Hideaway Beach in Feb.

Aloha,

I have been to Kauai but never to Hideaway Beach. I saw a post recently in which snorkeling was described as brilliant. Is that the case in Feb? North shore is generally not as safe in winter? Where exactly is the access and how steep is the trail down.

Mahalo for your help!!

Glynnis

Hideaway Beach in Feb.

Aloha billsgal:

Indeed, the North shore is generally not safe in the winter months. That said, we just returned from 10 days in Paradise, and Hideaways was the best snorkeling spot for us. While I do not believe in luck, we were very fortunate to be able to snorkel there twice. The water was just like glass the second time we were there. We were absolutely mesmerized by its beauty.

If you are staying North, you can check it out. Go down to the beach (a very beautiful, but small beach) and watch the waves/current for 20 - 30 minutes or so. You wil be able to determine the waves%26#39; sets and the safety of the conditions.

The access is immediately adjacent to the fence running alongside the parking lot across from the Princeville Resort. There is a 10 (at the MOST 10) marked public parking spot there. It is very unlikely that you will find a spot to park there, but if you park in the extreme back portion of the Princeville parking lot, back by the fence, they USUALLY are ok with people parking their vehicles there. They do, however, reserve the right to have your vehicle towed if they don%26#39;t have the room for their clientele to park.

The trail down is what limits the amount of people to go to Hideaways, I feel. It%26#39;s actually easier climbing up than going down, because it%26#39;s quite steep. About a third of the way is steps, another third has a horizontal rope to help you, and the last third you are on your own, but it isn%26#39;t very difficult the last third.

As you will read in many of the other posts, please, please, be very careful! I made one mistake in our time there (at Poipu Beach, nonetheless) and I am very glad I had superb fins on. Check with the multitude of public communications/web sites/etc., on where it is ok to swim/snorkel. The South is always safer to swim/snorkel in the winter months.

Either way, be safe and enjoy your time on the magical Garden Isle!

onlycharis

Hideaway Beach in Feb.

Mahalo Chris,

As my husband is quite out of shape ( but wonderful!!!!) I%26#39;m not sure if the trail will work. I have read several of your posts and appreciate your time and input in all things Kauai!!.....

I was surprised with a trip for Valentines Day (lucky girl!!)and am counting the days!!!! 13 to be exact.....

Aloha Glynnis:

You are going to Paradise because your husband realizes what a fantastic lady you are, just like my wife.

You will meet some of the nicest people there and will see the most beautiful sights. As hard as I try, I simply cannot communicate how incredible our trip was. We can%26#39;t get back soon enough!

Enjoy each moment! It will be a joyful memory that will stay with you for a long time!

onlycharis

Aloha Jeff and Holly,,,,,

Holy Kauai Chickens, you are hereby Knighted a KAUAI LOVER, will have to use the hawaiian warclub hanging on the wall, fresh out of swords, mate.

You certainly brought good weather to the island, today is 25 to 35 foot waves slamming the north and west coasts. extremley strong southerly winds. Really pleased you got down to Hideaways this time of year. Good stuff just must follow you two.

Friday was the Ocean Safety Conference, as was reported.

We did a new hike saturday up at kokee, and then sunday was Erica clean the house,and kick denny out to hand wash and detail the car. Read, get the red dirt lumps, out of the wheelweels , off the tires, wash the whole thing, and detail in and out. Looks pretty good. actually spiffy, if I do say so myself.

We then have our sunday ritual of Erica not cooking, after all the condo cleaning, and go to Dukes canoe club to realax, and have a meal at the bar and visit. Sunday, I have never seen the sea so glassy. Like a big calm lake. Different story today, however.

Hope the trip home turned to be ok, and the lugage recovered that went to the cook islands, or china, or Baltimore, or.....????

Good thoughts headed your way, we miss your exhuberant selves.

So, when is the return trip scheduled ?

Me ke aloha pumehana, and Aloha nui loa

Denny and Erica