Question about Kauai

[Pixie_Dust]

When we go to Aulani, we are also going to Kauai. I was reading in a guidebook about Steelgrass Chocolate Farm, 3-hour tours, $60. Anyone been? Worth it? Thanks!

 

[southerngirl528]

Aloha Pixie-Dust! You will LOVE Aulani!!

Re: Kauai….have you been there before? If you have never been, how many days will you be staying on Kauai? If you're staying close to a week, sure, go! If you're only on Kauai for a couple of days or so, I think I would do more sightseeing as Kauai is really, really gorgeous.

 

[Pixie_Dust]

Thanks, southerngirl, we will be there for 5 days, in the north part of the island, with a rental car. I hope to see/do a lot!

Has anyone done luaus on Oahu and Kauai to compare? I was wondering if a luau on Kauai would be better than Paradise Cove (we weren't planning to go up to the PCC while at Aulani). Thanks!

 

[Dean]

Thanks, southerngirl, we will be there for 5 days, in the north part of the island, with a rental car. I hope to see/do a lot!

Has anyone done luaus on Oahu and Kauai to compare? I was wondering if a luau on Kauai would be better than Paradise Cove (we weren't planning to go up to the PCC while at Aulani). Thanks!

Kauai is pretty laid back. The problem with the North end is you're twice as far from many of the attractions. I have only been to one, the Gaylord one. At the time Smith's was the highest rated but we got a much better deal. The Hyatt was the other one. I think there are a couple up North near where you are but I can't vouch for them. As a rule most of them use the same entertainment troups with some variations. Just investigate, I wouldn't drive an extra 45-60 minutes to go to a higher rated one. In general all other islands will have better Luau's than Oahu but in part it depends on how much time you want to dedicate from a given island's allotment. If one were 7 days on Oahu and 3 on Kauai, I'd do one on Oahu, likely actually the Polynesian Cultural Center with show and meal over a traditional poor Luau but Paradise Cove is decent and convenient. Personally I'd go over the convenience of one next door, unlike a similar decision on Kauai, but it is a larger investment in time. PCC has a discount in the entertainment book as does PC & Germaine's last I saw.

 

[Girimama33]

I have done Paradise Cove and enjoyed it, but my favorite luau was at the Sheraton Kauai in Poipu.

 

[southerngirl528]

Hmm. Since my favorite luau are on the island of Maui, I don't really have a strong opinion on this. I think Dean has given some very good advice, and Girlimama33 has a nice suggestion for your luau.

I think that since you will be at Aulani for a week, Pardise Cove would be awfully convenient. It's almost next door to Aulani. You want to see as much of Hawaii as possible while you're there, so I say when choosing a luau, as Dean suggests make it EASY and convenient! Oh, and don't miss the Starlit Hui at Aulani! It's free, not really a luau, but gorgeous dancers, some great history of Hawaii woven in, and one of my very favorite Hawaiian musicians, Keali'i Reichel, helped put it together as well as wrote the chant for Aulani that you will hear playing throughout the resort!

 

[GoBears 1980]

I think the convenience of Paradise Cove outweighs other considerations. I like the Smith Family Luau on Kauai because they have been there forever, but not worth the drive down from the north when you can walk to Paradise Cove.

The chocolate farm is cool, but not how I would spend one of five days on the island, maybe if it was one day out of ten days.

Don't miss Waimea Canyon.

 

[Fantaluminishes]

Kauai is our favorite island in Hawaii. We've stayed in the Princeville five times. It never gets old. Hanalei is a wonderful town. It's just pure Hawaii.