Need help with 1/2 day in Kauai

[alrose251]

Hi fellow cruisers,

 

I know there is tons of info out there on Kauai and I have done my research.  But most of it is for full days or renting cars.

 

We are taking a helicopter tour (Blue Hawaiian) that will end about 11:30 am.  I would like some suggestions on what to see and do for the remainder of the day.  We are 2 couples in our early sixties that have no mobility issues. We would like to see a little of Kauai.  We like beaches, snorkeling, a little history and love beautiful scenery.  Hope that helps. 

 

We will need to be back on the ship by 5:30 pm.

 

Any suggestions will be great appreciated.

[Beachiekeen]

I am currently planning a land vacation and we have a similar dilemma. Heli tour is done at 12:45 and our luau is at 5:00. 
 

Depending on your schedule, you might be able to have lunch (you could have lunch at Duke’s right on the beach), and then take a trolley tour. I see a 1pm tour some days.

 

http://www.trolleystoptours.com

 

We plan to go to the Kilohana Plantation. There is a nice restaurant, Gaylord’s, a train tour and a rum tour.  There is a 1:30 rum tour and it’s 2 hours long.
 

https://kilohanakauai.co

 

https://www.kauaisafaris.com

 

You could also rent a car for the day, so you would have it for after the tour, then you have more options.

Edited January 26, 2020 by Beachiekeen

[alrose251]

On 1/26/2020 at 8:15 AM, Beachiekeen said:

I am currently planning a land vacation and we have a similar dilemma. Heli tour is done at 12:45 and our luau is at 5:00. 
 

Depending on your schedule, you might be able to have lunch (you could have lunch at Duke’s right on the beach), and then take a trolley tour. I see a 1pm tour some days.

 

http://www.trolleystoptours.com

 

We plan to go to the Kilohana Plantation. There is a nice restaurant, Gaylord’s, a train tour and a rum tour.  There is a 1:30 rum tour and it’s 2 hours long.
 

https://kilohanakauai.co

 

https://www.kauaisafaris.com

 

You could also rent a car for the day, so you would have it for after the tour, then you have more options.

Thanks so much for the suggestions.  I have hear Duke's  mentioned several times.   I will certainly look into your links!

[sparkle]

Duke's is a good recommendation,  and it is right there at Kalapaki Beach, a very nice beach. You can walk around the Marriott which has beautiful gardens, Koi ponds, plenty of benches to relax.

[alrose251]

13 hours ago, sparkle said:

Duke's is a good recommendation,  and it is right there at Kalapaki Beach, a very nice beach. You can walk around the Marriott which has beautiful gardens, Koi ponds, plenty of benches to relax.

Thanks Sparkle, I am thinking Duke's and a walk along the beach will be a great way to spend the afternoon.  And thanks for the suggestion of the Marriott!  I would not have thought to go inside!  I will add that to our afternoon.  Shaping up to be a nice afternoon!

[KeepCalmBearOn]

Here is a fun video about the Kauai Marriott, which at the time was the Westin Kauai.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DP_drlbBpRM

[alrose251]

3 hours ago, scottca075 said:

Here is a fun video about the Kauai Marriott, which at the time was the Westin Kauai.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DP_drlbBpRM

Thanks for sharing.  I really enjoy the video!

[CoW mAn]

Kalapaki Beach is free and lovely, it's next to Nawiliwili Park by Harbor Mall which has a free shuttle to the port
 

 

[alrose251]

On 2/20/2020 at 1:39 PM, CoW mAn said:

Kalapaki Beach is free and lovely, it's next to Nawiliwili Park by Harbor Mall which has a free shuttle to the port
 

 

Thanks for sharing the link.  This seems like a perfect place to go for the afternoon! 

 

Thanks so much!!

[KarenWhitworth]

I am so glad someone recommended the Marriott. I forgot just how beautiful their courtyard is. And the gallery there hosts local artists who will often be working on original paintings and happy to chat about their work, Hawaii, etc. The hotel is really a fun yet peaceful stop to enjoy such a gorgeous island.