Tips and Tricks for the Traveler in Kauai
Before you pack your bags and head to the Garden Isle, optimize the fun in your holiday by preparing your own itinerary. Go online and download a Kauai Vacation Planner for free to get a sneak preview of your trip. Of course, a few surprises here and there are required in any adventure, but getting a travel planner helps you limit the surprises to pleasant ones. For starters, it should help you reach smart traveler status by giving you a better idea of things to pack into your suitcase. Unless you're among the lucky ones who get to go to Kauai on a business trip, which, we all know, doesn't mean "business only," you'll need to plan your budget very carefully. Getting a headstart about where you're going allows you to prioritize the sights and activities you can indulge in, so you won't have to blow your hard-earned money on everything. In any case that you're already in Kauai with a lei around your neck by the time you find this article, don't fret just yet. The tips and tricks that you'll find here will work just as great even for someone who's gone past the planning stage.
Transportation
Various bus services are offered by the Kauai transport agency, so going from Hanalei to Kekaha and other points of interest is quite easy. The buses go from Kekaha to Hanalei, and they operate from 5:27 am to 7:50 pm Mondays through Fridays. As travelers have the habit of cramming most of their activities on weekends, you should know that on Saturdays, buses are available only from 6:21 am to 5:50 pm, and there's no bus service at all on Sundays. Current routes include Lihue, Wailua, Hanalei, Kapaa or Kapahi, and Kekaha. For those going to Poipu and Koloa, the transport agency offers limited bus services to those routes. Trips to and from the airport is also available. Bus schedules may be downloaded from the official website of the Kauai county government. The bus fare is from $0.50 to $1.50 for every trip, and those aged 60 and above are charged only half the price.
As some tourists sometimes find the Kauai bus service a little constricting, you can opt for car rentals instead. Rent-a-car services allow you to maximize your sightseeing opportunities, because you can drive wherever you want to go anytime you want to. The downside to this, however, is that rental and gas prices could be higher if compared with US mainland rates. Of course, you can always rent a car as soon as you arrive at Lihue Airport, but it's best to compare car rental deals before your trip. This way, you'll spare yourself from randomly picking the first rental car service you see and then finding out that you could have gotten another deal for 30% less than what you paid for. Surf the Internet by typing "compare Kauai car rentals" into the search field. Using just one website, you can check the availability and price ranges of three or more car rental services. Most of the time, these websites allow you to make your reservations online as well.
Accommodations
There's a wide variety of accommodations that you can choose from depending on your budget and preferences. If you're into a typical resort experience, but the Marriott at Kalapaki is way beyond your budget, you may opt for the 3-star Hilton Kauai Beach Resort instead. It may not be as grand as the former, but it has the amenities that come with the name, and for a more affordable rate. Try not to shell out too much for accommodations, because with the wide array of things to do and see in Kauai, it would be unlikely for you to be spending a lot of time in your room, anyway. If you're on a tight budget, you may also check out the Garden Island Inn along Wilcox Road in Lihue. Almost a stone's throw away from the Nawiliwili Harbor and the Kalapaki beach, staying at Garden Island Inn will let you enjoy the same view as your upscale neighbors at the Kauai Marriott Resort and gloat that you'd have much more to spare for the puka shell jewelry that you're bringing home to people back home. Kauai also boasts of its bed and breakfast (B&B) inns, and you can also check out cottages and condos if these are what would best cater to your needs.
The cheapest thrills at Kauai
Aside from the "garden isle" nickname, Kauai is not called "Hawaii's Island of Discovery" for nothing. Its lush green landscape, sprawling sand beaches, and diverse geography is a smorgasbord for the outdoor person and lover of anything Polynesian. Go to Waimea Canyon, popularly known as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," and take snapshots from the Kalalau Lookout. If you're more adventurous, pack a picnic basket and take a hike into the crater, after which you can enjoy a scrumptious lunch at the Kokee State Park.
If this isn't enough for the adrenaline junkie in you, explore Kauai's extraordinary hiking trails and immerse yourself in its rainforests and lush valleys. As if designed by God specifically for hikers, the diversity of Kauai's trails offers a memorable experience for the stressed-out city slicker who needs a little meandering to clear the head and the sports buff who wants to take on the 11-mile Kalalau Trail. You might come across a few surprises, such as a profusion of waterfalls and hidden valleys.
Kauai is also home to centuries-old cultural sites and traditions. Visit Ke ahu a laka Heiau, which used to be part of a renowned hula school in the North Shore. Located above Ke'e Beach, Ke ahu a laka Heiau is frequented by those who train at the mele (chant). As part of their skills test, they walk across the boulders along the sea as they chant. The chanters are able to finish their training successfully only when their voices could be heard over the sound of the rushing winds and crashing waves. Ke ahu a laka Heiau is a one-hour drive from Lihue Airport. Head 38 miles north on route 56 (Kaumualii Highway) until you get to the end of the road, which means traveling through Kapaa, Kilauea, Princeville, Hanalei, and Haena. Make sure to visit Prince Kuhio Park. Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole was one of the heirs to the Hawaiian royal throne and was affectionately called the "People's Prince." The park features the foundations of the prince's birthplace and home, the royal fishpond, an offering shrine, and spots where Hawaiian priests, or kahuna, used to live, meditate, and worship.
Other must-see sights include the Alekoko Fishpond at the Huleia National Wildlife Refuge and the Wailua River. And while you're at it, make sure not to get confused with the name games. Menehune Fishpond is another name for Alekoko Fishpond, because according to Kauai folklore, it was the legendary menehune (which means "little people") of Hawaii who built it. In reality, the fishpond was built centuries ago for a young Hawaiian chief. The Wailua River used to be a place fit only for Kauai royalty. Although the river's beauty is captivating enough, be entranced by the story of the nearby Lydgate State Park and the heiau, or temple, within it. Forsaken people who have broken taboos sought refuge and were housed there.
Making your remaining days in Hawaii more memorable
Of course, Hawaii would not be Hawaii without hula dances and the relaxing music of the ukulele. In Kauai, you get free hula shows and torch-lighting ceremonies at most hotels, although there's also a free hula performance staged at the Harbor Mall on Wednesdays. Aside from donning the lei in typical Hawaiian tourist fashion, learn how to make your own flower garland at West Kauai Technology and Visitor Center or as part of your hotel's activities. Spend your last vacation days by simply loafing around. Try feasting your eyes on the colorful birds at the Kilauea National Wildlife Refuge, and if you're lucky, you might just catch a glimpse of Hawaiian monk seals, sea turtles, and spinner dolphins as you cast your eyes toward the ocean. If you want to pack your remaining days with more activities and Kauai memories, kayak your way to the almost mystical Fern Grotto or drive to 19th century sugar plantations.
With all these exciting adventures on a budget, you'd have some cash to spare for souvenirs to take home to your family and friends. Check out the Banana Patch Studio for ceramic and hand-painted art pieces, and give them a taste of Kauai with Country Moon Rising’s Hawaiian sweet breads. For organic enthusiasts, you might want to bring home nonibanana fruit leather and lavender noni lotion from Hawaiian Health Ohana. Say aloha to your loved ones with aloha print shirts, baskets, handbags, and placemats all hand-made by Thita's Fashions. With these and a lot more gift choices, such as the Kahalelani shell jewelry hand made at Kauai and sold at Apples' Stuff, all your loved ones can say is "Mahalo!"