Kauai - A Great Get-a-way!
Written: Jun 01 '00 (Updated Jul 11 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Waterfalls & Roy's Poipu Bar & Grill
Cons: Narrow roads, everything closes early
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| usda's Full Review: Kauai |
Kauai was fantastic! Beautiful waterfalls, adventurous nature/jungle hikes & free off-the-beach snorkeling were the most wonderful parts of the island. My wife & I went on a week long vacation to Kauai Island in May. We stayed at the Kauai Coconut Beach Resort. The hotel was mediocre. I was expecting it to be better kept. Next time, I would rather shell out more dollars for a nicer hotel in Princeville or Poipu or just get a condo for less.
We went on the guided kayak trip up the Wailua River and hiked to the Secret Falls (1 mile). That trip cost us $185 for two. It really wasn't that secret since we saw all these other people (without guides) making their way to the "secret" falls also. I recommend renting the Kayak and bringing subs from Subway for lunch or Safeway sandwiches.
Since my wife is not as adventurous as I am, we didn't do the Kalaulau Trail hike along the Na Pali Coast but it's something I would like to do when I return. Tunnels beach is the best place to snorkel. More fish and more scenic.
Waimea Canyon was certainly a sight to see. It was worth the drive all the way up there. I really appreciated the temperature change when we arrived at the viewpoint. It was nice and cool - real refreshing after walking around hot Poipu. I recommend planning to visit the canyon when it's clear so your pictures will capture the full color of the canyon. The day we went it was overcast and hazy.
The islands biggest shopping excursion is the Wal-mart in Lihue. You can get just about anything there at regular mainland prices (snorkeling equipment, river shoes, beach stuff, etc...). Gas was just as expensive as it is here in San Francisco-$1.95 per gallon.
The Coconut Beach Resort Luau is touted as the best Luau on the island. It was good but it wasn't much different from the last luau we went to. The luau has an open bar throughout the night! Some of the local dinner joints were pretty decent. OKI Diner in Lihue serves a way cool entree called the "loco moco" which is delicious but will make your heart stop after you eat it (lots of brown gravy). For fine dining, I highly recommend eating at the Pacific Cafe in Kapaa & at Roy's Poipu Grill. In my opinion, 2 of the best restaurants on the island. I did not like the Kapaa Fish & Chowder House. The service was slow and dull and the food was mediocre at best. I saw an ad on TV
Kauai is the best place to go and relax-you can just about do everything there is to do on the island in a few days so there's no need to rush. It's way more laid back than Maui.
FYI-everything closes at around 8pm. Enjoy Kauai!!! Hang loose...
USDA
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
usda
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Location: Elk Grove, CA
Reviews written: 7
Trusted by: 1 member
About Me:
Soccer player,ex-49er fan,Visited Asia, Mexico, South America, Love ethnic foods.
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