Kauai Must Do's

Hike the first two miles of the Kalalau Trail. (You can go further and camp at Kalalau Beach, like I did, but you need a permit, and the full trail is really tough, especially with a big pack on your back.)

quote:

---

Hanakapiai Falls

---

That's where everyone goes and then returns. It's a stunningly beautiful two miles or so (but the trail will be muddy). That's also where you have to stop if you don't have the permit to hike the remaining nine miles of the trail all the way to Kalalau Beach.

The full trail to Kalalau Beach, all 11 miles of it, is one of the toughest hikes I've ever done, and it definitely has a couple of places where you die if your foot slips on the rock. But it was incredible, and camping on the beach for two nights was one of my favorite travel experiences.

[Edit: Sorry, I just now noticed that you said "Falls" instead of "Beach." No, I didn't go to Hanakapiai Falls, because the 11 miles of the full Kalalau Trail was enough, and I didn't do any side tours. But I did talk to people who did the detour to Hanakapiai Falls, and they said that the trail was extremely muddy, and opinions were somewhat divided on whether they'd do it again or not. The hike to Hanakapiai Beach is awesome and earns universal praise -- the hike from there to the Falls isn't as popular.]

cruise up the Napali coastline for certain

agree with visiting Hanalei

We did horseback/waterfall tour at Princeville Stables--very enjoyable

We did the tubing on the old sugar plantation--great fun

Smith's Luau ok but not a must-do IMO

Kayak and hike up to the Secret Falls.
If you are driving up to the North Shore and want parking (Ka Ena beach, start of trailhead), you need a permit. They only allow 90 cars up there now. You have to reserve 14 days in advance.
The Beach House restaurant is great (right on the ocean). It's in Poipu area.
Go to Dukes (another on the beach) at the Kauai Marriott just south of Lihue. Also a sister restaurant in Poipu. The little shopping center in Poipu has several of the more high end restaurants.
Try tubing down the irrigation channels. This sells out way in advance so reserve now.

I thought I mentioned Waimea Canyon too but I guess I forgot to...definitely a must do and good photo op!

If you're looking for some really good cheap eats, I liked Bubba Burgers and Pizzetta, both somewhat close to your hotel.

Pizzetta was great and is close to the Hyatt.

Beware of fog in Waimea Canyon and don't be surprised if you drive the hour up there and can't see your hand in front of your face.

Looks like a good list. My wife and I went about 5 years ago and had a great time there. Be sure to ask concierge for deals. We got half off rates with the sunset cruise and a helicopter tour through the resort we stayed at (Hanalei Bay Resort). We stayed the entire trip on the north side of the island, but we did drive up and down the place to visit various sights and towns.

- We did the Napali Coast cruise with Captain Andy and had a great time. Make sure you get a table outside and not inside. The water was rocky when we went because of hurricanes and people were getting sea sick. However, the views are more than worth it.

- Find time to go sit on the beaches and look for sea turtles. The water is beautiful around the island. The sand was pretty interesting as well. It was mostly tiny seashells on the beaches we went too.

- Wamiea Canyon is worth a visit, as well as going up to the top of the mountain. As one poster mentioned, the fog comes in fast and will eliminate any views at the top. Pretty scenery all around. Pacific ocean on one side and Waimea Canyon on the other.

- If you haven't been to the island, you might be in for a treat with the number of wild chickens all over the island.

- We didn't do the trail hiking while we were there. If you can do the hike, absolutely do it. When we were there though, a hiker did die on the trail. Again there were hurricanes that had gone around the island and the water was very choppy on the northwest parts of the island. If I recall correctly, the hiker drowned. There's plenty of information about the trail's dangers.

- If you get a rental car, I highly recommend a convertible.

- I bought and read this book prior to the trip: The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook: Kauai Revealed (Ultimate Guidebook). It is a very good source of information about the island.

If I recall, hiking and seeing a Luau were the only two things we didn't cross off our list. I don't have any regrets over it, and I highly recommend going to Kuaui. The island is absolutely beautiful.

Pakalolo

Ya I was thinking of buying multiple days since they are cheap and just going whenever it's convenient or weather is good.

Worried if I buy one day and it doesn't work out, with the access caps they have now I may not be able to get another crack at it.