I am still trying to figure out the best plan for when to visit Waimea Canyon. We will be arriving at 10:00 am from Maui, staying two nights on the north shore and then staying the last three nights on the south shore. How does this possible plan sound?
When we first arrive in kauai, I would like to take an hour helicopter ride (Interisland) that leaves from Hanapepe while my husband and children hang out at Salt Pond Beach (He will take a flight later in the week...just for safety reasons we didn't want to go at the same time). Then we could eat lunch at Green Garden (Is this in Hanapepe?) before visiting the canyon. JoJo's on the way back. And then if that is too much time in the car, take a break at Lydgate Park on the way to the north shore. I am not sure how long Waimea canyon takes to visit (not planning on much exploring) or how long it would take to drive from the canyon to the north shore (traffic at that time on the east?). We could eat dinner on our way as well. What time does it start getting dark? Could someone please offer me some advice. By the way, I plan on relaxing the next day so am not too concerned about having such a busy first day.

Don't visit Waimea Canyon during your North Shore portion; it is much closer from the South Shore.

Why not take your helicopter ride from Lihue when you arrive? Your husband and children can go to Lydgate then; it is not too far from the airport. That way you will still have lots of time to make your way to your destination on the North Shore and you will have not wasted a lot of time travelling.

In my opinion, Salt Pond Beach is not that interesting, so I would not plan around that.

I would allow at least half a day for Waimea because it is so spectacular. If you look at a map of Kauai you will see why I suggest not starting from and returning to the north, particularly since the heaviest traffic on the island is on east coast, which you will have to cross twice. It is a very leisurely drive from the south.

My plan was to leave from the airport (Lihue) when we first arrive on the island. We should be relatively close to Henapepe and then would make our way north.

We left from Lihue and spent the better part of the day on the west side. We drove to Waimea Canyon, and then took the road to the Na Pali lookout at the end -- we weren't there 5 minutes before the view was completely fogged in. It is a long drive, and an even longer one back from the lookout. We did stop in Waimea/Kekeha for a flea market, and visited the pier, and the old Russian fort (just some lava rock walls) before heading back -- all together it was a long drive and day.

It is good advice to leave from the south side, the traffic through the Wailua/Kapaa area can be very trying. [-o<

Ashley, I would do the canyon while staying on the south side. You might also do the helicopter ride on the same day, just a different time than your husband.
BTW, do you have your Christmas tree, the girls Christmas pajamas and the American Doll stuff all sorted out and ready to roll???

Not sure when you are coming to Kaua`i, but I would suggest that you delay your helicopter trip until you've at least had your north shore and one south shore stay -- especially since you mention that you want to take one of the flights from the west side. From the airport to Hanapepe is about one hour; from Hanapepe up to the north shore can take close to 2 hours.

The views from the helicopter are breath-taking, but they'll mean even more to you when you have a point of reference as to what you're seeing.

When you arrive Lihu`e -- if the weather is cooperating (we've had tons of rain for about the past week...), and you want to get in the water, Lydgate Park would be a great stop.

Save Waimea Canyon for your south shore stay, also.

Sunset in the winter is around 6PM; in the summer, closer to 7-7:30PM

Have a great visit to our "Garden Island"!

-- auntie maria

Well, I decided to book the helicopter for all four of us for the afternoon we arrive in Kauai in Lihue. Once we land in Kauai we will have a light lunch and then go on the helicopter ride (Harter).
On our last trip to Maui we took a helicopter ride on our first full day on the island and it helped to orient me to the whole island.
We have a Christmas tree ordered for our hotel room in Maui, I found cute silk Christmas PJ's for the girls from Storybook Heirlooms(with short sleeves), but the girls decided against the American Girl dolls. Instead I bought several small items and had them sent to our hotel as a surprise for Christmas morning! Only 10 days to go!

By the way, you convinced me to visit the Canyon on another day, when staying on the South side. Thanks for your advice!

Alooohaaaaa,
20 mo'!

When you do go from the So Shore to Waimea Canyon, make sure you take a left onto, I think Rte 530, Old Koloa Road.
This way you don't have to back track thru the Tunnel of Trees to Rte 50.

On the way back wadda 'bout a pie at Brick Oven Pizza?
Mucho Mahalos,
Kal