Trip report 03/25-30/06 Kauai

Let me start by saying that no matter how much time you have to spend in the Islands it is not enough. I love this place and I miss it sooooo bad already. I may never see any other places in this world because everytime I have the money and time I can%26#39;t think of anywhere I would rather be.

We arrived in Kauai late on the 25th. We rented a convertiable from National. It was almost Brand new. Believe me after reading some post I made my husband comb the car over good. But it was awesome and we had no troubles. Even though it rained everyday we were there loved the car. Ever chance we got the top was down and we were ';chillaxing'; to the island music. We stayev at the Hale Makai cottages. Awesome!!Past seven of the one lane bridges on the North Shore just before the end of the road. It had a great view of the ocean and was just steps from the beach. The interior was getting a little worn but they were actually working and upgrading them while we were there. We talk to owner who was there sounds like they will be beautiful when they are done. Would not stay any other place if I went back. Sunrise was breathtaking

First morning we woke to pouring rain. We drove into Hanalei and ate at the Wake up Cafe. It was nice little place. We then went grocery shopping just in case it kept raining and we needed to eat in. The water falls were streaming everywhere, it was so beautiful. We hiked down to the secret beach. We were the only ones there. We explored the lava pools, went swimming all by ourselves. It was like having our own private Hawaii. I think it actually turned out to be my favorite thing we did. We took pictures of the lighthouse frome the beach and then headed back up. We were a little wet and muddy so we needed to go clean up for dinner.

Dinner was at the Beach House on the South side. Wonderful!!!!!Even though it was raining and cloudy it was still beautiful. The Macademia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi was out of this world and so was our desert. Highly recommend.

Next day we were suppose to do Zip-line with Back country but it was raining and the Hanalei bridge was closed so we were stuck on the North shore that morning. Nice thing everyone else was stuck on the other side so again we had the town to ourselves. We ate at tropical taco. It was pretty good. We just hung out. Then we decided once the bridge open we would go do a time share presentation since it was raining so we could get a 50 dollar helicopter ride. I do not recommend spending the time doing this. I know we were really dumb. Funny thing the sun came out for the first time while we were sitting in the presentation. I was so miserable.

We then went Waimea Canyon and hiked to Waipoo Falls. The falls were okay but the views were out of this world. Totally enjoyed the hike. The drive up and down were really pretty too. On the way home we stopped and ate at Kintaro Resturant-worse meal I had. Was awful. The service was horrible-We waited for over an hour and not really because they were busy. The food was cooked with a ton of Garlic. It trully was bad.

The next morning was the first morning it was not raining when we got up. We decided to hike the kalalau trail. It was alot mudder than the last time we hiked it five years ago. Still most awesome hike. We saw some humpback whales in the ocean from the trail. We tried to hike into the falls but it had started raining and just would not stop. Due to all the rain we decided we should turn back. We did not want to get stuck and have someone risk their life trying to save ours because we were careless. Very disappointing though. The trail was unbelievably wet on the way back. I believe they closed it the very next day altogether. I will be back to hike this again. Still took all day. We drove to the Coconut Market for dinner and ate at Hukilau Lanai. One of my favorite meals. Awesome food and Awesome service it was very nice.

Next day we were able to book a Zip-line with princeville. It was lots of fun and our guides Tiny and Laura were great. The lunch they served was very nice. We were very pleased.

We were suppose to Kayak that afternoon but they had closed the road to do repairs from the break so instead of cause more traffic problems we decided to explore around town. We went to Lighthouse. I don%26#39;t know if I recommend this. It is actually prettier from a distance. We went to Kalihiwai Bay it was okay, Then we hiked to Queens Bath. It was really cool. Got lots of pretty pictures. There were quite a few people like about 15. I know that doesn%26#39;t sound like much but we had been spoiled earlier. I would recommend doing this the hike is short and pretty and the area is very pretty.We ate dinner in which was nice and enjoyed our secluded beach which was even nicer.

Next day was time to leave for the Big Island. Our helicopter trip got cancelled that morning due to rain. Also very disappointing I was looking forward to seeing all the waterfalls from all the rain. The only thing that made leaving bearable was were going to the big island. Oh almost forgot while we were here saw a triple rainbow. Unbelievable. I have now been to Maui, Kauai, The Big Island, and short day trip to Ohau and Kauai is my most favorite. I love this place. Truly beautiful rain or shine. The weather was very rainy while we were there more than normal but it kept the crowds away, brought, waterfalls, and rainbows. I had a wonderful trip. It was just way to short. We wanted to allow for enough time on the Big Island. I guess I will post the rest of my trip on Hawaii forum. Wishing I was back

Trip report 03/25-30/06 Kauai

Wow what a wonderful attitude you have. I%26#39;m not sure I would be as pleased with a vacation that had as much rain as you had. It%26#39;s wonderful you could turn potential lemons into lemonade. Thanks for the trip report I%26#39;ll be there in a month and this is very helpful.

Trip report 03/25-30/06 Kauai

Thanks for the report! I can%26#39;t wait until we go there.

I read your report the other day, but didn%26#39;t have time to write then. I also love the rain and the North shore - so glad your trip went well. Kauai is one of the only places I have vacationed that I never wanted to leave! Mahalo for sharing. :)

Also thanks for sharing......your trip sounds like it was awesome....I can%26#39;t wait, we%26#39;ll be there 2 weeks from today..4/28

Mahalo

Hi Vacation

What a wonderful report. We will be in Kauai at Princeville,April 28 for a week and are even more excited after reading your report!!

Take care

John and Mary

Thanks for the pictures. It%26#39;s good to see how our beloved Kauai is doing. Still looks beautiful!

What pictures? Did I miss a link?

So glad you made the best of what Ma Nature was throwing at you on your trip. A lot of folks would have been dejected and vowing to never return to Kauai. There are still things to do even when it rains and you helped to prove that! Thanks for a great spirited trip report!

We just got back yesterday and I feel guilty for feeling somewhat whiny about our weather. We were there 4/9-17 and we had rain nearly everyday, tho sometimes just brief sprinkles. We have two kids ages 13 and 15 and they were troopers. We all learned that if it starts to rain on the beach you will be warmer if you go back in the water :). This was definitely a transitional month for weather, rainier than normal during March I guess. But on our trip it was the cloudiness (keeps the sun from turning that water those postcard colors) and high winds that created some duress. Each day was different- so if the waves were high that meant it might be a better day for boogie boarding at Hanalei Bay. It took a few days to learn the beaches and figure out the mix for the day. It is true, however, that the north shore is beautiful regardless. Our rental looked out at the mountains and the waterfalls were fantastic. On Thursday (we had arived on Sunday) we had our first sunny morning, we headed straight to Hideaways. I stood on the bluff and looked out at that turquoise water and wanted to just freeze the moment in time.

We spent a little time in Poipu after hiking at Waimea. We heard ';when it%26#39;s rainy on the North Shore it%26#39;s sunny in the south';- HA. Five minutes outside Poipu it started a downpour and it lasted for most of our drive-thru (we got out briefly to see Poipu beach). There was nothing visually to appease us in this area. Beaches were shallow and didn%26#39;t have those verdant north shore cliffs behind them. The weather report each day showed that Lihue and Poipu were having the same weather fluctuations as we had. Our family was sad to leave the North Shore. We will return, hopefully sooner rather than later.

-Janet

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