Must do's on Kauai
 

We're headed to Kauai for the first time in March 2010. We have rented a condo, and plan to rent a car for our 14-day stay. Can anyone suggest some "must do's" while on Kauai?

There are guidebooks full of this sort of information.

You could also search on this board for other posts about Kauai.

Very helpful tip!

Are you staying north or south?

Are you with kids or no? Outdoorsy?

I'd suggest the secret falls kayak. It will take a day.
-Drive up through Waimea - this will take 3-4 hours with stops.
-On the north shore, go to the Kilauea Lighthouse
-On the south shore, go to the botanical gardens for morning walk.
-Go to Barking Sands Beach on the West Side, even though it is in the wide open, it is very private and empty. I would not swim there though unless you are careful, or watch the water.
-The south shore beaches will be calmer than the north shore in March and better for swimming/snorkeling
Go to the farmers markets! You have to arrive early - everything disappears fast.
-Watch the sunset every night
-Go have drinks at the Hyatt and walk the grounds - they are very manicured. We just go to the Stevenson's Library bar normally as they have billiards and chess to play.
-Depending on where you are staying, the Fish Express in Lihue across from the wall mart is the best place to buy fish, cheaper and fresher. They also have smoked/jerky ahi.


Also, pick up The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook. It has tons of info in it. After 13 trips to Kauai, I read the copy left behind in my in-laws condo when we were there over the summer and it had more in it than I would have thought and a pretty good guide to all the beaches.

I have done the helicopter ride, it is expensive, but was enjoyable - it is not a necessity. I think we used Jack Harter as it was best rated, but that was in 2005, I think.

This sounds really disgusting but, I got this from the guidebook book I mentioned so we tried it and it was super fab - spread mayonnaise on your ahi prior to grilling. The fat will all burn off creating a really good sear on the fish while keeping the interior raw. It doesn't really add any flavor...

1. Explore the NaPali Coast (many options-hiking, boat, aerial).
2. Visit Waimea Canyon and drive on to Kalaulau Overlook.
3. Drive north through Hanalei to where the road ends on the North Shore (Ke`e Beach).
4. Stop for some Shave Ice, preferably over Macadamia nut ice cream. :P

For more: www.101thingstodo.com
:S-

I just saw on your other thread you are on Poipu. That is a good beach, we stay at Poipu Kapili. Back to the fish market thing, make the drive to the Fish Express, the prices at the fish market in Koloa town are double. Also, check out the handmade soaps and candles at Island Soap and there are nice perfumes and lotions at the Emperor's Emporium.

If you are considering a luau, the Smith Family Luau was entertaining. We did Jack Harter helicopter tour, very pricey but very worth every penny. Views of the Na Pali coast, the Canyon, etc were spectacular. Leisurely trip from Hanalei town to Ke'e beach, stopping frequently along the way. We also liked a catamaran tour on Holoholo along Na Pali.

Would recommend you get Ultimate Kauai Guidebook, it has all the info that you need.

Enjoy Paradise!

Sunday brunch at Gaylord's Plantation
Humura Saimin for --- Saimin
When you drive to where the road ends at the Northwest corner of the island (Ke'e Beach) start the hike. Go as far as you want, but at least do the the first mile (approx) until you reach the open point where you can see the spectacular cliffs and shore looking down the coast.
Go to the Kilaweau Lighthouse and National Wildlife Refuge -- I think it's the prettiest spot perhaps in all of the Hawaiian Islands.
Another must do -- get a convertible. It's like night and day from driving INSIDE a car.

Ha, Patrick, wish we had a convertible instead of a box-with-wheels!

I booked regular cars at discount with carrentalhawaii. But about a week before going to each island, I bid Priceline for convertibles and got them at the same price as the pre-booked regular cars -- so was able to cancel those and switch. Glad I did.

I think one of the best things about Kauai is the natural beauty. There are so many things to do that don't require any money.

One thing we love to do there is go hiking. If you drive up to Waimea Canyon (I think early morning is best), park your car and then hike for another 1/2 mile or so you will be rewarded with an incredibly gorgeous view. There is also a wonderful trail that starts at Ke'e Beach.

We also love to snorkel on Kauai. There are many beaches where you can just walk into the water and snorkel. Also, taking a boat/snorkeling trip and seeing the Napali Cliffs is something you'll never forget.

We took a helicopter trip on Kauai. Of all the Hawaiian islands, I think Kauai is the best one to see by helicopter. It IS expensive, and we probably wouldn't do it again because of the expense, but I'm SO glad we were able to experience this.

Above all, in Kauai, I think one of the most important things is to sit back, relax and take in the experience. And take lots of pictures! :)

We like driving up to the Waimea Canyon and taking some of the hikes there. One of the best is along the ridge at the road's end where there are spectacular views of the Kalalau Valley. The towns of Waimea and Hanapepe are very quaint and Salt Pond Beach Park is where we take a swim at the end of the perfect day. Have a good guidebook with directions like Kauai Trailblazer.

For all there is to do there you can get ideas at www.trailblazerhawaii.com

You definitely need to do a Na Pali Coast "doors off" helicopter tour. It was absolutely breathtaking and incredible.

Hubby and I took ours with Jack Harter Helicopter Tours. They were wonderful.

Pali Hali State Beach Park is a must see if open

You will love Po'ipu - many sea turtles and monk seals right on the beach.

Capt Andy's snorkel trip along the Na Pali coast - is so fun. You will have dolphins swimming along side of the boat. But this trip is not for the weak stomach.

Biggest waste of money is the Wailua River Kayak. You do not need to pay for a guide to take you...do it yourself...if at all...it is pretty lame.

We just got back from Kauai and stayed at the Grand Hyatt which is a stunning hotel..
everyone has given you great advice but for the most part you don't need lots of $$ to have fun.
Aloha spirit is everywhere in Kauai..
Really think Capt. Andy's wasn't all that great but the Napili tour is visually stunning but if you have a weak stomach like most, you will be heaving over the side like most people..food and drinks were terrible!
for the $150 per person, I would suggest a helicopter ride.
I am not a luau fan but heard mixed reviews on the Smith family.
Hamura saimin is one of the best places..its a dive but so good!