Waimea Canyon

A must see! Kauai's Waimea Canyon is spectacular! Mark Twain called it "The Grand Canyon of the Pacific." Each layer represents a different eruption and subsequent lava flow.

Allow plenty of time for a day trip and make sure to gas up first! Hopefully the fog will steer clear to give you the best views of the valleys and waterfalls. My favorite views are at the very end of Hwy 550, at the Pu'u o Kila Lookout along the Pihea Trail of the Kalalau Valley. This is truly heaven on earth!

Snorkeling

All of Kauai has gorgeous, colorful fish and sea turtles to enjoy while snorkeling. Ask your snorkel rental assistant to tell you where the best locations are to snorkel based on the weather reports that day. In Poipu, PK's Beach (Prince Kuhio) off Lawai Road is a favorite spot. The most important rule of thumb - don't trust the tourists! Make sure you see locals snorkeling, too, before you go in.

Snorkeling Independently: Snorkel Bob's will hook you up with snorkeling equipment.
Poipu: Poipu Road past Koloa at 808-742-2206
Kapaa: Hwy 56 at 808-823-9433

Guided Snorkel Tours: If you've never snorkeled before and would like assistance, SeaFun Kauai (808-245-6400) offers guided snorkel tours for about $75/person. I went out with them on my first try and had a great experience. They pick you up at your hotel, take you to the best snorkeling location of the day, provide you with all gear, snacks, and assistance. They even provide prescription masks and a personalized video of your experience.

Favorite Beaches

South Shore (Poipu):  PK's Beach, Glass Beach, Shipwreck Beach, Poipu Beach.

East Shore:  Donkey Beach, Anahola Beach.

North Shore:  Secret Beach, Hideaways Beach, Hanalei Bay, Tunnels Beach, Ke'e Beach.

Glass Beach

In the industrial part of Ele'ele -- by ugly tanks of gasoline at the old dump -- is one of Kauai's most interesting wonders. Millions of broken glass have washed in from broken bottles and auto glass creating an entire beach full of colorful tapestry of sand and multicolored glass.

While there, walk a bit to the East and happen upon an abandoned Japanese cemetery. It's beautiful, serene, and sort of spooky, too!

Bicycling

If you want to do some serious bicycling in Kauai, hook-up with Father-of-the-Bride Tom McDonnell for personalized recommendations.

For a less-strenuous, yet very thrilling bike ride, Outfitters Kauai offers a 12 mile zoom downhill on winding, paved road from the rim of Waimea Canyon to the shore of the blue Pacific. Ride up in their van, get outfitted with all necessary gear, and coast away! Visit Outfitters Kauai or call 808-742-9667.

Horseback Riding

Jennifer and I enjoyed a unforgettable horseback experience on a 2500 acre working cattle ranch with Princeville Ranch Stables. The 4-hour horse ride, includes some moderate hiking in the jungle and 1-hour for swimming under a "secret" waterfall at Kalihiwai Falls and snacks.

Visit Princeville Ranch Stables or call 808-826-6777.

Golfing

Kauai's bountiful nightly rainfall and warm, sunny days creates the perfect environment for golf. Located next to the Grand Hyatt is the Poipu Bay Resort, where nature and renowned designer Robert Trent Jones Jr. conspired to create a stunning venue in Kaua'i for the PGA Grand Slam of Golf. The Poipu Bay golf course is backed by lush emerald mountains and sculpted from a rolling plateau eight stories above the expansive blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. Even the most focused golfer will be challenged by breathtaking views from each and every hole.
Visit the Grand Hyatt's Golf Page for further information.

A more affordable option is the Kukuiolono Golf Course with green fees at just $9/person. This is a 9 hole regulation length course especially good for beginners since there aren't many hazards. It is located at 854 Puu Rd. Open to everyone, this course is located 8/10 of a mile from Hwy 50 on Papalina Rd (the only stoplight in Kalaheo). From Papalina look for a gate on your right. No advance tee times.
Visit the Kukuiolono Golf Course Page or call 808-332-9151 for further information.

Additional Kauai Activities

Attractions

Spouting Horn - Spouting Horn is a natural phenomenon caused by the ocean waves breaking or rushing under a lava shelf, which creates a geyser that can shoot 50 feet into the air.
Located in Poipu: Take Lawa'i Road -- it's the right fork of the road on the road into Poipu Beach. Spouting Horn is a little more than one mile down the road on the left.

Allerton Estate and National Tropical Botanical Gardens - The beautiful and historic Allerton Estate in Lawai on Kauai is open to garden tours. The grounds were the mid-1800s summer cottage of Queen Emma, wife of King Kamehameha IV, and the former home of Robert & John Allerton. They have been restored to their former glory, as have the surrounding stately gardens located near Poipu on Kauai, Hawaii.
Guided tours by reservation, call 808.826.1053.

Guava Kau Guava Plantation - Located on the North Shore of Kauai along the outskirts of old Kilauea town, you'll find Guava Kai Plantation, a working plantation that offers you an insight into Hawaii's diversified agriculture and the beauty of a year-round orchard.
Visit the Guava Kai Website >>

Dining

One of Jennifer and Jeff's favorite restaurants -- Tidepools -- is convienently located at The Grand Hyatt. Its open air hale pili (thatched huts) with waterfalls and koi-filled lagoons create a charming rustic scene. Inspired by the natural ingredients and rich traditions of Hawaii, their tantalizing selections pay homage to the classic fare of Hawaii while creating new taste sensations.

Other favorite dining locations include:

South Shore (Poipu):  Brennecke's Beach Broiler, Naniwa (Japanese at The Sheraton), Lappert's Ice Cream.

East Shore:  Duke's Canoe Club (at The Marriott), Mermaid's Cafe, Kintaro Restaurant (Japanese).

North Shore:  Zelo's Beach House, La Cascata (at The Princeville Hotel), Hanalei Wake-Up Cafe (amazing cinnamon macadamia nut rolls), Tropical Taco (delicious, healthy fish tacos).

Shopping

You'll notice a surprising lack of tacky tourist traps for shopping on the island. However, there are many wonderful locally made craft items, everyday items, food, clothing, gifts, and more to be found! For a personalized shopping itinerary, seek out Mother-of-the-Bride Nan McDonnell - an experienced Kauai shopping professional!

ABC Stores - There are 3 locations in Kauai. A familiar name in Hawaii since 1949, ABC Stores offers a wide selection of gift and souvenir items, beach accessories, apparel, wines/spirits, groceries, and cosmetics in one place.

South Shore (Poipu):  Banana Patch Studio (art items), Sunshine Market (Mondays for fresh produce), Discount Variety (cheap beach items), Poipu Shopping Village (largest Poipu shopping center), Hawaiian Trading Post.

East Shore:  Red Dirt Store, Hula Girl, Coconut Marketplace (shopping center), Kukui Grove (shopping center), Kapaia Stitchery (authentic Hawaiian print fabric selections), Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Macy*s, CostCo, Ace Hardware, Hilo Hattie's (great inexpensive Hawaiian gift items).

North Shore:  Kilauea Farmer's Market, Kauai Kite & Hobby, Hanalei Dolphin Center (shopping center).

What to Pack

Sunscreen - Getting sunburned is never fun, but it is easy to do in Kauai. Bring a good SPF 15 sunscreen or higher and be diligent about applying it. Even if you want a good tan, use the sun block at least the first few days while you get a base tan slowly and without burning.

Shoes - Kauai's infamous red dirt has ruined many new pairs of shoes. It's best to bring some trashable sneakers if you plan to do any long walks or hiking. You'll likely live in flip-flops and sandals the majority of the time. Reef shoes are smart to enjoy the waters with rocky bottoms.

Clothing - An outfit for the wedding! See Wedding Attire Suggestions >>

Two bathing suits (one to dry while wearing the other), shorts, cool cotton clothing, hat, sunglasses, light windbreaker jacket, and long lightweight pants for hiking in jungle country.

Backpack - Really helpful while hiking or even just a 10-minute trek down to a secluded beach.

Additional Supplies - Camera, mosquito repellent for some hikes, and water bottles or jugs for the car.

Keiki (Child) Care

Have a baby and want some alone time? The Kauai Grand Hyatt suggests contacting
Happy Kids: The Babysitters of Kauai at 808-632-2252.

Helicopter Rides

I personally advise against taking any of the popular helicopter rides in Kauai. There have been numerous fatal crashes on the island of Kauai. Waimea Canyon -- even from a lookout point by your car -- is gorgeous, but it's not worth dying over. After a recent crash, a report exposed the local helicopter industry as politically very powerful on the island. Their crash and mortality rates would not be tolerated on the mainland. "The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook" says they were directly lied to and misled when asking the companies about their safety records. If you still want to seek a thrill, just make sure you do it after Jennifer and Jeff's wedding!