Na Pali Coast - Kauai
 

Hi<BR>Has anyone recently gone on one of those sailing trips on the Na Pali Coast of Kauai. I'm looking for a recommendation for which tour operator to us. Thanks for your advice in advance.

Greg, we went on a great catamaran sailing/snorkeling trip out of Hanalei Bay, the first (and I believe only) operator to leave from the North Shore. Captain is a true &quot;old salt&quot;, you get to paddle out on an outrigger, and by leaving from the north shore, you see the best part of the coast. Here's the website:<BR><BR>http://www.captainsundown.com/snorkelsail.html<BR><BR>I'm assuming you're going in summer...too rough in winter months.<BR><BR>

I noticed that the book &quot;Ultimate Guide to Kauai&quot; states specifically that it doesn't recommend the Captain's Na Pali trip. Any idea why??<BR>

Sue...where does it say that? I was curious and looked in my copy of Kauai Revealed, and couldn't find any mention of Captain Sundown, good or bad. Are you sure you don't have your captains mixed up? :)

We went on HoloHolo's motor cat out of Port Allen last Sept. It was a great trip, lots of fun, wish I was there now !

Joan, The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook says the third north shore catamaran, Captain Sundown, is a company we can't recommend. We are leaving Thursday, March 13th for Kauai and I am leaning toward going on Holoholo Charters. The website shows it is $156 pp. Anyone suggest a tour company to discount this or just bite the bullet and pay it?

We also took HoloHolo Charters out of Port Allen a year ago. It was an awesome trip. We lucked out as the operators told us that it was one of the calmest days they had had all winter. We were able to to do the Niihau trip that you snorkel off the island. Actually we snorkeled closer to the bird santuary that is across from Niihau.<BR><BR>I was impressed with this company as they actually seemed to care about the environment. On the way there and back anytime they saw something floating in the water they would take it out. While we were still anchored <BR>after lunch somebody accidently dropped a metal fork into the ocean and they went to retrieve it. They found it but now I'm kind of wondering how. Wasn't the water really deep? They also told us right away that they would not go chasing after the whales but they needed to come to us. <BR><BR>My husband told me if I would have been listening it was an informative trip. I was so mesmerized by the beauty I think I was in a trance.<BR>I didn't find this to be a big party boat but that wasn't what we were looking for. I would highly recommend the Na Pali trip whether it is with HoloHolo or another company. <BR><BR>

iceeu2,<BR><BR>I guess you're doing the Niihau &amp; Napali morning trip ? I know we didn't pay $150pp, we did the so-ccalled sunset trip which is about 3-6pm. Depending on seas, it gets as far up the coast as Kalalau - you can see Kee from there - before turning back &amp; returning via caves/waterfalls etc, awesome trip, hospitable crew. In fact I'm wearing my Holoholo T-shirt now tho' I see they don't give them away anymore (last year you got one if you made online reservation).<BR>Enjoy your trip.<BR>Paul

Correction, they are still giving T's for online booking but you have to remind them to get it when you check in !<BR>p.

icee, what edition of the guidebook do you have? I have the 4th edition and can't find it - thought that was the newest! Anyway, if you could give me a page number, I'd appreciate that...we enjoyed Captain Sundown, and maybe I'll email wizardpub and ask them about it.

I also went on Captain Sundown for the reason that they leave from the north shore and you get to see the best of the Na Pali coast. We truly enjoyed the trip and especially loved the outrigger paddle in and out. The crew was great and best of all it is a small group of about 16. Would recommend it to anyone.

Hi Greg,<BR><BR>I did Captain Sundown out of Hanalei unless I have the name wrong. I did it 3 years ago. <BR>This is just one honest opinion. If you have never done a tour like this in the Mediterranean or red sea, or (guessing) the Caribbean than by all means go for it.<BR><BR>I was not so impressed. The waters were choppy (summer) and the fish were better in the Red Sea. Someone once told me that I would miss the Napali Coast if I did not do this boat tour. I was to Kauai about 5 times before I took this tour. It was fun and a day filler but it did not strike me as a must do. Now hiking the Kalalau trail in my opinion is a must do. The views perched above a bluff into the distance are striking. I think being on the edge of the land on that trail you are more in touch with the unique quality of the landscape. That was my experience anyway.<BR><BR>Just have to judge your sea legs and the number of trips you have done like this. That is all I am saying. I have sent people that have loved the boat trips it just was not so incredible for me. Landscape was dry the year I went and reminded me of similar boat trips in Greece, Egypt,Turkey.<BR>

Alohaaaa All,<BR>Happy Monday to all the usual suspects?<BR><BR>We like laying on either Salt Pond, Kekaha, Polihale or Hanakapai Beaches during the winter months watching a lot of tourists &quot;chumming&quot; the waters off the NaPali. ;-)<BR><BR>292...or maybe sooner?<BR>Kal

iceeu<BR>Just looked over your post of recommendations in Kauai Ultimate Guide. While I told you earlier I don't think this is a must do event. I don't think there is any problem with Captain Sundown if this kind of trip appeals to you.<BR><BR>I have been using that guide book for a few summers now. I did notice this last summer that they did not like some places that I love. The criticism by the book just did not hold true and seemed flip. This made me think some may have rubbed the authors the wrong way in the community and the result was a slight in the book.<BR><BR>There is a great shave ice place in Hanalei in a blue trailer as you drive down the main drag. The couple is moving on in years, very friendly and hard working. They always give kids an extra treat in there shave ice. Ultimate guide tells you that you get attitude here. They also down play Lapperts because of the cost. I think people miss out if they don't try Lapperts even if the cost is high. 37% butterfat when most ice cream only carries 17%YUM YUM YUM!!! PS the little blue trailer uses Lapperts ice cream on the cheap!!<BR><BR>Ok I guess these sound like silly examples but it bugs me when a guide book on such a small island trashes a small business without qualifying it. I would not exclude Captain Sundown based on their opinion. I am sure that book and author have political clout on the island. There are a number of Hanalei home owners who would love to see an end to all those boat tours.<BR><BR>Honohono does look fun in the commercial, I can still here the beating drums. Just remember you will be on board with about 75 people. Think of what the engines of that boat do to scare off marine life versus the silent sail of Captain Sundown (16person max). Just a thought if this is something that you want to do.<BR><BR>PS thanks for filling my head with thoughts of Kauai on this cold (19degrees) NYC morning!

HI KAL<BR><BR>You know it has been since August for me you have no excuse to be missing Kauai so soon!

Just one more note about Captain Sundown: The reason we chose this trip was becasue they actually sail as opposed to motoring all over with a sail up. Since I prefer sailing over all other activities, the combination of sailing and seeing the Na Pali coast was too good to pass up.<BR><BR>I do agree with Sarah about the whole politics of sailing out of the north shore. You'd be amazed at the local politics with regard to this. Actually the captain will talk about it if you ask. Good Sailing topic!!!

Sarah, 19 degrees?!?!?!?<BR>Suzie...did it get down that low on your side of town last night? :-D<BR><BR>We were missing Kauai on the flight from Lihue to Honolulu!<BR><BR>You are right about the politics of tours on Kauai. <BR>Mrs Kal was getting pizzed when I was watching the local cable channel's broadcast of those public meetings 2yrs ago. Fascinating.<BR><BR>Not as fun as watching our local fave group of &quot;Partick Henry's&quot; tho.<BR>Kal

Joan- I have the 4th edition of the Ultimate Kauai Guidebook.. The section your are looking for is on page 162 under Power Catamarans...Ok guys, we leave in 3 more days!! Give me the last minute skinny for anything we just must absolutely know!!! I'M SO EXCITED &amp; I JUST CAN'T HIDE IT.....AND I THINK I LIKE IT!!!!!!

cute Iceeu2!<BR><BR>Did you read what I said about the boat Trips. Where are you staying?

Hi again ICEU I just saw you were at the Ilikai on Oahu. I have stayed in the main building of that hotel for 1-2months 3 summers in row back in the mid 90's. I like that hotel and I think you will be pleasantly surprised at what your money has awarded you. Try to get into the main buiding if they give you an option. I have been told that the rooms facing the Marina (NOT MARINA ANNEX)have the best views but we have been happy with every view they ever gave us including city. Again we have only ever been in the main building. You are high up so the lights and the mountains as a back drop are dramatic. Most units are fairly nice with kitchens, lanais, table, couch and twin beds when I was there.<BR><BR>I like taking walks down in the Marina. You can do this late at night or early morning. Sometimes there are amaizing yahts parked there. I think you will like walking the stretch of Waikiki in the morning, picking up coffee, breakfast. You could walk to any great buffet in waikiki. My suggestions would be once at either the Royal Hawaiian, Moana Surfrider or the Orchid at the Halekulani. If you are big time breakfast girl then drive out the Kahala Mandarin Oriental.<BR><BR>Ok since you are right next to the Hilton you want to go over Friday night at 5:30 (I think) for the free show by their pool, fireworks after it is over.<BR><BR>PS Some trivia about that hotel. Remember the opening to Hawaii Five O when Dano was standing on a roof and holding Walki-Talki? That was the Ilikai. The Marina was the Marina used OR SO I AM TOLD in the opening to Giligans Island. The later may be a tall tale but I am sure about Hawaii Five O. How long are you on Oahu for?

Hi Sarah---The info on Oahu sounds great but we are only there for a layover---we are on to Kauai for 2 weeks after that...staying part of the time at Pono Kai and the other 7 days at the Marriott.....So, now, dear Sarah,..give me the Kauai scoop!!

I think I'm losing it. It just ain't in my copy...I read the section four times...oh well I'll go have a mai tai and read it again!<BR><BR>(I enjoyed this tour and would like to email wizardpub, giving support for Captain Sundown, but first I have to have their quote...)<BR><BR>Icee have a fabulous time. Wait til you smell the air! That was my biggest surprise!

All they say is that it is a company they can't recommend.<BR>

On of my favorite memories on Kauai is doing a back stroke under the stars in that GIANT POOL!!!. It is so open and largely empty at night but no one minds. We were not staying there then but visiting from Oahu I am embarrassed to say but it is why I can't comment on the rooms.<BR><BR>Ok I am just giving you off the top of my head. I have an amazing wall hanging (Quit) that I bought at a craft store on what I recall being the outskirts of Lihue. This place looks like a little red barn on the major route around the island. Keep your eyes pealed for it. Any other place on most of islands Quilts will be double. Sorry I can't tell you the name. Perhaps KALS or Suzies ears are ringing and they can tell us.<BR><BR>OH OH. If you can stop off in China town before you get on that plane to go to Kauai. (GOOD IDEA BTW TO SPEND TWO WEEKS ON KAUAI).Pick up some leis in China Town. In particular you want Pikaki (sounds like pickaki) and Marqasian Ginger. SOOOO Aromatic for you husband get a cigar lei then let it dry and take home as souvenier. I had one hanging in my house for a couple years. The bright orange ones look the nicest dried.<BR><BR>It use to be kind of an experience to pick up leis in China town. You see them making them and the abundance is nice to view. Apparently there is a shop in Lihue also but I never found it and we went lei less.badumpda! We did find something in the airport but I got the last pikaki lei and the woman opening the fridge door just kind of sighed when I grabbed it. I know and ugly moment but I was leaving Kauai and I was not about to be hero and let her have it :):)!<BR><BR><BR>Since you are going to do the condo thing? Keep your eyes peeled for Tuna in the grocery stores. I would also eat at Roy's on that side of the island at least once. Don't want to cook and want eat somewhere cheep opt for bar food at Keokis not great but ok for reasonably priced food. Take your blockbuster card just in case.<BR><BR>Staying on that side you absolutely must take a drive up to Polihale for one sunset. We worked in after a day hiking in the Canyon. The Canyon trail is a nice trail and you do as little or as much as you can handle. I was with someone that was not a strong hiker and so we only walked for about 45 minutes. Still found incredible views for a picnic.<BR><BR>My favorite trails on that side are awaphiphi (sp)(4 hours),and the Canyon Trail. Polihale is about 35 minutes for Kokee lodge so it fits in nicely. What kind of rental car are you getting? Don't forget to pick up some ice cream a the Lapperts factory in Waimea?<BR><BR>Had most of my experiences in recent memory on that side of the island this past summer. I am usually on the North Shore and just head to that side to hike Kokee, look at the canyon. So that is why you are not seeing a wealth of info here.<BR><BR>Have you checked out Hawaii visitor bureau to see if any events are going on while you are there?

iceeu2,<BR>Color us REALLY jealous now.<BR><BR>Try the &quot;Lihue Shuffle&quot;?<BR>Mrs Kal waits for the baggage while I hot foot it over to the rental car agcy. Sometimes you're lucky and you can p/u the car right across the street at the terminal and not have to take the shuttle to the back lot.<BR><BR>After a 5+hr plane ride, I usually walk over to the back lot.<BR> It's a bit harder now since 9-11 as you now have to go out thru the security gate in the back of the pkg lot. <BR>By time I get the car, Mrs Kal has the bags and we're off to reality (50 weeks of nightmare surrounded by 2 weeks of reality!). <BR>If you try this, make sure whoever stays keeps the luggage stubs because they still check from time to time.<BR><BR>Or if you're not in a real hurry, drop in the a'port bar and have the lovely Val make you a &quot;Tropical Itch&quot;.<BR><BR>And while you're there, if you want to drop us all a line and rub it in, Wild Bills Cafe is next door to the Border's Books in Lihue is a nice i'net cafe.<BR><BR>Taco Tuesday's at Dukes!<BR><BR>Safe travels to you and yours!<BR>Mahalo,<BR>Kal<BR><BR>ps If the mgr at Pono Kai is named Roland...good luck! ;-)

The Quilt shop along that route is on the way to Kokee but just outside lihue not towards Kapaa. This will make more sense to you when you are there.<BR><BR>Also check out Macy's in Lihue Shopping mall. This use to be liberty house and they had quality souviners when I was there. Not the trinket junk but local pottery, Island bedspreads, that sort of thing. Any other stuff you may have forgotten they can direct you. You know about stopping off at wallmart picking up some beach chairs. We do it every trip and then leave them there when we leave. They only run about 20 dollars it is nice to have on hand.

We employed Kals split and fetch idea and got our car long before others on line. We actually got the last SUV on the lot and we did not even order one.

Tell your husband to meet you by the cab station. He can't park there but he can pick you up near there and it will be an easy place for you to both find not knowing the very small airport.

Hey Mai Tai Lovers!!!Now i remember the lyrics to the song!<BR>I'M SO EXCITED!<BR>AND I JUST CAN'T HIDE IT!<BR>I'M ABOUT TO LOSE CONTROL!<BR>AND I THINK I LIKE IT!!<BR>Work is over...so only 2 more days now you jealous Kal and others!!!

How disco of you!!! : )<BR><BR>Hey Kal,don't know how cold it was but after the loverly weekend weather I switched off the heat and forgot to switch it back on. Jumped from the shower into warm clothes and ditched out the door before any other fam woke up. Heard their frozen screams all the way to the 50 corridor. ha!<BR><BR>You people going to Kauai are sooo annoying. At least don't rub it in on a Monday!!!!

Sarah-&quot;Split and fetch&quot;. I like it!<BR>Although &quot;fetch&quot; is the other &quot;f&quot; word I seldom use around Mrs Kal!<BR><BR>Suuuuzz, Brrrrrr. My business counterpart in Chicago told me it was 0 degrees when he got up this a.m. I've NEVER seen 0 degrees although Mrs Kal's cold shoulder and icey stares are quite chilling at times.<BR><BR>icee-Look out the window when you fly over Calif and see if you see me waving to you! ;-D<BR><BR>Ahhhh...Wadda Monday!

Hey Kal....We have to change flights in LAX...Leave Chatt at 8:55 a.m.....and arrive finally in Honolulu at 6:27 p.m....thats 11:30 p.m. our time...Whoa!! So, I will wave to you as we arrive and depart California...Watch for us 2 weeks later as we change planes in LA again!!!! My bags are packed!!

My wife and I are planning a week in Kauai for April. Any thoughts on lodging? We were thinking about staying in Princeville for a few nights and then Poipou for a few nights. Thanks in advance.