Sunday, February 03, 2008

Impending travel to Kauai: Any tips?

So, we're planning a trip to the island of Kauai for the middle sib's wedding this fall. Still can't believe my brother is getting married, but we're ecstatic about who he's marrying ... and that he picked a small wedding on a far off island, thus giving us all the excuse to leave the continental U.S. We're even leaving the kids ... somehow. We'll take them with us to the islands someday, but we parents have not had a true vacation on our own since ... well ... our honeymoon? And that's nearly 9 years ago. And we only went as far as the Oregon Coast. (And our only overseas travel has been to cold countries ... Ireland for me, Russia -- IN THE WINTER -- for the hubby.) We're ready. And very willing.

So, my question ... any tips on vacationing in Hawaii? And in Kauai in particular? I think we're going to rent a condo or house with some other family members ... and other than the wedding day, we have no plans. Other than exploring Kauai and relaxing.

And for those friends and relatives nearby, I may be calling on you to take a "shift" with one or two or three of the kids. A night, an afternoon, a playdate ... any volunteers? I'm trying to spread the love. And yes, I'll owe you. ;)

10 comments:

Erik said...

Hawaii Vacation Tip #26: Be prepared for it to rain. Daily. For about 20 minutes.

CV said...

Oh gosh, yes! Beach is beautiful but pricey. Our family has always stayed at http://www.kalaheo-plantation.com/ and it's fantastic. Great rooms, you have a kitchen so you don't have to eat out all the time, and close to the best coffee house on the island (they serve great breakfast too). Host is James and I can't remember his wife's name! I can't rave enough about this place...

Hope you guys have a GREAT time, you deserve a mai-tai on the beach and then some!

Jess said...

Mmmmmmmm, Hawaii............ We just did a family plus (his two best friends, their spouses, our kid, and an 11 month old) trip in September and it was....so....super.....awesome. We did Maui, but I can put you in touch with a good friend who did Kauai, if you want specific tips from her.

I think, for us what worked best *in general* was to compile a sort of "top three" wish list, individually, then comprise a list of stuff beyond that that encompassed the group obligations. Because we were in a tropical paradise --even as the weather went inclement-- we found, the less we scheduled, tourist-wise, the more relaxed we were, the more smiles we shared, the more fun we had. The insane, obscene colors, the island ease, and the balmy magic that was hangin' on the beach together, toes buried in warm wet sand, was much better than a $150 submarine ride to see a bunch of kicked up sand.

...And the mai-tais on the beach? Divinity, in liquid form.

Jenny said...

Be careful about hiking on rugged, unmarked trails. Friends who LIVE there almost DIED! Ok, enough drama. I'm a big believer in guide books, and while Rick Steves doesn't do Hawaii, I bet he's got some info on the website if you search around. I'm such a fangirl!

DJ TRAX said...

Aloha from the shores of the Garden Island.

For a small place, Kauai has so much to choose from. Feel free to visit GoKauai.com for some guidance and if your sib needs a DJ for the wedding, I could be your guy. Please visit http://KauaiHawaiiWeddings.com for more info and to check availability.

Mahalo!

Unknown said...

My advice? Take me with you. ; )

Anonymous said...

I'm a former Pierce County resident who now lives on Kauai. What are your vacation interests? If I can help, just let me know. I began my own blog a month ago (Beat of Hawaii. Com). Congrats on your blog anniversary. I like your site!

Aloha from Kauai's South Shore,

Rob

Anonymous said...

Don't leave the pool when it starts to rain -- don't be a baby -- you're a T-Town girl.

Take a surfing lesson, I didn't and wish I had.

Relax.

Jess said...

my surf lesson, and getting up on my board, was probably the highlight of the last decade of my life. Oh, after having a kid, of course!

iffatali said...

They change their climate, not their soul, who rush across the sea.
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