KAUAI- Please comment on these activities!
 

I have enjoyed researching through fodors as well as the Revealed books, but am looking for some additional advice! My husband and I will be arriving on Kauai, from Maui, on October 23rd for 7 evenings. We are both in our late 20's and love adventurous vacations and are not looking to lounge around much. Please don't poo poo that we are scheduling ourselves. We enjoy having vacation schedules and when things are planned, we feel we can relax more!

Here is what we are thinking of doing. If you have any experience with these activities, please comment. Most importantly, if we are missing any "must do's", please let me know! Additionally, if there are any exceptional places to dine, please recommend them! Thanks in advance for your help!

Sunday- arrive at Kuhio Shores condo and relax

Monday- Interisland helicopter tour / beach

Tueday- 7 hr Kayak tour of Na Pali coast with Outfitters Kauai

Wednesday- Waimea Canyon and hike Na Pali

Thursday- ATV tour with Kipu Ranch Adventures

Friday- hike/beach / Holoholo Na Pali sunset cruide

Saturday- hike/beach

Not sure why you are thinking of doing everything through a tour company.

Also not sure its wise to kayak the Napali coast that time of year unless you are an expert. Waves kick up, so do the clouds, which might make a helicopter tour that time of year a poor choice.

There are a number of hikes you can do in Kauai (awawapuhi, canyon trail, Kalalau (last in dry months only), that bring to you through out your day what the helicopters show you in 45 minutes. You can picnic at the vista instead of seeing it strictly through your camera lense for a few minutes on a helicopter tour.

Sister and nephew's did the Atv tour at kipu ranch. Not sure why but she would not let her kids swim in pond (?)on grounds. They went after a lot of rain and I thought she said it looked very muddy. They were just there in mid July. Can't imagine what that would be like in October (wetter time of year). They were taken to an overlook of what the park tour guides told them was a privately own beach. hmmmm thought it was illegal to own a beach anywhere in the state of Hawaii? Tall tales at kipu ranch, LOL. Sister told us that the ATV tour was at Kipu was more something kids would enjoy but she would not recommend it to my other sister and I who were hiking every other day. Just one opinion but it is the closes to first hand experience that I can offer you.

Holoho cruises? Do you really want to be on a boat with that many people? I would choose a smaller outfit that perhaps was more environmentally friendly.

What I tell people before each trip to Hawaii is to work on your endurance through a walking regiment before you leave. I have gone to Kauai when I was a runner (3miles a day, 5 times a week) and still been tanked by the kalalau trail on a slow walk.

See a lot of hiking on your schedule but do you have some trails lined up? We liked taking a companion-hiking book but Kauai revealed is good enough. Sorry still in other sister's luggage, just got back Friday.

Accent sights and falls right near Lydgate park are very nice, not a hike but drive and stop. They can be easily missed if you don't set aside time.

Kauai is the birth place and spiritual touch stone of hula. A tiny bit of reading to aquaint your self with the past might help you to appreciate these sights better.

Have a great trip, let us know how it goes. Sounds like a great trip!!!

I'm a scheduler, too, but just be aware that weather conditions can unexpectedly impact your plans. For example, rain and/or cloudy/foggy conditions can detract from the Waimea Canyon hiking experience (i.e., it's slippery, views are obscured, etc...) I'd build some flexibility into your week, so that if the weather doesn't cooperate, you can more easily re-schedule things for another day. Enjoy!

Aloha Jenna, I too would reconsider, or plan very cautiosly a napali kayak trip in late October. And since Waimea and Napali are on oposites end of the island.....maybe best to do one each day to fully appreciated surrounding areas. I have heard lots of great things about KipuATV. Sarah, I don't think they are telling tall tales. From what I understand, that beach is surrounded by private land and not easily accessible by sea. You are more than welcome to try to reach it by kayak...but it wouldn't be wise. Happy planning!

Last May we went to Kaui. We did the Kipu Ranch ATV tour and loved it. There is also a zipline adventure you might want to consider. I agree with other posters on kayaking Napali in October - it could be VERY rough.

Whatever you decide to do - be safe and have fun!

gippleu: surrounding land may be owned but under Hawaii state law individuals may not hinder access or own beach.

The Kipu Ranch ATV tour was the highlight of our trip. They took us to a lookout over Kipu Kai, the land is privately owned. They never mentioned the beach being private, but it would be impossible to get there without trespassing on private property. I suppose if you had a boat you could try.

Private landowners are obliged to allow public access to the beach. These laws were not put into place to allow you the tourist a better vacation but to keep the birth right of Hawaiians (beach and ocean), in tact.

Think about it, without it Waikiki beach would be for hotel guest only. Don't you think larger corporations with much more money like Hilton, Outrigger, Starwood would create a more private beach if they could? This is why public access paths to the beach exist. It's not about not selling the land, those public access paths are on private property, the attached beach is not and they are obliged to allow access.

It’s kind of similar to the national trust land in England.

Back to the subject of Kaua`i activities...

We often chat with visitors to our island who have maxed out by their 3rd day here -- only because they have failed to factor in our heat and humidity, which can quickly wear down even the most well-trained athlete! B-)

As mentioned, weather could cancel planned hikes/boat rides/heli tours, so you'll want your schedule to be "loose". Sea kayaking in October will be risky, but we do have occasional days of calm water in the Fall. Cross your fingers!

Your Wednesday plan has you driving from Po`ipu, west to Waimea Canyon (45-60 minutes), then alllllll the way to the northshore for the Na Pali hike (that drive is 2 hours, minimum). You might want to re-think that day's activities.

You've got plenty to do -- enjoy!

Thanks for all of the great advice. We will nix the kayaking, since neither of us are seasoned veterans! Also, we will split the Canyon and Na Pali hike into 2 days.

Last question for today...is the waterfall landing with Inter-Island Helicopter tours a "must"? The price difference is pretty significant($189 pp for 55 minute tour, $300 pp for 2 hr tour with waterfall landing). We have no problem paying $600 for the two of us if it is a MUST! Thanks!

Jenna: You have listed all the things I would like to include in a Kauai trip! Please do a TR and make special comments on your accomodations! Belle.

Has anyone participated in the Backcountry zipline tour? Sounds exciting!

1. We did the Inter-Island flight and it was awesome. I don't think the waterfall landing is worth the extra $$ though.

2. We hiked the Kalalau Trail to the waterfall. I figured it would be an easy 4 mile hike. It destroyed me!! I don't know how it compares to the other hike you want to do.

3. I have friends that did the Kipu ATV trip...they said it was the best thing they did. I have read nothing but good things about their zipline tour as well. I just thought they wanted too much money for the trip.

4. You don't have any snorkeling on your iteniary but no trip to Kauai would be complete w/o some diving at Tunnels!!!

Thanks for the help! We are adjusting things around, will definitely add in snorkeling at Tunnels. Any other snorkeling places not to be missed? We love being in the water. Geez...I wish we were in Kauai for a month!

Well, we snorkeled at:

Tunnels...more fish that every place else combined

Ke'e Beach..turtles, turtles, turtles but VERY limited parking. Go early!!

Hideaways...even less parking (maybe 10 spaces) but the clearest water ever and my wife and I were the ONLY ones there all 2 hours!!

Lydgate...very protected coves, man made rock formations. Great place to go if it's rough.

Laiwa (sp?)...next to the Beach House. Theis plcae was the most crowded but still OK and alot of fish.

Poipu Beach...plenty of parking, grass area and plenty of fish. There was a tidal surge here though and jagged rocks. Pay att'n to where you're being pushed around.

k3rider---you ROCK! Thanks for the detailed information. It helps tremendously! I cannot wait to go!

So we shifted a few things and added activities. Not everything is booked, so we are still open to suggestions!Again, we love to be active and we will be flexible, given the potential changes in weather! Tried to balance the trip with a heavy day, then a lighter day, etc.

Sunday am-leave Maui and arrive in Poipu Beach (Kuhio Shores condos)
Sunday pm-take Holoholo sunset drinks/apps cruise out of Port Allan.

Monday-Hike the 3 Koke trails and visit Waimea Canyon. Dinner at Keoki's Paradise.

Tueday-early helicopter tour and then Snorkel Maha’ulupo and Kiahuana Beaches

Wednesday-Snorkel Poipu Beach and then afternoon ATV ride with Backcountry

Thurdsay-Drive to N. Shore, snorkel Tunnels Beach and do the 8 mile Kalalua Trail (is it possible to snorkel and do the trail in one day?)

Friday-Drive back to the N. Shore, check out Hanalei Bay on the way to Princeville for a 1:30 zipline tour with Princeville Ranch

Saturday-Relax and then hit the Beach House for dinner

Sunday- home :(

Well, I will have to say that I like your "active-ness". Even tho I'm 40, everybody says I act/live like I'm 25.

I'm more the "wing-it" type rather than making any type of firm schedule but I like your plan over all. If that 1st hiking day is anything like the Kalalua Trail, you won't want to hike the rest of the week!! It took my calves over 48 hours to recover from that hike...although it didn't stop any activities and I didn't feel it until the nest morning.

We did the Kalalua Trail to the waterfall and back in about 4 hours. We then snorkeled at Ke'e beach for an hour or so with no problems. If you snorkel at Tunnels before the hike, you may have problems finding parking at Ke'e which is where the Kalalua Trail starts.

As far as the Kalalua Trail goes, your shoes will get ridiculously muddy. We talked to numerous hikers (mostly female) that said tehy were just going to throw the shoes away afetr the hike. Also, take double the water and food/snacks you think you'll need. So many people were unprepared that I could have sold bottles of water for big $$ on that trail.

** On that friday to Princeville, go EARLY and hit both Hideaways and Queens Bath. Hideaways was the "travel brochure picturesque" of any beach (and deserted). Queens Bath is touristy but not to be missed in my opinion. It's one of those places created by nature that makes you shake your head in amazement.

One more thing, on your way North, you need to stop one of the days at Scotty's BBQ in Kapa'a. I had great food all over the Island but this is one place I wish we had here in So Cal. Best BBQ I've ever had outside of Texas. I highly recommend the pulled pork sandwich.

On one of your jauntsbto the North Shore, stop in at Duane's Ono Burgers in Anahola. It is a roadside stand next to the Post Office. The best burger ever...eat with the roasters that roam the island.

Ouch -- We ate at Scotty's one day for lunch. Great views and not a bad seat in the restaurant as the seating was tiered.

As for the BBQ -- they claim to have smoked it for 15 hours. We had the BBQ sandwich, and it was dry with no smoked flavor at all. I was sure glad they had sauce. I use hickory -- I don't think they used anything.

Maybe they just had a bad day? ((b))

Thanks! We will give Scotty's a try (hopefully, Budman, it was a bad day!) My husband loves pulled pork, so I know he's gonna want to check it out. We will also check out the burger place! Gotta have a great burger...no vegans here!

Rider-thanks again for the detailed info on the hike and snorkel. We will check out Ke'e beach after the hike. Maybe we'll go to Tunnels after the hike?!?! Also, I like your suggestion of the two beaches on Friday. This forum is full of great advice!

You all have been such a great help! I am trying to finalize plans now, because I am taking my GMAT in less than 2 weeks, and grad school apps are due a little before we leave :O Yikes! DEFINITELY looking forward to the vacation. I will probably have more questions before we leave, thanks for all the help fodorites!

JennaJ...tell me what part of the country you live in and eat pulled pork in and I think we can determine whether or not your SO will like Scotty's or not.

Something I have vowed to do on my next trip...motorized hang gliding!

http://www.birdsinparadise.com/

and my favorite "tour" adventure of all time...outfitters kauai KIPU FALLS adventure, it was 8 hours of kayak, hike, swinging from ropes into the water and running off the top of the falls, zip line, ranch ride...amazing fun!

their website is:
www.outfitterskauai.com

just click on the Kipu Falls link!

Have a great time, Kauai is paradise no matter what you do!!!

We live in NYC and get pulled pork from Dinosaur. My in-laws are from Philadelphia and we get it there as well!

My husband wants to try the Birds in Paradise. If there is time, he's gonna do it!

As for the kayal recommendation, I would LOVE to do that, but since we are going late October, the advice I have gotten is that the water is too rough for beginners!

Keep the rec's coming!

This was just the info we were looking for too! Thanks JennaJ for starting this topic. We will be visiting in January and I just started researching activities and hotels. If anyone has a preference on a great hotel please let me know. We are torn between the Hyatt and the Princeville Resort. I would love to hear opinions. Thanks for the input.

wow, I couldn't read all these posts, but I would definitely take a motorized boat trip up the Na Pali coast. that was the highlight of our trip. well the 2ns highlight. It is simply gorgeous and you'll be fed lunch and get drinks all afternoon. Quite fun and a little too relaxing. We got back to our hotel at 3:00 for a nap and slept straight through till the next morning!

Our helicopter flight was by far my favorite experience, EVER. but I also don't think the waterfall landing would be a must. You'll see plenty of waterfalls while you're out there.

Yes, JennaJ....then you will like Scotty's BBQ.

:D ((b))

We stayed at the Aston Islander in Kapaa, we tend to be gone so much doing everything that we prefer to be very central, easy access.

The beachboy "resort" in Kapaa has fantastic condo rooms if you get the one bedroom. Right next door to the Islander but not a compound resort so the access is the same.

I was there in October, 2004 just as the renovations at the Islander were starting so we had a very nice room, great pool and pool bar and were 30 seconds from our car and everywhere we wanted to go.

If I had to choose between the 2 you mentioned I would probably pick Princeville as it is easiest access to everything in comparison to the Hyatt (in Poipu right?) thats too far from everything but Poipu.

Still, we went up there for the view of Bali Hi and remember saying that I wouldn't stay there...too long to from the hotel to the 56. Although, you are talking to someone that put 800 miles on a car in 12 days on an island!!!

Budman, would love to know how the stay at the Islander was!!! Did they finish the renovations? Pool open? All good?

I read this thread before I went to Kauai and I went on the Outfitters zipline tour - canoe, hike, zipline, water fall.

I was really disappointed. Canoeing was great, beautiful moutains, green everywhere. Then started the "hike", which was basically walk to the wagon and drove around to the next destination. We ate pack-sandwich at the place where you zipline.

The zipline was short and low, which wasn't what I expected at all for $145. It wasn't going through the jungle above the trees with nice views, it was just jump off 15 foot platform across a small creek on the other side, whole thing took about 1 minute.

Everyone got to do it once, then we took a 5 minute walk to a "water fall". It was a medium sized hole with a small cliff where water drift down. I was just waiting for people to finish swinging off the rope into the water, and then leave.

I don't think all zipline trip in Kauai are like this. Some of it looks pretty high up and much longer. I would suggest finding out more about other companies. This trip was not worth it. The "wagon" drive was on the private Rice ranch, which the other tour I took with ATV (Kipu Ranch Adventures) went through the same ranch so I've seen it twice, it was much much more interesting riding on ATV.

The highlight of my trip was definately snorkeling. I snorkled near my hotel, Mariott at Poipu Beach. It was great! A giant sea turtle swam right past me and I was only 20 feet out from the beach! North side snorkle was fun too.