Aloha Fodorites!

It's been a long time since I've posted on this board, due to several family medical crises (making the Kauai trip all the more welcome), but I'm back from the trip and back on the boards! So, here goes...

We spent our usual 2 weeks on Kauai, 1st week in Princeville, 2nd in Poipu, each week in the time shares we own (Pahio and Embassy). Weather overall was quite a mixed bag, and in fact, it didn't crack 80 until our last full day there. The rest of the time was mostly windy and cool, with times of sun, rain and clouds. There were even a few nights that felt downright cold! That all being said, there's still no place I'd rather be than Kauai. As for activities, we did a kayak/hike trip down the Wailua river and to Secret Falls - spectacular! We also attempted to go out on a Zodiac rafting whale watch trip to the NaPali, but the winds kicked up once we got to Polihale and the currents were so treacherous that we felt as if someone was throwing bucket after bucket of water on us! The trip to NaPali was aborted and although we still spent the full 3 hours on the boat, they (NaPali Explorer) were going to allow us to come back with them for another trip for no extra charge. We were ready to take them up on their offer later that week (the day before we were leaving Kauai), but the raft they were using was a smaller one with no backs to the seats (this trip was to be 5 and 1/2 hours). Since my husband had major vertebral surgery a little over a year ago, we both felt this would be unwise, so we cancelled. However, NaPali Explorer was kind enough not only to refund us in total but also gave us free t-shirts for our troubles. Needless to say, we will go out with them when we return next year! Other activities were gold for my husband at the 3 big courses, plus another round at Kiahuna. As for myself, just plopping down on a beach is all I need! As it happened, on our last full day on Kauai, the day we cancelled the 2nd Zodiac trip, I went to Poipu Beach, and because the weather was so spectacular, although I don't snorkel, I did not need any snorkeling gear to see the spectacular and abundant tropical fish in the coral reef there - it was really awesome! On top of that, there was a monk seal on the beach, so I really hit the jackpot that day. Whales were also plentiful on this trip, and we were able to see tons of them from our terrace at the Embassy. As for restaurants, we decided to try more local places and forego some of the fancier ones, and we felt no hardship in doing so. We did go to Pacific Cafe, Beach House, and the Friday nite seafood buffet at the Princeville Resort (that last one is absolutely non-negotiable!) However, amongst the new places we tried were Polynesia Cafe in Hanaei, which advertises themselves as "gourmet food on paper plates", and that's exactly what it is - it's terrific, and will now become a staple when we're on the north shore. It's also a BYO, and you can go to the Big Save next door and but beer, wine, or whatever to complement the meal. It's totally informal, as you place your order at the counter then wait until you're called. You can either take out or eat in the little gazebo next to it. Highly recommend!!! On an even more informal note, we also had a lunch at Kalapaki Beach Hut, which was good and reasonable, and had a really good breakfast at Tip Top Cafe, a somewhat "divey" looking place in Lihue. Then, following the "Kal Reality Tour", we stopped at his stomping grounds at the Islander for drinks at the Sand Bar, for which he had kindly arranged in advance to pay, in honor of my b-day , and so we got to meet his pals there, and aso went to Aussie Tim's, which may now replace Brick Oven on our list. As for the Brick - at best, we're putting it on double secret probation, because it was just ordinary this time, nothing special. Also ate at Caffe Coco, which was good, but the owner is in process of selling it, so I don't expect it to be around when we're back next year. Did not make it to Coconuts or Duke's for Taco Tuesday this trip - we'll catch them next time.

I don't think I've missed anything here, but if I have or if you have any questions, feel free to respond to this post or e-mail ne at [email protected]

Mahalo margot for your timely update!!!

Hope to make the dream of Kauai a reality within a week-oh OK at least temporarily anyway, I was wondering where all the 's went

John D - there were PLENTY of while we were there, which I guess is the "lemonade" out of the "lemon" of the rain itself!

Am I a sweet or whuuut?
Ain't Karen a hoot!? My 2nd fave blond!
We keep trying to talk the owner, the lovely Ms Gloria to install a live
"SAND BARcam" so we can look in from time to time.

One of these days, baby.

But it is DEF a low blow when we receive calls from The Bullshed and The Sand Bar! That's something I'D DO!!!

See ya in NYC dahhhlink! ><

Mucho Mahalos,
Kal
288!!!

Oh yeah - forgot about the Bull Shed, which was early in our trip, and our first visit there. We really enjoyed it, a good no-nonsense meal at reasonable prices. Also went to Kintaro, where my hubby had the sushi that he loves there, and I had a big bowl of soup with seafood and noodles - perfect for a cold Kauai night! Anyhow, Kal - it was great getting a little taste of your world and even greater rubbing it in your face via answering machine messages!

"SAND BARcam" so we can look in from time to time
Now there's a good idea

You REALLY had a vacation like me when little things other people mention jog your memory!

Paul,
I'll to that!
Cheers!
Kal

We will be on the south side of Kauai for only one lunchtime and had planned to go to Brickoven just because everyone seemed to rave about the place. After the last couple of months of bad reviews here - maybe we need to find something else - I'm not that crazy about pizza as it is. We will be staying at the Hyatt for just 2 nights before our wedding on the Northshore. We will travel to the canyon early in the morning because we figure we will be up very early then take a helicopter ride with Interisland at 11:00 so by the time we land we'll be getting hungry for lunch.

Any suggestions?

Aloha Nancy -

Here are some south/westside thoughts for lunch:

1) Waimea Brewing Company - large menu, good food, and pretty good beer (hubby and I disagree with the "blue bible's" slam of this place). We usually stop here after we do the canyon. You'd have to backtrack from InterIsland in Hanapepe to go back to Waimea, but it'd take about 10 minutes or so.

2) Not sure if they're open for lunch, but Toi's Thai Kitchen in Ele'ele (just after Hanapepe when you're coming from InterIsland) is really good - it's in the Ele'ele shopping Center.

Other than that, pickins' are somewhat slim -there are other places, but nothing that stands out. In the meantime, best of luck on your nuptials!