Kauai (and Beach Club) Questions and Recommendations

[NboroGirl]

I've been reading and following the KBC threads closely for the past 9 mos. or so. My husband and I have been to Hawaii twice and have visited the islands of Hawaii, Maui, and Oahu (Ko'Olina). This is our first time to Kauai and we have an OV guest room/lockoff (of a 1BR) at KBC for the week, with an extra night at the Kauai Marriott Resort next door.

I received a nice email from someone at KBC with a description of our room (King bed, bath, free wi-fi, and balcony), along with attached files containing restaurants, tours, resort activities, and weekly activities.

Q: Does the lockoff contain any dishes? I believe it only has a fridge and coffee maker as far as appliances go. If so, is there a sink and dishsoap to wash the dishes? (Lockoffs at MGV have this, but they also have a microwave and toaster and I know KBC doesn't).

Q: Any recommendations on what to do there? Here's what I'm thinking so far, so if you know of any tour companies that you used that were good, please let me know.

• Ziplining
• Na Pali sunset/dinner cruise
• 1 round of golf (probably at Kauai Lagoons Golf Club)
• Waimea Canyon (drive? copter?)

Q: Any recommendations on where to eat? Maybe one or 2 nice dinners, and the rest casual. We expect to eat breakfast in our room most days, and also lunch if we're around. One thing you should know is I don't eat fish of any kind. My husband loves it though (and he loves sushi, too)... but if we go to a seafood place, there needs to be a tasty option on the menu for me too.

Q: Anything I should avoid or be aware of? Such as, will I need bug repellent?

Q: Why does rain seem to be forecast every day for Lihue? I hope we're talking about one tropical shower in the afternoon or something, and not continuous rain or showers.

Thanks.... It's only about 2 weeks away and I'm getting so excited (but not if it's going to be rainy every day).

 

[lweverett]

I liked Duke's which is right at the T/S - didn't think much of the Italian Restaurant.

 

[gsb]

Nboro Girl, I'm glad to hear you're heading to Kauai soon. It's a beautiful place.

We normally stay in a 2 BR villa there and I'm not sure what's in the studio side of it, but it should have dishes and a dorm-size refrigerator.

It's a nice drive to the Canyon, with a lot to see along the way. You may have seen the Ultimate Kauai Guidebook, which is a great help, especially the first few times you go. They have things laid out by milemarker so it's easy to follow. You can pick one up before you go, or Costco usually has a stack of them.

Since much of the island is not easily accessible, Kauai is a great place for a helicopter tour. There are several companies right around the resort that do them. The last time we used a company called Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours, which is in the little shopping center across the street from Marriott. They use a smaller helicopter so there were just two of us, plus the pilot.

The golf course at Kauai Lagoons has always been one of my favorites on the island. There are great views and enough good holes to make it memorable.

In terms of restaurants, I second Duke's, which is on property. Fish lovers will find some great options and people like me who don't like seafood will still go away happy. Plus the Hula Pie is something you have to try!

There's also a place called the Kalapaki Beach Hut just past Dukes and across the walking bridge. Very inexpensive (but really good) burgers with a great view upstairs. They also have some fine options for breakfast.

Enjoy Kauai, but be warned--once you go, you might get hooked and decide it's a place you need to go unwind every year.

 

[OregonBorder]

KBC

If you are in the bedroom portion of the 1 bedroom, not the studio portion, you will have a mini fridge and a coffee maker period. There is an ice machine by the elevator. I will second the vote for Duke's on property. The salad bar is awesome.
Kalapaki's Joes across the street is good for fish tacos, burgers, stuff like that. Costco is close and has some good deli times like caesar salad and wraps. Have a great time, we love that property.

 

[puckmanfl]

good evening

Nboro...

Captain Andy's from Port Allen for anything Na-pali cliffs..!!! Absolute must Beach House for dinner (near Poipu) you must make reservations well in advance... try to time it around sunset.... off the charts good...

can't go wrong with golf KL course is nice, Poipu Bay is nice too!!! Princeville course are nice on north end...

 

[NboroGirl]

If you are in the bedroom portion of the 1 bedroom, not the studio portion, you will have a mini fridge and a coffee maker period. There is an ice machine by the elevator. I will second the vote for Duke's on property. The salad bar is awesome.
Kalapaki's Joes across the street is good for fish tacos, burgers, stuff like that. Costco is close and has some good deli times like caesar salad and wraps. Have a great time, we love that property.

Yes, we're in the bedroom side, not the parlor half. So there are no cups or dishes? Why would they give you a coffee maker with nothing to drink the coffee from?

 

[BocaBoy]

Duke's (at the Kauai Marriott Resort) is my personal favorite restaurant on Kauai. It also has a wonderful salad bar.

 

[Carlsbadguy]

We just got back had the whole 1 bedroom. Last time when we stayed just in the bedroom part we called and they brought us a couple sets of dishes. They may also be able to bring you a microwave but not sure. There is a refrigerator a little larger than dorm size.

Most of the restaurants including Kalapaki Joes have closed in the shopping center across the street. We did eat in a Thai restaurant upstairs that was pretty good. There is also a Mexican restaurant, a pizza place, and a really good ice cream place. There is a small shack restaurant that has great burgers and breakfasts pretty cheap between the Marriott and the shopping center across the street.

Dukes downstairs is not too expensive. Duke's upstairs has a great salad bar you can get for $3 extra with your meal and take leftovers home. There are a couple bbq grills on property for cooking. Any other questions let me know.

 

[OregonBorder]

Coffee cups

Yes there are two coffee cups. The bedroom part is a hotel room. Just like any hotel room with a coffee maker and two coffee mugs.

 

[pacman]

Yes there are two coffee cups. The bedroom part is a hotel room. Just like any hotel room with a coffee maker and two coffee mugs.

We are in a studio as I type. Only 2 coffee cups, as someone else mentioned. We asked for dishes, bowls, cutlery and a knife, and housekeeping promptly brought them to us. Small fridge, no microwave. Enough to make a simple breakfast and we always make and pack our own lunch to eat the beach.
A full kitchen would be nice, but since this was on a II exchange, we are very happy. First time at KBC, and very pleased.

pacman

 

[pacman]

Q: Why does rain seem to be forecast every day for Lihue? I hope we're talking about one tropical shower in the afternoon or something, and not continuous rain or showers.

Oh, one more thing on the weather. Completely ignore what you see forecast. We were looking too, before we left, and it was like 100% chance of rain every day. We've been here since Saturday, and yes, there has been rain, but LOTS of sun too, so don't worry about the forecast. We were on a tour today, and the guy mentioned the weather forecast on Kauai was wrong 80% of the time. Not sure if he was joking or serious, but from what we have experienced, that seems about right.

pacman

 

[NboroGirl]

Thanks for all the responses and recommendations. I'm definitely going to try Dukes and Captain Andy's. I may bring a few plastic utensils with us for making lunches.

What about bugs? Is bug spray needed?

Any recommendations for a zipline place?

 

[Carlsbadguy]

Someone I met there said the best excursion they did was rappelling down waterfalls. It was offered by the Da Hui Life store on the grounds. They go to some waterfalls close by and hike up and rappel down and swim in the waterfall.

 

[rschallig]

I've been reading and following the KBC threads closely for the past 9 mos. or so. My husband and I have been to Hawaii twice and have visited the islands of Hawaii, Maui, and Oahu (Ko'Olina). This is our first time to Kauai and we have an OV guest room/lockoff (of a 1BR) at KBC for the week, with an extra night at the Kauai Marriott Resort next door.

I received a nice email from someone at KBC with a description of our room (King bed, bath, free wi-fi, and balcony), along with attached files containing restaurants, tours, resort activities, and weekly activities.

Q: Does the lockoff contain any dishes? I believe it only has a fridge and coffee maker as far as appliances go. If so, is there a sink and dishsoap to wash the dishes? (Lockoffs at MGV have this, but they also have a microwave and toaster and I know KBC doesn't).

Q: Any recommendations on what to do there? Here's what I'm thinking so far, so if you know of any tour companies that you used that were good, please let me know.

• Ziplining
• Na Pali sunset/dinner cruise
• 1 round of golf (probably at Kauai Lagoons Golf Club)
• Waimea Canyon (drive? copter?)

Q: Any recommendations on where to eat? Maybe one or 2 nice dinners, and the rest casual. We expect to eat breakfast in our room most days, and also lunch if we're around. One thing you should know is I don't eat fish of any kind. My husband loves it though (and he loves sushi, too)... but if we go to a seafood place, there needs to be a tasty option on the menu for me too.

Q: Anything I should avoid or be aware of? Such as, will I need bug repellent?

Q: Why does rain seem to be forecast every day for Lihue? I hope we're talking about one tropical shower in the afternoon or something, and not continuous rain or showers.

Thanks.... It's only about 2 weeks away and I'm getting so excited (but not if it's going to be rainy every day).

This following list is about 2 years old. Hope it helps. Better call first.
Bob
=========================

Helicopter tour
Soar above the magnificent coastline and tilt toward cascading waterfalls on a helicopter tour. The unique bird’s eye view is worth the price. Tours take you to Mt. Wai‘ale‘ale Crater, the wettest place on Earth.
Air Kauai Helicopters; 3651 Ahukini Rd.; Lihue, HI; 800-972-4666; www.airkauai.com
Tags: tour | smart splurge | outdoors | editor pick

Kalalau Trail
The less rigorous first 2-mile segment of the challenging Kalalau Trail deposits you at Hanakapi’ai Beach. Great for day hikers, and you still get breathtaking panoramic views of the Na Pali coastline.
Trailhead at Ke‘e Beach; Hanalei, HI; www.kalalautrail.com
Tags: hiking | outdoors | adventure



Saddle up
A leisurely way to explore the island’s back-country, horseback trail rides follow a fern-lined stream past wild orchids and fragrant guava to a hidden waterfall.
Silver Falls Ranch; end of Kamo‘okea Rd.; Kilauea, HI; 808-828-6718; www.silverfallsranch.com
Tags: family | tour | outdoors | horseback riding

Attend a luau
Kauai may not have much in the way of nightlife, but a night at a lu‘au is an evening well spent. Fire knife dancers and an energetic hula show will get you on your feet after filling up on kalua pig and poi.
Princeville Resort Lu‘au; 5520 Ka Haku Rd.; Princeville, HI; 808-826-9644; www.princevillehotelhawaii.com
Tags: family | culture | culinary

Bike the canyon
Hop on a cruiser bike and ride 12 miles down the awe-inspiring Waimea Canyon. Hot blueberry muffins and coffee prepare you for the early morning adventure.
Outfitters Kauai; Poipu Plaza; 2827 A Poipu Rd.; Kauai, HI; 808-742-9667; www.outfitterskauai.com
Tags: biking | outdoors | adventure | editor pick

Chocolate farm tour
See how the cacao orchard grows, and better yet, taste its delectable offerings. The tour ends with samples of the world’s rarest single-estate dark chocolate bars.
Steelgrass Farm; Wailua Homesteads; Kapa’a, HI; 808-821-1857; www.steelgrass.org
Tags: family | culinary | tour | trendy

Kalapaki Beach
At the foot of the Kauai Marriott Resort by Nawiliwili Harbor, crescent-shaped Kalapaki is one of the safest swimming beaches. Its gentle wave action is also perfect for beginning surfers. In between sets, gaze up at the majestic Haupu Ridge.
Lihue, HI; www.kauaiexplorer.com/kauai_beaches
Tags: beach | diving | surfing | outdoors

Poipu Beach
There’s something for everyone here – on the left, a protected sandy-bottom pool for family fun; on the right, an open bay for snorkeling, swimming, bodyboarding, and surfing. Wander two miles east to isolated Maha‘ulepu Beach for quiet exploration.
Poipu, HI; www.kauaiexplorer.com/kauai_beaches
Tags: beach | family | diving | surfing | outdoors | editor pick

Secret Beach
A 10-minute hike from the parking area through an ironwood forest leads to a marvelous golden sand beach. While it’s not really a secret anymore, it is still secluded – so secluded that a lot of beachgoers opt to go clothes-free.
take unmarked dirt road off Kuhio Hwy., 4 miles west of Kilauea town; Kilauea, HI; www.kauaiexplorer.com/kauai_beaches
Tags: beach | outdoors | naturist

Anini Beach
If you’re learning how to windsurf, this protected blue lagoon is the place to do it. The long reef also makes this the best snorkeling spot on Kauai, and shells abound for beachcombers.
Princeville; Kauai, HI; www.kauaiexplorer.com/kauai_beaches
Tags: beach | snorkeling | surfing | outdoors

Polihale Beach
Seventeen miles of golden sand make this west side state park Hawaii’s biggest beach and a good option for desolation seekers. A sacred heiau (ancient temple) is at the far end of the hot, dry beach where the cliffs meet the ocean.
Waimea, HI; www.kauaiexplorer.com/kauai_beaches
Tags: beach | outdoors

Ke‘e Beach
Snorkel with turtles and colorful reef fish on the right side of the lagoon or fish for ulua on the left where it opens out to sea. At the west end of the oft-filmed beach is the trailhead for Kalalau Trail.
Hanalei, HI; www.kauaiexplorer.com/kauai_beaches
Tags: beach | snorkeling | wildlife | outdoors

Spouting Horn
What happens when an ancient lava tube opens out to sea? The incoming waves spew water up to 50 feet high. Catch rainbows in the spray during the late afternoon.
Spouting Horn; off Poipu Rd., turn right onto Lawai Rd. and continue 1.2 miles; Poipu, HI; www.hawaiiweb.com/kauai/sites_to_see/SpoutingHorn.htm
Tags: family | outdoors

National Tropical Botanical Gardens
Get to know the flora and fauna at the country’s only tropical plant research facility. Walk through the living collections at the 259-acre McBryde Gardens and the 80-acre Allerton Gardens.
3530 Papalina Rd.; Kalaheo, HI; 808-332-7324; www.ntbg.org
Tags: national park | outdoors | gardens

 

[taterhed]

just a couple of notes:

If you've never ridden horses, this isn't a flat trail with a milk-wagon horse. So, unless you're in for a little bit of adventure, don't leap without looking.

The walking trails mentioned above are fairly easy. Not all the trails are easy. If you happen to have a major rain storm, you could find yourself cutoff or crossing a raging creek. Just plan wisely. Don't schedule dinner at precisely xxxx with a big hike and rain.

Not all bike tours are the same. Inquire before booking. Some are extreme, some lame. You pick.

The helicopter rides are spectacular. We did the Hughes 500 doors off. Cold, loud and windy. Unforgettable. The Eurocopter 135 ride is pretty much a limousine with a pilot. Very nice, very smooth. Again, you pick. I don't recommend doing the R44 helicopter tour. I know people like it, but just the same....go for a jet. Trust me on this.

The Beach House is very nice for dinner. With a few notes. This isn't the peak of tourist season...so you're probably ok. It's not cheap. It's good, but not cheap. Be prepared, not surprised. Right at sunset (amazing sunset) everyone within 2 miles runs to the point at the Beach House. Sometimes, they block the view etc. Those not lucky enough to get a really good seat in the restaurant tend to walk up/out onto the lawn to watch the sunset. Very bad if you have a front row seat. Also, service right at sunset drops to a crawl. Then it speeds up again. My humble rec'd? Get a drink. Watch the sunset from the lawn (being respectful for others views). Then sit down and have a lovely dinner with a great table and nice service. Bring a light jacket...it gets cool after sunset. (alternatively, eat before sunset and have apres dinner drinks on lawn...).

The fish market (tiny little shop) in Koloa has wonderful boxed lunch. Great poke. One box feeds 1.5 people. Buy some box lunches and take them to poipu beach for amazing experience. No seating in rest. Great supermarkets next door for fish/meat/groc. Pizza joint there isn't too bad either.

have a great vaca!

BTW: Costco has the Kauai Mai Tais made with local spirits premixed. Great plastic cup cocktails for pool. Cheapest gas in town; Costco. Premade salads, sandwiches etc... perfect for hikes/beach. 2 miles.

 

[jonmaiman]

I liked Duke's which is right at the T/S - didn't think much of the Italian Restaurant.

+1 Definitely skip the Italian Restaurant unless you like overpriced, mediocre food and snooty service. As many others have already noted in this thread, Duke's is great and highly recommended.

--Jon

 

[NboroGirl]

Hawaii Alive

Has anyone attended the hula show Hawaii Alive at KBC? Is it worth it? They only perform it on Monday nights. The price is only $35 so I assume that no food or drinks are included, like at the Ko'Olina one.