What to do in Kauai?
 

My wife and I are going to Hawaii in June 2011 and will be staying at the Grand hyatt resort in Kauai for 4 nights. We're very active and would love suggestions on things to do/go see. Any suggestions? Thoughts on the Grand Hyatt?

Hi Keithman, there is a lot to do on Kauai, and with the island being small, you're able to see much of the island, even on a short 4-nt stay. I recommend doing the mountain tubing adventure (http://www.kauaidiscovery.com/activi...untain+tubing/) , as it's unique to the island, but there are also many great hikes and natural gardens to explore. A good link to get started is on the Kauai VB website: http://www.kauaidiscovery.com/servic...2520To%2520Do/

Have a great time!

Hi Keithman, there is a lot to do on Kauai, and with the island being small, you're able to see much of the island, even on a short 4-nt stay. I recommend doing the mountain tubing adventure (http://www.kauaidiscovery.com/activi...untain+tubing/) , as it's unique to the island, but there are also many great hikes and natural gardens to explore. A good link to get started is on the Kauai VB website: http://www.kauaidiscovery.com/servic...2520To%2520Do/

Have a great time!

You shouldn't miss Waimea Canyon. The last time we were there we stopped at all the lookouts and really enjoyed it, with so many different perspectives of this beautiful place. At the top is a park, with a cafe, small museum and gift shop. We brought food with us and had a picnic at one of the many tables, joined by some fancy roosters. We always pick up a cheap ice chest, shop at some store and buy food for picnics. They somehow seem more fun in Hawaii!

For really extensive and accurate advise on what to do and where to eat on Kauai I would suggest getting the Ultimate Kauai Guidebook -- Kauai Revealed by Doughty. The advise you get on this forum is excellent, but this book will give you much more essential information than you can get from an internet forum.

It should be beautiful most of the time up on the North Shore, do not miss a drive up there one day for snorkeling at Ke'e and Tunnels beaches. If the trail is dry you can hike the first two miles of the Kalalau trail but you need to get there early to do this for the parking among other things. Stop at Kilauea lighthouse on the way back and stop at the video store fore Tropical Dreams ice cream (does not open until at 2pm) it is fantastic. The canyon is good for another day and relax the rest of the time.

One of the high points of a trip to Kauai should be a splurge on a helicopter tour of the NaPali Coast (accessible only by boat, air or hiking in.) We did Jack Harter Helicopter tours. Awesome, fantastic scenery! Definitely worth every cent!!

Stayed at the Grand Hyatt over Memorial Day last year and *loved it*. It's a gorgeous resort. The beach there is not really swimmable, though, so hopefully you're already aware of that. Pool area is amazing, and the cabana rentals were surprisingly affordable (I think they were < $100 a day). The Italian restaurant onsite (Dondero's) is fabulous. Our other favorite meal was at Kauai Pasta in Lihue.

Definitely do not miss the North Shore. Since you're active, you might want to hike the beginning of the Napali Coast trail (turn around at the beach... recommend bringing a blanket and some food for a nice picnic lunch). It's muddy, though, so wear something you don't mind potentially getting ruined.

I would also recommend the helicopter tour. You will see spectacular scenery that is visible only from the air. It is truly a magical experience. Expensive, but worth it.
We used the Blue Hawaiian Helicopter Tours and it was also a good company. They give a discount if you book on their website.

We visited Kauai for the first time three years ago and have gone back each year since. There's so much to do. The Ultimate Guide Book is excellent. Our copy is well-worn. I recommend surfing in Hanelei Bay; snorkeling at Tunnels; braving the rope swing at Kipu Falls (don't leave valuables in your car); dinner at Kauai Pasta; exploring Wailea; brunching at the Hyatt & touring the NaPali Coast (we saw countless dolphins). Enjoy!

Second Waimea Canyon, and a Jack Harter helicopter tour of the NaPali Coast. We also enjoyed our snorkel trip to the NaPali coast with Liko Kauai Cruises. Check out Spouting Horn, Opaekaa and Wailua Falls, Hanalei (have lunch at Cafe Hanalei at the Princeville Resort for stunning views of Hanalei Bay).

We went in June of 2010, stayed at the Hyatt and found that our guide, Kauai Trailblazer had all the things to do organized area by area. There were some great walks to take right out the door. If you have a rental car take the bumpy ride to a nearby snorkeling beach where the locals go, worth it. Go to http://www.trailblazerhawaii.com to fill in the rest. We enjoyed driving up to the northern end where the scenery is completely different.....greener, lush. Postcards Cafe, Hanalei Beach were winners.

We loved the Allerton Estate and National Tropical Botanical tour (the guide we had was fun and excellent). For absolutely gorgeous views of Kauai, a hike up to Sleeping Giant is fantastic, plus a fairly good workout. We loved the kayak/hike tours. There are a few different options. We've done Outfitter's Kauai that included Kipu ranch tour, kayak, zipline, hike and lunch. The Wailua River kayak /hike to a waterfall is nice, but shorter. A helicopter tour at the beginning of your time in Kauai is highly recommended, so beautiful!
We usually stay at a condo not far from the Hyatt and walk in the morning (sunrises are gorgeous) along the ocean in that vicinity. The Hyatt's grounds and pool area are amazing. There's also a nice hike/walk east of the Hyatt along the golf course and beyond, we've seen a couple of monk seals sunning themselves while on that path.
Enjoy your trip!

Went to Kauai last March with family of four and grandparents. I love this island! Captain Andy's boat tour was great-1/2 day trip up the Napali coast, got off to snorkel, saw lots of dolphins and a few whales. Outfitters zipline/kayak/hike was nothing short of awesome for us! Go up the east coast to Princeville area...beaches were all closed due to rough surf for us :( , but it was still beautiful.
Enjoy...I am jealous!

Thanks for all the responses everyone. So helpful!

We just got back from our 21st trip to Kauai and <i>still</i> can't figure out everyone's fascination with that place but hopefully in December our research will continue. ((A))

Do you golf? Some very nice golf courses there.
Even if you don't golf try going over to Princeville Golf Course and rent a cart and drive the course.

I recc'd this to some friends who went over a few mos ago and they loved it. Might be $25?

A new mini-golf course opened up in Kilauea. Mrs Kal and local friends golfed it and loved it. We referred some other "returnees" to it and they really liked it too. Very Hawaiian themed telling the story of the islands.

Have fun...

Kal....we are also doing research on why people like Kauai. So far 11 trips have not quite settled it so we will try for #12 in a few weeks. I would also add bike riding either on the flat land or down the hill from the canyon. Helicopter ride is awesome - done that a few times as well. Tubing down the old plantation canals is very fun - warmer water in June than February! Much to do on a beautiful island - our research continues......

<<<Tubing down the old plantation canals is very fun>>>

Shar, where do you do that? (We "tubed" on the Potomac last summer -- would love to do that in Hawaii sometime)

We love staying at the Hyatt. Be sure to save some time to enjoy the pools, lagoon and beautiful property there. Nice walk along the ocean over to Shipwreck Rock.

Check out Inter-Island helicopters out of Port Island. Doors off, is really fun. We like Captain Andy's sunset sail, you can sign up at the Hyatt. Waimea Canyon is a must. Take a day to drive to the north shore, stop at the beaches along the way.

So many restaurants in the Poipu area. We like to go to Keoki's Paradise the first night for a Lava Flow. Other favorites are Plantation Gardens, Roy's, Tidepools, Dondero's. On our last night we always go to the Beach House and watch the sunset. It's the only restaurant on the beach. You can linger on the front lawns.

Shar...we liked "touring" the Kauai Chocolate Factory in Eleleeleeleeeeleeee.
I'm not a big choc fan but OMG!
The lovely Mrs Kal had her choc/peanut butter square down before we got to the car in the parking lot!

Some of our "local" family have gone tubing in the warmer mos and liked it. Nice and cooling.

We may finally go back in June/July just to experience a summer there.
Then again....The Jazzfest in New Orleans may call us too...