Can't wait for my July trip to Kauai. I'll be spending a week at a SeaLodge condo on the North Shore before attending the Kauai Music Festival on the East Shore.

I loved everything about Kauai -- except that nasty traffic in Kapa'a. I figure there must be back roads or alternate routes to avoid it those traffic jams.

Anybody willing to share the secret?

Coming from the north end of the island, we've got a wonderful way to bypass Kapa`a entirely now!

As you pass Kealia beach and approach town, watch for a small "Kapa`a Bypass" sign on your right (immediately before Polynesia Cafe). It's a sharp right turn onto a short one-way, one-lane road. This is the first bypass.

You'll reach the "round about" (yield to oncoming traffic); go halfway around and take the next bypass (a two-way, two-lane paved road) through the old canefields. This will dump you on to the highway in Wailua -- near Kintaro's Japanese restaurant.

Usually, you can merge onto the southbound highway with ease -- occasionally, there will be line of cars ahead of you. Weekday mornings the contra-flow lanes are in effect and you will have your own lane to enter the highway (no merging required).

BTW, this longer bypass section can also be taken when heading north (watch closely for the turn lane on the highway). When you reach the aforementioned round-about, bear right and take the first road on the right. You will end up at the signal in Kapa`a near ABC Store, etc.

If you miss the bypass as you are coming from the north, not to worry. Turn into the parking lot at Otsuka's Furniture to turn around at get back! 8-)

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

Of course, it'll be worth enduring the Kapa'a traffic on those mornings when I want to stop at Kountry Kitchen for a Kahlua pork omelet and macadamia nut pancakes! But it'll be great to avoid the jams otherwise!

We went into town (from the northshore) today -- and I realized:

1. The signage sez "Kapa`a Alternate"

2. You can stop for breakfast (Polynesia Cafe and/or Kountry Kitchen), and then take the _next_ alternate-access road (across from Kapa`a Library).

3. Missed that one? Another option! Turn right at Bank of Hawai`i, turn left at end of street, continue to stop sign. Turn right to round-about.

4. Missed that one? No worries -- turn right at signal intersection (ABC Store), follow the road to the round-about and head south.