Aloha Fodorites!

DH and I are going back to Kauai for the 3rd time. It's been awhile, since August 2001. Since then we have had 2 beautiful boys, with the youngest now 20 months. It is time for a much needed vacation alone. gt;)

I booked our usual condo in Wailua Bay. The owner said they are doing construction on the Coco Palms. It made me wonder what other changes have occured on the island. Is it more busy? More developed? Any suggestions on new good restaurants? We really like brew pubs.

Also, we are going in Jan. Past 2 visits have been May and August. Will we still be able to enjoy the North Shore? Particularly Tunnels beach for the best snorkeling?

We are also planning on doig some whale watching. Any good companies people recommend?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Construction on the Coco Palms is due to begin sometime early 2006.

The island is definitely busy -- morning and afternoon commuter traffic between Kapa`a and Lihu`e (and between Lihu`e and Kalaheo) goes at a snail's pace. At least our views are nicer than most mainland freeways! 8-)

The proliferation will surprise (and probably dismay) you. Condos, houses, etc. No new hotels...yet.

January is our cool-weather time -- daytime highs typically approaching 80; overnight lows can dip down to mid-60s. And of course there will probably be rain. Snorkeling will be iffy...the winter rains and the winter surf conditions usually make the waters cloudy. Check the weather each day -- you might get lucky and be able to snorkel at Ke`e or Makua (wave to iamq!!) or at Anini.

Since you've stayed at Wailua , you're no doubt familiar with CoconutMarketplace. On my last trip (2004) it had gone kind of downhill--there was a certain patina missing, i.e. ooked like it needed spiffing up.So you may notice that difference since 2001.
On the other hand, the mall in Lihue has grown and been on the receivng end of the spiffing up treatment. I heard that the guy who owns Oracle purchsed it and that's the reason. Anyone know?

Thanks. When I read that movie stars were getting married there I knew it was only a matter of time before it started to get more busy. Hopefully the slow island charm that I love remains.

AuntieMaria, thanks for the Jan. weather info. We really want to do some whale watching, which I have read is good in Jan. Any suggestions regarding best locations to do this? Or general advice? This will be a first.

CaliNurse, thanks for the info on Coconut Marketplace. In 2001 it was cute and we dined outdoors at a nice little restaurant. I can't recall the name. It is probably closed now.

I have been going back since 2001 and a bit before too. What I notice is more people and traffic less Hawaiians & long time residents.

I miss the community sense that was in Hanalei years ago 1994. I recall homes in Hanalei and a rental would be among homes. Guess that was bound to happen with our most recent real estate boom.

Something of the spirit of Hawaii seems to be missing on Kauai in particular when so many Hawaiians live on the mainland now.

I know no one probably wants me as a tourist trolling around there community but I love seeing that stuff. ...kids getting out of school, a community picnic, little league game. all this stuff gives a place a kind of spirit I suppose.

I haven't heard that Larry Ellison (founder of Oracle) owns any property on Kaua'i. Steve Case (founder of AOL) did buy Grove Farm company which owns lots of property around Kaua'i which at one point included Kukui Grove mall. I think I remember that they did end up selling Kukui Grove or were putting it on the market.

Alan

Alan, thank you . Oops--yes it was Steve Case(AOL) not Larry Ellison(Oracle) that I was thinking of. Anyway, some shop owners
who told me this,said they liked the mall better now since it was spiffed up
Steph, don't worry , there are still good restaurants at Coconut Mktplace, so yours may still be there. There's a fish stand (or was in 2004) that had very small portions and not very good--had to order another lunch after--but everything else was fine. However, the place in general looked a bit tired. Closed down outside stands, hard to describe--just a sort of worn out, less cute look.