Been to Kaua'i Lately?

[Noel M2]

We have a vacation rental on the island and visit when we can. There is so much to do, see, and eat there.

There are several hiking trails (our favorite is on the Napali coast). Our favorite food spots - Hamura's (the best saimin ever), The Beach House in Poipu. The best thing, however, is to head to costco to get food and wine and cook at the condo or at the resort's grill.

There are many snorkeling beaches and activities. If you can, get on a heli tour - you'll see great sites that you can never hike to. Another great tour is a cruise to the Napali coast. Your best off getting a guide book so you can plan each of your days.

Here's our vacation rental information (in case you're looking for a condo to rent). This unit is not part of the time share operation. It is managed by a different property management company.

http://www.beachvillaskauai.com/g24/g24.html

You'll find updated images of the unit on the following page (the unit is also on the market).
http://hawaiiinformation.com/REsearch/IDX/mlsHawaii/IndividualListing.asp?page=2&MLS=197559

Have fun!

Noel

[sittall]

Hi Mitzi, when are you leaving for Kauai? I too am going there (for the first time) next week. Found a place to stay through craigslist. Was able to take advantage of the $9 Go! air fare tickets.

Connie

[wyatt]

Aloha Mitzi,
If you like hiking, try the Napali coast.
Breath taking. You can hike into the Kalalau
Valley from Ke'e Beach. It is something you will never forget. It is an extreme hike. Take in a sunset at Ke'e Beach. End of the road past Hanalei.The sunset turns the water a shimmery gold when it kisses the water(on a clear evening).
Stop in and see Autie Louise at The Tahiti Nui
in Hanalei. Great Mai Tai. If you get the chance to visit with Auntie you will free the Aloha. And yes the picture above the bar is her in her younger days.

We are headed over this month. Got $19 Go flights, $23 a Day car rental. Camping at Anini beach. Free for State residents. We go to the Princville gym and pay $12 a day to use the facilities. Warm Shower,Oceanview Gym,pool,jacuzzi, and hot steam sauna. As many times a day as you wish.
We have rented a small motor boat to travel the streams near the fern Grotto ( very fun )
As Glen mentioned the Kayak trip, it is nice.
If you don't want to hike the Napali Coast you might consider the Zodiac trip that leaves from Hanalei. It allows you to see the Napali from the water. A little scarey though. They travel very fast.
I recomend staying in Hanelei or Haena.

Have wonderful trip.

Aloha
Wyatt



Edited by - wyatt on 09/07/2007 08:19:10

[Mitzi M]

Thanks so much to everyone for your wonderful advice and thougtful answers! Beachboy and Glen, thanks especially for your words of caution. This time I won't be going alone, but I do enjoy solo travel and I know it's always good to keep safety in mind. The drowning map was also good to see, if grim. I've learned never to underestimate the Hawaiian ocean, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area. The numerous drownings at our own Kehena testify to that fact. I did a little internet search and found something very scary indeed on Kaua'i - Bette Midler - tree slayer! I always liked Ms. Bette, until I found out the state is suing her over clear cutting 270 trees from her property without a permit. I guess a lot of them were alien species but there was some native forest in there too. Ouch! Maybe they should include a map to her place in the next blue book. (I'll steal a look at Borders!;>)

So now I have good grip on where to go for all kinds of things and the picture I'm putting together from everyone's responses seems to include golden sunsets and frosty Mai Tai's. Aaah! (I'll keep an eye on that Brazilian waiter!)

Aloha,
Mitzi

[Carolann R]

Mitzi...Bette stated that she relied on her arborist who was sure since the trees were on her land they could be removed...guess she is doing some landscaping of sorts.

From what I gather she has quite a bit of land there and much of it she rents for next to nothing only to the locals for crops. I was surprised to hear this story too, since she's always been so supportive of preserving Kauai's land.

P.S. - I think they made her replace the native species that she removed as well which is great.

Carrie

"All I can say about life is, Oh God, enjoy it." Bob Newhart



Edited by - carolann r on 09/07/2007 11:10:25

[mella l]

We once did an hour helocopter tour over the Napali Coast. It was spectacular, good weather, the most amazing musical concert included, edited to the max and outstanding addition to the beauty. Also the kayak up and down the river by the Menehune ponds of late was absolutely unforgetable for us. 1990-91 time frame.

I hope you will share your adventure with us when you return Mitzi.

mella l

[jdirgo]

Actually she was removing non-native species in order to replant with native ones -- she didn't know she needed a permit. At least that's what I heard.

John Dirgo, R, ABR, e-PRO
Aloha Coast Realty, LLC
808-987-9243 cell
http://www.hawaiirealproperty.com

[Carolann R]

She was born in Hawai'i, right?

Carrie

"All I can say about life is, Oh God, enjoy it." Bob Newhart

[Mitzi M]

Yeah, I heard she was born in Honolulu. That's cool that she leases land to local farmers for cheap. I understand that now she has hired a botanist to help come up with a reforestation strategy. Like everything else, the story was probably sensationalized by the media, and there are likely some other people who share the blame for the native trees that were reportedly cut. I know very well that sometimes the best laid plans can be foiled by a careless bulldozer operator or a work crew that's not adequately informed about the project. The incident has meant some bad press for her to be sure, but the good side is that it has raised awareness about the need for careful project planning in order to protect native plants. And when I get back I'll be glad to let everyone know how things went.

[waynesb]

Go see the Hindu temple, especially if you can catch the guided tour. It's impressive, and the view of the Wailua River from their grounds is marvelous!