Kauai tips

I stayed in Poipu at the Grand Hyatt, it was pretty awesome. The rooms are a bit dated but the pools make up for it. Lots of the more posh resorts with better scenery are on the north shore, though. South shore and north shore are totally different places and you will choose your vacation type based on which shore you stay by.

Check out Waimea Canyon. I would highly recommend the helicopter tours, worth every penny. Didn't get to do a boat tour of the Na'pali coast as the wife was pregnant and couldn't ride. Apparently the hiking is insane but also didn't get to do that. Trails wash out a lot - tons of rain.

Eat at Jo2 in Kapa'a - one of the best meals I've had.

I think we are leaning toward Poipu area. We want to see the island but have some pool or beach time too. I'm a photographer so would love to go north some.

I’ve stayed at that Grand Hyatt twice- best pools ever . The dining at the hotel is surprisingly good especially Tidepools. They sell awesome paninis in the morning at the coffee shop and you can sit in the overlook and enjoy the perfect view. If someone recommends a “ locals only “ ramen place avoid it like the plague. I’d recommend subsisting on booze, pool food and Shave ice for the week. Hanalei on the north shore is definitely worth a day of your time. As is a day hiking in W Canyon. If you want decent snorkeling by the hotel there is a little dive shop around the corner and the spot out front is usually loaded with turtles. Bring lots of water to Waimea- it can be a long day if you keep hiking.

What you want there is a pool view. In the main wing of the hotel. I actually recommend a ground floor room on the pool there. It makes it all incredibly easy and the pools are why you stay at that property. That is, if you enjoy the pools. The frozen drinks/smoothies are the shiznit.

I’ve been several times. I always stay on the north coast, Haena. We always rent a house, so can’t really recommend anything on hotels. We prefer the north because it’s more laid back, seems more Hawaiian. I’ve enjoyed the day trips to poipu beach. Things to do up north; If you golf, princeville has the prince course. One of the best courses I’ve ever played. Hang out in Hanalie. Go hiking the Na Pali trail and watch the sunset on the beach when you’re done. Snorkeling at tunnels. Secret beach is a pain in the butt to get to and from, but it’s worth it. My favorite hang out and have a drink beach is Kalihiwai beach. Never know what you might see there. Enjoy. I’m jealous you’re going. Haven’t been in a few years. Waiting for milestone anniversary in 2 years to go back.

Kauai is a spot that is hard to come home from. The north side of the island is my favorite. Lots of cool spots to stay up there. Went for 11 days and rented a Jeep so we explored everywhere. Favorite hike was next to Ke’e beach (super clear water) that goes along Napoli coast mentioned above.

Some of the freshest / best food I’ve had. Had Loko Moko for breakfast a lot. The shaved ice is bomb. The Dolphin restaurant in Hanalei was legit. I played golf twice and thoroughly enjoyed both rounds. Once at Marriott in Lahui and the other was prince course in princeville. We did smith family luau, something I’d only do once.

Helicopter tour was a must. South side was interesting. Totally different vibe. More shopping and commercial.

Hit the fruit stands along the highway on north side of island.

The trees are really wild all over. Very tropical place.

You have to get poke at the Koloa fish market for lunch at least once. It's right across from the post office in Koloa. There will be a line of locals out the door and into the alley. My surf instructor recommended it to me and I ended up eating lunch there almost every day. I also had a blast on the full day Na'poli coast kayak trip. You go to a few beaches that are only accessible by boat.

Forgot to mention zip lining on the ranch in princeville. If you do it, do the zip line only. The water is cold for swimming, no matter what time of year. Someone mentioned the blue dolphin, great dinner.

The Beach House was a legit sunset dinner option. It’s fun to sit there and watch the surfers crush.

Just got back a couple of weeks ago. Stayed on the North Shore in Princeville - Hanalei area. Its great area to stay in:

- Somebody mentioned Captain Andy's for a Napali Coast tour. Defiantly would use them. We sailed up there out Port Allen on a big catamaran which is better because has good stability.

- Did the Wailua River kayak trip. Put in then hiked in to the falls. Along the way you will carved stones that are like 1,500 years old where the king lived

- Zip lining at Princeville Ranch is pretty cool

- Ke'e Beach has the best snorkeling on the island but is inaccessible right now. Storm washed out the road. Hanalei Beach Park is awesome place to hang out