Just got back from Kauai on my first trip, planned with lots of help from posters here. Thxs to all. Lots of good advice here. Just want to underline the most important advice to buy the Ultimate Kauai Guidebook. Excellent resource, everyone carries one. <BR>No one mentioned Queens Bath on the north shore, which is very cool protected from the surf by lava rock enclosure. The snorkling was not great on the north when we were there. They even closed Hanalei beach because of sharks. Try the south shore. We stayed in Poipu and loved the ocean there. Much more accessible not as wild but the north shore is an easy drive. We were exercising when we were there so used the Princeville spa--not at the hotel, but at the country club house two miles down the road. Still for $20 a day you can workout looking out over the princeville course, swim, shower and get back on the road for your twilight date at the terrace of the"Living Room" at the Pville resort. Let the valet take your car, cruise in half an hour or so before sunset. You must see the sun set on Bali Hi at least once in your lifetime. You can get sushi, pupus, and even a light meal with the best view on the island.

Aloha girl: where did you stay on the Poipu? did you or will you post a trip report? <BR><BR>Thanks!

Aloha Girl,yeah that is the way it works as you move towards winter on the North Shore . The waves/beaches become non-swimming. Although I always thought you were fine throughout September.<BR><BR>I never mentioned queens bath because I hate it. In summer (August) it is hot without shade and crowded. This is the only time I have ever visited. When I was there people were loud too and sorry to say very tacky. It's kind of a pain to climb down to.Sounds like the fall is less busy. Glad you had a better experience aloha girl. I have been a few times always hopping for a better experience but this is what I found. I just stopped going. Last winter they closed as 1-2 men were washed over to their deaths when the waves came in. Having said all of these disparaging remarks I can image this place is beautiful when there are no crowds and it is cooler.<BR><BR>Aloha girl too bad about Hanalei being closed I have never read about those shark sitings in September usually early spring/Winter. <BR><BR>Also I used Kathy Morey's book last summer and thought they were great. I was also on Kauai (which I know fairly well from other trips) for two weeks. I go to Kauai because there is such little driving. Where ever you do have to get it's incredibly easy as everything moves off a major road that leads all the way around the island. <BR><BR>You can also find out about Many Many great trails at KoKe park for free at their website, maps and all.

About Queen's Bath - we visted in August and were the only people there for a while and then joined by a few more people, but I would definitely not call it crowded. My husband and daughter enjoyed swimming there (but watch your step getting in - I slipped and had quite a painful fall there). Look around in the ocean waters around Queen's Bath - we saw probably 6-10 sea turtles swimming in the ocean very close to the rocks and trying to climb the rocks - a very cool sight!

funny Iza and you were there when I was there this year, the one year I skip. <BR><BR>Not wall to wall people like Waikiki or an east coast beach but it is a small space and I have seen it fill up with 25 people. When we were there kids were doing jack knives off of the rocks and into the same space others were trying to snorkle. A nearby tatooed mother from the mainland cursed for her sons attention across a distance. That was my experience in 2000. <BR><BR>Iza you weren't uncomfortbaly hot with all that black lava rock attracting heat? Were you there on an overcast day? We usually have to leave fairly shortly from the heat but the lava pool had so many people in it was not appealing to swim in, especially with the jack knifers :):). I remember this heat experience from years ago it never occurred to me to go on an overcast day though. Dah!!! Wow must have been great to have the place all to your self.

Iza I also left word for you on the Latin American board if you have a minute

If you like massages, you must try Angeline's Mu'olaulani (822-3235). They are located on the NW part of the island. Sheer heaven. They have a steam hut and then you can get a massage by two women at the same time. I have yet to find this on the mainland, and I live in CA, where everyone loves a good massage.

Chris does your mother know you are doing that LOL

Sarah, we were there (Queen's Bath) on a sunny day and you are right, it was hot. But we thought it was fun and really enjoyed the views from the edges of the rocks towards the ocean (especially those sea turtles!).<BR>What was your message on the Latin American board - I can't find it.