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Things wrt Hanalei

G

GBR3068

New member
Last questions for me I think on Seminar 1 before switching to Seminar 2…

1. After my experience in a blow at Drake's Bay, where I cut my anchor, is there anywhere not to moor? considering storm directions, strong trades, etc.
2. I posted my experiences at Drake's Bay and as a result I'm considering, as in currently planning to, putting a length of maybe 30 ft 8-plait at the anchor end of my chain so I have something to absorb shock when I get to the end of the chain when weighing anchor. Any issues with coral?
3. Can you get diesel at the gas station at the "top of the hill". I dont think I will be doing the back-and-forth with cans on an SUP but it would be good to know if I had to that I could get 5 gallons that would get me to a fuel dock either on Kauai or back in Honolulu
4. What sort of stuff can you get "at the top of the hill" for the ride home. On a scale from small convenience store to supermarket?
 
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GBR3068 said:
Last questions for me I think on Seminar 1 before switching to Seminar 2…

1. After my experience in a blow at Drake's Bay, where I cut my anchor, is there anywhere not to moor? considering storm directions, strong trades, etc.
In general there is not too much worry in anchoring in Hanalei bay... there are exceptions, particularly during winter storms but for the most part it is a fairly protected roadstead.
2. I posted my experiences at Drake's Bay and as a result I'm considering, as in currently planning to, putting a length of maybe 30 ft 8-plait at the anchor end of my chain so I have something to absorb shock when I get to the end of the chain when weighing anchor. Any issues with coral?
No, not really... the anchorage area is mostly sand.
3. Can you get diesel at the gas station at the "top of the hill". I dont think I will be doing the back-and-forth with cans on an SUP but it would be good to know if I had to that I could get 5 gallons that would get me to a fuel dock either on Kauai or back in Honolulu
Yes, you can get diesel at the gas station in Princeville
4. What sort of stuff can you get "at the top of the hill" for the ride home. On a scale from small convenience store to supermarket?
as Intermission noted, there is a very well stocked local Foodland supermarket in the same complex as the Texaco
Click to expand...

DH
 
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Thanks!

I think I am right in saying there are no fuel docks in Kauai. I understand there was a rental company I&L Rentals that would deliver fuel to Nawiliwili Harbor but it doesn't seem as though they are still in operation.

It is hard to find reliable information on fuel docks on Oahu via Internet but I can figure that out with some calls to Transpac folks.
 
I took along several empty diesel jugs. They don't weigh much and lived in the forepeak during the race. Before the return trip I made a couple runs to the closest gas station that sold #2 diesel (not the blended stuff). It beats tearing around town trying to buy fuel jugs, or trying to find a fuel dock in the islands.

In Hanalei Bay you'll need a little boat (yours or borrowed) to get the fuel jugs back to your boat. We were at the Kaneohe Yacht Club so that part was easier. Word to the wise: You can't Uber/Lyft with fuel jugs (or with dry ice).
.
 
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I am so glad we have this Forum because your last post was part of my thinking which was maybe I could Uber with the empty jugs to the top of the hill and walk down the hill with two full cans. I tried carrying two full 5 gallon cans for quite a way and it wasn't easy, carrying one is harder. Had to rest at least every 1/4 mile, down to every 100 yards at the end. It looks to be about a mile between the beach and the 76 gas station. Walking there isn't the hardest part, so I'm not sure Uber helps. My latest scheme is to try and use the wheelie luggage bag I use to hold my big fat SUP to carry a gas can. I hoped to try 2-at-a-time, but 1 is more realistic plus 1 can on the SUP is hard enough. So I think it has to be one at a time. Classic Time and Motion study… I think it would take me most of a day to get to the gas station and back for 10 gallons. Thats OK. I could also sit at the gas station and bribe someone with a pickup truck to give me a ride or two. Or just rent a car...

I have a 30 gallon tank and enough room in the engine compartment for another 10 gallons and enough room for 2 more empty 5 gallon tanks in the anchor locker. I got an offer of a fuel bladder from someone who just did the PacCup. I'm in the middle of analyzing the TransBack and how much fuel typically gets used to get back. My best guess is 1-2 days of motoring.
 
I agree that it is best to work out these logistics regarding re-provisioning and diesel access before we get to Hanalei. I am making arrangements to have a rental car available to shlep the diesel jugs from the nearby station to the beach but am still trying to decide the best way to then get the jugs to the anchored boat... I would be happy to assist others (with our rental car) who otherwise would be carrying jugs. What are others planning on doing to get to and from their boats while at anchor??? I have heard that inflatable kayaks and/or SUPs might be the ticket but would really like to arrange for something more substantial to rent/use. Also, are there limitations to motorized boat use in Hanalei Bay...

Lots to consider for sure. Let's keep this thread going.

Cheers,
Michael Polkabla
Cal40 Solstice #4
 
There are usually folks with a rental car or two willing to help with trips to market / fuel station.
Same with dinghys.

Be patient. Be appreciative. Goes a long way.

Walking to Princeville is not doable with fuel cans. Steep uphill with not much shoulder.
 
The only limitation regarding powered boats in Hanalei Bay is you do not land a powered dinghy at the swimming beach, which is directly in front of the life guard station at the head of the bay. They don't want people runninng outboards through areas where swimmers are. The best landing is to go to the left end of the bay to the Hanalei River, negotiate the rocks there, and land by the canoe club - no waves, you can step right into the dinghy. Be careful, dinghies (including mine) have been stolen from there. My suggestion would be to run a kayak straight up to the life guard station and leave it there - saves the walk in from the canoe club back to the main road you go up to get to the food store/market in Hanalei.

For fuel, definitely bring/carry empty jerry jugs on the race over; it can be difficult-to-impossible to find jerry jugs upon arrival. Expect that someone from RC or a fellow competitor will have a rental car available for a group run up to the gas station in Princeville.

For return fuel quantities, basically you can never have enough and how much you burn depends upon how close to the High you go and whether or not the High drops down over you. If you can manage 700-1,000 mile range then you're golden. A most useful thing to do in advance of the race is to work out the best motoring RPM to maximize range. I found over a series of tests that 1430 RPM at 4.9 knots was the best for me. Anything less I was mostly spinning the engine, anything more and I was burning additional fuel without increasing distance run nearly enough to make up for the extra fuel burn. Bring books should the High drop down and you elect not to motor along - it's extremely pleasant to spend a day in the High with the boat stopped.

An interesting factoid about diesel in jerry jugs - they float, so you can tow them out to the boat behind a kayak. Looks strange but it works.

The supermarket in Princeville has everything you'd need for return provisioning - it's a full size normal supermarket.

- rob/beetle
 
A plausible alternative to refueling/re-provisioning in Hanalei is to sail around to Nahwiliwili /Lihue.
Yes, it's a days sail upwind, and no, there isn't a fuel dock.
But there are docks, supermarkets, diesel and dock carts.
That said, you'll want some fenders... those concrete quays are just that... concrete.
And a vehicle to get around with.

And yes, the RC (and likely others) will have rental car(s) for facilitating trips up and down the hill to Princeville.
DAYDREAMER is correct, walking is emphatically not an option.
 
Dave,
Thanks for the useful information and thoughts on refueling and provisioning... In fact, I will be vacationing with my wife Michelle on Kauai January 3 through 17th and plan on performing some needed pre SHTP reconnaissance at Hanalei Bay and the Nahwiliwili harbor to see first-hand how the docks and tie ups look for the possibility of docking while a car is run up to any nearby diesel supply stations. An offer to everyone... Please let me know if there is anything else that anyone would like me to put "eyes on" for you at Hanalei and/or to check out there locally. Looking forward to getting there safe and sound and meeting everyone in person.

Cheers,
Michael Polkabla
Cal40 Solstice #4

PS Are people bringing dinghy's or inflatable kayaks, to get ashore or what can we expect once we arrive at Hanalei ???

...also, I am starting to play around with my new Expedition software now and wondered where the start and finish lines will be located? And are there coordinates posted
for those yet?
 
I'm bringing the same inflatable kayak that I used in 2010. Two seater, so I was able to carry a fair bit of stuff, including fuel and water for the return. Not in one trip, mind you!
 
Critter said:
I'm bringing the same inflatable kayak that I used in 2010. Two seater, so I was able to carry a fair bit of stuff, including fuel and water for the return. Not in one trip, mind you!
Click to expand...

In 6 trips to Hanalei with WILDFLOWER (27') I've individually brought a stock windsurfer (12'), a Kiwi kayak, and Avon Redcrest inflatable dinghy. All weighed 35-40 pounds and stowed below enroute. Each equally served well as shoreboat, landing in surf in front of Beach Park/lifeguard station. At one point I had 3, full, five gallon fuel jugs balanced on the windsurfer. Necessity is the mother of invention and part of the adventure: I've seen skippers swim their fuel jugs, as well as put them in inflatable inner tubes. Definitely bring a mask, snorkel, and fins and something you can row or paddle upwind into the offshore tradewinds. Relying on outboard convenience is a non-starter as per Beetle.
 
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My friend brought Starbuck's outboard over in a duffle bag in 2000. Try that now !

There is usually a shipment of gear that goes over in a crate where competitors can share the shipping costs of their dingy, delivery gear, etc.
 
So good to know that walking to anything is impossible. I assume that means to/from the supermarket with food as well.

Looks like there is a kayak rental place Kayak Hanalei at 5-5070A Kuhio Hwy. $45/day with what looks like dozens of plastic kayaks. I think that is walkable from the beach?

So that leaves getting a car. Seems like the hardest part is actually getting the car as in you need a car to get to a car at the airport for example.

It would be good to know how practical it is to get an Uber etc. in Kauai and if there are any tricks to picking up/leaving a rental at the airport.

I've fooled around a lot on windsurfers and I don't think I could handle three 5-gallon cans.

I'm beginning to think of SHTP as being the round-trip with a brief pause in Hanalei rather than a one-way.
 
If you happen to get there ahead of everyone else, you could ride the bus.
Stops at the corner of Aku road and Kuhio highway in Hanalei. 4 bucks and one transfer will get you to the airport and car rentals in Lihue.

If you can work with the schedules of others, most people are willing to help out with rides and such.

In 2018 the kayak rental place on the river did not allow their boats in the bay.
Rumor had it the place in the shopping center didn't ask.

As it was, three different people helped me out with their dinghys, on different occasions, to help shuttle me, food, water, fuel, laundry, guitar and an outboard. Dennis s/v Pamela refilled my jugs from his watermaker and delivered them. Mahalo!

As far as supplies go the hardware store in Princeville is pretty well stocked. I picked up a couple 5 gal fuel jugs and some galvanized fasteners. Not much stainless though.
 
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GBR3068 said:
. . . walking to anything is impossible.
Click to expand...

Well, not exactly. From the beach park pavilion it is a 1/2 mile walk to 'downtown' Hanalei, where there are restaurants, tourist-y shops of all kinds, and decent sized grocery store. https://www.timessupermarkets.com/store/hanalei-big-save.

That said, if you are sailing back, then it is indeed best to think of this as a round trip with a pause in Hanalei. So if you have the space and can stand the extra weight, you might consider leaving SF with most or all of the non-perishable provisions for the return trip. You're not going to find Backpacker's Pantry or Mountain House meals at the Hanalei grocery store.
 
Check with racers who are shipping back to see what they don't want to bring home.

I picked up a couple gallons of gas, a 3 gallon fuel jug and a few extra bags of freeze dried.

The store is Hanalei is indeed within walking distance of the beach as well as several decent restaurants.
It's a smaller store and one could make do but a better selection of produce is in Princeville.

My big purchase was apples and tangerines.

One suggestion is to grab some tins of vegetables or bring extra freeze dried veggies.
On the way home that was the main thing I craved after a couple weeks of beans & rice and pasta.
I thought I packed a couple tins but found them in a box of gear later at home.

I did find a Mountain House Pasta Primavera after a couple weeks, in the food box aboard during the return trip. It was a treat!
 
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Anyone used the bus just to "go up/down the hill"? https://thekauaibus.com/map 400 in Lihue direction and the 500 back. Every hour 5am to 9pm. Stops near the beach and in Princeville: • Hanalei Neighborhood Center • Hanalei Center • Across Princeville Library (which I make about 600 ft from the 76 station) Looks do-able, but so did walking.
 
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