General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsGoing 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.
annabanana
(52,791 posts)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.
Bjorn Against
(12,041 posts)babylonsister
(171,079 posts)I wanna go!
Locut0s
(6,154 posts)zappaman
(20,606 posts)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!
Locut0s
(6,154 posts)zappaman
(20,606 posts)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!
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)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 ...
SidDithers
(44,228 posts)And have a great time.
Sid
KamaAina
(78,249 posts)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)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
(118,757 posts)are throngs of people who do it.
Locut0s
(6,154 posts)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)get the famous red dirt stains out.
Locut0s
(6,154 posts)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)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
(28,959 posts)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.
zappaman
(20,606 posts)Forgot we did that once.
So worthwhile!
Shrike47
(6,913 posts)Submariner
(12,506 posts)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
(10,952 posts)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.
Berlum
(7,044 posts)riverwalker
(8,694 posts)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)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)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.
Shrike47
(6,913 posts)We love Kauai. It's quiet.
BlueToTheBone
(3,747 posts)and of course a camera. Those rainbows don't come for nothing.
Baitball Blogger
(46,755 posts)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.
DinahMoeHum
(21,806 posts)JaneyVee
(19,877 posts)Seemingly calm areas can turn hazardous with a single wave. 2-Rent a Jeep and go off the beaten path. 3-ENJOY!
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)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)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)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)So, bookmarking for future reference!