Kauai- The Garden Island

Wow, been a long time since I updated the islands. Since I have not been to Lanai or Molokai I will finish the "island" blogs with Kauai. If you want nightlife, go to Oahu or Maui as this is a quiet beautiful island. If you are really active there is so much to do here-from the Grand Canyon of the Pacific (so many miles of hiking and trails for all ages and the views are awesome), the famous NaPali Coast to the north end of the island to Hanalei and Princeville. Poipu is the sunniest of all areas and where most of the "sunny beaches" are located; however, if you go to the end of the road in Hanalei area you will find a secluded wonderful beach(lots of turtles) and there also begins the trail that will take you to some breath taking views. (wear good shoes as there are waterfalls and very slippery). Staying on the north shore Lydgate Park is very safe for the young kids and also has a great park with picnic areas and a large playground. Going back to Poipu area Baby Beach is on the eastern edge where the water is only a few inches deep (hence Baby Beach!), a middle beach where the water is good for beginning swimmers and body boarders and also a good lagoon for snorkeling. If you are going in the winter, best to stay with the southern beaches as the surf is pretty rough and dangerous even at the beautiful Hanalei Bay. Rent a kayak and go up the Wailua River to the famous Fern Grotto where Elvis did his Hawaiian Wedding Song-so romantic and easy kayaking. Zip lining is also available on this island-very popular. For some local dining if you want Italian food go to Poipu and each at the tiny Pomodoro-also great sandwiches and prices not bad from $14-24. If you are in the Coconut Coast areas good place to dine outside and have great homemade soups, great fish with wasabi cream sauce (ummm) and prices great $9-24.
We took a great excursion around the NaPali Coast in a great zodiak boat-saw dolphins along side the boat, went ashore for lunch, saw movie locations, but got a little rough on the way back so if you are prone to sea sickness, take some ginger or dramamine-well worth it though. If you get brave enough (which I finally did) you have to do a helicopter tour on this island as it is spectacular. That about does it for the islands of Hawaii and next-hmmm Mexico, Caribbean or cruises. Any requests?