Kauai

[Grand Vic]

My friend and her husband are going to Kauai the first week of April 2011. They have never been, and I was hoping someone would have suggestions for her i.e. best places to eat, things to do, tour companies to use, anywhere they should make a point to see. Any suggestions for her would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

Vicky

 

[aliikai2]

Hard not knowing their likes etc

The Beachhouse on Lawai at sunset, the Waimea canyon, if they hike any of the trails.

The Ultimate Kauai Reveled book is a must for a 1st trip.

We stay in Kapaa and enjoy the local type places to eat, and Kauai Pasta is great.

The upscale restaurants are few and far between.

The farmers markets or the Sunshine Markets are fun, lots of fresh island grown fruits and vegetables and flowers.
Bring lots of $1's and some bags to carry your prizes back to the condo.

We try to get down to the Kauai Cookie company at least once per trip. While down there we eat at the Shrimp Shack and maybe have some Lilikoi pie.
Kauai Coffee plantation is a nice spot to stop and get e pick me up.

Ke'e beach on the north end where the road ends is fun.

Way too much to impart without knowing more about their likes.

Greg

 

[rickandcindy23]

I forgot about the pie and the cookie factory. I am never going to stay on my diet this trip.

 

[Grand Vic]

Thanks Greg! You even know the ropes in Hawaii! You are my best source world-wide! She wanted me to ask for a recommendation for a snorkle company and best location to snorkle? (They will have to rent all their gear). And do you know anything about the Sheraton? I know its just a hotel, but have you heard anything about construction there? They were notified of that AFTER they made their reservations.

 

[Liz Wolf-Spada]

We did the Blue Hawaii helicopter trip this last time and it was spectacular and well worth the money. Kee Beach at the end of the road past Hanalei.
Liz

 

[linsj]

And do you know anything about the Sheraton? I know its just a hotel, but have you heard anything about construction there? They were notified of that AFTER they made their reservations.

From the hotel web site (also e-mailed to people who have reservations, which is how I know about it):

Resort Revitalization

Beginning in January 12, 2011 and ending in summer 2011, our resort will be undergoing some great changes to make your next visit with us more delightful than ever. We will be transforming the arrival experience offered in the main lobby and porte-cochère, adding a courtyard lounge and introducing the Link Café. During this period we will greet and service our guests from our Garden lobby where they will receive a traditional Hawaiian welcome and hospitality.

Utilizing the amazing oceanfront location, Shells restaurant and The Point restaurant will be combined to create a signature dining experience, second to none on Kauai’s south shore. While this metamorphosis is going on, we are offering our signature Sheraton Kaua’i breakfast buffet complimentary to all guests*. Sunsational package customers will receive an additional $50.00 resort dining credit per each three night stay, in the Garden wing, where lunch and dinner will also be served. In addition, guests are also invited to enjoy daily entertainment and evening cocktails, including our Mai Tai hour four days a week.

While we refine and transform the Oceanfront Pool and the Oasis Bar & Grill, guests may relax, reconnect and rejuvenate in the lush tropical setting of the Garden Pool or of course, the hotel is ideally located on breathtaking Poipu Beach where our beach-services team will be happy to ensure that you enjoy a host of ocean activities including beach equipment rentals and instruction.

Note: *Not applicable to Starhot and complimentary rate programs, program subject to modifications.

Frequently Asked Questions:
http://www.sheraton-kauai.com/roomsandsuites/revitalization/faq

 

[linsj]

If you do an advanced search on Kauai in this forum, you'll find lots of recommendations for restaurants, activities, tours, etc.

 

[aliikai2]

I don't know anything about Hotels, except

You welcome, probably not the world but westcoast of Mexico, and most of Hawaii, If they staying down in Poipu the best close snorkel beach is Lawai. On the north end of the island just before you get to Ke'e is tunnels, but it might be early in the season, so they will need to check the wave forecast.
Greg

Thanks Greg! You even know the ropes in Hawaii! You are my best source world-wide! She wanted me to ask for a recommendation for a snorkle company and best location to snorkle? (They will have to rent all their gear). And do you know anything about the Sheraton? I know its just a hotel, but have you heard anything about construction there? They were notified of that AFTER they made their reservations.

 

[MommaBear]

We have had superb snorkeling right in front of the Sheraton. We have seen up to 23 different species in one afternoon's snorkeling. For beginner snorkelers there is a fun enclosed area in Lydgate park in Kapa'a. Kauai Revealed book series has one that is just beaches and snorkeling. There are several places on Kauai to rent equipment for the week or even by the day. Which part of the island are they staying on? There's lots of restaurants in many price points from Hanelei to Waimea.
I recommend the National Botannical Garden tour on the South Shore. They do a great job with the tours. The landscaping is lush and the sculptures are wonderful. On the north shore, there is another botannical garden that is replicating the gardens of the native hawaiians. There is a third garden on the north shore as well. I recommend not bothering to do the Friday night in Hanapepe- although the art was beautiful, it really only took an hour or so to see everything and I couldn't afford anything!
I loved the Blue Hawaiian helicopter tour. The Smith Family does a good luau. I also liked the leisurely tubing tour through old irrigation channels. We also really liked the Kauai North Shore Charter for their tour and snorkeling along the Napili coast.
My biggest recommendation is for your friends to choose one special thing to do and not to try to do everything in one trip. We go annually and each year choose one new adventure. Waimea Canyon is a yearly "must do" for us. The guys also like the craft brews at the Waimea Brewing Company. The location is an old plantation house. The sunset from the St. Regis in Princeville is worth the $15 mai tais. Our friends really like the Beach House Restaurant, I am more a Shrimp Station girl.
Oh, I cannot wait until October for my next trip! So many fun things to think about.

 

[eal]

If your friend buys "Kauai Revealed - the Ultimate Kauai Guidebook" by Andrew Doughty - be sure to get the latest edition - she won't need any further advice - it has everything.

 

[Kona Lovers]

A definite stop: Bubba's Burgers....three locations: Kapaa, Hanalei, and Poipu.

"Best Burger in Paradise"!!

Aloha,

Marty

 

[mjm1]

We enjoyed Sunshine Helicopter tour, which flies out of Lihue and Princeville. The pilot even said he enjoys the flight more in the rain because the waterfalls are more spectacular. We enjoyed the trip even though it wasn't raining, and hadn't rained much beforehand, so the waterfalls were pretty small.

Waimea Canyon is great and be sure to stop for shave ice at JoJo's right on the main road in Waimea. A little shack on the ocean side of the road, and the shave ice is great.

The boat ride and visit to the Fern Grotto in Kapaa is very nice if you have never done it before.

I would also make the trip to the north shore to see Hanalei Bay, especially the view of it from the St Regis Hotel on the cliff overlooking the bay.

Many more things than this to do, including just relaxing. Enjoy.

 

[Grand Vic]

Thank you all for your replies! Another reason I just love Tuggers!