Tammi

I've posted about the last two days, but I'd love to hear what you think about the whole week. Some background info... myself and my fiance Tom (who is from Scotland) will be on our honeymoon. We are in our late twenties and love beaches, swimming, nice restaurants, dancing, nature, and shopping. I am a very organized, and planning type of person. I did an itinerary for London and while it wasn't too rigid, it really helped us know the best order/way to see what we wanted to see. So this is the itinerary I came up with, but it can be changed at a moments notice.

Oh, we are going next July 5, 2004. (am I doing this too early? lol)...first week in Maui.
Thanks so much for all the help.

Day 1 - Monday July 12th -
AM: Drive to Sealodge Condo (Northshore) ? Stop at Kilauea Lighthouse, and get fresh fruit & smoothies at Banana Joes. Stop at Kalihiwai Falls. Stop somewhere for food for condo.
PM: Dinner Hanalei Café Princeville Hotel

Day 2 - Tuesday July 13th -
AM: Early snorkeling Ke'e beach
AM: Late morning first 2 miles of Kalalau Trail
AM/PM: Tunnels Beach
PM: Dinner Neidis Salsa & Samba Hanalei

Day 3 - Wednesday July 14th -
AM: Napali Catamaran 4 hour Boat/Snorkel Trip
PM: Sunset from Ke'e
PM: Dinner at Condo

Day 4 - Thursday July 15th -
AM: Queen?s Bath
AM/PM: Hanalei Bay / Beach
PM/ Walk around Hanalei Town - Shop
PM: Dinner Zelo?s Beach House Hanalei

Day 5 - Friday July 16th -
AM: Pack up and leave condo early (pack a lunch)
AM: Along drive to South shore stop at Opaeka?a Falls lookout and Wailua Falls
AM: Arrive Hotel (Sheraton or Hyatt or Marriott)
AM/PM: Pool / Beaches
PM: Cocktails at sunset at The Point at the Sheraton
PM: Dinner Tidepools Hyatt

Day 6 - Saturday July 17th -
AM: Snorkel Po?ipu Beach Park
AM/PM: Pool / Beach
PM: Waimea Canyon Drive / Shave Ice at Jo Jo's
PM: Sunset from Spouting Horn Beach Park
PM: Late Dinner Beach House

Day 7 - Sunday July 18th -
Leave

bogart

I think it sounds great! I was the same way when planning our hawaii vacation...it really does help getting all the leg work done ahead of time so you can relax and just soak everything in while you are there.

I would only change 2 things.

1. I'm assuming you are not vegetarians...if I'm correct, you must stop at Duanne's Ono Char-Burger for lunch, even better...order a "local girl" with swiss cheese, pineapple, and teriyaki sauce. YUM!

2. The food at Cafe Hanalei was not that spectacular and was very expensive, IMO. If you do go be sure to make an early resie and ask for a table outside to see the sunset. At least the views are worth it. Or you could just go to the Living Room for sushi, sit outside and see the sunset and magnificant views. OR drive down the road to Kapaa, tons of good restaurants down there, Coconuts, A Pacific Cafe, Roys...albeit they don't boast views.

one more note: shopping in Hanalei - don't miss Yellowfin Trading Company or Sand People.

have a great time!!!
aloha!

mcarey

check out Corgie's trip report. Good advise on Kauai and BI. It's a budget minded post so if your wanting 5 Star it might not be for you but I've found the info very helpful

panhandle

Your plan sounds great!
I would also suggest a stop at the Coconut Marketplace on the way through Kapaa. Great shopping!Good dollar Mai Tais at one of the bars there too. Have fun!!

iceeu2

Ok panhandle........where are those $ mai tai's??????? I want some of those!!
Tammi.......add a lunch or dinner at LaPlayita Azul...we really loved it.
Sounds like you have a grand time planned.
Aloha

panhandle

Haha iceeu2
I believe it was the Jolly Roger actually right beside the market place.
I sang a little karaoke for my first time (stunk up the place)and had a great time. The two locals that run the karaoke are really nice.(they work on tips only so take care of 'um) =-d

koa

You can no longer stop to check out Kalihiwai falls. The state blocked off the pulloff due to liability concerns. For day 2, you might consider hiking first, then snorkeling after.(A good cool down after the hike) By afternoon, parking at Tunnels is an issue. Other than that, your itinerary sounds good.

Shar

As long as you are in Princeville for your stay at Sea Lodge, be sure to go to Hanalei. It is a funky town and there are some good restaurants there that are more reasonable than the Hanalei Cafe. I agree that if you do eat there arrive early and watch the sunset or better yet just order drinks and then head to Hanalei (which has great beaches as well) OUr favorite beach on Kauai is Kealia (?) beach (near Kaapa) and Annini. You mentioned possibly the Sheraton or Hyatt in Kauai. Try to book the Hyatt as it is the most beautiful new hotel that still has that old hawaiian atmosphere. Have stayed at the Sheraton and it is nice but not as beautiful and hawaiian as the Hyatt. You are going to my favorite island. Also try kayaking on the river and then hiking inland to the waterfall and swimming in the refreshing cold water - you need it after the walk from the river to the falls. Shar

sail10

Tammi , i too like to plan and well my wife does not , but is allways for the most part happy after the vacation.

Ok now for my 2 cents, 1. hike the ridge at kee beach early then on your return snorkle kee beach and eat the lunch you brought and left in your car( no food sold there )

2. nd the ridge drive at the baby waimea is very nice, But if you really want to see it you should hike the trail to the sacred pools it is a very good somewhat hard hike. You will see it in all its glory, and the pools are refreshing. Actually we helicoptered the canyon then hiked it and drove it all in the same morning, took a total of about 6-7 hours with lots of reflecting time. And then stopped at sprouting horn then dinner in the small town near by and sunset at the near by bay park near where the cruise ships dock.

3. rd when you stop by the falls you might want to visit the original islands inhabitants ruins. They not a great big tourist attraction , but when we stopped the we took the time to examine the ruins, kind of a spiritual thing, since they are very mysterious even to this day.

You have a great plan and i just love your zeal. nick

aloha

For groceries, you will probably find the best selection and prices at Safeway in Kapa'a. Their sale items require a store card, which they will give you at checkout. Roadside stands are good for fruit.

Unfortunately i believe the Jolly Roger is closed. When we were there in May we were told it closed in April.

Groundhog

When you arrive in Kaui, buy a book called "underground Kaui" and go from there. You'll find lots of wonderful things that most tourists don't do/see.

The bakery is an especially great experience. Also, be sure to go to Hanalai

scott_s

Sounds great, but we disliked the Napali Catamaran crew, they were rude. Maybe you will get a different crew?

Enjoy, we planned alot as well, we wound up cutting a few things out.

enjoy