usvi-on-line
Kauai
My husband keeps pestering about Hawaii and my plan, to spend time somewhere on the west coast coming and going. There is just no way I can deal with a flight (or flights) from the east coast without a break.paulandtracie wrote:Also just fYI for anyone who doesn't like the long trip from the east coast to Hawaii, we are trying something new--we used ff miles to get to the west coast, and are taking an evening flight into San Jose. We are spending the night at the airport then heading nonstop to Kauai the next morning, arriving at 11:00 am. Breaks the trip in two, and Alaska and Hawaiian Air have some awesome deals--we got nonstop air from San Jose for $48 rt. In comparison, airfare for our dates from Detroit into STT was over $700! So there are good deals to be had to Hawaii. Last summer we paid $540 rt from DTW, connecting in Chicago, straight into Maui on United.
In case anyone missed it, here is our own VickiH's trip report from Kauai - http://vicki-h.travellerspoint.com/50/
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Ron in South Texas
- Posts: 249
- Joined: Mon Aug 07, 2006 4:15 pm
- Location: Skidmore, Texas
On our first Hawaii trip we spent time on Maui before heading to Kauai. We did enjoy Maui tremendously. We found some excellent snorkeling beaches and were overwhelmed by the sunrise on Haleakala. The road to Hana was a terrific drive and we had a splendid evening in Lahaina. But underneath it all was a disappointment. It just wasn't the Hawaii that I had somehow imagined.
Then on to Kauai, with high hopes. At first, heading out of the airport, there was again a gnawing disappointment. It was absolutely lovely but it just wasn't the Hawaii of my dreams. Heading north from the airport it was a commercial area with a lot of traffic. But as we kept heading north the island became more rural and looming ahead were those mountains. We kept driving until the road ends (at Ke'e Beach) and by then had reached the Hawaii of my dreams. Much of the later part of that drive was made in silence and awe, punctuated by an occasional soft, reverent "wow" or "oh my God".
Yeah, we like Kauai a lot.
Then on to Kauai, with high hopes. At first, heading out of the airport, there was again a gnawing disappointment. It was absolutely lovely but it just wasn't the Hawaii of my dreams. Heading north from the airport it was a commercial area with a lot of traffic. But as we kept heading north the island became more rural and looming ahead were those mountains. We kept driving until the road ends (at Ke'e Beach) and by then had reached the Hawaii of my dreams. Much of the later part of that drive was made in silence and awe, punctuated by an occasional soft, reverent "wow" or "oh my God".
Yeah, we like Kauai a lot.
Ron-
I have done 2 helicopter trips on Kauai - one with the doors and one without. Doors "off" is pretty exhilirating! I would definitely recommend taking a heli trip - it is the only way to see some of the valley. I also recommend a 4 person helicopter as opposed to the bigger ones. You are usually weighed and seated by weight so with a smaller craft, you are guaranteed to either be in the front next to the pilot or by a window (if there is one). I think we went on Inter-Island out of Port Allen. Check out TA for the more recent recommendations!
Have a great time!
I have done 2 helicopter trips on Kauai - one with the doors and one without. Doors "off" is pretty exhilirating! I would definitely recommend taking a heli trip - it is the only way to see some of the valley. I also recommend a 4 person helicopter as opposed to the bigger ones. You are usually weighed and seated by weight so with a smaller craft, you are guaranteed to either be in the front next to the pilot or by a window (if there is one). I think we went on Inter-Island out of Port Allen. Check out TA for the more recent recommendations!
Have a great time!
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bubblybrenda
- Posts: 549
- Joined: Wed Aug 20, 2008 10:57 pm
- Location: Vancouver, BC
Why has no one mentioned Lomi Lomi massage?
I've never been to the Hawaiian Islands and have never had a desire to ever go there, no desire that is until I experienced Lomi Lomi. Now it's absolutley on my bucket list of places I need to go (and seriously my only reason for even going there is to experience Lomi from the true practitioners of that life-altering massage). Massage practitioners from all over the world converge on Kauai first and foremost, and then the other Islands, simply to learn from the Kahunas. If I was vacationing there I would definitely treat myself to a Lomi massage from a master.
I've never been to the Hawaiian Islands and have never had a desire to ever go there, no desire that is until I experienced Lomi Lomi. Now it's absolutley on my bucket list of places I need to go (and seriously my only reason for even going there is to experience Lomi from the true practitioners of that life-altering massage). Massage practitioners from all over the world converge on Kauai first and foremost, and then the other Islands, simply to learn from the Kahunas. If I was vacationing there I would definitely treat myself to a Lomi massage from a master.
~Brenda~
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Ron in South Texas
- Posts: 249
- Joined: Mon Aug 07, 2006 4:15 pm
- Location: Skidmore, Texas
Just booked Wings Over Kauai. It's a fixed wing instead of a helicopter. The tour is longer and it's a lot cheaper. I was afraid that one of us would get stuck in one of the middle seats in a chopper. Every seat has a large window in the plane. It can't hover, but that's OK.
PA Girl...Vicki's travel blog is on my "toolbar". I'm using it to help plan our adventure. It's very good and funny. I love reading her blog and she is an outstanding photographer.
I'm panning a dinner/sunset cruise of the Napali Coast. Trying to find the largest catamaran with the best food.
PA Girl...Vicki's travel blog is on my "toolbar". I'm using it to help plan our adventure. It's very good and funny. I love reading her blog and she is an outstanding photographer.
I'm panning a dinner/sunset cruise of the Napali Coast. Trying to find the largest catamaran with the best food.
It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere!
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paulandtracie
- Posts: 236
- Joined: Mon Mar 08, 2010 11:45 am
- Location: Michigan
Hi again everyone--Ron, we are trying to find a good catamaran trip of the Napali coast too. My concern about the boat trips is the number of reviews I see where everyone is severely seasick. We are not prone to seasickness but when you read it over and over you start to wonder. I'd hate to ruin the trip with something like that. On Tripadvisor, many people recommend the Southern Star cat from Captain Andy's, they get good reviews. The trip is more expensive but people say it is worth it. If you have any good ideas for trips, Napali or otherwise, let us know!
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chicagoans
- Posts: 1586
- Joined: Thu Jan 18, 2007 2:51 pm
- Location: IL
We took a trip with Captain Andy's and loved it! Took a Dramamine the night before, plus another about an hour before. No problems! Just stay on deck, too. I think if you go inside where you can't see the water, you feel worse (or so they say.)paulandtracie wrote:Hi again everyone--Ron, we are trying to find a good catamaran trip of the Napali coast too. My concern about the boat trips is the number of reviews I see where everyone is severely seasick. We are not prone to seasickness but when you read it over and over you start to wonder. ...
And I just booked our trip to Kauai for this coming December/January!
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Ron in South Texas
- Posts: 249
- Joined: Mon Aug 07, 2006 4:15 pm
- Location: Skidmore, Texas
Still deciding between the fixed wing or Napali boat tour. Seems to make more sense to use one of the boats that depart from the north shore, but there are fewer of them to choose from.
That said, we may even consider this land based tour instead either of those: http://www.hawaiianphotos.net/kauaitours.htm
They get outstanding reviews on TA and the photography aspects really floats my boat. We'll see how the rest of the family feels about this...maybe part of my pitch should be that I will be able to hand my camera to somebody who will actually be able to take a good photo of the the three of us LOL.
That said, we may even consider this land based tour instead either of those: http://www.hawaiianphotos.net/kauaitours.htm
They get outstanding reviews on TA and the photography aspects really floats my boat. We'll see how the rest of the family feels about this...maybe part of my pitch should be that I will be able to hand my camera to somebody who will actually be able to take a good photo of the the three of us LOL.
When we come to place where the sea and the sky collide
Throw me over the edge and let my spirit glide
Throw me over the edge and let my spirit glide
Those of you heading to Kauai won't regret the decision. If you love STJ, you'll really love Kauai.
Some of my personal favorites:
For a special night out: Tidepools at the Grand Hyatt for outstanding atmosphere, BarAcuda in Hanalei for outstanding food, Oasis for outstanding oceanfront brunch, or Makana Terrace for an outstanding sunset.
For a less expensive but still fantastic meal: Verde for Mexican, Hukilau Lanai for the 5:00 pm tasting menu, or Caffe Coco for very fresh food in a unique setting.
For an "off the beaten path but oh-so-good to your tummy" experience: Lappert's ice cream, Jo-Jo's shave ice (go to the original....which is in a very plain little building around the corner from the more colorful "newfangled" Jo-Jos), Kalapaki Beach Hut burgers, Red Hot Mamas burrito shack on the way to Ke'e Beach, Yumi's for coconut pies (but go early in the morning before they sell out!), Banana Joe's for a banana smoothie after the beach, Kilauea Fish Market for an ahi tuna wrap, the Right Slice pie cart (in Hanapepe on Friday nights or at some of the farmer's markets), a puka dog, fresh dried mango slices or bbq boar from the Anahola farmer's market, or garlic shrimp from the Savage Shrimp Truck.
Favorite Beaches: Ke'e Beach, Tunnels, Moloa'a Beach, and Secret Beach.
Favorite "not your typical tourist experience:" Listening to street musicians and browsing art at the Hanapepe Art Walk on Friday night, listening to the Slack Key concert with Doug McMasters in Hanalei deep in the taro fields, and eating fresh pineapple and coconut while buying tropical flowers and pie at the Farmer's Market.
Favorite "typical tourist experience:"
Waimea Canyon, Tunnels Beach, Maha'ulepu Trail, Kalalau Trail, orchid leis.
Some of my personal favorites:
For a special night out: Tidepools at the Grand Hyatt for outstanding atmosphere, BarAcuda in Hanalei for outstanding food, Oasis for outstanding oceanfront brunch, or Makana Terrace for an outstanding sunset.
For a less expensive but still fantastic meal: Verde for Mexican, Hukilau Lanai for the 5:00 pm tasting menu, or Caffe Coco for very fresh food in a unique setting.
For an "off the beaten path but oh-so-good to your tummy" experience: Lappert's ice cream, Jo-Jo's shave ice (go to the original....which is in a very plain little building around the corner from the more colorful "newfangled" Jo-Jos), Kalapaki Beach Hut burgers, Red Hot Mamas burrito shack on the way to Ke'e Beach, Yumi's for coconut pies (but go early in the morning before they sell out!), Banana Joe's for a banana smoothie after the beach, Kilauea Fish Market for an ahi tuna wrap, the Right Slice pie cart (in Hanapepe on Friday nights or at some of the farmer's markets), a puka dog, fresh dried mango slices or bbq boar from the Anahola farmer's market, or garlic shrimp from the Savage Shrimp Truck.
Favorite Beaches: Ke'e Beach, Tunnels, Moloa'a Beach, and Secret Beach.
Favorite "not your typical tourist experience:" Listening to street musicians and browsing art at the Hanapepe Art Walk on Friday night, listening to the Slack Key concert with Doug McMasters in Hanalei deep in the taro fields, and eating fresh pineapple and coconut while buying tropical flowers and pie at the Farmer's Market.
Favorite "typical tourist experience:"
Waimea Canyon, Tunnels Beach, Maha'ulepu Trail, Kalalau Trail, orchid leis.
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paulandtracie
- Posts: 236
- Joined: Mon Mar 08, 2010 11:45 am
- Location: Michigan
Thanks for so many good suggestions and ideas! The slack key concerts on Maui were a highlight of our trip so I definitely bookmarked that one. I also love Vicki's blog and photos! A couple of other local, authentic activities that we found include the Waimea Visitor/Cultural Center, which offers walking tours and an 'Aloha Friday' event which sounded really intereting. Here's what their website says: "Aloha Friday.
March - November at 9:30 a.m. Registration is required for participation. A unique cultural experience is offered weekly and each class offers a hands-on opportunity to make a lei and fabric flower, learn how taro is made into poi and how salt is made here on Kaua`i in the traditional way. Lei making is designed for the beginner and is fun for the whole family. Learn the basic techniques of lei making and fabric flower so that you can make these at home. Learn about the cultivation of taro and its significance to the culture and also its nutritional value. Learn how salt is made in earth pans where sea water evaporates forming salt crystals an invaluable gift of the sea"
9:30 a.m. Walking Tour
Phone: 808-338-1332
March - November at 9:30 a.m. Registration is required for participation. A unique cultural experience is offered weekly and each class offers a hands-on opportunity to make a lei and fabric flower, learn how taro is made into poi and how salt is made here on Kaua`i in the traditional way. Lei making is designed for the beginner and is fun for the whole family. Learn the basic techniques of lei making and fabric flower so that you can make these at home. Learn about the cultivation of taro and its significance to the culture and also its nutritional value. Learn how salt is made in earth pans where sea water evaporates forming salt crystals an invaluable gift of the sea"
9:30 a.m. Walking Tour
Phone: 808-338-1332
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Also noted that if you happen to be a coffee person, the Kauai Coffee Plantation might be worth a quick stop for the caffeine boost that some free "tastings" would provide while on the south shore.
http://www.kauaicoffee.com/index.php?page=visit-us
http://www.kauaicoffee.com/index.php?page=visit-us
When we come to place where the sea and the sky collide
Throw me over the edge and let my spirit glide
Throw me over the edge and let my spirit glide