, a snack and clothing that can get wet? Are Tevas ok for footwear?

Not my area of interest.

7. We like to snorkel but it seems like the seas will be too rough in many of the best snorkeling places (in the north). We don't have enough time to do one of those all day cruises. Can we give it a miss and live with our decision?

I don't know if this is true. I would hit Kee beach, hideaway beach, Tunnels, the beach infront of the St. Regis. Personally, the snorkeling off the boat was very poor in Kauai'

8. Do you see any areas in the above itinerary where we will be pressed for time or will have extra time?

You have a very aggressive itinerary. It can be done because the island is small, but this will not be a restful trip.

Thanks, guys. I realize its next to impossible to predict the weather. wbpiii - we generally stay "on the move" when we travel. We'll rest when we're old(er)...

Anyone out there have a response to my kayaking question?

Congrats on 20 years!!

On day 2, I would take your snorkel gear and check out some of the north shore beaches if the weather is good. I'm assuming you will be spending part of the morning on Kee Beach before or after the gardens.

Skip Princeville shopping - there is really not much there (shoe store, island soap and candle store (one in Kilaulea too), toy store, hardware store).

If you like ice cream, stop by Tropical Dreams in Kilaulea. It is fantastic!!

Day 4 - This day seems a little busy with the helicopter, bike or hike and then horseback riding at 3:30. I would pick the helicopter and one other activity.

IMHO, I would only pick one of the garden tours (unless you really love gardens) and maybe pick up a hike or bike that day.

Have a wonderful trip!!

It has been a while since I did the kayak and hike. All I remember is the hike was very muddy and slippery (but easy). Both my husband and I fell (did not get hurt) and therefore got very dirty.

Allerton Gardens-very expensive for the tour-not really worth it IMHO. You won't "ruin" your hiking shoes but they (and your socks) will be forever red!

I understand Craig, we old folks like to don't like to move or do anything to adventurous when on the islands.

BTW, I will gentley dissent from Turtlegirl's opinion about allerton gardens. I found them to be quite lovely, but it is pricey.

Don't forget the cocktail hour special at Brennecke's in Poipu. Great mango margauritas and cheap. Also try Puka Dogs in Poipu.

Allerton Gardens is on the wrong side of the island to be any good, no lush foliage on the south side. Though I have never been I am told by friends and relatives that The Na Ka Aina Botanical Gardens is the garden to visit on Kauai

http://www.naainakai.org/

Let me try your questions:

1. Weather, funny you should ask that question Craig,lol. This years winter will be a wetter one in Hawaii but you won't be here in winter will you.

Expect morning showers turning to sunshine in a few hours. Morning activities will have the most chance of rain on the windward sides of the island(North and East)and the lee sides(South and West) will have virtually no rain unless of course a hurricane(you are smack dab in prime season)is in the neighborhood, then all bets are off.

2. Probably if it's raining or has rained over night. Lots of dirt at the beginning of the trail head.

3. Not much time. In the small towns(Hanapepe, Koloa,Nawiliwili,etc) just park your car and get out and walk the town, we do it all the time. ALWAYS lock your car and do not leave ANY valuables in your car even when locked.

4. At that time of year your chances are better than 70% good weather. Where does the chopper take off from?

5. Better to do in afternoon if you are worrying about showers.

6. Water, bring water. If you are going on the Wailua River go all the way up to the rapids. Actually not any serious rapids unless there is a lot of water in the river. You can ground your kayaks there and walk up to the falls. Don't know the name of it but you can see it from the neighborhood roads if you go that route. Tevas, if you mean the sandals version are ok. Reef runners would be better. They would be good for your little hike too and you can wash and wear them with no sock of course. You might find a cheap pair($10-12) at the drug store(Longs)or similar in Kapaa. Lots of tourist shopping and other interesting shops in Kapaa now btw.

7. Might actually be good on the North Shore as the weather should not have turned wintry yet, that would happen till later in November....

8. Looks good to me, you like to be on the go. Day one may be a haul. Get an early start from your hotel. You want to beat the traffic into and out of Lihue at rush hour, well the Kauai version of one anyway,lol.

I like to be going up the canyon in the first light of day and see the sunrise at the lookouts, spectacular changes of colors and hues. Beth should burn a card or two,lol. When you are up there be sure to go all the way to the Kalalau lookout and stop frequently along the way for more spectacular views.

As you are coming down from the mountain look to your right across the ocean and you will see the eighth and only private of the Hawaiian Islands, Niihau. You can't go there but it is truly still what Hawaii was in the 1800's.

I know this doesn't get much mention on this site but when Linda goes to Kauai, she is always looking for a Niihau Shell necklace or bracelet. They are expensive but they are rare and to some very beautiful. There are tourist shops along the way to Waimea and in Hanapepe that sell them. If you are tempted be sure you take your Bangkok bargaining skills with you, they do work there.

Aloha!

Oh, and if you have a pair of binoculars, this is the place to use one.

Aloha!

Thanks, HT - the chopper takes off from Lihue.

I appreciate the suggestion of Na Ka Aina Gardens - I may try to work that in instead of Allerton...

and I will inform Jeane (not "Beth" - Andy's wife) about the Niihau Shell jewelry...

Getting up early should be no problem as Hawaii is 6 hours behind Connecticut.

Mahalo, aloha!

OOps sorry, Freudian slip. Probably because Andy should be the one buying the jewelry,lol.

<Allerton Gardens is on the wrong side of the island to be any good, no lush foliage on the south side.>

HT have you been to allerton? The garden is beautiful. It's a formal garden, not a "natural" garden like the Hawaiian Botanical Garden on the BI. It's in a river valley and the garden has plenty of water as it is irragated. It was once owned by Queen Emma.

Yes I have been to Allerton and I know what you mean by green. I was just comparing the two sides of the island. Sorry if I confused you.

Aloha!

Sorry, I don't know what you mean by "green" and I think your statement "Allerton Gardens is on the wrong side of the island to be any good" is an insult to a beautiful place. To each his/her own.

Ok, back at home and more links. Have you seen this? Good alternative if raining on the windward side of the island.

http://www.niihau.us/heli.html

For amazing gardens , check out Limahuli on the North Shore. You could add it to the day you go to Kee Beach, which is just a bit further down the road.

The food at Hukilau Lanai is ONOlicious.

i daresay your wife will enjoy shopping in Hanalei--lots of fun and interesting little shops. Check out Yellowfish, and also, across the street, there is (or was) a very reasonably priced store with art and jewelry.

For some ancient Hawaiian history near your hotel, walk south along the beach --maybe half a mile max--and you'll come to an ancient Hawaiian heiau, on a small hill above the ocean. (It is by the Lae nani Condos lawn). You'll also pasas a very cool beach bar at Islander on the Beach.

Thanks, Cali.

Craig sorry to jump on your post but I was looking at yours for help and noticed Kathie and some other names I remember who helped us when we were trying to decide what to do about going to BKK for our honeymoon!
We ended up going to Hawaii! We have been to Oahu and we are in Maui now. We are planning on leaving tomorrow for Kauai and since we changed our honeymoon the day before we left we are planning as we go! Been kind of fun that way!
We are looking for recommendations on where to stay, we have discounts with starwood and I have lots of hilton points but can't seem to find a hilton family hotel on that island, looks like it changed hands...
We also plan to drive around the island, kayak, snorkel, etc.
Anything we must do we would love to hear!
Thanks so much for your previous help and any help you can provide, small world that I am looking to yall again!!!
Nikki