EXECUTIVE TIME OUT
The Island of Kaua'iPerfect for a Long Overdue Getaway!
by Christine Rolfe
Without an "executive timeout" in over two years, I was long overdue for some quality time to, well, do "nothing." With my husband and five-year-old son in tow, we headed to Hawaii. We choose the island of Kaua'i for its tropical beauty. We had spent just three days on Kaua'i a few years back and had fallen in love with the laid-back, restful island. Now, with a 10-day trip planned, we were ready to thoroughly explore the island's landscapes and attractions.
NORTH COAST
Princeville Resort
We spent the first few days on the north shore, staying in the resort area of Princeville. This area is renowned for its ocean bluff condominiums and its golf. We stayed at the Princeville Hotel. The resort lobby has a very European feel, with marble, chandeliers and very ornate furniture. There are top-ranked golf courses, tennis courts, a health club, and three restaurants, including the acclaimed La Cascata. The Living Room, the lobby bar, offers the perfect spot for a tropical cocktail with views overlooking Hanalei Bay and the Bali Hai Mountains. There's often nightly entertainment, including Hawaiian hula dancers performing traditional ceremonial dances. The resort pool area includes a swim-up bar and is just a few steps away from Tunnels Beach, a perfect snorkeling spot. And for the ultimate relaxing experience, the resort also offers ocean-side massages (well worth the extra cost).
What you won't find at the Princeville Hotel are the theme-park-like amenities and giant waterslides. The resort is posh and sophisticated. However, with my five-year-old son at my side, I often found myself saying "don't touch" as we walked through the lobby and "be quiet" by the pool. I guess all the other kids were spending time playing in the resort's children's program. Smart parents.
Na Pali Coast
Kaua'i is a hiker's paradise and I am a hiker. I wanted to hike the Na Pali Coast for several years, including my last trip to Kaua'i, but this was my first time. I was concerned that the trail would be too challenging for my son, but he did great (learning how to hike "with his hands" up the rocks, slide in the red dirt and use his walking stick for balance). The hike was an adventure, with dips and climbs along steep oceanside cliffs that offered stunning views. We completed only the first two miles of the hike from Ke'e Beach to the beach at Hanakapi'ai Valley, but round trip it took most of the day. I would have liked to go another two miles to the waterfall, but I was outvoted. Serious backpackers can complete the 11-mile trek and use the campsites (with a permit).
EAST COAST
We spent the remaining days of our stay on the East Coast, where the majority of Kaua'i's population lives. This Wailua/Kapa'a area is often referred to as Coconut Coast. The area offers an array of shops and restaurants (and more options for the budget-conscious vacationer), but isn't quite as pristine as the North Coast's Princeville Resort area.
Outrigger Lae Nani
The Outrigger Lae Nani is a resort of condominium units. The unit we stayed in had a great view of the ocean, and overlooked the pool area. Although the unit didn't have air conditioning, the temperature was just fine. With a full kitchen, we welcomed the opportunity to cook a "home" meal, and eat on our own lanai. The pool area was simple no swim-up bar, no hostess to take our lunch order and no cabana rentals. No problem we just brought our own lunch and drinks (and saved a small fortune). There was even a barbecue available for guests. There wasn't a hot tub but the pool was open until 10 p.m., offering a family swim under the stars! Overall, the resort was great for families looking for an affordable vacation. Our unit had two bedrooms with two bathrooms, easily able to accommodate an extended family (or nanny).
Aloha Beach Resort
Our last stay was at the Aloha Beach Resort, previously known as the Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort. Although not "ocean front," the resort has ocean views and is just a short walk to the beach and Lydgate Park, which is ideal for kids. The lobby and grounds were landscaped with tropical plants, waterfalls and creeks running throughout. However, the rooms were a little "tired" and in need of a makeover. For the more budget conscious, this resort is a smart choice.
After our 10-day trip, I was definitely well rested. I returned to work with a renewed appreciation for nature and felt fortunate to spend so much quality time alone with the family. Of course, the reality of work (and the stress that accompanies it) soon returns. However, I can still close my eyes and mentally return to Kaua'i for a break and my mind is quickly recharged. It seems I am still reaping the rewards of my "executive break."
How to Get There
American Airlines:
LAX direct to Lihue, Kaua'i: $499
Where to Stay:
Princeville Resort
5520 Ka Haku Road
P.O. Box 3069
Princeville, Kaua'i, Hawaii 96722
Tele: 800-826-4400
Rates: $450+
Outrigger Lae Nani Resort
410 Papaloa Road
Kapa'a, Kaua'i, Hawaii 96746
Tele: 800-OUTRIGGER or
808-822-4938
Rates: $175 - $295
Aloha Beach Resort
3-5920 Kuhio Highway
Kapa'a, Kaua'i, Hawaii 96746
Tele: 888-823-5111
Rates: $71-$199
Where to Eat:
North Coast:
- Hanalei Dolphin Restaurant, in Hanalei: Seafood and Steak, $20-30 for dinner
- La Cascata, in Princeville Resort: Italian, $25-35 for dinner
- Eggberts, in Coconut Marketplace, Kapa'a (great for breakfast): $8-15
- Duke's Canoe Club, in the Marriott: $15-30
- The Shack, in Kapa'a: $8-12