After 7 years of
DVC membership I just booked our first non-DVC trip using points. We were hoping to go to Hawaii this summer, preferably around the 4th of July. Our first choice was someplace in Oahu since none of us has been to Hawaii before, and that seemed liked the place to start. I called member services yesterday expecting to hear that there was absolutely no availability. But actually they had two options for us, the Point at Poipu in Kauai and another place on Maui. I checked with the rest of the group and quickly read some Trip Advisor reviews and decided to book the Point at Poipu. The location sounds incredible. It was 270 points for a 7 night stay in a 2 bedroom suite. Has anyone here stayed there? Any advice on Kauai? Thanks! David (Mr. Potts)
Yes, we stayed there in June 2002 with our four kids. At the time it was called Embassy Vacation Resort. We really enjoyed the stay. To my knowledge it was not a time share at the time - just a regular resort. We had a two bedroom condo. With kids it was a priority to have a place with a full kitchen so we were not having to run out to eat all the time. We ate most meals at the condo or on the road with picnics.
In any case, the location in Poipu is nice. The beach right in front is rocky but beautiful, and you can see the sea turtles in the waves.
Nearby within a mile is Brennekes Beach which is one of the better snorkeling spots on the island and a great place to hang out. It is also considered a good surf spot. I do some boogie boarding but was intimidated by the waves there and the large underwater rocks. So I stuck with snorkeling.
We have visited all the four major islands and IMO Kauai is by far the most beautiful. It is the least developed and may lack some things like restaurants, nightlife, etc. - but it has tons of waterfalls and natural wonders. When Hollywood wants to film Hawaii they almost always go to Kauai because it looks most like what most people think Hawaii should look.
In 2007 we went to Maui and took my folks on their first trip. After a few days they said "this does not look like the Hawaii we have seen". And it didn't. At least on the western side where it is dry and not lush at all. The east does look like Hawaii. But Kauai really delivers. The center of the island is the rainiest spot on earth - 600 inches a year. And all that rain flows off the island in countless rivers and literally thousands of waterfalls.
Things we especially enjoyed during our visit last Feb:
- The Kilauea Lighthouse and Bird Sanctuary. The lighthouse has a commanding view of the coastline and is a great spot to watch marine life and seabirds. Watch for Laysan albatross, red-footed ****ies, and the great frigate bird.
- Self-guided driving tour of the Waimea Canyon. Start early, bring plenty of water/snacks and stop at every place that beckons. Take plenty of photos showing the colors, shapes and shadows. Make it an all-day experience. Be sure to reach points overlooking the Na'pali coast.
- Air tour of the island. I've heard good things about both fixed-wing and helicopter tours. Ours was a fixed-wing tour and we enjoyed it thoroughly.
- Feeding the chickens and roosters. Ok, you have to do this at least once ...
- Watching for wild boar heads on the side-rails of the road. It is a local thing.
- Buy a red-dirt shirt. (Perhaps one that pictures the ever present rooster ...)
- Paddle up the Wailua River to the Fern Grotto.
- Watch for monk seals. We found several hanging out near the fish pond(s).
- Sign up for a scuba lesson. My DH loved it!
- Make a full-day trip up to Hanalei. Perhaps you'll brave a section of the Kalalau Trail ... or perhaps not. Be sure to catch a sunset from the very end of the road ... but then quickly make your exit so you can easily navigate the one-lane bridges on your return "home."
- Enjoy the beaches, more beaches, rocky overlooks and abundant beauty of the island.
I would add...
o snorkeling - easy to do and no learning commitment. You can see tons of exotic fish. Brenneckes I mentioned already for snorkeling. Also their is good snorkeling at Ke'e beach way on the north side at the very end of the road well past Hanalei. Anili beach on the north side is another good spot.
o Luau - go to a luau with Hawaiian dancers
o Sail boat - Go on a sail boat cruise of the NaPali coast. You can usually see lots of sea life including dolphins who like to swim up next to the boat and race you.
o Hiking - Go on a waterfall hike and get muddy! There are lots to choose from.
o Tour book - we found an awesome book for Maui and the author has one for Kauai so I assumne it too is awesome. Kauai Revealed -
http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Kauai-Guidebook-Revealed/dp/0971727910
We loved our first visit to Kauai in Oct 2008. My DH loves to get off the beaten path and find a few waterfalls.
