Kauai "The Ultimate Hawaiian Island"

We stayed in Princeville which is located on the north side. The beaches here, and in the surrounding area of Hanalei Bay, were incredible--they were very private and therefore very romantic indeed. They were absolutely breathtaking and I had to pinch myself to believe that I was actually standing there.

The Makai Ocean golf course had the world''s most spectacular hole and stretched out over two cliffs with the ocean 200-feet below.

Further down, on the eastern edge of Kauai, the Kilauea Lighthouse overlooks the Pacific Ocean.

Then there is the Fern Grotto, which is only accessible by boat ride along the Wailua River. Still further down is the "tree tunnel" made famous by Elvis Presley in the movie Blue Hawaii. Then there are the Wailua Falls (seen at the start of Fantasy Island) and the mountain landmark "The Sleeping Giant". Then as you wrap around the lower portion of the island, called the "sunny" part of the island, you can stop at Poipu Beach. As you travel north-east, you''ll come to the Waimea Canyon, a smaller version of the Grand Canyon that''s nonetheless just as jaw dropping. Then you come to the Na Pali Coast, where there''s an incredible meeting of the ocean and towering mountain cliffs.

Kauai is just an overload of visual splendor.

Quick Tips:

I highly recommend a map and insatiable curiosity. Take a chance and travel off the beaten path--you WILL be rewarded. I highly suggest taking the boat trip to view the Na Pali Coast--you''ll get to experience first-hand the sights and sounds and smells of this magnificent site, including dolphins and humpback whales.

I only suggest a helicopter trip if you want to see deep into the center of the Waimea Canyon, to the world''s wettest spot. We preferred to explore this site by car and on foot--why sit in a cramped up and enclosed tin can?

The island is small, but full of breathtaking natural sights, unusual shops, interesting locals, and lots of history. Try to get out and see it for yourself. Don''t be shy.

Best Way To Get Around:

Hands down, a convertible is the BEST way to get around, so if you cannot afford it, figure out a way anyhow! It changes the whole vacation experience as you are truly one with nature. Besides how often will you get to Kauai? Also, parking the car and walking on foot can yield some unexpected suprises not listed on any map.

Best Things Nearby:
Numerous beaches both public and private are located within two miles driving distance (though they can be seen from some units). Golfing including the Makai Course on site and the Prince course within 1 mile. Within short driving distances, there is Hanalei Bay, The Fern Grotto, Wailua Lake, downtown Kapaa, Poipu Beach, Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali Coast, and many other incredible sites too numerous to list.

Best Things About the Resort:
The landscaping surrounding the units is nothing short of a tropical paradise. It includes lush foliage and waterfalls. The units are arranged for the ultimate in privacy and seclusion, though just steps away from the pool areas and the activity center. Parking is "right there." The units are HUGE (2000 square feet) with a king bed, jacuzzi tub, and skylight in the master bedroom and bath, and an enormous living area with a wet bar, cathedral ceiling, and a fully seperate dining and living area. There is a full kitchen with all the appliances and a laundry unit right off the master bathroom''s private deck. Then there is a seperate "wing" with another bedroom and a full bathroom. There is an enormous circular deck that wraps about 180 degrees around the unit with a private entrance from the master bedroom and two more off the living room and dining area. You can probably fit 30-40 people on it. We were fortunate enough to have a view of both the ocean and the golf course. The activity center was close by and offered numerous free options for entertainment. They also offered discounted fee-based options too. Located in the most desirable place on the island.

Resort Experience:
Between the lush landscaping, the size, and luxurious amenities provided within the unit itself, the bend-over-backwards approach of the staff, and the incredibly impressive and prestigious location on this spectacular tropical island, it simply can''t be touched by anywhere else we have ever stayed. If you desire the uptmost in luxury, romance, and visual sensation, I cannot recommend anywhere more idyllic to stay. I wish everyone could experience this resort just once.

• Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
• Activities: Excellent
• Amenities: Excellent
• Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
• Family Friendliness: Excellent
• Service: Excellent