32 hours

Just back from showing off the island to a friend making a short visit here - 32 hours - from mid-morning yesterday to evening departure tonight. I definitely raised an eyebrow when the New York Times wrote about a "36 hour" visit to Kauaʻi a few months ago, but did my best to give a complete tour while keeping it from becoming work.


Day 1 --- 10:30am (flight arrives early) pick up at Lihue airport, drive up Rice street and head west. First stop: Hanapepe. Little Fish was closed for construction. Walked the downtown, visit Talk Story bookstore, cross the river and back on the highway heading west. Stopped in Waimea for lunch at Island Tacos (seared ahi wasabi tacos) -- instead of ordering 2 tacos, get 2 orders of 1 taco (1$ extra) and we each get a serving of tortilla chips and salsa on the side. Turn right and head up the mountain. (The West Kauai Visitor Center was closed but had it been open would have stopped by while in town.)

Stopped up above town for good view of Niihau island and first views of the lower canyon. Stopped at the first canyon lookout and could see Waipoʻo falls flowing nicely across the canyon. Drove up to Kokeʻe and right to the Puu o Kila lookout at the end of the road. Despite it being somewhat overcast had a clear view of Kalalau. Back to the lodge and then headed back down the hill.

Back to the east on the highway we went makai to Koloa to get pupus at the Koloa fish market. Drove out to Spouting Horn and then back home to Kalaheo for dinner and to prepare for an early start in the morning.

Day 2 --- an early start it was --- gassed up at the Hanamaulu Shell by 6am and were headed north around the east side of the island as dawn broke over the eastern shore. Stopped by Hanalei Coffee Roasters for coffee then out past Haena to Keʻe beach at the end of the road. Plenty of parking at 7:30am but it filled quickly soon after.

We explored up the beach back toward Haena far enough to see the Na Pali coastline looking back to the west. There was one seal relaxing on the sand that disappeared once more people showed up. Went up the Kalalau trail just a short ways: at 1/4 there is a view back over Keʻe beach; at 1/2 mile, the first overlook with a view of the Na Pali coast about as far as Hanakapiai. It was clear enough to see Lehua (see below, the little island near Niihau) in the distance. For today that was far enough.

Lunch at Neide's (Mexican and Brazilian) in Hanalei - itʻs in the shopping center in town on mauka side. My first time to have Panqueca - roasted vegetables (or there are meat options) rolled in a crepe topped with a savory sauce and cheese. Food was good, large serving, around $15. (I was very disappointed to see that Hanalei Pizza across the street is no more, replaced by Puka Dog.)

Slowly worked our way back toward Lihue with a stop in Kapaʻa and enjoyed beers on the lanai at JJ's in Nawiliwili before heading to the airport.

Given short time to see the island I think it worked out splendidly.