Hello all!

Well we get to go back to Kauai again...we are SO excited. We have been twice but both trips have been in late May. We are able to go again but will have to go either December or February.

I could use some friendly advice from my fellow fodorites and Kauai fans about when would be the best time to go and some suggestions on what not to miss that time of year. When we have been there previously we did a lot of snorkeling on the north side (Ke'e & Tunnels) and know that will not be an option due to winter surf (or at least that's what we've heard). It's been a few years since we've been so any suggestions on good places to eat would also be great!

Mahalo in advance and can't wait to hear your ideas!!!!

The difference is not so significant that it matters. December is a fraction warmer including the water temp, especially early December. Early December is quiet in terms of tourists, while Christmas is very busy, and the whole of February is pretty busy. In Feb you are probably escaping the worst of your winter so that should be a consideration.

Snorkeling is a possibility at Tunnels all year long, just the odds of having favorable conditions are much lower. Kee is more exposed. South side will be calm relative to the north, good chance of snorkeling.

The Mediterranean Gourmet restaurant in Haena has made very good improvements since you were there. I like most of the restaurants in Hanalei. A new mexican take out in the Princeville shopping center is pretty good and reasonably priced.

Not to miss? Hmmm, not sure. Surfing could be very good, so some lessons at Hanalei Bay?

Oh yes, whale watching! If you're on the north shore, the Kilauea Lighthouse is a good spot to view them.

We were in Kauai this past Feb. The north side of the island was rainy our entire stay so we just drove around. Most of our beach time was spent on the southern part of the island.

Thanks every one for your suggestions so far!!!

We've taken today and nailed down our time on Kauai. Due to air fare increasing from one week to the next we decided to push it out until March. We will be on the island from March 10-19th. We are getting really excited now that we have some official plans (air fare ) Now we just need to plan a few activities...nothing too much as relaxing is work enough for a trip to Kauai!

Just to be safe, go both in Dec and Feb

FrankS-- I wish we could, we would love to!

so in love,
Its been many years since we have been to the Islands on a non winter month. Being from th efrigid midwest, it just makes sense for us to go during winter. We have a March trip planned, but Im trying to talk my wife into a Dec trip too because of the INCREDIBLE deals.

I would say if you are ever to do a heliocpter tour, these months are the best as Kauai is the best island for this type of tour(IMO). Other than maybe for surfing and possible weather its just another day in paradise for these months.