Kauai 30th

The Pahio at Bali Hai Villas is a Gold Crown resort, a recognition well deserved in my opinion. It's very clean, well maintained, and very relaxing, a pleasant staff that goes out of their way to serve your every need and make your visit and stay a memorable one, you won’t want to leave.

While the rooms do not include air-conditioning at this resort (and most others, I have been told) we did not find that the least bit distracting because the trade winds blow across the island and keep you cool. We even found that at night we needed a blanket.

This resort is located on the north side of the island in Princeville, and Kaui being one of the wettest islands, expect some humidity but don’t let that stop you.

From the moment you set foot on to this resort, you begin to feel the tensions dissipate. Their grounds are well maintained and picturesque, and the waterfalls and gardens enhance your experience and make you relax even more. There are activities for children, adults, and family. The beautiful pool with its gorgeous waterfalls and tropical gardens makes you lose track of time. The pool also features a sand bottom area and beach for the children. For a relaxing treat, the spa has a sand bottom that is fantastic!

Don't let the price scare and keep you from enjoying one of the best times of your life because as an RCI points member it is only $79 for the entire week (the value of RCI points, membership, and vacation ownership). Need I say more?

Great, reasonably-priced food and a beautiful, romantic view. The restaurant located at the Hanalei Bay Resort in Princeville is well worth the trip and the price; the views are unparalleled especially at sunset and the food is excellent -- you won’t leave hungry.

If you go for breakfast, you have to try the Poi pancakes (forget what you heard about Poi -- they are excellent). Breakfasts are very reasonably-priced and the daytime views are as beautiful as the sunsets.

Dining is under a large covered patio and no walls to obstruct the views. Open-air dining at its finest -- can’t wait to go back. The resort itself is gorgeous too, a real eye popper!

They say Kauai is the "Garden Island" and after visiting it, it is easy to see why, beautiful scenery, warm beaches, and a fantastic place to relax.

When you go, don’t forget your camera!

While prices are a little higher on the islands than on the mainland, we didn’t find them all that bad, a simple thing to remember is go where the locals go for the most part and travel on you own, the island isn’t that big and it isn’t difficult to find your way around. You may want to do a short bus/van tour to get a feel for where some of the places are on the island, and if you can a helicopter tour is well worth the time. Then go back and visit them on your own at your own pace.