Anyone been to Kauai?

[tlev]

The DW has put the kaibosh on any Disney trips for four years and wants to go to Hawaii next year for our Anniversary. She has already been to Maui and Lanai and wants to try Kauai. I've never been anywhere in the islands and being a huge Poly fan, I thought this trip might be fun. Anyone ever been? Have any good recommendations for hotels, restaurants, excursions etc?

 

[Tancread]

It has been a long time since I lived in Hawaii but Kauai was one of my favorite islands by far. Not as developed as Oahu or Maui but is has very good hiking, snorkeling and kayaking. If you remember the coast of Jurassic Park from the helicopter ride that is all the coast of Kauai. Very pretty island. The jungle run in the beginning of the first Indiana Jones movie is Kauai as well.

 

[binny]

we went last year and it was amazing!!

We stayed at the Radisson and I loved it. We took a NaPali sunset dinner cruise which was breath taking.


Went out to the lighthouse and saw whales, dolphins and sea lions.

Absolutely the most romantic and wonderful vacation weve ever had!

 

[Deb in IA]

We honeymooned on Kauai 17 years ago.


It is a beautiful island. The Garden Isle.

We stayed at a timeshare resort in Princeville. I can't remember the name. It was right on the golf course, but neither of us play golf. It was booked by my sister-in-law, who was working for RCI at the time. I know there is a very nice Sheraton in Princeville as well.

Waimea Canyon was described by Mark Twain as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. It is spectacular, and well worth the drive up there.

The Na Pa'li Coast has a trail that is supposed to be some of the best hiking in the world, but we never got up there.

We also went to a luau somewhere in Lihue, took a helicopter tour, went to the Fern Grotto, visited "Blood Beach" -- where they filmed South Pacific, and went on a boat cruise to see the bottlenose dolphins.

It's a wonderful place.

 

[Princess Nancy]

We went 2 years ago. It was the most wonderful place I have EVER visited!!

We stayed at the Embassy Suites at poipou point! It was a great resort.

Be sure to do a Napali Coast cruise. That was an amazing day!

It is not a trip like Disney. It is relaxing and beautiful and natural. A totally different feeling. We love Dsiney, but Kauai was restful and sent us back invigorated!

 

[4nana]

You can't go wrong with beautiful Kauai! Many moons ago DH and I hopped four Hawaiian islands. Kauai being the most beautiful laid back "Garden Isle"
there, known for its tropic landscape with thousands of flower and bird species. I believe it is the oldest island, and fourth largest, also known as the wettest spot on earth having it's own Grand Canyon, Waimea Canyon. Sorry, can't help with hotel recommendations, but the web is full of info and exciting things to see and do. It would definitely make for a romantic anniversary!!

 

[NCRedding]

We spent one day on Kauai this summer on our cruise, and thought it was beautiful. we drove to Waimea Canyon which was stunning.

We all agreed that if we ever go back to Hawaii we would spend more time at Kauai.

 

[Laz]

June 2005 was our 3rd trip to Kauai. It is truely paradise. The have a law that no building is taller than a coconut tree. The South part of the island (Poipu) is the drier and hotter side with more of the resorts. the northern part (Princeville) is where we always stay in a condo. Princeville is lush like a rainforest with a more temperate climate. In fact, the condos have no a/c but you do not need it with a constant 15mph trade win. The waterfalls and rainbows are fantastic! First thing you should do is get the Ultimate Kauai Guidebook. It is fantastic for any activity you want to do, and lots to do on your own. For example, it will give you directions on how to go to the waterfalls that was used on the show Fantasy Island. We have gone snorkeling off Niihau (the privat island) on a great reef after catamaraning up and down the Nali Pali coast. We have gone zip lining at the Princeville ranch. We have taken a tour of famous movie locations where they show you the scene and then take you to the site. Wind surfing is great off Annini Beach. Of course you can't go wrong with finding an near empty beach and relaxing. Remember that you won't find motorized water activities like jet skiing because it is outlawed. Anything else I can answer?

 

[goodeats]

Get the blue Kauai Revealed guidebook. It was a lifesaver!

We stayed in a rented condo in Kapa'a. I wouldn't recommend it. It was definitely cheap and centrally located, but I would have rather stayed at one of the big resorts. The Hyatt is beautiful! You must eat at Roy's in Poipu, it's our favorite restaurant.

It's so unspoiled, and so much hiking and things to do. We jumped off waterfalls and snorkled. Ah, it was great.

 

[Tink33]

We went last October and stayed at the Hyatt.

Waimea Canyon

Tunnels Beach

Agriculture

Pool at the Hyatt

Such great memories of an unforgettable vacation.

 

[tiggernan]

My sister & BIL love Kauai. They are headed there in November. Here is the place they have used to book condos: http://www.kauaivacationrentals.com/

 

[tlev]

We went last October and stayed at the Hyatt.

Such great memories of an unforgettable vacation.

Would you recommend the Hyatt, we are thinking of staying here. Is it a long trip to the North Shore from there? Is there alot to do on the South Shore? How was the weather on both shores? Sorry for the load of questions, just starting out on my research. Thanks for all the replies, there is more info on these boards than on the Hawaii boards!