Kauai offers visitors a wide range of outdoor activities.
Also known as the Garden Isle, Kauai is the lushest of the Hawaiian Islands. The natural beauty of the island includes rainforests and green valleys; attractions include the 14-mile long Waimea Canyon and the steep cliffs and waterfalls of the Napali Coast. Kauai also boasts 50 miles of beaches and plenty of opportunities for surfing, hiking, horseback riding and golf.
Lihue
The town of Lihue on the eastern side of Kauai is the main arrival point for air passengers. Lihue's attractions include Wailua Falls and Kalapaki Beach, popular with windsurfers and swimmers.
The Garden Island Inn is two miles south of Lihue airport. The hotel is a five-minute walk from Kalapaki Beach and a five-minute drive from the historic Kilohana Plantation Estate. The hotel offers 21 economically priced guest rooms featuring tropical decor, fresh flowers and original artworks. All rooms feature fully equipped kitchenettes and some have private decks with ocean or mountain views. Guests have complimentary use of beach gear, golf clubs, coolers and barbecue grills. Dining venues within a couple of minutes' walk from the hotel include the Portofino Italian Restaurant.
The Kauai Marriott Resort is on Kalapaki Bay, one mile from Lihue Airport. Most of the 367 guest rooms have ocean views, and all are decorated in a tropical style. The hotel features tropical gardens, Greek-style statues, a fitness center and the largest single-level swimming pool in Hawaii. Guests choose between seven on-site dining options, including the Toro-Tei Japanese restaurant.
Princeville
Princeville on the north shore of Kauai features windsurfing, snorkeling and surfing areas, along with the 390-acre Princeville Prince golf course. The 52-foot Kilauea Lighthouse is five miles east of Princeville.
The St. Regis Princeville Resort's setting between Hanalei Bay and the pinnacles of the Napali Coast is described as one of the world's finest by Frommer's. The hotel's 252 guestrooms offer views of the ocean, mountains and gardens, and feature oversize bathtubs and original oil paintings. Leisure facilities include a 10,000-square-foot spa, oceanside outdoor swimming pool with whirlpools, a golf course and 24-hour fitness center. The hotel's three restaurants include the Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten's signature, Kauai Grill.
The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas offers accommodation in private villas decorated with Hawaiian art and featuring private decks. All villas feature whirlpool baths and fully equipped kitchens. Facilities include a fitness center and two outdoor swimming pools. The on-site Nanea Restaurant serves local cuisine.
Poipu
Poipu, on the southern shore of Kauai, attracts visitors to its beaches, which include the windsurfing spot of Brennecke's Beach, and Poipu Beach Park, once named America's Best Beach by the Travel Channel.
The Koa Kea Hotel and Resort is on Poipu Beach on the southern shore of Kauai. The hotel is a 10-minute walk to Brennecke Beach and a short walk to restaurants and shops, including the Poipu Shopping Village. The hotel's 121 guest rooms offer views of either the ocean or landscaped gardens and feature private decks, along with amenities including iPod docking stations and espresso makers. Leisure facilities include a full-service spa, gym, outdoor swimming pool and hot tub. The Kiahuna Golf Course is a 15-minute walk away. The on-site restaurant, Red Salt, serves international cuisine prepared with fresh seafood and locally sourced produce, and offers ocean views from its picture windows.
The Sheraton Kauai Resort on Poipu Beach has 394 guest rooms and suites with private decks and Sony PlayStations. The hotel has three tennis courts, a spa and fitness center, and two outdoor swimming pools. Three on-site dining venues include the Shells seafood restaurant. The only oceanfront luau on Kauai takes place every Friday evening.
Waimea
Waimea on the southwestern coast of Kauai is home to a canyons and ridges, including the 14-mile long and 36,000-foot deep Waimea Canyon. Other attractions include historic Waimea Town and Kokee State Park, which offers hiking opportunities.
The Inn Waimea is just a few steps from the beach and a 15-minute drive from Waimea Canyon State Park. It offers four private cottages and a four-room inn, which features one guest room and three suites, including one whirlpool suite, and a common deck and living room area. Cottages, which have two bedrooms, fully equipped kitchens and parlors, are rented by the week or month with a three-night minimum stay. Although there are no on-site dining venues, nearby restaurants include Wrangler's Steakhouse just across the street.
The family-run Hale Puka 'ana Beachfront B&B is in Kekaha, six miles west of Waimea. The oceanfront property has three suites with private decks. Breakfast is included in rates and guests have the use of cooking facilities and a gas barbecue. This establishment requests a three-night minimum stay.
Tags: private decks, fitness center, guest rooms, outdoor swimming, attractions include, fully equipped, on-site dining