So all this thinking about alotting an appropriate amount of time for the dayhikes we plan made me wonder: how accurate are the hiking guides that I'm using? I am reading "Kaua'i Trails," by Kathy Morey and "Day Hikes on Kauai," by Robert Stone. They both claim to use what they call a moderate 2mph for estimating the hiking time for a r/t. Everyone in our group is in above average physical condition (athletic, but by no means in the "Elite" athlete category. About your average gym rat that excercises 3-4 times/week).

So the question is: how did the estimated time in the hiking guides compare to your actual time? Did it take you about that amount of time, more time, or less time?

Details would be helpful (like you stopped and spent an hour at a swimming hole or ate lunch or something like that).

The few hikes we are planning to do are estimated in the guide books to take 2-4 hours. We would like to take those at a moderately vigorous pace, numerous short stops along the way to take in views and snap some photos. We're not planning on eating meals on these particular hikes (just pack a few snacks and lots of water) nor are we planning any swimming (saving that for a post-hike activity).

Here's a more specific example (I recently posted this thread). The hike from Ke'e Beach to Hanakapiai BEACH (as opposed to the falls) was estimated in both books to take approximately 2 hours, however when I posted that, a couple people replied like I was off my rocker! So, are the authors of these hiking guides out of touch with the average person, or are they writing for a small, select group of people who can hike much faster than the rest of us?

"Kaua`i Trails" is probably the hiking book most recommended by Kaua`i residents -- myself included. The writers are excellent at rating the skill level required for each hike, and the time required to take each one (non-stop).

Everybody visitor's experience with the Kalalau Trail is subjective...easy for some, moderate for others, treacherous and scary for others. Go...enjoy it at your own pace...it's not a race. 8-)

Thank you auntiemaria~

"Kaua'i Trails" seemed like a good book to me too; I was just trying to figure out reasonable times to allow for the hikes.... So many good things to do and see in Kaua'i, I'm already in the processing of eliminating things, and saving them for future trips! We're in no hurry; I just don't want to plan on spending two hours somewhere, where it will be likely that we need more.....

It's been several years since we visited Kaua'i, so my memories may be a bit off the mark.

We live in Iowa, so we're pretty much flatlanders. We walk a lot, but most of the terrain is relatively flat. We've also done some true hiking, Grand Canyon, in Costa Rica.

Anyway, take the difficulty ratings in the Kauai' Trails book with a grain of salt. Maybe I didn't read the descriptions of the various types of hikes close enough, but I wasn't expecting a moderate trail to involve a lot of places where the going is literally straight up and down and far more like climbing than hiking.

Jean, that's exactly what I had a problem with. More climbing than hiking. My short legs just wouldn't make some of the steps without a climb. I was also very glad to have my hiking poles so I could maneuver some of the climbs.

So SloPugs, even tho you and the others may be in good shape, a shortie may have a tougher time than you long legged people.

"So SloPugs, even tho you and the others may be in good shape, a shortie may have a tougher time than you long legged people."

LOL~that would definitely be me! (I'm 5'-3".) Thanks all, for your comments. They are helpful for my planning. I'll definitely "Pad" the estimated times in the books for the "Climb" factor.