Kauai/Maui

by Kami White
1 April 1, 2001

Are you ready to escape the recent gloomy, cold weather for a wonderful warm and sunny paradise? That is what my husband, Andy, and I did the first week of February. We split a wonderful week away between the spectacular Hawaiian Islands of Kauai and Maui.

A smooth and uneventful connection in Los Angeles, United Airlines nonstop into Lihue, Kauai and we were ready to enjoy.... Kauai is known as the Garden Isle and is the oldest of all the Hawaiian Islands. The beaches and valleys are among the most breathtaking in the world, a beauty captured in South Pacific, The Thorn Birds, and Raiders of the Lost Ark. We chose to stay at the fabulous Hyatt Resort on Kauai at Poipu Beach. This resort sits on fifty magnificent acres and embodies everything Hawaii represents in the vacationer's eye--tropical gardens, open-air courtyards, gorgeous white sand beaches, a huge meandering swimming pool, a spacious health and fitness spa, and a world renowned golf course.

We spent our days being very active and adventuresome. On our first afternoon we rented a tandem bicycle at the resort and did a short ten-mile ride around the resort area of Poipu Beach. We then enjoyed an open-air dinner at a wonderful Hawaiian restaurant in the area. The next day we ventured up to the northern part of the island to Hanalei for our first kayaking experience. We rented a tandem kayak and headed off onto the Hanalei River. We spent the morning kayaking down the calm river until we reached the mouth to the ocean. There we enjoyed our picnic lunch and watched surfers as they tackled some pretty awesome waves. On our third day we decided to hit the driving range at the beautiful Hyatt golf course. After a delicious breakfast at the golf club restaurant we rented some clubs and did some driving and putting practice. We then hit the pool for some well-deserved relaxation and swimming. On our last evening we enjoyed dinner at The Beach House Restaurant in the area. Waterside dining with a terrific sunset was a perfect ending before departing for Maui.

After a short island hopper from Kauai to Maui, we were ready to explore the area. Maui's universal appeal over the years has given rise to a wealth of top-notch hotels and condominium resorts offering every possible amenity. Our resort, the Kea Lani, in the Wailea area was no exception. This sun-bleached, Mediterranean styled enclave seems to intensify the blue waters of Maui and the resort's own enormous swimming pool. We enjoyed our wrap-around lanai and oversized soaking tub in our large marble bathroom. An all suite hotel, the Kea Lani is a great choice for families, as the living room sofa opens to a full sized bed private from the sleeping room.

Our first evening in Maui was spent in the Lahaina area. A historic fishing village, the town now offers world class shopping and restaurants. After a veggie burger at the famous Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurant we headed off to see the critically acclaimed production of Ulanlena. This is an impressive dance and music event interpreting the history of the Hawaiian Islands through native song, dance, acrobatics and spectacular visual effects. The next morning we chose to do the famous bike ride down the Haleakala Crater. Although many choose to do the sunrise trip, we decided to do the lunch outing. It was a 38 mile guided tour down the face of the crater while viewing the Pacific Ocean in its entire splendor. At the bottom we enjoyed a catered picnic lunch while sharing stories with our new friends.

Our next two days on Maui were spent walking, shopping, boogie boarding and whale watching. We enjoyed our day trip up to Kaanapali Beach. There we walked on the beachside path from end to end, did some wonderful shopping and ate at more delicious open-air restaurants. We rented some boogie boards at our resort and held our own against the twelve-year-old boogie boarders in our waves. On our final day we went on an afternoon whale-watching excursion. The whales are so prevalent during the winter months that most tour operators' offer a money back guarantee if you don't see any whales. We were not disappointed. We saw mother whales swimming with the calves as well as male escorts ensuring the safety of the families. It was an unforgettable adventure I would highly recommend.

It would be difficult to have a bad time on the Hawaiian Islands. With temperatures always between 70 and 85 degrees, bountiful sun and activities for everyone, Hawaii makes a perfect vacation choice for your next holiday.

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