4 nights/5days in Kauai

Hey everyone...

taking a relatively short honeymoon to Hawaii at the end of May...

4 nights on the Big Island, then 4 nights in Kauai.

Wanted to stay in the North due to the time of year we are going, but kind of wanted to be more in a hotel setting than a condo/house.

Since the Princeville is still out of commision, I think we are just going to suck it up and stay at the Grand Hyatt and drive up to the North shore for a day trip or two.

Is this a wise plan? how long would it take to get up there from the Grand Hyatt?

What are the *must do* activities you would suggest for us to do in 4 days in Kauai?

just a little back info...

we dont like touristy stuff, would rather do more private secluded stuff. Love Nature...seeing wildlife, kayaking, fishing, hiking etc...

dont care much at all about nightlife etc..

thanks!

4 nights/5days in Kauai

If you follow the speed limits it will take you over an hour to reach Princeville. Would you consider staying in a less-than-posh hotel? The Marriott Resort in Lihue is more centrally located. You might also be able to get hotel service at Islander on the Beach in Kapa`a. Not sure of that, though.

4 nights/5days in Kauai

Trust me. From The Hyatt to Ke%26#39;e Beach is 1 hour 45 minutes if not more in traffic. Doable but staying in a condo is such a great way to go. Don%26#39;t be put off. It takes me one hour 15-25 from Princeville to The Hyatt so add on another 20 from here to the end of the road.

Look at Hanalei Bay Resort (condos with a resort feel) or Sealodge for economy rates. The NS sounds like your cup of tea.

If you do decide on The Grand Hyatt, it is fabulous.

Congrats.

Must dos:

helicopter ride, boat tour, drive to the North Shore, luau?, Waimea canyon.

New York,

That is what we did for many years. We would stay in poipu, in a condo, and check out the weather, and drive up north.

Still do, and love the north shore. So, do not miss it. ( the drive is so beautiful that it will not be a big deal )

Do pick up a copy of the Ultimate Kauai Guide book with all kinds of great information as what to do, how to get there, etc. Find out what suits you, as you are only here very briefly.

Four days will go extremely quick...and you mentioned do NOT want to do touristy things.

HIKING: many, many hiking trails all over the island. Read up on what trails peak your interest, and abilities. ( UKG and also Kauai Trails )

You might select some of the less traveled, like hanakapiai ( first two miles of the Kalalau ) is like the freeways back on the mainland...except foot not vehicle. We have hiked here many times, and it was always crowded.

Next to the Hyatt, where you will be staying, is a not ';very used'; trail. It leads from Makawehi Point, along the cliffs and dunes, past the golf course on your left, ocean on your right, on past CJM stables, to nearly deserted Maha%26#39;ulepu beach. Just hang a left at Shipwreck ( Hyatt )beach, and climb up to the trail.

When we stayed in poipu, for 12 years of visits, this was how we started most of our days. Sometimes we would shorten it up...sometimes covered the whole distance. We still hike there a few times each month.

After the morning hike we would head back to the condo at poipu kai, and fix breakfast before heading out for the days adventures.

Another trail that will not be very populated would be the DITCH trail up in waimea canyon/koke';e area.

Snorkeling, well you will have other folks at the beaches, but LAWAI beach, a very short few minute drive from the Hyatt, is about the best on the south shore. It is also called the Beach House, for the restaurant that overlooks the beach there.

SECRET BEACH, up on the north shore is really beautiful, take your camera, and Secret should not be too crowded....not anywhere close to Ke%26#39;e beach or even the south shore Poipu Beach crowds. Small short hike to get down to the beach.

HIDEAWYS up in Princeville. Wonderful crecent shape, small beach, with kamanini trees, clear water, coral, and finny friends. There will be some folks, but not a big deal. If up north you might also check this out. Steep trail down to the beach, some steps, old guard rail, and a couple of ropes to help if you need them.

Regardless of where you are near any water on Kauai, check the surf conditions and currents. Important.

Kayaking: Sounds like you want to go kayaking solo, and away from the huge groups of paddlers. In that case, suggest Kayak Kauai, and kayak up the Hanalei River, do a 180, and paddle back down and then into Hanalei Bay.

As far as the Wailua, we have seen fleets of kayak companies paddling up that river.

For local color, not crowded, no tourist resort prices, and a good lunch special...you might check out the NAWILIWILI Tavern near the Lihue Marriot.

Early is good, as they have an excellent lunch special for $ 5.00. Beer of the day is $ 2.00.

Other items on the menu as well as full bar, if you wish.

This is NOT a resort, but it is the bar that John Wayne ( John Donovan ) owned in the wonderful happy movie, Donovan%26#39;s Reef that was filmed here on Kauai.

If you get a chance to pick that movie up, at your local mainland video store, please treat yourself.

The bar has changed a bit, due to times and hurricanes, but essentially has the same ambiance as the film.

I know you want to avoid the touisty stuff, and the above might help you out a bit.

But, remember there will be touists here, since we are a visitor destination, but you can kind of skirt around %26#39;em as best you can.

Oh, another couple of local spots to eat, that you may be the only visitors there are in Lihue off Rice street. Kibo, japanese restaurant, on Umi St,. the the Lihue BBQ, on Kress St. ( Near the salvation army thrift shop ). both opoen at about 5pm.

For a nice tour, that , yes , will have a few other visitors, since you are staying in poipu, is to take the tour at Allerton Botanical Gardens. Not expensive, but you will need reservations.

Purposefully left out the major popular tourist frequented eateries, helo tours, napali coast boat trips, zip lining,tubing, etc.

Have fun...

Denny

Just another thought...you did not want to do touristy things, but elected to stay at a high density tourist accomodation. The Grand Hyatt.

We have never stayed , as visitors, at a hotel, as we found them to be packed full of turists. Densly packed, as a matter fact.

That is one reason that we did elect to stay in condos, and also we felt that were were part of the island. It was our place, our island home, and much more private.

At the condos we saw very, very few other people and that was over 12 years. But, when we did our walks past the Hyatt, the place was full, the lagoons filled with tourists, the pool highly populated, the beach lounges filled, etc, etc.

Should you decide to stay up on the north shore, a place that might really suit you is the Hanalei Bay Resort up in Princeville.

Yes, we have stayed up there, and it was close to heaven....I mean fantastic.

Perfect...peaceful...killer views of Hanalei Bay, and Bali Hai...and classy accomodations, and wonderful pool that has some small waterfalls, but not like a water park, wet and wonderful ewxtravaganza that you will experience at the Hyatt.

Again, I was listening to what you said you wanted, and NOT LIKING TOURISTY STUFF.

Either way, you will have a great visit...what ever you chose to do.

Denny

thanks for the replys everyone...

Well yes, we do not like to do the touristy thing

BUT

it is our honeymoon and we would like the luxury/pampered part.

I am sure with the amount of pools etc at the Hyatt we will be able to find some sort of a private spot if we want.

When we travel around exploring, we just like to do our own thing.

The condos on the North Shore seem great as are the Hale Makai cottages that I was highly considering...

but I really do not want to worry about cooking, or having to leave the grounds to get a meal of we are feeling lazy.

Will probably do 2/3 days exploring...North Shore, Waimea Canyon, Napali tour..

and a day or two just relaxing around the hotel.

thanks so much for the tips and keep adding to them if you think of anything else!

You%26#39;ll be able to find some areas to hang out at the Hyatt that are private. They have some of those covered lounge chairs, built for two, facing the ocean and spread out. There are lots of nooks and cranies to relax. We love to stroll the grounds after dinner and just relax in one of the many hammocks on the property. The adult pool never seems too crowded. We were there last December during an off week and it was quite nice, not too crowded. The end of May is a good time since most schools do not let out for the summer until mid-June.

BTW, we stayed down the street from the Hale Makai Cottages in July 2007. I really like Haena and the north shore but there are not a lot of dining options up there. The Mediterrian Gourmet restaurant is right next door and serves lunch and dinner. We really like his place and make it a point to have lunch there on our trips. Also the little general store has a place called ';Red Hot Mamas'; for take out burritos (never had one but heard they are quite good). Nothing else. You would have to venture into Hanalei for any other meals out which is about a 15-20 minute drive over some of the one-lane bridges.

We just got home from Kauai. I strongly recommend that you do not try to drive to the north from the south. It takes 2 hours straight driving to go from Poipu to Princeville and you will see many beautiful beaches and things to do along the way that will be torture for you.

I do agree with you that the northern part of the island is more beautiful and scenic than the south.

First, all of Princeville is not out of commission. We don%26#39;t like hotels much, but we met some people staying at the Sealodge in Princeville and others staying at the Hanalei Colony Resort, which is in Hanalei. If I had a choice I would book the Hanalei Colony Resort. It is much less expensive than the hotels in Princeville and right on the most stunning beach you have ever seen.

Second, we stayed at a cottage near Princeville that is one of the most scenic and luxurious places we have ever experienced. It is called the Secret Beach Hideaway. They have a web site. I just finished a review of it that may be posted. If not, just look up their web site.

We fell in love with northern Kauai. Let me know if I can answer any questions.

Aloha!

Richard Waites

';Will probably do 2/3 days exploring...North Shore, Waimea Canyon, Napali tour..and a day or two just relaxing around the hotel. thanks so much for the tips and keep adding to them if you think of anything else!';

Please don%26#39;t worry about the Hyatt. We visit in summer, when it is the high tourist season, and you would not believe how much space you have to yourself. Lots of areas in the lobby%26#39;s, bars and terraces to relax, have a drink or read a book. Many kids stay at the pool by the water slide, but you have the Adult Pool, the Lazy River and the Lagoon to select from. I float in the lagoon every year, and don%26#39;t find it ever full. In May you would be there before many schools got out, avoiding families with kids.

Same for restaurants and spa appointments at the Hyatt. Just make your reservations in advance and you%26#39;ll get right in, no waiting around. As house guests you%26#39;ll get great tables by letting them know it%26#39;s your Honeymoon. If you are leaving the resort to dine at another restaurant, phone the valet as you leave your room and your car will be waiting for you in front.

The Hyatt is an excellent location to drive to Spouting Horn, Waimea Canyon, or take a Capt. Andy sunset cruise of the Napili Coast, or Inter-Island Helo ride out of Port Allen.

Wherever you stay, Beautiful Sunsets and Happy Honeymoon!