Planning a Trip

Kauai has so many places to explore, things to do, sights to see -- where do you start? That's where I come in. In the pages that follow, I've compiled everything you need to know to plan your ideal trip to Kauai: information on airlines, seasons, a calendar of events, how to make camping reservations, and much more (even how to tie the knot).

If you are thinking about seeing another island in addition to Kauai, I strongly recommend that you limit your island-hopping to one island per week. If you decide to go to more than one island in a week, be warned: You could spend much of your precious vacation time in airports, waiting to board flights and for your luggage to arrive, and checking in and out of hotels. Not much fun!

My second tip is to fly directly to Kauai; doing so can save you a 2-hour layover in Honolulu and another plane ride. So let's get on with the process of planning your trip. Searching out the best deals and planning your dream vacation to Hawaii should be half the fun.

What to Pack

Kauai is very informal: You'll get by with shorts, T-shirts, and sneakers at most attractions and restaurants; a casual sundress or a polo shirt and khakis is fine even in the most expensive places. Don't forget a long-sleeved coverup (to throw on at the beach when you've had enough sun for the day), rubber water shoes or flip-flops, and hiking shoes and several pairs of good socks if you plan to do any hiking. You might also want to bring binoculars for whale-watching.

Be sure to bring sun protection: sunglasses, strong sunscreen, a light hat (like a baseball cap or a sun visor), and a canteen or water bottle if you'll be hiking -- you'll easily dehydrate on the trail in the tropic heat. Experts recommend carrying 2 liters of water per person per day on any hike. Campers should bring water purification tablets or devices.

Don't bother overstuffing your suitcase with 2 whole weeks' worth of shorts and T-shirts: Kauai has laundry facilities everywhere. If your accommodations don't have a washer/dryer or laundry service (most do), there will most likely be a laundry nearby. The only exception to this is Kokee Park, so do a load of laundry before you arrive.

One last thing: It really can get cold on Kauai, especially if you are staying in Kokee. It's always a good idea to bring long pants and a windbreaker, sweater, or light jacket. And be sure to bring along rain gear if you'll be in Kauai from November to March.

That Long Flight to Hawaii: How to Stay Comfortable

The plane ride probably will not be the most fun part of your trip to Hawaii. Long flights can be trying; stuffy air and cramped seats can make you feel as if you're being sent parcel post in a small box. But with a little advance planning, you can make an otherwise unpleasant experience almost bearable.

• Your choice of airline and airplane will definitely affect your legroom. Find more details at www.seatguru.com, which has extensive details about almost every seat on six major U.S. airlines.
• Emergency exit seats and bulkhead seats typically have the most legroom. Emergency exit seats are usually held back to be assigned the day of a flight (to ensure that the seat is filled by someone able-bodied); it's worth getting to the ticket counter early to snag one of these spots for a long flight. Many passengers find that bulkhead seating (the row facing the wall at the front of the cabin) offers more legroom, but keep in mind that bulkheads are where airlines often put baby bassinets, so you may be sitting next to an infant.
• To have two seats for yourself in a three-seat row, try for an aisle seat in a center section toward the back of coach. If you're traveling with a companion, book an aisle and a window seat. Middle seats are usually booked last, so chances are good you'll end up with three seats to yourselves. And in the event that a third passenger is assigned the middle seat, he or she will probably be more than happy to trade for a window or an aisle.
• To sleep, avoid the last row of any section or a row in front of an emergency exit, as these seats are the least likely to recline. Avoid seats near highly trafficked toilet areas. Avoid seats in the back of many jets -- these can be narrower than those in the rest of coach class. You also may want to reserve a window seat so that you can rest your head and avoid being bumped in the aisle.
• Get up, walk around, and stretch every 60 to 90 minutes to keep your blood flowing. This helps avoid deep vein thrombosis, or "economy-class syndrome," a potentially deadly condition that can be caused by sitting in cramped conditions for too long. Other preventative measures include drinking lots of water and avoiding alcohol.
• Drink water before, during, and after your flight to combat the lack of humidity in airplane cabins -- which can be drier than the Sahara. Bring a big bottle of water (1.5 liter) on board. Avoid alcohol, which will dehydrate you.
• If you're flying with kids, don't forget to carry on toys, books, pacifiers, and chewing gum to help them relieve ear pressure buildup during ascent and descent. Let each child pack his or her own backpack with favorite toys.

No Smoking in Hawaii

Well, not totally no smoking, but Hawaii has one of the toughest laws against smoking in the U.S. It's against the law to smoke in public buildings, including airports, shopping malls, grocery stores, retail shops, buses, movie theaters, banks, convention facilities, and all government buildings and facilities. There is no smoking in restaurants, bars, or nightclubs. Most bed-and-breakfasts prohibit smoking indoors, and more and more hotels and resorts are becoming smoke-free even in public areas. Also, there is no smoking within 20 feet of a doorway, window, or ventilation intake (so no hanging around outside a bar to smoke -- you must go 20 ft. away). Even some beaches have no-smoking policies (and at those that do allow smoking, you'd better pick up your butts and not use the sand as your own private ashtray -- or else face stiff fines). Breathing fresh, clear air is "in," while smoking in Hawaii is "out."