Kauai - Trip Report
Feb 12th, 2008 | 09:50 PM
#1
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 64
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Kauai - Trip Report
Well, been back from Kauai for a whole two days and can't wait to get back there. Yes, it rained a lot (we were there between Jan 25 and Feb 10) - but we always managed to find sun!!!
Our trip - My dear wife left Calgary, Alberta at 7:00 AM - and travelled to Vancouver and then to Honolulu via WestJet Airlines. Cannot understand why more airlines do not adopt the same helpful and professional attitude as this airline, while maintaining a light and humourous attitude. From Honolulu to Kauai, we went via Aloha Air - with the airlines kindly allowing us to get on an earlier flight than scheduled (talk about hanging loose!)
After taking the shuttle to get our shuttle, we drove to Princeville - checking into G2 at Sealodge (http://nakearentals.com). This is a one bedroom condo - which is clean, neat and very suitably furnished. And the views!!! Listening to the waves crash below for the nine nights we stayed there was pure bliss. While in Princeville, we visited Ke'e, Hanalai, Tunnels, and beautiful, beautiful Anini - our favourite. We visited the Kilauea Lighthouse (where we saw so many neat birds and whales - and even helped the official "whale counters" do some spotting!!!), attended the Princeville Luau (food was AMAZING - best Kalua Pork ever - and the entertainment (and mai tai's) were quite decent), and enjoyed long, long walks everwhere - some involving rain showers! We did our shopping at the Princeville Foodland - and was very happy with their prices, their groceries and their attitude (just remember to get a makai card). One of our favorite meals was "created" right there in our condo - fish tacos.....for anyone interested, you can find the recipe at
http://www.bestplaceshawaii.com/tips...ish_tacos.html
Princeville is a little quieter and a very peaceful area - we loved it.
While waiting for a traffic collision to clear one day (the traffic has increased considerably since our last visit in 2001), we heard a radio announcement advertising Bluesman James Cotton performing the following day at the Kauai Performing Arts Center. With tickets in hand we attended and were blown away by the opening act - a young man by the name of Willie K (Kahaiali) and the Maui Tribe Blues Band. Willie K traditionally sings Hawaiian - but loves the Blues and was ASTOUNDING (3 standing ovations). Our next week was spent at a Bed and Breakfast (Inn Paradise) where we were treated to a very clean and well kept "condo-style" residence in a three unit house. It is located near Kapaa (south), in a rural setting. This gave us more access to the South part of Kauai, and we took advantage of the Poipu Beaches (we loved Kiahuna, aka Sheraton Beach), but also really liked Kalapaki Beach. We enjoyed meals at Dukes (3 times! - did enjoy their bacon-blue cheese burger and their Hula Pie!!!), Mermaids (great Wraps), Puka Dog (what can I say - it's a great lunch!) and Pomodero's (at Rainbow Plaza) - GREAT Italian Food and cozy atmosphere. One of our highlights was a Sunset Cruise with Holoholo Charters(http://www.holoholocharters.com/) up the Napali Coast. Although a little rough (surf was high throughout our trip), we enjoyed this soooo much. The Captain and Crew were professional and extremely helpful. The food was very good and the bar was open throughout (a little queasiness on my part kept me from partaking!) The sights along the Napali Coast are almost...spiritual. It is unbelievably beautiful. During the trip, we saw spinner dolphins, Hawaiian Monk Seals, loads of whales and turtles.
Once again, we found it hard to leave this Island....it's not perfect - (Roosters/chickens numbers have increased and are close to becoming a "problem"....I don't thing anyone is doing anything to decrease the numbers....2:15 AM "cockadoodledoo's get a little tiring after a while"). Also, I was very concerned about the amount of fish feeding that was taking place right at Poipu Beach - and even observed people throwing their plastic bags (which contained the food) into the ocean....very frustrating. It is very evident that feeding fish destroys the coral, as it attracts harmful fish - it would be nice if the authorities did more education in this regard.
Our favorite...
Place to see Hawaiian Monk Seal - Poipu Beach
Place to see Whales - EVERYWHERE!!! - there are tons and tons - look for the spout!!!
Meal - Pomodoro Ristorante Italiano
Walk (Along the ocean from Kealia to Donkey Beach)
Soup/Bread - Kilauea Bakery (ono and clam soup with warm buns)
Mai Tai (my own recipe - 1 oz dark rum, 1 oz light rum, 1 oz Orange Curacao, 1/4 oz Orgeat, 1/2 oz Roses Sweet Lime Juice, 2 oz Pineapple Juice and 2 oz Passion/Orange/Guava Juice)
Lounge - The Point Bar at the Sheraton Hotel in Poipu (what a view!)
Snorkling - Anini Beach (we saw sea cucumbers, sea urchins, cornet fish, convict tangs and many, many, many more)
Lunch - Fish Tacos at the Taco Truck located (daily) at Anini Beach (try the Sara Special!!)
Beach Entertainment - watching the kite fliers - HOW do they do that, and does it every look like fun!!!
We love Kauai and can only thank the Kauaiian people for their kindness and generosity. As I look out my window and see snow falling, I can only comment about how lucky you good folks are!!! Mahalo
Our trip - My dear wife left Calgary, Alberta at 7:00 AM - and travelled to Vancouver and then to Honolulu via WestJet Airlines. Cannot understand why more airlines do not adopt the same helpful and professional attitude as this airline, while maintaining a light and humourous attitude. From Honolulu to Kauai, we went via Aloha Air - with the airlines kindly allowing us to get on an earlier flight than scheduled (talk about hanging loose!)
After taking the shuttle to get our shuttle, we drove to Princeville - checking into G2 at Sealodge (http://nakearentals.com). This is a one bedroom condo - which is clean, neat and very suitably furnished. And the views!!! Listening to the waves crash below for the nine nights we stayed there was pure bliss. While in Princeville, we visited Ke'e, Hanalai, Tunnels, and beautiful, beautiful Anini - our favourite. We visited the Kilauea Lighthouse (where we saw so many neat birds and whales - and even helped the official "whale counters" do some spotting!!!), attended the Princeville Luau (food was AMAZING - best Kalua Pork ever - and the entertainment (and mai tai's) were quite decent), and enjoyed long, long walks everwhere - some involving rain showers! We did our shopping at the Princeville Foodland - and was very happy with their prices, their groceries and their attitude (just remember to get a makai card). One of our favorite meals was "created" right there in our condo - fish tacos.....for anyone interested, you can find the recipe at
http://www.bestplaceshawaii.com/tips...ish_tacos.html
Princeville is a little quieter and a very peaceful area - we loved it.
While waiting for a traffic collision to clear one day (the traffic has increased considerably since our last visit in 2001), we heard a radio announcement advertising Bluesman James Cotton performing the following day at the Kauai Performing Arts Center. With tickets in hand we attended and were blown away by the opening act - a young man by the name of Willie K (Kahaiali) and the Maui Tribe Blues Band. Willie K traditionally sings Hawaiian - but loves the Blues and was ASTOUNDING (3 standing ovations). Our next week was spent at a Bed and Breakfast (Inn Paradise) where we were treated to a very clean and well kept "condo-style" residence in a three unit house. It is located near Kapaa (south), in a rural setting. This gave us more access to the South part of Kauai, and we took advantage of the Poipu Beaches (we loved Kiahuna, aka Sheraton Beach), but also really liked Kalapaki Beach. We enjoyed meals at Dukes (3 times! - did enjoy their bacon-blue cheese burger and their Hula Pie!!!), Mermaids (great Wraps), Puka Dog (what can I say - it's a great lunch!) and Pomodero's (at Rainbow Plaza) - GREAT Italian Food and cozy atmosphere. One of our highlights was a Sunset Cruise with Holoholo Charters(http://www.holoholocharters.com/) up the Napali Coast. Although a little rough (surf was high throughout our trip), we enjoyed this soooo much. The Captain and Crew were professional and extremely helpful. The food was very good and the bar was open throughout (a little queasiness on my part kept me from partaking!) The sights along the Napali Coast are almost...spiritual. It is unbelievably beautiful. During the trip, we saw spinner dolphins, Hawaiian Monk Seals, loads of whales and turtles.
Once again, we found it hard to leave this Island....it's not perfect - (Roosters/chickens numbers have increased and are close to becoming a "problem"....I don't thing anyone is doing anything to decrease the numbers....2:15 AM "cockadoodledoo's get a little tiring after a while"). Also, I was very concerned about the amount of fish feeding that was taking place right at Poipu Beach - and even observed people throwing their plastic bags (which contained the food) into the ocean....very frustrating. It is very evident that feeding fish destroys the coral, as it attracts harmful fish - it would be nice if the authorities did more education in this regard.
Our favorite...
Place to see Hawaiian Monk Seal - Poipu Beach
Place to see Whales - EVERYWHERE!!! - there are tons and tons - look for the spout!!!
Meal - Pomodoro Ristorante Italiano
Walk (Along the ocean from Kealia to Donkey Beach)
Soup/Bread - Kilauea Bakery (ono and clam soup with warm buns)
Mai Tai (my own recipe - 1 oz dark rum, 1 oz light rum, 1 oz Orange Curacao, 1/4 oz Orgeat, 1/2 oz Roses Sweet Lime Juice, 2 oz Pineapple Juice and 2 oz Passion/Orange/Guava Juice)
Lounge - The Point Bar at the Sheraton Hotel in Poipu (what a view!)
Snorkling - Anini Beach (we saw sea cucumbers, sea urchins, cornet fish, convict tangs and many, many, many more)
Lunch - Fish Tacos at the Taco Truck located (daily) at Anini Beach (try the Sara Special!!)
Beach Entertainment - watching the kite fliers - HOW do they do that, and does it every look like fun!!!
We love Kauai and can only thank the Kauaiian people for their kindness and generosity. As I look out my window and see snow falling, I can only comment about how lucky you good folks are!!! Mahalo
Feb 12th, 2008 | 11:12 PM
#2
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 868
Likes: 0
eh aloha ab, we were at the same concert, talented wasn't he.
glad you had a great time and had all the ono grinds. anyhoo, i liked the way you listed your favorites.
not to rub it in, but its been sunny and hot for the last two days. you took the rainy weather and kauai wants it back, so you and your wife will have to jump on the next plane.
glad you had a great time and had all the ono grinds. anyhoo, i liked the way you listed your favorites.
not to rub it in, but its been sunny and hot for the last two days. you took the rainy weather and kauai wants it back, so you and your wife will have to jump on the next plane.
Feb 13th, 2008 | 03:42 AM
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mahalo for your ono report!
I was just thinking my next trip should include a stay on the South shore rather than do the multi day trips required to satiate my appetite of all things Kauai! Then the usual hunker down in Hanalei.
Great report. The concert sounds fabulous! Good for you and aka too!
Alooooha!
'lani
I was just thinking my next trip should include a stay on the South shore rather than do the multi day trips required to satiate my appetite of all things Kauai! Then the usual hunker down in Hanalei.
Great report. The concert sounds fabulous! Good for you and aka too!
Alooooha!
'lani
Feb 13th, 2008 | 09:14 AM
#4
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 371
Likes: 0
Thanks for the report...we will be in Kauai on April 5 for a week and can't wait!!!
We too love eating at Duke's as it is walking distance from our timeshare.
This year we are taking our aunt who will be 75 in May and it will be her first time to Hawaii....so we get to show her all of the sites!
We too love eating at Duke's as it is walking distance from our timeshare.
This year we are taking our aunt who will be 75 in May and it will be her first time to Hawaii....so we get to show her all of the sites!
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Feb 18th, 2008 | 12:57 PM
#10
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,360
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ps.
my B&SIL were on the BI 2/1/08 thru 2/10... monsoons is how they described it. They were literally stuck in Kona the entire time... soggy everywhere. They had 1.5 days of sun in 10... sounds like y'all made the bes of da weathah!
my B&SIL were on the BI 2/1/08 thru 2/10... monsoons is how they described it. They were literally stuck in Kona the entire time... soggy everywhere. They had 1.5 days of sun in 10... sounds like y'all made the bes of da weathah!
