~  KAUAI TRAVELOGUE  ~

As soon as I exited the plane I got the sense that this island, exudes the essence of Aloha. -  true paradise.  The airport itself a very casual affair. The luggage claim looked out into the street, with very little security. The air, humid and the air, ringing with the song of birds,…it was an overwhelming treat for the senses.

Kauai’ and an almost haphazard design to the neighborhoods. The neighborhoods don’t resemble anything found in the Midwest, but a scattering of single family homes, in all shapes – nothing like the ‘monster’ houses that American’s build now.  The atmosphere is one of neighborhood coerciveness.

 Kauai is the wettest of all the islands and the evidence  Kauai’s beaches in general do not compare to Maui, which offers the beach variety of beaches in the islands

This island is described by tourists and local islanders alike, to be the most Hawaiian, and scenic of all the Hawaiian Islands. The way of life on this island is unhurried as if the intention is to retain a tropical heaven for those who reside and travel here. There is an immediate sense that things are different here and ferocious guarded to be such. I wouldn’t realize until the end of my island hopping trip, that Kauai was indeed, the most authentic Polynesian expense.  Development of the Hawaiian island is rampant, as the popularity of these idyllic places becomes mainstream, but here it seems to be under control.

TRANSPORTATION ON KAUAI

I highly recommend a car, as there is no public transportation, except perhaps what local hotels may provide.  On this island, you’ll find miles of unpaved road to discover, although the roads which lead to the main attractions are paved, so a 4WD is a vehicle I highly recommend renting.

POIPU DISTRICT

The drive south on Hwy 50 to the Popiu Resort area is apprx 20 min.  south of the airport. On route, you’ll pass local establishments and neighborhoods, haphazardly strewn about. After a short drive there is more shopping and restaurant

The Poipu region is the most well established and developed of all tourist areas.

Poipu Beach  best developed public park. There is plenty of good snorkeling, swimming, bodysurfing and beginner level surfing in this south end region of Kauai. Inexpensive to moderate restaurants can be found in the resorts and the small city of Koloa. This area has a vast number of condos for rent as well.

WARNING: There are only a few resorts and condos here, but beware that you select accommodations which are located on the swim able beach, if that is what you prefer. Resorts west of Makahuena Pt lie on beaches, which have strong undertows and don’t allow you to swim

HANAPAPE & WAIMEA DISTRICTS

West of Poipu you’ll find former sugar cane plantations and more arid landscape. At the mouth of the Waimea river is Hwy 550 which rounds up to Waimea Canyon State Park, This drive is one of the ‘must sees’ of the Hawaiian islands. at the end of road to Waimea Canyon you’ll find Hawaiian’s version of the Grand Canyon. This is a definitely a ‘kodak’ moment and an unforgettable part of your Kauai trip. 

The drive from Poipu east heads inland, past sugarcanes for several miles. This serpentine route runs along a narrow road into a range of vistas and switchbacks.  For hikers, there’s a plethora of options to discover. At the end of the road, at Pu’u O Kila Lookout (4176 ft) you’ll behold a fabulous view of the widest and largest valley along the Na Pali Coast. You’ll need a jacket.

You can take your 4WD vehicle all the way until the Polihale State Park, which is a great place to discover. The Napali coast is not accessible, but can be viewed from the Canyon lookout.  The Napli Coast is accessible only by boat and is worth the trip out. 

WAILUA/COCONUT  – KAUAI’S TRAFFIC JAM

if you’re yearning to be stuck in traffic,  make your way to Wailua/Kapa’a., located in the middle of the east coast. Traffic lights are on a need to have basis in Kauai and here they are needed. This is the main business area which happens to be on the only road that connects the south to the north coast. Expect traffic jams along this two-lane, highly commercial sides of the road.. The heavily tourist Fern Grotto is west of Wailue along with Opdeake Falls.Heading north from the airport, you’ll find the Coconut Coast, along RT 56, There are two, small villages of Wailue & further north, is Kapa’a. Unfortunately, there is no way to avoid this traffic nightmare if you are traveling north to Princeville or south to Popiu.

PRINCEVILLE

Traveling north, the stretch between Wailue village and Princeville  is appr a 1/2 hour’s drive. The drive takes you thru several lovely areas, where you can take the car off the main drag and discover. You’ll find a 4WD vehicle useful and fun here. Turn right into the neighborhoods and take time to discover how the locals live.

After passing Princeville resort, you’ll come upon Hanalei Bay. Famous for its spectacular beauty, Hanalei Bay is a long half-moon of sandy beach carved into the base of a sheer cliff on one side and narrowing into a rocky point on the other. On the west side, you’ll find calm waters, great for swimming.

Just after driving past the entrance to the Princeville resort, there is a lovely village called Hanalei. It exudes a very artsy, quaint atmosphere. This is a great spot to grab a bite and people watch. Have your photo handy while driving as you’ll pass a charming structure called the  Wailue Mission House. The stained glass windows are worth getting out of the car for.

We took Rt 560 all the way until it dead ends on the north shore of Kauai. This is an excellent place to snorkel and beach, however, be careful of the undertow further out. I recommend getting here in the early or late morning as the afternoon rains can often come in and ruin the day.

BEST KAUAI BEACHES

For a gem of a beach, find your way to Lydgate Beach, south of village of Wailua. For safe swimming, there is a large lava rock barrier making for great swimming and snorkeling even in high surf with a lifeguard.  Great for kids. Notice the  loads of roosters and chickens.

Kauai Activities

1.Helicopter tour over the Napali coast. Weather dependent

2. Kayak the Fern Gulley river and shores

3. ATV the red dirt trails

4. Golf the Princeville golf club

5. Snorkeling and sightseeing Napli coast

RESORT OVERVIEWS

Hyatt Regency Poipu

Here is where you’ll find the expansive oceanfront Hyatt Regency. The Hyatt Regency, sits quietly at the east end of Poipu road which soon turns into a dirt road.  Its structure is a 2-story building, with the building set back from the beach, almost hidden by a tropical forest.

This resort magnificently incorporates all of Kauai’s natural resources along with the man-made architecture that makes it dazzle. Honeymoon couples would be impressed and families would be trilled to see all the water available for their enjoyment. There is a lagoon, a 12 ft pool . The beach itself is small and not recommended for swimming, as its located east of Makahuena Pt..

Sheraton Resort.

Traveling west on Poipu road, you’ll find the Sheraton, located in a private area, just off the main road.  The design of this resort is unique, as its main building is Oceanside, while across a small private street from the main building, are 2-story plantation style . The resort is spread out over several acres. The atmosphere is reminiscent of the ‘dirty dancing’ (the movie) family camp. 

Makahuena Condos

I stayed at the Makahu’ena at Poipu. This resort sits on Makahuena point with the crashing waves  below and stunning sunset  The 2-story condos are superbly appointed. Each unit has a partial or full oceanview and  a two-story floor plan. At night, it never hit below 80, (this was in Sept. ) but it was easy to sleep with the billowing fans above.  The complex doesn’t have a beach, or A/C in the condos.

Outrigger Kiahuna Plantation (condo)

The Outrigger Plantation Resort, has fabulous sunsets with every 1 or 2 bedroom condo offering an oceanview.  A pristine stretch of sand invites you to swim and snorkel in the clear blue Pacific.  The low-rise wooden apartments are reminiscent of Hawaii's 19th-century plantation past. The condos are nicely appointed, however, they do not have A/C, but each unit has several fans.

Marriott Kauai

What looks to be like the end of one of Kauai airport runways., you’ll find the Marriott Kauai.  This is an ideally located resort, accessible to both shopping and all the tourist sites. The beach is wide, the water swim able, the pool impressive and the crowds can seem a bit much. For those who enjoy an active resort, you wont be disappointed.  Your beachview rooms will be closer to the actual beach than most resorts. The famous Canoe Club Restaurant  is located beachside and is a popular watering hole.

Princeville Resort

This 5-star, ultra deluxe and elegant resort is the best on Kauai. It sits on a cliff, at  the end of a condo/house community . Princeville Resort is located on Hanalei Bay, a crescent shaped beach.   Their infinity pool and service are second to none.  For the ultimate honeymoon experience, you can’t beat the Princeville resort. Note: The north coast of Kauai  experiences the most rain.