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Romantic Getaways - Kauai |
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GOING BACK FOR SECONDS One of the rules of a world traveler is to resist revisiting the same places over and over. Having been to hundreds of destinations in over 30 countries, my wife and I have been able to follow this rule with a few exceptions. Kauai, the
northern island on the Hawaii chain is one of those places too magical
to visit only once. It was on the occasion of our ten-year anniversary
that Athena and I took this romantic getaway. We opted to go somewhere
where we knew we wouldn’t be disappointed.
It
had been twelve years since I last visited the “garden island” and
it was as lush and breathtaking as I remembered. Think of the most
exotic, tropical place you can imagine: rugged canyons, lush rain
forests, beaches with picture perfect blue-green water and coconut palms
swaying in the breeze. You’ve
just seen Kauai. In fact, if you’ve seen Jurassic Park, you really
have seen Kauai. A
romantic drive around the island is a great way to explore its beautiful
variety. Be certain to see the Wailea Canyon (a miniature Grand Canyon)
on the western end. Don’t miss the excellent snorkeling and beaches on
the north shore. Perhaps the most dramatic and scenic part of Kauai is
the Na Pali coast. You can’t see it unless you take a helicopter ride
or a boat cruise. Either is well worth it. On
this trip Athena and I took a five hour boat tour to the Na Pali coast
which included a swim in the ocean, tours of a couple of sea “caves”
and snorkeling around a tropical reef, teeming with colorful fish. It
was the highlight of our trip. If
you are wanting to include some romantic dining on your visit, I should
give you a word of caution. Most of the luaus in Hawaii are expensive
and lack any of the romantic charm you might have dreamed of. The meal
is buffet-style and often mediocre. You have to share a table with 10 or
more strangers. A luau for two will set you back almost a hundred
dollars. Instead, make reservations for a romantic dinner at Gaylord’s
and buy a bottle of champagne. There
are several outstanding hotels on the island. For it’s romantic
atmosphere and breathtaking views, a better option might be a stay at
one of the luxury condominium units at Whaler’s Cove. For a similar
price, you get a lot more space and comfort. If you are vacationing with
another couple, the two bedroom units have two spacious bedroom suites
making the units even more affordable. Be
forewarned. Your first trip to Kauai will never be your last. Gaylord’s Restaurant, at Kilohana Plantation, Highway 50 west, Lihue, 808-245-5608 http://www.gaylordskauai.com Na Pali Eco Adventures
1-800-659-6804. http://www.napali.com Whaler’s Cove, 2640 Puuholo Rd, Poipu 1-800-367-7052, http://www.whalers-cove.com |
