|
optimystic's O`ahu and Kaua`i trip report
Just back yesterday from Hawaii and trying to relive all the memories before I forget them all. I've not written a trip report before but I've got so much info from other trip reports I'm going to give it a go.
<b>ABOUT US</b> My new husband (Andy) and I are in our late twenties and are from the UK. We'd been to O`ahu and Maui on a trip in 2005. I've actually been to O`ahu twice before that as well when I was a teenager. We both love Hawaii and when deciding on a destination for a honeymoon we went through a host of new destinations (Brazil, Mauritius, Seychelles) before realising we were looking for somewhere just like Hawaii... so decided to go back there. We pretty active on trips and particularly like hiking and surfing. On this trip we did alot of relaxing too. We spent a week in Waikiki and a week on the north shore of Kaua`i. <b>FIRST NIGHT!</b> As an aside, the first night of our honeymoon did not go too well. We booked into the 4-star Runnymede hotel near Heathrow. It was £200 a night ($400) which is much more than we'd usually pay <u>and</u> we actually only live 30 minutes from Heathrow, so it was a splurge moment. But during our romantic first night as a married couple there was a fire in the hotel kitchen and we were all evacuated until the fire brigade declared it safe!! Not a good start when we had to be up early for our flight the next day... <b>THE JOURNEY</b> One reason we were initially reluctant to revisit Hawaii for our honeymoon is the long journey and time difference from the UK. It's 7,500 miles, an 11 hr time difference and about 16-17 hours flying time, but of course there are no direct flights. We flew American Airlines via Los Angeles from London to Honolulu. I was actually pretty impressed with AA. As a Brit, I'm a Virgin or BA girl usually, but AA had better connections through to Hawaii. I thought there was good legroom on the London-LA leg and the films selection was ok. The worst thing is only free drinks on the LA-Honolulu leg. Its a six hour flight - they should definitely provide food!! |
<b>ARRIVAL ON O`AHU!</b> So, 21 hours after taking off from London we finally touched down in Honolulu. We were about half an hour late, so no major delays.
I had booked a lei greeting since it was our honeymoon, and this was nice. The only thing was I had booked a shuttle in conjunction with this and that was my mistake, we should have just got a taxi. The shuttle took about half an hour to arrive after getting our bags - but it seemed like hours! It was nice to chat to the others on the shuttle who were very nice in congratulating us and it only made 3 stops (we were the second). <b>HOTEL - MOANA SURFRIDER</b> No longer a Sheraton, its now Moana Surfrider, a Westin Resort. We absolutely loved this place. We became Starwood Preferred members and booked a rate online of $359/nt for a Deluxe Ocean View Tower room. We also noted on the reservation that it was our honeymoon. I think both these things helped us get a room on the 19th floor with an amazing view of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head. I could have sat forever on the lanai watching the view and surfers in the water. It is worth saying that we don't usually stay in such expensive places (last time in Waikiki we stayed at the Circle) but I couldn't fault it. All the staff we encountered were lovely and friendly (especially Greg, who whenever he saw us would say, "England, right?"!). The Banyan court and pool area are gorgeous and we enjoyed many times laying out by the pool. For me, the hotel had a lovely charm and exuded elegance and calm. Great attention to detail - they even change the mat in the lift (elevator) three times a day (Good morning, good afternoon and good evening). The have a lot of Japanese brides through each day (one day I counted six and that was just ones I saw!) - I loved watching them and checking out the dresses! I had spent ages deciding on exactly which hotel and we made the perfect decision for us as the hotel is right in the centre of the action, near to the beach and surfing, and the view was great. To be continued... next: First day, Dolphin Excursion, and surfing Waikiki's waves! |
optimystic:
Congratulation on your wedding and thank you for sharing your trip with us. Gina |
so far so good. :)
|
Great Hotel choice..we were just in a room there for the Honolulu GTG before the Waikiki Hoolaulea last weekend.
Keep the report coming...You're doing great! |
Yep, I was also at the HNL GTG pre-party. Hope the noise wasn't too loud from the 9th floor tower building.
Anxious to read more about your trip. Thanks for sharing. |
Congratulations! Sounds like you had a lovely time (so far).
|
iceeu2 told me to tell you to hurry up and post the rest of your report. She's very impatient. Fun reading so far!
|
I'm impatient too & headed for Oahu in a few weeks - I can't wait to read the rest of your report. Great job so far!
|
Congratulations, optimystic!
Lee Ann |
ooops... sorry! I've been hit hard with the jet lag the last few days. You know, where you go to bed early exhausted but then wake up at 3 a.m. wide awake and have to get through a day at work! But I'm back to try and continue... ok here we go.
Ok, so first day, we managed to sleep ok the first night, despite the time difference making the day topsy turvy. We awoke before sunrise so watched Waikiki waking up from our lanai. What a great way to start the trip! Since we had arrived very late the evening before this was our first chance to appreciate our fantastic view - had I mentioned how great it was?! ;-) The first person we met in the lift was another Brit! Its interesting how you pick the accents out when theres not so many. Anyway, we had breakfast at <b>Hula Grill</b> next door at the Outrigger. We got a table in the second row... although the first row was pretty empty. It amazed me, people actually make reservations for breakfast! Anyway, great breakfast - we ended up going back there 3 more times in the week. I had pancakes with fresh fruit. Big portions and reasonable prices ($30 for the both of us with tax and tip) given its oceanfront. Love it! Today was 9/11 sixth anniversary. I'm not sure its appropriate to mention that but it was interesting to experience the anniversary from a US perspective. All the flags were at half mast. We spent most of the day just chilling by the pool and on the beach. It's a hard life!! Not having stayed at a beachfront hotel in Waikiki before, we really enjoyed and made the most of its location. I'm not sure if (hopefully when!) we go back to Waikiki I can go back to a budget hotel! (this trip we did push the boat out financially since its our honeymoon). We had our first Hawaiian cocktails and lunch at the <b>Banyan Court</b> (I think its called that) which is the beach cafe/bar at the Moana Surfrider. Absolutely love this place as well! It expensive, but what a lovely location and I loved the evening music (we went back there on some evenings and of course could enjoy the music from our lanai). Just looking through my notes and I didn't write down where we had dinner that evening. I can't remember for the live of me where it was. Anyway, it can't have been that memorable! That evening we went to Food Pantry, the little supermarket on Kuhio Ave and bought some muffins and juice for breakfast the next day. Our pickup was for 5.45 a.m. so we needed something to start the day. After that we crashed in our room, falling asleep in front of the TV by 8.30 p.m. |
<b>DOLPHIN EXCURSION</b> This was the only trip we booked in advance for the whole of our holiday. We booked the early bird trip online (http://www.dolphinexcursions.com/) about a month before for the second day of our week in Waikiki, the idea being, it would be alot easier to get up at 5.30 am then than once we had adjusted to the time difference (this was definitely the right decision). It cost $105 each, which we thought was quite expensive, but I think compared to other excursion and activities in Hawaii it is reasonably priced.
We were picked up by the minibus just before 6 a.m. The drive out to Waianae (where the boat leaves from) took over an hour, but it was an interesting drive. The traffic the other way was unbelieveable. Crazy that there is so much traffic on such a small island. It was quite shocking to see the tents/homeless shelters on the beaches for this part of the coastline. A marked contrast to the highrises of Honolulu. One of the ladies in the minibus first of all started asking the driver guy if there are are sharks out in the ocean where we were going, then started talking about the film Open Water where the boat leaves people behind. I hadn't even considered these things until she mentioned them but she made me quite nervous!!!!! Luckily I forgot about it once we got on the boat. I don't know what kind of boat it was but it went fast! Kind of a thrill ride in places, which was a lot of fun! The crew quickly spotted a pod of dolphins and we watched them for quite a while and they were fairly playful jumping into the air and such. It was great to see them in the open ocean. The boat pilot (who I name Capt. Gordon Ramsay due to his likeness with the chef) told us alot about the dolphins, though I am ashamed to admit I can remember nothing of it, I was so mesmerised by them. At this point we got ready to go in the water with our snorkelling gear. We were dropped further down from the dolphins and then they swam right under us (quickly!). We did this twice. I think sometimes they can be more playful but not today. We were strictly instructed not to approach them and to make sure we looked in the water if we wanted to see the dolphins, not at the scenery. Andy says he could hear the dolphins underwater but I don't remember this. After this, Capt. Gordon took the boat and anchored off Papaoneone Beach for some snorkelling. Good snorkelling here, and for me, a particularly cool moment where I was the first to see a sea turtle and watched it alone but many other noticed it. When we came off the boat, the well-oiled merchandising machine went into operation as they tried to flog us t shirts and photos. Actually the photographers shots (he was on the boat with us) were incredible, so we bought a CD (containing photos from our trip) for $20. Overall this was worth doing. The highlights were - seeing dolphins in the open ocean, the spectacular scenery of the Waianae coast viewed from offshore, and my moment with the sea turtle! Hopefully I'll be back later with the next installments - surfing Waikiki underneath a thunderbirds air show and driving around the island in our convertible Mustang! Also I'm trying to get some photos online (just trying to select the best from 800-900 shots!!) and I will post the link when its ready. |
p.s. Apologies, I just read that through and theres loads of typos!
|
Optimystic, I am loving reading this so far, and looking forward to the next chapters. Congratulations on your marriage.((r))((r))
Love hearing about your stay at the Moana.....I love the Banyan Court, walking through the lobby and historic area, sitting in the rocking chairs. Writing a trip report is hard work for me, I am impressed that you have yours going so soon after your return home, and with such a great time difference. I didn't notice any typos either. |
Congratulations to the Optimys and Mrtics...I am loving my vicarious vacation thru your eyes...good job!!!
|
First of all, thankyou for all your congratulations!
aloha, writing a trip report is hard work, but I've been inspired by all the fantastic trip reports I head on Fodors, which are my favourite part of the forums. And, writing this is allowing me to relive it all and now I have a record of it. I said the next installment would be surfing, but actually I've changed my mind and thought I would talk about dining out next. <b>EATING AND DRINKING IN WAIKIKI</b> I said I couldn't remember where we had dinner the first night - the reason is it was at <b>Subway</b>! Although the smell of this place makes me feel slightly nauseaous we went to various ones in Waikiki for a quick sandwich when we just wanted a quick bite. Particularly early in our trip we often weren't hungry at the "right" times, so just grabbed a sandwich because we thought we should eat to help us get onto Hawaii time. Later in the week we re-discovered the <b>Saint-Germain</b> bakery on Kuhio Ave. Perhaps not as French as the name suggests, but the bread is good and they make delicious sandwiches to order. (An aside, does no-one put butter on their sandwich bread in the US? What is with the cheese?!! This is something I really missed from the UK). For breakfast we alternated between <b>Hula Grill</b> (mentioned before), <b>Keoni's</b> at the Ohana East and <b>LuLu's surf bar</b> on Kalakaua Ave at the ResortQuest Waikiki on the beach. Keoni's is very cheap if you eat off their specials but otherwise it is about the same price as the Hula Grill, and the food and setting aren't as good. Still we ended up here a couple of times because it was an old haunt for a low-priced special. We enjoyed sitting at the railing at LuLu's for breakfast, with a fantastic view of the boogie boarders at Kapahulu groin. Scrummy strawberry and blueberry pancakes (large portions). We enjoyed it but only went once as it was a bit of a stroll from the Moana Surfrider. We are not buffet people so we never had breakfast at the Moana, whose ala carte breakfast was very expensive! If we had done a buffet it would have been at <b>Duke's</b> which seemed well-priced at $15 each. |
For <b>Dinner</b>:
My favourite meal in Waikiki was at the <b>Hula Grill</b>. We ended up here unintentionally as Dukes couldn't seat us for 30 minutes and I was very hungry! We shared a platter of starters including their Mango BBq ribs (mmmm!). I had the fish special in a coconut curry sauce and Andy had the steak special. Our most expensive meal in Waikiki but most memorable. We were there for sunset and it was lovely! All tables seem to have a great view in the main dining section (as opposed to the Plantation bar). <b>Cheesecake factory</b> - not impressed. We'd been before and liked it, but not so much this time. We still enjoyed the meal but a little disappointed. I simply do not understand the wait times here! We waited 10 minutes but arrived at 5p.m. The place is very chaotic. I had Romano crusted chicken on pasta but the whole dish was overpowered by cheese and was enough to feed 3 people, the portions are ridiculous!! We saved space for cheesecake, but I've had better. We wouldn't bother with the wait time again. <b>California Pizza Kitchen</b> on Kalakaua. I know its a chain, but we don't have them in the UK! We liked it here and came twice, once for pasta and once for pizza. Both good. The Hawaiian pizza was the best I had had - but I think thats to do with the fresh pineapple rather than a specific CPK thing. Nice view of Kalakaua from the railing (though unfortunately they're doing some construction on the front of the Royal Hawaiian shopping center right opposite at the moment). <b>Duke's</b> - loved it! We got there early for dinner on Sunday and caught the end of their live afternoon music. Loud but good music that created a fun atmosphere. The Key Lime Pie for dessert was yummy!! (much better than cheesecake at the cheesecake factory!) <b>Banyan Cafe</b> at the Moana Surfrider. We ate here a few times for lunch or dinner. The food is not amazing but the setting and music are! Loved it. OK I think thats it for food. We're not 'foodies' by any stretch but hopefully thats useful for someone! Hopefully be back later with the surfing installment. |
Ok, back now after lunch for an installment on surfing in Waikiki...
<b>SURFING</b> Andy and I love surfing and boogie boarding. But we go on surfing holidays in the UK so we don't overdo it when in Hawaii (theres so much other stuff to do as well!) but we like to partake a little! Really we are "recreational" surfers, since we only get the chance to do it when we go away for the weekend, and Waikiki is perfect for that! We had a fantastic view of the busiest surfing break off Waikiki beach from our lanai and loved watching the surfers from beginners to posers to experts, the stand-up paddlers and some with two people on a board with men lifting women into poses! We rented big boards from the stand at Kuhio Beach Park that is nearest the Moana (there are two stands there). Board hire is pricey at $10/hr but its right where you want them! We met Todd there, who gave us a surfing lesson when we were in Waikiki a few years ago. He tried to sell us another lesson but we told him he'd already taught us! He didn't remember us, but upon recognising the accent said he might remember if we told him which football (soccer) team we supported; he was a big fan (which Andy remembered). He said he'd been up at 3 a.m. watching the English Football that morning! It made me think, I'd seen bars open at 9 a.m. showing sports in Waikiki - I guess you have to be dedicated to be a fan of some sports there! Anyway, the first time we went out was on Thursday 9/13, in the morning. Right when the US Air Force Thunderbirds were practising their air display for Saturday (it was for the air forces anniversary... I think?!!). How fantastic to be surfing the waves of Waikiki with this right above! We took a disposable underwater camera out with us on our boards and Andy would get the camera out once he stood up, snapping pictures of Waikiki, plus of course getting the ultimate picture: on a board in front of Diamond Head. These are my favourite pictures of the whole trip since they are so spontaneous showing us having fun! We rented boards a couple more times, but Thursday was the best time; the waves seemed to be breaking just right with a good swell and I managed to catch quite a few waves, with not so much luck on subsequent days. Next... taking the Mustang Convertible around O`ahu, including the Tanalus/Round top drive, Manoa Falls, some Lost location hunting and North Shore beaches. |
I'm lovin' your report! Keep it coming, optimystic.
That wedding night was maybe a good luck charm, now that I'm reading what a happy couple, what good times you're having! |
Keep it coming! I'm anxious to read about the trip around Oahu. We just did that last Tuesday, also in a convertible! Did you stop and eat at a shrimp truck? That was soooooo good!!
|
<b>CAR RENTAL</b>
We rented a car just for a couple of days. One thing we love about Waikiki is that you just don't need one. I made a reservation for Thursday lunchtime until Saturday lunchtime, giving us 3 days with the car, but in the end we returned it at the end of Friday since there was a parade and air show in Waikiki on the Saturday. I reserved with Budget in order to pretty much guarantee a Mustang convertible (over a Sebring). This was a surprise for Andy, who is a car lover! A Mustang is viewed as a typical American sports car (according to my dad, anyway - I know nothing about cars!) and Andy loved it. It was quite expensive at $100/day but this included all insurances etc, which I needed since our insurance in the UK wouldn't cover it. The gas prices in Hawaii are reported as being really high, but for us they were rather cheap. I just worked out that the equivalent price in the UK is approx $7.40/gallon, whereas in Hawaii we paid something just over $3/gallon! <b>ROUND TOP/TANTALUS DRIVE</b> We picked up the car from the Budget location at the Hyatt in Waikiki just after lunch and made our way out of Waikiki to do the Round top/Tantalus drive. We used Oahu Revealed's maps and directions which are very good (I am not a big fan of the book's <i>tone</i> but I must admit the maps are the best I've found for navigating around Hawaii's islands). The drive is very scenic, with switchbacks as you climb higher, providing better and better views of coastline, from Diamond Head around to the airport. We stopped at the Puu Ualaokua Park Lookout for some fabulous views. We drove the loop clockwise, on Round top and then onto Tantalus. After the lookout on Tantalus the road is closed so we had to drive back the way we came. |
<b>MANOA FALLS</b>
After finishing the Round top/Tantalus drive there was still plenty of life left in the day so we decided to go to Manoa Falls for a short hike. We parked in the Paradise Park lot which cost $5. Included in this though was the use of mosquito repellent! Definitely wear trainers (sneakers?) or proper hiking shoes/boots since I saw a couple of people in flip flops who didn't make it! The trail can be slippery with awkward footing in some places but overall its an easy hike. It was a nice hike to do and we enjoyed it. It was very humid and "close", especially by the falls where the air was really thick (it was mid afternoon). I don't think there had been alot of rain recently so the falls weren't really pumping, but there was enough water to have make the hike worth it. We met a nice couple at the top who told us "marriage just keeps getting better and better as the years go on!". |
<b>NORTH SHORE</b>
The full day with the car, we decided to go up to the north shore beaches. Last time in Waikiki we had driven to Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay and along the windward coast but by the time we had got to the north shore it was later and we had just driven through. So this time we drove straight to the north shore. We went up through central O`ahu, up the H2, then turned off towards the western end of the North Shore to <b>Mokule`ia beach</b>. This is where some Lost filming has taken place, and I must admit, a big reason why we went there since we are fans. Its a lovely, long, empty beach. There was no-one there but us in the morning. We enjoyed walking along the beach, watching the untamed surf. Next we drove through <b>Hale`iwa</b>, making the obligatory stop at Matsumoto's for shave ice. Well I have to say whilst it was very nice, all the shave ice we had in Kaua`i the next week beat it! Next we drove along the north shore, stopping at <b>Waimea Bay</b>, <b>`Ehukai Beach</b> and <b>Sunset Beach</b>. The weather was fantastic with bright blue sky and we got some lovely photographs. We enjoyed just sitting on the beach watching a few people boogie boarding and surfing on the waves. For a late lunch, we drove just around the coast a little further to <b>Kahuku</b> for a shrimp lunch at <b>Romy's</b>. This is the first shrimp place you come to as you drive clockwise around the island; it is red, you cannot miss it. It is where we had our shrimp lunch last time on O`ahu, and it was great again. The staff were lovely and welcomed us to Hawaii (I think it was the accent). I had the garlic shrimp and Andy had sweet and sour. Highly recommended! After our lunch, we made an unplanned stop at the <b>Waimea Valley Audubon Center</b>. We hadn't intended to go there but were passing on the drive back to Waikiki and I remember the waterfall there had been in Lost (bad reason I know!). We really enjoyed this stop. It cost about $8 to get in, but it is an enjoyable walk through pretty gardens to the waterfall, where you can swim. When we got to the waterfall it was not flowing that much, but still pretty. They have a lifeguard there and there were quite a few people having a swim. I was very envious - we had not brought our swimming suits with us and were sorely disappointed not to be able to have a dip! <b>PHOTOS</b> Photos for the O`ahu part of our trip can be found at http://www.worldisround.com/articles/337098/index.html I think that is it for the O`ahu portion of our honeymoon. The report on Kaua`i will be continued later... I have to go to Utrecht for a couple of days now so unfortunately I will have to keep you waiting until next week for that! |
optimystic
First off I wish you and your husband all the love and luck in the world. I have never had the desire to go to Hawaii. Like yourself that long plane ride turns me off. And I'm just in Detroit. I Love Cancun. It's 3 hours from here and the beaches are fantastic. But after reading your post (and some of the others) I think I'm ready to go. I must admit I've always wanted to see the USS Arizona memorial there, but not much else. But all this beach talk, food talk, dolphin stuff, it's really making me want to look into a vacation there. There are some Awesome deals to Hawaii lately. I'm thinking maybe business is down right now. Our family takes a vacation togethter every 2 years. Last time Italy, This year a Cruise I'm going to suggest a trip to Hawaii. Keep going with the trip post, I'm really Loving it. BTW, I have never met a UK I didn't like. While on a cruise 5 years ago My Husband and I met a Mother and Daughter from London who were doing back to back Carrib. Cruise. We shared the dinner table each night and we fell in love with them. We had a riot with them and to this day stay in touch via email. While in Cancun I met a couple from UK and they were so wonderful. Each day we'd meet for lunch and sit around and talk about the city were from. I still talk with them too. Happy Married Life. Theresa in Detroit. |
Thanks Theresa for you kind message! Sounds like you have a good impression of the UK people so far which is nice to know :-)
Everyone I've ever met who has been to Hawaii has loved it, despite the long journey. My parents first took me there when I was a teenager and having seen our photos from this trip are longing to go back, its just that flight! But the long journey does make it more special, because it's not so easy to get there. And on this trip, we really didn't even scratch the surface of things to do. On the previous visit we have seen the Arizona memorial, snorkelled Hanauma Bay and hiked Diamond Head for example. And keep reading for Kaua`i! I can't imagine not loving Hawaii, so if you do go, I'm sure you'd have an amazing time. |
hmmmmm butter is used in sandwiches here, but maybe not in commercial establishments? I will admit that the cheese in America is crap, not anything like any place in Europe!
:( Next time you come to Hawaii, try Aoki's or Miura's shave ice instead of Matsumoto's. Matsumoto's gets more hype, but I don't think it is the best. Did you get to see the Aloha Festivals parade? |
Hi Melissa, thanks for your reply.
You know, I was planning that we would try Aoki's, but it was closed. It was late morning (before noon), so maybe thats why. We did see some of the Aloha Parade from our lanai which partially overlooked Kalakaua. Unfortunately we weren't down on the street - we had thought the parade was coming through later than it did, so we just ended up catching it from high above. That Saturday was brilliant, Waikiki had a good buzz about it with both the parade and air display happening. We were lucky to be there! The previous time we were in Waikiki there was a Spam fest, so it seems like theres always something going on which is great! |
Enjoying your trip report! I love Hawaii and it's a great choice for a honeymoon.
FYI: the Cheesecake Factory is a huge U.S. chain with locations all over the country. You're right, it's nothing special (and often kinda crappy) -- but American really love those cheesecakes, I guess. I can't imagine eating there in Hawaii, but I guess it's not a chain to you if you don't have it in the UK. (And you noticed the portion sizes, which is probably one reason it's really popular with supersize Americans.) |
Congratulations optimystic.... also am loving the trip reports, please keep them coming. I'm taking notes for my next trip back to Oahu.
|
<b>KAUAI</b>
Sorry about the delay folks! I'm here to start again with the Kaua`i portion of our trip. Just a short introduction today, with a promise for some more tomorrow. We flew Hawaiian Airlines to Lihue from Honolulu and it was all very trouble free. We arrived on Kauai at about 11.30 am and quickly were at Dollar to pick our car up. My, the queues!!! It was crazy. (I have read on this board that some people will go and pick up their car while the other get luggage - now I know why!!) It didn't take too long in the end, and anyway, we were on Kauai and didn't mind a little waiting. We got a 4 door economy car - the name of it escapes me right now, but its in the photos. Oh yes a Dodge Calibur. We had booked a 2 door car and they tried to sell us a 4 door. You really need those extra doors, right!! Anyway sure enough we got a 4 door anyway, so don't fall for the sales patter. We were staying on the North Shore, in Hanalei. I would like to thank fellow Fodorites for this recommendation, as Hanalei was just right for us! But more about that later. So we made our way north. We stopped in <b>Kilauea</b> for lunch, picking up a slice of pizza and salad at <b>Pau Hana Pizza and Bakery</b>. Very good pizza - although the girl at the counter was alittle angry, shall we say! But a nice meal to introduce us to Kauai. We continued to drive to Hanalei, past Princeville, down the valley, over the one-lane bridge to enter Hanalei. We drove through Hanalei and found our rental property easily. We were staying at the <b>Hanalei Moon Beach Cottage</b>. This is one of the Kobayashi properties right on the beachfront on Weke Road. It is located about 10 minutes walk from the town and it is right on the bay, almost exactly in the middle of the crescent-shape. Let me say, for us the location was perfect, we definitely wanted to be within walking distance of the shops and restaurants and easily lugging distance of the beach so it suited us perfectly. The cost was $1500/wk, but then adding taxes, cleaning fee and security deposit (which I pretty much wrote off as getting it back and converting to UK money is such a pain) it was more like $2000. Ok, I just checked back and it was $2,021.15 all together. I think for beachfront in Hanalei that is pretty good. Most of the beachfront homes look big and expensive, but this place was small and comfy. There are 4 other rental properties on the same lot. Our neighbours were all very nice (apart from our final night when a large and noisy party moved into the biggest house, grrr!) I will continue with more on Hanalei tomorrow. I have finally managed to upload our Kauai photos as well which can be found at http://www.worldisround.com/articles/337332/index.html |
Simply fantabulous!
|
Great, can't wait to read more, thanks.
|
I'm loving your report -- and the pictures are fantastic. That rainbow on the Kalalau trail is INCREDIBLE!!!
|
Mahalo optimystic. Beautiful report and photos. And, I agree with Songdoc about that gorgeous rainbow. Wow!!
|
What a great report! My husband and I went to Hawaii this summer and saw many of the same places. Your pictures are fantastic! It makes me want to go back. I told my husband we will go back for our 10th Anniversary. 5 years and 9 months to go...
|
mahalo optimystic
loving your trip report so far (and photos)...sounds like you had a fabulous honeymoon!!! just got back from kauai myself, but dying to hear more of your experiences |
Thanks everyone for your comments! That rainbow was amazing... and more amazingly actually the only one we saw the whole trip (even though we definitely saw more rain than just that shower). I'll talk more about the Kalalau trail (where the rainbow was!) later.
<b>HANALEI</b> continued... As we stayed there, we obviously spent a lot of time in Hanalei. We spent a lot of our week just relaxing on the beach there and chilling out and I think on a couple of days we didn't even get in the car. That's the way it should be in my opinion. Someone had written in the cottage guestbook "Get out da car!" and I couldn't agree more! Our house was right in the middle of the bay at Pinetrees Beach Park, towards the west of Hanalei, about a 10 minute walk along Weke to town. Pinetrees is also known as something else I think but I can't remember the name right now! It a few minutes walk to Hanalei Pavilion and a couple of times we walked all the way to the pier. The surf really changed alot while we were there. When we arrived it was very calm and great for swimming. Within a couple of days, a small north swell came in and the waves picked up a little. On a couple of days there were some surfers out in the middle of the bay (there always seemed to be surfers to the east of the bay off Princeville Hotel). The waves had a great tubular quality although they were fairly small. Small does not mean weak however - they were strong. The biggest day, I went in, took one wave and was almost pummelled to oblivion!!! Well maybe not that bad, but they certainly pack some force. On the other days, we had a lot of fun boogie boarding and managed to pick up some bodysurfing. In fact I am quite proud of the fact I taught Andy how to do it (although the first time I did it, happened quite by accident!). Hanalei town is quite charming. There are many shops and restaurants. We particularly liked getting some shave ice in the afternoon and watching in the world go by. It is quite busy with people passing through on their drive of the north shore. We had dinner every night in town. Yes its expensive. I was pretty shocked by the prices in comparison to Waikiki, and London! In the supermarkets at Hanalei and Princeville the price of bread is quite staggering. More expensive than London, and thats taking into account the exchange rate! |
Anyway, <b>Hanalei restaurants</b> from the expensive to slightly less expensive (prices are for two, usually with one alcoholic drink each, one main course and sharing an appetiser or dessert, and including tax and tip):
<b>Bar Acuda</b>. Very memorable but its not cheap - $118. Tapas, so they serve (very) small plates - we got five (could have eaten more - but we did do the Kalalau trail that day). The scallops were amazing but theres only two on the plate! We got two desserts and they were fabulous. Highly recommend the peach ice icream with walnut shortbread. Possibly our favourite meal. Friendly service. <b>Hanalei Dolphin</b> $95. We enjoyed it here but the service is too quick (!) and our server seemed bored. But we enjoyed the food and setting. We both had the Teriyaki Ahi which was gorgeous. I also enjoyed the seafood chowder. <b>Sushi & Blues</b> $89/$72 The only place in Hanalei we went to twice. Once we dined off the main courses (I had coconut shrimp and Andy had steak) and second time we took the plunge with sushi for the first time (an experience!). We enjoyed the atmosphere here, friendly service that is not too quick, but not slow either! Great view of the mountains both times from our table at the railing. <b>Kalypso</b> $73. We enjoyed our table at the railing but the food is pretty so-so. <b>Hanalei Gourmet</b> $65 We were confused by the name here! Its not really `gourmet'! In the UK, its prices, food and setting would place it in the category of 'gastro-pub'. Andy had fish and chips and I had scallops. We were both impressed and finished off with Kauai Pie - yummy! Very friendly, informal atmosphere - definitely one of our most enjoyable meals. Great value for Hanalei! We probably would have gone back if we'd had more time in Kauai! <b>Panda's kitchen</b> We went here for lunch once. They do plate lunch type food and we enjoyed it. I had Kalua pork and cabbage (good) and Andy had orange chicken. We particularly liked sitting at the front watching Hanalei happen. For breakfast: We also went out for breakfast each day (usually we packed lunch). There are basically three options for brekkie: <b>Polynesia Cafe</b> Andy's favourite - and I enjoyed it too. Well-cooked, not greasy, Andy usually had the surfer sandwich and I had the traditional breakfast of eggs, hash browns and toast. Service can be slow depending on how busy it is. One morning we had a fun time evesdropping on a couple of surfer dudes ranting over the superferry. <b>Java Kai</b> My favourite because I like a fruity breakfast and I loved their Kauai waffle with papaya, banana and macadamia nuts, mmmm! Also like their fruit smoothies. <b>Hanalei Wake-Up Cafe</b> Your usual breakfast menu. We went here on our first morning but didn't go back. My food was a little burnt and greasy (I'm fussy!) and we ended up preferring JK and PC. For <b>Shave Ice</b> I have to recommend <b>Paradise Shave Ice</b>. I am only sorry we only went there on the last day! When I dream of Hanalei, I also dream of their shave ice with strawberry, passion orange and coconut syrups and macadamia nut ice cream! My only criticism is theres only one size, and not enough of it!! We also enjoyed shave ice at <b>Polynesia Cafe</b>. Still to come...an overview of our experience at some North Shore sights, our Kalalau trail adventure, and a day trip to Waimea Canyon |
chillin in Hanalei...ain't nuthin better! Thanks for the great report and pictures!
|
iamq, help! I'm in a bahd way man! al this optimystic trip reporting has me jonesing something bad - and mrlani left me home alone with credit cards!
Great continuation! Funny about Hanalei Gourmet!!! Never thought about it but it sure aint gourmet in the Julia Child way!!! Carry on! And bluefan - get of your akahine and start talking story already.....just back.....arrrrgh. I'm in a baaaad baaaaaad way!!!! Gettin the Hanalei cold sweat and shakes comin on...... |
| All times are GMT -8. The time now is 11:56 AM. |