Trip at Kauai

More publicity has been allotted to magnificent Waimea Canyon, located in Koke'e State Park, than perhaps any other landmark in the Hawaiian Islands. The words often attributed (mistakenly) to Mark Twain describe it best. This is the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," a breathtaking spectacle from any angle. There are a few ways to view Waimea Canyon; several tour companies offer helicopter or airplane tours. However, many people choose to make the trip to the canyon by car. Outdoor enthusiasts may choose to camp in the park (permit required).

As if romance were not already in the Kauai air, the Hyatt has created an ocean-side 'Little Italy' for your dining pleasure. Tiki torch lighting and balmy ocean breezes add something magical to the atmosphere. Impeccably dressed and unfailingly friendly servers tend to your every need while you feast on some of the freshest, most delectably seasoned Italian food on the island. The chefs proudly use the hotel's own fresh-grown herbs to flavor the homemade pastas. Tiramisu melts in your mouth. The wine list is arguably the best on the island.

A private resort featuring a 20-acre lake by the Kilauea Point Wildlife Refuge, the Kilauea Lakeside Estate offers complete privacy and seclusion in a luxurious setting, and is located 21 miles from Lihue Airport. Local attractions include the beach, located across the main road, and Kapaa, approximately 13 miles from the resort. Situated on a five-acre peninsula, the estate's grounds feature 150 varieties of Hawaiian flowers and over 50 types of fruit trees. The 1,000 feet of lake frontage is perfect for kayaking, swimming, and fishing. The lake is home to bass and catfish, and the resort provides fishing and boating instruction and equipment. In the middle of the lake guests will find 'Tom Sawyer's Island,' complete with a diving platform and a rope swing. Other natural features include a freshwater stream and a waterfall. Lakeside massages and fitness classes can be arranged for a fee, and cultural activities such as fruit harvesting and flower arranging are complimentary. The rock barbeque and picnic area are available for outdoor dining. The resort also features a tree house and a putting green. Other optional amenities include maid service, butler service, babysitting services, and activities information. Catering and in-house meals may also be arranged. Covering approximately 3,000 square feet, the estate features three bedrooms, three bathrooms, two lanais, nature views, hammocks, custom furnishings, big-screen TV in the living room, TV, CD player, VCR, and a stereo in the master bedroom, satellite channels, Sirius radio, outside shower, two-person spa tub, kitchen, microwave, dishwasher, range, refrigerator, tableware, cookware, laundry facilities, and a gas barbeque.

Kauai is the northwestern-most and oldest of Hawaii's major islands. Called the Garden Island, it is covered with lush greenery and tropical plants, watered regularly by abundant rainfall. As the oldest of the islands, it has been changed the most by the forces of erosion, and this has resulted in natural wonders such as Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali Coast. It is also home to more sandy beaches than any other major island in the Hawaiian chain.

In short, compared to Oahu, Maui or the Big Island, Kauai is smaller, less populated, more rural, and more laid back. That's why it's the favorite destination for many visitors to Hawaii, and for many Hawaii residents as well.

People come to Kauai primarily for one thing: the beaches with their great snorkeling, surfing, swimming and sunning. But Kauai also boasts more navigable rivers than the other Hawaiian Islands making kayaking very popular. If the surf is calm you can even combine a river run with time paddling the bays and ocean shoreline. You'll find kayak rentals near the mouth of the most popular rivers. Kauai has great hiking and mountain biking trails as well.

The name may seem to indicate a soup and sandwich joint, but the food here is authentically Mexican. Voted "Best Mexican Restaurant on Kauai" by several visitors' magazines, the cafe offers fresh and flavorful California-Mex style cuisine, along with salads, pastries, fresh-baked breads and more. If you are trying to avoid grease, you will be pleased at the absence of lard in this establishment's cooking. Daily fish options tend to be light, healthy and delicious.

Not one, not two, but a half-dozen different kinds of massage are offered at this opulent health spa. Shiatsu, Aromatherapy and Lomi Lomi (a traditional Hawaiian massage) are offered in addition to more common techniques. Reflexology, body wraps, exfoliation, the Seaweed Masque and other pampering treatments are also on the menu. People who wish to experience a bit of everything can choose a package. Day at Anara offers a body treatment, beauty treatment, manicure and lunch. Hawaiian packages and custom packages are also offered.

Situated on the stunning Princeville Golf Course on the verdant North Shore of Kaua'i, this place offers golfers and guests of the Princeville Resort a casual place to dine in the morning or afternoon. Of course, Princeville equals pricey, so don't expect to find any cheap eats here, but this place probably does offer the least expensive meals on the resort. Sandwiches, salads, pupus and cocktails are served. Sushi is offered on Monday nights.

Hamura's is famous for serving lip-smacking saimin for a long time now. The U-shaped counters attract tourists to the specialty and no holiday in Kauai is complete without sampling something at Hamura. Take your pick from skewers of chicken or beef, wholesome noodles with eggs, vegetables, or seafood, and enjoy whilst sitting on wooden stools. Hamura's was recently awarded the James Beard Award for authentic, ethnic food; so don't think twice.

This old-timer is popular with golfers, shoppers, and other people who have a reason to be in downtown Lihue. It serves fresh fish, steak, and some rather creative vegetarian dishes. The restaurant is situated on Kalapaki Beach, and is known for great views. It is right in front of the Kauai Marriott Resort. The atmosphere is fun and unpretentious. Sit inside or outside; the balmy air and open windows and doors ensure a pleasurable dining experience no matter where you sit.

Coconuts are to Hawai'i what oranges are to Florida. Far more than just a fruit, they are an unofficial state symbol, not to mention a ubiquitous element in local cuisine. This festival celebrates the coconut in a variety of creative ways. Dine on coconut goodies, participate in coconut-themed contests, and learn the various ways to make coconut crafts. Enjoy live music while you learn how and why the coconut is an ever present part of Hawaiian culture. Call or check website for more info.

As you may have surmised from the cafe's name, the bread here is fresh-baked on the premises. An impressive spread of deli meats and cheeses gives you plenty of sandwich fixings to choose from. Aside from the sandwiches, fresh-made soups are also a specialty. Meal-sized salads (Cobb, baby greens, etc.) and a selection of baked goods are also available. Pastries are best in the morning; pies and cakes can be bought whole or by the slice. Dine in the sparkling clean, deli-style dining room. If you are in the market for top quality appliances, the cafe doubles as a kitchenware store.

Located just outside Princeville Resort, the Princeville Center does not offer much in the way of designer boutiques, but it definitely covers all the basics. Aside from essentials (banks, gas station, a locally owned grocery store), the center is made up of about 35 shops and restaurants. Among them are Lappert's Ice Cream, the Kite & Hobby Shop and the Hawaiian Art Museum. Business hours vary by shop. Most of the specialty stores are open 9am-7pm daily; the grocery store is open till 11pm. Credit card acceptance policies vary by store.

New to the Kauai golf scene is this lovely oceanfront course, designed by celebrated course architect Robert Trent Jones, Jr. Temperamental winds and subtle challenges make this course more difficult than it might seem at first. Another hazard of play is the breathtaking view; it might distract an unwary player from the game. The course has already received attention from national publications and the PGA, and seems well on its way to becoming yet another of Hawaii's legendary resorts.Green fees: $145. Call four weeks in advance to book tee times.

Situated along Poipu Beach and surrounded by tropical gardens, the Sheraton Kauai Resort is a low-rise hotel featuring a relaxed atmosphere and torch-lighting ceremonies, and is approximately 15 miles from Lihue Airport. Local attractions include Wailua Falls, approximately 15 miles away, and Spouting Horn, located two miles from the resort.With a prime location on Poipu Beach, some guests will undoubtedly choose to spend their entire stay relaxing by the ocean's golden sands. The beach activities center can arrange an afternoon full of water sports and rent equipment, such as snorkeling gear and beach chairs. The tranquil gardens and koi ponds are the perfect spot to unwind. Guests may enjoy the two outdoor swimming pools, one with a waterslide, the other with a waterfall, and both with children's pools. The Hawaiian Cultural Center offers a variety of cultural craft demonstrations, such as lei making and hula dancing. Some may also wish to work on their serve on one of the resort's three tennis courts. Additional amenities include the Guest News Library, featuring Internet kiosks, torch lighting ceremony, 24-hour front desk, limited shuttle services, laundry services, kids' program, tour assistance, ice machine, shops, safe deposit boxes, laundry facilities, and a whirlpool. Dining options include Naniwa Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar, Shells Steak and Seafood Restaurant, Oasis Bar & Grille, Amore Ristorante Italiano, the Garden Terrace, and the Point Bar.Guest rooms feature air-conditioning, cable TV, coffeemakers, irons and ironing boards, telephones, video games, voicemail, safes, room service, alarm clocks, and hairdryers.

Located in central Kapa'a, this indoor or outdoor eatery offers tasty, filling American favorites in a totally relaxed atmosphere. Bring the whole family because this is one outing that will not break the bank. Order the standard hot dog or a variation such as Polish sausage. Hamburgers are also on the menu. The second-floor location provides great views of the ocean, mountains and downtown. This is a super-casual establishment, so wear your surf shorts and flip-flops.

This Coconut Coast beach is a favorite of surfers and body boarders. Depending on the season and conditions, it can also be a fine place to swim or bodysurf. The beach isn't very long, but it's wide, pleasant and pretty. There are a few biking and hiking trails in and around the sand. The best swimming can be found on the north end. Note: As with all Hawai'i beaches, conditions are changeable and can often be treacherous. Use caution, and WHEN IN DOUBT, STAY OUT!

A number of notable shops and restaurants are located in this bustling shopping complex just outside downtown Kapa'a. Among them are A Pacific Cafe, one of the front runners in Pacific Rim cuisine, and Emerson's Seafood Restaurant, a relative newcomer on the dining scene. A number of cultural organizations, including the Kauai International Theater and Kauai Children's Discovery Museum, also are located in here. Places such as Safeway, Subway and the ABC Store take care of basic shopping needs. Most merchants accept credit cards, though the acceptance policy varies by merchant.

If you are craving pasta, look no further than this intimate yet upbeat spot. Boasting "Old-World" Italian atmosphere and cuisine, the eatery specializes in homemade pasta and pizza in a comfortably upscale environment.Start out with an antipasto. A lengthy pasta menu features everything from meat sauces to pesto to special in-house creations. Ask your server for recommendations. Chefs Tony and Rosario are happy to prepare special orders. Salads, soups, pizza and appetizers are also available.

If you plan to spend Christmas in Kaua'i, why not add the annual hula presentation to your schedule? This event features the dancers of the Na Hula O Kaohikukapulani halau (dance troupe), and is held at the Kauai Marriott Resort & Beach Club. Aside from the dancing, highlights of the evening will include traditional Hawaiian storytelling, a silent auction and live music.

The sugar industry was once the dominating force of the Hawaiian Islands. People from a number of foreign countries came to work on the plantations, and were housed in wooden structures known as "camp houses." This is one of a few still standing. Its history is best explained through the photographs that adorn the walls. The menu consists of solid, down-home favorites served in sizable portions. Breakfasts are about as hearty as they come. Try the corned beef hash, biscuits and gravy, home fries and eggs. Lunch and dinner entrees are based around meat dishes: barbecued chicken, ribs and burgers.

With more than 70 shops and restaurants, this open-air market is Kauai's largest shopping facility. It is located in Kapa'a, on the eastern side of the island. Every service, from beauty salons to jewelry retailers to shave ice to steakhouses, can be found here. Shops include Splish Splash Kauai and Island Accents; restaurants include Aloha Kauai Pizza. Two theaters play first run movies, and free entertainment is offered nightly at 5p. Credit card acceptance policies vary by merchant.