Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Locut0s

(6,154 posts)
Wed May 15, 2013, 07:25 PM May 2013

Going to Hawaii (Kauai) in a few weeks. Any recommendations?

Don't feel I deserve it given my current mental and other problems, having dropped 2 courses at university and all my other severe depression issues, staying at home doing nothing, but the holiday was booked by my parents some time ago.

Anyway we will be visiting Kauai for approximately 9 days. We visited the Big Island a few years ago and had a fantastic time. I'm not in the loop as to what we have planned exactly but I'm pretty sure we want to see Waimea Canyon for one. I personally LOVE snorkelling if there's lots of coral and fish to see, there were some fantastic spots on the Big Island. I wish I hand't put on as many pounds as I have though, embarrassing.

Any suggestions on what we should see, where we should eat, anything that's a MUST do? Not a huge fan of the overly touristy stuff unless it's really worth it.

Thanks.

36 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Going to Hawaii (Kauai) in a few weeks. Any recommendations? (Original Post) Locut0s May 2013 OP
Spend some time annabanana May 2013 #1
I recommend you bring me with. Bjorn Against May 2013 #2
Hahaha! You beat me to it! babylonsister May 2013 #4
Sure, I'll smuggle you in, in the checked luggage. Make sure you wear a scarf. nt Locut0s May 2013 #5
My favorite island! zappaman May 2013 #3
Thanks I'll add those to the list :D nt Locut0s May 2013 #10
Forgot to add... zappaman May 2013 #12
To add rufus dog May 2013 #35
Been to Hawaii 3 times, going to go back for a 4th for 25th anniversary ... zbdent May 2013 #6
Wear sunblock... SidDithers May 2013 #7
Kaua'i has less of the overly touristy stuff than any other island KamaAina May 2013 #8
Thanks. Lol. I'm used to the mac salad from our previous trip... Locut0s May 2013 #9
Make sure you are on a beech facing West at sunset.....at least one time...if not every day. There applegrove May 2013 #11
Last time when I was on the Big Island... Locut0s May 2013 #14
Footwear that you won't mind turning red from the dirt and mud. It's nearly impossible to ohiosmith May 2013 #13
Don't think I'll be caring too much about that ;) But thanks:P Locut0s May 2013 #15
I just want to say... woo me with science May 2013 #16
1. Charter a boat to the Napali coast Quixote1818 May 2013 #17
I second the helicopter tour! zappaman May 2013 #19
Kipu Falls is now fenced off due to drownings. Shrike47 May 2013 #26
I third the helicopter tour Bigtime Submariner May 2013 #29
Have you ever been ziplining? avebury May 2013 #18
"You rang?" - Izzy Berlum May 2013 #20
thanks for Izzy riverwalker May 2013 #30
Don't miss the lighthouse! Little_Wing May 2013 #21
was on the north coast in February mattvermont May 2013 #22
Try kayaking. If I can do it, anyone can. Shrike47 May 2013 #23
bring a raincoat. An umbrella will be in the way BlueToTheBone May 2013 #24
Do not pee in the seven sacred pools. Baitball Blogger May 2013 #25
HAWAI'I Magazine has lots of good updates on what's happening DinahMoeHum May 2013 #27
I've been there & the Big Island. Advice: 1-BE CAREFUL where you swim. JaneyVee May 2013 #28
Tips LynnTTT May 2013 #31
Of course you deserve it hootinholler May 2013 #32
went in Nov of last year. Had a ball. stevebreeze May 2013 #33
Kauai isn't very touristy. It's mainly a rural island RB TexLa May 2013 #34
I'll be there next month, date not yet known, just learned today. NYC_SKP May 2013 #36

annabanana

(52,791 posts)
1. Spend some time
Wed May 15, 2013, 07:29 PM
May 2013

floating on your back just out past where the waves break. Close your eyes, soak up the sun, and let all the tension just drain out of your fngertips....

It sounds like a wonderful vacation.

zappaman

(20,605 posts)
3. My favorite island!
Wed May 15, 2013, 07:30 PM
May 2013

First of all, it's not really touristy, so you should like that.
Best snorkeling on the island, and one of the best in the world, is Tunnels Beach on the northshore. If you are going to do the hike, it's on the way.

In Hana Lei, there is a burger stand called BUBBA'S which makes the finest burger on the island.

Princeville is the most populated, and not much there to do unless you want to shop or see a movie I suppose.

Some nice hotels and restaurants in Poipu. ROY'S is definitely worth a dinner!

Nightlife? Not a whole lot. There is a bar at the HYATT called STEVENSON'S LIBRARY which is a great place to unwind and watch the sun set.

It's a great place to relax and I could spend every day diving or snorkeling at Tunnels.

Have a blast!

zappaman

(20,605 posts)
12. Forgot to add...
Wed May 15, 2013, 07:38 PM
May 2013

Tunnels really is remarkable and a perfect place to hire a diver to dive with you if you have never dove.
It's a small step up from snorkeling since the water is shallow and beautiful!

 

rufus dog

(8,419 posts)
35. To add
Wed May 15, 2013, 10:31 PM
May 2013

Leave yourself enough time to walk out tho Poipu Point. Take an afternoon and then have dinner at Roy's. If I recall correctly you drive past the Hyatt down maybe a mile to some Horse Stables, then you can take a relaxing walk around the point.

zbdent

(35,392 posts)
6. Been to Hawaii 3 times, going to go back for a 4th for 25th anniversary ...
Wed May 15, 2013, 07:31 PM
May 2013

But never stayed on Kauai. Was there on second trip on a cruise.

Wish I could give you info. Just sad that I'm not going there ... well, the Powerball drawing is tonight ...

 

KamaAina

(78,249 posts)
8. Kaua'i has less of the overly touristy stuff than any other island
Wed May 15, 2013, 07:33 PM
May 2013

except maybe Moloka'i, so you're in good shape there.

Nine days is more than enough time to see both the drier, sunnier south and west sections of the island, and the more lush, tropical North Shore, with Bali Hai and the Na Pali Coast, accessible only by boat or helicopter.

Eat at any "local kine" plate lunch joint. Your choice of meat (garlic chicken and teriyaki beef are staples), "two scoops rice", and one scoop of mac salad (elbow macaroni cooked to within an inch of its life and drenched with mayo ) will set you back maybe seven or eight bucks. Some places will allow you to substitute a real salad for the mac.

edit: Nine days is also enough time to throw in an "overnighter" to one of the other islands. Info on this will be readily available at your hotel. If you haven't been to O'ahu, you might try there; the popular "Stars and Stripes" tour of WWII sites like the Arizona Memorial is something you definitely won't find in Canada.

Locut0s

(6,154 posts)
9. Thanks. Lol. I'm used to the mac salad from our previous trip...
Wed May 15, 2013, 07:36 PM
May 2013

Interesting side to have with all your meals, almost a national dish it seems I didn't mind it most of the time, but yeah some places it was more mush than salad.

applegrove

(118,006 posts)
11. Make sure you are on a beech facing West at sunset.....at least one time...if not every day. There
Wed May 15, 2013, 07:36 PM
May 2013

are throngs of people who do it.

Locut0s

(6,154 posts)
14. Last time when I was on the Big Island...
Wed May 15, 2013, 07:39 PM
May 2013

I watched the sun set a number of times, wonderful. I tried to see if I could catch a "green flash":

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_flash

as they are apparently best seen when you have a vast expanse of flat horizon or ocean in front of the setting sun, but I never caught one.

ohiosmith

(24,262 posts)
13. Footwear that you won't mind turning red from the dirt and mud. It's nearly impossible to
Wed May 15, 2013, 07:38 PM
May 2013

get the famous red dirt stains out.

Locut0s

(6,154 posts)
15. Don't think I'll be caring too much about that ;) But thanks:P
Wed May 15, 2013, 07:41 PM
May 2013

We will definitely bring a pair or two of flip flops. So long as they aren't red from blood. Gotta be careful walking across coral trying to get in or out of the water.

woo me with science

(32,139 posts)
16. I just want to say...
Wed May 15, 2013, 07:46 PM
May 2013

Don't feel I deserve it given my current mental and other problems, having dropped 2 courses at university and all my other severe depression issues, staying at home doing nothing, but the holiday was booked by my parents some time ago.


It sounds like you really need something like this right now.

Let the sun soak into your bones, and let your body and mind rest and play and rejuvenate.

You absolutely deserve it.

Quixote1818

(28,903 posts)
17. 1. Charter a boat to the Napali coast
Wed May 15, 2013, 07:46 PM
May 2013



2. Drive to Waimea canyon and hike down to the river if you can




3. Kayak to Fern Grotto



4. Of course lots of time on the beach. The West (leeward) side of the island is very sunny and much like a desert. Most other sides are very lush.

5. Helicopter Tour over the mountains to see wettest place on earth.



6. Hike to the Napali coast too.

7. Almost forgot: Kipu falls is an awesome place to swim and it's mostly locals there.

Submariner

(12,482 posts)
29. I third the helicopter tour Bigtime
Wed May 15, 2013, 09:00 PM
May 2013

I got a front seat ride with an ex-Vietnam combat pilot in the 80s who dipped the rotor blades into the waterfall to create an awesome rainbow above us. He had the Boss singing "Born in the USA" on the headphones and did some dazzling low altitude flying and then diving over the canyon summits.

avebury

(10,946 posts)
18. Have you ever been ziplining?
Wed May 15, 2013, 07:47 PM
May 2013

I did my first zip line tour on Kauai. It was scary but it didn't stop me from going again in St. Kitts, Puerto Rico, and Jamaica. If you are adventurous I would really recommend going ziplining. I am always looking for a good zip line tour everywhere I travel now.

Have you ever surfed? You can even get a surf lesson there. I am all about trying new things when I travel.

The Na Pali coastline is neat, you might look for a little cruise that goes by it, maybe a Na Pali Coast Kauai Sail and Snorkel?

Luau (of course). I did the one at Kalamaku. I love watching the fire sword guys.

If you like the outdoors you will find different types of outdoor activities.

Have you been to Hilo Hatties yet? It is a chain were you kind buy all kinds of Hawaiian stuff including kona coffee, different types of spiced macadamia nuts, and so on. I loved the chili spiced macadamia nuts. I know that it is touristy but great for getting some stuff.

If you like coffee ice cream keep your eyes open for kona coffee ice cream. It is my totally favorite coffee ice cream!

I came back from Hawaii a big fan of IZ (Israel Kamakawiwoʻole). Everywhere I went for 2 weeks I kept hearing this Hawaiian version of Over the Rainbow. I finally asked who the performer was. I know own several of his CDs. Great to listen to when you want to mellow out.

riverwalker

(8,694 posts)
30. thanks for Izzy
Wed May 15, 2013, 09:25 PM
May 2013

never saw his funeral ceremony before. I went to Maui last month, working on my bucket list, and never been to Hawaii before. It was magical. At 61, I had my first (of many) Mai Tai (waitress asked: What took you so long?) Went by myself, did the Road to Hana, went to Lahaina Luau, whale watching trips. Thought the Luau would be all couples and honeymooners and I would feel weird all alone, but there were 3 other solo travelers at my table.
Month before I left I listened to Izzy's CD's driving back and forth to work in our many blizzards.

Little_Wing

(417 posts)
21. Don't miss the lighthouse!
Wed May 15, 2013, 07:59 PM
May 2013

And make sure to drive to the end of the road on the North Shore, where the Na Pali trail starts (or actually do the trail--so beautiful.

The helicopter tour is well worth the expense, as is the zodiac excursions.

Kauai is so mellow, you will feel relaxed from day one.

Bon voyage.

mattvermont

(646 posts)
22. was on the north coast in February
Wed May 15, 2013, 08:00 PM
May 2013

you will love it all. Swim with the turtles, but do not expect cheap good fish. Ahi was 25 bucks a pound.
the lighthouse with the bird colonies is good. Hanalei Bay quite nice.

BlueToTheBone

(3,747 posts)
24. bring a raincoat. An umbrella will be in the way
Wed May 15, 2013, 08:17 PM
May 2013

and of course a camera. Those rainbows don't come for nothing.

Baitball Blogger

(46,570 posts)
25. Do not pee in the seven sacred pools.
Wed May 15, 2013, 08:20 PM
May 2013

And be sure you take Bonine before you drive to get there because it's a weaving road along the edge of steep sloped mountains. And be sure you pack a lunch. And be sure you head back well before darkness. And don't follow a local home. They drive like maniacs and you will not keep up with them.

 

JaneyVee

(19,877 posts)
28. I've been there & the Big Island. Advice: 1-BE CAREFUL where you swim.
Wed May 15, 2013, 08:29 PM
May 2013

Seemingly calm areas can turn hazardous with a single wave. 2-Rent a Jeep and go off the beaten path. 3-ENJOY!

LynnTTT

(362 posts)
31. Tips
Wed May 15, 2013, 09:50 PM
May 2013

There a few weeks ago. Rain had closed the Na Pali trail that starts At the end of the road. Bring money. Lots f money. Buy groceries in Lahui at the Costco or the grocery store at the mall. Poipu Beach was nice and saw lots of monk seals there. The Garden Island restaurant on Rice Street in Lihui was good and not ungodly expensive, snorkeling wasn't great when we were there because of all the rain. Try to get to the outdoor market at the Community College on Saturday mornings. You can buy all the fruits and vegetables you need. Gorgeous even in the rain

hootinholler

(26,449 posts)
32. Of course you deserve it
Wed May 15, 2013, 09:53 PM
May 2013

I was going to joke about how horrible it is there and my willingness to save you from it by taking your place. Kick back and enjoy the trip.

stevebreeze

(1,877 posts)
33. went in Nov of last year. Had a ball.
Wed May 15, 2013, 10:06 PM
May 2013

I particularly liked Waimea canyon. Go early in the day. You will avoid the tour buses. Spend some time hiking there.
Something I did not see any one else mention was the Polihale State Park on the far north side of the island. It is to say the least off the beaten track. The sign says 4 wheel drive only, but I took that to mean I was going to abuse my rental car. Didn't have a problem getting there but be careful not to get stuck in the sand. There will be very few people and an enormous expanse of beach.
At the base of Waimea canyon is "Plantation Cottages" They have live music or Karaoke, depending on the day.
Have a blast!

 

RB TexLa

(17,003 posts)
34. Kauai isn't very touristy. It's mainly a rural island
Wed May 15, 2013, 10:23 PM
May 2013

If you are physically able, do a zipline. There are a few of them, don't remember the one we went to but it is great! Wailua had a great outdoor party with a band on the Friday night we were there, tourists and locals relaxing and having a good time. We snorkeled off the Napali Coast and it was great, lot's of fish. Ours was mainly a boat tour with a little snorkeling but there are plenty of snorkeling tours. There are two luaus on the island. Both are overpriced but not outrageously so. They are really good for meeting other people visiting as many people go to one the first night on the island. The pig was good at ours, the rest of the food was just ok.

 

NYC_SKP

(68,644 posts)
36. I'll be there next month, date not yet known, just learned today.
Thu May 16, 2013, 12:30 AM
May 2013

So, bookmarking for future reference!

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Going to Hawaii (Kauai) i...