Kauai, Hawaii

Other highlights were the drive to Poipu Beach area which must include a visit to National Tropical Botonical Gardens near Spouting Horn parking lot. The drive to Hanelei must include a stop at Princeville Hotel. Take a boat ride or even kayak to Fern Grotto. The most memorable moment was walking on the beach just outside our condo (Kauai Beach Villas) and seeing a monk seal lying on the beach digesting his breakfast.

Quick Tips:

I prepaid most of our "fun" commerical trips before going which left plenty of money to do "found" fun once we got to the island. Watch the "Island" tourism channel on the TV for current happenings and places of interest but only time to have the TV on! Many free publications also available on the sidewalks for coupons and discounts for fun activities.

Best Way To Get Around:

Each evening is a torch lighting ceremony with hula dancers. Some of the activities scheduled by the resort was: learn to scuba (free in the resort pool), learn to kayak (free in the resort pool), flower lei making, watercolor class (with professional artist instructor ($15.00) and many other activites. The pool is exotic with waterfalls and grottos. There is also a shallow sand pool with a view of the ocean. In the Radisson is an internet cafe, art gallery, and a gift shop. There is also a restaurant and tennis courts. You can run along the beach which is almost a mile and a half long.

• Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
• Activities: Excellent
• Amenities: Excellent
• Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
• Family Friendliness: Excellent
• Service: Excellent

Hikers must be in good shape to hike the entire 11-mile trail (one-way), which runs from Haena State Park to Kalalau Beach. The strenous trail follows high, green cliffs and dips into lush valleys. Hikers can spend the night at primitive campsites in the Hanakapiai or Kalalau valleys.

You must obtain a backcountry/camping permit which is in high demand. Don't be surprised if the campsites are booked but you can try for cancellations.

Another popular day trip is the two-mile (one-way) hike from Kee Beach at Haena State Park to Hanakapiai Valley. There is a sandy beach and small sea cave at this location. Do NOT swim or wade at Hanakapiai because of dangerous rip currents. It is permissible to shore fish here. This trail allows great coastal views while hiking through kukui and ohia trees and groves of bamboo.

There is also the trail to Hanakapiai Falls which has a small pool for swimming but the trail is 4 miles round trip recommended only for experienced hikers.

Permits are required to hike the trail beyond Hanakapiai Valley.

The Refuge is located on the northern part of the Island and is open to the public. It has fantastic views of the Pacific. There is another rock island just off the tip of the penisula; make sure you scan for monk seals there. We saw a sea turtle in the ocean on the left-hand side of the penisula. The waves crashing onto the shore on the right-hand side are spectacular. Look up on the cliffside and there are thousands of birds: frigates, boobies, and albatrosses. Great place for nature conservatory education!

Fees were $3.00 per person or you can use your "Golden Eagle Pass". Be aware that the National Park's Pass will need the upgraded hologram to use it.

Kaua`i National Wildlife Refuge
P.O. Box 1128
Kilauea, Hawai`i 96754
(808) 828-1413
(808) 828-1414 fax

No gas stations are located in the park,so fill up before coming up the mountain.

The lodge has 12 rustic, inexpensive cabins with fireplaces to rent ($35-$45 per night). Call for reservations.

Restaurant open for breakfast and lunch only.
1-800--335-6061 Koke'e Lodge
Koke'e Campground
Tent and trailer camping are allowed in this state park with appropriate permits. Restrooms, picnic tables and pavilions, grills and restaurant nearby the campground.
Permit is required for camping - call the Department of Parks and Recreation at 808-261-6660 for information and application.
It is a great place to picnic and the food in the restaurant is good. Beware of the hotdogs; they are huge! Ordering one is sufficient!

The trip takes 40 minutes with any one of many companies on a long, flat-bottom riverboat. Boats depart from the south side of the river every 30 minutes. The Wailua River is the only navigable river in Hawaii. You will also see kayakers, motor boats and water skiers. We went on Waialeale Boat Tours which departs for the grotto every 30 minutes - cost is $15/person. While cruising at a leisurely pace to and fro from the Grotto, we were entertained with Hawaiian musicians and hula dancers. Great trip. There are other companies and you can go directly to the marina for your pick of companies to cruise with. At the marina is the Smith's Tropical Paradise also.

You go right to the Na Pali coast. You slowly motor along the coast while the captain gives you the history of the coastline which is very informative! The captain pulls the catamaran into sea caves when weather permits. We saw feral goats and a very large sea turtle by one sea cave. You then cross the channel to the Forbidden Island where you first snorkel in the clearest 90 feet of water you have ever seen! Its off a bird sanctuary near the Forbidden Island of Ni'ihau.

After snorkeling, you have a great deli lunch. You then cruise along the coastline of Ni'ihau where you gain knowledge of Hawai'ian's last stand. Ni'ihau is owned by the Roberts family and is forbidden to visit or dock on. Then it is back to the harbor where the captain tells you about Kauai, and gives ample opportunities to photographic the marine life of Kauai's oceans. The staff is attentive, professional, and extremely informed on the history and seamanship!