Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > United States
Reload this Page >

One-day trip to Kauai

Search

One-day trip to Kauai

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 22nd, 2002, 01:11 AM
  #1  
yvette
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
One-day trip to Kauai

My girl friend and I are taking a five-day vacation in Hawaii. We will mostly stay on Oahu, but would like to take a one-day trip to Kauai. We're not experienced outdoors people, but would like to go on an scenic excursion on foot. Any suggestions?
Also, would it be possible to do this trip without staying overnight on Kauai?
 
Old Sep 22nd, 2002, 04:25 AM
  #2  
BBB
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
If you are going to Kauai for only one day why spend it doing a scenic excursion on foot? You will end up seeing only a very small part of Kauai, and when you get home you will not be able to tell people "what Kauai is like". Spend your one day on Kauai by taking a quick look at as much of Kauai as you can see. Do your hiking on Oahu.
 
Old Sep 22nd, 2002, 05:34 AM
  #3  
Duane
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
More power to you. With a 5 day trip I wouldn't go to Kauai for just a day. Nothing against Kauai, I spent 2 weeks there and loved it. Kauai is just too beautiful to spend a day there.

Besides, there are enough cool spots on Oahu to keep you busy. Plenty of places to hike, ride horses, go surfing, etc. Why run yourself ragged just to visit the island for a few hours?

If you decide to go, I am sure you'll like it. I have talked to a few people that have gone over and back in a day. Very hurried and very tired afterward. But, they had over a week to recuperate where you have 5 days total.

Whatever you decide, enjoy!
Duane
 
Old Sep 22nd, 2002, 05:35 AM
  #4  
Duane
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
More power to you. With a 5 day trip I wouldn't go to Kauai for just a day. Nothing against Kauai, I spent 2 weeks there and loved it. Kauai is just too beautiful to spend a day there.

Besides, there are enough cool spots on Oahu to keep you busy. Plenty of places to hike, ride horses, go surfing, etc. Why run yourself ragged just to visit the island for a few hours?

If you decide to go, I am sure you'll like it. Take a helicopter tour - you'll see the heart of Kauai in the timeframe you have available. I have talked to a few people that have gone over and back in a day. Very hurried and very tired afterward. But, they had over a week to recuperate where you have 5 days total.

Whatever you decide, enjoy!
Duane
 
Old Sep 22nd, 2002, 06:40 AM
  #5  
aloha
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
I agree with the above posts--there is plenty of scenic walking on O'ahu. I do think it's possible to go to Kaua'i and back to O'ahu in a day; there are inter island flights about every half hour.

To plan a day in Kaua'i I would shut my eyes and envision what it is that made me decide to go there. Then research where that is on the island and make a beeline there, soak it in for a few hours, and fly back. (You'll probably have to rent a car.) The most recommended guidebook is the Ultimate Kaua'i guidebook. I'm not aware of any organized day trips from O'ahu to Kaua'i.

If I could only be there one day, I would go to Ke'e (end of the road on north shore), stop at Tunnels, and just walk on the beaches for as many hours as I could squeeze in.
 
Old Sep 22nd, 2002, 07:07 AM
  #6  
jeff
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
I agree with other replies, hike on Oahu. But, why don't you consider a helicopter ride over Kauai, lunch at A Pacific Cafe or Gaylords in Hanalei and a couple hours on a semi secluded beach.
 
Old Sep 22nd, 2002, 08:10 AM
  #7  
yvette
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Thanks, everyone, for all the advice! I guess the hiking on Kauai should wait. Now, what would be a scenic hiking trail on Oahu?
 
Old Sep 22nd, 2002, 10:00 AM
  #8  
aloha
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Yvette, you might want to post a new message asking about hiking on O'ahu. You have the attention of the Kaua'i enthusiasts on this thread, and we may not know too much about O'ahu. You can search this site also or just go thru previous posts to find info.

A classic hike would be Diamond Head. The view from the top is panoramic. I have hiked to Manoa falls but all I can tell you is that it is at the back of Manoa valley; I was with someone who knew the area. Most guidebooks (for example Frommers) will give you some ideas of resources. I think the Sierra Club and the Hawai'i Nature Center do guided hikes. Enjoy your trip!
 
Old Sep 22nd, 2002, 05:03 PM
  #9  
kt
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Check out www.hawaiitrails.org for a comprehensive list of hiking trails for all the islands. I really like the Makiki/Tantalus hikes, which are just outside of Waikiki (noted in the box on the Oahu page). The Manoa Falls Hike, for example, takes you through a rain forest to a waterfall. From the Manoa Cliff Trail you can see waterfalls at the back of the valley and Diamond Head and Waikiki as you look to the ocean. Just because you are on Oahu does not mean you won't have great scenery.
 
Old Sep 23rd, 2002, 01:03 AM
  #10  
yvette
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Thanks again. The Na Ala Hele Trail and Access System site is really helpful. We're picking out some trails we may want to do. I can't wait!!!
 
Old Sep 23rd, 2002, 11:46 AM
  #11  
Patty
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
yvette,
If you're still interested in hiking in Kauai (what's wrong with spending the day in Kauai hiking anyway?), you can rent a car and drive to Ke'e beach on the north shore and hike the Kalalau (sp?) trail for some beautiful views of the Na Pali coast. You can hike just the first 2 miles - plan about 2 hours roundtrip with stops for photos, etc. Enjoy!
 
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
gailellen
United States
11
Jan 6th, 2013 03:20 PM
LSUsajani
United States
5
Mar 9th, 2009 08:03 PM
nancy1013
United States
29
Jul 31st, 2007 04:45 PM
madisonmichelle
United States
5
Jun 28th, 2006 04:39 PM
crazy4Hawaii
United States
9
Jan 20th, 2004 02:42 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On



Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -