Kauai Suggestions

LegalLovers

I noticed in a previous poll that many of you honeymooned there, or perhaps others have been there too.

We're going in March for ten days and although I've visited the gohawaii website and picked out some fun activities, is there anything you would suggest we must do while we're there?  Any excellent places for food of coffee?

We'll be staying in Kapaa on the east side of the island and renting a car. TIA!

Maryland

I don't have any great answers for you. We mostly went places that the ultimate guidebook suggested. We did find a good Italian place, Pomodoro's, which I believe was by a Pizza Hut on the south side of the island. The Beach House was also good, not amazing, but good, and it did have great sunset view. Make sure you have reservations though. We took at smaller boat tour along the Napali coast, which was great, esp b/c of the size of the boat. We really had to hang on at some points. We also enjoyed hiking down into the Waimea Canyon and, of course, drinking the lava flows by the pool at our hotel.

Have fun!

branola

I would DEFINITELY do a helicopter tour.  It can be a little spendy but is sooo worth it!  Kauai is a very rural island and a majority of it can only be seen by helicopter.  That is by far the number one thing you should do, imo.

I also recommend doing a luau at the Smith Family Plantation, located near the Fern Grotto.  The grounds are gorgeous, the food is yummy and they put on a really good show with Pele, the Goddess of Fire, dancing in a volcano.  It's crazy cool.

We went to the Fern Grotto (took a boat tour) and it was ok.  I think if I were to do it again I'd take a kayak instead down the Wailua River.

If you've never been to the Grand Canyon, you'll probably be impressed with Waimea Canyon.  On your way there, stop at JoJo's Shave Ice for the best shave ice experience EVER!

natjeffwedding

The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook: Kauai Revealed is awesome.  We used to that pick out all of the restaurants that we ate at and the activities that we did.  I definately recommend getting that book and taking it with you.  It has good directions and maps that are really useful for navagating the island.

I would say definately go see the Waimea Canyon.  Do a boat tour of the Napali Coast if you can swing it (although I got really sea sick ).  I've also heard helicopter tours are awesome, although we did not do that.

I second the recommendation on the luau at the Smith Family Plantation.  We also did the boat tour and it was interesting but not amazing. 

My favorite beach was probably Poipu beach, although hubby really isn't into laying on the beach so we didn't stay long.  Lydgate beach has really simple beginning snorkling if you're never done it before.  Ke'e beach is pretty neat, we watched the sunset there.  It's the furthest you can go to the north without going on the Kalalau trail.  If you're into hiking and experienced (and feel like hiking hardcore) you should look into hiking that.  We met another couple and said it was the highlight of their trip. 

We loved Hanalei, we stayed in Princeville and it was just 5 miles away.  Cute cute cuuuute little town. 

Favorite restaurants: Puka Dog (hot dogs wrapped in buns with a spicy sauce and sweet fruity salsa.. yyyuumm) and Char Ono Burger (amazing teryi burgers with pineapple... yum )

We spent alot of time driving around the island, which was fun as well.  It's definately small and manageable... especially if you are going to be there for 10 days!

stacey2005

I went to Kauai in Septenber and LOVED IT!!!

We were on Poipu beach on the South shore, but went all over. You must get Kauai revealed for all the travel tips. I found all the suggestions right on the money.

I recommend the Smith Family Luau, Puka Dogs, Beach House restaurant. Also the Hyatt has a few really nice places to eat, and a great bar. We took a Zipline tour at Princeville Ranch and it was the highlight of our trip!!

You will have a wonderful time.

Stacey

LegalLovers

Thanks ladies!