Who has driven in Kauai?

[Beachiekeen]

Did you drive the north shore or the south shore?  Which would you recommend for day 1 (on NCL so a full day with overnight) on a November cruise?  I was thinking the north shore but now I am rethinking that because we also want to have dinner off the ship because it's our actual 10-year anniversary that day.  So I am thinking dinner at Rumfire or Tidepools or somewhere closer to the port is probably better (so we can take a cab if need be).  At first I was thinking dinner at the Princeville resort but then I thought we would want to go back to the ship and change and possibly even drop off the car.  

 

Also, hubby and I will be back on Kauai for a land vacation in 2020 and will stay on the north shore.  But then my family on the cruise won't get to see it although we would get to see Waimea Canyon.  Decisions, decisions.

[JoJo1973]

The drive up to Waimea and beyond is really great.  There's plenty of time to do it and be back by mid afternoon.  Here's a guide of things to see along that drive... https://thehotflashpacker.com/what-to-see-in-kauai-in-one-day/

[Beachiekeen]

7 minutes ago, JoJo1973 said:

The drive up to Waimea and beyond is really great.  There's plenty of time to do it and be back by mid afternoon.  Here's a guide of things to see along that drive... https://thehotflashpacker.com/what-to-see-in-kauai-in-one-day/

 

Thanks, that's a great site!  🙂

[Sunny AZ Girl]

Our first trip to Hawaii was on POA.  The first day we did the Smith Family Luau in Combination with the Fern Grotto through Robert's Tours.  It was a great day!  The second day we did an airplane tour over the canyon.  We got to see a lot that way.  

 

This time we will just have one day as we will be on the Serenade of the Seas.  We are thinking of renting a car that day and going to the North Shore as we have not yet seen that.  We will just have to figure out how to get the rental car.

[Beachiekeen]

1 hour ago, Sunny AZ Girl said:

Our first trip to Hawaii was on POA.  The first day we did the Smith Family Luau in Combination with the Fern Grotto through Robert's Tours.  It was a great day!  The second day we did an airplane tour over the canyon.  We got to see a lot that way.  

 

This time we will just have one day as we will be on the Serenade of the Seas.  We are thinking of renting a car that day and going to the North Shore as we have not yet seen that.  We will just have to figure out how to get the rental car.

 

We are doing an air tour the second day also.  So I just have to figure out our driving route.  Luckily I have some time to figure it out!

[mlbcruiser]

My dh and I stayed on Kauai for a week once. JoJo 1973's advice is excellent! On that visit, we drove all around the island, including to the beach park that is right next to the georgeous NaPali coastline. Unless you are a good hiker, are on a boat, or in the air, you can't see them properly from the road. However, if you click the link provided by JoJo above, you will see that you can drive to Ko'koe State Park to get a glimpse of that coast. Due to spotty showers, sometimes you see rainbows here, there and everywhere as you roam the island. It takes a good while (through traffic, etc.) to get up to the north coast. Especially if you end up stopping along the way (as we did). So, especially if you are going to be staying in HI soon, skip that part and enjoy the sights that are a bit quicker to reach so you won't have to rush so much and can possibly get in a nice dinner. Have a great time. It's such a beautiful island!

[Beachiekeen]

In case anyone else has this question, a search on Trip Advisor gave me some advice to start with.  But most there say drive the north shore so that's why I am having trouble deciding.

 

Staying south and seeing the canyon, Poipu beach, spouting horn, etc. probably does make more sense.  We may just see what the weather is like on each coast and make our decision then.

[KeepCalmBearOn]

I am on TripAdvisor too and if I see the question, I'll say the same thing; Go South, especially in November. If it was July, I might waver, not in November. Go to Waimea Canyon, the town of Hanapepe, Waimea and have dinner in Poipu

[Sunny AZ Girl]

2 hours ago, scottca075 said:

I am on TripAdvisor too and if I see the question, I'll say the same thing; Go South, especially in November. If it was July, I might waver, not in November. Go to Waimea Canyon, the town of Hanapepe, Waimea and have dinner in Poipu

How about in September? 

[Beachiekeen]

2 hours ago, scottca075 said:

I am on TripAdvisor too and if I see the question, I'll say the same thing; Go South, especially in November. If it was July, I might waver, not in November. Go to Waimea Canyon, the town of Hanapepe, Waimea and have dinner in Poipu

 

Yeah, my gut tells me this is probably what we should do.  Our land trip next year will be in May when the north shore will be the place to be. 

 

Sunny AZ I bet September will be good for the north shore.

[Beachiekeen]

So I worked on our itinerary this weekend.  This is what I came up with but would love to know if these are feasible (would only do one or the other).

 

South shore:

Drive straight to Waimea Canyon and stop at all the lookouts as far as MM 18-19; only hike would be small nature loop

Get shave ice in Hanapepe

Stops at Salt Pond, Spouting Horn

Lunch at Beach House Restaurant

Stop at Poipu Beach

Hike the coastal trail at Shipwreck's Beach and have a drink at the Grand Hyatt

 

North shore:

Wailua Falls (overlook only)
Lydgate Beach Park 
Opeaka’a Waterfall (overlook only)
Ono Ono shave ice
Kilauea Lighthouse & Wildlife Refuge
Anini Beach (restrooms)
Hanalei Valley Overlook (short photo op)
Waioli Church (green church)
Lunch at Kalypso

Head back to ship
 

 

[KeepCalmBearOn]

On 1/31/2019 at 3:12 PM, Sunny AZ Girl said:

How about in September? 

 

In September, If I could only choose one direction, I'd go North.

[KeepCalmBearOn]

On 2/4/2019 at 12:11 PM, Beachiekeen said:

So I worked on our itinerary this weekend.  This is what I came up with but would love to know if these are feasible (would only do one or the other).

South shore:

Drive straight to Waimea Canyon and stop at all the lookouts as far as MM 18-19; only hike would be small nature loop Get shave ice in Hanapepe; Stops at Salt Pond, Spouting Horn; Lunch at Beach House Restaurant; Stop at Poipu Beach; Hike the coastal trail at Shipwreck's Beach and have a drink at the Grand Hyatt

 

There are so many places I'd eat before the Beach House, which has fallen woefully over the years. I'd even get a plate lunch from the Koloa Fish Market and eat it on the beach over the Beach House.

Edited February 5, 2019 by scottca075

[Beachiekeen]

2 minutes ago, scottca075 said:

 

There are so many places I'd eat before the Beach House, which has fallen woefully over the years. I'd even get a plate lunch from the Koloa Fish Market and eat it on the beach over the Beach House.

Awww bummer!  I really wanted lunch with a view.  Plus the menu looked good--there are six of us and some are very picky.  I thought it might be ok for just lunch. And my in-laws will probably want a sit down restaurant. 

 

I also originally wanted Tidepools for our dinner but have had to rule that out based on what I have seen on TA.  

[Iwannaseemickey]

We were on this cruise last summer. We drove up to Princeville Ranch and ziplined, then meandered our way back to the ship. We parked overnight in the shopping center nearby ($20) and then got off the ship around 9 the next morning and drove up to Waimea Canyon, dropped the car off at the airport and went back to the ship via the shuttle. Easy! 

[KYBOB]

A Hawaiian friend told me once if you want to know where the best place to eat is do not ask a skinny guy ask a fat one he will know where the good food is. Ok here is advice from a 310lb fat guy who has been to Kauai every other year since 1994 and stays there for a month. For a 10 year anniversary for dinner here are my suggestions; (you will need reservations) We have also celebrated our anniversary at each of these resutrants before too.  

 

For some of the best chef's in the islands (for that matter some of the best in the world) and best seafood (you do not go to Hawaii for steak!!) are the top 2 

Merriman's Fish House https://www.merrimanshawaii.com/fish-house/

Eating House 1849 http://www.eatinghouse1849.com

Gaylords http://kilohanakauai.com/gaylords-restaurant/ 

Plantation Gardens https://www.pgrestaurant.com  

 

For more casual but great view and relaxed atmosphere less $$$

Benneckes on PoiPu beach  https://www.brenneckes.com

Dukes  (closet to where the ship will dock)is at the Marriott looks out over Nawiliwili bay https://www.dukeskauai.com also one in Waikiki also on Waikiki beach. 

 

From the 310lb fat guy, as to Rumfire (Sheraton), St Regis (now Prineville Resort) or Tidepools (Grand Hyatt) I have eaten at all and have stayed in all of the hotels so have eaten there many times. Rumfire was ehhh ok not impressed with the food (ok food snob here it is a Sheraton Hotel) also would not say the view was great. Tidepools has nice view of the hotel pond but really do not see the Ocean, food was very good, expensive, I will eat here again I have favorites on the menu, but if I had a choice I would pick the first four over this. For the most jaw dropping inspiring view of any hotel or restaurant that is just unbelievable which was the picture in my signature of the view from the restaurant. Now that the St Regis has been sold I have not heard good things about it. But will find out in April. We will also be staying at the Hyatt for awhile before moving over to there. When we go in April I will eat at all of these restaurants, some more that once with one exception Rumfire (what can I say just not impressed, I have eaten there several times when we have stayed at the Sheraton).

 

PS In my opinion best restaurant in the islands Mama's Fish House in Pia, Maui definitely will need reservations for sunset dinner or even lunch for that matter need to book at least a month in advance. Is right on the beach.

Edited February 28, 2019 by KYBOB

[Beachiekeen]

11 hours ago, KYBOB said:

A Hawaiian friend told me once if you want to know where the best place to eat is do not ask a skinny guy ask a fat one he will know where the good food is. Ok here is advice from a 310lb fat guy who has been to Kauai every other year since 1994 and stays there for a month. For a 10 year anniversary for dinner here are my suggestions; (you will need reservations) We have also celebrated our anniversary at each of these resutrants before too.  

 

For some of the best chef's in the islands (for that matter some of the best in the world) and best seafood (you do not go to Hawaii for steak!!) are the top 2 

Merriman's Fish House https://www.merrimanshawaii.com/fish-house/

Eating House 1849 http://www.eatinghouse1849.com

Gaylords http://kilohanakauai.com/gaylords-restaurant/ 

Plantation Gardens https://www.pgrestaurant.com  

 

For more casual but great view and relaxed atmosphere less $$$

Benneckes on PoiPu beach  https://www.brenneckes.com

Dukes  (closet to where the ship will dock)is at the Marriott looks out over Nawiliwili bay https://www.dukeskauai.com also one in Waikiki also on Waikiki beach. 

 

From the 310lb fat guy, as to Rumfire (Sheraton), St Regis (now Prineville Resort) or Tidepools (Grand Hyatt) I have eaten at all and have stayed in all of the hotels so have eaten there many times. Rumfire was ehhh ok not impressed with the food (ok food snob here it is a Sheraton Hotel) also would not say the view was great. Tidepools has nice view of the hotel pond but really do not see the Ocean, food was very good, expensive, I will eat here again I have favorites on the menu, but if I had a choice I would pick the first four over this. For the most jaw dropping inspiring view of any hotel or restaurant that is just unbelievable which was the picture in my signature of the view from the restaurant. Now that the St Regis has been sold I have not heard good things about it. But will find out in April. We will also be staying at the Hyatt for awhile before moving over to there. When we go in April I will eat at all of these restaurants, some more that once with one exception Rumfire (what can I say just not impressed, I have eaten there several times when we have stayed at the Sheraton).

 

PS In my opinion best restaurant in the islands Mama's Fish House in Pia, Maui definitely will need reservations for sunset dinner or even lunch for that matter need to book at least a month in advance. Is right on the beach.

 

Wow thanks KYBOB!  We have eaten at Mama's before and may try to fit it in somehow on day 2 on Maui.  I also had Brenneckes as my other lunch option.  My original idea was Makena Terrace at St. Regis for our dinner but that's out now.  Also thought about Jo2 but no view there (any opinion on that one?).  Have seen Plantation Gardens talked about on TA also.  I really wanted a view but once the sun sets, there is no view anyway so I'm not going to worry so much about it.  Will look at all these suggestions thanks!

[KYBOB]

We have not tried Jo2 yet but is on our list for the upcoming trip. Being there in November the sun will go down early. Plantation Gardens is to us a reminder of how things where before (what people talk about "Old Hawaii" for young people back when it was not such a tourist place, sugar cane as far as you could see, guy named Elvis hung around) it is very laid back, and has a lot of very special memories for us. 

For something very different Kauai Ono is over in the Prineville area https://www.kauaiono.com It is a tasing menu but it not a fill you up kind of meal, ok 310lb fat guy did stop at Bubba Burgers on the way 'home' for a burger and shake.(ok it is that a bad thing?? NAH it a good thing two good meals in one night! SCORE!) It is BYOB the wine shop in Princeville shopping center will deliver wine. We picked ours the day before and was chilled and ready for us at the table. Also take bug spray.   

 

Edited March 1, 2019 by KYBOB

[Beachiekeen]

17 hours ago, KYBOB said:

We have not tried Jo2 yet but is on our list for the upcoming trip. Being there in November the sun will go down early. Plantation Gardens is to us a reminder of how things where before (what people talk about "Old Hawaii" for young people back when it was not such a tourist place, sugar cane as far as you could see, guy named Elvis hung around) it is very laid back, and has a lot of very special memories for us. 

For something very different Kauai Ono is over in the Prineville area https://www.kauaiono.com It is a tasing menu but it not a fill you up kind of meal, ok 310lb fat guy did stop at Bubba Burgers on the way 'home' for a burger and shake.(ok it is that a bad thing?? NAH it a good thing two good meals in one night! SCORE!) It is BYOB the wine shop in Princeville shopping center will deliver wine. We picked ours the day before and was chilled and ready for us at the table. Also take bug spray.   

 

 

Hee, we ate at Morimoto in Napa and my husband had to go to In and Out afterwards!

 

Well the picky eaters will not like Jo2's menu unfortunately so we will have to save that for our land vacation in 2020.  I love how Plantation Gardens is all lit up at night so that is the front runner I think.  Would love to hear about the St. Regis and Tidepools after you get back in April to see if they have gotten any better.  My heart is sort of set on Tidepools for some reason and they have lobster for my father in law.  Also what about Red Salt at Koa Kea?  Thanks so much!

[KYBOB]

We have not tried Red Salt have heard good things about it, came real close to staying at the Koa Kea this time once I found out the St Regis had changed hands (almost canceled my reservation at the Princeville Resort), but then we would have spent all our time on the south shore and I really wanted to stay some up on the north side depending on the time of day it can take a long time to get from the north shore back to Poipu area and if there is a wreck even longer. I want to photograph the Hanalei Pier at sunset and possibly sunrise or sunset at Queens bath, laziness won out. Also never have tried a couple of the restaurants in Hanalei for dinner. For lunch Bubba Burger or the food truck across the street wins out everytime (mainly the food truck). Place there in the old school building does tapas that are supposed to be amazing. 

 

When I get back I will try to update this about the ones you asked about may have some food porn for you too. 

[JoJo1973]

KYBOB, any updates?  Not sure when you were going to Kauai.

[KeepCalmBearOn]

On 2/27/2019 at 6:37 PM, KYBOB said:

PS In my opinion best restaurant in the islands Mama's Fish House in Pia, Maui definitely will need reservations for sunset dinner or even lunch for that matter need to book at least a month in advance. Is right on the beach.

 

Man, I was with you mostly until that. I don't have Mama's in my top 5 on Maui, let alone in the Islands. Mama's wouldn't be top 10 on Oahu, maybe not top 15. Merriman's, Gerard's, DUO, Spago, Lahaina Grill and maybe even Pacific'O are better than Mama's. Mama's is gimmicky. I like it, it is often our last meal on the island, but mostly because Pai'a isn't far from OGG.

 

As to Kauai, in Poipu I'd add Tortilla Republic, Keoki's Paradise (Same company as Duke's), Red Salt and Dondero's. Ruth's Chris is in Kukui'ula now if you need your mainland steak, but I'd rather go to Kalaheo Steak and Ribs to support a small local joint.

 

For casual in Poipu, I'd add Paco's Tacos Cantina, Pietro's Pizza Kauai, Sueoka Snack Shop (to go burger & plate lunch), Holoholo at Koloa Landing, Koloa Fish Market (plate lunch to go) and Bubba's.

 

If I was in Lihue for a day on a cruise, Hamura Saimin, Garden Island Barbecue, The Fish Express and Kauai Beer Company (along with Duke's at the Kauai Marriott) would be high on my list.

[lovecruzin]

On Kauai now. 

Our favorite meals have been at Dukes (for lunch)

Red Salt - not a great view from the dining room but you can watch the sunset from Poipu beach then have dinner. 

Eating House 1849 is also very good, you have some wonderful views from the open windows.

Holoholo grill is very casual but so good. For a resor the food is hgh quality and not $$$$

 

The Beach House, even though owned by Merriman is definitely where you pay for the view, food is average, if that.

[KYBOB]

Well finally back home after a month in Hawaii. Spent 2 1/2 weeks in Kauai. I will say traffic starting at the turn in to the Wailua State park (Smith Family Luau / fern grotto) through Kapaa north and then returning south depending on the time of day can be a long wait unless you know the short cut around town which is beginning to have a lot of traffic. When we were there they were paving from Wailua to Lihue at night starting at 8pm.

 

We tried the Grill at the Princeville Resort but never could figure out the schedule, was closed a couple of nights. Sad to say the Princeville resort is definitely not what it used to be. The staff was great but seemed kind of like 'deadman' walking nobody knew if they would be kept on while they remodeled or how long the renovation would take. 

 

We did eat a Gaylords twice and each time tried something different and was wonderful.

 

We had great meal at Tidepools (photos below); Scallops, Lobster & Opa, Mac nut encrusted Mahi Mahi was wonderful. 

 

 

 

[KYBOB]

 

On 4/18/2019 at 7:10 PM, scottca075 said:

 

Man, I was with you mostly until that. I don't have Mama's in my top 5 on Maui, let alone in the Islands. Mama's wouldn't be top 10 on Oahu, maybe not top 15. Merriman's, Gerard's, DUO, Spago, Lahaina Grill and maybe even Pacific'O are better than Mama's. Mama's is gimmicky. I like it, it is often our last meal on the island, but mostly because Pai'a isn't far from OGG.

 

As to Kauai, in Poipu I'd add Tortilla Republic, Keoki's Paradise (Same company as Duke's), Red Salt and Dondero's. Ruth's Chris is in Kukui'ula now if you need your mainland steak, but I'd rather go to Kalaheo Steak and Ribs to support a small local joint.

 

For casual in Poipu, I'd add Paco's Tacos Cantina, Pietro's Pizza Kauai, Sueoka Snack Shop (to go burger & plate lunch), Holoholo at Koloa Landing, Koloa Fish Market (plate lunch to go) and Bubba's.

 

If I was in Lihue for a day on a cruise, Hamura Saimin, Garden Island Barbecue, The Fish Express and Kauai Beer Company (along with Duke's at the Kauai Marriott) would be high on my list.

All I can say is; I will let the photos do the talking. First is the view from our table. Macadamia Nut Crab Cakes, Spring Salad, Mama' stuffed fish ( Lobster, crab and baked in Mac nut crust, side of wild boar, Mahi Mahi, desert of Ice cream and mac nut / pineapple.)

 

Also what Mama's has over all the resturants you mentioned above is; Location, View and Location.