Kauai Bound
ockerman
Mom, Dad, Daughter (14) and Son (10) explore the beautiful garden isle of Hawaii.
Jun 4, 2007
based on 16 votes
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Explore locations featured in this goList:
Kapaa, Koloa, Kauai, Poipu, Lihue, Waimea, Hanapepe, Kalaheo
- Category: Perfect week or more
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Traveler type: Culture, Sightseeing, Active/Outdoors, Beachgoers
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Appeals to: Families with teenagers, Budget travelers, Active/adventure, Tourists
- Seasons: Spring
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It's a long way from Arkansas to Kauai. We arrived in Honolulu and walked to the commuter terminal (other connecting flights were out of the inter-island terminal but not ours) to our flight but found no services there - back to Stinger Ray's at the main terminal and then back to the commuter terminal where we found our flight was delayed - indefinitely. Turned out to be only 45 minutes late but the lesson learned was watch the connecting flight as it can make all the difference. The rental car agency stayed open to wait for our flight and we pulled into the Inn about 10pm - they left our key etc in an envelope and we checked ourselves in.
We stayed a week and loved the inn - you'll find many positive reviews. We spent 4 nights in the Yellow Ginger Suite and 3 nights in the Country Cottage. The extras that mattered...friendly hosts full of advice and information, photos burned to CD gratis, never even heard the other guests, chocolate macs on arrival and cooking extras like oils and seasoning so we didn't have to buy everything, IMACS with internet connections for entertainment and information, CLEAN with lovely decor. The downside is that you're not on the beach, though we could see the water several miles away from the cottage's MBR. |
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| We awoke to birdsong and a beautiful sunrise (OK, I'm a morning person) and drove into town (about 4 miles) for groceries while the children slept. We packed a picnic lunch and drove a few mile south to this popular state park beach. While great for families with small children (enclosed snorkel area and the play area is awesome) it was a bit tame for us. In fact, one of the most fun things for my children was the wild chicken and baby chicks at the picnic pavilion. We stopped at 'Opaeka'a Falls, the Wailua River overlook, and some heiaus on the way back to the inn. |
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| Kauai Revealed recommended this for an economical meal. Economical, yes, but none of us were excited about the atmosphere or food. And I hate to say this, but my daughter ordered the Ahi Tuna Salad and was sick most of the next day. |
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Lovely morning walk (4 miles round trip) very close to the Inn. After our daughter got sick in the parking lot (aha, ahi!) we walked up the gentle slope in mild fog and startled a wild pig (that's OK we're from Razorback country). The walk is especially beautiful after the picnic table when you are along the ridge.
After we descended we had a picnic lunch in the adjacent park next to a stream -with, you guessed it - wild chickens! |
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| Ok, so the daughter is laid out in the backseat and it's cloudy so we decided on a driving tour heading north. We stopped at a Farmer's market in Kapaa and the son bought some cool beads, took in views of Kong and were the only folks on Anahola Beach. At the plantation (free) we toured the gardens and got our first shave ice - but not our last! |
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| As we approached the north end of the island the sun came out. Daughter still slept in the car but we enjoyed the beautiful views of crashing waves, soaring birds and gray whales breaching (great binoculars on loan here). There is also a small museum and gift shop. And you have a great chance of seeing Nene here if you haven't seen them yet. One of my husband's favorite stops. |
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| On Sundays outfitters are supposed to be closed but the Inn has kayaks and Mike transported us to the wonderful Wailua - most navigable freshwater in all of the Hawaiian Isles. We had a nice paddle to the Fern Grotto which we explored at our own pace - glad that we weren't on a tour boat. A little paddle on, we pulled out and hiked in (a good 30 minutes) to Secret Falls which as a large party was just leaving, we had all to ourselves except for - the chickens! The paddle back was into the wind and the 10-year-old son needed a pep talk but finally made it. |
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| Everyone seems to love this beach and when we drove south to check it out after kayaking everyone and their cousins were there! Nice white sand and a protected swimming area but not a friendly bottom. As the dinner hour approached the crowds melted away and it was us and some locals grilling out and enjoying time with their families. A lovely time to be at this popular beach. |
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| The East trail gains 1000 ft during its scenic 2 mile ascent providing a beautiful view of the Wailua valley and we only saw 2 other folks on the early morning hike. It was hot and dry - we drained our water bottles. There's a sketchy scramble at the top out onto the Giant's nose for those with good balance who aren't afraid of heights. |
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| We decided to start the North Shore tour with a repeat visit to Kilauea (this time daughter was upright), a visit to Princeville, the grand Hanalei lookout and a stop at Kalihiwai Beach. But the grande finale was... |
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| Our favorite! Beautiful cliffs to the west, pines for shade, protected snorkeling - what's not to love? Parking can be a bit hairy - follow the locals, turn right after the shower area and head east - there are a few mighty potholes but they don't swallow cars. |
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| Wow! Rugged and beautiful - and not the roughest hike we did on this island. The trail conditions probably vary widely depending on weather. It was dry and sunny so fairly optimal for our attempt (after a tour through Waikanaloa Cave). We kept the children close due to the nearby crumbling ledge, though a trio of barefoot surfers bounced past us. Superb views (whales offshore) , tropical vegetation and a truly aerobic 2 mile - 90 minute(we did make a lot of photo stops) hike (including a wet river crossing) led us to the first beach. After a picnic watching the surfer's tricks we meandered upstream through mosquitoes and decided that the 2 mile walk to the falls was not for us today. We played in the river (safer than the beach) before returning for a second visit to Ke'e where we napped, snorkeled and relaxed. |
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| We were hooked on the KRevealed description of this spot and headed over to Princeville to find it. There are a few parking spots and then about a 10 minute walk (or maybe hike is a better word - wear good shoes) down to the shore and along the cliffs to an amazing swimming spot. When the waves start to roll in (we were they about 5pm and the tide was rising) you are truly laundry in the machine. When it is quiet you can see the fish without a mask. And at high tide you will see turtles playing in the surf. What a blast! |
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14. Zelo's Beach House, Hanalei
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| We drove back to Hanalei for dinner (showered and changed at the city beach park) and had a great meal at Zelo's - dinner for 4, drinks and tip ~$100. My fish and vegetables were superb. |
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| We hit the beach after shave ice from Hamura's for second breakfast. This is a pretty beach but busy with hotel and cruise ship guests. We brought our boogie boards and there were also surfboards (and lessons) available. |
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| Great little diner with fun inexpensive local food. We tried the saimin special - large bowl of noodles, broth and goodies. And for dessert we enjoyed the Lilikoi pie. |
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| We thought freshwater would be a nice change and drove south to the Falls. Parking is just along the road and then follow the trail to the water. Not a place for little ones - it's close to a 3 story jump to the swimming area and we saw one injury while we were there. The etiquette is that the ladder is for those climbing back UP so there is no way to swim without jumping. Dad and son jumped and swam while Mom and daughter relaxed and watched the stuff. Which was very lucky...another group returned from swimming and found their backpack gone - including their rental car keys. We packed them into our minivan and drove them back to their Poipu condo. And checked out Spouting Horn blowhole while we were there. |
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On day 8 we drove to the western side of the island for a stay in Waimea Canyon. Near the visitor center we set off on what we thought would be about a 10 mile loop. The trail starts with a slight rise and then drops as you move from forest to exposed ridge. At 4 miles you are at the exquisite ***** Lolo Vista Point - 2200 feet above sea level and the views go on forever. The birds are below you - and an occasional helicopter tour. After a picnic lunch we headed back to pick up the 2 mile Cliff trail - winds, a crumbling trail, steep edges and a danger sign...we decided to turn back in fear of worse conditions ahead. Which meant me had to climb back UP the Nu'alolo which is not graded for the uphill climb - roundtrip took us over 5 hours and we were tuckered. After talk with rangers and other hikers we found that 2 couples had persisted and made the loop that day - though noone with children.
We visited the Koke'e museum (www.kokee.org) and enjoyed chatting with the staff before heading to our cabin. |
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19. Koke'e State Park Cabin
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| Well, we wanted to stay in the park and this was the only lodging choice - best described as seedy! The oven didn't work so we couldn't cook our planned meal and rummaged through the cooler for dinner. There was a small roach in the shower which freaked the son out and the bed linens were pretty gray but clean. None of that mattered when we drove up to watch the sunset from the overlook. Now remember where we are - Mt. Waiele'ale is the wettest spot on earth and soon after dark the clouds let loose, rain drummed on the tin roof, and eventually started leaking through in a couple of spots. The main room stayed dry so the kids joined us for the night. |
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| After a rocky night we enjoyed breakfast at the lodge - I think we were waiting for it to open. It was cool enough that coffee and cocoa hit the spot. We slowly made our way down the canyon stopping for overlooks and short walks. This is a must visit spot on the island - even if you are not able to hike, the roadtrip has fabulous views. |
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| We drove west through Kekaha out to Ka-boom mountain (yes, ammo is stored there) but it was overcast and didn't feel like a beach day. In Waimea we had shave ice at Jojo's - surly service and the BEST shave ice we've found. Found a great antique/junk shop and bought a nautical painting. Checked out a variety of sights including... |
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| Cool shops and swinging bridge. |
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23. Kiki a Ola (Menehune Ditch)
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25. Russian Fort Elizabeth State Historical Park
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26. Kalaheo Coffee Co. & Cafe
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| Grab some free samples and we bought a huge printed burlap bag - great souvenier for $5. |
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| Okay, remember it was overcast but we heard this place was special. You make your way to the industrial port area and down a dirt road to...an amazing place. An historic dump off shore results in a shore of sea glass. Son and I were so wrapped up in the colors at our feet that we almost steeped on a monk seal resting on the shore. Another must do on the island for adventurous souls - too bad we didn't get to see it in the sun. |
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| Shave ice, snacks, and coffee samples were not enough - we were hungry and headed for this Lihue spot on the Marriott property. It was oddly quiet and our meals took quite a while to prepare but all that was forgotten when we saw the waiter emerge with what we thought was a 2 foot tray holding all of our meals - turned out to be the son's whaleburger! Delicious, a meal he will never forget - and we had the leftovers for breakfast. Could easily serve 4. |
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| We only spent one night in this hotel but it was convenient, quiet and clean. The continental breakfast by the pool was a bit sparse but we didn't mind, we were off to a 2 night splurge at... |
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30. Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa
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Ave price:
$466
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| We toured the Botanical Gardens in Lawai (lovely and free) before checking in. It was Prince Kuhio Day and the lobby was bustling with activities. The children painted a coconut and made a shell necklace while we bid at the silent auction. The pool, a big draw for our stay, was amazing and we played and explored it thoroughly. You may be able to get a deal here - we didn't - $400 a night with breakfast included. But it was Easter weekend and we did have a lovely stay. The breakfast buffet was excellent though on Easter Sunday we had to go to the Golf Club to use our free vouchers. We spent day 2 by the lagoon - there were Easter activities but the kids weren't interested - reading and watching the ocean 200 ft away. After a shower we walked down to the luau - lots of fun but unfortunately it was held inside. The food was better than average, the drinks plentiful and Dad tried competitive poi ball twirling. |
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| We still had time for fun before our flight. Breakfast included the swans. Mom hiked the beautiful lithified cliffs and then joined the family at the pool. We cleaned up and drove to Puka Dog for a late lunch (great deal at the benefit silent auction) before our last adventure. |
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33. Air Kauai Helicopters
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| Our 60 minute ride was smooth as silk. Mom and son sat in front with the pilot. Dad and daughter joined 2 other guests in the back. We recommend the front and we loved flying over the landmarks we had explored during our visit as well as entering the caldera. Another must-do for the island, though pricey, look for coupons in give-away magazines. Time to stop at Wal-Mart for souveniers (including a video air tour of the island) before heading home. Near the end of the helicopter flight we flew over the waterfalls used in "Fantasy Island" and that is exactly what Kauai was for us. |
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Compliment ockerman
