To celebrate my birthday I want to visit a casual destnationn where we can hike, kayaking, walk on the beach and eat and drink at night.

Large hotels are not my thing but small and charming..... Really nice but not fancy.

Of course, beach front or at least walking distance.

Is this my answer? If, so do you have any recommendations for a boutique hotel?

Many Thanks!

Hanalei Bay in Kauai would be just the thing.

hmmm... are you open to a home, villa or condo? The north shore Kauai... Hanalei would be lovely in September. Hiking, kayaking, walking Hanalei beach. Walk to eat and drink. All right up your alley.

No boutique hotels though... but plenty of private rental options. Food for thought.

lol placename... posting the same thought at the same time.

impacked, there are tons of rental home options in Hanalei. Take a peek at www.vrbo.com

You might consider this place:

www.hanaleisurfboardhouse.com

It is sort of an apartment in a very charming house with a very fascinating owner. Great location just off the beach.

I liked the Elvis suite.

Hadn't thought about the fact that there really don't seem to be any boutique hotels on Kauai. Regardless .... it's still paradise--and will have exactly what you're looking for.

If you're open to a condo check out SeaLodge on VRBO -- and other SeaLodge units offered by owners at various websites by googling. It's about a five minute drive to Hanalei Bay -- and I walk along the ocean and watch the sunset there every night. I keep going back again and again. Two more days!!!!

Koa Kea in Poipu is a boutique hotel that meets your criteria.
It's on the south shore rather than the north where Hanalei is.
The St. Regis Princeville is the most upscale option on the north shore.

I should get a kickback, all the times I have recommended this. And yes, the view from the lanai is just like this.

http://www.vrbo.com/184987

I really appreciate your time and efforts!! But, it's not quite getting it. I want something small and intimate, really romantic. I can just picture it - nice linens in the room, ethnic furnishings. Think cottage style. Although it would save money (something I love) I prefer to have breakfast served to me so I don't want to rent a condo. Perhaps I should look at another island?

Carribbean boutique hotels is what it sounds you are looking for. September is the height of hurricane season though.

Nothing like what you are looking for exists in Hawaii.

Perhaps Hotel Hana Maui? It is not a beach resort, though there is a shuttle to Hamoa Beach two miles away. Is 66 rooms too big? If this looks appealing, do your research. Hana is not everyone's cup of tea and this hotel leaves the evian spritz crowd feeling gypped. I personally love it. No a/c. No televisions. No pool drink service. Limited eating options.

Kona Village Resort on BI? September is supposed to be adults only month. All inclusive. Is over 100 huts too big?

You sure can't beat Hotel Hana Maui for romantic...

makai1, you speak the truth!

So not in Hawaii, but very much what you are looking for-
http://www.lacasaquecanta.com/
We stayed in one of the residences in May and found it just perfect.
There is a private chef, butler, house manager for 4 rooms.
Along with the ocean views and huge plunge pools it doesn't get better than that!

Thanks again. I love the idea of the Carribbean and Mexico...but weather is not good in September (too much rain). I'm going to pursue the other suggestions.

Thank you all for your time and thoughts!

The Big Island of Hawaii has some lovely boutique inns/B&B's--but alas, none are ocean front. But I'll give you the links anyway--just in case.

http://www.palmscliffhouse.com/

http://www.holualoainn.com/about.htm

http://www.waianuhea.com

http://www.kaawaloaplantation.com/

I'm packed, if you're open to a home rental, you may also look at the upscale rentals on Lanikai beach on O'ahu. This beach is heavenly. Kayaking would be great. No walking to restaurants tho.

I was also wondering if Waikiki is too busy for you. There are some lovely boutique hotels on the beach...

Maybe your travel partner can make you breakfast in bed??

What about the Inn at Mama's Fish House on Maui?
http://www.mamasfishhouse.com/

Aaah, Lanikai Beach would be perfect, alas no hotels (but there is a town, so you can eat out). We did a kayak trip there that was sensational, and the beach is gorgeous (as is nearby Kailua Beach).

i don't know what a boutique hotel is, really. All I can suggest is Kona Village Resort on the Big Island. Take a look at the website i did as a labor of love (and an obsession) which describes it in great detail: www.davidskvr.net See what you think.
David

If rain is a concern, then