Kauai, Hawaii, a stunning island with plenty to do for everyone.
Kerry Graham has recently returned from a week in Kauai, where along with friends she enjoyed playing golf on some of Kauai’s courses. Read her review of the Big Island.
Before Waikiki we spent 5 nights on Kauai – the Garden Isle. We wish we’d spent longer.
Fabulously laid back we stayed at Poipu Beach the nicest beach located on the dryer southern side of the island.
There are several hotels there including the Hyatt, Marriott and the Sheraton. The beach is not patrolled and the surf was significant so perhaps not ideal for younger children – although there were more sheltered spots at one end for families and snorkelers.
We stayed in an apartment at the Kaihuna Plantation Resort – by Outrigger. The original plantation house is now the lobby and reception area. The world renowned gardens started by the owners in 1930 and opened to the public in 1954 are stunning – sweeping manicured lawns and mature plants and trees.
The apartments are 2 – 3 stories and individually owned, so some are more recently refurbished than others. There are numerous gas BBQ’s in the grounds meticulously cleaned each night. There is a pool and sports complex – gym and tennis courts – but located across the road next to a small shopping centre.
You really do need a car – driving was easy – well signposted but the speed limits changed frequently from slow to even slower………
There is a farmers market that moves to different locations on a daily basis. Also a few supermarkets in the area, but the selection of food available was pretty un-inspiring. The best place for provisions is nearby at The Shops at Kukui’ula Village, about a 5 minute drive away. Here there is a much better selection of quality shops and restaurants and the Living Food Market and Café – organic and local produce with a huge selection of imported goods with international wine and beer – a cross between a Farro and a Sabato.
This centre is also home to Merrimans – voted the 2014 Best Kauai Restaurant which was great for Happy Hour with fabulous nibbles and creative cocktails. Downstairs is their Gourmet Pizza and Burger restaurant. The only drawback is it’s not on the beach. Cocktails at the Hyatt beach bar were rather ordinary and served in tacky plastic cups, but the view of the surfers directly out front was spectacular. There were numerous other well recommended restaurants that sadly we did not have time to try.
We were there to play golf, which we did, rather badly! As a practise we played the fun and incredibly cheap Kukuiolono 9 hole course and then onto the Poipu Beach Golf Club.
A scenic drive to the northern side of the island is an interesting drive which we did to play at the St Regis Princeville Makai Golf course. Very challenging! The courses are championship; resort courses and in immaculate condition. Rates vary enormously depending on the time of day – cheaper afternoon rates as temperatures and the wind tend to rise; playing havoc with already wayward balls.
Another half day trip is to the Waimea Canyon stopping at various small towns along the way. You can also take a Helicopter trip over the island for stunning views of Waimea Canyon and the Napali Coast which is not accessible by road.
Kauai was great – very relaxing and we could have happily stayed longer. There is plenty to occupy couples; golfers, non-golfers and families with children. It’s a very laid back place with some great restaurant options to balance the self-catering (if you want to) in the apartments.
A nice foil to the hustle and bustle of Waikiki which is great fun for a few nights on the way home.
Kauai, Hawaii, a stunning island with plenty to do for everyone.
Kerry Graham has recently returned from a week in Kauai, where along with friends she enjoyed playing golf on some of Kauai’s courses. Read her review of the Big Island.
Before Waikiki we spent 5 nights on Kauai – the Garden Isle. We wish we’d spent longer.
Fabulously laid back we stayed at Poipu Beach the nicest beach located on the dryer southern side of the island.
There are several hotels there including the Hyatt, Marriott and the Sheraton. The beach is not patrolled and the surf was significant so perhaps not ideal for younger children – although there were more sheltered spots at one end for families and snorkelers.
We stayed in an apartment at the Kaihuna Plantation Resort – by Outrigger. The original plantation house is now the lobby and reception area. The world renowned gardens started by the owners in 1930 and opened to the public in 1954 are stunning – sweeping manicured lawns and mature plants and trees.
The apartments are 2 – 3 stories and individually owned, so some are more recently refurbished than others. There are numerous gas BBQ’s in the grounds meticulously cleaned each night. There is a pool and sports complex – gym and tennis courts – but located across the road next to a small shopping centre.
You really do need a car – driving was easy – well signposted but the speed limits changed frequently from slow to even slower………
There is a farmers market that moves to different locations on a daily basis. Also a few supermarkets in the area, but the selection of food available was pretty un-inspiring. The best place for provisions is nearby at The Shops at Kukui’ula Village, about a 5 minute drive away. Here there is a much better selection of quality shops and restaurants and the Living Food Market and Café – organic and local produce with a huge selection of imported goods with international wine and beer – a cross between a Farro and a Sabato.
This centre is also home to Merrimans – voted the 2014 Best Kauai Restaurant which was great for Happy Hour with fabulous nibbles and creative cocktails. Downstairs is their Gourmet Pizza and Burger restaurant. The only drawback is it’s not on the beach. Cocktails at the Hyatt beach bar were rather ordinary and served in tacky plastic cups, but the view of the surfers directly out front was spectacular. There were numerous other well recommended restaurants that sadly we did not have time to try.
We were there to play golf, which we did, rather badly! As a practise we played the fun and incredibly cheap Kukuiolono 9 hole course and then onto the Poipu Beach Golf Club.
A scenic drive to the northern side of the island is an interesting drive which we did to play at the St Regis Princeville Makai Golf course. Very challenging! The courses are championship; resort courses and in immaculate condition. Rates vary enormously depending on the time of day – cheaper afternoon rates as temperatures and the wind tend to rise; playing havoc with already wayward balls.
Another half day trip is to the Waimea Canyon stopping at various small towns along the way. You can also take a Helicopter trip over the island for stunning views of Waimea Canyon and the Napali Coast which is not accessible by road.
Kauai was great – very relaxing and we could have happily stayed longer. There is plenty to occupy couples; golfers, non-golfers and families with children. It’s a very laid back place with some great restaurant options to balance the self-catering (if you want to) in the apartments.
A nice foil to the hustle and bustle of Waikiki which is great fun for a few nights on the way home.
