Okay, seriously, what should I NOT miss on Kauai and Maui?

kaesha

I need to start budgeting for any big activities that we're going to do (like the kayaking and spa-time fun), and all my kauai books are out of date.

Besides, y'all know more.

Anyone have some off the beaten track stuff on Maui, I'm all ears. We're definitely into doing some hikes - we've done the Waihe'e Ridge Trail and the Holua Trail (down to Haleakala's crater) already, but are otherwise up for some adventures!

Tanq&Tonic

We really enjoyed The Waimoku Falls trail just past Hana. Made the drive worthwhile!

sparklegirl84

I recently emailed Sarah (sld) a long list of what to see/skip in Kauai because she's stopping there on her honeymoon. We went last year in June and I was glued to my kauai revealed book, if you'd like I can PM you the list? I'd highly recommend a snorkel boat tour of the na pali coast in kauai if you're not doing a helicopter tour (we didnt want to spend the $ on a helicopter and the boat tour was the highlight of our trip!)

Also, I'm really interested to hear what I shouldn't miss while in Maui (we've never been). I like the idea that fabutan posted on another thread about her grooms gift, any maui activities I could take my FI to as a surprise gift on our honeymoon? 

kaesha

Ooh, I'd love the pm! Yes please!

What's your FI into? My favourite Maui things are a little random... do you know how to scuba? 'Cause you could arrange to scuba dive at the Maui Ocean Center! Orrr, if you don't, do an introductory lesson + shore dive!

Seriously, one of my favourite things is the kayak/snorkel tour. The one in kapalua is great. We saw 16 green sea turtles on our last trip out with them. We love the company - we arranged a group wedding event with them too.

Uhm... the Waihe'e Ridge trail hike is breathtaking too:

This is a picture I snapped looking back on Kahului at about the 1 mile mark.

Another amazing thing is the night sky on Haleakala. Go up for sunset (not sunrise!) and watch the stars come out. The Hawaiian sky gets 80% of the stars in both the northern and southern hemispheres and you can see the North Star and the Southern Cross in the same sky! Really, it's breathtaking. We got a cabin in Haleakala's crater and it was one of the most memorable nights of my life. But, if you pack a picnic (with hot chocolate) and a blanket to bundle up in, it'll be pure magic.

Tanq&Tonic

Night in Haleakala added to the bucket list.  SNAP that sounds great.

sparklegirl84

Awesome, thank you!! You have a PM.  I'm stoked to book the kayak/snorkel tour, he would Love it! He's been wanting to build his own kayak (they have wooden boat kits).

We have talked about getting scuba certified but he's still hesitant, we're both not super confident in our swimming abilities and he has asthma so I think it kinda freaks him out. We definitely love hiking so I'll make note of that hike (as well as the one you mentioned Tanq!) My FI also Loves taking photos the moon and long exposure night shots of the stars, that sounds Right up his alley! 

fabutan

Mentioned this a couple times already but...  It's pricey, but I'd definitely recommend a helicopter ride on Kauai!  Just because there are so many areas on Kauai that aren't accessible by car (i.e. the Napali Coast, the waterfalls as seen in the "Jurassic Park" movie, the volcano crater).  Even locals and hotel staff were telling us if there was one thing they'd recommend, it would be a helicopter ride on Kauai!

I was skeptical at first, but got tickets as a groom's gift.  I was totally FLOORED by how amazing the helicopter ride was!  I literally teared up when I saw the Napali Coast (my favorite)...or maybe I was just feeling emotional that day, LOL!  Worth every penny!  

Driving along the North Shore (i.e. Hanalei Bay, Princeville) was also a highlight.  If you drive to the end of the road, it's one of the most serene and beautiful places on earth.    On the other side of the island, I've heard the Waimea Canyon is beautiful (we didn't make it out there, since DH wanted to lounge by the pool!).  

On a food-related note, try the hula pie at Duke's Kauai restaurant...to die for!!  Have fun!!  

kaesha

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_hawaii_okay-seriously-should-not-miss-kauai-maui?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:73Discussion:4aa0ae7b-2800-409b-b8be-e3f90cf206f8Post:6d214908-e15c-47df-afb5-e9c94e7f955a">Re: Okay, seriously, what should I NOT miss on Kauai and Maui?</a>:
[QUOTE]Awesome, thank you!! You have a PM.  I'm stoked to book the kayak/snorkel tour, he would Love it! He's been wanting to build his own kayak (they have wooden boat kits). We have talked about getting scuba certified but he's still hesitant, we're both not super confident in our swimming abilities and he has asthma so I think it kinda freaks him out. We definitely love hiking so I'll make note of that hike (as well as the one you mentioned Tanq!) My FI also Loves taking photos the moon and long exposure night shots of the stars, that sounds Right up his alley! 
Posted by sparklegirl84[/QUOTE]

Fantastic! The great thing about the snorkel/kayak company is they get in the water with you and show you all the marine life. It's like being accompanied by biologists which is SO much fun. =)

breaness

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_hawaii_okay-seriously-should-not-miss-kauai-maui?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:73Discussion:4aa0ae7b-2800-409b-b8be-e3f90cf206f8Post:d5eacea5-3871-43f5-b474-f172fffec681">Re: Okay, seriously, what should I NOT miss on Kauai and Maui?</a>:
[QUOTE]Night in Haleakala added to the bucket list.  SNAP that sounds great.
Posted by Tanq&Tonic[/QUOTE]

<div>Oh wow I absolutely agree with this.</div><div>
</div><div>I've put all of our plans for our honeymoon on my wedding website if you want to check it out :)</div>

AKWinterBride

I can second the kayak/snorkle tours in Maui - it's really cool and you get a good little workout.  Riding into the beach can be dicey (my FI and I were the only ones who made it without wrecking - we almost hit my Dad!), but it was really fun, laid back, and pretty cool cause the guy would go grab eels and urchins and bring them to us!