Blog
Mini-Golfing on Kauai
Kauai Mini-Golf is what our 5 yr. old lives for... well, maybe not lives for, but gosh, that boy is hooked! After one round of the island-style, 18-hole golf experience he wants to go every weekend, holiday, birthday, you name it! (Needless to say, we have played quite a few rounds.) Not only is...
Kauai Weddings (and Hanalei by Moonlight)
Could there be a more idyllic place to say, "I do" than Hanalei Bay, Kauai? We don't think so, and legions of happy brides agree. Must have something to do with kissing under a rainbow, or a waterfall, or seeing Hanalei by moonlight…? If you are looking for an awesome wedding photographer, Sara...
Taro Trippin’ in Hanalei
Though I’ve seen it a thousand times, the view of Hanalei Valley's emerald green taro fields still takes my breath away. If you're interested in learning more about our agricultural staple - and checking out the last surviving rice mill in Hawaii - take a tour of the Ho’opulapula Rice Mill and...
Kauai Island Grocery Stores
You're just settling in to your incredible Kauai vacation rental, reclining into your comfy beach chair, warm sun bathing you, tropic breezes carrying the sweet scent of plumeria, lazy waves lap up to meet your feet, but something is missing! Of course! A cool beverage, a bag of your favorite...
Kauai’s Bethany Hamilton in “Soul Surfer”
I’ll never forget the sinking feeling in my gut when I heard ambulance sirens screaming toward Princeville. It was a perfectly clear, crisp late October morning – way too beautiful of a morning for anything bad to happen. Only later did we discover that one of our daughter’s best friends had...
88 Shrines Lawai, Kauai
You will find, as you spend time on Kauai that this little island is full of inspiration - great and small. The obvious include sand, sea and surf; mother nature's gift and artistry. Then there are those man-made interpretations/tributes to the unseen energies that surround us. In an earlier...
Ultimate Kauai Waterfall Hike
It’s been described as long, challenging, strenuous, muddy, rocky, steep, wet, treacherous, slippery—and the most beautiful place in the world. The 2nd Loveliest Waterfall... We’re talking about the trail leading to Hanakapi’ai, the Kauai waterfall CNN Travel just named second loveliest on the...
Kauai Beachfront Rentals + Hawaii Airfare Sale
Towering kamani trees, swaying palms, a sprawling front lawn… the Kauai beachfront homes at Hale O’ Naue are an escape to “old Hawaii.” With views of Bali Hai—made famous in the movie South Pacific —these two luxury air-conditioned vacation homes are just steps from world-renowned Tunnels Beach, a...
Everybody Loves the “Nui”
“Our food is awesome: Our pizzas are awesome, our pastas are awesome, our Chef is awesome.” Our server Darcelle basically thought everything at Tahiti Nui, Hanalei's landmark restaurant, was awesome. The only problem was actually getting the awesome items: The Ahi Tartare wasn’t available, so...
Hole-in-the-Wall Grinds Kauai II
E Komo Mai! Welcome to our second installment of Hole-in-the-Wall-Grinds, those little tucked away spots that are our local favorites when “jone-zin’” for great food at an affordable price. If you missed the last post be sure to check out part one of Hole-in-the-Wall Grinds on Kauai's...
A REALLY Good Restaurant Tip
Rainbows. Waterfalls. Hanalei Bay. No Kauai vacation is complete without seeing the view from the St. Regis in Princeville. Valet your car and visit the lobby bar—watch a sunset over Bali Hai—or have breakfast, lunch or dinner at the Makana Terrace. Or better yet, splurge at Chef Jean-Georges...
Best Hawaiian Music on Kauai
The heart and soul of Hawaiian culture is in its music, and right now Monday nights are overflowing with hula and harmony at the Kauai Beach Resort in Lihue.I hope you go to a luau while you’re vacationing on Kauai—there are many, and all are entertaining—but E Kanikapila Kakou (“Let’s play music...
Kauai Hole-in-the-Wall Grinds
You know them, those little tucked away spots that are your special secrets, those places you think no one else knows about; and you harbor that sense of accomplishment that it was you that found it and you’ll only share it with a cherished few. Kauai is one of those places. Many will agree that...
Nanea – One of Best Places to Eat in Princeville
The Nanea Restaurant & Bar—tucked away below the lobby of the Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas—is one of the best “undiscovered” restaurants on the north shore. They have a super wine list, but really, if you're on vacation on Kauai, how can you resist a lilikoi mojito or an Aninitini –...
The Churches of Kauai
The Hawaiian Islands' diverse cultural heritage and history is inevitably entwined with its diverse religious philosophies. Kauai has been considered by many ‘spiritual’ seekers as place of great power and connection to the Infinite and is home to religious and spiritual communities that span...
Remembering Andy Irons
Lots of happenings on Kauai next month, but one that’s near and dear to my heart is a tribute: “Remembering Andy,” Jan. 7-9 at the Amy Laurens Gallery in Hanalei. Andy Irons, a three-time world surfing champion, was a Hanalei boy through and through—a great friend and an amazing guy who died much...
Babymoons: New Excuse for Kauai Vacation
Babymoon? Huh? What's a babymoon? After hearing the word pop up several times I did a little checking. Evidently “babymoons” are the hottest new travel trend—“pre-baby” vacations—to give prospective parents time to relax and reconnect before birth—or “post-baby” getaways to give the new family...
Kauai’s Hindu Monastery & Temple
Kauai has many special ‘gems’ that are worth your visit here on the Garden Island. ‘Natural’ ‘wonders abound with sunny white sand beaches, magnificent surf and snorkel spots, and mountain trails that lead to the idyllic waterfall. But there are some marvels that are quietly tucked away, just...
Baby, It’s “Kinda” Cold Outside!
Well, actually, it’s about 75 degrees, but it might dip all the way down to 67 tonight! If you’re considering booking a winter vacation on Kauai, your best bet for consistently sunny weather is on the south shore. Like Hale Kai, a quaint two bedroom beachfront cottage with spectacular views of the...
Lei: The Beauty & Tradition of Aloha
When one thinks of Hawaii, certain images come to mind; the swaying palms, hula skirts, warm sun, azure blue water and sandy beaches and blue tropical drinks with little umbrellas. But arguably the signature image that comes to many is the garland of flowers bestowed to the arriving visitor that...