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Kauai Recommendations
My husband and I are taking my mother to Kauai at the end of February and staying in Princeville. We will have a car and plan to see a lot of the island, so any recs of must do/must see areas?
As far as activities, we do want to go snorkeling, but would need somewhere very calm/easy as my mom does not know how to swim (she knows enough to snorkel and will be wearing a life vest, but she wouldn't be comfortable with more difficult conditions). She'd also love to see some waterfalls, we could do some easy trails/hikes, but nothing to difficult as she's not in the best shape. She's also interested in possibly doing a zipline, any good ones?
My husband and I would also like to do at least one or two dives (my mom would just take the car and sightsee on her own). Any good dive ops you can recommend?
What would be the best way to see the Na Pali coast, other than a helicopter during that time of year? Best way to see Waimea Canyon? Anything else you can add or recommend?
TIA
Re: Kauai Recommendations
We went to Kauai last October. We didn't snorkel off of the beaches because the water seemed very choppy and the waves were huge (we are not strong swimmers). I did see a lot of people snorkeling at Tunnels Beach since there is a lot of coral there. I'm not sure how the conditions will be in Feb.
We took an excursion with Capt. Andy's to see the Napali coast via boat and to go snorkeling. It was the more upscale Southern Star bbq one. We loved it! The food was good and there was a nice open bar after snorkeling. We saw a bunch of fish and some giant sea turtles up close. The crew was awesome!
The best way to see the Waimea Canyon is to drive there. There are a number of scenic stops as you go further up and the views improve. You don't have to do much hiking. Just beware of the speed traps on the way there.
Your best bet for calm snorkeling at that time will be Poipu. It's not the best snorkeling in the world, but odds are the North Shore will be too dangerous.
Wailua Falls doesn't involve any hiking at all -- you just drive up and park.
Your options for seeing the Na Pali Coast other than a helicopter tour are hiking and by boat. I would not recommend the hike with your mom, and if it's been raining it can be very slippery and muddy (I have a picture of what our shoes looked like by the end of it in my 2008 Kauai trip report, and that was in dry conditions). For a boat tour it looks like there's one that goes out of Hanalei Bay in the winter, and the rest you'd have to drive around to Port Allen. I'd recommend trying to do a morning one because conditions will probably be better. But if it's stormy or there's big surf the tour could get cancelled or re-routed. Because of that try to book it early in the trip so you can reschedule if you need to.
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Ditto Poipu for calm snorkelling; but just know that in Kauai conditions change daily & weekly - watch the weather report in the morning and the local newscasters will probably tell you the best snorkelling spots for the day (seriously. its awesome).
The Waimea canyon is a fantastic trip, BUT - you need to make sure you have great weather. We had rainy weather and saw absolutely nothing (we did a helicopter tour a few days later and saw what we missed). Its also a very long drive from Princeville (2+ hours) so plan to stop a few places along the way. We stopped at the Hananpepe Cafe in Hanapepe and the desserts/bakery items were amazing. We were there in the morning, apparently after lunch the bakery items are gone. The mango pie & apple crisp were unreal.
If your budget can swing it, a helicopter tour is a must. Fantastic.
Here's my "activity" trip report from when we were there at the end of September:
http://community.thenest.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/59337814.aspx
For calm/easy snorkeling, we went to Anini Beach, as well as Ke'e Beach, both on the North Shore (in my report above with PIPs). I'm not sure though how calm it will be in February, so check the conditions first. Also, Wailua Falls and Opeaka'a Falls are some of the falls that we saw (also in report), but there are many many more to see.
The first time we went to Kauai we did a sunset dinner cruise to see the Na Pali Coast, the scenery was absolutely stunning and we had so much fun! We went with Kauai Sea Tours, highly rec them.
Let me know if you'd like food recs, that's the other part of my trip report...
HTH
As most of the pps have already said, the north shore of Kauai in February is going to be too rough for snorkeling. We went in late January, and the waves were way too big for anything, including swimming. Poipu might be a better alternative.
We took a boat trip on Captain Andy's and tried to go to the north shore/Na Pali area, but again, the waters were not calm enough. Instead, Captain Andy's diverted us south around Poipu because the ocean is just too rocky during the wintertime to head north.
We are 0-4 at Waimea Canyon during our visits there. Each time, there has been too much fog to see anything. It's a long trip each time, so be prepared for fog since it's fairly common.
caveat: I haven't read the other posts but I have been to Kauai 3 times in the past 5 years.
First, buy The Ultimate Guide to Kauai by Andrew Doughty. This is the blue "Revealed" book that anyone who has been to Hawaii will recommend to you.
You won't be able to snorkel or swim on the north shore in February. The possible exception is Anini Beach. Anini is great and almost always calm because of the reef barrier but it's not a snorkeling beach. Great for swimming, though. East side doesn't really have swimmable beaches so you will need to head south for snorkeling.
DO visit the north shore beaches anyway. Be careful and look at the waves but the north shore has some of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii. Ke'e Beach is lovely (if it's safe that day). Hanalei Bay is great for an evening stroll though the sun will be setting behind Bali Hai at that time of year, not over the water. Here's a web cam so you can check out Hanalei Bay. (BTW, this is where the pier is that you can walk out on.)
After a decent rain, you will see lots of waterfalls on the north shore just driving around. Seriously, can't miss them. There are some bigger waterfalls that you can view on the east shore (check the book) but you'll need to drive.
We did the zipline at Princeville Ranch last time and it was great (fun but not too strenuous, great scenery); however, there is some hiking between each zip so probably not a good option for your mom. There are some other options on the east side that you can check out, though.
See Waimea Canyon on your own by car. Take the road all the way up and stop at each overlook. Be sure to go all the way up to the very last overlook (Pu'u o Kila) which actually looks out over Kalalau Valley. It is a famous, gorgeous view. This valley can only be reached by boat (which is now illegal) or by a crazy 7-mile hike which leaves from Ke'e Beach and requires a permit. This is what it looks like:
You MIGHT be able to see the Na Pali coast by boat. Your only real option is to try a south shore company. I'd go with a bigger outfit like Captain Andy's. We always do smaller boats from the north shore but that won't be an option in the winter, realistically. Another option is to do a fixed-wing aircraft tour. Wings Over Kauai gets great reviews on the TA boards and it's much cheaper than a heli tour. Going out on the water isn't really a sure thing in the winter so if you are determined, I'd book something from the air. We've seen it both ways and while I enjoy the experience more from the water, the coast is so much more impressive from air and you can really see it much better. Our pictures from the air are stunning (we did a doors off heli tour).
We adore the north shore and really won't consider staying elsewhere on the island. Even with some of the inconveniences, it is just so beautiful and so relaxing up there.
If you are there on a Sunday, spring for the Sunday Brunch at the St. Regis. Make reservations for a railing table. You will have a stunning view of Hanalei Bay and Bali Hai.
Eat at random little places. Get takeout and hit the beach for sunset. Some of our favorite little places on the north shore are Federicos and the Thai place (next door to one another in the Princeville shopping center, take out but there are tables in the courtyard, Federicos also has great breakfast), Polynesia Cafe in Hanalei, Bubba's Burgers (Teriyaki Burger with pineapple and grilled onions, YUM) in Hanalei, Kilauea Fish Market (in Kilauea but hard to find, amazing food and I don't care much for fish). Avoid the steakhouse in Princeville, it's terrible, as is Niede's Salsa or whatever it's called in Hanalei. If you've ever had truly good Mexican food you will hate this place. We miss it every single time but try Bar Acuda. It's a tapas bar and Pierce Brosnan's favorite.
I have tons of recs but need to run for a bit so if you need more, just let me know.
Our two favorite activities:
1. doors off helicopter ride. totally worth the price.
2. ATV tour: http://www.kiputours.com/
We did the zipline also... but it was just ok.
Thanks everyone! We've decided to do 3 'big' (aka expensive) activities and then a lot of sightseeing/snorkeling/relaxing the rest of the week.
We've decided on trying Captain Andy's for the sunset tour of the Na Pali coast. If that doesn't work out because of the weather conditions, we will try an air tour, but I think Captain Andy's will give us a better experience for the price.
We also definitely want to do a luau. I've heard a lot of recommendations on here for the Smith Family Luau, but they don't have the best reviews on tripadvisor, so I'm not sure. But one way or another, we'll do a luau.
My mom is now not so sure she wants to do a zipline, so we'll have to do a little more research on it, or a different activity that she'll like. But I'm sure we can find something. If not, maybe if conditions are good, we can do both air and sea tours of the coast.
As for the driving around, we definitely have the Kauai Revealed book (gave my mom the book for Christmas as a way to wrap her 'gift') and we also have the Kindle version on our iPad. So hopefully we should be able to mark several places to check out and choose the ones to see based on the conditions the week we're there.
As far as checking conditions, what's the best way to find out while we are there? Is there a website, radio show, news show, phone number, etc?
Last but not least, are there any restaurant recommendations that we absolutely have to try? We'll have a kitchen, so we'll probably cook a few meals at our hotel, but I definitely want my mom to try some of the food Hawaii has to offer (and the amazing fresh fish).
This is from my Kauai trip report:
FOOD:
Duke's (at the Kauai Marriott) - very good! They have an oceanview diningroom upstairs, and the Barefoot Bar is downstairs where they have a great Happy Hour and good live music playing at certain times.
Here's their famous Hula Pie (I totally love this dessert, my H knows there's no 'share-sies' with this one, get that other spoon out of there, lol):
Tip Top Cafe (in Lihue) - not a fancy joint by any means but they have cheap delicious food and excellent service, the locals go here. They have the best Banana Macadamia Nut pancakes we've ever had (and we've tried a few!) and I also loved the corned beef patties with poached eggs.
Here's their Banana Macadamia Nut pancakes and Kona coffee (great combo!):
Kalaheo Cafe & Coffee Co. (in Kalaheo) - a must! We had an awesome breakfast here and the coffee is top notch! Make it a part of your itinerary for breakfast or lunch if you're on the way to the Waimea Canyon, nice newer place:Java Kai (in Kapa'a) - very good coffee, I liked the Surfer's blend, and yummy organic treats, my H devoured 4 peanut butter cookies!:
Scotty's Beachside Bbq (in Kapa'a) - nice oceanfront casual restaurant, we gave the smoked beef brisket dinner a big thumbs up!:Apparently Robert Downey Jr. was a fan of their chocolate cake (while in Kauai filming Tropic Thunder):
Lappert's (3 different locations, this one was in Poipu) - loved their ice cream!:
I tried the Black Peppercorn flavor, my H thought it was disgusting but I actually liked it (go figure, lol); but for real, the Coconut Macadamia Nut Fudge flavor was the bomb diggity!:
Kilauea Fish Market (in Kilauea, north shore) - A small take-out place with nice outdoor seating and excellent food, specializing in fresh fish:
The Ono fish tacos were pretty amazing (right), as was the chicken teriyaki plate (left):
Kilauea Bakery - the baked goods were impressive, I loved the tropical style bread pudding and my H liked the sticky buns. The coffee, however, was just okay.
My H had a mouthful here, haha:
Hee-Fat General Store (in Kapa'a) - serves the BEST shave ice around, seriously, the ice is shaved so well, it's like fluffy snow, and the flavors are so yummy! Make sure you get ice cream at the bottom and a "snow cap" on top. They serve it at a counter at the back of the store:
Ono Family Restaurant (in Kapa'a) - very friendly staff, busy popular place, large portions, we really enjoyed our breakfast here.
Hamura Saimin (in Lihue) - surprisingly this was a miss for us. My H had the saimin soup which he thought was decent and I had the fried saimin noodles which were pretty ick, they actually warmed them up in the micro, so not cool. We had to double check to see if we were in the right place based on all the rave reviews...
Eggbert's (in Kapa'a) - We had a really good breakfast here except for the fact that they ran out of macadamia nuts for the pancakes, what the?? The egg dishes were very good though, my H really liked his omelet and I enjoyed my eggs benny.
Merriman's (in Poipu) - had our anniversary dinner here. The food was incredible, very tasty, but a little pricey. Nice ocean views from the verandah, go at sunset.
1) You may want to really consider switching to a morning tour. Afternoon and evening tours can be rough even in the summer. In the winter, it is very unlikely that you will actually get to the Na Pali coast. I normally read the trip reports on the TA Kauai board and I've yet to see one that actually got to see the Na Pali coast in the evening in the winter. I just want to point this out because the coast is so stunning...it's a do not miss for sure. I'm sure the dinner tour is great and I know that having to leave the north shore so early won't be that fun; however, you greatly increase your odds of actually seeing the Na Pali coast by going in the morning.
2) There is another option that is an AWESOME option on the north shore for luaus. It is at Hanalei Colony Resort which is actually in Ha'ena. It is more of a local luau and much more like a "real" luau. We went last summer since we brought friends that had never been to Hawaii and we all enjoyed it. The food was far better than average mass luau food and the show was very good. It was put on by several Hawaiian families and you could tell their love of their culture and their desire to share it with others. They were very talented and included the guests in the singing and dancing. It is in a smaller venue, MUCH smaller than the average tourist luau. It was really very special. I highly recommend it. They only do it on Tuesdays. DH was not terribly thrilled to go to yet another luau (his mom is Hawaiian so he's been to more luaus than he can count and wasn't happy about going to a touristy one) but even he like it. A huge plus for you guys is that it is much closer than Smith's because it is on the north shore. It really is like being at a local luau as a guest.
3) Like a pp said, Kauai isn't really known for it's food. That said, there are some good places to eat. Nothing that they are necessarily known for but you can still get a good meal. Earl's Bride gave you some good suggestions. We pretty much stick to the north shore and I gave some suggestions above but I'll elaborate here. On our last trip, we were on the north shore for 11 days and rarely ate elsewhere, nor did we cook in the condo. Yes, we are lazy slugs on vacation. Keep in mind that you will likely end up driving into Hanalei, about 10 minutes, for dinners in the Princeville area as there are more restaurants there.
- Java Kai (Hanalei) - same as the one in Kapa'a. Can get crowded if you go too late. It's pretty much a coffee shop though they do serve some actual breakfast food, not just pastries.
- Wake Up Cafe (Hanalei) - try the Over the Falls French Toast if you don't mind a decadent, sweet breakfast. Small and extremely casual.
- St. Regis (Princeville - Makana Terrace - Sunday Brunch is FABULOUS and worth the price. Make reservations and get a railing table for a truly unforgettable meal. I will never tire of their view. Truly stunning. If you don't visit the St. Regis for brunch or dinner, go for drinks one early evening just for the view.
- Federicos (Princeville Shopping Center) - Baja Mex. Casual, to-go. Good fresh salsa bar. We end up here a lot because it's so easy to get to (park in the back), cheap, and fast. Their breakfast is particularly good. There are tables in the courtyard you can sit at or you can take it to go. Very fresh. This is a repeater on several trips for us.
- Thamarind Thai (Princeville Shopping Center) - it's right next to Federicos. It was nice that I could get Mex and DH could get Thai. He really enjoyed it and had it several times.
- Hanalei Dolphin (Hanalei but just before you actually get to Hanalei...on your left and impossible to miss) - very fresh fish. They also sell fish to go but the restaurant is supposed to be an excellent fresh-caught seafood restaurant. Somehow we always miss this one but I've heard nothing but great things and it's a great, close option if you are looking for fresh, locally-caught-that-day seafood. It's a sit-down place and they don't take reservations but they do have a pretty location next to Hanalei River with some tables outside where you can wait
- Red Hot Mama's (Ha'ena) - way on past Hanalei...it's on the left and serves giant burritos. Great when you are out visiting north shore beaches during the day. They are pretty much only open for lunch and close around 1 or 2. Cash only.
- Bar Acuda (Hanalei) - like I said, we miss this one everytime. I was so determined to go last time but a watermain broke in Hanalei so we ended up eating at the St. Regis on our last night. Boo. It's a tapas bar and looks lovely. It gets excellent reviews and Pierce Brosnan, who has a house in Ha'ena is a frequent customer when he's on island.
- Bouchon's (Hanalei) - upstairs...you'll see it. It's really not great but it's not terrible, either. It's a good, easy choice, though, if you want a casual sit-down, table-service restaurant. They have a large variety of food. DH does like their sushi ok and they normally have live music.
- Kauai Grill (Princeville, St. Regis) - It's a Jean-Georges restaurant so very good and very expensive. If you do go, get a table for sunset. We are too lazy to dress up in Kauai anymore so we pass on it now.
- Bubba's Burgers (Hanalei, also another location, I think in Kapa'a) - Easy and fast. The teriyaki burger (regular burger patty soaked in teriyaki sauce) with a fresh grilled pineapple slice and grilled onions is super tasty. It's even better if you take it to the beach
We ate here a few times...it's a good, quickish option when you REALLY don't feel like getting too cleaned up for dinner after a long day of vacationing 
- Polynesia Cafe (Hanalei, near the entrance to Bouchons) - good food, a twist on Hawaiian and local foods. DH loves a good luau plate with kalua pig and all that jazz, so he was always wanting to go here. I liked the kalau pork quesadilla. Cash only but they have an ATM. You eat at the tables in the courtyard. Not a great option if it's raining.
- Kilauea Fish Market (Kilauea) - GO! I'm not a big fish eater but DH is. He simply adored their poke and fresh ahi. Their teriyaki chicken was excellent...not at all the dull piece of meat that most fish places serve for the non-seafood eating crowd. It was truly good. Everything is very fresh. A great stop if you go to Kilauea lighthouse (which I recommend...go for the great views, the lighthouse isn't anything amazing), though it really isn't too far off the main road if you are just passing by. You can get a to-go menu and call ahead to pick it up for dinner (they close at 8)
- Hamura's Saimin (Lihue) - This place earned a James Beard award and you'll thing "wth did these girls send us to?" when you walk in but if you enjoy local cuisines, it is very good. It's a true cultural melting pot dish. Saimin is a noodle soup, basically, somewhat similar to pho if you like that. Do try the chicken and beef sticks and DO NOT MISS the lilikoi chiffon pie which is downright sinful (get your own piece). Lilikoi (lee-lee-koy) is passion fruit so tart. AMAZING.
- Tahiti Nui (Hanalei) - good bar. It's a bar!
- Kilauea Video & Ice Cream (Kilauea) - they were looking to move to the east side but it's worth a stop if you go to Kilauea Fish Market since it's in the same building. Simply amazing ice cream (Tropical Dreams). It is made on the Big Island with fresh, locally grown ingredients (down to the milk from the cows) by the former pastry chef for Wolfgang Puck.
- Foodland Deli (Princeville) - yeah, the grocery store deli has good food. Great for picnics and if you want to keep some things like banana bread in your condo/hotel for breakfast. I'd recommend picking up a few snacks for your first night. I always end up waking up crazy early the first day and nobody wants to go look for breakfast in an unfamiliar place at 5am. You will see the shopping center when you get to Princeville (right past the P-ville entrance).
- Roy's Tavern (Princeville, but slightly east of Princeville) - Owned by the same chef responsible for Roys. It opened just after our last trip but apparently has great food (much more casual than Roy's)
- Puka Dog (Poip'u) - some people love it, some people hate it, but it makes for a fun meal. We normally get it at one of those weird "we're hungry but don't want to eat a full meal because we're going to eat dinner in a few hours" times so it works. The bun is a whole bun with a hole for the hot dog in the middle, toasted from the inside. They squirt your choice of tropical mustard and tropical relish inside, then shove the hot dog in. Not amazing, IMO, but fun. It's in the Poip'u Shopping Village.
- Keoki's Paradise (Poi'pu) - casual, table-service. We like this place. Don't make a special trip but if you are down that way, the food is good with generous portions. On par with Dukes, IMO. The view isn't as good but I like the food a bit better and if the location works for you, it's a good option.
- Merriman's (Poipu) - we ate at the casual downstairs restaurant. It was good...like a typical good cafe. The fries with truffle oil are worth mentioning. Again, good restaurant if you are in the vicinity.
- Beach House (Poipu) - Very popular and known for their sunsets. Personally, I'll take a sunset over Hanalei Bay over Poipu anyday but this is probably the one "known" restaurant on Kauai. In reality, it's nothing special. Don't get me wrong, it is good and you will very likely be happy with your food there. Something just rubs me the wrong way, though. It holds itself out to be a special occasion, upscale restaurant but...it's not. The food is good but not terribly creative or imaginative and it's on the pricey side. Fine dining prices without really being fine dining. That said, it's a great experience and something that your mom would probably find very special. Call ahead to get sunset reservations if you go. The waiters are very good about timing your meal so that you won't be getting your food right as the sunsets. Everyone gets up and goes out to the lawn. There is a photographer to take your picture in front of the sunset. It's really a beautiful setting. Can you tell I'm torn on this place? Sometimes we bother and sometimes we don't.
- Jojo's Shave Ice (Waimea) - go to the one on the side street NOT the main road. Walk towards the ocean after you get your shave ice (be sure to get mac nut ice cream on the bottom, trust me, even if it sounds odd). There is a black sand beach there. It's not a "real" black sand beach. It's black because the sand is deposited there by the Waimea River or something like that, not formed by the ocean pounding down black lava rock, but it's still very cool to see. You can walk out on the pier to get a great view of the white foamy waves on the black sand. It's very windy here! A GREAT stop after Waimea Canyon.
AVOID LIKE THE PLAGUE:
- Neide's Salsa in Hanalei. Blech, terribly bland "Mexican" and "Brazilian" food.
- CJ's Steakhouse in Princeville. We ate here on one trip because it was 1 o'clock our time and just wanted to get something. Yeah, don't bother. It isn't terrible (a mediocre steakhouse) but the prices are insane for what it is and the quality.
A few other things: the slowest Subway in the entire world is inside the grocery store in Hanalei. It's truly astounding, even for Hawaii.
Make your dinner choices by 6 every night. Most places, especially casual places, close up at 8 (table-service restaurants are open later). We just try to not fully switch over to Hawaiian time so that we get up much earlier and go to bed earlier than we do at home. Kauai is a daytime place. Even the teenagers get up really early (to surf).
Ooh, I forgot about Tidepools. It is very good and the setting is gorgeous. Make reservations to ensure you get a good table but we went without reservations once and it was fine.