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From Wikitravel

Kauai [1] is the northwestern most of Hawaii's major islands. Nicknamed the Garden Island, it is covered with lush greenery and tropical plants, watered regularly by abundant rainfall. As the oldest of the islands, it has been changed the most by the forces of erosion, and this has resulted in natural wonders such as Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali Coast. As a consequence of its age, Kauai also has more miles of sandy coastline than the other Hawaiian islands.

[edit] Regions

The major regions of Kaua`i can be defined by their location on the island relative to the prevailing trade winds. The north and east sides of the island are on the "windward" side of the island, where the winds blow onto the shore. These parts of the island tend to get the most rain, and as a result, are the greenest and most tropical parts of the island. The south and west sides of the island are on the "leeward" side of the island, which receive less rain since most clouds have already dropped their rain on the windward side of the island.

[edit] Cities

The word "city" might be an exaggeration for an island of 63,000 people, but here's some information on the towns of Kaua`i.

Kapa`a, on the east side, about a 20 minute drive north of Lihu`e, is the largest population center on the island. It anchors what is known as the Coconut Coast, which hosts many inexpensive to moderately priced resorts and much commercial activity with many strip malls along the highway. The corridor between Lihu`e and Kapa`a is the island's most congested.

Lihu`e, on the island's southeast side, is the civic and commercial center of the island, host to the island's main airport, county offices, and largest shopping mall (Kukui Grove Center). The Kaua`i Museum [2], located in the old part of Lihu`e and is the island's best museum on the history, geography, and people of Kaua`i.

Po`ipu, on the south side, branded "the sunny side of paradise", is the major visitor destination for the island. Poipu features beautiful beaches, swimming, snorkeling and surfing, sea turtles, whales, monk seals, trade winds, palm trees, and spectacular sunsets. The National Tropical Botanical Garden of the Pacific with its Allerton and McBryde Gardens are located in Poipu. The Grand Hyatt Kauai, the Koa Kea Hotel and Coastline Cottages Kauai lead the area's accommodation choices.

Princeville is a planned resort community on the north shore, consisting of homes, condo developments, the St. Regis hotel, and 2 golf courses. Kauai's impressive north shore mountains form the backdrop. Several small beaches are located within Princeville, with many more a short drive away.

Waimea, on the west side, is a small town with a flavor of old Kaua`i. Most visitors pass through town on the way to Waimea Canyon and Koke`e, but the town itself is worth a relaxing visit.

[edit] Other destinations

• Hanalei, on the north shore, is home to a quaint little beach town and famous Hanalei Bay, a crescent shaped bay known for it's sandy white beaches and world class surf.
• Haena, lies just beyond Hanalei. It is made up of residential homes and is the gateway to Na Pali Coast.
• Hanapepe on the south shore has a quaint downtown filled with artists' galleries and craft shops. There is also a swinging footbridge over the Hanapepe River. Be sure to check out the Banana Patch Studio for wonderful hand painted tiles and other locally made items.
• Kilauea is a small village that most people pass on the way to the Kilauea Lighthouse. The Kong Lung Center offers a few unique stores and restaurants. There is also a large fruit stand, Banana Joe's, located north of Kilauea on the mountain side of the highway.

[edit] Understand

In many ways, Kauai is different from the rest of the islands. It's almost as if you've stepped into a separate kingdom, and for many years Kauai was just that in relation to Hawaii. Kamehameha I was able to conquer all the islands by force, except Kauai. Two separate campaigns to take the island ended in failure. In the end, it took diplomacy, a royal kidnapping, and an arranged marriage to bring Kauai into the kingdom of Hawaii.

Kauai is also known as the place where the sugar cane industry in Hawaii was born. Sugar was once the industrial mainstay of the Kauai economy but in recent years has taken a back seat to tourism. In October of 2009, Gay & Robinson will harvest the last sugar crop in Kauai, ending 117 years of the sugar business in Kauai.

In short, compared to Oahu, Maui or the Big Island, Kauai is smaller, less populated, more rural, and more laid back. That's why it's the favorite destination for many visitors to Hawaii, and for many Hawaii residents as well. Visitors come to explore the island's beaches and natural wonders, but the multitude of resorts on white sand beaches provide ample opportunity to just sit and do nothing if you're so inclined.

Because tourist development reached Kauai considerably later than the other islands, the island has a larger proportion of timeshares, condominiums, and bed and breakfasts. Also, a strict cap on building heights (hotels can be no more than 40 feet high) prevent the development of the mega-resorts and towering skyscrapers found on the other islands. The local rule is that nothing can be built taller than a coconut tree.

One look at a map will show you an important difference between Kauai and the more populous islands of Hawaii: Due to the massive Waimea Canyon and Na Pali Coast, no roads circle the island. Once you've made the drive along the south shore to Waimea and seen the canyon, the only options are to go West on dirt roads to Polihale Beach or turn around and go back the way you came. Same story for Princeville and Na Pali on the north shore. However, the island is compact enough that both ends of the road can be seen in the same day. But the Garden Island cannot be enjoyed or appreciated if you are pressed for time.

[edit] Get in

Lihue Airport (LIH) is Kauai's main airport, a small terminal served with inter-island flights by Hawaiian and go!. Alaska, American, Delta, United Airlines, and US Airways offer non-stop service from the U.S. West Coast.

Tip when flying into Lihue: For the best incoming view, select a window seat on the left side of the aircraft. More often than not you'll be landing to the north thanks to the trade winds. From that angle you will see a dramatic cliff view off the left side on final approach.

There is now also a deep water port at Nawiliwili for cruise ships. Norwegian Cruise Lines offers cruises between the islands that start and end in Honolulu.

[edit] Get around

Rental car is the best way to really see the island -- and the only way to get to some remote (and scenic) sites. Most major rental car companies have offices at the Lihue airport or nearby by shuttle bus. Car rentals are available in a large variety of makes and models and provide travelers flexibility and freedom to explore the island.

Most rental car companies have restricted areas, notably Polihale beach. Check before you go, or take the risk of paying yourself out of trouble if your rental car breaks down or gets stuck.

The Kaua`i bus [3] is perhaps the only other way to get around, but will not go to some rural attractions, such as Koke`e. Still, if you are on a budget, this bus will get you around and between the major population centers, such as Lihu`e and Kapa`a, and the major resort/beach areas.

Pono Taxi and Kauai Tours [4] and Taxi Hanalei [5] are one of the few authorized airport taxi companies that are allowed to do pre-arranged pickups at Lihue Airport and take you to any destination on the island. They also offer personalized Kauai tours in one of the most comfortable taxi rides on the garden isle. A standard two hour tour is $ 120, and taxi fare is $ 3.00 per mile.

One other option for transport on the island is bicycle. The east side of the island (including Lihue and Kapa`a) has plans for a major bike path under development as of early 2005. Parts of this path exist, but the major connections between towns are still along the major highways. Eventually, the entire east side of the island will be connected by exclusive bikeways, making nonautomobile transportation a real option.

There are two main highways on Kaua`i, both starting in Lihue. Kaumualii Highway (state route 50) heads to the west, through the towns of Kalaheo, Hanapepe, Waimea, and Kekaha before ending at the Na Pali Coast. Kuhio Highway (state route 56) heads north from Lihue, through Kapa`a, Kilauea, Princeville, and Hanalei, ending at the other side of Na Pali.

[edit][add listing] See

• Lydgate State Park is on route 56, north of the airport. There's a park with play area for kids with the usual swings, slides etc. There's an excellent swimming area for kids. The swimming area is separated by big rocks from the ocean, which helps break up the strong current.

• Old Koloa town is on route 520 on the way to Poipu. The small, rustic town has a grocery store, ice cream parlor, and some souvenir shops. There's also a small museum about the lives of the Japanese immigrants who worked on Kauai's sugar plantations. In the field across from the grocery store there's a monument to them as well.

• The Huleia National Wildlife Refuge offers stunning scenery and a great place to photograph native birds and animals.

• The elegant and pristine Wailua Falls looks like a double waterfall from the viewing area but is actually a triple waterfall, once the site of thrilling cliff diving. It's a short drive from Lihue on a dead end road.

• Opaekaa Falls are 1.3 miles from the start of Route 580. There is a vista point on Route 580 to see the falls with plenty of parking for cars. Right across from the road is another view point for the Wailua River.

• Hanalei Valley and Bay has two separate scenic overlooks. The valley overlook showcases taro fields in various stages of production. The bay overlook features the scenic bay framed by the northern edge of the Napali Coast mountains known in movies as Bali Hai. Both overlooks are between Princeville and the one-lane Hanalei Bridge.

• Kilauea Point Lighthouse and Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, on Kilauea Road off Kuhio Highway (route 56) near mile 23, (808) 828-1413. then follow the road to the end. The lighthouse was built in 1913 and had the largest lens of its kind; it guided ships between North America and Asia until its light was replaced by a beacon in the 1970s. Located in a national wildlife refuge which is a nesting ground for a diverse collection of seabirds, the only one of its kind in the islands. $3 for adults, free for children. National Park Service Golden Eagle Passports accepted and sold.

• National Tropical Botanical Garden, Lawa'i Road (across from Spouting Horn on Po'ipu Road), [6]. 8:30 - 5:00. The National Tropical Botanical Garden in Kauai consists of three separate gardens: McBride, Allerton, and Limahuli. The spectacular gardens contain plants native to Hawaii, endangered species, and imported species. Allerton Garden and McBride Garden, on the south shore, are accessible by tour bus from the visitor's center. Allerton is a secluded valley formerly owned by Hawaiian royalty. McBride contains the largest collection of ex situ native Hawaiian plants in existence. Limahuli, on the north shore, contains plants significant to early Hawaiian inhabitants and reproduces ancient taro terraces as well as a later plantation-era garden. Free.  edit

[edit] Waimea Canyon and Koke'e State Park

Above Waimea on state route 550. From Lihue, take state route 50 west to Waimea. From there, you can take Waimea Canyon Drive (550) or continue to Kekaha turning onto state route 552, which meets route 550 near its 6-mile mark. Both roads are winding. Most popular viewing point of the canyon is just past mile 11 on route 550. Koke'e is located about 4 miles further. (808)245-6001 for weather information in the canyon.

At over 10 miles long, 1 mile wide, and 3,567 feet deep, Waimea Canyon has been called the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific." Indeed, its colors rival that of its Arizona counterpart, except that Waimea Canyon also adds touches of green that would be absent in the desert. Carved and formed over hundreds of thousands of years by runoff from Mount Waialeale at the center of the island, the canyon shows millions of years of geological history.

Camping and hiking are available above the canyon at Koke'e State Park.

Best time to go is on a relatively clear day, and then after mid-morning (from about 9:30 a.m. on). Otherwise, clouds and fog may obscure the view.

[edit] Na Pali Coast

The Na Pali coast, featured in the film Jurassic Park and many other movies, is one of the most distinctive geological features of Kauai and consists of sheer cliffs thousands of feet high that drop directly onto pristine secluded beaches. The beaches are reachable only by boat, helicopter, or very experienced hikers, but the cliffs may be viewed from the top by driving to the end of Route 550.

[edit][add listing] Do

People come to Kauai primarily for one thing: the beaches with their great snorkeling, surfing, swimming, and sunning. But Kauai also boasts more navigable rivers than the other Hawaiian Islands making kayaking very popular. If the surf is calm you can even combine a river run with time paddling the bays and ocean shoreline. You'll find kayak rentals near the mouth of the most popular rivers. Many will also rent roof-top strap-on kayaks for travelers interested in trying one of the several smaller river runs.

Kauai has great hiking and mountain biking trails as well. Outdoor adventurers will find the guidebook Kauai Trailblazer to be helpful in comparing various locations for hiking and biking (as well as snorkeling, kayaking, and surfing). The Waimea Canyon area has extensive hiking trails both into the canyon itself as well as great overlooks of the Na Pali cliffs. Check with the park office on trail conditions and weather before starting your hike.

• Warning: Kauai's famous red dirt is very slippery when wet, as it often is, making some trails too slippery to use, particularly those along steep drop offs.

There are many commercial tour guides that offer various land and sea adventures such as guided hikes, downhill bike tours, back-country ATV trips, river tubing adventures, and more.

Other recommended activities are listed below by region.

• North: Hanalei is a charming Hawaiian village in beautiful country on the north of the island. Hanalei has a nostalgic, romantic quality of simpler times on the Islands. An easy drive to the northwest of Hanalei is the Na Pali coast. Drive to where the road ends, park and hike the twenty-two mile round-trip journey to mythical Kalalau. The Kalalau Trail is generally regarded as among the most spectacular hikes in the world, albeit incredibly painful. If you want to get a taste, hike 2 miles in to the first beach (Hanakapi'ai). Day hikes are unrestricted, but camping requires a permit from the parks department. There is a long waiting list, so signing up a year in advance is a good idea. Tour boats can also access the coast; they may be chartered out of Hanalei or other outfits on the south of the island. Snorkeling is very good. Be advised, however, that the area is effectively closed to boats in the winter due to the intense Pacific weather hitting that part of Kaua'i.

• East: Kapa'a is a small, cute, tourist-friendly town on the east side. It features a movie theater, an internet cafe, several restaurants, and a Birkenstock outlet. Look up from Anahola and see the mountain that faded in from the Paramount logo at the beginning of "Raiders of the Lost Ark."

• South: The South Shore has a number of great beaches such as Maha'ulepu Beach with its ancient petroglyphs and the rocky Shipwreck Beach, both perfect for snorkeling or scuba diving. Poipu Beach, often ranked as one of the world’s top beaches by travel surveys. Venture to Kipu Falls, where the opening sequences for Raiders of the Lost Ark were filmed. Kauai is a leading destination for scuba divers, with many beautiful, relatively unspoiled coral reefs and a variety of fish not found anywhere outside the Hawaiian archipelago. Dive boats leave daily from Po'ipu. Shorter trips typically involve two dives at locations off the south shore. For a once-in-a-lifetime dive choose a dive off the coast of Ni'ihau, the privately-owned island to the west of Kauai. Expect to pay from $120 and up depending on the dive-boat operator and the length of the dive. Kauai is also a destination for whale watchers; humpbacks winter in the coast off Hawaii. Dolphin pods are also a very common sight. Whale watching boats leave multiple times a day from Po'ipu and the dock at Nawiliwili in Kalapaki Bay.

• West: A drive up to the Waimea Canyon is highly recommended or explore the Canyon and surrounding areas on a breathtaking tour.

If you rent a jeep make sure you take a trek out to Polihale Beach [7]. It is located at the southern end of Napali and to the north of Barking Sands. It is a wide sprawling sandy beach. The sunsets here are truly awesome and with a permit you can camp there too (it is a state park). During the winter and early spring you can also see the whales from the beach. However, the last couple of miles of the road to get to Polihale, run through an old sugar cane field. At (Feb 2007) the road was still not maintained and is in very poor condition. If you have a regular rental car don't even bother unless they have started maintaining the road, instead rent a fourwheel, this beach is the most beautiful beach on the island. If you can get to Polihale do it. You won't be sorry! Unless you get stuck in the sand dunes if you drive on the beach - assuming that your cell phone works, the tow could cost a great deal.

[edit][add listing] Eat

Like the rest of Hawaii, the plate lunch is ubiquitous in Kauai (see the Eat section in the main Hawaii article for more information). However, many of Kauai's beaches and natural attractions (like Waimea Canyon) have no amenities nearby. Pack a lunch and bring enough water for the day - then stop at the restaurants for dinner. Waimea Canyon visitors can drive a few miles further up the road to the Koke'e Lodge, located in the Koke'e State Park next to the museum. It serves breakfast and lunch.[8]

• Jojo's Clubhouse, 19-835 Kaumualii Highway, Uninc Kauai County, HI‎, ☎ (808) 635-7615. Excellent shave ice, arguably the best, if not in the state, then on Kauai. Over 60 flavors of syrup available. Many people stop there to or from Waimea Canyon.  edit
• Mema Thai Chinese Cuisine, 4-369 Kuhio Hwy # 4, Kapaa, HI‎, ☎ (808) 823-0899. Reasonable prices, good decor.  edit
• Monicos Taqueria‎, 4-356 Kuhio Hwy # D, Kapaa, HI‎, ☎ (808) 822-4300. Off the main highway in Kapaa. Indoor and outdoor dining. Friendly staff and good food.  edit
• Red lychee fruit from a roadside stand or a farmer's market
• Wishing Well in Hanalei has the very best shave ice on Kauai. But, be prepared, they don't open until Noon or after. If you arrive at 11:30AM be prepared to wait until they are ready to open and start serving. They close daily when they run out of ice, usually around 4PM.
• Lappert's Ice Cream and Coffee, several locations on Kauai (and on the mainland as well), main location at 1-3555 Kaumualii Highway (route 50) in Hanapepe. The island of Kauai was where the late Walter Lappert retired and created what used to be the best premium ice cream in Hawaii - the quality has diminished significantly in the last ten years. The ice cream is still made in small batches from the small factory in Hanapepe. About $3 for a single scoop in a cup or cone.
• BarAcuda Kauai's only world renowned chef, Jim Moffat, prepares tapas style cuisine using fresh island ingredients. [9]
• Kilauea Bakery: Off main highway in Kilauea, +1 828 2020, 11AM-9PM, closed Sun. Fresh bread, great pizza. Sit outside to eat. 40 minute drive from Lihue airport.
• Duane's Ono Burger: Next to the Anahola Post Office and General Store in Anahola on the road to Princeville. As the name suggests, the burgers are "Ono" which in Hawaiian, means "good." Portions are huge and seating is outside and limited. Take it to go and bring your food to nearby Anahola Beach. Parking is also limited, especially during the busy lunch hour.
• Koloa Fish Market Located near the eastern end of the main strip in Koloa the fish market has great plate lunches, especially the tuna.
• Bubba Burger Three burger joints (one in Kapaa, another in Hanalei, and the newest location in Poipu), whose motto is, "We cheat lawyers, drunks and tourists," has great burgers. You just can't have them your way. They come standard and any changes they make you do while the cook isn't looking. The burgers are great and the onion rings are better. It's an experience to be had. There is also a restaurant on Maui.
• Pizzetta an absolutely delicious pizzeria in the Po'ipu Shopping Village. Complete with a bar and patio, this is one of the more popular restaurants, and with good reason!
• Puka Dog Again, in the Po'ipu Shopping Village. World Famous hot dogs, made by inserting polish sausages into "tubes" of bread filled with any of several house-specialty sauces. Save this as one of the last meals on your trip, or you'll be eating here all week! [10]
• Kalaheo Cafe and Coffee 2-2560 Kaumualii Hwy, 808 332-5858. Daily 6:30 AM - 2:30 PM, Dinner W - Sa from 5:30 PM. [11].A quaint little place that has excellent coffee, breakfast, sandwiches, and dinner. Try the tofu wrap or pineapple macadamia nut french toast for breakfast. Any of the salads, pastas, or fish will make an excellent dinner choice. Very reasonably priced.
• Pho Kauai, 4303 Rice St # B1, Lihue, HI, 96766 (South West Corner of Rice & Kress. Next door to the bowling alley in the strip mall. Just before the Toyota dealership on the left (south) side of Rice coming from the airport/west), ☎ (808) 245-9858, [12]. Great meal for a low price by vacation/holiday or everyday living standards. Local establishment with authentic Pacific Rim food. Soup (Pho) is above average on the US West Coast grading curve. Many other Vietnamese meals on the menu. Excellent for kids. Clean dining room with a casual atmosphere & friendly service (normal for a family restaurant). Well worth seeking out if you are visiting & looking for a healthy & low price meal. Very low prices for Kauai dining.  edit
• Pacific Pizza & Deli, 9852 Kaumualii Hwy, Waimea, HI 96796, ☎ (808) 338-1020. Great pizza, calzones, and sandwiches. Reasonably priced. Nice place to eat on the way to Waimea Canyon.  edit
• Hamura's Saimin Stand, 2956 Kress Street, Lihue (behind the Salvation Army), ☎ 808-245-3271. 10AM - 10:30PM Mon-Thurs, 10AM - Midnight Fri and Sat, 10AM - 9PM Sun. Saimin is Hawaii's contribution to noodle cuisine, and Hamura's does it better than anyone else; it won a James Beard Award in 2006. Seating is first-come-first-served with communal tables. Bowls come in sizes from small to extra large. Order the extra fixings - vegetables, hard boiled egg, roast pork, and wontons - and try the Lilikoi pie for dessert. Less than $10; credit cards not accepted.  edit

[edit][add listing] Drink

• A great place to watch the sun set behind Bali Hai at cocktail hour is the "Library" at the Starwood Princeville Hotel, in the Princeville Resort on the North Shore. At the end of Ka Haku Road. As of November 2008, the Princeville Hotel was closed for renovations; call before heading there.
• Sunset from The Point bar at the Sheraton Poipu--sit on the patio and nosh some bar food, sip a Lilikoi Lemonade, and watch the sun set behind Niihau and Spounting Horn.

[edit] Stay safe

Leptospirosis - Do not to swim near the outlets of streams at the beach because they are polluted. Be aware of leptospirosis [13], a serious bacterial infection. The bacteria is spread by the urine of animals and is found in all fresh water and even mud on trails. It is more common on Kauai than other islands, and should be treated promptly with antibiotics. Symptoms are flu-like, and mainland doctors may not recognize the disease as readily. The bacteria dies in salt water after a few hours, but stream outlets should still be avoided.

Rip tides, currents, and high surf - Rip tides and ocean currents on Kauai can be treacherous. Pay careful attention to life guard warnings and don't swim alone. Big surf is common during the winter months. Many popular swimming areas, such as the Queen's Bath, should be approached with caution. Once swept into high surf without a nearby beach or other easy egress point it can be nearly impossible to get back out of the water.

Sunburn - The UV index in Hawaii often exceeds 12 in the summer. People with lighter complexions can receive serious sunburns in as little as 15 minutes. Always wear a good sunblock and/or UV-blocking clothes. Sunburn can easily ruin a vacation. If you get a bad sunburn, however, the Wilcox Memorial Hospital in Lihue [14] can prescribe medication to alleviate the symptoms.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

Before making reservations on a lodging it's best to review a map of the island and plan ahead. Think about the activities and sightseeing you want to do. While it's true that you can drive to any part of the island within an hour or two you'll spend less time in the car if you book your lodging in a spot that's closest to the places you'll spend most of your time. The one main highway is only two lanes *one each way* and tends to get fairly congested at times.

The "windward" side, especially the north coast can get up to twice rain than the sunny south coast. If you come from a cold and rainy region looking for a sunny Hawaiian vacation you could be disappointed if you stay on the lush, green, tropical - and wetter - north coast. Yes, it will still be warm but more with more cloud cover and showers.

Location and setting also affects lodging prices. There can be a sizable price difference between ocean view and non-ocean view units - the so-called 'garden' or 'mountain' view rooms - all within the same resort. Also, resorts or condo properties set inland - even a block or two - can sometimes be 10-20% cheaper than properties that front or connect directly with the beach. Yes, you'll have to walk a bit or bike or even make a short drive but if helps to fit Kauai into your budget it may be worth the walk.

Make your reservations early to get the best choices for unit type, location, and price. Larger condo resorts often have multiple owners so search the Web by resort name and compare prices. Note that "by owner" listings for condos ususally offer rates that a litte lower than what the big agencies will charge for the same complex - although selection will be narrower (e.g. one to four units). Get a complete written quote of all expense plus the cancellation and refund policy before sending a deposit.

Another option is camping. There are many county and a state park where camping is allowed. Permits are cheap but required.

[edit] Budget

• Kauai International Hostel, 4532 Lehua St, +1 808 823-6142, [15]. Prices from $20 (Dormitory) to $50 (Double).
• Camp in Koke'e State Park at Waimea Canyon. State Parks Office, +1 808 274-3444. Rental cabins, +1 808 335-6061. Camping information, +1 808 274-3433.

[edit] Mid-range

• Hanalei Bay Resort [16]., 5380 Honoiki Rd, Princeville, Overlooking beautiful Hanalei Bay, the resort features 1, 2 and 3 bedroom condos and hotel rooms that can be rented directly from the individual owners. Resort includes 2 swimming pools, waterfalls, and hotub, bell service, beach access and two restaurants.

• The Parrish Collection Kauai [17]., 3176 Poipu Road, Suite 1, Koloa, Kauai, Hawaii 96756. Parrish Kauai offers several accommodations around Kauai. Select from a large variety of vacation homes and condos, including ocean and beachfront homes in the Poipu Beach resort area.

• The Cliffs at Princeville Condos [18]., 3811 Edward Rd, 1.888.828.6745, Adjacent to the championship 45-hole Princeville Golf Course, The Cliffs is situated on a dramatic bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean from the North Shore of Kauai, an ideal setting for many exciting activities or simple relaxation with pool, spa and sauna, four tennis courts, and a putting green.

• Kauai Beach Villas [19]., 4330 Kauai Beach Road, 1.888.828.6745, Overlooking the fresh water lagoons and swimming pool the one bedroom, two bath condo has been recently renovated and furnished, giving a "more like a home" feeling unlike the typical rental. The beach is just a short walk through the beautiful grounds.

• Kuhio Shores [20]., 5050 Lawai Road, Poipu, 1 and 2 bedroom oceanfront condos located just 30 feet from the ocean. Rent directly from owners.

• Aloha Beach Resort, 3-5920 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, [21]. (route 56 near Lydgate Beach Park just south of the bridge over the Wailua River). Provides family-friendly accommodations, with educational programs featuring various aspects of Native Hawaiian culture. Two pools. Enclosed ocean area at Lydgate Beach Park within walking distance, snorkel gear available for rent. Friendly front desk staff. (Tip: booking through their website provides the best rates.) Rooms about average size, some wear and tear on the furniture. $85-$259 double with garden and ocean views available. $220-359 cottages.

• Castle Resorts, Poipu, Lihue, Wailua, [22]. Choose from a number of quality vacation rentals and condos all located beachfront in Kauai's top tourist areas. Phone: (800) 367-5004

• Hale Kipa Golf Course Home, Napookala Circle, Princeville, [23]. A Three Master Bedroom Vacation Rental where, for three couples, each has the privacy of their own master bedroom, with cable TV, and also the luxury of a large living area, looking out on golf course, mountains, ocean and waterfalls, to share with family or friends. For extended families, the house accommodates up to about ten. 1-800-686-6926

• PoipuKai Resort Located in Poipu [24] on the south shore of Kauai between Shipwreck beach and Poipu beach this condo complex has a wide range of condos of different sizes and price ranges. The condos are well maintained and walking distance from the Poipu beaches. If you are travelling with the kids this is a great way to go because you get more space than you do in a hotel, for less money. Because each condo is fully equipped with kitchens and laundry facilities, you don't necessarily need to eat out for every meal. There are plenty of road side fruit stands in the area where you can pick up some fresh papayas, bananas, pineapples, etc. The condos are a favorite way to relax on the island. 1-800-367-8020

• Kauai Coast Resort at the Beachboy [25],Spacious condominium accommodations with breathtaking views of the tropical gardens or Pacific Ocean become your own personal haven. Relax in comfort, enjoying the peace and tranquility of Kauai. Choose from 108 studios, one bedroom and two-bedroom condominium accommodations all decorated with red, gold, and green fabrics, carpeted floors, and island-style accents.

• Emmalani's Kauai Cottages [26] Near Kilauea on the north shore. Beautiful small cottages in a garden setting. Beaches are only a short 10 minute drive away. The prices are very reasonable for your own home away from home.

• "Marriott's Kauai Beach Club", 3610 Rice St,Lihue +1 808-245-5050 ("Toll Free: 1-800-845-5279"),[27]. Formerly the Kauai Surf, the oldest resort on the island, and one of the few high-rise resort hotels. One and two-bedroom suites with separate living/dining area and more. Situated on Kalapaki Beach, one of the better kid's beaches on the island due to its relatively calm surf. Beautiful pool area with the largest pool on the island. Terrific views of Kalapaki Bay from the ocean-side rooms.

• "Marriott's Waiohai Beach Club", 3610 Rice St,Poipu Beach +1 808-742-4400("Toll Free: 1-800-845-5279"),[28]. Spacious two-bedroom/two-bath villas with kitchen, living area and more.

[edit] Splurge

• Coastline Cottages Kauai, [29]. Since 1996, locally owned and managed Coastline Cottages has offered luxury oceanfront accommodations on Kauai with casual elegance, superb comfort and attention to detail. Few places on this planet can offer the natural spectacle of their oceanfront Turtle Cove Cottage. From the lanai, or decks, of the cottage, honu, the endangered Hawaiian green sea turtles, can be seen daily swimming into the cove at Koloa Landing in Poipu. Their spacious Poipu Kai Cottage with private swimming pool is over the top. Massage therapy, private chef and grocery shopping services are optional. Enjoy beautiful sunsets, cool trade winds, palm trees, white sand beaches, warm water year round, safe swimming, surf and snorkel spots, fresh flower and fruit stands, island fish markets, fine cafes, restaurants and golf courses nearby. Call tollfree: +1 866 641-6900 for availability and rates. Every 7th night is free.

• Kawaihau Sports Villa Condos [30]., 4701 Kawaihau Road, 1.888.828.6745, Condos just two blocks from the beach, restaurants and shopping, Ideally suited for a large family and outfitted with swimming pool and a tennis/racquetball court.

• Hawaiian Beach Rentals [31]., 800-853-0787. Connect with a direct source to book the accommodation that will suit your needs. They have availability and pricing information for thousands of vacation rentals, villas, homes, cottages, bungalows, bed and breakfasts and condos. Transactions done easily and securely via online contract and credit card payment.

• Whaler's Cove, [32]. Pamper yourself in spacious luxury in private 1-2bedroom condos. The resort is located right on the ocean in Sunny Poipu. Each suite has a large spacious lanai that looks out over the coastline. This private resort will become your tropical home away from home. Tip: you can check the hotel web site for low season discounts. High season rates range from $369-$656.

• Princeville Resort, in the north at Hanalei Bay, 5520 Ka Haku Rd, +1 808 826-9644, [33]. For those who want to pay for something spectacular - the views are incredible, especially of sunset from the spectacular lobby lounge. The hotel is old and the rooms are presentlly being renovated. The hotel is slated for reopening in September 2009. Even if you do not have the budget to stay here, you can reach the beach by walking along the hotel's sidewalk-- look for spots marked for public access to the left of the entrance station. $405-$615 double, suites from $705.

• Lanikai Resort, located on Wailua Bay, 390 Papaloa Road, +1 808 822-7700, [34]. The ultimate in beachfront condo luxury with exceptionally large suites overlooking the ocean and lush garden. Set on exclusive sandy beach on Wailua Bay in Kauai's most convenient yet absolutely private location. Walking distance of restaurants and shops.

• Pu'u Poa, [35].

• Kauai Hyatt Resort, [36]. Another excellent destination on the southern tip of the island. Tip: you can get 50% off rack rates by using airline hotel vouchers—most airlines hand them out as a perk with award flight bookings. They often surface on eBay.

• Makahuena, [37]. Located in Poipu on the Sunny South Shore, situated directly on the ocean between the Kauai Grand Hyatt Hotel and the Marriott Waiohai Hotel, you will find the Makahuena. The key beauty of Makahuena is that although it is practially next door to Hyatt, it sits right atop the beach, compared to the sometimes great distances from the ocean of the other hotels. Building number 5 of the Makahuena has two giant 2,400 square foot penthouse units that are directly on the waterfront. From this spectacular location, you can see both the sunset and sunrise over the water. This location is very private, hidden, and quiet, and you won't see anyone walking between you and the ocean.

• Grand Hyatt Kauai, 1571 Poipu Road, ☎ +1 808 742 1234 (fax: +1 808 742 1557), [38].  edit

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