travelbugforever

Now that you've got it all worked out, I'll be a little devil and throw this out there since you mentioned Maui and beaches.:D

 

Beautiful Kaanapali Beach, is a short 10 or 15 minutes from the old whaling village of Lahaina where there are many shops and restaurants. Lahaina is also the home of Old Lahaina Luau, one of the most highly rated in the islands. In fact there may be a 2nd one close by Lahaina, also highly rated, Feast at LeLe. Just my opinion, but I would think the experience at either of these two would surpass what you will get at the one offered in Kauai.

 

Day 1 Mauai, you "could" have a beach day at Kaanapali, head out to Lahaina when you've had your fill of the beach, and shop until time for the luau. No need to worry about what time you get back as it's an overnight. You would probably need to figure out where to freshen up after the beach though as you would not want to drive all the way back to the ship.

 

Just thought it worth a mention.

Yes, I know about the luau in Lahaina and did consider that. But, we want to return the car on Day 1 and take the easy way out and let the ship excursion driver be responsible for driving us to and from the luau. I know hubby and daughter like to shower onboard before a night out. I also know they need the down time before a night out. Plus, we have an early start on Day 2 in Maui with a ship's excursion. It would be difficult returning the car before the early excursion.

Thank you for your suggestions. Also, thank you for your day to day cruise summary on CC. I read over it quickly and enjoyed it very much. Now, I will go back and revisit it and read over it more carefully. I subscribed to the thread and saved it for future reading.:p

I looked back at my Radiance cruise live report from 2012 to see what the time was.

 

• We took the shuttle to the airport to pick up our rental,
  
• drove to Waimea Canyon,
  
• stopped at the Shrimp Shack in Waimea for lunch,
  
• stopped and did the self guided tour at Kauai Coffee,
  
• took the car back to the airport
  
• took the shuttle back to the ship.
  

 

When I look at the times (the time shows up as west coast time for me) it shows we were about done at the Kauai Coffee at 1:45. The next picture I posted was our luggage tags back at the ship and that would have been 4pm Hawaii time.

 

So if you just wanted to get the car, go see the canyon and catch lunch you should have plenty of time.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1706027&page=18

Wonderful! Thank you for looking this up for me. I am comfortable with this itinerary. If we have time, it would be fun to go to Kuau coffee:D like you did. I'll keep it in mind. So glad you and everyone really loved Waimea Canyon.

I know I would regret not seeing it and will have wonderful pictures to enjoy after seeing it.

The free shuttle, I think there are two different ones which basically go to the little shopping areas that front Kalapaki. One may drop of at the shopping across the street. If memory serves they are to the left. Just look for signs directing you to rental shuttles, etc., or ask someone. We never bothered to wait for the shuttle because it's a quick 10min or so walk down the sidewalk to the area. But if one is there......

 

When you get there, just look for a place to "walk through". I remember crossing the grounds and that small stream you mentioned. As far as run off and bacteria issues, that can happen anywhere. Florida has "red tide". This is nature, not perfect. Our Lake Michigan beaches have the same problem after very heavy rains at times. Just walk away from that area a good distance when you get to the beach.

 

I think the view from Kalapaki is lovely. It is very clean and there are lots of trees and grass, so you do not not have to sit in the hot sun and sand unless you want to. There is a sidewalk that goes some distance down the beach. We did not actually get in the water when we were there. Because of the shape of the bay, the water is usually very calm. The surf breaks ways out, and you'll see surfers out there. There is equipment rental. Probably a good spot for SUP.

 

Down the beach a short walk to the left is the Mariott Hotel which has a Dukes beach bar patio looking out over the beach. This is where we spent our time. Excellent place for lunch and drinks. If you have time, walk inside the hotel. There is a wonderful garden in there. It was a botanical garden years ago before the hotel was built. When Mariott built, they wrapped the hotel around the garden, enclosing and preserving it. Nice walkways with ponds, streams, waterfalls, ducks and birds, all sorts of flowering plants and trees.

 

I don't remember the car shuttle areas being marked with specific companies in the various stalls. There will be a port security person there trying to control the crowd. It is confusing to say the least. Some stalls are for private tour pick up. Just ask each line or group who they are waiting for till you find the people waiting for "Your" company. Otherwise it would be mad chaos when "Budget" pulls up and people run up from all down the length of the stalls, first there or not. Find your line, get in it, and hope for the best.

Thank you so much for all of this valuable information. I do not appreciate

surprises and feel better when I know what to expect.

I am happy you liked Kalapaki Beach. I am looking forward to it, now that you described it so nicely...also looking forward to seeing the garden inside the hotel. I also appreciate trees and shade!

So, sounds a bit hectic lining up to get the car rental shuttle. Thanks for the

heads up.

I have set up our itinerary with lots of help from you and fellow CC people.

I referred to two books I recently purchased, but it really is more valuable to speak to you and CC members for specific info.

I am taking my time deciding on a beach in Maui. We are doing a beach day there and I have to say there are so many choices...which is a good thing.

Thank you again.

From what I have read there is a pretty good show one night on the POA with dancing that rivals the Polynesian Cultural Centers luau dancers. Can anyone chime in. Maybe that would suffice.

 

Then do some research and find out where to get some good Kalua pork while you are in Honolulu. It really is the best pork bbq we have ever had.

While this sounds good to me, we need to go to a luau! Thank you though.

There is a stop for ALL rental shuttles just as u get out of the ship, u have to look for the company u rented from, they came and go, when u see it - WAVE!

 

Sorry, can't help about any beaches - we live a mere 10 min drive from a beautiful Mediterranean beach... so beaches are never in our plans for a cruise -- just interesting sightseeing :)

Okay, sounds easy enough. Thank you. :)

I don't recall the OP's plans for the second day, but couldn't you just do the canyon and luau on day 1 and then hit a beach on day 2, even if you just take the shuttle over to Kalapaki? It's only a 10 minute walk or a very short free shuttle ride away.

Yes, you are right! Just wish the beach day could be more relaxed. It's too bad the ship has to leave at 2:00 pm. It's not like another ship needs the berth!:(

POA is the only ship cruising the islands in July and August.

"Google" says just slightly over 1 hour drive time from port area to WC. So 2 hours total travel time, 1 hour to get car, and hopefully that will be far less. 2 hours to explore at the canyon. You may not need all of that. So that timeframe gets you back at 3:00 pm. Those who keep cars overnight so that they can get a very early start on the second day, even do the canyon on day 2. That might even be more relaxing, and provide more time, than heading out late on day 1 and trying to get back at 3:00. 4 hours day 1, versus 6 hours day 2 with a 6am start.

 

We have found that if we are in the first several people to get to the shuttle loading area when debark starts that it is a quick process. In our car and gone in about 30 minutes. The time we dawdled getting off, there was a line up, we had just missed the first shuttle, had to wait 20 for the next one and then it filled before we could get on so had to wait for another. Sign up for the membership your company offers to get in the fast lane at the office, and all of you at the front of the line to get off at 10:00 am.

 

I know you don't want to, but you could keep the car overnight and drive yourselves to the luau if it comes down to it. The tour probably leaves very early in advance of the actual start time. It takes awhile to load and shuttle hundreds of people. I believe there is probably an hour or hour and a half of walk around time at the grounds before it actually starts.

 

Hope you can work it out.

Thanks for helping with the logistics!;) Good news!!! I have decided to rent a car for WC as it looks like we can do it(:D:D:D), plus make the luau...just need to make sure we are off the ship at 10am. We will do the beach the next day, provided we still have energy to get up and out early...the ship leaves at 2:00 pm. I plan on taking the free shuttle to the beach. Where do you catch it?

I think that you can do WC easily if u drop the beach.

On our way from the WC (mind u, we went up up, after the WC lookout to Kalalau/Pu'u O Kila lookout) our Garmin showed 50 min back to the rental office.

Taking into consideration:

1. On your way at 11AM. 1 h and a half to WC (stretching it).

2. One hour at the lookout (stretching it).

3. 1 h and a half back to rental (stretching it).

4. Worst come to worst, u can take a taxi to pier instead of the shuttle, but they came and went very quickly.

 

I'd hate it to see u missing such a breathtaking view.

While there, I looked around me - everyone - all ages and colors - was smiling, with a WOW on their face. People were talking with practical strangers, saying "would you believe such a beauty?"

 

 

https://www.google.ca/maps/dir/Lihue+Airport,+3901+Mokulele+Loop,+Lihue,+HI+96766,+United+States/Waimea+Canyon+Lookout,+Waimea,+HI,+United+States/@21.9885479,-159.5810009,12z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x7c071ef73e6eeffb:0x42589a16936480fb!2m2!1d-159.3437585!2d21.9788489!1m5!1m1!1s0x7c06fffc49c4488b:0xc9d7684e1fb15b94!2m2!1d-159.6616083!2d22.0718055!3e0

 

Our original plan was to see the WC on the first day, keep the car overnight and "squeeze" the Spouting Horn in the morning of the 2nd day.

After finding out that we can return the car until 8PM, we "checked out" the SH on our way back to pier, and returned the rental the same day. Worth the detour. Also on our way back went through the "Tunnel of trees" which was amazing.

On the 2nd day we took it easy - shuttle to Hilo's Hattie (disappointing) and on our way back the shuttle driver graciously dropped us at Anchor Cove (also disappointing).

Pls. take into account that this is a very port intensive cruise, and if you don't see another chance to get to those places, u make the effort.

We saw the luau at Lahaina the first day in Maui, worth seeing it once, enjoyed it very much, but after the first 4-5 dances, we got the gist and went back early to the ship. Absolutely no regrets that we saw it, but it does get repetitive.

Okay, thank you for all the info! I am sold on seeing WC ( I think:D)! You really made it sound special with everyone loving it. I know I would regret not seeing it. I was in Hawaii 40 years ago and traveled with a friend who could not afford to island hop, so I never got to any other island except

Oahu. I don't have another 40 years to wait again! I will save the google address you posted for the directions. Thank you. They look pretty straight

forward. Another question, where do we line up for the shuttle for the car rental? I plan on being up and out at 10:00am and we will spend the day at WC. You said Anchor Cove was not that special. I think that is the stop for the

beach, correct? How did the beach look? I read there is a stream that flows into the ocean right near the hotel and it can have bacteria-filled water if it has rained much. That is why I am not keen on Kalpaki beach!

I plan on renting the car for one day and going to the evening luau with ship. Day 2, we will get up early and spend the morning at Kalpaki beach. Phew...that was a hard decision, but the right decision to make! Again, so glad you and many others encouraged this decision.:) Looks like we will have enough time.

Check out Germaine's Luau in Oahu. They pick you up in a bus at your hotel and bring you back when the Luau is over.

Pretty good Luau. Good luck and hope you and your daughter have a great time whatever you decide.

Aloha :D

Horseymike

Thank you. My concern is the excursion that the ship planned in Oahu gets back to the hotel too late to catch the luau bus. But I will check it out!

Sounds to me like daughter needs to learn how to compromise.:). This is Mom's vacation, too.

 

Waimea Canyon is a must see. But canyon, beach and luau is too much to fit in between 10:00 and 4:00. One thing needs to go, and it should not be the canyon. Mom, put your foot down. Do the canyon and then 'either' beach or luau. If you drop the beach that day, Kalapacki is right next door for the following day, and very close to the ship. Or forget the luau and go to Poipu or the Northshore beaches after the canyon. I'm not huge on luaus. I've done one and I'll probably never do another. I hope you are not disappointed. No chance to squeeze one in on O'ahu, and a little beach time as well?

 

My advice is to not be one of those people who sees it all, but enjoys nothing.

The luau is later in the day. I need to be back on the ship no later than 3pm to wash up and get ready to meet excursion(luau) by 4pm. So from what I have been reading, WC is pretty far away from the port? If not, I think I would do WC one day, return to ship by three(fingers crossed about traffic and drop off time and return car shuttle), go to luau. Next day, get out very early for Kalapaki beach as it is a quick day. Is WC possible in the time frame I mentioned taking into consideration the car rental time?

Very much agree with Brenda & Vance's advice. Perhaps your daughter could compromise ... she can pick one thing on Kauai and you'll pick the other .... WC and luau or WC and beach. I'm assuming that you're paying for the trip?

The problem is WC is not possible on day of luau because car rental takes time and trip to WC takes lots of time, so I won't be back to the ship and ready to go to luau by 4pm, I don't think.

No daughter is paying her own way, except excursions and car rental.

Mmmm, I agree with you on all counts. I will talk further with my daughter and let you know the final decision. Thank you for your advise.

I think that Waimea Canyon is a site not to be missed. Mother Nature at its best. Even worth missing the luau...

We rented a car, take into account half an hour waiting for the shuttle... We were on our way at 11AM (they were quick at the rental, many counters opened and we r not "preferred" in any company), took a bit of time getting out of the city, lots of traffic in one line, but then we had plenty of time to see the lookout of Waimea Canyon, took the 52 on our way up and the 50 down, as recommended on those boards. Hit heavy traffic back, also with a long line of cars waiting for the green light, but I think you'll still be back by 4PM.

AMAZING views !!!

So, this sounds pretty hectic to me. We may just have to come back again in the future.:D My daughter has her heart set on the beach and luau. I looked into doing the luau in Honolulu on one of the three nights we will be there for the cruise tour, prior to getting on the cruise. Unfortunately, the excursions end too late for the luau there.:mad: not sure if we can break away from the tour to go to luau. I went to a luau when I was young and it wasn't that great, but her friends tell her it's something she should experience.

Thank you for your thoughts and travel ideas.

That is a lot of driving since they are on opposite ends of the island and the ship is in between. You may find yourself doing more driving than sightseeing and swimming.

Okay, so the beach it is. I would be(and daughter and hubby) very frustrated sitting in

the car and rushing around to keep to a schedule. We usually travel to Europe and have 12 hour days of hectic, but exciting, touring. Daughter made it clear that she wants LOTS of beach time in Hawaii! I am satisfied with alternating between one day touring and one beach day...but I really did want to see Waimea Canyon, esp. since I haven't seen the Grand Canyon! We are doing the 10 cruise-tour with POA and the first three days are on land and full days of excursions without any beach time.

Is there another luau at a different port you could do? That might solve your problem! They are all more alike than different....really, they are.

The only other place is in Maui and again there is a schedule conflict. I suggested we skip the luau and she was not happy!

No, I don't think you would. I would rent the car, see the canyon, return the car, then if there's time, head over to Kalapaki for a while before the luau.

Thanks for your suggestions. Since daughter is with us, we will not have enough time to do beach and W.C. from what everyone has posted. I doubt I will get to W.C. but I am keeping my fingers crossed!

Not on the same day - they are in opposite directions - for Waimea Canyon you'd head south, whereas Anini Beach is on the north shore. You could do Waimea Canyon and Poipu beach though as they are in the same direction.

 

I'd reconsider doing the luau - Kauai has such spectacular scenery and I agree that it's not much fun to be rushed. I think you'd really be settling to spend the day at Kalapaki vs. seeing more of the island and enjoying nicer beaches.

 

Will you have the car both days ... what time does the ship depart on day 2? Maybe you could do a trip to the N. Shore that morning?

The ship leaves at 2:00pm on the second day. I don't want to rent a car on that day, as I will be worried about getting back to the ship in time. I really need to rethink this, but it looks like I will be missing out on seeing much of Kauai. I am not keen on doing the luau but my daughter is very excited about it and I don't want to disappoint her. WC seems like a long trip with lots of traffic. I looked into going to Poipu Beach by taxi and it would cost

$50.00 one way!!! If I rent a car, I don't want to rent it just to go to a beach near by. It doesn't make sense to me. I am disappointed that these islands don't have affordable shuttles to nice beaches and the only option is to pay a lot for a ship excursion or go through the hassle of renting a car.

Anyway, thank you for your ideas and help.

I think that Waimea Canyon is a site not to be missed. Mother Nature at its best. Even worth missing the luau...

We rented a car, take into account half an hour waiting for the shuttle... We were on our way at 11AM (they were quick at the rental, many counters opened and we r not "preferred" in any company), took a bit of time getting out of the city, lots of traffic in one line, but then we had plenty of time to see the lookout of Waimea Canyon, took the 52 on our way up and the 50 down, as recommended on those boards. Hit heavy traffic back, also with a long line of cars waiting for the green light, but I think you'll still be back by 4PM.

AMAZING views !!!

So, this sounds pretty hectic to me. We may just have to come back again in the future.:D My daughter has her heart set on the beach and luau. I looked into doing the luau in Honolulu on one of the three nights we will be there for the cruise tour, prior to getting on the cruise. Unfortunately, the excursions end too late for the luau there.:mad: not sure if we can break away from the tour to go to luau. I went to a luau when I was young and it wasn't that great, but her friends tell her it's something she should experience.

Thank you for your thoughts and travel ideas.

Here is a question for you seasoned travellers...

Do we have enough time to rent a car to see Waimea Canyon and relax and swim on Anini

Beach? The ship arrives in Kauai at 10 am. and we need to be dressed and ready to go to the ship's luau by 4:00 pm. My daughter wants to spend the day on the beach. I would like to see Waimea Canyon and swim! I read this island is beautiful. I am concerned that we need to wait for the shuttle to the airport to rent the car and then when we return the car, we will have to wait again for the shuttle to return us to the ship. The other alternative is to take the local shuttle to Kalapaki Beach and have a leisurely day there. I just don't want to miss seeing the island, plus, not so sure Kalapaki beach is as beautiful as others.I also don't want to rush the whole day and take the fun out of it. HELP! :confused:

Thank you for all this helpful information. I also like the website you directed me to. It's just what I need!

We are planning on going to several beaches in Hawaii and would like to rent umbrellas and chairs. Can anyone tell me if they are available somewhere at Kaanapoli Beach in Maui? Also, at Kahulua Beach in Kona and Kalapaki Beach in Kauai?

Thank you.

Thank you.

This July, we will be renting a car for a day in Kauai. Does anyone know if Hanalei Bay or Haena Beach Park rent umbrellas and chairs? I am looking for very calm surf with soft white sand. Also, what time do we need to get to the parking lot to get a parking spot? Are there signs on the main road directing people to these beaches? We will be coming from the port.

We plan on showering, if showers are available, at the beach prior to leaving.

After the beach, I think we might visit Waimea Canyon. How does that sound, any suggestions?

One more question....Is the surf calm at K aanapali Beach/Maui in July? Also,

where is public parking for this whole area as we will be driving from the port?

Thank you very much!;)

Thank you for your response. We are docking in Kahului. I have decided to rent a car. It is too expensive to go by taxi to the nice beaches and if there is a bus, the lines will be long. It just makes sense to rent a car, even with the hassle of shuttling back and forth to the rental place.