Kauai-best beaches and other info. needed

[lomillerin]

We have most of our days planned but I am still undecided about what to do in Kauai.

We have a rental car one day and nothing planned on the other.

We are considering driving to Kileaua Lighthouse, some waterfalls (need recommendations without too much hiking), and a beach for the afternoon (need recommendations-want to relax, swim, maybe have a late lunch).

The other day we are considering a helicopter ride, the hollywood and movies tour, or a NaPali coast boat tour. If we do the helicopter ride in the morning, what do we do later in the day (resting sounds good to me).

 

What do you recommend?

[trinidad]

If you drive to Kilauea Lighthouse, continue on to the North Shore and Hanalei. There are usually waterfalls visable from the road. The beaches there are fabulous. You can pick up a lunch to go in Hanalei or eat there. Go to the end of the road at Kee Beach and take a short hike up the Kalalau Trail. The trail is not easy but you get some unbelievable views of the Napali Coast. Be sure to wear good shoes, not flipflops. You can just go to the first overlook if you want and then back down to the beach and snorkle, swim or just sit. It is usually best to take a helicopter in the AM if you want to see rainbows. You'll see plenty of waterfalls on the flight. I've done both the helicopter and the boat ride and think the helicopter is the best. Depending on how much time you have, you could just "beach it" or go up to Waimea Canyon. If it's raining or foggy on the helicopter ride, forget the Canyon. Since you may have spent the day before on the North Shore, consider going to Poipu Beach. Spouting Horn, the blowhole, is there as well as some great beaches and snorkling. If you like coffee, drive to Eleele and visit the Kauai Coffee Plantation. They have coffee tastings and lots of information about coffee growing. We drink nothing but Kauai Coffee.

[lomillerin]

Thanks for the great info. So is Hanalei and Kee Beach near each other and near the Lighthouse? I have maps, but haven't looked closely yet.

Is Poipu beach in different direction?

[trinidad]

The ships dock at Nawiliwili which is actually Lihue. Kilauea is about 2/3rds of the way to the North Shore and Hanalei. Poipu is on the south side in the opposite direction from the harbor, about 1/2 hr from Lihue, depending on traffic which can get awful. Take the bypass and do not go through the center of Lihue.