Kauai Springtime 2004

Although not within walking distance of the beach (you COULD just dive off the cliffs!--NOT), it is a GORGEOUS view, and I can't complain. The Cliffs offers quiet privacy and comforts of spacious condominium suites. We found it to be very quiet (mostly retired couples visiting), and everything inside and out was meticulous. The Cliffs Resort has four great tennis courts, a ho-hum swimming pool, private spa for adults (you might not notice it at first), and a putting green with sand trap (never saw it). Ideal for couples and families, accommodations include one-bedroom suites and one bedroom with loft. Each suite features a fully equipped kitchen, two full baths, two private lanais, separate living room, and private master bedroom. There is no A/C, which was sort of okay in May since there are ceiling fans, but we had to move the bed, so that it was directly underneath the fan...not a problem. If you've never been to Kauai, go listen to the Activity presentation on select mornings.

I have been to luaus on Oahu and Maui and have always had good experiences, but Smith Family has the worst PERFORMANCE I have seen. The garden was a bit cheesy, but lush and expansive, and the food and drinks were wonderful, but the performance was a "modern" luau, and I noticed people leaving soon after it started. And it was the most expensive luau I've been to.

Go to one on another island--supposedly this is the best one on Kauai. Scary!

You MUST splurge and eat dinner here. I would recommend arriving early (around 4:30) to enjoy a cocktail in The Living Room of the Princeville. Dinner reservations were at 5:00, and we were there the entire evening until 9:00. We sat on the terrace around the corner away from the sun, since the sun was HOT and in our eyes. But everybody goes to check out the sunset and takes each other's photos. Oh, and the food!--yes, the food (steaks and seafood) is absolutely wonderful, and the desserts are heavenly. They offered a multi-course special, which I recommend, so that you can taste a lot of their selections. If you're a coffee lover, make sure to have their press pot coffee (which is included with their special).

This is THE best shave ice on the island! You must have it with macadamia nut ice cream on the bottom, preferably with the tropical combo (guava, passionfruit, and mango?) flavor ice. We went there after we hiked all over Waimea Canyon, so we were ready to splurge!