Calling All Kauai Aficionados

36 comments

1. 

   nicole

   March 23, 2009 at 8:40 am

   for a light adventure you could kayak. When we were in Kauai we had access to free kayaks and went up the Wailua River aways, and hiked 1 mile (not strenuous) to a 100 ft waterfall. Very pretty. Plus wild chickens in the forest, are always funny. The river is pretty flat water so its not difficult, particularly in a 2 man kayak. There are tour groups that do this also, a quick google found this one: http://www.outfitterskauai.com/wailua.html Although i am sure there are others that might be cheaper.

2. 

   Legallyblondemel

   March 23, 2009 at 9:43 am

   Kauai is amazing, my favorite Hawaiian island. Just gorgeous.

   Have you thought about doing a helicopter tour? They are expensive, but so worth it to really take in the incredible coastline.

3. 

   parsingtime

   March 23, 2009 at 9:45 am

   We were in Kauai in December and went on a helicopter tour which was pretty amazing. We also enjoyed Kilauea Bakery & Pau Hana Pizza for a quick lunch. Their chocolate macademia nut pie (like pecan pie but with macs) was divine. Go in just for cake or cookies!

   Also, don’t order the Top Shelf Mai Tai at Beach House (make reservations for sunset), you will be drunk after three sips!

4. 

   Tammi Marie

   March 23, 2009 at 9:45 am

   Good list! I also recommend the Beach House, Tidepools, the Waimea Canyon and the lighthouse.

   This is what you are missing: http://ntbg.org/gardens/allerton.php
   It’s amazing.

   I also recommend snorkeling on Ke’e beach and Tunnels beach on the north shores.

5. 

   Rachel

   March 23, 2009 at 9:53 am

   Beach House: YES, so good. I had a coconut/macadamia nutty drink there that tasted like heaven. The food was awesome too.

   Secret Beach: Yes.

   Polihale Beach: MILES of deserted white sand, there were only a handful of other people there when we went.

   Moloa’a Bay: we ended up going there twice, we loved it so much.

   I have a ton more suggestions since we loved everything we did! You’ll have agreat time no matter what :)

   Also I hope you already have this: http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Kauai-Guidebook-Revealed/dp/0981461018/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1237827102&sr=1-1

6. 

   Christy

   March 23, 2009 at 10:10 am

   I just have to say that the Beach House is great! They open up the walls when the weather’s nice and the sunsets are amazing.

   We did the outfitters tour that involved kayaking, hiking, zip-lines, and waterfalls, and that was great fun – just MAKE SURE to bring the heavy duty bug spray.

   The absolute best thing we did was the helicopter tour around the island. It was not cheap at all, but I would do it again in a second. We saw whales, flew into to Mt. Wai’ale’ale’s crater, and saw some hidden waterfalls. We still watch the video we bought. I think the name of the company was Blue Hawaiian.

7. 

   Vanessa

   March 23, 2009 at 11:24 am

   Wish I had some tips, instead I’m just a tad bit jealous! : )
   Have fun!

8. 

   Catherine

   March 23, 2009 at 11:32 am

   My tip is that you should bring your faithful readers! Or at least take tons and tons of pics so we can live vicariously when you get back!

9. 

   TJ

   March 23, 2009 at 11:41 am

   If you’re definitely going out to Waimea Canyon, stop by Kokee. The Wailua River kayak can be fun – head to the Fern Grotto, which is usually only accessible by the tour or kayak.

   When headed to/from Princeville/Hanalei, take the back round around Sleeping Giant. Rolling hills, lots of green, road not so curvy that you’ll get carsick.

   The Orchid festival in Hanapepe at the end of March is always nice.

   Careful at Kauapea (Secret beach) – The rip current can be brutal.

   Have a great time! My Dad was born and raised there so it’s always been a spesh place for us.

10. 

    Kerri Anne

    March 23, 2009 at 11:58 am

    Two piña coladas. (One for each hand.)

    (Um, I just quoted a Garth Brooks’ song in your comments. I blame Monday.)

11. 

    Tracy

    March 23, 2009 at 12:13 pm

    When my sister and I were there in 2006 we toured the Hindu Monestary. It is on a BEAUTIFUL piece of land, and so peaceful. The were in the process of building a new temple when we were there, but it might be done now. They don’t do tours every day, so you might want to check their website.

    And Duke’s at the Kauai Mariott had really good fish tacos.

    And you should definitely do Waimea Canyon.
    Have FUN!

12. 

    Darcey

    March 23, 2009 at 12:14 pm

    I don’t have any suggestions, as I haven’t been yet… but I will be heading there in June, and will look to you to be my guru! (In addition to my bff who lives there and is letting us stay for FREE!!!!)

13. 

    martymankins

    March 23, 2009 at 12:28 pm

    Kauai and Maui are next for us (we just got back from Oahu and Kona). I will be using your blog post as suggestions (I know you will blog about your trip… you’d better!) when we end up going.

14. 

    Lauren

    March 23, 2009 at 12:47 pm

    Check out the book Kauai Revealed. These “Revealed” books have really made our Hawaiian vacations great.

    http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Kauai-Guidebook-Revealed/dp/0981461018/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1237837627&sr=8-1

15. 

    Gillian

    March 23, 2009 at 12:52 pm

    I’m sure doing a tour by water of the Na Pali coast would be lovely… I hiked (not too strenuous of a hike) the first few miles of the trail down to a lovely beach. Even the first little bit of it gives some incredible views of the coastline. Plus, if you have snorkle gear, you can snorkle at the beach near the trail head and there are lots of ginormous sea turtles there.

    Also, friends did a helicopter tour of the island and their photos are stunning, it looks like it was amazing.