Frommer's Kauai - Jeanette Foster [170]
If you are just looking for a place to have a drink and wind down, try Pau Hana Bar and Grill, Kauai Village Shopping Center ( 80 8/821-2900).
5 The North Shore
Kilauea generally rolls up the sidewalks at night, with the exception of the Lighthouse Bistro ( 80 8/828-0480) in the Kong Lung Center, which has live music (from classical guitar to Hawaiian music to African) during dinner nightly.
Hanalei has some action, primarily at Bouchons Restaurant and Sushi Bar (formerly Sushi & Blues), in Ching Young Village ( 80 8/826-9701). Reggae, rhythm and blues, rock, and good music by local groups draw dancers and revelers Thursday through Sunday from 7:30pm on. The format changes often here, so call ahead to see who’s playing.
Across the street, Hanalei Gourmet, in the Old Hanalei Schoolhouse, 5-5161 Kuhio Hwy. ( 80 8/826-2524), has live music Wednesday, and Friday through Sunday. Down the road, Tahiti Nui ( 80 8/826-6277) is a great place to “experience” Old Hawaii. Stop by for an exotic drink, and “talk story” with the family of Louise Marston. Louise, who was from Tahiti, has passed away, but she started the talk story tradition. The restaurant/bar is family-friendly, and someone always seems to drop in and sing and play music, just like they used to do in the “old days.”
Every week, Ki Hoalu, Slack Key Guitar Music of Hawaii ( 80 8/826-1469; www.alohaplentyhawaii.com) performs at the Hanalei Community Center, usually Fridays at 4pm and Sundays at 3pm. In addition to old-style slack-key guitar, they also feature stories and legends of Hawaii. Cost is $20 for adults and $15 for seniors and children.
Chapter 11: Fast Facts
1 Fast Facts: Kauai
AREA CODE All the Hawaiian Islands are in the 808 area code. Note that if you’re calling one island from another, you’ll have to dial 1 then 808 first.
AUTOMOBILE ORGANIZATIONS Auto clubs will supply maps, suggested routes, guidebooks, accident and bail-bond insurance, and emergency road service. The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the major auto club in the United States. Kauai does not have an American Automobile Association (AAA) office. Some car-rental agencies now provide auto club–type services, so you should inquire about their availability when you rent your car. If you belong to an auto club in your home country, inquire about AAA reciprocity before you leave. You may be able to join AAA even if you’re not a member of a reciprocal club; to inquire, call AAA ( 80 0/222-4357). AAA is actually an organization of regional auto clubs, so look under “AAA Automobile Club” in the White Pages of the telephone directory. AAA has a nationwide emergency road service telephone number ( 800/AAA-HELP).
BUSINESS HOURS Most offices are open from 8am to 5pm. The morning commute usually runs from 6 to 8am, and the evening rush is from 4 to 6pm. Bank hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:30am to 3pm, Friday from 8:30am to 6pm; some banks are open on Saturday. Shopping centers are open Monday through Friday from 10am to 9pm, Saturday from 10am to 5:30pm, and Sunday from 10am to 5 or 6pm.
DRINKING LAWS The legal drinking age in Hawaii is 21. Bars are allowed to stay open daily until 2am; places with cabaret licenses are able to keep the booze flowing until 4am. Grocery and convenience stores are allowed to sell beer, wine, and liquor 7 days a week. Proof of age is required and often requested at bars, nightclubs, and restaurants, so it’s always a good idea to bring ID when you go out.
Do not carry open containers of alcohol in your car or any public area that isn’t zoned for alcohol consumption. The police can fine you on the spot. And nothing will ruin your trip faster than getting a citation for DUI (“driving under the influence”), so don’t even think about driving while intoxicated.
DRIVING RULES See “Getting Around.”
ELECTRICITY Like Canada, the United States uses 110–120 volts AC (60 cycles), compared to 220