My first attempt was disgusting as well, so don't give up
I think grape juice would be a safer bet, since pineapples and kiwis are about the only fruits that ruin jelly.
In case you want to try lemon or orange sometime, here's my recipe for firm stuff that somewhat reminds me of "jello jigglers" mom used to make:
* soak 1 packet gelatin (should be about 2 t/packet) in 1/2 water for about 5 minutes
* heat 1/2 c water, 1 T honey, 1 t orange/lemon oil, 1/4 c raisins to boiling point
* mix in gelatin goop
* pour into container and chill until JIGGLY!
Notes:
skip the raisins if you don't like how they end up a squishy mass at the bottom (yum!)
can double everything but gelatin if you want a more typical softer jelly
the tip I found about pre-soaking the gelatin does seem to help it get more evenly distributed -- mitigates the tendency to end up rubbery on the bottom and runny on top
