Post #806325 by bamalamalu on Sun, Nov 6, 2022 8:42 PM

Yay, more days is better!

Helicopter tour isn't for everyone, I understand.

The main/unique thing to see on Kauai is Na Pali, so don't miss it.

The boat tours are great - it's the one paid activity I'll do every trip. If the boat or helicopter trips don't work for you, be sur to at least get a glimpse of the Kalalau Valley from the lookouts. When you visit Waimea Canyon, be sure to go all the way to the very end of the road - to the Puu o Kila lookout - FIRST (it's just PAST the actual "Kalalau Valley Lookout, which you should still stop at on the way back.) Clouds tend to develop in the valley as the day warms up, so it's best to do these lookouts first, then go back and stop at Kokee Lodge & museum and the the Waimea Canyon lookouts on your way back down. If you get to the Kalalau lookouts too late, you may see nothing but clouds/fog -- still pretty cool in an other-worldly way, but it's best to see the actual view.

And be sure to see as much of the North Shore mountains from the Hanalei side - do go over to the Pier for great views.

Enjoy your planning and reading all the previous trip reports here from various islands - I'm always making new notes based on people's reports!