Where to stay in Kauai in December?
 

Hi,

I'll be in Kauai for 9 days right after Thanksgiving and the first week of December. I'll be staying on the South Shore at the Grand Hyatt for 1 week for conference. But where to stay (which part of the island and any recommended lodgings) the weekend before and after my conference?

We've been to Kauai once before, and this time would like to do the following:
* Sail the Na Pali Coast and possibly snorkel there.
Do boats leave from the West Side of the island? Should we stay somewhere over there on Friday night and catch the boat the next morning? Which town? Any recommended hotels that are under $130 a nite?

* Do hiking on the West Side. Besides Waimea Canyon, anything else very scenic and doable as a day hike on that side of the island? Read about some hike where you can look down the valley at the end of Na Pali coast trail. Is it difficult to get there?

* We like the North Shore too, but afraid it will be too rainy in early December? Should we spend a night or 2 up there? To hike Na Pali coast trail (just the short portion), and check out the beaches up north? Possible to snorkel there in December?

* How about staying on the East Side? We're thinking of doing a zipline. Which company? We want something adventurous with great scenery.

* Possible to hike or go near the center of Kauai? We already did the helicopter tour last time.

Appreciate your advice and any recommendations for activities (preferably less known since I think we've done the highlights on our last trip) and definitely food!

Thank you!

You'll be better located for weather and ocean conditions by staying in Poipu. It's likely to be rainy north -- and wet trails will be closed. Any Na Pali tours are going to be 'weather depending'. Kapaa is OK -- no properties on beaches though. You can still drive up to Princeville of a day.

I agree, stay in Poipu. If you do want to hike the first two miles of the Kalalau trail, check on weather conditions first, do not hike this if it is raining or has rained recently, as the trail gets very slippery and muddy. Also the streams rise. Several large groups of people have had to be rescued and one died due to it being rainy and the stream was too high to cross.
Yes, the boats go out of Port Allen year round, as ChiSue says dependent on the weather. That time of year I'd go with one of the large power cats rather than a raft, I've been on both Captain Andy's and Holo Holo, both were good boats with good crews and food.

I would not count/plan on any beach activities (other than surfing, wind surfing and wave watching) on the north shore in December, but once there check the surf reports as the water conditions, like the often mentioned winter rain storms on the north shore are unpredictable and not necessarily a given.

Regarding the boat trips out of Port Allen...if they are going, book the morning trip. The water conditions might be better than in the afternoon.

BTW...there ARE properties on the beach in Kapa'a.

http://www.hawaiirevealed.com/free-t...rts/kapaa-area

Waipouli Beach Resort might be nice for a change of pace after the Hyatt.

For a splurge, two nights at St. Regis might be fun too.

While you're at the Hyatt, check out the hiking in the quiet and pretty area of Mahaulepu right near the hotel.

I don't believe there is any swimming off Kapaa at any time of year. Waipouli has a 'lazy river' running through it to make up for that.

In Kapa'a the only swimming spot I'm aware of is at Lydgate Park. There's a manmade, protected area that is virtually always swimmable.

Definitely check out the North Shore Beaches. Ke'e, Tunnels, Hanalei Bay... even if it's only to go for a walk and enjoy the beauty.

<While you're at the Hyatt, check out the hiking in the quiet and pretty area of Mahaulepu right near the hotel.> I couldn't agree more. It's one of my favorite spots on the island.

I think the trail you're referring to is the Awa'awapuhi Trail. It's definitely strenuous--especially on the way back--which feels like it's straight uphill. But the views are spectacular. An easier--but gorgeous trail -- is the Canyon Trail in Waimea Canyon/Koke'e Park. No matter how many times I hike that trail, the beauty astounds me. But your views are of the canyon--not the Napali Cliffs.

I've done the 2 miles to the beach on the Kalalau Trail--and the 4 miles to the waterfall. My recollection was that it was just too treacherous for me, as I'm getting older and wiser. I did the first 1/2 mile a few days ago. That's how far you have to go to get the views of the cliffs. There were several slippery, muddy spots, although I didn't think it had rained in the previous day or two. But that aside, even the dry parts of the trail felt too dangerous for me, because my shoes were slippery from the wet spots.

I've done a lot of hiking--including the Awa'awapuhi Trail, and many others that are considered "moderate" to "difficult" in Kauai. I don't mind "strenuous"--but I do mind "dangerous." Walking over the uneven rocks and tree roots was like begging for a twisted or broken ankle. And ... it wasn't fun because I had to be so careful of every step. I saw several people slip, and noticed one woman with scraped, bleeding legs. It's hard to imagine there NOT being a serious injury there every day.

That said, there were tons of people on the trail--including ones who looked like they had no business being there. IMO, that trail should be for serious hikers only ... but I must admit, I got some STUNNING pictures!

I also love Kuilau Trail inland on the East Side.

The only access to the center of the island is by helicopter.

Lastly, $130 a night is pretty low for a hotel. It wouldn't buy you a closet at the St. Regis! You might try Hotwire or Priceline--or a condo.

Hope this helps. Have a great trip!

Hi JC,

I didn't see your $130 budget. I did a search and found the Kaua'i Beach Resort in Lihue for $117 a night for two nights in early December. You could do worse. It is not a luxe resort, but at that price it would be a good deal.

I also found the Islander on the Beach in Kapa'a for $109, and The Courtyard Marriott in Kapa'a for $139.

Good luck and have a great trip.

Thanks, all, for your helpful responses. So, it's not worth it to stay on the West Side? Too sleepy there, I guess. The $130 limit was for that side and maybe East Side for one night crash someone w early morning checkout to do other activities. I know at that price, I can't get much in HI.

I can use hotel points to stay at the Westin on the North Shore or even St Regis, but that requires a lot more points.

Thanks again and please feel free to provide recommendations.

Would you recommend the National Botanical Garden? I was reading some book on conservation last night and it was mentioned in the book as the premier place for preserving all plant species in HI. Sounds interesting.

I have been to Allerton Gardens and Limahuli Gardens which are part of the National Botanical Gardens on Kauai.

Limahuli is on the north shore in Haena and is pretty much dedicated to native Hawaiian plant species. It is a very wild and beautiful place. Don't expect to see plumeria or other non-native flowering plants.

It is one of my favorite place on the island. It is located just below Makana Peak(Bali Hai) and fronts the Limahuli Valley. Both locations are considered very "powerful" places and have many legends attached to them.

Allerton is near Poipu and is a different kettle of fish, but is also a must see. The outdoor "rooms" are amazing and the location is sublime.

Thanks, wekewoody. I didn't know the Botanical Garden has several locations. Will look into your recommendations. Thanks.

It's been some years, but we stayed twice at Wailua Bay View condos in Kapaa. The living area and lanai overlook the bay; the bedrooms are on the opposite side of the building. A gas station and mini-mart caused us to run the bedroom A/C for white noise. Clean. Best units farthest from the highway. (Remains of the famous old Coco Palms resort is opposite side of the highway.)

Regarding taking a boat tour of Napali coast in early December. Are there boats leaving from the North Shore at that time of the year? Read that the ride from there is much more scenic than from Port Allen.

Thanks!

No, the boats stop running that time of year, the seas are too rough from the North Shore, so you'll need to go to the Na Pali from the west shore. I have been on both Captain Andy and Holo Holo and they are both very good boats with good crews and food. Captain Andy now has a new boat, the Southern Star, which is getting rave reviews and serves hot food rather than make your own sandwich like most of the boats do.

We just got back from Kauai on early Monday a.m.

Here are our updates:

Hotels:

We stayed in Poipu the whole time, good choice in the winter. A storm system was moving through the weekend after Thanksgiving when we first landed hitting all parts of the island, including the normally dry South and West sides. But the rest of the week was mostly sunny with intermitten showers.

1) Sheraton Kauai (Poipu):
* We used points and got free upgrade to ocean front room for first 2 nights. Our room was on the 4th floor and at the dead end of a wing, so very private but right next to a side elevator that's close to the parking lot. The ocean was just literally steps away. We left the sliding door to the lanai open at night so we could listen to the pounding surfs outside while we slept. But on Sat night, the storm got scary with lightnings flashing through the room and loud thunder, so we had to get up in the middle of the night to shut the door.

Room location was nice, but not much was going on in the resort. Resort looked fairly empty. Morning yoga class was cancelled 2 days in a row while we were there because the instructor didn't show up. Other activities were also cancelled. WiFi didn't work in our room. Upon checkout, we asked if they could waive the resort fees, and after talking to their manager, the front desk personnel agreed to ($35 per day). Don't understand what's the deal with these resort fees, and how come consumers don't protest this extra taxation.

We again stayed here on our last night in Kauai, using points. This time only got a garden view room. OK since we were there just for the night and had to get up early for the morning boat tour of Na Pali coast. But they allowed us to check out at 4 p.m. with our SPG Gold Status.

2) Grand Hyatt Kauai (Poipu):
Wow, what a contrast to the Sheraton! We were blown away by the immensity and beauty of this resort. Lucky enough to stay here 6 nights for my conference. Mega pool system--meandering rivers, salt water lagoon, gazillion pools and jacuzzis. Also, with my Platinum status, we could use the Anara Spa for free. Undertatedly luxurious with its private lap pool (as if there's a shortage of pools outside!), separate male and female jacuzzis (you can go naked there), sauna, and my favorite eucalyptus scented steam room. Multiple outdoor showers with excellent shower heads and lava rock walls.

Felt so pampered there that I don't think I would be able to get back to real life after that. :)

Sounds like a great time!

Did you make it to any of the gardens mentioned above?

Thank you for coming back and telling us about the trip.

wekewoody, no, we didn't have time to check out any gardens. But would love to next time.

BTW, thanks for the recommendation of the Mahaulepu Heritage Trail hike. Wow, it was so beautiful and wild and pristine that I was bursting with joy the entire hike! No resorts or any developments anywhere in sight, the last piece of pristine land on that side of the island, and I wish they would preserve it forever. Future travelers, make sure you keep on going past several beaches until you come to an open meadow filled with flowers right next to the sea with green mountains in the backdrop. Utterly beautiful. DH almost made miss it, as he said let's turn around before we got there, and I insisted that we kept on going and so glad we did.

The drive to the Mahaulepu Beach was a bit of a challenge as it was on a dirt road filled with large pot holes (which in turn are full to the brim with rain water). We had to drive slowly and carefully avoiding plunging into those ponds.

Wonder if they allow camping there? It would be so awesome just to hang out there.

Everyone, it's a must-do in Kauai. We missed it on our first trip.

Thanks for filing a post trip report - which - sadly - many OP's do not. Glad you had a good time and love seeing/experiencing storms in Paradise - and afterwards - especially up at Princeville/Hanalei - you can see numerous waterfalls cascading down the hillside cliffs.

And how was your Cat tour up the Napili Coast - one of my most favorite trips while in the Islands. Did you take Capt Andy's? We did - and also went scuba diving but you can snorkel just fine at the stop(s) - and usually see just as much with good visibility.

We with Blue Dolphin for the Na Pali Coast cruise--morning trip including snorkeling for $135 pp. The boat has capacity for about 45 people, but our boat on that day only had about 16 passengers. Plenty room to roam about and we spent most of the time on the way there standing and bouncing along at the front of the catamaran. Very fun. Staff was attentive.

Advice for future travelers: Don't bother to do the morning trip with snorkeling in the winter. I thought we were going to snorkel along Na Pali coast, but no it was still in a south, not too far from Port Allen. Snorkeling was mediocre there. The water was too deep there and murky. Better snorkeling for free right off the shores of many beaches in Poipu. The extra cost of $35 pp for snorkeling is not worth it. Plus, the lighting on the Na Pali is not good in the morning as the sun is still behind the mountain, so hard to see the mountain. In the afternoon, the sun hits Na Pali coast directly so much better visibility and for photography. We did see a lot of dolphins.

Our boat didn't get too close to the coast. We saw another boat (Holoholo or something like that) that went much closer to the coast and the waterfalls. We wanted to book that boat, as it was recommended by the Ultimate Kauai book, and they were having a $99 prommotion earlier in the week. But we wavered and it was sold out.

On the way back, a major rainstorm came down and we all had to move to the bottom deck. Huge waves and water and sky were all gray. But by the time we got back to port, it all calmed down and became clear and bright for the afternoon cruise.

Anyhow, it's beautiful there, but I think an afternoon cruise, at least in the winter is better.