Hi there, I'll be going to Maui and Kauai for 11 days in August, and would love to have some help in the Kauai area.
I will be there for 6 days, 3 in Princeville (do not know where I'm staying at, plan on waiting to book one of those last minute condos to get a better deal, you think this is a good idea?) and 3 days/2 nights at the Hyatt.
I'm pretty sure we're going to do the Friday night seafood buffet at Cafe Hanalei since so many ppl recommended it, initially we were planning on a thursday luau at the Princeville resort, but think that two dinners at Princeville might be too much? Do you think I should try the Coconut luau at Courtyard Marriott? Should we do it while staying in princeville or in poipu?

How bad is the hike on the Kalalau Trail? If we do the 2 miles from Ke'e Beach to Hanakapiai Beach, how long do you think it'll take one way? How's teh snorkel at those two beaches?
And if I were to take a boat tour to Na Pali, which one do you recommend in terms of the best snorkel location?
Thanks!

Aloha -

As we are not big luau fans, can't help you there, although I always hear that one of the best ones is Smith's, by the Wailua Marina.

The Kalalau Trail is awesome, and in August should be relatively dry and therefore easier to negotiate than during rainy season. It is a must to do! The R/T hike from Ke'e to Hanakapia'i and back is about 5 hours, give or take, and depending on how long you linger at Hanakapia'i. Snorkeling is good at Ke'e, but Hanakapia'i's waters are treacherous - there have been a number of drownings there. In any case, get yourself good hiking shoes or sandals, take plenty of water, and enjoy the scenery!!!

There is an extensive reef at Ke`e which provides good snorkeling opportunities. The beach also had a lifeguard when we visited. The view of the beach from the start of the Kalalau Trail is gorgeous, also. That trail is not an easy stroll.

i just wanted to say that you are going to love kauai and you are going to LOVE the hyatt! it is fabulous! congratulations!

Having just returned from Kauai, I second missrocco. The Hyatt was wonderful!

We really enjoyed our tour with Napali Catamaran. We were the first boat at the snorkeling spot.

kalunchi,
What last minute condos are you talking about? I wouldn't wait too long to make the condo reservations. When in August will you be in Kaua`i? We'll be there from July 26 - August 9.
-Bill

iamq, I'm thinking of Pu'u Poa or Pali Ke Kua. I'll probably book it in July, do u think that's a really really bad idea? I'll be in Princeville, Kauai 8/18-8/21 and in Poipu, Kauai 8/21-8/23.

I'm not sure it is a bad idea, but for me I couldn't stand the axiety of waiting till the end like that. I can't fully relax until all the arrangements are made well ahead of time.
-Bill

I don't have first-hand knowledge at this, but I believe I read that many top Princeville/Hanalei areas condos have a 5-day minimum, and some in the Poipu area do. I would not wait until July to make condo reservations. The best always go first, you know.

Why not do your luau on Maui? I don't believe you'll find the luaus on Kauai to be quite as good as the Old Lahaina Luau.

I haven't heard that the condo rates drop as you get close to the dates of travel. I wouldn't risk it. You're already going to save a lot over what you're paying for the Hyatt!

the reason why i insist on doing a luau in princeville is b/c i was in maui last summer and went to the old lahaina luau, i thought the show was good, the food was definitely not my thing, on top of that, it was my second night in maui so i was extremely jet lagged, falling asleep during the show, the best part was the drinks, but after 2 or 3 of them, it became too sweet for my tongue.
maybe i'll try the smith luau in princeville. should i skip the dinner and just pay for the show?

I just made a reply to this question on another thread. We tried to book Smith's Luau about a month ago, for 2 or 3 nights ahead, they told me that I should book about a week in advance, as they were booked up both ways: for the show alone, and dinner and show. So we missed it! Be aware.... We stayed at the Marriott Courtyard, so heard the people at the Luau next door, most nights, and the noise indicated to us that they were having a great time!

We stayed at Pu'u Poa unit 201 last Memorial Day, checked out Pali Ke Kua as well. Both were very nice with excellent locations. I wouldn't wait that long to book a condo though. Even though we booked our condo about 2 months in advance the selection was very limited. Many of the places we wanted were already taken.

aloha kalunchi,

You can check availability calendars for north shore properties on the remaxkauai.com website... very helpful. Honestly, I wouldn't wait either... you're talking peak season for Hawaii.

I agree Pu'u Poa is great. We stayed there for 10 days in Nov '03. Depending on the unit they're around 1800-2000 sf and you'll probably pay $1500-$2000 per week there. This trip we stayed at Sealodge which sit on the bluffs overlooking the ocean about 1 1/2 miles east of Pu'u Poa. Sealodge units are a great bargin and run from $600-$1000 per week for 500-600 sf. units. We loved both condos but the cost savings at Sealodge let us extend our most recent stay in paradise to 16 days. Two trips and we still haven't done a luau. We always talk about it but end up deciding to avoid the crowds and buffet style dining for a quiet dinner at a nice restaurant. Good luck and I hope you enjoy your time in Kauai as much as we did!

i know of this beautiful one bedroom condo in princeville. i stayed there and it was great. there is a wonderful view of the beach and you walk down a trail to a private beach. it was really well decorated and had a fully loaded kitchen. the web site is www.kauaisealodgecondos.com