Top 10 things to do in Kauai (with arm in sling)?

[GregT]

All,

I'm off to WPORV on June 17th and very excited for trip. Unfortunately, I am going to be having shoulder surgery in the next few days -- at a minimum for biceps tenodesis, and potentially for rotator cuff repair.

That wasn't part of the vacation plan.

So, my non-dominant arm will be in a sling, but I'm determined to go and have a blast with my son. I would love any suggestions of things that I can do that would be enjoyable but don't require two hands. Thank you!

Best,

Greg

 

[DeniseM]

Hi Greg - 2 years ago I broke my toe the day before our trip to Kauai, and was worried that it would ruin our trip - but it didn't.

I didn't hike or swim (was afraid of banging the toe while swimming) and I did a lot of reading in the shade, but it sure beats staying home, and I had a good time anyway.

You may have to be more cautious with your son in the ocean, since you won't be up to rescue duty. Does he wear a floating device in the ocean? If not, you may want him to for this trip.

 

[WinniWoman]

Well- you can certainly sit on a beach. You can do lots of sightseeing as well. You can take a boat ride out along the coast. There are even helicopter rides. You can attend a Luau.

You will be fine.

 

[taffy19]

Sorry that you need the operation right before your trip so be very careful that the end result will be OK. That is important. Was there no way that you could delay it for how long you are gone? You must have a lot of pain, I guess.

Only big boats will do and no fast fun rides on rafts or canoes.

 

[klpca]

Are you up for some hiking? Kuilau trail is mostly an old road (i.e. no scrambling - just some mud) all the way up to the big picnic area. http://www.kauai.com/kuilau-ridge-trail It's a bit on the slow side, but also check out the light house in Kilauea. It's a beautiful area and there are so many birds you will be amazed. There's also a mini golf place not too far from Kilauea. Here it is: http://anainahou.org/park-features/kauai-mini-golf-and-botanical-gardens/ And don't forget shave ice - try the Wishing Well in Hanalei.

 

[WalnutBaron]

• I second the motion on Kilauea Lighthouse and Bird Sanctuary. It's just a short drive east from WPORV and is definitely worth a couple of hours of your time.
• The Limahuli Gardens are very interesting and you'll get a decent hike out of the experience if you want one. They have tour guides who will take you through the approximately 20 acres of gardens. I would definitely recommend the guided tour, but you'd need to make a reservation in advance. This is also within just a few miles of WPORV.
• I'd highly recommend a visit to the lovely village of Hanalei. The views of Hanalei Bay are amazing.
• Speaking of Hanalei Bay, make a lunch reservation at Makana Terrace at the St. Regis Hotel right down the road from WPORV. The views of the bay from the outdoor restaurant are just amazing.
• Take a drive to Ke'e Beach, at the far west end of Route 560 (the main road on the North Shore of Kauai). It's a beautiful beach, but you'll especially enjoy the great views and interesting stops along the way.
• If you're up for it, I highly recommend taking a catamaran along the incomparable Na Pali Coast. Captain Andy's is the best. If you get a reservation in time, take the dinner tour where you can watch the sunset along the way, and you'll also come pretty close to the forbidden island of Ni'ihau.
• This next recommendation could be dicey with one arm, simply because the trail to get to Queen's Bath is anything but smooth. It can be slippery after a rain, but the payoff is amazing!
• On Saturdays from 9:30-Noon, you can visit the Hale Halawai Farmer's Market. Outstanding. You'll have never tasted pineapple and papaya and other tropical fruits until you go to a Hawaiian farmer's market. Worth the experience!

Kauai No Ka 'Oi!

 

[mjm1]

Greg, sorry to hear that you need surgery, but hope it goes smoothly.

Some great ideas have been shared. A couple others we thought of are:
- a chocolate farm tour and tasting if both of you like chocolate. I don't recall the name.
- drive to Waimea Canyon. Can hike or be more cautious and just view it.
- stop at JoJo's for shave ice on way to or from the canyon.
- stop at the swinging bridge on way to the canyon and walk across it. One good arm should do.

Have a great time despite the inconvenience.

Best regards.

Mike

 

[GregT]

Thanks to all for the comments and the support! This a three week trip, WPORV is Week 1 with Jack, followed by a week at each of MOC and Ko Olina with the whole family. So Week 2 and 3 will be "easy" because I have many hands to help with. I've told Jack that I need him to be my Sherpa for Week 1 and he is up for the task.

I've been trying to find a hike that is of medium length (2 hours?) and that is both beautiful and not strenuous. Many of the hikes noted in Discover Kauai (or whatever it is called) are more adventurous in nature. Does anyone have a favorite hike that is scenic but relatively flat?

Please advise and thanks!

Best,

Greg

 

[DeniseM]

Hi Greg - There is an easy, flat hike through an old Plantation, that starts behind the miniature golf course. It has a manmade waterfall that is part of the 1800 irrigation system, and it's quite enjoyable. It can also be muddy - wear old shoes.

http://anainahou.org/park-features/the-wai-koa-loop-trail/

Good pictures: http://www.hawaiimagazine.com/content/hiking-kauais-majestic-wai-koa-loop-trail

 

[klpca]

Thanks to all for the comments and the support! This a three week trip, WPORV is Week 1 with Jack, followed by a week at each of MOC and Ko Olina with the whole family. So Week 2 and 3 will be "easy" because I have many hands to help with. I've told Jack that I need him to be my Sherpa for Week 1 and he is up for the task.

I've been trying to find a hike that is of medium length (2 hours?) and that is both beautiful and not strenuous. Many of the hikes noted in Discover Kauai (or whatever it is called) are more adventurous in nature. Does anyone have a favorite hike that is scenic but relatively flat?

Please advise and thanks!

Best,

Greg

Kuilau up to the picnic area is not flat but an easy one mile each way. I take all of my non-hiker friends here. It's easy, short, and has great views. It can be buggy, and a bit steamy on a hot day. Here's a video of the trail shot by a mountain biker.

Otherwise there is flat trail along the coast by the Hyatt. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attract..._ulepu_Heritage_Trail-Poipu_Kauai_Hawaii.html . It's been about 7 years since the last time I did it and I can't remember if there's a scramble at the beginning.

Also, you could bike along the ocean on the path in Kapaa. (you could also walk) https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attract...21-Reviews-Kauai_Path-Kapaa_Kauai_Hawaii.html

 

[easyrider]

One thing that might be handy for you is a beverage sling.

http://drinkslings.com/product-category/beer-holsters/

Bill

 

[ThreeLittleBirds]

^^ that sling is funny, but your actual sling will likely have a holder for a ball meant to be squeezed to build strength. Once I got efficient enough after my shoulder surgery, I could use it as a cup holder

 

[GregT]

One thing that might be handy for you is a beverage sling.

http://drinkslings.com/product-category/beer-holsters/

Bill

That is fantastic!! Thanks for the link -- and I hope to take ThreeLittleBirds advice too!

Best,

Greg

 

[Chrispee]

Otherwise there is flat trail along the coast by the Hyatt. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attract..._ulepu_Heritage_Trail-Poipu_Kauai_Hawaii.html . It's been about 7 years since the last time I did it and I can't remember if there's a scramble at the beginning.

This would be the one I'd recommend too. Nothing challenging (not even at the beginning), beautiful scenery the whole way, and you could hike as much or as little of it as you wanted to. It can be a bit hairy dragging a rental car through the access road though