A Piece of Paradise

This full service resort has two big advantages--five minutes from the airport and the safest (and only) swimming/snorkeling beach on the east side of Kauai. No matter that it's a bit shabby, the accommodations were quite adequate, and the service excellent.

It was an ideal location for a family--easy to get to any of the sights on the north shore and the south shore as well as being across the street from Smith's Tropical Paradise and the Fern Grotto tour. We especially appreciated the refrigerator and coffee maker in each room, and the fabulous beach right outside the back gate.

The ono special was the most delicate, flavorful fish dish I've had in a long while, and I tried lots of different fish places in Kauai. My family tried the Rock n'Roll sushi and the tempura--light tasty batter, the best. We were greeted with crayons and drawing paper for the toddler, and fast, efficient service kept us from getting antsy with the kid. Would love to go back and try some other Japanese or Pacific Rim cuisine.

I chose Island Helicopters for a fantastic one hour flight over the most famous sights on the island. Some of these places can't be accessed by any other means than by flying, like Mt. Wialeale, the wettest spot on earth with 3000 foot waterfalls cascading down the sheer cliffs in the center of the island. I booked the flight on line for an incredible 37% discount, the best price I've found for any flight on Kauai. What a bargain.

I had heard about Lydgate Beach before, but never tried it. This visit, I needed something special for my little 2-year-old granddaughter. Well, did I find the perfect place for her! This beach has sand as fine as silk, super safe and smooth waves. Although hesitant at first, by the second day Mia was running into the water and splashing up a storm.

This actually is the only safe swimming and snorkeling spot on the east side, due to two breakwaters. Find it just 10 minutes north of the Lihue Airport on the way to Kapaa, just before the Wailua bridge.

Saw at least ten different brightly colored tropical fish, parasailing, surfers, and the views of crashing waves outside the breakwater were fantastic--even saw a rainbow there. Saw lots of local folks, a hula troupe practicing in the huge covered pavilion, an AA meeting, walkers, runners, dogs, barbecues, fishermen--you name it, we saw it at Lydgate Park.

The community has built one of the fanciest, most artistic playground jungle gyms I've ever seen, with hundreds of different levels, slides, wheels, steps, ladders, swings, and children-pleasing sculptures. At the far end of the beach walk is an unbelievable "Playbridge"--part sculpture, part playground structure. Nearby, a company picnic was being held under a tent, while the waves washed up shells and pretty stones nearby.

What a great place to stroll or meditate, swim or bask! I wished I would never have to leave this piece of paradise.