Will Kauai Measure up to STJ???

[lpowmacback]

Oh my - I have gone from the thought of going to Riviera Maya (too commercial & too much cement?), Belize (just doesn't seem as charming as STJ), to Costa Rica (a little scared of certain aspects - driving, etc.) & others... but NO PLACE is measuring up to STJ!

Now the thought is Kauai. For those who "get it" about STJ - will I be disappointed in Kauai? I know it is more / much more built up than STJ - but is it going to be a let down after STJ? I know the snorkeling is nothing like STJ - and the time we are going (mid-March) it may not be great for swimming (except maybe in the southern areas - Poipu)... but the LUSH MOUNTAINS - hiking, kayaking - is it worth the flight?

Thnaks fellow STJ-LOVERS

[LMG]

I think the key will be to have some different expectations. As you seem to know already, there are going to be differences. About the only way I'd equate the Hawaiian islands with the Virgin Islands is the idea of "island time" and weather. Everything else is just it's own.

That said, I think you'd enjoy Kauai immensely. It's a beautiful island with breathtaking scenery and friendly people. There is some commercialism but when you get in the car and drive away from it, you can feel like you're miles away from any other soul. The Hawaiian islands are what started my island obsession and they'll always have a special place in my heart and mind.

[sea-nile]

We are considereing Kauai in the Spring. Which month is best, April or May? Is there off shore snorkeling?
I have been wondering the same thing as you lpowmacback. I am scared that I will be disapointed if I compare it to STJ.

[Ken]

Guys, I love St. John, too. But there are tons of other places out there that are fantastic. No, they aren't the same. But yes, they can be just as good.

Kauai is a wonderful island. It is absolutely breathtaking almost everywhere you go. You will feel much more "south pacific" with dark blue ocean and palm trees and lush vegetation. There are waterfalls everywhere you look. Take the time to drive to the end of the road past the little village of Hanalei. It stops right at the base of the Napali cliffs, and you can hike into the cliffs along some great trails. You will really begin to appreciate the giant ocean and your little portion of the world. The Waimea canyon is pretty incredible to see, too.

Yes, the water will likely be chilly in the winter, but it doesn't get real hot in the summer, either.

We only snokeled a bit while I was there, and at least where we were (north shore) the coral wasn't nearly as abundant as St. John. I'm sure others can chime in here about the snorkeling.

We didn't spend much time on the south shore, but I can tell you that the north and east shores are beautiful. Enjoy your time there. And don't expect it to be "like St. John." It isn't. But it is fantastic anyway.

Ken

[STTT Resident]

May I venture that the alternative question should be, "How does Kuaia compare to STJ?"

[Maggy]

We did honeymoon on Kauai, and it's a very beautiful island. We stayed in Poipu and enjoyed it very much. Lots of nice things to see and do. We did a zodiac trip along the Na Pali coast that was so much fun. The nature was amazing.

At that time I was afraid of snorkeling so I can't say anything about it. I did also love the south pacific feel about the island. It's not STJ but with realistic expectations I think you would like Kauai very much. We have talked about how lovely it would be to go back sometimes.

[lpowmacback]

Thanks everyone - I think that will be the place we end up going in March!

Sea-nile - I think May would be better weather... we, unfortunately are going in March because of other things going on in April & May.

[ScottB]

The flights are tough for sure, but it is an amazing island. As far as landscapes go, Kauai is epic. If you like the hills of STJ, the mountains, canyons, and waterfalls of Kauai will blow you away. For beaches, STJ has the best we've seen. Although they're decent in Kauai, you just can't beat STJ beaches. You must take a helicopter tour of Waimea Canyon, and the Napali Coast(sorry if I butchered the spellings)...truly incredible. I would love to go back some day, but only for 2 weeks because of the long flights. If you don't enjoy Kauai, you may want to check your pulse

Enjoy!!

[Teddy Salad]

ScottB, Maggy, LMG and Ken have done a fine job describing Kauai. Here's my 2 cents worth.

We have been to Kauai 3 times and will be going to St. John for the second time in January. They are both fantastic places, and you can't go wrong going to either island. I think I could live on Kauai full time, but I don't think I could live on St. John. That's an entirely personal opinion and others might feel the opposite.

Kauai is a much larger island with a tremendous diversity of landscape and vegetation. One side of the island gets much more rainfall than the other. St. John has more beaches per mile of coastline than Kauai. St. John also has clearer, calmer, warmer water and better snorkeling than Kauai. Kauai has otherworldly hiking. We found the locals on Kauai to be more friendly than the St. John locals by and large. Hawaii drivers are much more mellow than their Caribbean counterparts. Honking your horn in Hawaii is considered an affront to the spirit of aloha and is only done in a dire emergency.

We have gone to Kauai in January, February, and May. March should be fine. If it's rainy on the north side of the island, it will usually be dry and sunny on the south and west sides. Have a great time there!

[Terry]

Greetings,
Kaui is different. Been to all the islands there. It can be rainy, but beautiful. Experience the rain forest and the beach. The sea turtles are larger. It's not St John..it's just different and you are not making a mistake in going there. When it rains, go outside and make circles with your arms out and sing the song about kisses from the rain from K. Chesney. You have made a good choice and will enjoy it.

[TropicAtHeart]

We've been to both Kauai and St. John a number of times and both a great! Kauai is WAY more lush with gardens than St. John. It is truly a garden paradise. Sure, St. John has true white sand beaches and Kauai's is more golden color. But, we fouond the snorkeling at Tunnels beach (summer only) on Kauai to be better than St. John. The tropical fish were larger and quite abundant. You can snorkel a HUGE reef right from the beach, head out about 25 feet where it suddenly drops off to 40 to 60 feet down. It was incredible and reminded me of the Indians (BVI). Purple, pink and red coral and beautiful rainbow fish! Also, lots of turtles on the south shore too. Helicopter is a must. Think Jurassic park. And, if it rains it's usually a tropical shower and then it's sunny again. The southwest side is a great place to go if the weather calls for a very rare all day rain on the east. Saw many turtles this past July. Stayed at the Kauai Marriott which is a huge mega resort in the style of a Westin. It has the largest gardens/lagoons of any hotel on island and plenty of dining options within walking distance.

We'll be back on St. John July 2008 and looking forward to the powder white sand!

[sea-nile]

Thanks for all of the great information! I have learned more here about Hawaii than on the Hawaii forums. I guess I just trust you guys more. (I would also have to visit those foorums more, I guess).
If anyone has more ideas of where to stay on Kauai, I'd really love the information. You can PM me if you want to. THANKS!

[TropicAtHeart]

I forgot to add that if you have children then you may like the Poipu area of Kauai. But, if you don't have children with you, you may want to stay somewhere else. My wife and I never want to stay in the Poipu area because it's too populated with crowded beaches (they're not wide in that area). We're used to St. John beaches, which are usually more private. The Northshore beaches are harder to get to and therefore we find a lot more privacy at those. But, if you aren't going to Kauai in the summer you may need to avoid swimming at the northshore because the waves are huge. Tunnels is an option because of the large reef. Check conditions first.

There's a LOT to see in Kauai. Best hiking anywhere! Did about 5 miles of the Kalalua trail. Wow, what a place! Crossing thru streams, waterfalls and misty valleys with the blue Pacific on one side was amazing. Very rocky in some areas. Not an easy venture.

[SoCaTraveler]

I love Kauai... of course, it's getting more commercial than the first time I visited 35 years ago. A helicopter ride over Mr. Wai'ale'ale is breathtaking... as is a boat trip on the Na Pali coast. A hike on the Kalaulau trail is spectacular. I love the North Shore.

Take a look at "The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook" for ideas.

I love all the islands of Hawaii!

Carole

[TropicAtHeart]

Hey SoCa, since you're on the west coast have you ever been to any South Pacific islands like FP (Moorea/Bora Bora, etc.)? Just curious. I'm planning a trip there. It's a long way flight for us on the east, but I've got enough points to fly free and stay free so I'm looking forward to going even though the flight time is a killer. To me, Moorea looks like a cross between St. John and Kauai (in videos/photos). White sand, great snorkeling, lush landscape and mountains.