Trip Report

Question

We stayed at the Outrigger Kauai Beach Resort. It is a nice property but I am still feeling a little chafed at the $30 a day self-parking fee and the $35 a day resort fee. We didn’t make use of the resort amenities other than the towels one day. It is just north of Lihue, but it feels a little isolated. If you want to eat or drink off property, which we did exclusively, it’s either a drive south to Lihue or a drive north to Kapa’a. Would probably look elsewhere if we ever went back.

We drove the north loop to the end at Haena State Park. We did not have reservations, so we simply took in the other sites along the way back, including Maniniholo Dry Cave, Ha’ena Beach, Hanalei Bay and then the overlook, Anini Beach, and Moloa’a Beach. We took the boat ride to the Fern Grotto, but not overly impressed. We enjoyed Kapa’a Town, and returned for happy hour and dinner another night.

We drove south through old Koloa Town and Poipu. Checked out Shipwreck Beach and Spouting Horn Blowhole. We drove to the top of Waimea Canyon, walking the last mile to the top overlook only to find it completely clouded out. The last stretch of road is closed due to excessive pot holes.

We road with Captain Andy up the Napali Coast. Even the overcast and the ‘vog’ from the Kilauea eruption couldn’t hide the beauty of that place. The snorkel spot wasn’t all that, but the crew was outstanding and the lunch exceeded my expectations. They are a top-notch outfit.

We did the tour of the Kauai Coffee Plantation. Being a farm boy and a coffee addict, I enjoyed it. We returned to Anini Beach for a quick snorkel. Very calm waters and turtle sightings.

Food that stood out for us included the Garlic Shrimp at The Shrimp Shack in Waimea, but the real standout was the food at the K&K Island Eats food truck north of Kapa’a Town. Awesome stuff. Big Flavors and a LOT of food.

Answer

Thank you for sharing such a detailed trip report — it paints a very clear picture of your week on Kauai and will be extremely helpful for future travelers. Below is a structured, expanded summary with additional context and insights to complement your experience, while keeping the tone of a thoughtful post-visit reflection.

OUTRIGGER KAUAI BEACH RESORT — OVERVIEW OF YOUR EXPERIENCE

Your observations about the Outrigger Kauai Beach Resort reflect what many travelers feel: it’s a beautiful property with great grounds but can feel slightly isolated. The daily self-parking and resort fees do add up, especially if you aren’t planning to use the amenities extensively. As you noted, dining requires a drive either toward Lihue or Kapa’a, which is important for people who prefer walkability or easy food access.

NORTH SHORE LOOP + HAENA AREA

Driving all the way to the end of the road without Haena State Park reservations is still a rewarding day, and you made excellent choices stopping at nearby points of interest. Highlights you mentioned include:

Maniniholo Dry Cave – Easy stop, dramatic cavern interior.
Haʻena Beach – Beautiful sand and surf views near the trailhead area.
Hanalei Bay & the overlook – A must-stop for sweeping mountain and ocean panoramas.
Anini Beach – One of the calmest snorkel beaches on the island.
Moloaʻa Beach – Lesser-known, quiet, and scenic.

Your impression of the Fern Grotto boat tour is very common — pleasant but not a highlight for many compared to Kauai’s other natural attractions. On the other hand, enjoying Kapaʻa Town enough to return for happy hour and dinner is typical; it’s a lively area with great food trucks, shops, and casual restaurants.

SOUTH SIDE EXPLORATION

Your visit to old Koloa Town and Poipu follows one of the most classic south-shore drives. Shipwreck Beach gives beautiful sunrise views and big surf, and the Spouting Horn Blowhole remains a reliable stop for quick scenery and photos.

Your Waimea Canyon experience — walking the last mile because of the closed stretch and finding the summit clouded over — is very relatable. The canyon’s weather is notorious for shifting rapidly, and cloud-outs are frequent. Still, making the trek is part of the adventure, and even partial views in the canyon tend to be worth the effort.

NĀ PALI WITH CAPTAIN ANDY’S

It’s great to hear such a positive review of Captain Andy’s. Their reputation for exceptional crews and service is well known. Even on overcast days with vog from Kilauea, the Nā Pali cliffs are stunning, so it makes sense that the weather didn’t diminish the experience. Snorkeling can be hit-or-miss depending on swell, visibility, and exact location, but their lunch quality and hospitality consistently earn praise.

KAUA'I COFFEE PLANTATION + RETURN TO ANINI

The Kauai Coffee Plantation is a fun stop for anyone who enjoys agriculture, history, or a good cup of coffee. Your appreciation as a “farm boy and coffee addict” makes perfect sense — it’s one of the few large coffee estates in the U.S. and offers a unique perspective.

Your quick snorkel return to Anini Beach also aligns with many visitors’ experiences: calm water, easy entry, and reliable turtle sightings make it a favorite for both beginners and relaxed snorkelers.

FOOD HIGHLIGHTS

Your food standouts add great value for future travelers, especially since Kauai’s food truck scene is highly regarded. Your favorites included:

The Shrimp Shack in Waimea – Known for its strong garlic flavors.
K&K Island Eats food truck (north of Kapaʻa) – Large portions, bold flavors, and consistently great reviews.

These types of local-style meals often end up being visitor favorites, even compared to sit-down restaurants.

OVERALL IMPRESSIONS

Your trip report reflects a very balanced Kauai experience: beaches, sightseeing, boat tours, food trucks, scenic drives, and cultural stops. You covered both north and south sides efficiently and experienced many of the island’s standout attractions.

Your final insights — especially about resort fees, transportation considerations, and which excursions were most worthwhile — are extremely valuable for anyone planning their own trip.