Kauai is one of those rare tropical paradises we can visit again and again, yet never feel that we have seen it all. Something new and wonderful is always waiting to be discovered. On our most recent trip to Hawaii’s Garden Isle, we divided our time between two exquisite resorts on the south—Poipu—side of the island.
Plantation life of an earlier era is evoked at Kiahuna Plantation, a waterfront property with peaceful, beautifully landscaped grounds. Cottage buildings offering either ocean or garden views meander through the 35-acre property.
Décor in these spacious units is tropical, the rooms cooled by louvered windows and doors. Each cottage includes a kitchen, living room, dining area and full bath in addition to an elegant bedroom. Spacious patios encourage open-air relaxation.
A branch of the renowned Piatti restaurant chain is located on the property. Its stunning garden surroundings and menu with a Hawaiian twist team up to make the eatery well worth a visit.
Fronted by a palm-studded lawn, Kiahuna is located on the best sandy, swimming beach in the Poipu area. A conveniently located beach hut provides towels and chairs, and guests will find other beach equipment and light snacks available there also.
Poipu Beach Park, to the left of Kiahuna beach, offers excellent snorkeling, and surfers can usually be seen challenging the waves in front of the resort. The Plantation’s guests may also use the waterfront pool, spa and restaurants belonging to the Sheraton Poipu, located to the right of the beach area, and have charges incurred there added directly to their hotel bill.
Anyone hankering for a glimpse of what island life must have been like in the days when cruise ships were the only way to get to the islands will find it there at the Point, a wonderful sunset-viewing bar. Since by law no building on Kauai can be taller than a palm tree, the view from the ocean is still the same!If royalty still ruled in Hawaii, the Hyatt Regency Kauai Resort and Spa would be the gateway to the Queen’s official residence. The resort’s 602 rooms are scattered throughout fifty elegantly tended acres, imparting an intimate feeling to the complex despite its impressive size. The intertwining of natural landscaping keeps the sumptuous surroundings from seeming intimidating, and the friendly, helpful attitude of the staff adds to the impression of casual luxury.
The Hyatt, which is offering a Special
10-year Anniversary Rate through December 15th, is one of
the top-rated resorts in the world. While its location on magnificent
Shipwreck Beach is not recommended for swimming, its breathtaking pool
area conveys the feeling of being in a natural lagoon—one complete with
cocktails and food service. Complete 
wedding
packages, a kiddie program and several excellent restaurants are all part
of the amenities. The nearby Poipu Bay Golf Course makes the area an
irresistible attraction for golfers.
Rich natural greenery and several incredibly beautiful botanical gardens have earned Kauai its familiar nickname, "The Garden Isle." Lawai Garden, located on the island’s south shore near Spouting Horn, is the 252-acre headquarters of the National Tropical Botanical Gardens. Allerton Garden, a lush, 100-acre bit of horticultural heaven, was begun by Queen Emma back in the late 1800’s. On the North Shore, the 17-acre Limahuli Garden begins with a series of taro ponds reflecting Hawaiian agriculture from centuries ago.
Shaped like a circle with a ruggedly mountainous heart, Kauai is home to Mount Waialeale, one of the world’s wettest spots with an average annual rainfall of 460 inches. Dozens of streams pouring off the slopes of this 5,080-foot peak have carved canyons into the volcanic rock that forms the island. Waimea, a deep fissure with colorful walls of rock, is often compared to Arizona’s Grand Canyon. The awesome hushed beauty of the Fern Grotto attracts visitors from all over the world.
No road penetrates the nearly inaccessible Na Pali cliffs on Kauai’s northwestern coast. The nearest resort accommodations to the area are found at Princeville, situated on lovely Hanalei Bay. From there, helicopter flightseeing tours can be arranged. Book an early morning flight when the weather is best for spectacular birds’-eye views of the coastal cliffs, Hanalei’s taro fields, Mt. Waialeale and Waimea Canyon.
Not too far away is another of Kauai’s favorite attractions, Hilauea Lighthouse. From the viewpoint of this wildlife refuge on a spectacular 200-foot-high peninsula you can see up the coast to Princeville and down to Kapaa. If you’ve forgotten your own binoculars, they’ll rent you a pair.
Ahhhh! Can’t wait to get back!