Happy Valentines Day. After many trip ideas and so many different destinations to choose from we have finally decided to go to Southern California and Kauai, we will be in Los Angeles for 2 days go to Kauai for 1 week and come back to San Diego for our last 4 days. My question I’ve visited Kauai 2 times before (last time 09/2000) and both times stayed in Princeville. After reading many trip reports and suggestions from here I am thinking of splitting my time while there. I am hoping some of you can help me decide if this is wise or if I should just stay on one side of the island. On my previous trips I do remember spending a lot of time on the road, honestly it wasn’t horrible, but if we can spend more time enjoying paradise it would be great. Here are some of the things we want to do: some hiking, would love to go on a catamaran to Na pali Coast (previous two visits did not do it) enjoy the beaches and visits the must do spots as I am going with two friends that have never been. I was thinking of staying in the North Shore for the first 4 days and South Shore the last 3 (our flight does not leave until 11:00 p.m.) My only concern at this point is the following our flight does not arrive in Kauai until 8:30 p.m. I don’t have a problem driving at night but wonder if I should just start in the South and end in the North since our flight does leave really late. Thank you for your help, any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Gina

Hi Gina - Got a few questions for you before I answer. What month are you going? Will you be staying in a condo or hotel?

Hi jcb:
Sorry about that, always try to be as detailed as possible and end up forgetting something. We will be there from June 1, to June 7. In the North we will be staying at the The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas (It will open April 11, 2008) In the South we more than likely will stay at the Sheraton Kauai. Thank you very much for your help I do appreciate it.
Gina

IMO, a week is not long enough to justify moving hotels (or is it 6 nights?) I am partial to the North side of the island, so I would spend the entire week at the Westin Princeville.

Have you decided what company to use for your Na Pali trip b/c I believe there is one leaving from the North side.

You could spend a LONG day with your friends showing them Waimea Canyon, Koloa, Poipu, etc.

The remaining activities you can do with a short drive to either the North or East.

I just bought the Lonely Planet Kauai guide, and it is a wonderful reference book!! It was mentioned in someone's (can't remember who's right now) trip report a few months back. I highly recommend it.

Happy planning.

Our timeshare is in Lihue which to me is central to the north and south so we have no need to move to enjoy the entire island (reason why we bought there). I'm not sure if moving is really worth it since you will have to pack and unpack which wastes precious time.

I really like Princeville better than Poipu so my recommendation would be to stay there the entire time and plan your days to best utilize your time in each area.

I am not sure of the name of the company that goes out of the North Shore to Na Pali but Kauai Sea Tours leave from Port Allen and they do a fantastic job. We've gone out with the three times on the sunset cruise and each time we spot whales and dolphins and also enjoy the Na Pali coastline.

I used Na Pali Catamarans for my cruise leaving from Hanalei on the North Shore. Loved it and highly recommend them for a trip.

www.napalicatamaran.com

We've split our stay between the North and South, but we've had 10 days on the Island. If you aren't the type that packs a ton of stuff and spreads it out everywhere than maybe a split stay would work for you. I love the North shore for it's amazing beauty, but the South is nice because the ocean is right outside your door. No climbing down trails or searching for a parking spot. At the Sheraton the beach is right there.
Actually I'd take 2 days off of San Diego and give them to Kauai, but I live in California so San Diego doesn't thrill me like Kauai does. Not that San Diego isn't great, but it's not Kauai.
From the South we did Captain Andy's catamaran and they were wonderful. The North shore outfits are supposed to be great too but they do cost a bit more.
Yes, traffic is a challange sometimes going through Kapa'a. Just try to avoid normal commute times.

Jcb:
It is 6 nights. For some reason I really thought there would be more to do on the other side and thought it would be wise to split the time. As I mentioned this is how I saw Waimea on my previous trip and yes, it was a long day but I honestly did not mind it. As far as a company for the Na Pali coast I have not made any reservations yet, but I too have read here that there is a company leaving from the North side which for what I understand is better (shorter distance). Thank you for the suggestion of the guide book, I bought Kauai Revealed (had read Maui for my trip last year and it was great) do you think that book has additional information that may be helpful? Thank you for your good wishes.
Beth_fitz:
The more I read your recommendations the more inclined I am to just go ahead and spend the entire time on one side. Thank you for your comments.
Beanweb24:
Thank you for the company information. I was hoping someone would recommend one. Did you do morning or afternoon? Again Thank you.
Glimmer2:
If it was up to me I would too. Unfortunately we have purchased our tickets already and those are the dates besides one of my friends really wants spend some time there. Thank you for your time. Have a great day.

beanweb24:
Forgot to ask you did your tour go through the caves?
Thank you
Gina

6 nights? Yes, I would stay in one spot too. Have fun.

I did the morning tour. And you don't really go *through* the caves, but if the waves aren't too rough, you do go inside one. We were able to take our catamaran inside one cave on our tour.

Again thank you for your help.
Gina

My trips are always 6 nights and I often split them into two locations on one island. I don't think you can really "experience" an area on a day trip. I like more in-depth explorations, trying a couple different places to eat, etc. Most of all, I want to do all I can to minimize time spent in the car. If not splitting the trip on Kauai, I prefer to stay central east side...near Kapaa or Wailua. Then I can drive either direction in not too much time, depending on weather, events, etc. Many people diss the traffic on the east shore, but I've never found it a problem.
It sounds as if you must be a Starwood member, so dividing between Princeville and the Sheraton seems like an excellent idea. I've stayed at the Sheraton; the beach is fantastic. Love walking out from the room to the sand and surf.

Well, I would say that if you are organized, don't pack that much, then you can split your time, but you don't have many days, so don't waste your time unless you can pack, tour as you go and then end up at your destination. I personally love Princeville but it is quieter. We did the one day over to the canyon, Poipu, etc. which was fine.

We took the Napali Catamaran and went into a cave. We loved them. Apparently the water can get rough in the afternoons, so I would suggest that you take the morning tour. They can book out fairly early as they are a small company, so book ahead of time. My understanding is that the north side get's to see more of the coast, as compared to taking a tour from the south.

i personally would add two days onto the Kauai portion....if you really want a vacation and not get worn out. If you spend two days LA, 4 in Princeville, 3 in the south somewhere, then 4 San Diego, you may feel like you are moving alot. I tend to do 3-4 days when we go to Europe, but Hawaii...I like lots of days doing not too much of anything!

I don't see anything wrong with splitting your stay between the two sides in June. If it was winter I'd say stay on the south side, but June is a good time for the north shore. You will be able to enjoy both sides that Kauai has to offer. I would skip Waimea since you've seen it already and you only have 6 nights.

Just remember that if you end up on the north side the second half of your stay, get an early headstart for the airport for your return flight. The traffic in Kapaa is still a bit congested mid day. Take the bypass road which will shorten your drive time.

its a very busy schedule. you will be worn out at the end of your trip. it would still be an ADVENTUROUS trip however. Just do what you really want to do. don't have any regrets. Your number 1 prioritiy should be the na pali coast as you haven t seen it the past 2 trips

I really appreciate all the suggestions and your input.
Barbara5353:
Yes, I am a Starwood member, this is why I thought it would be great to just split my time, and as mentioned before I do remember my long days from Princeville to Waimea. At this point I am confused, but I guess I will take the comments from you guys to my friends and we will just have to vote on it. Thank you.

Mariliee12:
I am still working on becoming a light packer, this trip may be a good reason to start doing so. I appreciate the tip about the Napali Catamaran and we are interested in the morning tour for the same reason. Unfortunately we have purchased our tickets already and not sure what changing it would cost we were in Hawaii this past June 2007 for 15 days (Maui, BI, Honolulu) when I got together with my friends to plan our “Southern California” trip planning one of the girls mentioned lets see Kauai since we missed it last year and before they changed their mind I added it to itinerary and bought tickets.

offlady:
The rest of my group has never been to Kauai this is why I can’t skip Waimea besides the fact that I really love that place! The good thing about our flight back does not leave Kauai until 11:00 p.m. so we should be alright thanks for the tip.

Infamous82:
Thanks for your kind words, I honestly enjoy doing as much as I can while on vacation, life is short we never know what tomorrow holds or if we will get a chance to do it again when I get to my destination I know I am blessed to be able to enjoy what ever it is I am doing, some people like to relax I don’t I want to take in as much as I can. I am young and the day will come when I take a trip to an island and all I want to do is seat under a tree with a good book now, is not that time. Besides I always come home (against my better judgment, but an arrangement I have with my traveling buddies) a few days before going back to work so I get to relax then.

Again you guys are great and thank you for all your assistance.
Gina

"I am young and the day will come when I take a trip to an island and all I want to do is seat under a tree with a good book now, is not that time."

I'm sorry, but I don't think age has anything to do with being able to relax or not on vacation. It is not about age, but frame of mind and attitude. Sitting under a tree, reading a good book appealed to me at 18. Sometimes I think I am more adventurous and busy now on vacations than I was 40 years ago.

Have a great trip.

Dishdelish:
AT no time did a make my comment to upset anyone and yes, you are right WE are all entitled to enjoy OUR vacation as it is best for each excuse me for my poor choice of words. Thank you for your good wish.
Gina

Sorry for the mistakes did not check prior to sending.
Gina