Insider tips for first-time visitor to Kauai, Hawaii? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

micah67 · 09-17-2003, 01:21 PM

I'm off to the island of Kauai on Friday for an impromptu week-long vacation. It's my first time to Hawaii and this trip was thrown together in the last two days. We're staying at a 5-star resort (thanks to a time-share exchange that was about to expire).

Does anyone have insider tips on places to go, things to do, etc., that wouldn't break the bank? I'm willing to try ANYTHING at least once.

Thanks!

frankgrimes · 09-21-2003, 08:19 PM

only been to kauai once a few years ago, but if memory serves...north end has some nice beaches, drive as far west as you can along the north coast to see them.south end has some awesome hotels and resorts, you can see them and drink in the poolside bars, you don't have to be a guest, they also provide public parking and beach access. There are some deserted beaches near the resorts, you have to drive down some dirt roads to get to them, a guide book like lonely planet is helpful to find places like this. west of here find waimea canyon which is worth a look and barking sands, another beach which was virtually deserted when i was there. kauai has great hiking, and if you want to spend some money, a helicopter flight is worth it, the scenery is insane. rent a car and drive around, see the island. have a great time.

quadro2000 · 09-23-2003, 12:54 PM

Kauai is beautiful. I was there last February. It's quieter than Oahu, Maui or the Big Island and not overrun by tourists.

I highly recommend The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook, as it really is the ultimate guide to the island. You'll see lots of other people with this book in their hands, but it's still possible to find some nice isolated places to hang out.

Our favorites, in no particular order:

1) Waimea Canyon - "The Grand Canyon of the Pacific" as dubbed by Mark Twain. Take your car up to the top and check out the views. On your way back down, stop at the various shoulders on the side of the road to see other views.

2) Princeville Stables - We did a horseback ride with a few others - you eventually get off the horse, do a short hike downhill, and wind up at an otherwise inaccessible waterfall! The water's cold but it's beautiful. Then you hike back up and take the horses back. Lots of fun.

3) Helicopter trip! Most of Kauai is inaccessible by car - as you'll see when you realize there is one main road around (almost) the entire island. The helicopter ride allows you to see all the beauty of Kauai that you'd otherwise miss. There are a bunch of companies but the ones I've heard the best things about are Will Squyres and Jack Harter. We did a trip with Will Squyres and it was a little bumpy, but it was because of the weather at the time. I took a lot of pictures with my digital camera and caught a lot of glare. For that reason, if you're up for it, I recommend Jack Harter - one of their helicopters allows the doors to be fully opened for breathtaking views and pictures. A little scary, probably, but they have an excellent reputation.

4) Boat trip - either day or dinner/sunset cruise - up the Na Pali coast. We unfortunately didn't get to do this because it was wintertime and the waters were choppy - but again, you get great views and perhaps a chance to snorkel, plus food.

5) Hikes - there are plenty of hikes for varying levels of athletic ability. Quadrette and I did a few simple ones that led to quiet, out-of-the-way places with beautiful crashing waves and soothing beaches. One was to "Queen's Bath" and the other to "Secret Beach." Directions on how to get to them are in the book.

6) Finally, this is one you won't find in any of the books, we stumbled upon it and are so glad we did. For a taste of authentic Hawaiian slack-key guitar music, which is SO relaxing, seek out Aloha Plenty. They are a husband and wife duo who really represent the essence of "aloha." Check out the link to "concerts" to see when they play. They do shows at a community center in Hanalei, but they also play almost every night at sunset at Pavilion Beach Park. Give them a call to get directions to the park, bring a picnic basket, sit and watch the sun go down. It's beautiful.

We didn't do a lot of swimming since we did a lot of that in Oahu - just keep in mind that as it gets closer to winter, the swimming on the North Shore is more dangerous - check with your hotel for advice on thiis.

I do have some photos up online somewhere of our trip to Kauai. If you'd like to see them, PM me. Hope this helps. Enjoy your trip and remember to take time to just relax and let it all happen to you- that's what "aloha" is all about.

BentNotTwisted · 09-24-2003, 12:44 PM

My wife and I went to Kauai back in '97. A helicopter trip is a must to if it is in your budget. Waimea Canyon is great. If you drive all the way to the top of the canyon, there's a trail that leads into a national forest area. Hike long enough and you can get to some amazing views of the Napali coast. I highly recommend taking a whole day there. Check out Captain Zodiac. If the sea is calm enough they take you in an inflatable zodiac boat to some excellent snorkeling areas where you will see tons of tropical fish. If you want to do something more relaxing you might consider taking a kayak float trip up one of the rivers there. Hope you have a great time!

Mondak · 03-17-2005, 08:43 PM

Ah ... the wonders of the TFP Search button! Thanks for the help everyone. Off to Kauai tomorrow morning and really have no plans other than the car and the hotel.

coollady777 · 08-03-2009, 02:05 PM

hawaii had to be one of the funnest places ever! Honolulu is absolutely beautiful though a little humid, I didn't mind

hunnychile · 08-03-2009, 02:22 PM

So, who's off to the Island now? Just curious.
I gotta say Kauai was my favorite island too, though Maui wasn't bad AT ALL. And yes, a helicopter ride across the island was the highlight of most of my vacations....and that includes Paris and Venice and most of Europe!

Aloha Y'all. Enjoy! It's Paradise.

coollady777 · 08-04-2009, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hunnychile

So, who's off to the Island now? Just curious.
I gotta say Kauai was my favorite island too, though Maui wasn't bad AT ALL. And yes, a helicopter ride across the island was the highlight of most of my vacations....and that includes Paris and Venice and most of Europe!

Aloha Y'all. Enjoy! It's Paradise.

River of love! Cool place lol. I also took a helicopter ride over the island it was one of the most beautiful sites I have ever seen! Haven't been to Europe but maybe that is my next destination

ametc · 08-04-2009, 08:22 PM

Seriously.. just walk around and take tons of pics! It's GORGEOUS in Hawaii. When I was ten I got to go to Hawaii for some type of Tiger Cruise thinger so I only got to stay in Hawaii for a few days. I stayed in Pearl Harbor, so all I know is the USS Arizona and Waikiki. But, I just remember it smelling like sweet flowers everywhere, and it was HUMID as hell, and it rained a lot (it was in December, though.. I think it's the dry season now), and the groceries there were expensive.. so I ended up enjoying local cuisine (fast food fish fry and spam!) and it was delicious as hell.

Check to see what parks and clubs are in Kauai and if so, take a hike or go swimming in the beautiful ocean. I like spontaneity when I'm on vacation, so my advice for you is: wander around and take lotsa pics!

09-17-2003, 01:21 PM	#1 (permalink)
micah67 Thor Location: 33:08:12N 117:10:23W	Insider tips for first-time visitor to Kauai, Hawaii? I'm off to the island of Kauai on Friday for an impromptu week-long vacation. It's my first time to Hawaii and this trip was thrown together in the last two days. We're staying at a 5-star resort (thanks to a time-share exchange that was about to expire). Does anyone have insider tips on places to go, things to do, etc., that wouldn't break the bank? I'm willing to try ANYTHING at least once. Thanks! __________________ ~micah

09-23-2003, 12:54 PM	#3 (permalink)
quadro2000 All Possibility, Made Of Custard Location: New York, NY	Kauai is beautiful. I was there last February. It's quieter than Oahu, Maui or the Big Island and not overrun by tourists. I highly recommend The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook, as it really is the ultimate guide to the island. You'll see lots of other people with this book in their hands, but it's still possible to find some nice isolated places to hang out. Our favorites, in no particular order: 1) Waimea Canyon - "The Grand Canyon of the Pacific" as dubbed by Mark Twain. Take your car up to the top and check out the views. On your way back down, stop at the various shoulders on the side of the road to see other views. 2) Princeville Stables - We did a horseback ride with a few others - you eventually get off the horse, do a short hike downhill, and wind up at an otherwise inaccessible waterfall! The water's cold but it's beautiful. Then you hike back up and take the horses back. Lots of fun. 3) Helicopter trip! Most of Kauai is inaccessible by car - as you'll see when you realize there is one main road around (almost) the entire island. The helicopter ride allows you to see all the beauty of Kauai that you'd otherwise miss. There are a bunch of companies but the ones I've heard the best things about are Will Squyres and Jack Harter. We did a trip with Will Squyres and it was a little bumpy, but it was because of the weather at the time. I took a lot of pictures with my digital camera and caught a lot of glare. For that reason, if you're up for it, I recommend Jack Harter - one of their helicopters allows the doors to be fully opened for breathtaking views and pictures. A little scary, probably, but they have an excellent reputation. 4) Boat trip - either day or dinner/sunset cruise - up the Na Pali coast. We unfortunately didn't get to do this because it was wintertime and the waters were choppy - but again, you get great views and perhaps a chance to snorkel, plus food. 5) Hikes - there are plenty of hikes for varying levels of athletic ability. Quadrette and I did a few simple ones that led to quiet, out-of-the-way places with beautiful crashing waves and soothing beaches. One was to "Queen's Bath" and the other to "Secret Beach." Directions on how to get to them are in the book. 6) Finally, this is one you won't find in any of the books, we stumbled upon it and are so glad we did. For a taste of authentic Hawaiian slack-key guitar music, which is SO relaxing, seek out Aloha Plenty. They are a husband and wife duo who really represent the essence of "aloha." Check out the link to "concerts" to see when they play. They do shows at a community center in Hanalei, but they also play almost every night at sunset at Pavilion Beach Park. Give them a call to get directions to the park, bring a picnic basket, sit and watch the sun go down. It's beautiful. We didn't do a lot of swimming since we did a lot of that in Oahu - just keep in mind that as it gets closer to winter, the swimming on the North Shore is more dangerous - check with your hotel for advice on thiis. I do have some photos up online somewhere of our trip to Kauai. If you'd like to see them, PM me. Hope this helps. Enjoy your trip and remember to take time to just relax and let it all happen to you- that's what "aloha" is all about. __________________ You have to laugh at yourself...because you'd cry your eyes out if you didn't. - Emily Saliers

09-24-2003, 12:44 PM	#4 (permalink)
BentNotTwisted Optimistic Skeptic Location: Midway between a Beehive and Centennial	My wife and I went to Kauai back in '97. A helicopter trip is a must to if it is in your budget. Waimea Canyon is great. If you drive all the way to the top of the canyon, there's a trail that leads into a national forest area. Hike long enough and you can get to some amazing views of the Napali coast. I highly recommend taking a whole day there. Check out Captain Zodiac. If the sea is calm enough they take you in an inflatable zodiac boat to some excellent snorkeling areas where you will see tons of tropical fish. If you want to do something more relaxing you might consider taking a kayak float trip up one of the rivers there. Hope you have a great time! __________________ IS THAT IT ???!!! Do you even know what 'it' is? When the last man dies for just words that he said... We Shall Be Free

03-17-2005, 08:43 PM	#5 (permalink)
Mondak Industrialist Location: Southern California	Ah ... the wonders of the TFP Search button! Thanks for the help everyone. Off to Kauai tomorrow morning and really have no plans other than the car and the hotel. __________________ All truth passes through three stages: First it is ridiculed Second, it is violently opposed and Third, it is accepted as self-evident. ARTHUR SCHOPENHAUER (1788-1860)

08-03-2009, 02:22 PM	#7 (permalink)
hunnychile Alien Anthropologist Location: Between Boredom and Nirvana	So, who's off to the Island now? Just curious. I gotta say Kauai was my favorite island too, though Maui wasn't bad AT ALL. And yes, a helicopter ride across the island was the highlight of most of my vacations....and that includes Paris and Venice and most of Europe! Aloha Y'all. Enjoy! It's Paradise. __________________ "I need compassion, understanding and chocolate." - NJB Last edited by hunnychile; 08-03-2009 at 02:24 PM..

09-21-2003, 08:19 PM	#2 (permalink)
frankgrimes Psycho	only been to kauai once a few years ago, but if memory serves...north end has some nice beaches, drive as far west as you can along the north coast to see them.south end has some awesome hotels and resorts, you can see them and drink in the poolside bars, you don't have to be a guest, they also provide public parking and beach access. There are some deserted beaches near the resorts, you have to drive down some dirt roads to get to them, a guide book like lonely planet is helpful to find places like this. west of here find waimea canyon which is worth a look and barking sands, another beach which was virtually deserted when i was there. kauai has great hiking, and if you want to spend some money, a helicopter flight is worth it, the scenery is insane. rent a car and drive around, see the island. have a great time.

08-03-2009, 02:05 PM	#6 (permalink)
coollady777 Upright Location: canada	hawaii had to be one of the funnest places ever! Honolulu is absolutely beautiful though a little humid, I didn't mind

08-04-2009, 08:22 PM	#9 (permalink)
ametc Psycho	Seriously.. just walk around and take tons of pics! It's GORGEOUS in Hawaii. When I was ten I got to go to Hawaii for some type of Tiger Cruise thinger so I only got to stay in Hawaii for a few days. I stayed in Pearl Harbor, so all I know is the USS Arizona and Waikiki. But, I just remember it smelling like sweet flowers everywhere, and it was HUMID as hell, and it rained a lot (it was in December, though.. I think it's the dry season now), and the groceries there were expensive.. so I ended up enjoying local cuisine (fast food fish fry and spam!) and it was delicious as hell. Check to see what parks and clubs are in Kauai and if so, take a hike or go swimming in the beautiful ocean. I like spontaneity when I'm on vacation, so my advice for you is: wander around and take lotsa pics!