OK, here it is. Felt like I had to post a report after all the great info I got from the Forum. Sorry if its too long. Got back last Sunday after 2 weeks on Kauai. My wife and I celebrated our 35th anniversary and spent 1 week up north and 1 week down south. We wanted a condo ON THE BEACH so we decided on Hanalei Colony Resort near Hanalei and Kiahuna Plantation in Poipu. Both were wonderful. Granted, no place is perfect and each had their little quirks but nothing detracted from the experience we desired. Wanting beachfront limits the choices, but I would do them both again in a heartbeat. Our favorite area was the north shore, as we expected. More laid back, more beaches, more lush, every outdoor activity you can imagine and access to the Napali coast. We are active 50 somethings and nightlife was not our priority. Obviously we didn锟斤拷锟絫 experience all the alternatives for activity but here are the things we did and would highly recommend, in no particular order:
Hiking the Napali coast: such beauty I cannot describe. We did the basic 2 miles in to the beach and 2 miles out. Can be strenuous at times. Much like hiking our mtns in Colo.
Snorkeling north shore: definitely Tunnels beach. So many varied, colorful fish. Watch the tide schedule as low tide not as good.
Napali boat/snorkel cruise: Went on Napali Coast (UFO) tour out of Hanalei. Small motor cat, great captain, seas were good so got into the sea caves (the open cathedral ceiling one is awesome). Snorkeled with turtles. Wonderful experience.
Best swimming beach north: Ke锟斤拷锟絜, but a lot of people because of it.
Most secluded beach: Larsen锟斤拷锟絪. Amazingly only 6 other people. It锟斤拷锟絪 big so you feel all alone. Some nudity. Also Secret Beach had only 8 other people when we were there.
Fine dining north: Bali Hai in Princeville. Had our anniversary dinner here at sunset. Wow! Get anything with the macadamia nut crust.
Casual dining north: Hanalei Dolphin in Hanalei. Great fresh fish and our first calamari burger! Also has a fresh fish market we frequented.
Burger joint: as everyone says, definitely Duane锟斤拷锟絪 Ono burger.
Snorkeling south shore: right off the Kiahuna beach. Many, many fish, and turtles in the evening. Better when waves not so high as water can cloud up.
Helicopter tour: what a kick with InterIsland!! No doors, 4 people (2 up front with pilot) and two in back (us). Unobstructed view. Flies out of Port Allen so no extra time spent getting to the good stuff.
Fine dining south: Beach House (surprise!). Sunset was awesome and again the macadamia nut stuff was yummy.
Casual dining south: Pizzetta in Old Koloa Town. Great pizza and lots of other stuff too.
Fresh fish market south: Koloa Fish Market, Old Koloa Town. Get there early.
The drive up the canyon: don锟斤拷锟絫 miss it and get on the trails if you can.
Most fun rental car: PT Cruiser convertible, a lot of fun and very practical.
Best romantic spot: Sunset on the lanai with my wife and Mai Tai锟斤拷锟絪
Best relaxing spot: Sunset on the lanai with my wife and Mai Tai锟斤拷锟絪
Favorite spot: Sunset on the lanai with my wife and Mai Tai锟斤拷锟絪
(I think you get my drift)
Weather: May 21-June 5. Very little rain, even up north. Only 1 day it rained for more than just a few minutes. Highs in low 80%26#39;s. Low%26#39;s in low 70%26#39;s. Seemed a little humid (but we%26#39;re from Colo), more so down south where it felt hotter. Trade winds still blowing in evening up north made for great breezes for sleeping.
Overall, we could not find anything we would change. I%26#39;m sure I%26#39;m leaving out something we should mention but there is so much to remember. This can be such a wonderful and sometimes spiritual place. It was such a joy to experience our anniversary in this setting and felt very fortunate to have the opportunity. The locals, especially the natives, were wonderful and whenever we thanked them for sharing their island with us, every response was the same: ';We are so glad you are enjoying yourself and hope you can return';. We certainly will.
Trip report: Just can't express it all!
Now the let down of being home!
I hope to get there sometime in the summer when we can enjoy the northern beaches more. So far we%26#39;ve always gone in the winter and had to really pick and choose the days we went north.
Trip report: Just can't express it all!
Thank you! Not too long! We%26#39;re headed to Kauai on 6/24 for 2 wks! I was beginning to think maybe we made a mistake and 2 wks is too long. Doesn%26#39;t sound like it!!!
Yeah, the let down of coming back to the mainland can be terrible!! I am still suffering withdrawls still after returning in April from JUST one week. Definately NOT LONG ENOUGH!! But at least I can plan for the return trip :)
Sounds like a great trip mtnfever!
You will be happy you chose to stay two weeks txteachers!!
Aloha :-)
Dan
We%26#39;ve been going to Kauai for 2 weeks the last 4 years and haven%26#39;t gotten tired of it yet. I don%26#39;t think that will ever happen! You can be a active as you want, or you can just sit there and admire the beauty! I don%26#39;t know how any one could get bored there! In fact we keep finding new things to do each year.
Loved your report - we go in 21 days! We live in Colorado too so good comparison on the hike. And we have the same dinner ressies at Bali Hai and the same cat snorkeling cruise planned so it%26#39;s GREAT to hear that all was well.
Thanks for posting!
Hi Mtnfever,
Thanks for the post. Will be leaving for Kauai 7/4.
On the Napali boat tour that you took, are there any shady areas on the boat?
Aloha
Mahalo for the information!
Hello quija01,
The boat we used was fairly small with only 12 people and 2 crew. Of those, probably 4 sat in the shade under the wheelhouse cover, 2 on each side. A few more could have got under if they wanted too but most, including us, wanted the unobstructed view. Have fun! Aloha!
I enjoyed reading your trip report. It gives me some good ideas for our trip to Hawaii. Could you tell me what rental company you got your PT Cruiser convertible through? Thanks.
Hello ddavis,
We rented the PT Cruiser from Alamo. Originally reserved a Jeep, but after seeing some of the posts and speaking to the rental agent, the convenience of a one button top up/down for the quick showers and parking stops provided no problem for closing up the car. It was fun and we didn%26#39;t need the 4WD. Plus we got a lot of jealous looks and thumbs up from our fellow tourists.
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