Kauai Trip Report (part I)
Jun 13th, 2001 | 09:44 AM
#2
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Day 1, Monday:
We arrived in Kauai around 8pm (versus our scheduled time of noon, no fault but our own as we missed our flight). So we picked up our rental car and drove about 25 minutes to our hotel in Poipu, the Hyatt. We checked in and hit the sack.
Day 2, Tuesday (NORTH SIDE):
We woke up and toured the Hyatt property... wow, we were amazed. It was so beautiful. The pool was so unique being a lagoon pool complete with sand and black/brown bottom to match the lava rocks surrounding it and even salt water! The other two pools wound around the area with waterfalls and even a really neat waterslide. The beach was great, not like that of Kaanapali on Maui, but reminded me of my hometown of San Diego..... with waves that can probably be a little intimidating to those use to bay-like water, but the soothing sound of them is enough to put you into vacation mode. We saw people swimming and boggie boarding as it wasn't that rough since it was May.
We then headed out to rent our snorkel gear (at Snorkel Bob's). We rented the middle priced mask (worked great) and the expensive snorkel with the water trap thing (not worth it; it constantly leaked; get the normal kind - you'll be better off). Then we drove up to see the NORTH SIDE.
As we headed north, we took a little back road to check out Moloa's Bay. Our favorite beach of our whole trip! After that we headed to the Kilauea Lighthouse. We ate lunch at the Lighthouse Bistro near the Kilauea Lighthouse. The food was okay as the selection is limited for lunch. [We wanted so much to try the Tropical Taco place for lunch, but I'm pregnant so couldn't wait to get to Hanalei (home of Puff the Magic Dragon). Other lunch/dinner places in the north include Postcards Café, Ono's Burgers, Bali Hai Restaurant, and Zelos.]
We headed on and stopped at the Princeville Hotel -- awesome views of
Hanalei Bay and the "Bali Hai" mountain. Leaving Princeville, the highway drops down into Hanalei Valley and its vast taro fields. [We didn't have time, but head out to the Hanalei Pier and enjoy the beach and riverfront, the Hanalei bridge, and kayak the Hanalei River.] We continued on to the end of the road where we stopped to see Ke'e Beach, beautiful... the 2-lane road squeezes between the ocean and jagged, foliage-laden seacliffs. And just before Ke'e we stopped at Tunnels to snorkel (was not clear water the time we got there, but heard it's usually super).
[Other great beaches we didn't have time for, but did drive past:
Pali Ke Kua (Hideaways), Hanalei Beach State Park - Hanalei has some of its own secret snorkel spots... get a list at Snorkel Bob's, Hanalei Bay (great beach), Haena State Park, and Anini Beach.]
We headed back and stopped in to Queen's Bath, a beautiful and fun lava rock tide pool just below the Princeville area.
We came back to the hotel and ate at Tidepools for dinner (our anniversary). It was our best meal on the island.
We arrived in Kauai around 8pm (versus our scheduled time of noon, no fault but our own as we missed our flight). So we picked up our rental car and drove about 25 minutes to our hotel in Poipu, the Hyatt. We checked in and hit the sack.
Day 2, Tuesday (NORTH SIDE):
We woke up and toured the Hyatt property... wow, we were amazed. It was so beautiful. The pool was so unique being a lagoon pool complete with sand and black/brown bottom to match the lava rocks surrounding it and even salt water! The other two pools wound around the area with waterfalls and even a really neat waterslide. The beach was great, not like that of Kaanapali on Maui, but reminded me of my hometown of San Diego..... with waves that can probably be a little intimidating to those use to bay-like water, but the soothing sound of them is enough to put you into vacation mode. We saw people swimming and boggie boarding as it wasn't that rough since it was May.
We then headed out to rent our snorkel gear (at Snorkel Bob's). We rented the middle priced mask (worked great) and the expensive snorkel with the water trap thing (not worth it; it constantly leaked; get the normal kind - you'll be better off). Then we drove up to see the NORTH SIDE.
As we headed north, we took a little back road to check out Moloa's Bay. Our favorite beach of our whole trip! After that we headed to the Kilauea Lighthouse. We ate lunch at the Lighthouse Bistro near the Kilauea Lighthouse. The food was okay as the selection is limited for lunch. [We wanted so much to try the Tropical Taco place for lunch, but I'm pregnant so couldn't wait to get to Hanalei (home of Puff the Magic Dragon). Other lunch/dinner places in the north include Postcards Café, Ono's Burgers, Bali Hai Restaurant, and Zelos.]
We headed on and stopped at the Princeville Hotel -- awesome views of
Hanalei Bay and the "Bali Hai" mountain. Leaving Princeville, the highway drops down into Hanalei Valley and its vast taro fields. [We didn't have time, but head out to the Hanalei Pier and enjoy the beach and riverfront, the Hanalei bridge, and kayak the Hanalei River.] We continued on to the end of the road where we stopped to see Ke'e Beach, beautiful... the 2-lane road squeezes between the ocean and jagged, foliage-laden seacliffs. And just before Ke'e we stopped at Tunnels to snorkel (was not clear water the time we got there, but heard it's usually super).
[Other great beaches we didn't have time for, but did drive past:
Pali Ke Kua (Hideaways), Hanalei Beach State Park - Hanalei has some of its own secret snorkel spots... get a list at Snorkel Bob's, Hanalei Bay (great beach), Haena State Park, and Anini Beach.]
We headed back and stopped in to Queen's Bath, a beautiful and fun lava rock tide pool just below the Princeville area.
We came back to the hotel and ate at Tidepools for dinner (our anniversary). It was our best meal on the island.
Jun 13th, 2001 | 09:45 AM
#3
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DAY 3, WEDNESDAY: (EAST SIDE)
We drove to see the spectacular Wailua Falls (used on the opening scene of Fantasy Island tv show). We continued back on the main highway heading east and turned in to see Opaeka'a Falls then continued down the road until we hit a river literally going over the road (we didn't have a 4-wheel drive so decided against going thru it). It was a pretty drive though. Next we stopped in to see Lydegate Park/Beach. A nice all around place to snorkel and picnic (has picnic benches). There is also a kiddie area and all the snorkeling is surrounded by a man made rock barrier that keeps the waves out during the windiest weather. There's a great play area with loads of things for kids to climb on. We did a boat tour up the Wailua River to the Fern Grotto (kind of cheesy and the diesel fuel from the boat was too much for me - remember I'm pregnant). [Would've much rather kayaked on our own up the river]. We went to Smith's Tropical Paradise Luau (M,W,F only) - check in @ 5pm (so do the last boat tour up to Fern Grotto at 3pm). We shopped at the Coconut Marketplace nearby for shopping.
[We didn't have a chance but heard about Kipu Falls and to take a jeep ride up the back roads beyond Keahua Arboretum into the tropical jungle areas near Waialeale. An easy hike, from the town of Kapa`a, take the road to the right of the Wailua River up past the falls, to the backside of Sleeping Giant Mountain. The nature trail at the end of that road will take you through the nearest thing Kaua`i has to a rainforest environment. Hike up the backside of the Sleeping Giant Mountain. 360 degree view of the Coconut Coast and surrounding mountains.]
Suggested restaurants: A Pacific Cafe, Gaylord's and The Bull Shed in Kapa'a.
We drove to see the spectacular Wailua Falls (used on the opening scene of Fantasy Island tv show). We continued back on the main highway heading east and turned in to see Opaeka'a Falls then continued down the road until we hit a river literally going over the road (we didn't have a 4-wheel drive so decided against going thru it). It was a pretty drive though. Next we stopped in to see Lydegate Park/Beach. A nice all around place to snorkel and picnic (has picnic benches). There is also a kiddie area and all the snorkeling is surrounded by a man made rock barrier that keeps the waves out during the windiest weather. There's a great play area with loads of things for kids to climb on. We did a boat tour up the Wailua River to the Fern Grotto (kind of cheesy and the diesel fuel from the boat was too much for me - remember I'm pregnant). [Would've much rather kayaked on our own up the river]. We went to Smith's Tropical Paradise Luau (M,W,F only) - check in @ 5pm (so do the last boat tour up to Fern Grotto at 3pm). We shopped at the Coconut Marketplace nearby for shopping.
[We didn't have a chance but heard about Kipu Falls and to take a jeep ride up the back roads beyond Keahua Arboretum into the tropical jungle areas near Waialeale. An easy hike, from the town of Kapa`a, take the road to the right of the Wailua River up past the falls, to the backside of Sleeping Giant Mountain. The nature trail at the end of that road will take you through the nearest thing Kaua`i has to a rainforest environment. Hike up the backside of the Sleeping Giant Mountain. 360 degree view of the Coconut Coast and surrounding mountains.]
Suggested restaurants: A Pacific Cafe, Gaylord's and The Bull Shed in Kapa'a.
Jun 13th, 2001 | 09:46 AM
#4
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DAY 4, Thursday (WEST SIDE)
Headed out West from our hotel to Waimea and drove inland to see the Menehune Ditch at the swinging bridge (nothing big, in fact we almost missed it). We stopped in for a snow cone at Jo-Jo's (good stuff). We drove up to Waimea Canyon and really enjoyed the view from the Kalalau Lookout and explored Kokee State Park once we got to the top. Saw Kalalau Valley from the other side - the lookout at Kokee State Park. Supposedly gorgeous on a clear day, but it was overcast. We headed back down the mountain and continued west where we signed in to get on base and saw Major's Bay and tried to get to Barking Sands beach, but a training exercise was going on so the beach was closed (we wanted to hear if the sand really made barking sounds when you walked on it). Then there's Polihali Beach at the end, but it's difficult to get to (we looked and decided since we didn't have a 4-wheel drive we wouldn't risk it). [We heard that Friday night in Hannappe is pretty active - walk the street lined with artist's studios as street musicians play.]
We headed back to the hotel and ate at Roy's (south side) in the Poipu shopping center. Awesome service and great food, but a noisy atmosphere.
Day 5, Friday:
We did the Na Pali Coast by boat, the Blue Dolphin morning catamaran tour. Beautiful on the way out and the waters just before you round the bend of the Na Pali coast was so smooth and the water so clear and blue/turquoise. We encountered some dolphins and a few turtles, that was really neat! It got a little rough while viewing the Na Pali coast part, but the views were great! We turned around and snorkeled back by the smooth part. Had a spectacular deli lunch and then headed back towards Port Allen. The last hour of the boat ride was really, really rough. The sick part wasn't the issue (there was only one lady who got sick), but the pounding really concerned me - remember I'm pregnant. But all is well and I'm glad I can say we did it!
That evening we headed back up to the east side and toured the Marriott grounds and had dinner at Duke's. I heard so many good things, but I have to say it was awful!! The salad bar is pretty cheesy, the service was so-so (maybe a Hawaiin thing) and my lobster was undercooked - yuck! We heard a guy at the next table complaining to his waiter about how awful his steak was too! It was very disappointing.
Day 6, Saturday: (SOUTH SIDE)
We headed to Poipu Beach - a great place to snorkel. It's a very safe place where two lagoons come together that is neat to walk across. After awesome snorkeling we headed down further to see the Spouting Horn.
[Though we didn't have a chance, there's great snorkeling at Lawai Beach that's a little further down the road from Poipu Beach. A magnificent beach is Mahaulepu Beach, which is difficult to find because you have to go down an unmarked dirt road to get there, but it's worth the trip, and your concierge can give you specific directions.]
We had dinner at the Beach House by Lawai Beach. Awesome view with great food! [Heard Brennecke's Beach Broiler was good for a more laid back lunch or dinner.]
Day 7:
Time to head out and back home.
Headed out West from our hotel to Waimea and drove inland to see the Menehune Ditch at the swinging bridge (nothing big, in fact we almost missed it). We stopped in for a snow cone at Jo-Jo's (good stuff). We drove up to Waimea Canyon and really enjoyed the view from the Kalalau Lookout and explored Kokee State Park once we got to the top. Saw Kalalau Valley from the other side - the lookout at Kokee State Park. Supposedly gorgeous on a clear day, but it was overcast. We headed back down the mountain and continued west where we signed in to get on base and saw Major's Bay and tried to get to Barking Sands beach, but a training exercise was going on so the beach was closed (we wanted to hear if the sand really made barking sounds when you walked on it). Then there's Polihali Beach at the end, but it's difficult to get to (we looked and decided since we didn't have a 4-wheel drive we wouldn't risk it). [We heard that Friday night in Hannappe is pretty active - walk the street lined with artist's studios as street musicians play.]
We headed back to the hotel and ate at Roy's (south side) in the Poipu shopping center. Awesome service and great food, but a noisy atmosphere.
Day 5, Friday:
We did the Na Pali Coast by boat, the Blue Dolphin morning catamaran tour. Beautiful on the way out and the waters just before you round the bend of the Na Pali coast was so smooth and the water so clear and blue/turquoise. We encountered some dolphins and a few turtles, that was really neat! It got a little rough while viewing the Na Pali coast part, but the views were great! We turned around and snorkeled back by the smooth part. Had a spectacular deli lunch and then headed back towards Port Allen. The last hour of the boat ride was really, really rough. The sick part wasn't the issue (there was only one lady who got sick), but the pounding really concerned me - remember I'm pregnant. But all is well and I'm glad I can say we did it!
That evening we headed back up to the east side and toured the Marriott grounds and had dinner at Duke's. I heard so many good things, but I have to say it was awful!! The salad bar is pretty cheesy, the service was so-so (maybe a Hawaiin thing) and my lobster was undercooked - yuck! We heard a guy at the next table complaining to his waiter about how awful his steak was too! It was very disappointing.
Day 6, Saturday: (SOUTH SIDE)
We headed to Poipu Beach - a great place to snorkel. It's a very safe place where two lagoons come together that is neat to walk across. After awesome snorkeling we headed down further to see the Spouting Horn.
[Though we didn't have a chance, there's great snorkeling at Lawai Beach that's a little further down the road from Poipu Beach. A magnificent beach is Mahaulepu Beach, which is difficult to find because you have to go down an unmarked dirt road to get there, but it's worth the trip, and your concierge can give you specific directions.]
We had dinner at the Beach House by Lawai Beach. Awesome view with great food! [Heard Brennecke's Beach Broiler was good for a more laid back lunch or dinner.]
Day 7:
Time to head out and back home.
Jun 13th, 2001 | 10:06 AM
#6
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Fabulous trip report - thank you! We're staying at the Hyatt in July and are so excited. If you don't mind (A previous post got me thinking) can you compare the Hyatt with Princeville just in terms of the hotel? We had a hard time choosing between the two.
Kristy
Kristy
Jun 13th, 2001 | 01:09 PM
#7
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In our opinion, we don't see what the big hype is over the Princeville Hotel. I mean it's a beautiful, upscale hotel with nice nick-nacks, a fancy hotel lobby fireplace, gorgeous pictures and fabulous views since the hotel is a top a cliff, but that's about it. Also bear in mind we went as far as the lobby and outside terraces for the view so maybe we missed something. Is there a pool? We didn't even see one and who knows how, if at all, you access a beach since it's pretty high up a cliff.
The Hyatt, IMHO, was out of this world. Also, the hotel was sold out, but as we walked the 52 acres of hotel grounds, it sure didn't seem sold out. So peaceful as you lounge by the awesome pool and hear the waves crash on the beach just yards away. The rooms are really spread out. The Ilimu (sp?) Terrace (where our breakfast was included in the price each morning) reminded me a lot of the same breakfast place in the Maui Hyatt, with ponds, swans and open.
And maybe our opinion is based on the kind of people we are and what we prefer in a hotel. We love awesome pool grounds with activities (waterslides, river pool that's fun to explore and waterfalls, etc). We also like being close to the ocean. And the service at the Hyatt was great. You don't feel like you walked into the Emperor's Palace with feelings of being out of place because I wasn't wearing pearls that day, not that any of Hawaii is like that, but that's how I feel in places like Princeville and Grand Wailea in Maui. The Kauai Hyatt is 5 star hotel without the feeling that you have to make a million bucks to stay there.
The Hyatt, IMHO, was out of this world. Also, the hotel was sold out, but as we walked the 52 acres of hotel grounds, it sure didn't seem sold out. So peaceful as you lounge by the awesome pool and hear the waves crash on the beach just yards away. The rooms are really spread out. The Ilimu (sp?) Terrace (where our breakfast was included in the price each morning) reminded me a lot of the same breakfast place in the Maui Hyatt, with ponds, swans and open.
And maybe our opinion is based on the kind of people we are and what we prefer in a hotel. We love awesome pool grounds with activities (waterslides, river pool that's fun to explore and waterfalls, etc). We also like being close to the ocean. And the service at the Hyatt was great. You don't feel like you walked into the Emperor's Palace with feelings of being out of place because I wasn't wearing pearls that day, not that any of Hawaii is like that, but that's how I feel in places like Princeville and Grand Wailea in Maui. The Kauai Hyatt is 5 star hotel without the feeling that you have to make a million bucks to stay there.
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Jun 13th, 2001 | 04:01 PM
#8
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kstelzner:
Loved your trip report, and glad you're another Hyatt Kauai lover! My partner and I have stayed there twice within a 3 yr period, 10/00 being the most recent. Hope anyone that is deciding between the Hyatt or the Princeville Resort should read your review. I have a review posted on www.epinions.comon the Hyatt. I also have a review on the Hanalei Bay Resort, which is above the Princeville Resort on a hill. What a DUMP! And they have the nerve to csll it a resort! We had split our stay, and had the unfortunate timing to stay at the Hyatt 1st. Man!, what a let down!
Loved your trip report, and glad you're another Hyatt Kauai lover! My partner and I have stayed there twice within a 3 yr period, 10/00 being the most recent. Hope anyone that is deciding between the Hyatt or the Princeville Resort should read your review. I have a review posted on www.epinions.comon the Hyatt. I also have a review on the Hanalei Bay Resort, which is above the Princeville Resort on a hill. What a DUMP! And they have the nerve to csll it a resort! We had split our stay, and had the unfortunate timing to stay at the Hyatt 1st. Man!, what a let down!
Jun 14th, 2001 | 08:14 AM
#9
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kstelzner - Just a note. Too bad your experience at the Hanalei Bay Resort was so negative. We have been staying there for many years and I can understand your dilemma. The resort, per se, is not a dump. The grounds are carefully manicured. The location is superb and the views magnificent, however, since this resort has gone timeshare, many of the rooms are in a state of disrepair as they are purchased and refurbished. We debated staying there this past February, but "handpicked" our unit, which was located in Bamboo. Nothing fronted our unit except for the magnificent view of Bali Hai and Hanalei Bay. Unfortunately, some are paying the $200-$300 price tag per night for shabby accommodations. This is inexcusable. Hopefully, anyone who is considering the HBR should investigate thoroughly what is available and rent through an off-site realtor. This is what we did.
