for 6 days, staying at Marriott resort on SE side of island. Any recommendations for activities?
Thanks in advance...
Thanks in advance...
OT: Travel input sought (Midnighter?)... Headed to Kauai Wednesday
- Thread starter ericstratton-rushchairman
- Start date
North side is awesome
The Na Pali Coast Line is awesome. I'd recommend the helicopter ride that tours the "grand canyon of Hawaii". And/or a Zodiac boat ride around the Na Pali coast line that would include a private beach. The water is pretty rough up there but But it is way cool.
The Na Pali Coast Line is awesome. I'd recommend the helicopter ride that tours the "grand canyon of Hawaii". And/or a Zodiac boat ride around the Na Pali coast line that would include a private beach. The water is pretty rough up there but But it is way cool.
Don't miss beautiful Waimai Canyon - Grand Canyon of the pacific. Also be sure to see the Na Pali Coast.
https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&hl=en&q=waimea+canyon&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAAGOovnz8BQMDQzsHsxCHfq6-QVZScZ4SJ4hlbGqYk6GlkJ1spZ-emp9elFiQUamfWZyTmJdilVhSUpSYXJKZn1f8iNGbW-Dlj3vCUk6T1py8xmjDRVCLkAQXm2teSWZJpRAfF48U3F4NBh7zt32xXc0sOQskLRTZmbz3fuT8oAU
https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&hl=en&q=waimea+canyon&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAAGOovnz8BQMDQzsHsxCHfq6-QVZScZ4SJ4hlbGqYk6GlkJ1spZ-emp9elFiQUamfWZyTmJdilVhSUpSYXJKZn1f8iNGbW-Dlj3vCUk6T1py8xmjDRVCLkAQXm2teSWZJpRAfF48U3F4NBh7zt32xXc0sOQskLRTZmbz3fuT8oAU
Re: I concur with the others...
The helicopter ride on Kauai was my single greatest vacation experience ever. Not something we would typically do, but very happy we did it.
The canyon is awesome too. I met a fellow penn stater there.
Drink as many pineapple smoothies as you can.
The helicopter ride on Kauai was my single greatest vacation experience ever. Not something we would typically do, but very happy we did it.
The canyon is awesome too. I met a fellow penn stater there.
Drink as many pineapple smoothies as you can.
Headed to Kauai Wednesday..........do one of the zip lines
great views while zipping down the mountain. Golf after you get out of the water. : )
great views while zipping down the mountain. Golf after you get out of the water. : )
Wifey and I got married at the Fern Grotto on Kauai about a million years ago. I recommend
the helicopter ride around the island. I video taped the ride. It was a blast. Flew down into the
Waimea Canyon, along the Na Pali coast and near several water falls. A once in a life time
event.
the helicopter ride around the island. I video taped the ride. It was a blast. Flew down into the
Waimea Canyon, along the Na Pali coast and near several water falls. A once in a life time
event.
If you were going to Hawaii for the first time...
lets say for 7 days or so... would you stay in one island or visit multiple islands? This is what my wife and I are discussion for a future anniversary, and wanted to start some basic planning. If only one island, would it be Kauai? We went to Glacier National Park for honeymoon, so we prefer nature to civilization...
lets say for 7 days or so... would you stay in one island or visit multiple islands? This is what my wife and I are discussion for a future anniversary, and wanted to start some basic planning. If only one island, would it be Kauai? We went to Glacier National Park for honeymoon, so we prefer nature to civilization...
Re: If you were going to Hawaii for the first time...
I would do 2 islands.... Kauai and Maui. I've been on four of Hawaii's islands. The
other two being Oahu and the Big Island. There is more to see on Kauai and Maui.
I would do 2 islands.... Kauai and Maui. I've been on four of Hawaii's islands. The
other two being Oahu and the Big Island. There is more to see on Kauai and Maui.
Re: If you were going to Hawaii for the first time...
Dan- we went a few weeks ago. Flew into Honolulu and took 2-3 days to do some sightseeing (Arizona memorial, tour of the city, etc) and then took a 9-10 day cruise that hit the major islands. Was great- no worries on travelling between islands, lodging, needing a car, etc. Would absolutely do it again. Had friends go to 1 island 2-3 weeks after us and when they tried to see if they could fly to another island it was like $500 per ticket supposedly. The cruise let you take tours on each island or go out on your own and had very little 'hassle factor'.
Dan- we went a few weeks ago. Flew into Honolulu and took 2-3 days to do some sightseeing (Arizona memorial, tour of the city, etc) and then took a 9-10 day cruise that hit the major islands. Was great- no worries on travelling between islands, lodging, needing a car, etc. Would absolutely do it again. Had friends go to 1 island 2-3 weeks after us and when they tried to see if they could fly to another island it was like $500 per ticket supposedly. The cruise let you take tours on each island or go out on your own and had very little 'hassle factor'.
I'm with Monterrey...
We did K'auai and the Big Island - 5 days each. Was nice to get a change of scenery. Didn't love the big island as much as K'auai. Stayed on the 'desert side' and it was fairly barren. Kind of felt stuck at our resort. Others recommended that we try Maui next time.
You will love K'auai. Described as the least developed island. There are some great hiking trails along the Na Pali coast. I would go back there in a second.
We did K'auai and the Big Island - 5 days each. Was nice to get a change of scenery. Didn't love the big island as much as K'auai. Stayed on the 'desert side' and it was fairly barren. Kind of felt stuck at our resort. Others recommended that we try Maui next time.
You will love K'auai. Described as the least developed island. There are some great hiking trails along the Na Pali coast. I would go back there in a second.
Re: going to the big island in the fall
Unfortunately it was a semi business trip. My company took 400 of us and our wives to
the Big Island for our yearly meeting. We were in meetings for half of the day and on the
beach/water, or golfing etc. the rest. We took one drive around the island and I knew that
it wasn't as scenic as the two I mentioned. Sorry I can't help more.
Unfortunately it was a semi business trip. My company took 400 of us and our wives to
the Big Island for our yearly meeting. We were in meetings for half of the day and on the
beach/water, or golfing etc. the rest. We took one drive around the island and I knew that
it wasn't as scenic as the two I mentioned. Sorry I can't help more.
Re: If you were going to Hawaii for the first time...
If we go back to Hawaii I'd probably try a cruise. Combines the best of all worlds.
If we go back to Hawaii I'd probably try a cruise. Combines the best of all worlds.
Re: If you were going to Hawaii for the first time...
Well, for whatever my opinion's worth- I'd do it again in a heartbeat. First cruise I was ever on but it was just a great way to see everything. Best vacation I've had in a long long time. Can't wait to get back to Hawaii.
Well, for whatever my opinion's worth- I'd do it again in a heartbeat. First cruise I was ever on but it was just a great way to see everything. Best vacation I've had in a long long time. Can't wait to get back to Hawaii.
One Island - Nature Oriented = Gotta Be Kauai!
RD - I've been to Hawaii 6 times in my life. Five were business reward trips / 6th was my honeymoon.
To me it's not worth it trying to bounce island to island, you can lose much of a day checking out of your hotel / returning a car / checking in at the airport / flying / getting your luggage back / renting a car / checking into your hotel (or not being able to because it's too early). Anyway, you get my point.
While Maui certainly has some great natural activities, it's also quite built up......would not be a bad trip.
But if you really want a week with Mother Nature, it is Kauai, absolutely no question about it. The southern end has the guaranteed sun, the nice beaches, access to the canyon (an hour drive up to the top and incredible views from the top looking out over the north shore), etc. The ride up northward along the east coast is maybe 90 minutes or so to the hiking (some is very serious hiking) and the zodiac trips. Weather up north can vary, much more exposed to the north Pacific, much more wet and windy. Nightlife pretty much non-existent, but you won't care.
If Hawaii is a one-time trip, you should fly into (or out of) Honolulu and spend at least a day or two there. One day would be Pearl Harbor and Punchbowl National Cemetery up in the mountains overlooking Pearl Harbor and Honolulu. Over 10,000 heroes are buried there, similar to the experience when viewing the Normandy cemeteries. The other day you could circle the island by car, see a few beautiful beaches, see the surfing on the north shore, return south right down the middle of the island stopping for fresh pineapples literally right out of the field, yards from your car.
I'd be happy to help you.....any questions, let me know!
RD - I've been to Hawaii 6 times in my life. Five were business reward trips / 6th was my honeymoon.
To me it's not worth it trying to bounce island to island, you can lose much of a day checking out of your hotel / returning a car / checking in at the airport / flying / getting your luggage back / renting a car / checking into your hotel (or not being able to because it's too early). Anyway, you get my point.
While Maui certainly has some great natural activities, it's also quite built up......would not be a bad trip.
But if you really want a week with Mother Nature, it is Kauai, absolutely no question about it. The southern end has the guaranteed sun, the nice beaches, access to the canyon (an hour drive up to the top and incredible views from the top looking out over the north shore), etc. The ride up northward along the east coast is maybe 90 minutes or so to the hiking (some is very serious hiking) and the zodiac trips. Weather up north can vary, much more exposed to the north Pacific, much more wet and windy. Nightlife pretty much non-existent, but you won't care.
If Hawaii is a one-time trip, you should fly into (or out of) Honolulu and spend at least a day or two there. One day would be Pearl Harbor and Punchbowl National Cemetery up in the mountains overlooking Pearl Harbor and Honolulu. Over 10,000 heroes are buried there, similar to the experience when viewing the Normandy cemeteries. The other day you could circle the island by car, see a few beautiful beaches, see the surfing on the north shore, return south right down the middle of the island stopping for fresh pineapples literally right out of the field, yards from your car.
I'd be happy to help you.....any questions, let me know!
Re: going to the big island in the fall
Lots to do on the Big Island
(1) Volcanoes National Park. Made it back to where lava was flowing into the ocean. Mesmerizing. Be sure to take flashlights if you want to stay past dark.
(2) Green Sand Beach. Drive to South Point, park and walk down to the shoreline, make a left. About a mile walk up the coast. We made it there first thing in the morning before anyone else had arrived. Awesome. Can swim in the natural cove formed out by the caved-in olivine volcano although the water is a bit rough.
(3) City of Refuge on the Kona side.
(4) Kona. I think Kona is a really cool town. Back in the day, we hung out at Huggo's, made famous by Hunter S. Thompson's Curse of Lono. Not quite the same these days though. Love drinking margaritas in the oversized Addams Family wicker chairs in the Kona Inn.
(5) Parker Ranch, in the middle of the island near Mauna Kea, has a fabulous steak and burger restaurant.
Lots to do on the Big Island
(1) Volcanoes National Park. Made it back to where lava was flowing into the ocean. Mesmerizing. Be sure to take flashlights if you want to stay past dark.
(2) Green Sand Beach. Drive to South Point, park and walk down to the shoreline, make a left. About a mile walk up the coast. We made it there first thing in the morning before anyone else had arrived. Awesome. Can swim in the natural cove formed out by the caved-in olivine volcano although the water is a bit rough.
(3) City of Refuge on the Kona side.
(4) Kona. I think Kona is a really cool town. Back in the day, we hung out at Huggo's, made famous by Hunter S. Thompson's Curse of Lono. Not quite the same these days though. Love drinking margaritas in the oversized Addams Family wicker chairs in the Kona Inn.
(5) Parker Ranch, in the middle of the island near Mauna Kea, has a fabulous steak and burger restaurant.
Re: If you were going to Hawaii for the first time...
Wife #1 and I did Lanai, Maui and Kauai back 20 years ago... 2 week trip. However she and I were both big drinkers and never left the resorts. I did Maui 3 years ago with new wife and stayed at Ritz but it was so windy we couldn't do much. I think this trip we will do helicopter ride and do some hiking for sure. Living in Dallas I don't get to commune with nature much.
Wife #1 and I did Lanai, Maui and Kauai back 20 years ago... 2 week trip. However she and I were both big drinkers and never left the resorts. I did Maui 3 years ago with new wife and stayed at Ritz but it was so windy we couldn't do much. I think this trip we will do helicopter ride and do some hiking for sure. Living in Dallas I don't get to commune with nature much.
Absolutely the best day ever
You must take a boat or catamaran cruise along the Na Pali coast. It's beyond words. Also you will near Poipu beach, a nice place to swim and snorkel. Plenty of good restaurants along there on in some of the towns driving north. Have a great time.
You must take a boat or catamaran cruise along the Na Pali coast. It's beyond words. Also you will near Poipu beach, a nice place to swim and snorkel. Plenty of good restaurants along there on in some of the towns driving north. Have a great time.
The zodiac ride / snorklel with sea turtles on Na Pali Coast is great. I like going from the little place in Hanalei, sea can get a little choppy on way back but overall much better scenery than coming all the way from other side of island.
Take a hike on Kalalau Trail, end of the road at Na Pali Coast. Can be tough hike at times and also dangerous in spots but will get you to secluded beaches, waterfalls and forest that will amaze. If going go ealry in morning because parking is limited and fills up quick.
Eat at restaurants in Hanalei, take in music at the same place they shoot "The Descendants" movie with George Clooney. Several other good places to go.
***** Have a drink at The St. Regis Princeville Resort for a view of one the most beautiful bay in the world - Hanalei Bay
If you are a golfer you must play one of the courses on Kauai
Something to do free: Kilauea Point Lighthouse, watch the booby birds
http://www.gohawaii.com/en/kauai/regions-neighborhoods/north-shore/kilauea-lighthouse/
This post was edited on 3/30 8:30 PM by PSUinCAfan
Take a hike on Kalalau Trail, end of the road at Na Pali Coast. Can be tough hike at times and also dangerous in spots but will get you to secluded beaches, waterfalls and forest that will amaze. If going go ealry in morning because parking is limited and fills up quick.
Eat at restaurants in Hanalei, take in music at the same place they shoot "The Descendants" movie with George Clooney. Several other good places to go.
***** Have a drink at The St. Regis Princeville Resort for a view of one the most beautiful bay in the world - Hanalei Bay
If you are a golfer you must play one of the courses on Kauai
Something to do free: Kilauea Point Lighthouse, watch the booby birds
http://www.gohawaii.com/en/kauai/regions-neighborhoods/north-shore/kilauea-lighthouse/
This post was edited on 3/30 8:30 PM by PSUinCAfan
A
anon_xdc8rmuek44eq
Guest
Haven't been since the early 80's! But, lots of folks here have great ideas
Lived there for six years in my youth (Oahu) and really only remember the beaches, shaved ice, pineapple, and teriyaki burger joints.
Lived there for six years in my youth (Oahu) and really only remember the beaches, shaved ice, pineapple, and teriyaki burger joints.
Re: If you were going to Hawaii for the first time...
If you have never been this is my suggestion.
spend a full day in Oahu. Take in the Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor in the morning and then head to the North Shore. Depending on when you go, the North Shore and the pipeline is amazing. Also the view coming out of the tunnel to the north shore is stunning. Have your camera ready.
Get out of Oahu and split your time between Maui and Kauai. Kauai is a bit more scenic as mentioned above. Only thing I would add it get to the north side as it is also beautiful. We stayed at the Marriott though it was a Westin back before the hurricane.
We loved Maui. Lahiana is a fun town, a bit touristy but small enough to be fun. Lots of little shops and restaurants. Good for a day or so strolling. The North side has Paia, an even smaller fun town. Hippie enclave with the best windsurfing you will ever see.
If you go to Maui as your second stop you might be on mainland sleeping schedule so take in the sunrise at Haleakala, the dormant volcano. Spectacular.
South side towns of Kehei and Wailea are also pretty fun places. Lots of great hotels in Wailea and great beaches just south.
West of Lahiana is Kaanapali coast and the Plantation course at Kapalua if you are a golfer. There is also a great hike into the Iao Valley Park with some stunning views and waterfalls.
I'd skip the road to Hana. While beautiful it does get a bit boring after the first hour.
If you have never been this is my suggestion.
spend a full day in Oahu. Take in the Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor in the morning and then head to the North Shore. Depending on when you go, the North Shore and the pipeline is amazing. Also the view coming out of the tunnel to the north shore is stunning. Have your camera ready.
Get out of Oahu and split your time between Maui and Kauai. Kauai is a bit more scenic as mentioned above. Only thing I would add it get to the north side as it is also beautiful. We stayed at the Marriott though it was a Westin back before the hurricane.
We loved Maui. Lahiana is a fun town, a bit touristy but small enough to be fun. Lots of little shops and restaurants. Good for a day or so strolling. The North side has Paia, an even smaller fun town. Hippie enclave with the best windsurfing you will ever see.
If you go to Maui as your second stop you might be on mainland sleeping schedule so take in the sunrise at Haleakala, the dormant volcano. Spectacular.
South side towns of Kehei and Wailea are also pretty fun places. Lots of great hotels in Wailea and great beaches just south.
West of Lahiana is Kaanapali coast and the Plantation course at Kapalua if you are a golfer. There is also a great hike into the Iao Valley Park with some stunning views and waterfalls.
I'd skip the road to Hana. While beautiful it does get a bit boring after the first hour.
Do lots of hiking but be on the road before daylight.....parking/trailheads fill up shortly after daylight. You will find the place to yourself if your on the trail at first light.
The trails have lots of red clay/mud. Bring at least two pair of hiking shoes or boots.
Bring lightweight rain gear.
Bugs can be bad on a few of trails but mostly on the north and east side of island.
Lots of great places to eat. Never had one bad meal.
Heli ride was cool. I got rather sick on it but it was great. We did Blue Hawaiian.
Tunnels beach has the best diving or snorkeling.
Hanalei Beach, Poipu Beach and Salt Pond are great beaches.
Be very careful swimming if not lifeguards are present. The rip tides are nasty. Wife and I almost got swept out once.
It can be 20 degrees cooler at the top of Waimea Canyon.
You MUST hike the Waipo'o Falls! And do it early in morning.
The trails have lots of red clay/mud. Bring at least two pair of hiking shoes or boots.
Bring lightweight rain gear.
Bugs can be bad on a few of trails but mostly on the north and east side of island.
Lots of great places to eat. Never had one bad meal.
Heli ride was cool. I got rather sick on it but it was great. We did Blue Hawaiian.
Tunnels beach has the best diving or snorkeling.
Hanalei Beach, Poipu Beach and Salt Pond are great beaches.
Be very careful swimming if not lifeguards are present. The rip tides are nasty. Wife and I almost got swept out once.
It can be 20 degrees cooler at the top of Waimea Canyon.
You MUST hike the Waipo'o Falls! And do it early in morning.
Re: If you were going to Hawaii for the first time...
Hawaii is really far away, if you are going to go, go for more than a week. It will take you nearly a week to get accustomed to the time zone change, then you turn around and fly home. If you want to just stay on one island and relax, don't go to Hawaii. It's too far to just sit on a beach, go to the Caribbean for that. (If you must fly all the way to Hawaii to do nothing, then you want to do it on Kauai.) The ideal once in a lifetime Hawaiian vacation has you cruise out of California, the cruise helps you adjust to the time zone change, and spend 3 days on each of the 4 major islands. Hopping around the islands via plane is relatively painless and cheap if you don't cruise. But assume you are only going to go once, and make sure to see it all. If you have to cut out an island, cut out the big Island.
Everyone seems to like the helicopter tour, but I would advise against since I had friends killed in a helicopter crash a few years back while on their honeymoon.
Hawaii is really far away, if you are going to go, go for more than a week. It will take you nearly a week to get accustomed to the time zone change, then you turn around and fly home. If you want to just stay on one island and relax, don't go to Hawaii. It's too far to just sit on a beach, go to the Caribbean for that. (If you must fly all the way to Hawaii to do nothing, then you want to do it on Kauai.) The ideal once in a lifetime Hawaiian vacation has you cruise out of California, the cruise helps you adjust to the time zone change, and spend 3 days on each of the 4 major islands. Hopping around the islands via plane is relatively painless and cheap if you don't cruise. But assume you are only going to go once, and make sure to see it all. If you have to cut out an island, cut out the big Island.
Everyone seems to like the helicopter tour, but I would advise against since I had friends killed in a helicopter crash a few years back while on their honeymoon.
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