Kauai Questions
 

Hi everyone. A few more questions about Kauai for the experts. First, can anyone offer their recommendations for best places to eat on the North Shore? I've seen other posts on this topic, but many of the restaurants listed are on the South Shore.

Second, has anyone taken one of the Na Pali Coast boat tours? Hubby and I realy want to see the coast, but I do have a tendency toward seasickness. Had one great experience with a sunset sail in Bermuda (calm waters on a catamaran, no seasickness). But got really sick last year on a regular sailboat in the caribbean (rough waters, boat was practically on its side). Is there a boat trip least likely to cause seasickness - power catamaran (Na Pali Catamaran), sailing catamaran (Captain Sundown), rubber rafts (Captian Zodiac) etc. I'm planning on trying the patch, but thought I'd find out how rough these trips really are. Any thoughts?

Though pricey $), here is a link to Cafe Hanalei(and other restaurants) where we enjoyed dinner on the terrace with inspiring views of Bali Hai and Hanalei Bay from the Princeville hotel:<font color="blue"> http://www.princeville.com/stay/pvdining.html#hanalei</font>

In the adjacent Hanalei Bay Resort, we witnessed a similar awesome ((#))sunset((s))view and enjoyed good $)food as well in the simply furnished, open-air, &quot;Bali Hai&quot; Restaurant. We were also able to get a 50% off dinner coupon by attending an HBR timeshare presentation.

In ((R))Hanalei, we enjoyed Neide's mexican food (we took it out), as there is not much of a view there. Also in back of the Hanalei Dolphin Restaurant, at the Fish Market, you can buy great fresh fish and prepare yourself for much less.:S-

I have not been to Hanalei in two years but have been regularly over the years. I find many of the restaurants to be substandard on the North Shore. I prepare to take advantage of the incredible seafood and cook in my condo. Oahu is where you go for great food in my opinion. Unless you are looking for a quick burger you just don't have the competition on the North Shore. No significant competition or a great chef that I know of looking to clean up the restaurant market that I can see. Don't know why that is. There is certainly a space in the market for a good restaurant on the North Shore.

Interesting comments. I knew there had to be a reason I hadn't read anything about the North Shore restaurants. I have heard good reviews on the Bali Hai restuarant, though. How far of a drive is it from the North Shore (Anini area) to the Poipu/south shore area? We would like to check out the Beach House Restaurant and maybe one other that has been mentioned. Is it about an hour drive?

Sarah:

Glad to report that the restaurants here on our north shore have improved since your last visit. We eat dinner out 3-4 times per week (I'm not lazy, I'm lucky!), usually north shore.

Can highly recommend Hanalei's Dolphin and Sushi Blues restaurants for fresh fish dinner; Hanalei Gourmet for &quot;bar food&quot; (fish tacos, handmade burgers, big salads, pasta). Zelo's isn't getting high marks from visitors or locals lately. Ditto for Postcards. Our &quot;newest&quot; restaurant (site of Charo's old place in Ha`ena) is still in the beta stage with the menu and service, but gets high marks for drinks &amp; oceanfront views.

Cafe Hanalei at Princeville Hotel is still packed for Friday seafood and Sunday brunch buffets; the hotel's La Cascata is usually full for dinner; and the hotel's bar is popular for sunset -- for both visitors and locals (good pupu menu, including fresh sushi).

Hanalei Bar Resort has a new food &amp; beverage manager, with major changes in the Bali Hai Restaurant menu coming soon. The bar (Happy Talk Lounge) offers a good pupu menu -- plus nightly entertainment.

New &quot;kid&quot; in the neighborhood is Sabella's -- long time restaurant family from San Francisco, with a menu that is primarily Italian seafood offerings.

At Princeville Center, CJs Steakhouse is packed every night -- best salad bar on the north shore, best prime rib on the island (IMHO), good steaks, great fresh fish...and sinful mud pie. 8-)

Kilauea has the pizza place and Lighthouse Bistro -- love the pizza; haven't been to Lighthouse Bistro for at least a year, so can't give a current review.

longtail:
Princeville to Po`ipu is slightly more than an hour. We drove down to Roy's for dinner last night (yum!), so that's the freshest review I can give today!

auntiemarie is CJ's steakhouse new (1-2 years)? is that in the complex where the foodland of Princeville is?

My wife had the same concerns about a boat tour of the Na Pali coast, so we took a helicopter ride instead. Very dramatic views of the coast, and not a twinge of upset stomach.

Auntiemaria:
Thanks for the extensive restaurant review. It's been most helpful! Any comments on Na Pali boat tours?

Hi, we took a boat tour from the south shore up to Na Pali last summer. It was a catamaran from Holoholo Charters. I can't tell you about sea sickness since neither I nor my boyfriend suffer from it but the ride was quite a wild one. The boat goes fairly fast and when it goes against the current it lifts up and crashes down repeatedly all the way to the coast. Once you arrive at the coast you have about half an hour to enjoy before you have to face the way back. I got so badly bumped the next day I was truly sore. I will never do that again. The only thing that made it worth the money was a couple of dolphins who got close to the boat and gave us a beatufiul show. We also did the helicopter tour and it was wonderful, that we would do again in a second. Hope this helps.

Don't know when you are going but we took Captain Sundown from the north shore at the end of Sept. Water was very rough during the whole week. We enjoyed our sail but a couple of people, one man and one woman, on the boat had a really hard time and were sick mostly during the last half of the trip. I have to say that the crew really worked with them to keep them as comfortable as possible.

Suzie:

We're going in June and were looking at Captain Sundown as one of our options (from the North Shore), along with Na Pali Catamaran. Does the boat stay close to shore, or is it in rougher waters? Would you do the trip again? I'm interested to hear about your experience.

sarah:
CJ's Steakhouse is the former home of Chuck's Steak House -- now owned by the former manager (Jeff) and his silent partner. Extensive renovations last year painted out all that dark wood, re-upholstered all the furniture, added lots of bamboo and tropical decorations.
They kept what was &quot;the best of Chuck's&quot; (prime rib, those huge lobster tails, the salad bar, and the mud pie), and added new items like spring rolls and more pupus.

Re: Na Pali boat trips
Seasickness hits most folks when the boat drops anchor for snorkeling -- and the danged thing bobs up and down and up and down like a cork. Bonine (a chewable, non-prescription tablet) is a miracle, and can be taken just minutes before the boat departs. That slamming up and down through the waves can be bone-jarring (which is why most boat companies issue warnings to those with back/neck conditions, and pregnant women). But our waters in June/July/August are usually smoothe.

In line with what auntiemaria has stated, I only get seasick when a boat is at anchor and bobbing on the water, I don't get seasick when boats are moving in choppy water. Hence I have taken the zodiac trips with no ill effects, I just can't sit in the boat at anchor.

We took the Holoholo tour to the Na Pali coast and Nihau last year. It was a long trip ( 7 hours ). We had gorgeous weather and calm seas most of the day. The snorkeling off Nihau was spectacular. Some of the clearest water I have ever seen. The trip back was a nightmare though. The seas were rough and we were going against the wind, so it was wild! It was fun for about 5 minutes. This went on for about an hour and a half. I tossed my cookies (literally...they give you chocolate chip cookies as a snack) just as we entered the port and slowed down. It was an unfortunate end to an other wise fabulous day.
-Bill

We actually loved our trip. It starts out on Hanalei Bay with a really fun paddle to the catamaran in an outrigger. They put all your stuff in waterproof bags and you paddle out. Once everyone is aboard they motor out of the bay with Bali Hai at your back. The crew points out and describes all the beaches as you go by while beginning breakfast service.

The trip down the Na Pali coast is so beautiful. Unlike the trips from the south there is no wait to see the breathtaking coast. The one great thing is that there are only about 16 guests on board. The boat is fairly close to the coastline but not like a small motorized craft would be. Besides the north shore departure one of the reasons we selected Captain Sundown was because they actually sail. The crew was great. I never felt quesy even though the water was rough enough to get us wet. I do pretty much always get car sick so I don't know what the difference was. I would do this again in a minute.

Thanks for the information on the boat trips. If we decide to do this, we'll probably opt for either Na Pali Catamaran or Captain Sundown. Both sound great and are close to where we will be staying. As an alternative to the boat tour and seasickness, we've also thought about the helipcopter tours of the coast. Has anyone ever been on one of these and are they worth the $$ - $200+ per person? Seems like a lot for a 1-hour ride. Would love some input on this as an alternative.

Here is a link to a post about some less $) alternatives:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34515836

All of your questions can be answered in &quot;The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook - Kauai Revealed&quot; by Andrew Doughty &amp; Harriett Friedman. This book is dead-on accurate on all of their recommendations. We used this book on our trip to Kauai and bought one as a gift for some friends who went there the following year. You can pick it up at any bookstore or online. (I know it's not a Fodor's book and I'm a big fan of Fodor's, but this Kauai guidebook is a must have! The authors live in Hawaii and write similar guidebooks for each island). I am also prone to seasickness and recommend taking Dramamine before a boat trip! Have a great trip and The Beach House is a fabulous restaurant!

Hi again: As I mentioned before, we did the helicopter tour with Air Kaua'i. It was our first helicopter trip so we were a little worried but the pilot was very concerned and made sure we didn't experience any turbulence. For most of the trip he played music and only interrupted occasionally to announce upcoming sights. We flew very close to the cliffs, so close I felt I could reach out and touch them. We scheduled the helicopter tour for the day before we left, by that time we were in love with the cliffs after having seen them from the Waimea Canyon area first and later from the boat, so it was very moving to see them up close. Then we flew into the crater with the waterfalls and it was so achingly beautiful... It was an amazing experience, worth every penny of the $175/pp we paid.

Thanks everyone! Well, the helicopter trip really sounds wonderful. I'm thinking that might be a better way to go for us. Seems like less chance of motion sickness as long as the pilot doesn't take a sudden nose dive to view the scenery. It's pretty expensive, but if we take only one tour on Kauai, this might be the way to go. Thanks for everyone's patience with my questions - you've been most helpful in helping hubby and I to plan our dream trip. Can't wait!!!

Zodiac boats get very rough on the way back home. I had to sit on the floor since I was almost thrown off. If you get sea sick, I can highly recommend the wrist bands. You can buy them at msot drug stores. They are elastic with a small 1/2 ball that places pressure on a point in your wrist that somehow calms whatever makes you sea sick. I have used them several times - once in very rough waters crossing from Greece to Turkey.

We very much enjoyed the Captain Sundown snorkle we did last week. He really sails on the way out,no motor and it's so much nicer than having to drive from the North Shore to Port Allen. Only one woman got sick, but she said she forgot to take her medicine. Air Kauai helicopter tour was nice, but the actual ride was only 45 minutes, not the hour advertised, and I wish we went with the open helicopter offered by another firm. While there, other people told me they loved the tour that left from the Princeville airport ( can't recall the company) and that it was a full hour long. We loved the Bali Hai restaurant,primarily because of the atmosphere and view. Lappert's Ice Cream had the best flavors we've tasted.

Keds1:

Thank you for responding to my post. I can't beleive it's still going. I'd love to hear more about your trip with Captain Sundown. Seems a few people of this board have taken the trip and enjoyed it. Would you consider the ride to be rough? The trip we took in the caribbean (where I really experienced seasickness), the wind was at 28 knots, waves were about 8-10 feet (I think) on a 40 foot sailboat (not a catamaran). Would you say the conditions on your trip were better than this? As you can guess, I'd prefer not to repeat that experience. The helicopter trip also sounds like quite a nice experience.

I had the same fears as you after reading some posts here and elsewhere so I did buy Bronine and my husband, daughter, and I all took it just to be safe. It did not make any of us drowsy and we didn't give seasickness another thought. We had some pretty big waves, it was raining in Hanalei as we left,( there was a hurricane much to the south but they said it would cause large swells) but it cleared up immediately after leaving the harbor. The way back is bumpier because the catamaran is not &quot;riding&quot; the waves as it did heading out, but we thought that made it fun. Larry( the son )was funny and knowledgeble. We also liked eating at the Polynesian Cafe in the shopping center in Hanalei ( byob) You eat outside under an awning. Zelos was fine but nothing special, and as I mentioned before, we ate at the Hanalei Bay Resort twice, once at the fancy restaurant, and once at the lounge because we loved the atmosphere and view. We stayed at Pali Ke Kua which I can't recommend enough if you need a condo. What a view ! I liked the north shore of Kauai the best of the 3 Hawaiian Islands we visited. You'll have a great time!

We just got back (yesterday) from Kauai and what a beautiful place!

We took the Holoholo Charters Sunset cruise to the Napali coast and I was fine but my husband had problems. Someone suggested that the powered catamarans are actually worse for that than other types of boats... Don't know, but be aware that it's a bumpy ride.

I have a restaurant recommendation for Hanalei and that's Sushi and Blues... fabulous, fresh - *FRESH* - fish, local (ono) and the standards, lovely place, friendly staff... we couldn't get enough of it!

I heard from others that Zelo's (also in Hanalei and owned by the same company) is quite good.

Enjoy Kauai!

we were just in Kauai at the Princeville resort a couple of weeks ago,
and had great dinners at Bali Hai restaurant (at Hanalei resort) and at Cafe Hanalei (at Princeville resort)
we also had a great lunch at Zelo's (in Hanalei) and an okay lunch at CJ's steakhouse (princeville center)

Regards to Captain sundown....I did the trip. If you have done boat rides like this before it was really not worth it to me. I have done this kind of a boat ride in the Greek islands and in the red sea. Similar landscape (when Kauai has experienced a draught) from the water, I did get sick and while the boat was moving not while we were docked for snorkeling. I did not get sick on other rides mentioned and other passengers where sick. So I am not proned to sea-sickness. I think these are very bumpy waters and most people are uncomfortable on the return. That was my experience and anyone who I know who has done the trip.

I can certainly see why some would love this trip. I made friends go who went with me on another visit. I knew they had not done this kind of boat trip thought. I stayed a shore. I much prefer a hike on the Napali trail or over in Kokee State Park. Again only because I have done this kind of boat ride in other waters. Can't rationalize the $80+ price tag either, when I know I have paid significantly less in other countries. With many more fish in the water. I think I paid $35 on a Yacht in the Red Sea and less on ferry (sail boat) crossings in Turkey. Tour boat that was motorized but small in Gaspe Penninsula in Canada also not drop jaw expensive.

Hawaii can be cheaper if you don't hop on every commercial tour, activity offered. I understand vendor costs are expensive just depends on how you feel about making their expenses your expenses.

By far my favorite North Shore restaurant was La Cascata. So good I went there twice and ordered the same thing: Penne Pomodoro. The arugula salad is great, too. I though Bali Hai was extraordinarily ordinary. Husband liked whatever meaty thing he had, but my crab cakes were gooey and the service was perfunctory. Wish we'd gone to Sabella's instead. Ate at Cafe Hanalei for seafood buffet and one other dinner. Loved the view; thought the food was good, but not GREAT.

Just got back a week ago, and have been too slammed with work to post a trip report. But there are some tidbits of my culinary experiences.

Sarah and Carmen:

Thanks so much for your hoenst advice.

Sarah: I was debating on taking the Captain Sundown trip - more for the scenery. We'll be snorkeling on the Big Island so this isnt necessary for us. What would you recommend to first timers as the best way to see the Na Pali Coast if there is a tendency toward seasickness. Nothing like hanging over the side of a boat to ruin a trip.

Carmen: We're planning on checking out La Cascata, Bali Hai and Sabellas. Lots of great recommendations there. Looking forward to your trip report.

depending on your ability. I would suggest starting the Napali trail at sunrise and absolutely no later than 8am. I started at 8 last year and some dawn people told me they had the trail to themselves when they started at 6. Think this was a weekend because the market was on in town. Unless that market is open on Wednesdays. I would not advise a weekend trip on this trail. You want to avoid crowds and early to afternoon sun, both make the hike less enjoyable. Also do the trail after a few (2)dry days, take light hiking boots with you. People do it with less but if you support your feet they will be kind to your body, and day!!!

I would hike only too Hanakape beach.Remember that this is not a swimming beach and many have perished just waiding. It is not advisable to get too close to the falls just bit further (rock falling). I also think if you are going after a dry spell as I did you won't see much of a flow. Falls on other parts of the island are more impressive.


Now I would also suggest hikes in Kokee. I like the awaphiawaphi trail hike, a lot less crowded than Napali and a pot of gold vista and the end. Canyon trail with a suv is not as challenging providing you take in the first few vistas have lunch and then head out. We head out to Polihi beach for sunset and about 35 minutes away. An SUV helps in pealing time off a number of hikes. I think we took off 3 miles off the Canyon trail. I went with a VERY out of shape sister and she was fine. Another light trail is the Kohala trail close to Lihue. Flat in most areas it is basically a beautiful walk. Again pack a lunch for the vistas, not a lot of people and a light rain made this trail more picturesq for us.

Polihale ?(sp)...you want to get there soon. I am a bit alarmed at how many car commercials I see taken on this beach. Just a matter of time before some corrupt politican and land developers get their hands on this area. Sorry to say, not sure if it is federally protected, I hope so.