Kauai Getaway

It had two full bathrooms, one with a jetted tub and one with shower. There was a fully equipped kitchen with refrigerator, microwave, oven, electric range, coffee grinder, and dishwasher. Also available were a rice cooker, toaster, and coffeemaker. There was a compact clothes washer and dryer (one of those up/down models), which actually did fairly large loads. The units do not have air conditioning, but it was only a bit warm in the late afternoon before the trade winds, otherwise the three ceiling fans did a great job keeping us comfortable.

We attended an "orientation" session the first morning after arrival, and despite our misgivings that we would be hearing either a timeshare presentation or hard sell for the resort’s concierge services (i.e. shill for local tour operators) the approximately 45 minutes were spent giving a pretty good overview of the major things to do in Kauai. From our perspective, these are great for first timers, some of which we had done our first trip in 1999. These include the Jetcopter rides, Snorkel and Kayak trips to Napali coast; various bus tours (like the one that stops at all the movie set locations), dive trips, fishing, golf, horseback riding, dinner cruises, and the ubiquitous Luau dinners.

• Unit Type: 1 Bedroom
• Activities: Very Good
• Amenities: Excellent
• Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
• Family Friendliness: Excellent
• Service: Excellent

Here’s a couple we didn’t see: several trails off route 550 on the west side of the island and starting at Koke’e lodge that are accessible by four wheel drive only and go down along the ridges of the "fingers" of the Napali coast. Another is the two and a half mile "secret tunnel" that ends in a waterfall starting from the Keahua arboretum. And of course, going farther than Hanakapi’ai beach from Ke’e beach.

Activities:
We did enjoy several activities this trip. Snorkeling at Ke’e beach – we saw a fairly great variety of tropical species of fish including several large schools that seemed "tame" as they did not flee as you approached – simply moved out of the way – I guess they pretty much know they can swim a whole lot faster than humans! We also snorkeled at Annini beach – this is briefly mentioned in the guidebook but not at all in any of the local brochures. We saw a sea turtle and followed it around the area protected inside of a long fringing reef. Pohihale beach – the farthest point (or nearest to Napali coast) that you can drive – access here is best by four wheel drive, or a very slow and bumpy ride in a passenger vehicle. I grew up in New York, famous for its potholes, but this road takes it to a new level!