Our February Kauai Trip

* The helicopter ride is the best on Kauai. Choose the company that offers the actual video of your flight. If you're celebrating a special event, you'll have an opportunity to introduce yourself or mention your special event during your flight.

* Keoke's Paradise Restaurant and Bar offers a tiki torch and candlelight setting at night.

* Gaylord's offers a great Sunday brunch. They have plantation carriages and beautiful clydesdales. There is a candlelight setting at night.

* The Hyatt, next door, offers the Drums of Paradise Luau twice weekly. It isn't our favorite luau, but we like that it's within walking distance. The food is good and mixed drinks are included in the price of admission.

* The Hyatt- Tidepools restaurant is our favorite romantic restaurant.

* There's a fruit stand across from Sea Sport Divers. We buy star fruit and papaya when we visit.

* Visit the Waimea Plantation Kauai Hotel for lunch and walk the grounds. It's like stepping back into time.

Quick Tips:

* We had our teenage son scuba certified in 1998 by Sea Sport Divers. Sea Sport Divers is just a few miles away from the resort. The in-pool sessions were at the Embassy resort, and my husband and I were able to sit at the bar and watch his pool lessons.

Best Way To Get Around:

* Rent a vehicle-it's a must on Kauai.

The Embassy units have two bedrooms and two baths, with a spacious, well-equipped kitchen and a stacked washer and dryer. The bedroom and living room open to the lanai. There's a round table and four chairs on the lanai. I believe there is a chaise lounge too.

The rooms that we have occupied over the past 7 years have always been in good condition and well maintained. It's always a pleasure to return and see that the units have been maintained.

The pool area is very relaxing and the Embassy pool bar is one of our favorites.

There are buildings that surround the pool area, which generally you would think would be less appealing because you don't have a view of the ocean, but on a windy day, you're grateful that you're protected by the buildings. It's a tropical setting, and when you're there, it's a beautiful pool setting.

The food is good. We liked the atmosphere and the proximity to the embassy. It has good food, but I wouldn't rave about it. It has a tropical, candlelit setting, which is what we like. We generally have friendly and good service.