usvi-on-line
Will Kauai Measure up to STJ???
I can chime in on the Moorea question. We went in Nov 2004. The islands are indeed beautiful. You will not get the white sand beaches that are found on St. John though. I would say snorkeling is about equal. Terrain is very lush on Moorea. The people are very friendly and love to talk about their island and hear about the States. We very much enjoyed it. Have fun.
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SoCaTraveler
- Posts: 94
- Joined: Wed Feb 21, 2007 8:36 pm
- Location: Southern California
TropicAtHeart (and others) -
Wow, now I am second-guessing my most recent vacation decision. We have been to St. John 5 times in as many years, but were looking for somewhere new for our next"big" yearly vacation (2008). We love the outdoors, love to hike. Researched Kauai (even bought a couple books), but ultimately decided on New Zealand - which we know we will love, but maybe we could have shortened up our travel time and headed to Kauai. It's definitately on our short list of places we would like to go. Though I think 2009 will have to be a return trip to St. John. It's only been six months since we were there and I miss it (I actually have to avoid this forum or I will find myself booking another trip - there's something about this forum that feeds the fire).
Wow, now I am second-guessing my most recent vacation decision. We have been to St. John 5 times in as many years, but were looking for somewhere new for our next"big" yearly vacation (2008). We love the outdoors, love to hike. Researched Kauai (even bought a couple books), but ultimately decided on New Zealand - which we know we will love, but maybe we could have shortened up our travel time and headed to Kauai. It's definitately on our short list of places we would like to go. Though I think 2009 will have to be a return trip to St. John. It's only been six months since we were there and I miss it (I actually have to avoid this forum or I will find myself booking another trip - there's something about this forum that feeds the fire).
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TropicAtHeart
- Posts: 180
- Joined: Mon Jul 30, 2007 11:37 am
- Location: Ohio
Yes, this forum does feed the fire doesn't it. Since you love to hike; if you get to go to Kauai you'll certainly want to do the Kalalau trail on the northshore. I'm not suggesting to hike all of it. The whole length is 11 miles and very difficult. We are in very good shape and I must say even a few miles is a workout. The trail is natural and has lots of boulders and rocks to climb over and navigate. Once we got to the first beach we had to cross the river (actually we walked downstream in the river a bit because it was not running too fast and was very refreshing), 'til we reached the beach. Ate a snack we brought and rested there a while before heading back. It's another world there, just like it's been for hundreds of years. Saw avocado trees and other tropic plants growing wild - very jungle like.
Don't try this trail if it has been raining a lot as it can be slippery and some of it is close to cliffs. We had good tennis shoes and sandals for when we crossed streams. One backpack that I carried so my wife didn't have to. Two bottles of water are necessary.
Thanks for the info of Moorea!! Yea, I heard the beaches aren't quite the same as St. John, but glad to hear how lush it is there. We'll be in an overwater bungalow which is something we've never experienced. Just be able to snorkel right from our room at the Sheraton Moorea. Can't wait. But, next stop - St. John!!!
Don't try this trail if it has been raining a lot as it can be slippery and some of it is close to cliffs. We had good tennis shoes and sandals for when we crossed streams. One backpack that I carried so my wife didn't have to. Two bottles of water are necessary.
Thanks for the info of Moorea!! Yea, I heard the beaches aren't quite the same as St. John, but glad to hear how lush it is there. We'll be in an overwater bungalow which is something we've never experienced. Just be able to snorkel right from our room at the Sheraton Moorea. Can't wait. But, next stop - St. John!!!
We spent 2 weeks on Kauai last fall and, while we very much enjoyed it, there is definitely a different vibe than on St. John. To us Kauai felt less exotic--a bit like going to Florida, albeit a much more beautiful version. You definitely know you're still in the US. We also had a difficult time reconciling ourselves with the development and the traffic. The beaches are lovely (tunnels was our favorite) but they are generally more crowded and the water is rougher--often too rough for snorkeling when we were there in September/October.
On the plus side, the hiking is just incredible and the island is truly breathtaking in a much more rugged way than you find in the Caribbean. If you go, I highly recommend a stay in the north. The Hanalei area has a wonderfully funky and laid-back feel that reminded us more of St. John than anywhere else we went on the island.
On the plus side, the hiking is just incredible and the island is truly breathtaking in a much more rugged way than you find in the Caribbean. If you go, I highly recommend a stay in the north. The Hanalei area has a wonderfully funky and laid-back feel that reminded us more of St. John than anywhere else we went on the island.
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cypressgirl
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lpowmacback
- Posts: 517
- Joined: Tue Oct 31, 2006 3:33 pm
- Location: Jersey Shore
I just booked our trip to Kauai for March - so I have not gone yet - but as far as expenses - from what I've found out through research, they seem similar to St. John... except of course AIR!!! Where flights from Newark to STT usually run us under $500, flights from Newark to Kauai range from $850-$1000. We ended up booking a package - Sheraton hotel - ocean front, jeep & air - and saved some $.
As for high - low season, their "high season" is around the winter months - but it is really not the optimum weather at that time - as it is rainier then - especially on the north side. Since we are going mid-March - it is still considered high season -and winter - and rainier than spring/summer. That is why we chose to stay at the Sheraton on the southside - on a great beach. (We really would have loved staying on the north side - but did not want to chance having lots of rainy days).
Too bad there are no fantastic forums for Kauai like this one for St. John
As for high - low season, their "high season" is around the winter months - but it is really not the optimum weather at that time - as it is rainier then - especially on the north side. Since we are going mid-March - it is still considered high season -and winter - and rainier than spring/summer. That is why we chose to stay at the Sheraton on the southside - on a great beach. (We really would have loved staying on the north side - but did not want to chance having lots of rainy days).
Too bad there are no fantastic forums for Kauai like this one for St. John
Peace,
Lisa
Lisa
Comparing STJ and Kauai is like comparing mangoes and papayas---two different versions of paradise. We've been to Kauai twice and I have fallen deeply in love with it. There are parts that are much more developed than STJ will ever be---and many parts that will never be developed. STJ is beautiful in a quieter, Caribbean way. Kauai is beautiful in an overwhelming Pacific way. This is where Jurassic Park was filmed and it's really like that. They're very different---geographically, culturally, historically. The Aloha spirit endures.
There are some places on Kauai that I think are among the most beautiful on the planet. I could probably look at the NaPali coast or Hanalei Bay for the rest of my life and be content. The Hanalei Valley overlook is stunning. Waimea canyon isn't as overwhelming as the caanyons of the U.S. southwest, but it's pretty wonderful. There's a fantastic vantage where looking north you're looking into the canyon and looking south you're looking out at the ocean. All very dramatic.
Snorkeling is better on STJ, coral is in better shape. More turtles on Kauai. Hiking is good on STJ, but absolutely spectacular on Kauai---both on the NaPali coast and in Waimea canyon.
We love the north of Kauai. We love Hanalei. We'll schedule any trip there to be able to enjoy the best weather and surf in the north. We tend to stay up there and avoid the east and south, much like on STJ when we tend to stay around Coral Bay and the East End. I do love Waimea canyon and the western part of the island. We've also been to Maui and the Big Island, but think we'll stick with just Kauai on any further Hawaiian trips. We're east coasters and the flight is grueling or we'd split our trips betwen Kauai and the Caribbean.
We found the Kauai TA forum to be the best:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g2 ... awaii.html
There are some places on Kauai that I think are among the most beautiful on the planet. I could probably look at the NaPali coast or Hanalei Bay for the rest of my life and be content. The Hanalei Valley overlook is stunning. Waimea canyon isn't as overwhelming as the caanyons of the U.S. southwest, but it's pretty wonderful. There's a fantastic vantage where looking north you're looking into the canyon and looking south you're looking out at the ocean. All very dramatic.
Snorkeling is better on STJ, coral is in better shape. More turtles on Kauai. Hiking is good on STJ, but absolutely spectacular on Kauai---both on the NaPali coast and in Waimea canyon.
We love the north of Kauai. We love Hanalei. We'll schedule any trip there to be able to enjoy the best weather and surf in the north. We tend to stay up there and avoid the east and south, much like on STJ when we tend to stay around Coral Bay and the East End. I do love Waimea canyon and the western part of the island. We've also been to Maui and the Big Island, but think we'll stick with just Kauai on any further Hawaiian trips. We're east coasters and the flight is grueling or we'd split our trips betwen Kauai and the Caribbean.
We found the Kauai TA forum to be the best:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g2 ... awaii.html
lpowmacback,
I was looking at the Sheraton too. Does anyone know if the North shore is better in early May than the South shore?
Thanks for starting this post. It has helped me get motivated and more excited about this Hawaii trip and I don't think I will be disappointed as long as I know I can go back to STJ.
I was looking at the Sheraton too. Does anyone know if the North shore is better in early May than the South shore?
Thanks for starting this post. It has helped me get motivated and more excited about this Hawaii trip and I don't think I will be disappointed as long as I know I can go back to STJ.
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lpowmacback
- Posts: 517
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- Location: Jersey Shore
Sea-nile - the north shore would be my first choice if I were going in May!!!!! I would love to have not only a view of the ocean (like I will) but one of mountains in the distance as well!!!!
Lodging was not an easy choice - we really would have liked to have found a place like Gallows - but most condos do not have AC - (those that do are not on a swimmable beach). Chances are we won't need AC in March - BUT I'd hate to be stuck in a place on a humid, rainy day without it! The Sheraton is rated pretty well - especially the Ocean & Beach wings... the Garden rooms/wings can be very far from the shore - across a road - so be careful! The Hyatt's pools sound glorious - but the the hotel itself sounds too "elegant" and glitzy for us - not to mention an ocean front room would add another $2000 to our already expensive trip
!
I understand completely about the comforting feeling of going back to St. John! Since I was little, I had always dreamed of going to Hawaii - but after experiencing St John, that desire had subsided almost completely! Recently however, we felt the need to explore a new place - create a new adventure... We looked into Costa Rica, Belize, Riviera Maya and some other places - but Kauai seemed to be the perfect alternative to St. John for us
So, after our new adventure to Kauai, we will be back "home" to St. John for certain!!!!!
Lodging was not an easy choice - we really would have liked to have found a place like Gallows - but most condos do not have AC - (those that do are not on a swimmable beach). Chances are we won't need AC in March - BUT I'd hate to be stuck in a place on a humid, rainy day without it! The Sheraton is rated pretty well - especially the Ocean & Beach wings... the Garden rooms/wings can be very far from the shore - across a road - so be careful! The Hyatt's pools sound glorious - but the the hotel itself sounds too "elegant" and glitzy for us - not to mention an ocean front room would add another $2000 to our already expensive trip
!I understand completely about the comforting feeling of going back to St. John! Since I was little, I had always dreamed of going to Hawaii - but after experiencing St John, that desire had subsided almost completely! Recently however, we felt the need to explore a new place - create a new adventure... We looked into Costa Rica, Belize, Riviera Maya and some other places - but Kauai seemed to be the perfect alternative to St. John for us
So, after our new adventure to Kauai, we will be back "home"
to St. John for certain!!!!!Peace,
Lisa
Lisa
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TropicAtHeart
- Posts: 180
- Joined: Mon Jul 30, 2007 11:37 am
- Location: Ohio
Northshore Kauai should be quite lovely in May. Waves aren't quite as scary as they are in winter, although some beaches are always dangerous. Depending on how much exploring you plan to do around the island, if you stay all the way north or all the way south then just realize that your travel time will really increase when you want to visit a different area. We rented a convertible so it was great to be "outside" while driving. We stayed in Lihue which is closer to the mid point in travel time between the north and south. You have lots of options to look at in choosing where you'll feel most comfortable. If you haven't already, check out this website:
http://www.wizardpub.com/kauai/kauaerials.html
It has good information on where to stay. Of course, the author's taste doesn't always match everyone elses, but at least it'll give you some good info.
Also, if you do go on a boating excursion of any kind take motion sickness pills ahead of time. It doesn't matter how sleepy they make you feel it will be worht it. I've never seen so many people on a catamaran so seasick. My wife and I had a great time, but felt sorry for those who thought they didn't need the pills. The seas around Kauai can be rough at anytime. Best snorkeling (from a boat) will be from a boat that only carries less than 30. Kauai limits the big cats to only snorkel in boring areas (less reefs).
http://www.wizardpub.com/kauai/kauaerials.html
It has good information on where to stay. Of course, the author's taste doesn't always match everyone elses, but at least it'll give you some good info.
Also, if you do go on a boating excursion of any kind take motion sickness pills ahead of time. It doesn't matter how sleepy they make you feel it will be worht it. I've never seen so many people on a catamaran so seasick. My wife and I had a great time, but felt sorry for those who thought they didn't need the pills. The seas around Kauai can be rough at anytime. Best snorkeling (from a boat) will be from a boat that only carries less than 30. Kauai limits the big cats to only snorkel in boring areas (less reefs).
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TropicAtHeart
- Posts: 180
- Joined: Mon Jul 30, 2007 11:37 am
- Location: Ohio
I forgot to mention one very important thing. Right now and for the next few years there's extensive construction near Poipu. It will not interfere with your stay at the popular resort areas, but can hinder traffic in and out (near the Sheraton). There are detours. They are building a large luxury residential area with new golf course. I'm not trying to discouraging anyone from staying there, but just making you aware.