My wife and I will be in Kauai the first week of October and want some suggestions from people that have been. We are planning to stay at the Westin in Princeville. We are renting a car but other than that we are open to fun ideas. We like to hike, kayak, snorkel, zipline, eat great food, and for sure enjoy the Hawaiian sun on the beach. Thank you in advance for any help you all have!!!

One of the best hikes we ever took was the Awa'awapuhi/Nu'alolo/Cliffs Grand Loop. You want to go on a clear day. The views are magnificent and you will probably be the only ones on the trail--as opposed to the first 2 miles of the Kalalau Trail, the beautiful coastal trail on the northshore.

The trailhead starts near the top of Canyon Rd. at Kokee Lodge. You walk down a ways through a forest but then reach the cliffs. Be sure to walk out to Lolo Vista--what a view. You look out at the NaPali Cliffs, down to the Nu'alolo Valley. You will see helicopters beneath you.

Crossing the cliffs can be scary. Check with the rangers for conditions before starting the hike. We hiked this in February but the trail was dry. We didn't have trekking poles but I would take them next time. The trail continues to the Awa'awapuhi Lookout and then you have a climb back up to the road. This trail with stops for views and lunch took us about 6 hours but is one of our favorite all time hikes.

Great time of year for Kauai. Be sure and snorkel at Ke'e Beach, go early to get parking, if full, try mid afternoon when folks hiking the first two miles of the Kalalau trail often return. For food I liked Hanalei Gourmet and have heard good things about Meditteraen Gourmet in Haena. I also like Duke's at the Marriott in Lihue and in Poipu I like Casa d Amici but you probably don't want to drive down to Poipu at night to eat dinner, too bad it is not open for lunch. Last trip I had a really good burger at Duane's Ono Charburger in Anahola, can be a wait sometimes when they are busy. enjoy!

Thank you for the hiking info, sounds amazing! Also for all the food recommendations. The more suggestions the better, it all sounds fun and so good!!! Any places specifically to snorkel... see turtles, possibly dolphins?

Bubba's Burgers in Hanalei is good burger territory. they opened one finally in Poipu....Hope there is stil one in Hanalei.. We generally stay in Poipu so cannot help you for Princeville. You might want to take a snorkeling excursion (Cap'n Andy's) for some fun on the ocean snorkeling. Also fun is bike rentals near Kapaa, tubing down the old plantation canals (need to make advance reservations as they fill up)

There are often turtles at Tunnels, go early to get good parking. I have always seen dolphins on Na Pali coast boat trips, that is a fun activity to do anyway to see that beautiful coastline. Captain Andy and Holo Holo are both very good boats with good food and crew.

Kealia Beach, Hanalei Beach Park is good, Luminai (sp?) (nurses beach from South Pacific) barking sands beach....Poipu Beach Park. 2nd the Capt'n Andy for snorkeling and a fun day. Have done it several times....

My favorite beach near the North Shore is ANINI. If you go drive past the park area to the end of the road and you will find it virtually uncrowded. You can park just off the road and you are steps to the beach. Because of the off shore reef, there are no waves here...it is like a pool. Great place for kids as no danger of huge waves knocking them down. Nice sandy bottom too. Only downside is shallow water not much deeper than your waist, so if you are a serious swimmer, this might be a negative for you. However, the location cannot be beat and it is so serene if you want an afternoon of sunning, reading and sleeping on the beach. I love it there.