IgoUgo

Kauai Journals

A Week in Paradise

Best of IgoUgo

An April 2000 trip to Kauai by barbara

Ohana Helicopter Tours Photo - Kauai, Hawaii More Photos
Quote: Sometimes we are blessed enough to visit a place so beautiful that we leave knowing that we have been allowed to look briefly into the eyes of God.
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Hyatt Regency Kauai Best of IgoUgo

Hotel

Lobby Photo - Hyatt Regency Kauai, Kauai, Hawaii
Quote:
Absolutely first rate. The hotel was a tropical playground. The open-air lobby was full of flowers and parrots. The view of Keoneloa Bay was spectacular. My room was spacious and clean, and the staff was friendly and helpful. I understand that the Hyatt is consistently ranked by travelers as one of the top 20 tropical resorts in the world. One of the locals that we met told us that John Travolta chooses to stay at the Hyatt whenever he is in Kauai. Mr. Travolta has great taste in hotels! The many available amenities are what make the Hyatt outstanding. There are tons of swimming pools, tennis courts, and beach-rimmed lagoons. There is a golf course, a 150-foot long water slide (for the kid in you), an...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on June 6, 2000

Hyatt Regency Kauai
1571 Poipu Road
Kauai, Hawaii 96756
(808) 742-1234

Beach House Restaurant Best of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "The Beach House"

Sunset Photo - Beach House Restaurant, Kauai, Hawaii
Quote:
I had a pasta dish that was fabulous and my dinner companions couldn’t say enough about the mahi mahi. The really great thing about this restaurant, however, is the view. The walls are nothing but windows, and everywhere you look will be blue-green ocean. We got reservations right before sunset so that we could watch the brilliant colors light up the sky as we drank our Lava Flows (Pina Coladas with Strawberries layered throughout) and enjoy the atmosphere. The portions were very generous, and we had to share the Apple Banana Foster we ordered for dessert because we were so full. A cup of Kauai coffee was good after dinner, too, but you will find that it tastes much different than the more famous Kona...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on June 6, 2000

Beach House Restaurant
5022 Lawai Rd
Kauai, Hawaii 96756
(808) 742-1424

Keoki’s Paradise Best of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Quote:
Keoki’s has grass thatched huts and a dining area festively lit with Tiki torches. We wanted something lighter than the entrees on the dinner menu (along with a quicker seat) so we ordered a meal from the bar menu and were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food. We learned that a lot of the locals will eat from the bar menu at Keoki’s as well as it is very good and economical to do so. I had Kalua pig ribs (Kalua pig is the type cooked in an underground oven that you find at luaus) that were absolutely delicious. My husband had a $5 Ono fish taco that he also enjoyed. The service was fast and friendly, and the tab was very reasonable. The hula pie they se...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on June 6, 2000

Keoki’s Paradise
2360 Kiahuna Plantation Dr.
Kauai, Hawaii 96756
(808) 742-7534

Tidepools at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa Best of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Tidepools "

Tidepool Atmosphere Photo - Tidepools at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa, Kauai, Hawaii
Quote:
This is an open-air restaurant on a lagoon with a great atmosphere and good food. The specialty is fresh fish. Following is the Tidepools’ Recipe for Tropical Crusted Fresh Island Fish with Lemon Grass Buerrre Blanc. Ingredients: Fish: 4 Ea/4oz fresh fish fillet, skinless, boneless; 2 ea whole eggs, whisk; 2 cups All Purpose flour, 2 oz salad oil. Tropical Breading: 1/2 cup toasted coconut flakes; 1/2 cup toasted chopped macadamia nuts; 1/2 cup banana chips, dried; 1/2 cup candied papay; 1/2 cup candied pineapple; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; 1 cup bread crumbs; to taste kosher salt. Lemon Grass Beurre Blanc: 2 pcs kaffer lime leaf; 2 tbsp lemon grass; 1/2 tsp ginger, c...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on June 6, 2000

Tidepools at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa
1571 Poipu Road
Koloa, Hawaii 96756
(808) 240-6456

Kiahuna Beach Best of IgoUgo

Attraction

Quote:
I thought this beach was the most swimmer friendly one that we visited, thus it was easier to snorkel farther out. Kiahuna is somewhat protected by an offshore reef that keeps the water calmer. This was rewarding because snorkeling in deeper water provided much bigger fish to see. Whereas the fish in Po’ipu Beach Park were pretty, the fish 80 feet out in the water of Kiahuna Beach were also BIG. This is not a place to go for anyone who was freaked by JAWS, but it would be a good time to have the water-proof camera ready! Other Points of interest: Clean public bathroom facilities are available at this beach and surfers who know what they are doing enjoy going out beyond the protective reef to r...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on June 6, 2000

Kiahuna Beach
Kiahuna Beach is right beside the Sheraton Kaua’I Resort
Kauai, Hawaii

Snorkling Best of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Snorkeling for my first time..."

Quote:
I had never snorkeled before, and we opted not to get a guided tour (these are available on the island if you would like one). Therefore we chose to snorkel at Po’ipu Beach Park where the water is relatively calm. There were tons of brightly colored fish swimming about in the clear water, and we had a great time pointing at the Angel Fish that swam right by our noses. It took no effort at all (other than to try and stay a little still and not frighten everything away!) to find schools of fish to delight in viewing. Other Points of Interest: There are park facilities available at Po’ipu Beach Park if you need them. Make sure you put sun tan lotion on your back and wear beach shoes on your fe...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on June 6, 2000

Snorkling
Kauai Harbor
Kauai, Hawaii

Shipwreck Beach Best of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Shipwreck Beach/Keoneloa Beach"

Kawailoa Beach Photo - Shipwreck Beach, Kauai, Hawaii
Quote:
The beach is very pretty though the water appeared a little rough if you swam any distance out. We actually saw a man windsurfing across the waves (quite a sight---him on a surfboard, a yellow kite in the air pulling him at a surprisingly fast speed through the choppy water) but I found I preferred swimming in the Hyatt’s pools to braving the surf. Walking along the beach, we did get the treat of seeing several Monk seals lying in the sun. Monk seals are endangered, and people are not allowed to get very close to them. They like to get up on the beaches to rest, and they do not like being disturbed. You will find them loosely cordoned off whenever you encounter them lying about on the sand. Als...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on June 6, 2000

Shipwreck Beach
off Hyatt Regency Kauai Resort and Spa
Kauai, Hawaii

Drums of Paradise Luau Best of IgoUgo

Attraction

Quote:
At present time the Drums of Paradise Luau is scheduled for every Thursday and Sunday evening at the Hyatt. This is especially convenient if you happen to be staying at this fabulous resort! Even if you don’t go to the Luau but you are staying at the Hyatt, you will be able to see the “Lighting of the Torch” Ceremony on the Seaview Terrace overlooking the ocean before the Luau begins. The ceremony was the conch blowing, fire twirling entertainment I expected it to be. While traveling with just my husband, I couldn’t help but think my young son would have loved the experience of the Drums of Paradise! So that you will know, there are other Luaus scheduled periodically at various places around Ka...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on June 6, 2000

Drums of Paradise Luau
1571 Poipu Road
Koloa, Hawaii 96756
+1 808 742 1234

Stevenson's Library Best of IgoUgo

Attraction

Quote:
This is a really neat bar. It was named for Robert Louis Stevenson, and it is richly decorated like the study of a man who delights in the outdoors, intellectual pursuit and the smoking of a nice pipe. There is a fine selection of cigars, cognac, single malt scotches and ports available for those who delight in those sorts of things, but all of the typical bar drinks are also available. There is a jazz band that performs there almost nightly, and I really enjoyed sitting on the comfortable couches and fantasizing that Clark Gable would walk into the place to play a game of chess or pool at any minute. It was also nice dancing slowly in front of the musicians (no one seemed to mind), sipping on a g...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on June 6, 2000

Stevenson's Library
The Hyatt Regency
Kauai, Hawaii

The Seaview Terrace Best of IgoUgo

Attraction

Seaview Terrace Photo - The Seaview Terrace, Kauai, Hawaii
Quote:
The nicest thing about the Seaview Terrace is the incredible view of the Bay in front of the Hyatt as well as the view of the rest of the resort. While tropical drinks can be ordered until 8 PM, what I really liked most about this place was experienced AFTER it closed. We sat at one of the tables (completely open-air on a terrace) and enjoyed the incredible canopy of stars in the sky long after the local Hawaiian entertainment that is common at the Seaview had gone.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on June 6, 2000

The Seaview Terrace
The Hyatt Regency
Kauai, Hawaii

Kuhio's Best of IgoUgo

Attraction

Kuhio's Night Club Photo - Kuhio's, Kauai, Hawaii
Quote:
There is a small sunken dance floor here that is the center of the club. The night we went to Kuhio’s it reminded me of any number of night spots in Atlanta, Georgia with the primary focus being the bar and the dancing people. Only the tropical shirts of some of the patrons tipped me off to the fact that we were still in Hawaii! Still, going to Kuhio’s is fun if you are in the mood to have a drink and move your body to the music. The service was certainly friendly and good, and dancing was great with a group of friends we had made along the way. Kuhio’s is only open certain nights of the week. You can call the Hyatt Regency for details (808-742-1234).

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on June 6, 2000

Kuhio's
Hyatt Regency
Kauai, Hawaii

The Hule’ia River Best of IgoUgo

Attraction

Cliffs Seen From the Kayak Photo - The Hule’ia River, Kauai, Hawaii
Quote:
We were involved in a kayak tour through a company called Outfitters Kauai. We started kayaking at Nawiliwili Harbor and continued to a spot two miles down the river. The waters were calm and nice, and it was fun propelling our two-seat kayak forward with a rhythm all our own. I definitely got a good upper-body workout and would have to concede that if I were to have gone on a longer expedition I would have wanted to have conditioned my upper body for a few weeks ahead of time for the sake of endurance. The tour kayaked to a hiking destination where we left our boats behind. The hike was pleasant though short and ended at a waterfall where we ate a provided lunch. We also enjoyed use of a rope s...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on June 6, 2000

The Hule’ia River
Nawiliwili Harbor
Kauai, Hawaii

Mahaulepu Lithified Cliffs Best of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Dirt paths leading to the Maha’ulepu Beaches"

Quote:
The Maha’ulepu Beaches seemed more isolated than the others we visited. While you can drive and park near them, we thought it would be nice to run to them instead. With light backpacks and running shoes on, we found the red dirt road leading to the beaches to be flat and fairly even. Dirt roads are great surfaces to run on, and the mountains loomed nicely in front of us. After passing a rock quarry on our right, we had to stop running and hike through the trees down to Gillin’s Beach. There was no one within immediate sight, and the water looked very cool and inviting.We stripped down to our bathing suits and waded into the water to cool off. We then walked down the beach to Kawailoa Bay. Ther...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on June 6, 2000

Mahaulepu Lithified Cliffs
off Poipu Road
Kauai, Hawaii

Running on the Beach Best of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Near Kiahuna Beach"

Dirt Road Photo - Running on the Beach, Kauai, Hawaii
Quote:
My husband and I walked to Kiahuna Beach (see Great Outdoors/Beaches) to snorkel. Before I hit the water, however, I wanted to take a little jog. Nursing a knee injury, I did not want to go far, so I dropped my things on the beach and headed out on the road behind the Sheraton Hotel and Kiahuna Plantation Resort. The beaches are too uneven to run on, but I was happy to find that the road I chose runs parallel to the ocean past Kiahuna Beach. I ran past many locals fishing on the rocks and several people getting ready to scuba at Koloa Landing. I ran past houses enjoying a leisurely pace on paths for walkers beside the street that kept me out of the way of cars. I turned around after a mile and ...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on June 6, 2000

Running on the Beach
Near Sheraton Hotel
Kauai, Hawaii

Poipu Bay Resort Golf Club Best of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Po’ipu Bay Resort"

Golf Course Photo - Poipu Bay Resort Golf Club, Kauai, Hawaii
Quote:
I did not play this course myself, but some of our friends who were traveling to Kauai on the same trip did. There are nine courses in total on Kauai, and Robert Trent Jones, Jr. designed many of them including the Po’ipu Bay Resort (Jack Nicklaus designed a couple of the other courses on the island, too). I was told the best part of the course is the fantastic views of the ocean. The course is kept in great condition, and one can’t help but enjoy the game. There was a lot of wind for our friends to contend with (apparently this is a typical condition for the South Side of the Island), and they gave me mixed reviews on the cost of a round. Both said they enjoyed the course, found it challenging...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on June 6, 2000

Poipu Bay Resort Golf Club
2250 Ainako St
Koloa, Hawaii 96756
+1 808 742 8711

Poipu Shopping Village Best of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Po’ipu Shopping Village"

Quote:
There were a lot of neat shops in the Po’ipu Shopping Village. There were also hula shows in the Courtyard on different nights of the week. There were a couple of nice art galleries that I enjoyed visiting, but I really liked the store Hale Mana, Gifts for the Spirited (www.halemana.com) because it had some unique items and a very friendly proprietor who gave us a lot of great tips about the island. It was at Hale Mana that we learned about the great Ono Fish tacos at Keoki’s Paradise (See Dining)! There are also several jewelry stores, and the Black Tahiti Pearls are worth a look---especially if you’re on your honeymoon and want a great present for your new wife (or want to give your new husband...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on June 6, 2000

Poipu Shopping Village
2360 Kiahuna Plantation Drive
Koloa, Hawaii 96756
+1 808 742 2831

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort, Spa & Shopping Best of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Hyatt Regency Stores"

Quote:
The Hyatt really does strive to meet every need you’ll have during your visit to Kauai without your ever having to leave the resort. Whether you want a new Hawaiian shirt to wear while on your trip or you want to find a tiny muu-muu to take back to your keiki (Hawaiian word for kid pronounced kay-key) on the mainland, you will be able to find it in the upscale Hyatt stores. In the shoe store in the Hyatt’s lobby, my husband found a wonderful pair of hiking sandals that he wore almost every day of our vacation.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on June 6, 2000

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort, Spa & Shopping
1571 Poipu Road
Kauai, Hawaii
(808) 742-1234

Kalalau Trail Best of IgoUgo

Attraction | "The Kalalau Trail"

On the Kalalau Trail Photo - Kalalau Trail, Kauai, Hawaii
Quote:
Despite heavy rains and misting, this was the favorite activity we indulged in while in Kauai. We took a rental car to the North Side of the island and were surprised at how different everything looked in this area. The vegetation was much more lush---the expected rain forest---and the drive itself was beautiful as we went by beaches and rainbows and jagged cliffs pumping out rushing waterfalls of white. We actually were able to drive all the way to the foot of the Kalalau Trail and park the car. This is state-owned land and all access is free. A very nice Hawaiian man keeping tally of the number of hikers going up the trail told us that there is actually a local movement to charge a modest entr...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on June 6, 2000

Kalalau Trail
At The End Of The Kalalau Trail
Kauai, Hawaii

Helicopter Ride Best of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

'Ohana Helicopter Tours Photo - Kauai, Hawaii
Quote:
Ohana Helicopter Tours www.ohana-helicopters.com 1-800-222-6989 Our Tour was $146/person for a 50 minute flight. There are longer and more expensive flights available through ‘Ohana. There are also several other helicopter companies in Kauai. All are reputed to offer something a little bit different at various costs to patrons. Riding in a helicopter was an experience in and of itself! I had never been in so small a craft before, and my husband and I had the good fortune of sitting in the front seat with the pilot (seating arrangements are determined somewhat by the weight of the passengers and the best way to balance that weight out). There were six passengers in all, ...Read More

Top Attractions/Sights Best of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

North Side Photo - Kauai, Hawaii
Quote:
The Na Poli Coastline is the thing to see on the North Side of Island The Waimea Canyon is the natural wonder on the West Side of Island The Spouting Horn---a blowhole that looks similar to a geyser and is created by an opening in a small lava shelf---is a fun thing to view on the south Side of Island The Ho’opi’I Falls is a natural beauty on the East Side of the Island.

About the Writer

barbara

barbara
Atlanta, Georgia

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