We have been to the Big Island and Oahu, and loved both. We're still trying debating our next trip, and are considering going to Hawaii again, this time to Kauai. We would probably stay at the Princeville Resort, since we have free nights we can get from Starwood.

So... please tell me what your favorite things are about the island!

thanks,
dina

Kee Beach, Lumahai Beach, Kilauea Lighthouse, Hanalei, Poipu Beach and Waimea Canyon.

The views from Princeville are some of the most beautiful I've ever, ever seen.

You probably want to wait till the K9s get back from the island, but I can tell you that Princeville was gorgeous.

Be careful, not all the K9s are on the dreaded isle! Some of us go in the summer when it is doesn't rain all the time!

Makua Beach, presided over by Makana Peak is simply spectacular.

-pila

Bill, it sure felt like you were there! Your mana was all over that place.

Ke'e Beach and all the beaches in Ha'ena, Limahuli Garden, any view of the peaks of Makana, Hanalei, Kalalau overlook, Koloa town......

Seeing seals resting on the shore, and seeing turtles in the water.....

it sounds beautiful!

any favorite hikes or kayak trips or other activities??

thanks!
dina

if you loved the BI and Oahu, then you'll definitely love Kauai - so much beauty on the smallest of the major 4

better redeem your SPG points (book) before the end of the month becuz the Pville will more than likely become a Cat 6 resort by Feb 07; it's also slated to become a St Regis sometime in 2007

fav hikes and kayak trips?
here's a post re vid clips of my fav hike (awa'awapuhi nu'alolo loop)and kayak trip (napali coast):
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34846718

can't wait until my return to paradise (late Sep 07)

Kauai is our favorite island, our last visit was aug 2006. Princeville is a nice location and you are near our favorite beach. Lumahi beach is the most beautiful and unbelievable and Anini beach is just awesome. You are near the town of Hanelei and in my opinion the best part of the island. Be sure to buy "The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook" Kauai revealed 5th edition. Follow the directions in the book for locations of beaches ,sights etc., and details. Be sure to rent a convertible no matter what!!!! You will really enjoy the beauty of the island, last time we did not have a convertible and this time we did, what a difference, from now on we will always rent one. There is alot of driving to do and alot of exploring if you like. We visited the Allerton gardens (located near spouting horn, you must make reservations before hand) and it was the hi-light of my trip next to lumahi beach. Also, Be sure to rent back pack chairs with sun umbrellas from snorkel bobs, they come in handy because there is so much packing up and down trails and secret pathways to beaches. Dukes is an awesome, totally Hawaaiian restaurant and bar, sunset drinks and PuPus is must, Keikis, is another Restaurant Located in the Poipu shopping center for dinner, Puka Dogs for lunch at Poipu Shopping center, When you are in Hanalei eat at the old school house Gourmet Restaurant, Casual and really good. There are definite times of the year when one side of the island's surf is extremely rough, August27 Lumahi beach, perfect October 27th Lumahi beach was dangerous and unswimmable, (this is the Princeville side, where you are planning to stay) Kauai is very beautiful and lush not to be missed, It is my favorite island. It has a little bit of everything.

Kauai is our favorite island, our last visit was aug 2006. Princeville is a nice location and you are near our favorite beach. Lumahi beach is the most beautiful and unbelievable and Anini beach is just awesome. You are near the town of Hanelei and in my opinion the best part of the island. Be sure to buy "The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook" Kauai revealed 5th edition. Follow the directions in the book for locations of beaches ,sights etc., and details. Be sure to rent a convertible no matter what!!!! You will really enjoy the beauty of the island, last time we did not have a convertible and this time we did, what a difference, from now on we will always rent one. There is alot of driving to do and alot of exploring if you like. We visited the Allerton gardens (located near spouting horn, you must make reservations before hand) and it was the hi-light of my trip next to lumahi beach. Also, Be sure to rent back pack chairs with sun umbrellas from snorkel bobs, they come in handy because there is so much packing up and down trails and secret pathways to beaches. Dukes is an awesome, totally Hawaaiian restaurant and bar, sunset drinks and PuPus is a must, Keikis, is another Restaurant Located in the Poipu shopping center for dinner, Puka Dogs for lunch at Poipu Shopping center, When you are in Hanalei eat at the old school house Gourmet Restaurant, Casual and really good. There are definite times of the year when one side of the island's surf is extremely rough, August 27 Lumahi beach, perfect October 27th Lumahi beach was dangerous and unswimmable, (this is the Princeville side, where you are planning to stay) Kauai is very beautiful and lush. It is not to be missed, It is my favorite island. It has a little bit of everything.

Kauai is one of the few vacation destinations where I feel truly relaxed after spending time there.

Enjoy the people, the views, the beaches, the food and don't get wrapped up into DOING........just enjoy BEING there.

Dina, I have been to Hawaii 4 times (twice to Kauai), and it and the Big Island are now my favorites. (Although the list does change from time to time!)

Kauai is very manageable to navigate because of its small size, and the views are incredible. The North shore is beautiful, but I also love the Poipu area (and the Hyatt there is great).

A good hike is at the top of Waimea Canyon (the one at the end of the road). It's only about a mile or so, and the views are outstanding!

We plan on returning to Kauai very soon.

Dina, if you do use the "Ultimate Kaua'i Guidebook" please be aware this series of books is controversial. There are several threads here where people discuss the pros and cons. The books tend to direct people to spots that can be dangerous and in some cases may advise trespassing. The books do have wonderful maps and can be useful, but you need to use caution on some of the out-of-the-way locations.

Na'Pali Coast, Kilauea Lighthouse Waimea(not sure if I spelled it correctly) canyon. Hike =Kalalau Valley

Thank you so much, everyone. Kauai sounds like a really special place. I'm sure i'll have more questions when we decide what to do.

We're debating between Kauai, Vancouver Island in BC, and possibly Cape Cod. We obviously want a beach vacation with hiking, kayaking, and relaxing.

Quick question regarding the beaches on the north shore... Are there waves in the summer?

thanks again,
dina

Words simply can not do Kauai justice IMO. It is simply the most beautiful, peaceful place I've ever been. From the moment I stepped off the plane I felt totally at ease, just an overwhelning sense of serenity and bliss. From the Na Pali coast, to Waimea Canyone, to Kipu Kai, to Anini beach, it's paradise on earth. I loved keeping the lanai door open at night and falling asleep to the sound of the gentle sway of the ocean and waking up to the smell of fresh fallen rain. I loved the wacky chikens crowing at all hours, as if they even know that time does not exist in Kauai. I loved spending hours snorkeling, lounging, napping, reading etc. at Anini beach. I stayed in a condo next door to the Princeville, and can't say enough about the north shore. If you go in the summer the north shore beaches tend to be calm (conditions can vary by beach, Anini was always calm, so was Tunnels, but Haena had a wicked undertow). I'll attach a link to my pictures below.

Out of your 3 choices I would pick Kauai, I've been to all 3...Kauai wins hands down.

Where do I begin!!!?? There is so much I love about Kauai, and yet it is difficult to explain. I love the hiking, the beaches, the canyon, the NaPali Coast, the fact that it does not seem like it is over developed and crowded. It seems like a quaint little secluded island.

We have been there 3 times, and the first thing I do when I arrive is take a deep breath, it SMELLS SO GOOD THERE!!!!

I did a trip report on our last 2 week trip there in Jan. 2006, exactly a year ago. You can click on my name to find it.

I love Kauai, so I tell my friends to go to Maui.

This May we are going back to Maui. Haven't been there for 8 yrs. This time staying on Napili Bay. I've been to Maui many times but have only driven to Hana once in 1978, when I was in Jr. Hi school. I now see there are 2 ways to get there. Has anyone driven to Hana lately? The old way, the new way, or both, which is best? thanksZB

re: waves on the north shore. It will be much, much calmer in summer. the big waves come out in winter.