MBnancy, what I did regarding the certs is call and ask if I could use them for a certain date. I called several weeks ago and was told the first date I could use them was 10/23. I had planned on going to Hawaii before that date but then the condo I wanted to stay at wasn't avail until Nov. Once I had the dates I planned on going, I called again and asked if I could use certs for the specific dates I had in mind. The dates were avail for certs but she wouldn't let me book until i had them (and i didn't want to buy them until i was fairly certain i could use them). I guess it depends on who you get, the first time i called she was going to hold the room ( i think for 2 wks) even though i didn't have the certs yet. i had the certs shipped priority once i found out i could use them the dates i wanted and when they came i crossed my fingers and called to book. It worked!

Gretsch, thanks for the update. Glad it worked out. Didn't know they could be sent priority, but have heard they arrive within the week. Spend your full day at the Grand Hyatt just enjoying everything about the resort, maybe make a Spa appointment in advance, at the end of the day, and dinner at one of the restaurants. It's great not to have to get your car.

You have just made my decision too for my 15th Anniversary..Kauai...what airlines did you find a deal on?? Thanks for any help...

Don't forget that Kaua'i is infested with rabid chickens~:>! Wear your knee high boots if you are going to venture there. Also, get your shots before leaving home.
((D))8-)

I got my airline tix directly through American.
Can't wait to see all the chickens!

Bring your bug spray! =-O

-Bill

Some people just wont' listen or learn!!!

Continuing study into this phenomena starts in about 161 mo' days. :S-

I went to Kauai this year, Great place to vacation. You asked about snorkeling, Tunnels beach on the north end is a good place to go. Tons of fish, we also had turtles come just a few feet from us, the kids loved it.

We stayed at the Hale Makai Cottages, they are right on the beach, much better than a hotel in my opinion.

Thier website is www.halemakaicottages.com, looks like you have your accomadations already lined out, but anyone else might want to check them out. Tunnels beach is a short walk up the beach from these cottages.

Kauai hands down. Just returned from our first trip to Kauai and loved it. Have been to Maui 8-9 times. Love it too, however Kauai is so much more beautiful. (Just voted no. 2 in the world behind Bali and ahead of Maui by the Travel & Leisure readers) Good, uncrowded snorkeling at Tunnels beach in Hanalei. Rain is always an issue on Kauai, especially on the north side. Suggest you get a copy of The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook and read it before you go. Also, you will probably have to book some tours, restaurant reservations before you leave. We wanted to eat at the Beach House in Poipu at sunset. When we called for reservations we were told it would be almost 3 weeks before they had anything open at that time.

Have a small trip report, with pictures, if you are interested. E-mail me at [email protected].