Auntiemaria- some questions for you.
Jul 21st, 2004, 04:20 PM
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Auntiemaria- some questions for you.
Hi
I have learned from reading these posts that you know all about Kauai. So I thought I would ask you your opinion on a few questions. I hope you do not mind.
1- Favorite beach
2- Favorite cheap restuarant
3- Favorite expensive restaurant
4- Something most of us do not know about Kauia.
5- Best overlooked touristy thing to do there.
6- One piece of advice we all need to know before we come.
7- Best snorkel site
Thanks I have always wanted to ask you your opinion on these things. I figure you know the best beaches and maybe some secrets the rest of us do not. By the way do they have walking tour guides over there. Did it in Vienna and loved it!
Thank you so much!
5-
I have learned from reading these posts that you know all about Kauai. So I thought I would ask you your opinion on a few questions. I hope you do not mind.
1- Favorite beach
2- Favorite cheap restuarant
3- Favorite expensive restaurant
4- Something most of us do not know about Kauia.
5- Best overlooked touristy thing to do there.
6- One piece of advice we all need to know before we come.
7- Best snorkel site
Thanks I have always wanted to ask you your opinion on these things. I figure you know the best beaches and maybe some secrets the rest of us do not. By the way do they have walking tour guides over there. Did it in Vienna and loved it!
Thank you so much!
5-
Jul 21st, 2004, 09:12 PM
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As a Kaua`i resident, I want visitors to this island to have the best possible experience here. Glad to help you as much as I can!
1. My personal favorite is Anini. Great for snorkeling, kayaking, sunning, swimming -- and rarely crowded. I don't like waves, and the reef which fringes Anini keeps the water nice and c-a-l-m.
2. For cheap eats, it's L&L DriveInn in Kapa`a (near the large coconut grove), or
plate lunch from Pono Market (north end of Kapa`a, ocean side of the road).
3. For the dining splurge, I've got a few favorites -- La Cascata (Princeville), Pacific Cafe (Kapa`a), Tidepools (Po`ipu), Roy's (Po`ipu), Cafe Portofino (inside the Marriott Hotel).
4. Locals rarely (if ever) honk their car horns.
5. Na Pali cruise and/or a helicopter ride, the bargains at WalMart (yes, truly).
6. The etiquette of the one lane bridges! If no cars are waiting at the other side, just go -- but if there are cars waiting as you _approach_ a bridge, let them go. Whatever you do, please no one-car-at-a-time, 'kay? 8-)
7. Either Ke`e or Makua (mistakenly called Tunnels by tourists). Use the correct name for that beach, and you will endear yourself to all Hawaiians who live on the north shore. Lydgate Park and Po`ipu are also good.
Walking guides are, I think, available in Koloa and either in Hanapepe or Waimea. I agree that they're a great idea -- finding the volunteers for staffing, seems to be the hurdle.
Hope you're coming to Kaua`i -- and that you have a _wonderful_ time here!
1. My personal favorite is Anini. Great for snorkeling, kayaking, sunning, swimming -- and rarely crowded. I don't like waves, and the reef which fringes Anini keeps the water nice and c-a-l-m.
2. For cheap eats, it's L&L DriveInn in Kapa`a (near the large coconut grove), or
plate lunch from Pono Market (north end of Kapa`a, ocean side of the road).
3. For the dining splurge, I've got a few favorites -- La Cascata (Princeville), Pacific Cafe (Kapa`a), Tidepools (Po`ipu), Roy's (Po`ipu), Cafe Portofino (inside the Marriott Hotel).
4. Locals rarely (if ever) honk their car horns.
5. Na Pali cruise and/or a helicopter ride, the bargains at WalMart (yes, truly).
6. The etiquette of the one lane bridges! If no cars are waiting at the other side, just go -- but if there are cars waiting as you _approach_ a bridge, let them go. Whatever you do, please no one-car-at-a-time, 'kay? 8-)
7. Either Ke`e or Makua (mistakenly called Tunnels by tourists). Use the correct name for that beach, and you will endear yourself to all Hawaiians who live on the north shore. Lydgate Park and Po`ipu are also good.
Walking guides are, I think, available in Koloa and either in Hanapepe or Waimea. I agree that they're a great idea -- finding the volunteers for staffing, seems to be the hurdle.
Hope you're coming to Kaua`i -- and that you have a _wonderful_ time here!
Jul 22nd, 2004, 07:34 AM
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bill-At Anini, I like my ice chest the most. 
AuntieM-Cafe Portofino "finally" moved over to the Marriott. YEA!
Or did it do it a few years ago and, as usual, I missed it. Good Italian grub and the harp player rocks!
And for dining, Coconuts for the lob/ravs seafood gigs!
Touristy thing we do sometime is watch the cruise liner either come into/leave Nawiliwili Harbor from The Whaler....if the Whaler is still open.
Tight squeeze and how those Captains do it is beyond me.:-?
As for Momof5's #6 Q: Always wear a sunscreen-even in the car, hang loose, breath deep, smile and throw your watch away.
AuntieM-Cafe Portofino "finally" moved over to the Marriott. YEA!
Or did it do it a few years ago and, as usual, I missed it. Good Italian grub and the harp player rocks!
And for dining, Coconuts for the lob/ravs seafood gigs!
Touristy thing we do sometime is watch the cruise liner either come into/leave Nawiliwili Harbor from The Whaler....if the Whaler is still open.
Tight squeeze and how those Captains do it is beyond me.:-?
As for Momof5's #6 Q: Always wear a sunscreen-even in the car, hang loose, breath deep, smile and throw your watch away.
Jul 22nd, 2004, 07:39 AM
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Hey, Auntie...love it that you always come thru with the time to respond...
When did Cafe Portofino move inside the Marriott? Was it across the street in a mall?
Also, what's the progress on The Courtyard by Marriott? Any idea when it will switch to Marriott? You still betting on it for timeshare?
I'm also with Bill...which part of Anini is your favorite?
Thanks
When did Cafe Portofino move inside the Marriott? Was it across the street in a mall?
Also, what's the progress on The Courtyard by Marriott? Any idea when it will switch to Marriott? You still betting on it for timeshare?
I'm also with Bill...which part of Anini is your favorite?
Thanks
Jul 22nd, 2004, 07:53 AM
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auntiemaria:
Thanks from all of us! Can you also let us know the best restaurants for kids/teenagers. Good food the adults will like, nice atmosphere the whole family will enjoy (and not too "quiet and romantic" which is better for couples only). Does Tidepools fit this bill (we're staying at the Hyatt)? What about the Beach House? Or should we stick to places like Keiko's Paradise and Coconuts? Any others? We're also staying in Kapa'a for part of the visit.
Thanks!
Thanks from all of us! Can you also let us know the best restaurants for kids/teenagers. Good food the adults will like, nice atmosphere the whole family will enjoy (and not too "quiet and romantic" which is better for couples only). Does Tidepools fit this bill (we're staying at the Hyatt)? What about the Beach House? Or should we stick to places like Keiko's Paradise and Coconuts? Any others? We're also staying in Kapa'a for part of the visit.
Thanks!
Jul 22nd, 2004, 07:58 AM
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One question/reply at a time, 'kay? 
`Anini -- we go past the polo field, 'round the bend, and any beach along that stretch which will allow us to park the truck close by and has trees for shade, is fine with us. If we've got the kayaks, we go almost all the way to the river, for the deeper water.
Cafe Portofino -- that move seemed to take forever; lots of remodeling issues along the way (the head chef is a friend of ours, so we got almost-daily reports!). Yes, this is the fine Italian restaurant which used to be in Harbor Mall (the green building).
Coconuts Restaurant -- not a cheap restaurant; not an expensive restaurant (well, not by Kaua`i standards anyway...). But if Momof5 had asked for my favorite "anytime" restaurant, this probably would have been #1 on my list.
Whaler's Brew Pub -- the bar's still open; not sure about food though.
Courtyard by Marriott -- construction is ongoing (s-l-o-w-l-y), and as yet, no official word about timeshare status has been leaked.
And on another note -- please be careful when you come to the islands. We had another tourist drown Monday at Queen's Bath here in Princeville...snorkeling where he shouldn't have been, given the surf conditions.
`Anini -- we go past the polo field, 'round the bend, and any beach along that stretch which will allow us to park the truck close by and has trees for shade, is fine with us. If we've got the kayaks, we go almost all the way to the river, for the deeper water.
Cafe Portofino -- that move seemed to take forever; lots of remodeling issues along the way (the head chef is a friend of ours, so we got almost-daily reports!). Yes, this is the fine Italian restaurant which used to be in Harbor Mall (the green building).
Coconuts Restaurant -- not a cheap restaurant; not an expensive restaurant (well, not by Kaua`i standards anyway...). But if Momof5 had asked for my favorite "anytime" restaurant, this probably would have been #1 on my list.
Whaler's Brew Pub -- the bar's still open; not sure about food though.
Courtyard by Marriott -- construction is ongoing (s-l-o-w-l-y), and as yet, no official word about timeshare status has been leaked.
And on another note -- please be careful when you come to the islands. We had another tourist drown Monday at Queen's Bath here in Princeville...snorkeling where he shouldn't have been, given the surf conditions.
#39;(
Jul 22nd, 2004, 08:51 AM
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Auntiemaria~ah, what wonderful memories you brought back! We rented a house in Anini and loved it! Tunnels was our favorite beach. I'll throw in a few more items for Mom of 5. cheap meal:Haemura's Seimen in Lihue. great noodles with a variety of items
favorite beach:Tunnels. Know that many of the beaches in Kauai can be found following road markers.
favorite expensive restaurant:we ate at The Beach House in Poipu. Some folks like it others do not. We never ate at La Cascata but prefer that part of the island.
Overlooked touristy thing to do: The Botanical Garden at the north end. It is filled with plants indiginous to Kauai and a wonderful way to spend some time. I'd also suggest the Kauai Museum in Lihue. The permanent exhibit is a great way to learn about Kauai and her people. I'd also suggest the Hanalei Farmers Market.
The one lane bridges advice is very good. We were confused at first but caught on in a flash.
Some other "pearls of wisdom":
when picking up your rental car,have someone wait for your luggage and someone else wander across the street to get in line. You should be done at just about the same time.
pack small travel umbrellas into your beach bag each day if you will be on the north shore. We simply would pop them up and wait out the showers.
View the PBS American Playhouse (about 1 hour) film:Hawaii's Last Queen. It will give you more history of the place and some of its tragedy.
favorite beach:Tunnels. Know that many of the beaches in Kauai can be found following road markers.
favorite expensive restaurant:we ate at The Beach House in Poipu. Some folks like it others do not. We never ate at La Cascata but prefer that part of the island.
Overlooked touristy thing to do: The Botanical Garden at the north end. It is filled with plants indiginous to Kauai and a wonderful way to spend some time. I'd also suggest the Kauai Museum in Lihue. The permanent exhibit is a great way to learn about Kauai and her people. I'd also suggest the Hanalei Farmers Market.
The one lane bridges advice is very good. We were confused at first but caught on in a flash.
Some other "pearls of wisdom":
when picking up your rental car,have someone wait for your luggage and someone else wander across the street to get in line. You should be done at just about the same time.
pack small travel umbrellas into your beach bag each day if you will be on the north shore. We simply would pop them up and wait out the showers.
View the PBS American Playhouse (about 1 hour) film:Hawaii's Last Queen. It will give you more history of the place and some of its tragedy.
Jul 22nd, 2004, 11:30 AM
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Regarding the sad news of the tourist drowning, a couple questions about ocean safety, Should there be more than typical cautions used in the water in Kauai compared to the other islands? We'll be in Kauai in Princeville area at the end of August, how do we check on whether conditions are safe on a particular beach or not?
Jul 22nd, 2004, 12:03 PM
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Most beaches have warning signs and some have lifeguards that you can ask directly e.g.; Poipu, Lydgate, Salt Pond, Haena, while at Kee rangers post flags indicating whether swimming is permitted.
It can't hurt to use a floatation vest in my opinion, and I recall some of the drownings seem to be due to "rogue waves" so never turn your back on the ocean, where you can't see sudden waves. We generally snorkel in reef protected shoreline areas and try to avoid channels and currents that can pull you out beyond the reef.
It can't hurt to use a floatation vest in my opinion, and I recall some of the drownings seem to be due to "rogue waves" so never turn your back on the ocean, where you can't see sudden waves. We generally snorkel in reef protected shoreline areas and try to avoid channels and currents that can pull you out beyond the reef.
Jul 22nd, 2004, 12:54 PM
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We just moved to the mainland after living for 6 years on Kauai. Here are some of my picks:
Favorite cheap eats: Mark's Place in Puhi. Plate lunches, very popular with locals. Its not much more than a catering kitchen, get the food "to go" and eat at the beach.
We have eaten at most every restaurant on Kauai.
Best food: Roys and A Pacific Cafe. However neither of these have a view!
Our favorite mini splurge: Duke's at the Marriott. Consistently good food (not gourmet), great ambience, reasonably priced.
Best view: Cafe Hanalei, Princeville Hotel.
One of my favorite beaches: Kalihiwai Bay. Lots of shade, lots of sand,a lagoon to splash in, river to kayak on, rarely crowded.
I love all the botanical gardens: Allerton, Na Aina Kai, Limahuli (my favorite).
A great hike: Kuilau Ridge, about 7 miles up Kuamoo Rd in Wailua. Small parking area on the right with a trailhead sign (if you cross the stream you have gone too far in car.) The views from the ridge of the fern valley are stunning, go to Moalepe Bridge and then turn around and retrace route.
Best secret on Kauai: The Kauai Hindu Monastery. Check the website for their visiting schedule and dress code. You will be amazed, it is shangri-la, a hidden gem. They will not try to convert you or ask for money, LOL.
Fun touristy trip: Tubing on the irrigation ditches with Backcountry Kauai.
Best souvenirs: Walmart
A favorite place to lounge: On the lawn at Kalapaki Bay in front of the MArriott.
Cleanest bathrooms on the westside: Waimea Technology and Visitors Center. Stop on way to/from canyon!
If you dont want to spring the mega bucks for the luau (the food is usually icky), then just pay for the glitzy, somewhat silly show at Smith's and go to a nice meal on your own.
Use caution at the beach, very few have lifeguards. There are many drownings, this week's tragdy at Queen's Bath was not an isolated incident.
There aren't many walking tour guides on Kauai. I used to be a tour guide at the Kilauea Lighthouse but the guided hikes to Crater Hill have been canceled. You could call Outfitters Kauai for the name of a hiking guide. Also the Kauai Historical Society has tours of Kapaa Town.
Walk out on the Hanalei Pier, drive to Ke'e Beach.
Favorite cheap eats: Mark's Place in Puhi. Plate lunches, very popular with locals. Its not much more than a catering kitchen, get the food "to go" and eat at the beach.
We have eaten at most every restaurant on Kauai.
Best food: Roys and A Pacific Cafe. However neither of these have a view!
Our favorite mini splurge: Duke's at the Marriott. Consistently good food (not gourmet), great ambience, reasonably priced.
Best view: Cafe Hanalei, Princeville Hotel.
One of my favorite beaches: Kalihiwai Bay. Lots of shade, lots of sand,a lagoon to splash in, river to kayak on, rarely crowded.
I love all the botanical gardens: Allerton, Na Aina Kai, Limahuli (my favorite).
A great hike: Kuilau Ridge, about 7 miles up Kuamoo Rd in Wailua. Small parking area on the right with a trailhead sign (if you cross the stream you have gone too far in car.) The views from the ridge of the fern valley are stunning, go to Moalepe Bridge and then turn around and retrace route.
Best secret on Kauai: The Kauai Hindu Monastery. Check the website for their visiting schedule and dress code. You will be amazed, it is shangri-la, a hidden gem. They will not try to convert you or ask for money, LOL.
Fun touristy trip: Tubing on the irrigation ditches with Backcountry Kauai.
Best souvenirs: Walmart
A favorite place to lounge: On the lawn at Kalapaki Bay in front of the MArriott.
Cleanest bathrooms on the westside: Waimea Technology and Visitors Center. Stop on way to/from canyon!
If you dont want to spring the mega bucks for the luau (the food is usually icky), then just pay for the glitzy, somewhat silly show at Smith's and go to a nice meal on your own.
Use caution at the beach, very few have lifeguards. There are many drownings, this week's tragdy at Queen's Bath was not an isolated incident.
There aren't many walking tour guides on Kauai. I used to be a tour guide at the Kilauea Lighthouse but the guided hikes to Crater Hill have been canceled. You could call Outfitters Kauai for the name of a hiking guide. Also the Kauai Historical Society has tours of Kapaa Town.
Walk out on the Hanalei Pier, drive to Ke'e Beach.
Jul 22nd, 2004, 10:35 PM
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thanks for the safety info, we'll be sure to ask around about the conditions while there.
Lots of people have mentioned Beach House, is this considered the best restaurant for a dinner with a sunset view?
Lots of people have mentioned Beach House, is this considered the best restaurant for a dinner with a sunset view?
Jul 23rd, 2004, 08:21 AM
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wow, just looked up pics of Cafe Hanelei and the terrace dining looked amazing, they're dinner prices are steep for our tight budget, I think they're even bit more than Beach House. Just in case, does anyone know if reservations should be made for sunset dining?
Can I add another question for the locals:
Best spot for a private(or semi private) sunset/ocean view picnic? If we can't afford a fancy dinner, maybe we can just make our own
Can I add another question for the locals:
Best spot for a private(or semi private) sunset/ocean view picnic? If we can't afford a fancy dinner, maybe we can just make our own
Jul 23rd, 2004, 08:34 AM
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Okay...here's a way to enjoy sunset at the Princeville Hotel, without killing your wallet. The hotel's bar -- The Living Room -- has a very good pupu menu -- fresh sushi, salads, etc. Sink into one of the bar's overstuffed sofas or chairs, or go out on their small terrace and savor the sunset.
Summer sunsets can be enjoyed from _any_ of the north shore beaches. As for privacy...doubtful. Everyone loves those sunsets, even those of us who live here. You can drive your car onto the beach at Hanalei Pier (right side), or drive along the highway until you find the "perfect" spot.
In the winter, the sunset viewing is best from the south- and westshores (Po`ipu to Polihale).
Summer sunsets can be enjoyed from _any_ of the north shore beaches. As for privacy...doubtful. Everyone loves those sunsets, even those of us who live here. You can drive your car onto the beach at Hanalei Pier (right side), or drive along the highway until you find the "perfect" spot.
In the winter, the sunset viewing is best from the south- and westshores (Po`ipu to Polihale).
