Shar

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.

Keds1

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.

longtail

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.

Keds1

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 "riding" 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!

djadis

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!

lasjas

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)

Sarah

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.

Carmen

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.

longtail

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.

Sarah

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.