perfectdaysinkauai

The Garden Island

Beyond even fertile imaginations, the incredible beauty and spirit of Kaua’i truly have to be experienced. Nature – tropical forests, peaks and valleys, spectacular canyons and cliffs, an incredible assortment of large, tiny and hidden beaches, great sunsets and rainbows – makes Kaua’i a unique place on earth even among legendary island escapes. A profusion of local art tries to capture the island’s alluring qualities and spirit and is never satisfied with the results.

In addition to attracting artists and lovers of art, Kaua’i attracts people who want to exercise their senses and bodies, beachcomb on beautiful beaches, trek on foot or horseback on trails winding through rainforests, climb or simply peer down deep canyons, cross a great mountaintop swamp, sail the ocean and explore its marine life and depths, follow Hawaii’s only fresh water rivers and streams, or just enjoy the man-made contours, landscape and challenges of outstanding golf courses.

For visitors who just want to relax and shed their stressful lives, Kaua’i offers countless ways and places to do so on the dry and sunny South Shore and even drier and sunnier West Shore, the busier but still laid-back Coconut Coast along the East Shore, and on the lush, rainier North Shore. In all of these places, hundreds of vacation rentals provide great deals on lodging, with and without breakfast, and the best personalized advice on how to stay busy or relax on Kaua’i.

The northernmost and most ancient of the Hawaiian Islands, Kaua’i is as lush and as arid in parts as any other island. Year-round you’ll find plants in bloom on the “Garden Island.” It’s no accident that three of Hawaii’s National Tropical Gardens are located on Kaua’i. Each one is worth visiting and these remarkable gardens are part of several Perfect Days in Kaua’i.

At the center of the island, 5,148-foot Mount Waialeale receives the most rainfall in the world – an average of 460 inches per year. From Waialeale, a series of ridges covered with plant life radiate out to the sea, separated by valleys, rivers and streams, many cascading over beautiful waterfalls. Exploration of these ridges, waterways, and waterfalls, on foot and bicycle and by kayak, provide some of the most enjoyable parts of Perfect Days in Kaua’i.

The average temperature on Kaua’i is 75 degrees year-round. High and low temperatures vary by less than 10 degrees. Differences in weather conditions in winter and summer, however, prompt different activities. Winter’s northerly trade winds bring swells that pound North Shore beaches around Hanalei while Po’ipu’s beaches are comparatively calm. In the summer, Kona winds bring bigger surf to Po’ipu and the South Shore while the North Shore calms down.

Kaua’i’s 110-mile coastline is as varied as any in Hawaii, fringed by dozens of beautiful beaches, coral reefs, bluffs and high cliffs, river lagoons and bays. Just about every Perfect Day in Kaua’i includes visits to at least one of Kaua’i’s memorable beaches.

All of Kaua’i’s beaches are accessible by car, bicycle and on foot except for the 25-mile long Na Pali coast which is only accessible on foot or from the sea. Na Pali’s little beaches, fronting on deep valleys, are only accessible by hiking from the very end of Hwy. 560 near Ke’e Beach on the North Shore or by inflatable boat or kayak.

Refer to detailed maps on the web at http://www.driveguidemagazines.com that show how to find the best beachcombing beaches and snorkeling sites: on the North Shore, Ke’e Beach, Tunnels, and Princeville’s secluded beaches below the resort’s bluffs; on the East Shore, long and sandy ‘Anini, beautiful Moloa’a, serene Lydgate Park, and lovely Kalapaki in Nawiliwili Bay; on the South Shore, Po’ipu and Maha’ulepu beaches; and on the West Shore, relatively calm Salt Pond Beach and, beyond Waimea Canyon, the longest beach in Hawai’i from Kekaha out to Polihale and the Na Pali Coast.

At some point, you want to take a cruise or perhaps several different ones -- for relaxation, watching whales or a sunset, sportfishing, snorkeling, diving, or excursions to explore the island of Niihau, Na Pali and other scenic coastlines. Many of these boat trips leave from Port Allen on the West Coast and you want to know how to plan your day to include one of these boat trips, in the morning, afternoon or evening, and how make the best use of the rest of the day.

Perfect Days Travel Philosophy

It’s really easy to have fun on Kaua’i, enjoy great beaches and marine activities, visit the incredible Waimea Canyon and Na Pali coast, eat a marvelous variety of delicious food, and soak in scenic beauty around the clock.

How can it get any better? The pleasures of Kaua’i’s coastlines and interior can be experienced in many ways with very different results. Perfect Days in Kaua’i is designed to help you make lots of decisions, before leaving for Kaua’i and also after arriving, about not only where to go but how, when, where to start, places to snack, eat and relax with refreshments along the way, and suggestions for ending the day with a sense of satisfaction and joy. In other words, Perfect Days in Kaua’i.

Perfect Days provides a different way of looking at travel and travel planning.
It’s not just where to go and what to see or do when you get there, but also what combinations of activities yield the best Kaua’i experiences each day and from day-to-day.

Obviously it’s possible to have literally hundreds of different Perfect Days in Kaua’i. After spending a few days, a week or more on Kaua’i, you’ll be able to create your own version of Perfect Days for friends and family.

Perfect Days is your personal concierge who asks “what would you like to do today” and has dozens of suggestions that fit your special interests:

§ Snorkeling? Beginner or advanced? Lessons? Shoreline or boat trip? Scuba, too?
§ Picnic or sit-down lunch? Indoors or outside? On the beach? Another scenic spot? Great sunset?
§ Hike? Easy or strenuous? Coastline or mountains? Off-the-beaten-track? Guide? Morning, afternoon or all-day? Casual lunch spot? Special cravings for food? Lunch on the trail? Suggested picnic spots?
§ Walk? Short or extended? Inland or along a beach or someplace a bit more adventuresome? Town? Shopping, too? Local art and crafts? Parking?
§ Flower lover? Birdwatcher? Combine with cruise? Kayaking? Hike? Historic and archeological sites?
§ Whalewatching? Combine with cruise? Dinner cruise? More adventuresome? Raft? Kayak?

Here are the very simple elements of what we call the Perfect Days travel philosophy. Most of them should seem like common sense to you. That’s a good start. Think back to trips you’ve taken anywhere in the world, as a student, on a honeymoon or romantic trip, with friends or family, and reflect on these points:

Choice of lodging is crucial, not just a place to lay your head. Depending on your choice of hotel, B&B or other lodgings, the day feels quite different when you wake up in morning and go to sleep at night -- and also during the day and evening as you anticipate what it will feel like returning to your room and waking up the next morning.

Choice of a route and transportation to get to a place or activity may be as important as the destination itself. Drive a different route to and from your vacation destination or perhaps use a different form of transportation one-way or both ways (boat or train vs. car) and the different transportation and its route make the day’s entire excursion feel different. For example:

§ Go snorkeling from shore or alternatively on a boat tour and the snorkeling experience feels very different. Snorkel from a particularly scenic site and bring a picnic lunch along vs. heading to a restaurant for lunch after snorkeling.

§ Walk out your door onto a long, sandy, scenic beach vs. driving to the same beach for a day-trip.

It’s not how many places and sights you see, it’s the uniqueness and quality of the destinations. Spend the morning somewhere seeing several tropical wonders but not at the expense of missing one place that, by itself, would have provided an even more memorable experience.

Each meal should provide a memorable experience. Why eat even one very good but expensive dinner that lacks special distinction when, for the same price or less, you could eat several delicious and distinctively different kinds of meals?

Several of the most scenic places on Kaua’i’s coastline, including some of the most spectacular anywhere in Hawaii, can be visited either on shore or from the water. Each way of seeing these places provides a different experience of the same place.

The time of day makes a big difference. Whenever possible, go everywhere early in the morning for better winds and easier parking.

Vacation Rental Deals & Locations

§ Kaua’i has more than a hundred B&B’s located all over the island in which you can rent rooms for $400-$1000 per week.
§ Kaua’i has more than 500 suites, cottages, bungalows and apartments renting for less than $500 per week and another couple of hundred oceanfront or oceanview units renting for less than $1250 per week.
§ Kaua’i has dozens of marvelous houses in scenic beach or oceanview locations, suitable for honeymoons, romantic vacations, and family vacations or reunions, renting for less than $2000 per week. (See Vacation Rentals in Kaua'i and add your own favorites or comment on your own experiences at any one of the vacation rentals mentioned.)

These vacation rental deals are not rare exceptions. Dozens of vacation rentals that fit your needs are available if you’re willing to spend the time researching, talking to owners or managers, and sending out email inquiries. In any season, you’ll find homes, cottages, and rooms for rent that are clean and attractively decorated, fronting on or located near an excellent beach, managed by pleasant, helpful staff, and offering excellent values at reasonable rates.

The daily rate (total amount paid per day) for a vacation rental can vary considerably depending on:
§ Low season, high season or holiday booking (especially Christmas-New Years but also Easter, Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day and Thanksgiving);
§ Last-minute or special discount offers including Internet-only discounts;
§ Offer of a night free in return for booking a week or more;
§ Discounts offered for booking a week, several weeks or a month;
§ Cleaning fee (sometimes waived for a longer term booking);
§ Number of people included in the booking (up to maximum capacity).

And don’t forget to add local taxes (11.42%) to vacation rentals when you estimate daily rates.

These vacation rentals are located in the best parts of Kaua’i for Perfect Days of sightseeing, activities and dining:

§ In lush, incredibly lovely Wainiha Valley within minutes of a half dozen of the best and most scenic beaches on Kaua’i for snorkeling, surfing, beachcombing and picnics.

§ Around the beautiful and historic Wailua River, funky Kapa’a Town, the Coconut Coast, on Highway 580 along the mountainside of the Sleeping Giant, up Hwy. 580 past Opaeka’a Falls towards Keahua Arboretum and hiking territory, up Kealia Rd. into the green hinterland toward the Anahola Mountains (a.k.a. Kalalea Mountains or Makaleha Mountains).

§ Around Anahola Bay, Aliomanu Bay, down Moloa’a Road and around scenic Moloa’a Bay, and all over Kilauea Town and around Kilauea Bay.

§ Mauka along Kahiliholo Road and makai down Kahiliholo Road to the river, Kahiliholo Bay and Anini Beach and all over Princeville.

§ All around Hanalei Town and on mauka and makai sides of Highway 560 in Haena.

§ In and around Ma’alo Road (Hwy. 583) that leads to Wailua Falls, quite a few scattered around Lihue and especially overlooking Kalapaki Beach.

§ Around Koloa Town and especially in Po’ipu and Lawai Valley.

§ Out Hwy. 50 all around Kalaheo, west of Koloa and Lawa’i, in Hanapepe and especially in Kekaha west of Waimea.

Within these areas, we recommend that, whenever possible, and especially renting condominium units, rent directly from owners of vacation rentals. Owners usually are prepared to offer and, depending on circumstances, negotiate better deals than property management, real estate and travel companies.

In addition, using a combination of email and toll-free numbers, you can ask vacation rental owners lots of questions about their properties, surroundings and local activities. Also, if they do not appear on the property’s Web site, you can ask for examples of guest recommendations.

PLANNING PERFECT DAYS

Kaua’i’s Vacation Planning Areas

Perfect Days in Kaua’i is divided into four geographic sections of the island: North, East, South and West:

North – Kilauea Town and Princeville to Hanalei, Haena and Ke’e Beach and the Kalalau Trail
East – Lihu’e through Wailua and Kapa’a north to Anahola and Larsen’s Beach (practically to Kilauea Bay)
South – Koloa to Poi’pu and Poi’pu east through the Maha’ulepo Beaches to Ha’ula Beach, and west through Koloa Landing to Kukui’ula Bay east of Spouting Horn and inland to Lawa’i and Kalaheo
West – Hanapepe, Ele’ele and Port Allen to Waimea and Kekaha to Polihale State Park and inland to Waimea Canyon and Koke’e State Park

Each of these four sections begins with a brief description of the highlights of sightseeing, activities and special experiences. Following these highlights, we provide an alphabetical checklist of specific attractions, activities and experiences which are included in Perfect Days in Kaua’i.

For the purpose of planning your vacation, Kaua’i’s four sections can be grouped into two main vacation planning areas: East and North Shores; and South and West Shores. Of course many visitors will make daytrips between these two areas but each one – East-North and South-West -- deserves at least a week of Perfect Days.

For great beaches, snorkeling, walks along beaches and coastal bluffs, mountain biking and hiking inland, birdwatching, kayaking and surfing, shopping and restaurants in Lihu’e, Kapa’a, Wailua, Kilauea, Princeville and Hanalei, there are more than enough choices in East and North Shores.

The beaches and special attractions of Po’ipu, Lawai, and Koloa Town on the South Shore deserve at least a day trip from the East or North Shore. Waimea Canyon and the trails of Koke’e State Park are a must day-trip for visitors staying on the South Shore or anywhere else on Kaua’i. Hikers who want to take full advantage of Waimea-Koke'e State Park should try to book lodgings in Koke’e Lodge on the mountain, at vacation rentals down below in Kekaha or to the east in Kalaheo in order to cut down on travel time.

If you’re planning to take more than one sailing trip or cruise out of Port Allen, the South Shore or West Shore offer the best base. Staying at a hotel or vacation rental in the Po’ipu Area is better than West Kaua’i in terms of heading north to attractions from Lihue-Nawiliwili to Princeville-Hanalei.

In other words, we suggest that you select and plan your Perfect Days, including the land, sea and air tours and activities that you want to book with Barefoot Hawaii before you decide on lodgings. With the help of Tom Barefoot and his experienced staff, you can customize Perfect Days that fit the part of Kaua’i that you want to use as your base. For example:

§ You’ve never snorkeled before, you want lessons, and prefer these lessons to be near where you’ll be staying.

§ You’ve always wanted to scuba dive but never dared. You can learn to snuba: attached to a 20-foot hose that is connected to an airtank on a raft; dive master and a couple of instructions included; no tank and no hassle.

Both of these water sports, offered by different companies at Lawa’i Beach on the South Shore, can be arranged at discount prices through Barefoot Hawai’i. If you prefer snorkel lessons on the North Shore, they can be scheduled at, for example, Tunnels Beach, west of Hanalei, or at beaches near the Princeville Hotel such as Hideaways. When you master the basics of snorkeling, you can rent equipment and snorkel comfortably at either Lydgate State Park or Po’ipu Beach Park. All of this can be planned and arranged to minimize the amount of driving on Kaua’i and to fit your personalized Perfect Days.

Traffic & Travel-time Realities
Traffic problems and travel-times between destinations on Kaua’i are good reasons for selecting lodgings in conjunction with planning outdoor activities.

A highway (with different numbers) stretches almost around Kaua’i. Distances on these roadways are less important than driving times. Speed limits on the island are slower than on the Mainland -- and strictly enforced (also seat-belts). During commute hours, traffic is heavy in some areas, especially Lihu’e and Wailua. In fact, during commute hours traffic patrols force traffic to drive on the wrong side of the road in these sections, which slows traffic even further.

Thus, when and where you drive during the day becomes an important consideration for planning Perfect Days even in “paradise.” Here are some typical one-way driving times that are very important to Ke’ep in mind as you plan Perfect Days:

§ Lihu’e to Hanalei – 1 hour
§ Lihu’e to Waimea Canyon – 1 hour
§ Princeville to Waimea Canyon – 2 hours
§ Lihu’e to Po’ipu – 30 minutes
§ Princeville to Po’ipu – 75 minutes
§ Kapa’a to Princeville or Hanalei – 30-40 minutes

As a result of these driving times, activities on the West Shore require a long drive from the East and South shores, especially from the North Shore. Likewise, getting to Ke’e Beach and the Kalalau Trail along the Na Pali is a long drive from the South Shore.

Planning activities and lodgings for Perfect Days should account for and, if possible, avoid long round-trip drives. Sometimes, however, it’s just unavoidable.
The most spectacular hikes and walks on Kaua’i are at Kaua’i’s extremities – Waimea Canyon on the West Shore and the Kalalau Trail on the North Shore.

Maps
Perfect Days in Kaua’i includes many easy-to-read maps that can be found at http://www.driveguidemagazines.com. The main attractions in each area and Perfect Days are shown on these maps. We suggest that you download and print these maps and take them with you on your trip to Kaua’i for reference while you drive around. It will make it much easier to find your way while driving or on foot, especially to find access roads to certain beaches, waterfalls and other attractions, and the location of trailheads. As part of the record of your trip, use these maps to make notes on your own Perfect Days and log the locations of your photos.

Personalizing Perfect Days
Perfect Days in Kaua’i will differ for each visitor depending on their special interests and preferences for outdoor activities, history and cultural activities, dining and lodging, crowds and seclusion, exertion and rest, and the like. Perfect Days tries to make it easy for visitors to customize their own Perfect Days into a flexible itinerary for an entire trip. Each Perfect Day combines:

§ Kaua’i’s natural pleasures by land, sea and air – lush mountains, ridges and ravines, waterfalls and rivers, rain forests and flora, splendid marine life, cliffs, beaches and tidepools

§ Kaua’i’s manmade attractions -- trails for hiking, walking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, former sugar and current coffee plantations, museums, shops, towns, resort hotels, golf courses, tennis courts, spas and other features.

Self-guided and Booked Activities
In addition to your own self-guided activities, each one of Kaua’i’s four sections provides wonderful opportunities for activities provided by local activity companies. Perfect Days in Kaua’i can tell you about all of the best activities and tours on the island. Using just one Web site (http://www.tombarefoot.com), one email address, toll-free or local telephone number you can check out and purchase the very best activities either before you arrive in Kaua’i or while you’re there:

§ bike and 4-wheel tours
§ sport fishing charters, sailing trips, whalewatching, dinner and other cruises
§ helicopter tours to the Na Pali coast, Waimea Canyon and other scenic spots
§ snorkeling and diving tours, kayaking, waterskiing and surfing
§ hiking trips and tours of mountains, backroads, canyons, waterfalls, historic sites, and rainforests § horseback, ATV, jeep, motorcycle and hang glider tours of different parts of the islandfeasting on food and entertainment at luaus, and much more.

Examples of Perfect Days

We suggest dozens of different Perfect Days that hopefully will suit everyone’s special interests and require reasonable amounts of driving. These Perfect Days combine: the best beaches for beachcombing, water sports, and secluded getaways; the best viewpoints and Hawaiian natural landscapes; and the tastiest food of all kinds -- local (Hawaiian, Asian, and American), plate lunches for picnics, seafood, shave ice (syrup over shaved ice), international and a few examples of gourmet cooking.

Here are a couple of examples of Perfect Days:

#1 Starting near Lihu’e or Kapa’a --

§ breakfast in Lihu’e at Kukui’s Restaurant at the Marriott or join local folks at Dani’s on Rice Street or at the Tip Top Café on Akahi Street
§ swim or snorkel at Kalapaki beach fronting on the Marriott
§ stay at Kalapaki until lunch or drive out Hwy. 583 to the viewing area (not the hazardous descent to the base) for twin Wailua Falls
§ return to Nawiliwili Harbor in Lihue to have lunch at the Whalers Brewpub right on the Harbor where you can have a “Whale of a Burger” or house fresh fish and enjoy great views over a leisurely lunch
§ after lunch visit the Kaua’i Museum for historical background that will make a trip to nearby Kilohana even more meaningful as you tour the old Wilcox plantation house

§ enjoy a refreshment at Gaylord’s courtyard garden café at Kilohana
§ backtrack to Nawiliwili for a sunset cruise
§ if your lodgings are in Kapa’a or elsewhere in East or North Kaua’i, take Hwy. 56 north for a delicious dinner at Caffé Coco or Coconuts Island Style Grill.

#2 Starting near Po’ipu or Kaleheo –

§ breakfast at the Po’ipu Bay Grill & Bar at the Po’ipu Bay Resort Golf Course or at Joe's On the Green at the Kiahuna Golf Course
§ drive past the Hyatt Regency on the dirt road to the beautiful, long white sands of Gillin’s Beach
§ if the south swell is low, it’s ideal for snorkeling
§ otherwise, take a walk on this lovely beach lined with ironwoods or drive your snorkeling gear (and picnic items) just a short way to Kawailoa Beach
§ after snorkeling, take a short hike (about 15-minutes) over to Ha’ula Beach, surrounded by hills and sand dunes, another secluded, marvelous picnic spot
§ as an alternative to a picnic lunch, enjoy lunch at Brennecke’s overlooking Po’ipu Beach or a burger or other selections from at huge menu at Po’ipu Tropical Burgers In Po’ipu Village

And there’s still plenty of time for a leisurely afternoon drive to the West Shore:

§ browse at shops in Old Koloa Town and see the remains of an old sugar mill
§ On the way west, at the intersection of Koloa Rd. and Hwy. 50, stop at the Hawaiian Trading Post to see the largest display of authentic Ni’ihau shell leis on the island and visit their lovely garden
§ Continue to Kuku’iolono Park to see beautiful Japanese and Hawaiian gardens and a marvelous vista of the South Coast
§ Return to Hwy. 50 and head for the Hanapepe Valley Lookout
§ Just to the west lies charming Hanapepe, an interesting relic of Kaua’i’s past with many art galleries on its dusty main street
§ You’ll be back to your lodgings in time to freshen up and then head for sunset drinks and pupus at the Beach House on Lawa’i Road in Po’ipu
§ As an alternative, stay for dinner on the West Shore at one of several restaurants in the Hanapepe area that serve tasty meals at reasonable prices, including the Hanapepe Café, Grinds Café or Toi’s Thai Kitchen.

#3 Kilauea to Ke’e Beach --

§ Spend the morning at a world-class golf course in the Princeville Resort -- The Prince Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., as challenging as it is beautiful or the Makai Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones, inspired by great views (holes 3-7 on the Lakes Course and holes 6 & 7 on the Ocean Course).

§ For hikers and mountain bikers, the Powerline Trail offers choices of ascending a steep hill from the Kapa’a side or a long, mostly gentle ascent from the Princeville side. Hike or mountain bike the Powerline Trail from the Princeville side for a few miles or all the way to the top of Kualapa Ridge after an early morning swim or snorkeling at the large pool carved into lava known as Queen’s Bath, Pu’u Poa Beach or at nearby Pali Ke Kua (Hideaways) at the Princeville Resort.

§ Birdwatchers can have an excellent breakfast in Kilauea before focusing binoculars on seabirds around Kilauea Lighthouse in the Kilauea Point Wildlife Refuge and, later, at the Hanalei bird view above Hanalei River Valley.

§ With several fantastic beaches within a few miles, Hanalei is an ideal base for shopping, dining, beachcombing, snorkeling, surfing, kayaking, windsurfing, swimming, bird-watching, hiking, botanical and other sightseeing, and more. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in Hanalei before a trek on the Okolehao Trail to Kaukaopua for a 360-degree view of the North Shore. Head for a delicious lunch in Hanalei Town or pick up a picnic lunch to eat at one of the beaches along Hanalei Bay.

§ Near Ke’e Beach at the end of Hwy. 560, a paradise for snorkelers, lovers of flowers will find Limahuli Tropical Garden, a National Tropical Botanical Garden that provides a botanical education on Hawaiian vegetation.

§ Hikers should leave early in the morning for the Kalalau Trail to cover the two miles from Ke’e Beach to Hanakapi’ai Beach and verdant Hanakapi’ai Valley in order to have sun and warmth for the 2 miles to Hanakapi’ai Falls, a swim and picnic lunch before returning to Ke’e Beach and a sunset cruise around Hanalei Bay.

#4 Nawiliwili Bay to Po’ipu --

Visit the Kaua’i Museum in Lihue and the mid-19th century buildings on Kress Street. Eat local style at the Hanamura Saimin Hut. At the Grove Farm Homestead Museum, tour the George Wilcox Estate and gardens (which requires an advance reservation) and then take a sailing cruise from Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor. Before leaving Nawiliwili, leap back in time 1000 years at a Fish Pond built by the legendary Menehunes. Don’t leave before driving through the remarkable Kaua’i Marriott resort and out to Nawiliwili Jetty for a look at the harbor and Ninini Point Lighthouse. Try to visualize a busy Hawaiian village and its taro patches along the bay.

From Hwy. 50, drive through the Tree Tunnel of eucalyptus trees bordering Hwy. 520 to the sugar mill in the charming shopping emporium of Koloa Town on the way to Po’ipu. On the outskirts of Po’ipu, another former sugar mill, Koloa Mill, sits near hidden Maha’ulepu Beach, site of an epic 13th century battle between the kings of Kaua’i and the Big Island. Beachcombing visitors may find themselves sunning near endangered monk seals. For an extreme but pleasant contrast, take a stroll through the nearby Hyatt Regency Kaua’i and stop for a refreshment on Lima Terrace.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES FOR PERFECT DAYS

For anyone seeking an active vacation, Kaua’i is as close to perfect as anywhere in Hawaii or the world. The average temperature on the island is 75 with relatively little variation. Kaua’i rarely gets hot, just warm enough to be paradise for beach-lovers. You can move from green cliffs and rainforest to arid countryside in an hour or less. In addition to Na Pali, the towering ridges along the north coast, Kaua’i’s 110-mile coast is fringed by scenic bluffs, coral reefs and Hawai’i’s most varied and beautiful assortment of beaches.

Perfect Days in Kaua’i takes you to all of the most beautiful and hidden sand and coral-fringed beaches around Kaua’i and suggests the best ways to enjoy each one in a morning, afternoon or all-day, including our favorite walks, picnic spots, and bicycle rides along shorelines.

The “rainy” windward north shore gets as much as 90 inches of rain mainly in brief storms that leaves gorgeous greenery soaking in eternal tropical sunshine and blooming wildly all year. This same rain and eons of trade winds have carved the island’s volcanic landscape into ridges, valleys and canyons through which flow Hawai’i’s only navigable rivers and streams that seem to create beautiful waterfalls at ever turn.

For people that enjoy hiking and easy walks, Kaua’i’s landscape has been designed by nature to offer some of the most beautiful and Perfect Days in Hawai’i or anywhere. Each Perfect Day takes only a splendid fragment out of this abundance of beauty for beach or mountain walks and hikes, snorkeling, kayaking and other watersports. Each Perfect Day can be customized and extended so that on any Perfect Day you can spend more time, perhaps in a more leisurely manner, on hiking trails, beaches, rivers and streams, enjoying picnic lunches at special viewpoints, on beaches, and otherwise exploring inland and coastal treasures.

Another important reason for making the most of small areas on Kaua’i, rather than dashing around the island, is to cut driving time and increase pleasurable time for activities that you enjoy. For example, from Kapa’a it’s “only” 30 minutes one-way to Hanalei, but that’s at least an hour of driving in a precious day. If possible we try to limit driving on Perfect Days to 40 minutes roundtrip, for example: Princeville on the North Shore to Haena; and Po’ipu on the South Shore to Port Allen or Waimea (where it’s still another hour round-trip up Waimea Canyon to Koke’e State Park).

Watersports

Kaua’i’s 50 miles of beaches are all different and nearly surrounded by fringing reefs. Many of Kaua’i’s beaches are among the most beautiful in Hawai’i, which is saying a lot. That’s the awfully good news. The not so good news is that many of these beaches are not protected in their lovely bays and coves and, because of surf, changing waves, and currents, many are not swimable, especially in the winter.

Eastern and northern beaches are especially dangerous, except in summer. Very few snorkeling sites on Kaua’i are sufficiently protected to be safe in all seasons or even at times during the day. With only a few exceptions, cautions are essential for both swimming and snorkeling on most of Kaua’i’s beaches, even on the North Shore in summer, when the water is calm. Perfect Days in Kaua’i tells you all about these beaches and the best ways to enjoy them in all seasons.

We provide a handy checklist of Kaua’i’s beaches in each section of the island, what to look forward to and where to find the best and safest snorkeling and swimming.

Bring your snorkel gear or you can rent gear inexpensively in many local shops. We also suggest fins (maybe with zip-on booties) because of strong currents and to save your feet and toes from scrapes on coral. And don’t forget to bring or buy quantities of sunscreen, especially if you’re fair-skinned. Have fun – with a friend or buddy (yes, once again, to reduce risk).
Beach Checklists

Beach Checklist: North Shore
[From south to north]

Kahili Quarry Beach -- Good swimming and boogie boarding on the western side and good snorkeling near the Kilauea Stream (but watch out for rip currents)
Secret Beach -- Swim and snorkel on calm summer days
Kalihiwai Beach -- Good swimming and boogie boarding in summer and surfing in winter for experienced surfers only
Anini Beach Park -- Excellent swimming, excellent windsurfing, and good snorkeling
SeaLodge Beach (Kaweonui) -- Excellent snorkeling in calm waters
Queen’s Bath (Queen Emma’s Bath) -- Virtually a swimming pool and excellent snorkeling
Hideaways (Pali Ke Kua) -- (Two beach coves separated by a lava rock.) Excellent snorkeling at both beaches in calm waters
Pu’u Poa Beach -- Good snorkeling in calm waters and excellent surfing in winter off the outer edge of the reef
Black Pot -- OK swimming, surfing and boogie boarding in summer
Hanalei Pavilion Beach Park -- OK boogie boarding and surfing in summer
Kahalahala Beach (north of Lumaha’i) -- Excellent swimming in summer
Lumaha’i Beach -- NEVER swim
Kepuhi Beach -- Good snorkeling
Tunnels Beach (Makua) -- Outstanding snorkeling most of the time
Ha’ena Beach Park – Cannons – Excellent surfing
Ke’e Beach -- Excellent swimming and snorkeling

Beach Checklist: East Shore
[From south to north]

Kalapaki Beach -- Excellent swimming, bodysurfing, boogie boarding and windsurfing
Ninini Beach -- Good snorkeling
Nukoli’i Beach Park -- Good snorkeling in calm waters
Lydgate State Park -- Excellent swimming and snorkeling
Wailua Beach -- Good boogie boarding and surfing
Waipouli Beach Park -- Good swimming behind the breakwater
Kealia Beach -- Good for boogie boarding and experienced surfers
Donkey Beach -- Good surfing
Anahola Beach Park -- Safe near Kahala Point and near Anahola Stream
Aliomanu Beach -- Best at the northern part near Kuaehu Point
Moloa’a Bay -- Swim at beach near end of Moloa’a Road and before Moloa’a Stream
Larsen’s Beach -- Snorkel near the parking end of the beach, not near Pakala Point and Pakala Channel

Beach Checklist: South Shore
[From west to east]

Lawai Beach -- Outstanding snorkeling and snuba
Baby Beach -- Good, safe swimming but littered with lava stones
Koloa Landing -- Excellent scuba
Po’ipu Beach -- Excellent swimming, boogie boarding and snorkeling
Po’ipu Beach Park -- Excellent swimming and snorkeling
Brennecke Beach -- Outstanding boogie boarding
Shipwreck Beach (Keoniloa) -- Good for body surfing, boogie boarding, surfing and windsurfing
Kawailoa Beach -- Excellent windsurfing

Beach Checklist: West Shore
[From east to west]

Salt Pond Beach Park -- Good swimming
Pakala Beach – Infinities -- Excellent for surfing experts (only)
Kekaha Beach Park – long scenic beach, good snorkeling and swimming when VERY calm
Majors Beach – very long beach that includes Barking Sands and Pacific Missile Range Facility, dangerous for water sports, outstanding for sunsets
Polihale State Park -- another outstanding stretch of beach to watch sunsets but not for watersports

Snorkeling

The fringing reef around Kaua’i is longer and more developed than other Hawaiian islands. Beaches from Hanalei to Ke’e are easily accessible. In winter, however, the water is rough and there’s more rainfall. Small, secluded beaches below the cliffs of Princeville require short but pleasant hikes to get to snorkeling sites.

Eastern beaches are exposed to a heavy swell all year that makes their low reefs dangerous for snorkeling except for a few weeks. A man-made breakwater at Lydgate Park and the protection of Kalapaki by Nawiliwili Bay are notable exceptions. The Po’ipu area has the widest assortment of beaches, snorkeling spots, more hours of sun, the greatest variety of lodgings and, in winter, the best snorkeling.

Here are your best choices for Perfect Days of snorkeling on Kaua’i:

§ Protected by an extensive reef, Ke’e Beach’s beautiful little cove, with Mount Makana in the background, is perfect for novices, especially during summer when the surf is low, and also for more experienced snorkelers.
§ At Tunnels, arguably Kaua’i’s best snorkeling spot, outer and inner reefs provide a natural lagoon ideal for snorkeling.
§ Kepuhi has a big reef area to explore.
§ All of Princeville’s small beaches are about 200 feet below the plateau. Queen’s Bath is very special for snorkeling and swimming. Pu’u Poa Beach on Hanalei Bay, near and accessible from Princeville, also offers good snorkeling.
§ In a lush, jungle-like setting, Moloa’a Bay is excellent for snorkeling when calm.
§ For the calmest, safest snorkeling on the island, head for Lydgate Beach Park.
§ Right in front of the Kaua’i Marriott, Kalapaki provides a lovely setting and especially good snorkeling under the bluffs toward Kuki Pt.
§ The area east of Po’ipu between beautiful Kawailoa Beach and Gillin’s Beach has the best snorkeling on Maha’ulepu Beaches.
§ On the western side of the divide (tambolo), snorkel cautiously in protected areas at Po’ipu Beach Park and the Kiahuna-Sheraton Beach.
§ With surprisingly calm waters and lots of fish, Koloa Landing may be the best snorkeling spot on the South Shore. Ho’ai Bay, in front of Prince Kuhio Park and Lawa’i Bay in front of the Beach House run a close second.

Sport fishing & Bottom Fishing

§ Leaving from Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor, take a sport fishing & bottom fishing charter cruise trip along the South Coast and Na Pali Coast.

Rent a Kayak and paddle on:

§ Wailua River
§ Hanalei River and Bay
§ Hule’ia River (and Hule’ia National Wildlife Refuge)
§ Kilauea and Kalihiwai rivers

Rent a Surfboard, Bodyboard or Snorkel Equipment for:

§ Ke’e Beach
§ Tunnels Beach
§ Hideaways Beach
§ Queen’s Bath
§ Secret Beach
§ Moloa’a Bay
§ Lydgate Park
§ Po’ipu Beach

Ocean Kayaking

§ Na Pali Coast (May-Sept. only) and along the Po’ipu-Lawa’i South Coast (Oct.-Apr. only).

Sail or Cruise

§ ketch-rigged sailing yacht at sunset from Port Allen (winter)
§ Hanalei Bay (summer)
§ sunset cruise along the Na Pali Coastline
§ cruise to and snorkel along the Na Pali coast, with beach landing and hiking
§ entire day and evening snorkeling, diving and visiting the island of Ni’ihau
§ morning or afternoon (seasonal) whalewatching tour
§ Na Pali Coast and Ni’ihau in one day, with breakfast, lunch and snorkeling
§ sunset sailings in Kalapaki Bay
§ from Kuku’iula Harbor in Po’ipu, sail along the Po’ipu shore on a catamaran with pupus and drinks
§ snorkel near Po’ipu from a raft

Snuba

§ From Lawa’i Beach take a snuba tour off the South Shore.

Activities on Land

Garden and Botanical Enthusiasts
North Shore
§ Limahuli Tropical Garden

East Shore
§ Smith’s Tropical Gardens on a visit to Wailua State Park
§ Lydgate State Park and its sacred sites of Hawaiian Royalty
§ Fern Grotto
§ ‘Opaeka’a Falls
§ Keahua Arboretum
§ Kuilau Ridge Trail

West Shore
§ Kilohana Plantation Estate gardens
§ Moir Gardens at Kiahuna Plantation
§ Allerton Tropical Garden and Lawa’i Tropical Garden (National Tropical Botanical Garden)
§ Kuku’iolono Park
§ Olu Pua Gardens
§ Kaua’i Coffee Visitor’s Center and Museum
§ Kawaiele Bird Sanctuary (at Majors Bay)
§ Iliau Nature Loop (Waimea Canyon)
§ Koke’e State Park

Birdwatchers and Other Nature Enthusiasts
North Shore
§ Manoa Stream (near Ha’ena Beach Park)

East Shore
§ Kilauea Point Lighthouse and National Wildlife Refuge
§ Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge
§ Smith’s Tropical Gardens and Wailua River
§ Fern Grotto
§ Kuilau Ridge Trail
§ Ho’opi’i Falls (along Kapa’a Stream west of Kealia Beach)

West Shore
§ Koke’e State Park
§ Halemanu-Koke’e Trail
§ Pihea Trail
§ Alaka’i Swamp Trail
§ Nu’alolo Trail
§ Nu’alolo Cliffs Trail
§ Awa-’awapuhi Trail
§ Mohihi-Wai-’alae Trail

Hikers and Mountain Bikers
North Shore
§ Kalalau Trail
§ Okolehao Trail
§ Manoa Stream

East Shore
Three interconnected trails climb up to the summit of Nounou (“Sleeping Giant”) -- Kuamoo-Nounou Trail, East-side Trail, and West-side Trail. All three trails offer pleasant hikes, places to picnic and enjoy the views. Each trail takes no more than a few hours to hike, even with frequent stops to enjoy panoramic views of Makaleha and Wai’ale’ale mountains. However, hiking the East-side Trail to the Summit and returning via the West-side trail requires a second vehicle, is over 7 miles long and, with a leisurely lunch, takes most of the day.

Powerline Trail
For mountain bikers, the Powerline Trail is a half-day trip that, for a Perfect Day, can be combined with other activities anywhere on the eastern or northern coasts. For hikers, with at least an hour at the top of Kualapa Ridge (2128 ft.) and pauses for views of verdant Hanalei Valley and River, and numerous waterfalls, Powerline is an all day activity.

Powerline can be accessed from either the Princeville side or the Wailua side. If you start the 13-mile trail from Keahua Arboretum on the Wailua side, Powerline is a very tough uphill climb for five miles, to Kualapa Ridge, before descending gradually into Hanalei Valley. Deep mud and ruts make it difficult in small sections. Bicycling or hiking from either direction, the main goal is Kualapa Ridge and its marvelous views of Hanalei Valley and Bay and Nounou Mountain (“Sleeping Giant”).
Kuilau Ridge Trail
From Keahua Arboretum, the Kuilau Ridge Trail runs a couple of miles one-way and makes a wonderfully scenic morning bike ride or hike. For visitors that only have time for one hike or bike ride on Kaua’i, Kuilau Ridge Trail is the one. It zigzags through some of the most beautiful terrain and panoramas on the island along a narrow ridge between Kawi and ‘Opaeka’a Streams. For those who want to continue their Perfect Day hiking or bicycling, the Kuilau Trail connects with the Moalepe Trail but the trail gets muddier than it’s worth.

Waimea Canyon and Koke’e State Park trails are unsurpassed on the island and in Hawai’i for views and tropical foliage and birds, including the Canyon Trail to Waipoo Falls, Kuku’i Trail, the Nu’alolo Trail-Nu’alolo Cliffs-Awa-’awapuhi, the Pihea Trail to Alaka’i Swamp, and others.

Hiking Combined with Sightseeing

Nounou Mountain Trails to the summit of the “Sleeping Giant,” the Powerline Trail to the top of Kualapa Ridge, and the Kuilau Ridge Trail can be combined with visits to sacred and scenic sights along the Wailua River:

§ Lydgate Park, at the mouth of the Wailua River, and the first of seven sacred heiaus up the river;
§ Wailua River State Park’s Poli’ahu Area with its Pohaku Hooanau (Royal Birthstones), ‘Opaeka’a Falls, Kamokila Village, a recreated folk village, and Keahua Arboretum.

More Activities on Land

Rent A Bike

Ride on trails and roads all around Kaua’i or join a guided bicycle tour that heads 12 miles down Waimea Canyon on Koke’e Road and includes continental breakfast at sunrise or for sunset views from Waimea Canyon Lookout, with frequent stops for photos.

Ride a bike on the eastern and northern sides of the island:

§ follow the Powerline Trail
§ upland Kealia to Waipahee Falls
§ a variety of trails from the Keahua Arboretum area, including Kuilau Ridge and Moalepe, into the Wai’ale’ale basin
§ several rides along and from Kealia Beach
§ coastal paths and roads along the Coconut Coast
§ around Nawiliwili Harbor and Ninini Point; exploring the Hanalei Wildlife refuge
§ following roads along Moloa’a and Larsen’s bays

Ride a bike on the western side of the island:

§ around Waimea Town
§ up Menehune Road
§ along Kekaha Beach
§ on roads along the dunes in Polihale State Park
§ on Polihale Ridge, Kaaweiki and Kauhao ridges
§ Halemanu Road in Koke’e State Park
§ Koke’e Trails, especially Kumuwela and Mohihi Camp roads

ATVs

§ ATVs are especially enjoyable for a backcountry riding experience in the Kipu Ranch area of Koloa on 22,000 acres of otherwise inaccessible terrain. For three hours in the morning, you’ll get a guided tour of a beautiful valley, waterfalls, and then enjoy a gourmet lunch.

Horseback Riding

§ a couple of hours horseback riding on 400-acres of Silver Falls Ranch, a working ranch with a waterfall
§ Princeville Ranch along the Kalihiwai Ridge to Kalihiwai waterfalls and mountain pools
§ along the bluffs above ‘Anini Beach, with a snack on the beach

Wailua River Cruise

§ Take a Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto from the Wailua Marina State Park.

HOW TO USE PERFECT DAYS IN KAUA’I

Everyone has their own preferred method for planning vacations. Some are more or less organized than others. The method suggested here reflects the authors’ intentions in designing and writing Perfect Days as a resource for planning vacations on Kaua’i.

§ Browse Perfect Days in Kaua’i to find experiences and Perfect Days that appeal to you, any companions or the entire family.

§ Look at Barefoot Hawaii (http://www.tombarefoot.com) for descriptions of ocean, land and air activities that interest you. (Call toll-free at 1-888-222-3601 or email at barefoot@maui.net if you have any questions.)

§ Book Barefoot Hawaii activities for which we recommend advance reservations.

§ Familiarize yourself with maps of each area of Kaua’i in our affiliate’s web site www.driveguidemagazines.com.

§ Print out copies of maps for any area of the island that you plan to visit. (When you arrive at the airport on any island in Hawaii and rent a car at any car rental company you will be able to pick up a copy of the Drive Guide magazine for that island which contains a set of the same online maps covering every area of the island.)

§ While you are visiting the Drive Guide magazine web site, join the Share Aloha Photo Contest.

§ Select Perfect Days and activities that you want to include in your vacation trip to Kaua’i and print copies to take with you.

§ Read reviews of island restaurants & eateries in the Taste of the Islands – Kaua’i section, print out copies, and mark places to eat that fit your tastes and budget.

§ Put it all together – Assemble (1) the maps printed from www.driveguidemagazines.com, (2) copies of the Perfect Days itineraries selected for your vacation, (3) restaurants selected from Taste of the Islands – Kaua’i, and (4) email confirmations of lodgings, car rentals, airplane reservations, and Barefoot Hawaii bookings.

posted by arno @ 8:46 AM