We loved this island it was our favorite in the ones we visited on a 7 day cruise. It is awesome and I think it depicts the true Hawaii feeling. WE had lunch in Hanalei and it was a neat place. Heed Nanabee's advice. We did the helicoptor ride and was told that at least 14 people are lost on the island to the ocean. Beware and swim in protected guarded areas. A man on vacation was swept out to sea the day before we arrived. A tourist visiting.

One nice thing my family has found staying around the kapa'a area is that you are quite equally spaced from many of the places you'd like to check out. It is relatively close to both north side and south side and has really great dining options, too (like coconuts, kintaro, etc..)!

Snorkeling along Kauai's north shore can be dangerous at the best of times due to strong currents. I'd largely save the snorkeling for the Oahu portion of your trip...or perhaps trade Kauai for Maui's Kaanapali area and enjoy snorkeling around the Sheraton's Black Rock.

You've all given me so much great information! I ended up being so torn between the north and south shore, I ended up getting a condo in the middle - at Waipouli Beach Resort. Got a great rate ($900 for a week) through the VRBO website. This way we can check the weather in the morning and hop in the car for either coast. We'll also be doing a lot of activities in that area (heli tour, ATV at Kipu Ranch, power hang gliding, etc.)

I'll let you know how it all turns out!

iceeu2 will be thrilled that you took her advice!

Have a great trip!

We did heli tour with air Kauai. They were positively awesome and have a great safety record as well. I would highly recommend them.

The last time we stayed on Kauai we stayed "in the middle" too.

We stayed at the Kauai Coast Resort in Kapaa. We thought the location was PERFECT for going North one day, South the next day, etc.

what is the vrbo # of the unit you rented? Do you mean $1900 instead of $900? Now, it's time to talk eating!! You are within walking distance of Kauai Pasta.......yum...

Have fun((r))

Hi iceeu2! Kauai Pasta is within walking distance?!? Awesome! That was on my list of places to eat.

The rate is $900 for the week, plus $20/day for cleaning and $140 final cleaning, and tax (of course!). The VRBO number is 38470. It's room G-303. I found a map of the resort online and the location looks good. I was afraid we'd be over the lobby, but we're more toward the beach. The balcony is just about perpendicular to the pool area so we'll probably be able to see that and the mountains from our room.

hey jr - make sure you educate yourself about the power and dangers of the ocean and surf. Hawaiifanatic just posted again regading a drowning

Not meant to scare you, but to make sure you and other tourists take precausions and understand the to some tourists hidden dangers.

http://www.survivingparadisehawaii.com/

kealalani - thanks for the reminder. I've already got that site bookmarked. I wonder if the surf there is much different from where I live - Wrightsville Beach, NC. I love swimming in the ocean here, but know when to stay out of the water. Just this past weekend we went out and I decided to stay on shore. The sets were just coming in too fast, lots of rip currents.

jr, you are not going to be on the side of the beach......but, for the price you got, it would not matter to me. Couldn't find the # you provided on vrbo....

We're gonna be in Myrtle over Labor Day weekend and meeting up with the Budman's and others. Come on up and see us!!

Sorry iceeu2 - it's VRBO #138470. No we won't be facing the beach, but we don't mind. I'd rather save the money for activities. Didn't you promise that we could talk about eating now?!? Yum!

Food!

Oly Cafe!!! Share the banana mac pancakes with a side of meat and you'll both leave full!!!! Ask for a table with a view - LOL either the ocean or the street = it's all gooooooood!!!!!!!

Think I told you I loved the 3 hour tour of Kipu Ranch!

oh for sure about eating....Kauai has the best ever food, imho.

As 'lani said, be sure to check out Olympic Cafe. We have eaten there for b,l & d and like them all....I'm a big fan of their fish tacos...or maybe it is their fish burrito...it's the one that comes with a fried banana! I like to sit on the street side and watch all the people.

The first stop for the real icee is Hamura's Saimen in Lihue. Their lilikoi pie is to live for.

Are you going to carry the eating on on this thread or start another?

You gonna come up and visit with us on Sunday, Sept. 2nd at the beach shack? I know the drive can't be that long since our neighbor down there works in Wilmington. DD graced UNCW with her presence about 20 years ago!!

Ask away with Kauai questions. iamq leaves next week, I think, and he should have lots of current info for everyone.

((r))i'2

iceeu2 - What's lilikoi pie? In my research I've seen reference to a lot of food items that I don't recognize.

What's the deal with September 2? A GTG?

My husband graduated from UNCW 15 years ago.

Lilikoi is passion fruit and they make the absolute best pies at Hamura's.

We haven't posted anything yet, but Budman and his much better half and the real icee and I are going to be in Myrtle over the Labor Day holiday and are getting together for sure. We will post something in the next day or so about a GTG.

((r))i'2

To be exact: iamq leaves in 118.2 hours

Hey jrchapma....we are getting together in Myrtle Beach on September 1st.....I will top the thread for you....hope you can come.

We just got back from Kauai last week we took with us a book called Kauai Revealed by Dougherty it was the best book for island review I have ever had. There is also one for Oahu with a different name but same idea it was like having our personal guide with us as far as for having up to the minute guides for hiking, eating, where to stay anything you would want to know about. I bought it about three months before leaving and was not sorry that I did that. It made our vacation a very memorable experience. Between reading posts here and that book you will have a clear cut plan to a wonderful vacation. My one thing that I did while there was have a camera wrapped around my neck. You won't be sorry it became more important than a purse. Also if you are planning on doing any hiking the trails are beautiful. Go to Koke'e State Park after Waimea Canyon it is a little cooler there but the views are something you will never forget. Have fun. Before I sign off, all these reviews are very correct however on this island a good idea is to stay on the east that way whether you go to the north or the south you are never very long on the road. All the towns are fun to go in also and there are tons of beaches on this island it is impossible to see them all on one vacation time frame. They are right when they talk about the surf but just turn on the radio and you get an up to the minute surf report daily so that really is no problem. The North is the calm side in summer months as the
south side is rougher at the same time and the situation is reversed in a different season. Hope this helps. Have a wonderful trip.