There’s nothing that I hate more than an over planned weekend or vacation. I think the whole point of taking time off is to chill out and not have to adhere to a schedule! Nonetheless, there is soooo much stuff to do in Kauai so I figured some prior research and tentative planning couldn’t hurt.

My notes are all over the place so I’m going to use this blog post as an opportunity to get organized. Apologies in advance for all the extra notes and page numbers (which refer to the Lonely Planet guide book).

Here’s some stuff I’m thinking of doing in Kauai (I have these loosely organized by their location on the island):

North Shore:

  • hike the Kalalau Trail (Na Pali Coast State Park - pg 156) - I’m only going to do the first two miles - Ke’e Beach to Hanakapi’ai Valley. Depending on how I’m feeling that day (and how strenuous it turns out to be), I might continue on the Hanakapi’ai Falls trail (pg 159). [Hike both of these after a dry spell.]
  • Hanalei Bay (pg 143) - There are a bunch of beaches here, although it sounds like they might not be great for swimming. My book recommends Hanalei (Black Pot) Beach Park. There is also supposed to be some shopping in Hanalei. It might be good to do this one on the day that I hike the Kalalau Trail (since they look close).
  • dinner cruise of the Na Pali coast - I’ve heard from a couple of people that these are well worth the expense because you get a different view in the water than when you’re hiking it. My main concern with this one is that I’ll be alone - will I feel like a total loser being on a dinner cruise all by myself? :)
  • checkout the Princeville Hotel (pg 135) - apparently the sunsets here are amazing

Westside

  • hike Waimea Canyon (pg 199) - I want to do the Kukai Trail (2.5 miles) and the Koaile Canyon Trail (3 miles). I’m not sure how realistic it will be to do both trails so I might only do part of the Koaile Canyon Trail. I should checkout the Waimea Canyon Lookout on the drive there. [Best time to go is on a sunny day following a heavy rain.]
  • hike the Alakai Swamp (pg 211) - I want to hike the Pihea Trail (3.75 miles) to the Alakai Swamp Trail (3.5 miles). Round trip, that’s over 14 miles but the elevation change looks pretty easy (it appears mostly flat). Again, this might be one of those where I only start part of the Alakai Swamp Trail and decide to head back before finishing it. On the drive there, I should checkout the Kalalau Lookout (pg 207).

Eastside

  • hike the Kuilan Ridge Trail and parts of the Moalepe Trail (pg 103) - The Kuilan Ridge Trail is 2.1 miles one way. I can walk 0.5 miles into the Moalepe Trail to see views of cliffs and waterfalls.
  • drive Kuamo’o Road (HWY 580 - pg 98) to the Keahua Arboretum (pg 100) - This drive is supposed to be really scenic and I believe leads to the Kuilan Ridge Trail. It sounds like you can picnic at the Arboretum.

South Shore

  • Spouting Horn (Poipu - pg 167) - best time to see it is in the late afternoon
  • Botanical Gardens (Poipu - pg 167)
  • swim in the ocean (Poipu) - Well, as much swimming as I can muster with my pathetic swimming skills :)
  • run on the beach (Poipu) - You know just because I can do that sort of thing now. I’m actually a little worried about getting my new running shoes dirty but I guess sand washes off.
  • get a massage - I haven’t had one in a few months (I know, the tragic life I lead) and I’m figuring with all the hiking I’ll be doing, I could use one! I might get one at my hotel or get one at the St. Regis in Princeville, preferably on my birthday.
  • snorkeling - I really want to try snorkeling but I’m not so sure about my swimming skills. After talking it over with a few friends, I think the best option for me would be to get a private instructor/tour and ask to be in a shallow area (maybe even wearing a life jacket). My hotel offers snorkeling lessons so I’m going to check into it when I get there.
  • farmer’s market - I’ve heard from a few people about a farmer’s market in Koloa where you can buy local tropical fruit and flowers. I’m going to ask about it when I get there.
  • have dinner at the Plantation Gardens restaurant - this might be a good option for my birthday

I probably won’t have time to do everything on my list but I’m not too worried about it. Needless to say, I’m really really excited and simply can’t wait until Saturday morning! :)