The Breathtaking Island of Kauai

Our condo was clean and very roomy. The staff was friendly and accommodating. The view at the Shearwater was spectacular. It is located on a cliff over the crystal-blue ocean. From your lanai you can watch the whales with their calves depending on when you visit. The grounds at both locations were well manicured.

This is a fun place for outdoor dining overlooking the beach and ocean. The appetizers, cocktails (if you like vodka, coconut milk, strawberries, and fresh pineapple, you have to try a Chi Chi Lava Flow. . . outstanding!), and dinner entrees were very good. I had Uno, which is wahoo (a fish) encrusted with parmesan cheese and pecans -- excellent. The Uno melted in your mouth. My husband and nephew had a filet that was prepared to perfection.

Beautiful views of the ocean and the rainforest. The course is difficult and requires skill in placing shots. Definitely a shot maker's course. #1 course in the Hawaiian Islands. A must for the avid golfer.

The helicopter ride over Kauai is well worth the money. You see where the island formed, numerous waterfalls, the rainforest, where movies were filmed, and the picturesque Napali Coast. You won't experience any of this unless you are a devoted hiker and in tip-top shape. None of this is accessible by car.

We also island hopped. We were not impressed with Honolulu (too commercialized and fast paced). We wanted to see the infamous Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head. Once and done. We would not return. The bus ride was an experience from hell. It is an eight-mile trip that took 1.5 hours.

We ventured to the main island of Hawaii to explore Kilauea -- a must see. We took a helicopter ride over the sleeping giant -- a spectacular sight. It was not erupting when we were there, but they had experienced an earthquake three weeks prior that was a 5.5 on the Richter scale and waiting for the Fire God to burst at any time! The smoldering crater looked prehistoric. The lava flows from over the years were never ending as they made way to the ocean, taking roads, homes and anything in the way. It was an eerie but thrilling experience.