Meet Kauai
Choosing a favorite from Hawaii's gorgeous array of islands is like naming your favorite flavor of ice cream. But because I'm in the business of Hawaiian vacation planning, I'll lend some guidance based on my observations during my Hawaii travels. If I were only going to go to one island, Kauai would be the place.
Kauai encapsulates all that is wonderful about Hawaii into one manageable little island. It is a place I would move up on your bucket list before the inevitable over tourism that can strike a destination (e.g. Iceland) takes over. Especially when you're talking about an island that only has one road around it, and even then, it doesn't go all the way. |
Rainbows come in abundance on Kauai
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Meet Kauai on Video
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Kauai - Hawaii's Island of Discovery
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Slippers - #LetHawaiiHappen video
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Great shots of Waimea Canyon
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Sightseeing
Kauai is on lot's of bucket lists -
I could write a book, but you'll get the idea from these videos.
Kauai is on lot's of bucket lists -
I could write a book, but you'll get the idea from these videos.
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We're agents for Sunshine Helicopters
Flights from both Lihue and Princeville |
Kauai is home to two National Botanic Gardens - Allerton and McBryde
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#Let Hawaii Happen on Kauai
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If you only take one helicopter ride in your life, Kauai is the place to do it. Much of the island's 550 square miles are covered with jagged cliffs, windswept valleys and jungle vegetation. 85% of Kauai is not accessible by car. ( Guided all-terrain vehicle tours can be arranged.) The main coastal road, much of it just a two lane highway, only circles around two thirds of the island.
Another way to view the spectacular scenery is to go flying over it on one of Kauai's zip lines. Or take a kayak down Hawaii's only navigable river. How about floating past the remnants of a former sugar cane plantation on a tubing adventure.
Then there are the towering cliffs of the Napali Coast. Take a serene coastal cruise at sunset. Or explore the natural coves and caves on a thrilling zodiac boat excursion.
Just a drive in your rental car makes for an exciting day out admiring the island's beautiful scenery. Don't miss the world famous botanical gardens. With so much diversity on Kauai, many visitors spend their whole vacation there.
North Shore
Princeville and the northern part of the Kauai get the most precipitation. Even in the rain Hanalei Bay is an awesome sight. Among the resorts located there is the renowned Princeville Resort, formerly the St. Regis. Their junior suites, complete with drop dead views from windows fronting their bathtubs are quite popular with honeymooners.
Poipu - the South Shore
In a sharp geographical contrast, the stunning beaches of the southern shore lie an hour and a half south on the sunny shores in Poipu. Here the climate is drier, and the coastal scenery includes plenty of beaches. Some of the island's more notable luxury resorts, including the Grand Hyatt, Koloa Landing, and the adult's only Koa Kea can be found here.
Many clients opting for an upscale honeymoon choose to stay on the north shore for part of their stay, and then head south to Poipu for the conclusion. By doing so, they're are exposed to two very different climatic and geographical zones. The north tends to be very tropical, while in the south the emphasis is on beaches and sun. This eliminates the wasted time traveling to another island.
Coconut Coast - eastern Kauai - in between
Fortunately you don't have to be a trust fund baby to visit paradise. Midway between Princeville and Poipu is the Coconut Coast resort community, anchored by the eclectic town of Kapaa. Here there are several three star hotels and condos complexes that will work if you're on a budget. If you're planning to do a bit of of sightseeing, the Coconut Coast's central location serves as an excellent base.
There's a number of reasonably priced restaurants concentrated in the town of Kapaa, and just to the south. On a map look for "Aleka Place." Newly opened is the Kauai outpost of Hawaii Island's renowned Lava Lava Beach Club, serving up a wide selection of well crafted tropical drinks. The outdoor restaurant is part of the Kauai Shores Hotel complex. It's a lovely spot to enjoy an informal lunch or dinner beach side with your toes in the sand facing the Pacific. A short walk away you'll also find the Coconut Coast Marketplace, which is home to several delicious takeaways.
About a mile south you'll find the Hilton Garden Inn next to Lydgate State Beach. The hotel was transformed from an older property with good bones. The hotel is also a an excellent choice for swimmers as Lydgate has lifeguards, facilities, is a protected beach. Remember all beaches in Hawaii are public, so you don't have to be a guest of the hotel to enjoy Lydgate.
Lihue Area Hotels
Further south near Kauai's small and manageable airport is the Kauai Beach Resort. This popular mid priced resort is set off by itself fronting the Pacific. though the beach isn't swimmable. The property does feature a large, attractively landscaped pool with waterfall.
Speaking of pools, further south is the Kauai Marriott. which has the largest in the state. This full service hotel and condominium complex is located on very picturesque Kalapaki Beach.
Another way to view the spectacular scenery is to go flying over it on one of Kauai's zip lines. Or take a kayak down Hawaii's only navigable river. How about floating past the remnants of a former sugar cane plantation on a tubing adventure.
Then there are the towering cliffs of the Napali Coast. Take a serene coastal cruise at sunset. Or explore the natural coves and caves on a thrilling zodiac boat excursion.
Just a drive in your rental car makes for an exciting day out admiring the island's beautiful scenery. Don't miss the world famous botanical gardens. With so much diversity on Kauai, many visitors spend their whole vacation there.
North Shore
Princeville and the northern part of the Kauai get the most precipitation. Even in the rain Hanalei Bay is an awesome sight. Among the resorts located there is the renowned Princeville Resort, formerly the St. Regis. Their junior suites, complete with drop dead views from windows fronting their bathtubs are quite popular with honeymooners.
Poipu - the South Shore
In a sharp geographical contrast, the stunning beaches of the southern shore lie an hour and a half south on the sunny shores in Poipu. Here the climate is drier, and the coastal scenery includes plenty of beaches. Some of the island's more notable luxury resorts, including the Grand Hyatt, Koloa Landing, and the adult's only Koa Kea can be found here.
Many clients opting for an upscale honeymoon choose to stay on the north shore for part of their stay, and then head south to Poipu for the conclusion. By doing so, they're are exposed to two very different climatic and geographical zones. The north tends to be very tropical, while in the south the emphasis is on beaches and sun. This eliminates the wasted time traveling to another island.
Coconut Coast - eastern Kauai - in between
Fortunately you don't have to be a trust fund baby to visit paradise. Midway between Princeville and Poipu is the Coconut Coast resort community, anchored by the eclectic town of Kapaa. Here there are several three star hotels and condos complexes that will work if you're on a budget. If you're planning to do a bit of of sightseeing, the Coconut Coast's central location serves as an excellent base.
There's a number of reasonably priced restaurants concentrated in the town of Kapaa, and just to the south. On a map look for "Aleka Place." Newly opened is the Kauai outpost of Hawaii Island's renowned Lava Lava Beach Club, serving up a wide selection of well crafted tropical drinks. The outdoor restaurant is part of the Kauai Shores Hotel complex. It's a lovely spot to enjoy an informal lunch or dinner beach side with your toes in the sand facing the Pacific. A short walk away you'll also find the Coconut Coast Marketplace, which is home to several delicious takeaways.
About a mile south you'll find the Hilton Garden Inn next to Lydgate State Beach. The hotel was transformed from an older property with good bones. The hotel is also a an excellent choice for swimmers as Lydgate has lifeguards, facilities, is a protected beach. Remember all beaches in Hawaii are public, so you don't have to be a guest of the hotel to enjoy Lydgate.
Lihue Area Hotels
Further south near Kauai's small and manageable airport is the Kauai Beach Resort. This popular mid priced resort is set off by itself fronting the Pacific. though the beach isn't swimmable. The property does feature a large, attractively landscaped pool with waterfall.
Speaking of pools, further south is the Kauai Marriott. which has the largest in the state. This full service hotel and condominium complex is located on very picturesque Kalapaki Beach.
You'll be directed to my island guides with helpful videos of "must do" experiences and select hotel tours