My husband and I are going to celebrate our 10 year anniversary in Kauai for 8 nights next July. We will be 30 years old and are in pretty good shape. We have decided to devote half the trip to "adventure" stuff liking hiking and a boat trip. The other days we want to see sites at a more leisurely pace. I read the Ultimate Kauai Guidebook, which is great, but didn't really help me narrow down what I wanted to see.

The days I need help on are the South Day (Poipu Area), the North Day (Hanalei Area), and the Free Day. I don't want to overbook these days as our hiking days should be exhausting enough. Please tell me what sites you would list as must sees for these days. We will be renting a jeep. Also, for our departure day, what would you recommened in the Kapa'a/Lihue area to occupy us until our late flight?

Interests:
I love looking at scenery. I don't really like swimming in ocean water. I get bored pretty quickly at beaches if we are just sitting, but walking on beaches is nice. I prefer places that are quiet and not crowded (I know this is rough in July). We love history, archeology, and geology.

The Koloa Plantation Days Festival will be happening while we are there. Is this worth visiting?

We aren't currently planning to hike the Kalalau to Hanakapi'ai, but might if it is worth it (unique enough to the hike on the ridge tops in Koke'e). It would take up most of a day and we don't have that many for general site seeing as it is.

Wednesday - July 17 - Arrive at 2:30pm, Check into B&B in Kapa'a
Thursday - July 20 - Na Pali Coast Boat Trip (Morning), Polihale (Afternoon)
Friday - July 19 - Na Pali Ridge Top Hike
Saturday - July 20 - South Day (Poipu Area)
Sunday - July 21 - Jungle Hike
Monday - July 22 - North Day (Hanalei Area)
Tuesday - July 23 - Waimea Canyon Hike
Wednesday - July 24 - Free Day
Thursday - July 25 - Check out of B&B, Shopping, Depart at 10:00pm

Thanks everyone for your help.

In the summer, I would do a boat trip out of Hanalei rather then the west side - you will see more of the Napali Coast.

I would fit an early morning Waimea Hike - we like the awa~ hike, with an afternoon picnic at Polihale.

What about visiting the Limahuli National Tropical Garden up on N Shore? Doesn't take long and only $15 if you do self-guided. I like Ke'e Beach (that is where the trail starts). Cute shops and nice restaurants in Hanalei. Also check out Kileaua Lighthouse. For a good burger, try Duane's Ono Char Burger in Anahola, good fries too.

Have not been yet, but heard good things about the Hindu Monastery, only open certain days and you have to have an appointment for a tour. Supposed to be fascinating.

Congrats on your 10th.

Also, the most important thing when scheduling time on Kauai, especially in the winter months, is that weather and ocean conditions are a major factor, so due caution and adjustments must be made. Trails may be wonderful one day and under flash flood warnings another. That beautiful red dirt does get slippery and dangerous very quickly. Plan your schedule, knowing you will have to adapt to conditions.

Have you looked into helicopter tours of the island?

We used http://www.helicopters-kauai.com/ and were speechless about the sights we saw.

Some things to consider: snorkeling, zip lining, ATV tour, Waimea Canyon, and definitely the helicopter. I've done all and loved them all.

In summer, you might want an extra day on the North Side in Hanalei area -- beaches and winding road are pretty cool. Hanalei itself is in a spectacular setting.

You might want to pair your Poipu day with Waimea and Polihale.

I agree edjim, the Hanalei area is spectacular. When you are driving into the area and come upon the valley the beauty literally takes your breath away.

The North Shore/Hanalei area is our favorite by far, and we bought a timeshare during our Honeymoon in Princeville - back in '86. For the best info - check Sondoc's posts, which are the best!

We have done the Kalalua hike over half a dozen times - and once - while at Hanakapi'ai, went inland - and scrambled over the rocks a couple of times - about 3? miles or was it 5?- to get to a great inland waterfall.

Suggest you also bring snorkeling gear with you - as the protected cove at Ke'e beach http://tinyurl.com/ak8qo2j (also called Haena Beach Park http://tinyurl.com/ar3z9ax, ) - at the end of the road - where you start the Kalalua hike) - is our second favorite snorkeling place in all of the islands - and the sunsets from there (if you brought a picnic lunch and stayed over) are just fabulous.

And we also enjoyed taking a Catamaran out of Port Allen - up the NaPali Coast - and while we went scuba diving - you can just snorkel from the boat also. http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...ai_Hawaii.html

While en route - we saw dolphins, turtles and the like, and the red cliffs are just spectacular.

Think we went with Captain Andy's - http://www.napali.com/kauai_sailing/ and http://www.napali.com/kauai_sailing/..._adventure.php but there are several others. Definitely recommend a Cat in any event - http://www.napali.com/kauai_sailing/catamarans.html as they ride smoother.

Tom, Ke'e and Haena are not the same. Haena is where they have a campground - always see folks with tents there, surf can be rough even in summer, but walkable to Tunnels. Ke'e is where the road ends, has lifeguard showers and restrooms.

Thanks for the info Jamie. Ke'e has their on parking area, righto? And have seen the tents on the way to Ke'e - but thought it was all Haena Beach Park.

And don't leave valuables in the trunk there either.

Ke'e has their on parking area, righto?

Yes.

Thanks. Parked at the end of the road many times, and just wanted to be sure we are talking the same lingo.

Yep Ke'e has parking but gets full soon, last trip I lucked out, gal was just leaving so got her spot. There is a spillover lot also half a block south and across the street from the beach.

Thanks so much for all the replies.

Here is what I am looking at now.

Wednesday - July 17 - Arrive at 2:30pm, Check into B&B in Kapa'a, Lydgate Beach Park, Sunset at ???

Thursday - July 20 - Na Pali Coast Boat Trip (Morning), Helicopter Tour (Afternoon)

Friday - July 19 - Na Pali Ridge Top Hike

Saturday - July 20 - Poipu, Koloa Heritage Trail, Maha'ulepu Trail, Sunset at ???

Sunday - July 21 - Jungle Hike

Monday - July 22 - Kalalau to Hanakapi'ai Beach (Not the Waterfall), Lunch in Hanalei, Lumahai Beach, Tunnels Beach, Sunset at Ke'e Beach

Tuesday - July 23 - Waimea Canyon Hike

Wednesday - July 24 - Hanalei River Kayak, Anini Beach, Secret Beach, Pools of Mokolea, Sunset at Kilauea Lighthouse

Thursday - July 25 - Surf Lessons (Morning), Check out of B&B, Shopping, Depart at 10:00pm

We decided to skip Polihale (maybe we will make it there next time). We may skip some of the beaches on the North shore if it feels too hectic. Which ones would you cut? Any advice on where to watch the sunset in Kapa'a and Poipu?

<Kalalau to Hanakapi'ai Beach (Not the Waterfall), Lunch in Hanalei, Lumahai Beach, Tunnels Beach, Sunset at Ke'e Beach>

You'd be doing some serious backtracking--probably adding an hour of driving by going from Ke'e Beach (where you p/u the Kalalau Trail) back to Hanalei for lunch--and then going back North again.

Personally, I'd skip the Kalalau Trail. It's in poor condition; VERY demanding (unless you enjoy climbing over boulders and enormous tree roots); treacherous in places; and imho, not worth the effort. Four miles (RT) could easily take four hours. That should give you an idea of what I'm talking about.

You'll get FAR better views of the Napali Coast on the boat & helicopter rides. I'd spend that time walking the length of Hanalei Bay. Gorgeous -- and not demanding. That--and Maha'ulepu are the best beach walks on the island (imo). I love the lush Kuilau Trail (on the East side). It's "moderate" difficulty.

When you go to Waimea Canyon, be sure to see the Kalalau Lookout. My favorite trail there is "The Canyon Trail" from Koke'e. You can see maps of it at the visitor's center.

Not sure what you mean by the Na Pali Ridge Top Hike. That sounds to me like you're describing the Kalalau Trail.

On the way to Waimea Canyon you'll be quite close to the Kauai Coffee Company. I always enjoy a stop there for a quick self-guided tour of the plantation--and tastings. You might also stop at Menehune Fish Pond overlook. Quintessential Kauai views--and only an additional 10 - 15 minutes when you're heading south to Poipu or Waimea.

I'd also suggest that you stop at Wailua Falls and Opeaka'a Falls. Both are beautiful spots and short visits that will not be far out of your way.

Sounds like a great trip!

On your first afternoon - after snorkeling at Lydgate - why not take an exploratory drive (hour plus)- to the end of the road up past Hanalei - out to Ke'e beach - where the sunsets are gorgeous. Think they are around 7 PM that time of year.

And if you get there a little early - you could even take a mini walk up the start of the Kalalau trail and see if you think it's for ye.

I think it's the best hike I have ever been on - but it's been 4+ years or so - and Songdoc really knows what's going on there now, which sounds like more of a scramble?

On your way back - maybe enjoy dinner at The Dolphin in Hanalei - for a marvelous - first day/into to the "Garden Isle". http://www.hanaleidolphin.com/index.htm

I disagree with most everything songdoc advices. He is a fantastic source for many things, but has admitted to having a finicky palette, not a big restaurant goer, and is only after many years of visiting, actually seeing many of the sites of Kauai for the first time. He spends most of his time, per his ongoing trip reports, hanging on the lanai working and strolling a few familiar places.

For instance in one day, I have driven to Ke'e. Done the first 2 miles and back. Strolled the beach. Visited Heana, headed back to a farmers market, made our way back to the condo with fresh fish and produce, made lunch, returned to Lumahai, stopped back in at Hanalei Pier or Ke'e for the sunset and journeyed all those miles back to cook dinner and watch the stars from the lanai.

I greatly respect songdoc's contributions, but they are as limited as anyone of our contributions.

"Not sure what you mean by the Na Pali Ridge Top Hike. That sounds to me like you're describing the Kalalau Trail."

This is a guided hiking day. We reserved a guide to take us out on one of the lesser traveled ridge tops in Koke'e. I don't know which one. Perhaps Honopu or Kalepa.

The days marked jungle hike and Waimea Canyon hike are also guided. Our guide is choosing which trails based on his assessment of our abilities and what I told him I wanted to see.

I keep getting mixed messages about the Kalalau Trail. I don't want to set out doing something that is reckless, but "climbing over boulders and enormous tree roots" actually does sound fun to me. We will both be 30 years old and are in good shape. The exertion does not scare me. Falling to my death does. I think Tomsd's advice about checking out the beginning of the trail and deciding then if we feel safe continuing is a good plan.

I want to see the sunset at Ke'e, but I think going all the way North to the end of the road on our first night is too much. I imagine that with the time difference we will be wanting to pass out shortly after sunset. I don't mind doing the backtracking on the day we are already in that area. I am used to driving long distances everywhere I need to go. I live in Texas and work 35 miles from home. Are there any nice places on the East side to watch the sunset for our first night? I know it will be a mountain view from there, but mountains are nice, too. There aren't any of those where I come from.

Do you know if the helicopter tour visits Wailua Falls and Opeaka'a Falls? If so, is it worth visiting them on the ground. We have some time (probably noon to 6) on the day we leave after we check out of the B&B to do some site seeing before we need to be back in Lihue. I've been trying to figure out what to do with that time (besides shopping) that wont get us all wet, dirty, or sweaty.

Songdoc, I am glad you think so highly of Maha'ulepu. That is the beach I am most looking forward to seeing.

I am also reconsidering renting the jeep. Originally I knew we needed it to make it to Polihale, but since I scratched that from the itinerary, I don't think we need 4-wheel drive. On the guided hiking days, our guide will pick us up, so I don't have to worry about those locations either. We could save money and get a regular car or pay the same amount as the jeep and get a convertible. Any thoughts on this? We are going in July so there should be less rain (more convertible friendly).

Thanks for all the great suggestions.