Kauai in a week
 

My husband and I just made last minute plans to visit Kauai from 1/16 to 1/23. This will be our first trip to Hawaii and could use the input from experienced Hawaii/Kauai travelers.

We love to hike, snorkel and be on the move, but we will also want some basic R & R. We'll be staying in Lihu'e, but plan to rent a car/jeep to see the rest of the island.

Should we stick with a 4 x 4 or will a car get us where we want to go?
What are the "must see and do activities" on Kauai?
Best snorkeling/kayaking?
Any great restaurants to recommend?

I appreciate your input as we're planning this in one week!! Thanks, Sandy

We usually go with the 4X4 but don't need it for most areas. For discussion on where you'll need 4WD suggest <font color="blue">The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook</font> link:<font color="blue">www.wizardpub.com</font>
Favorite Kaua`i activities:

1. Kee Beach snorkeling, on a calm day, Poipu Beach Park when Kee is rough.
2. NaPali coast trail (for rugged hikers, or do helicopter or boat/snorkeling tour) entrance at Kee Beach, where the road ends, north shore.
3. Waimea canyon (Hawaii's Grand Canyon)
Enjoy your stay in ((R)) Paradise!

We are leaving tomorrow for Kauai, and are there until the 21st. Can't wait. First time for me as well, but from my homework, a regular car will do just fine, roads are good. The book The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook I also highly recommend, the best of any I looked at. That guide will answer just about all your questions about what to do and where to go.
Have fun.

Expensive Restaurants:
From Princeville resort area, recommend sunset((#))((S))view dinner at restaurants in P'ville Hotel(e.g. Cafe Hanalei&amp;others) or Bali Hai restaurant in neighboring Hanalei Bay Resort.

In southern Kaua`i we like the Beach House restaurant, suggest reserve in advance for ((#))((S))view.

In Kapaa (Kaua`i Village) (e.g.((R))) we like A Pacific Cafe

Moderate to less expensive:
Keoki's Paradise (Poipu)
Maria's Mexican (Lihue)
Neide's Mexican (Hanalei)
:S-
Don't Forget to visit JoJo's Clubhouse &amp; Wishing Well (Hanalei Van) for Shave Ice:P

I am so jealous. Kauai truly is paradise. Lihue is a great central location. There's a snorkeling beach there that is protected from a reef; not as great as Kee, but close to you. We did not need a 4 x 4, but we didn't do too many off road activities. I second the Kee suggestion. Absolutely gorgeous landscape. We also did the helicoptor ride over NaPali. Very cool.

Have any of you done the kayak trips? NaPali coast would be great, but the weather may not allow. Any thoughts for this in January?

Kaua'i is a place that truly must be seen by helicopter. The cliffs, the lushness, the red earth, the waterfalls...ya gotta do it! We were very impressed by Air Kaua'i; I believe it was more expensive than some, but they have very large windows for improved viewing from all seats, and they are right into it - not just going through the motions. They play their own music and time it to work with what they know is just over the next rise, etc. Whether it's with them or another company, it will be unforgettable - my husband and I look back on the helicopter-over-Kaua'i experience as a highlight of our trip to Hawaii.

No matter what you do, have a great time!

I got so excited about the helicopter I forgot about the snorkeling! 2 things about the snorkeling there: 1) go early in the day before everything gets churned up (visibility is best) 2) depending on the time of year, the north or south is calmer and therefore best for snorkeling. We were there in September and the north was the place to be - I don't know when it changes.

Also, Tunnels Beach (it has a Hawaiian name, but I forget it right now) has very cool underwater coral/rock formations - not colourful (although the fish are) but very unusual and an easy distance from shore.

Thanks for the snorkeling and heli-tour tips, igetaround, any other suggestions?

We will definately do the heli-tour, it sounds awesome :)

We went on a zipline tour which was lots of fun. Don't recall which one. Just google &quot;zipline kauai&quot; and you'll get an idea if the activity is for you or not.

Consider birdsinparadise.com instead of helicopter. Napali kayak in winter won't be an option. Visit all the north shore beaches. If the surf is unswimmable, you should at least swim at Hanalei Bay, hanging with the locals, watching surfers. Never turn your back on the ocean....especially in winter with rogue waves. Tuesday night tacos at Dukes. Have fun, and if it's rainy, just take a drive and explore another part of the island. What's an hour commute to either side with sweeping ocean views and mountain views, and farmlands and.........Safe trip!!!!!!!!!

Up north, see the Kilauea Point National Refuge and lighthouse. Out west, vast Polihale Beach, the other end of Napili. Just don't swim there. And, you may need the 4x4 for the drive.

Do take a helicopter tour. You'll see places you could never reach by car or foot. We still look at our video.

If you like to hike, I can suggest a great one. There are many possiblities in the Maha`ulepu area on the south shore. Go down past the Hyatt on Poipu Rd. It turns to dirt. Turn right at the dead end and go to the end. It's a great spot to explore. Wonderful scenery and lovely beaches (for looking, not swimming).

I also can highly reccomend the guided tour through the Allerton Gardens in the Poipu area. It is a spectacular spot.

No one has mentioned Coconuts in Kapa`a yet. We love their food. You must stop by Hamura's in Lihue and get their world famous saimin, fried won-tons, chicken skewers and the best lilikoi chiffon pie ever! FUNky and delicious.
Have a great time.
-Bill

We've got some other great restaurants here that I can recommend:

Cafe Portofino at the Marriott
Scotty's Barbecue oceanfront in Kapa`a (new)
Sabella's (Italian/seafood) in Princeville

No need for a 4x4 -- you'll have plenty to see/do without going off-road. Our weather is seasonally cooler right now, with overnight temps down to 65-68. You might want to bring a light jacket and a sweatshirt.

Have a _wonderful_ visit to our island! :-)

Thanks to everyone for your great advise!! Keep the recommendations coming:) I cannot believe we'll be in paradise in one week.

We just got back from a week+ in Kaua'i. Rather than repeat the excellent advice that others have already posted re: snorkeling, etc., just add my vote to what others have said, and the advice that you buy the Ultimate Guide to Kaua'i.

We stayed for a few days at the Hanelei Beach Resort on the north side, and the Kaua'i Hyatt in the Poipu area.

We had a great time, even though the trip was a little disappointing with a a deluge that hit the island over New Year's. This resulted in a few &quot;Plan B's&quot; since much was rained out for a few days. We, too, like hiking and snorkeling, but it wasn't going to happen for a few days. Opting to avoid REALLY muddy trails, we took Air Kauai's excellent helicopter trip. If you do helicopters (we were iffy,) this outfit knows how to do it very well -- inelligent commentary, excellent views and approaches, no hot-shot cowboy moves, very smooth flight.

The restaurant at the Hanelei Bay Resort is pretty good, but don't overlook the Happy Talk lounge for good burgers, pizza, etc. in an open-air lounge that overlooks the Bay. There is usually entertainment in the evenings, too. Remember that at this time of year, the sun sets somewhat early, so you may want to pull in for a drink or early-ish supper if a sunset is a priority.

On a rainy night when EVERYONE'S power went out, most restaurants in the north shore area were also out of commission. However, the Princeville Resort came through as if there was no problem anywhere. While pricey, and we weren't really dressed for the nicer restaurants on site, we were decently dressed and found a good casual dinner at the bar.

Highly recommend the Kiluea Bakery and Pau Hana Baked Goods in Kiluea if you are exploring the North Shore. There are outdoor cafe tables as well as tables inside.

Blue (Water?) Grill in Hanalei has a very good fish chowder, as well as other casual dining fare.

I forget the name of it, but there is also an open-air sandwich-juice bar-smoothy stand on the ocean side of the road just before you get to the Princeville area. Good stuff, good baked goods, fresh fruit. Excellent tuna sandwich, i.e. not too mayonaise-y.

South shore:

There is a nice hike that begins on the eastern end of Shipwreck Beach that goes along the coast, high on the cliff. We saw sea turtles on one hike. Shipwreck Beach and its public parking/beach area is adjacent to the Kaua'i Hyatt in the Poipu area, if that helps with landmarks.

The restaurants/spots we liked on the South Shore include:

Beach House - expensive, but very good, lovely views if the sun is up. Reservations necessary.

Keoki's Paradise - open air &quot;tiki&quot; style restaurant where one half is a fish/steak dinner restaurant (more expensive,) another the more casual area for good burgers, salads, etc. (moderate prices.) In the Poipu Shopping Plaza. Good to have a reservation unless you are at the bar.

Tidepools - at the Hyatt. Expensive, but very good, very atmospheric.

Stevenson's Bar at the Hyatt. When you've had enough tiki lounge, come to this wood-paneled, English-club style bar. Very well-stocked bar, cool jazz in the evening, with patio tables on the balcony if you want an ocean view.

Open air bar in the pool area at the Hyatt. Perched up the hill, so it gives a nice view. Barware is plastic, given the pool location.

Joe's on the Green, at the Kiahuna Golf course. Go if you want a big breakfast. It's overpriced just for the cotinental or something small. Nice views of the hills and a bit of ocean view; open-air. Bathrooms were being renovated in early January, so only port-a-potty.

..And the infamous Puka Dog -- a hot dog or a tofu dog in a tube-bun. Forget their yukky signature sauce, and go for the fruit salsas. Expensive at approx. $6, but we had to do it. In the Poipu Shopping Center.

My family loved the food and laid-back atmosphere at Tomkats Restaurant in Koloa town. But don't go if you're allergic to cats--they come to visit you while you're eating!

Sandy...don't know if the famous Kal's will have already left Kauai upon your arrival, but you might check the Sandbar to get them to use the rest of their funds to buy you a cocktail.

If MelissHi reads this she will probably know how much longer they will be there.

And now.....it's 122 more days for us!((r))((r))((r))

Aloha from cold Minnesota!You guys just made the best decision of your lifes!We love the island.Now, if you what lush green rain forest, flowers, white ribbon water falls coming down the sides of nearby mountains,quiet beaches without alot of people all around. You want the North Shore of Kauai.Hanalei and the surronding area is all you need on your first trip.( you will be back,guaranteed!)First rent a convertible.Now isn't the time to skimp.We like to stay at the Hanalei Colony Resort.No phones or TV.Great way to get away.We like Inter-Island Air helicopters,no doors!Ride of your life.Wear long pants and light jacket.It's great!Better yet is a company called Tropical Bi-planes.This is a NEW open cockpit plane.We are doing this one again in Feb.It is so nice and peaceful.Just think about it.We have found the best swimming and sun tanning is on Hanalei Bay Beach.We feel the south shore is nice,but alot of people and cars.We like eating in Hanalei.Many good places.Hanalei Gourmet,local people place,fun night life.Hanalei Wake-up Cafe'.Great breakfast!Local surfers hang out.Try the French Toast!For a great Lu'au.Smiths is a big show,but the food isn't. We like the one at the Princeville Resort.Same price,the food is out of this world,all the great Mai tai's you can drink.This is really a place to check out!You will melt.I wouldn't mess around with the Fern Grotto, Spouting horn,they are tourist traps. I think anyway.A great hike is the two mile one on the Napali Coast starting at Ke'e Beach at the end of the road on the NORTH Shore. It's easy.A must do.Anyway,just relax, don't run, run ,run.Observe and take in this most beautiful place on all the islands.Aloha!

We did a week our first trip to Kauai and it ws our honeymoon. We were on the go the whole time!! We ended up going back another week the next year and do things that we hadn't done the first time. The first trip we rented a convertible adn the 2nd trip we rented a jeep. The Jeep was funner to drive and took some of the bumpier roads better. I would spend alot of time onthe nOrth Shore. Tunnels Beach, Kee Beach, hike part of the Kalaulau trail at Kee. View as many beaches as possible and spend a little time at each. A boat tour is a great way to see the Napali coast and maybe some whales. We took Holahola tour for whales. Snorkel at Poipu beach on the south shore. We saw excellent fish here and the water is calm. Have lunch at Brenecke's across the street from Poipu beach. The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook was our bible. We used it a ton!!!!! Tells you how to get to some out of the way places.