Spending 10 days on Kaua'i for my honeymoon

[Ignis]

I'm looking for suggestions from locals (or regular visitors) of things to do, places to see, trips to take, etc. that we absolutely CANNOT miss. We're both mid-30s and moderately active, but more inclined to partake of local arts & crafts that touristy stuff.

So how about it, DUers? Where's the craic? :)

[Yosef52]

1. Kaua'i

Hi! We live in Kapa'a, on the east side of Kauai. Here are my suggestions:

Kilauea Light House and bird sanctuary. A MUST SEE! Fantastically beautiful place!

Poipu Beach and Koloa Town. Poipu Beach is one of the top 10 in the entire United States. And there are wonderful restaurants in the area as well. Go see Spouting Horn and the fantastic botanical garden in the area as well. Brennecke's Beach Broiler has the most amazing view you could ever want, btw.

Hanalei. A charming town on the North Shore with a fabulous beach. Go northwest from Hanalei all the way to Ha'ena State Park, and marvel at the immense dry cave.

Opaeka'a Falls, on the east side.

Waimea Canyon on the west side. After you see this astounding, breathtaking Grand Canyon-like place, take the drive through Koke'e State Park. Go all the way to end, to the look out point, for one of Hawaii's most magnificent vistas.

It's pricey, and if you are prone to seasickness you'll need a Dramamine the night BEFORE you go, but a boat tour of the Na Pali coast, on Kaua'i's northwest side, is an experience that borders on the spiritual. Surely one of the most awesome places on Earth. You can swim and scuba dive on these tours, too.

Kilohana Plantation and Gaylord's Restaurant. Gaylord's has a fabulous brunch, best on the island.

You can, of course, surf, swim, parasail, and boat all over the place, but be mindful--when Kaua'i says NO SWIMMING at a location, obey it! We know all the dangerous places.

Respect the awesome power of the ocean. Respect the power of the Sun. We're at 22 North here, and the Sun is INTENSE. Sun Screen is a must!

We're loaded with terrific places to eat, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Mexican, Italian, American, BBQ, little trucks that sell shrimp, great steak restaurants, great burger places, you name it. Don't miss the charming little hole-in-the-wall places that sell Local Grinds (local-style food).

I don't golf, but there are world-class golf courses here. (The PGA Tour comes to Poipu.) There's a great course in Princeville, too.

Have a wonderful time on our magnificent island!!

[Ignis]

2. Thanks, Yosef!

We did most of what you suggested. Luckily, we only had 2-3 days that were so rainy to do much adventuring, and the rest of the days were filled with snorkeling (mostly at Poipu and Lydgate), hiking up Waimea Canyon, eating PukaDogs, etc. :)

We stayed in a condo in South Shore, and it was a fabulous area. It was a real treat to wake up and watch the Honu frolic about in the surf below our balcony during breakfast every morning. I wish we'd been able to see the lighthouse and bird sanctuary (and other North Shore stuff), but it was POURING on the day we hit the North Shore. Our Na Pali coast boat ride was also canceled due to high winds.

Ah well, just something to do next time we visit. :) We're already working out how to move to Hawaii, but I'm afraid my high-tech job skills would be more useful on Oahu than Kawaii.

[Yosef52]

3. Glad you had a good time!

And remember, we're only 20 minutes by air from Oahu!

Aloha.