Frommer's Kauai - Jeanette Foster [31]
• Best of the Gabby Band, by Gabby Pahinui (traditional Hawaiian)
• Gently Weeps, by Jake Shimabukuro (contemporary Hawaiian)
• Hapa, by Hapa (contemporary Hawaiian)
• Hawaiian Blossom, by Raiatea Helm (traditional Hawaiian)
• Hawaiian Tradition, by Amy Hanaiali’i Gilliom (traditional Hawaiian)
• Honolulu City Lights, by Keola & Kapono Beamer (contemporary Hawaiian)
• Legends of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar, by various artists (a collection of slack-key guitar music and a 2007 Grammy winner)
• Masters of Hawaiian Slack Key, Vol. 1, by various artists (a collection of slack-key guitar music and a 2006 Grammy winner)
• Na Leo Hawaii, by the Master Chanters of Hawaii (chanting)
• Na Pua O Hawaii, by Makaha Sons (contemporary Hawaiian)
• Wonderful World, by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole (contemporary Hawaiian)
Chapter 3: Planning Your Trip to Kauai
Kauai has so many places to explore, things to do, sights to see—where do you start? That’s where I come in. In the pages that follow, I’ve compiled everything you need to know to plan your ideal trip to Kauai: information on airlines, seasons, a calendar of events, how to make camping reservations, and much more (even how to tie the knot).
If you are thinking about seeing another island in addition to Kauai, I strongly recommend that you limit your island-hopping to one island per week. If you decide to go to more than one island in a week, be warned: You could spend much of your precious vacation time in airports, waiting to board flights and for your luggage to arrive, and checking in and out of hotels. Not much fun!
My second tip is to fly directly to Kauai; doing so can save you a 2-hour layover in Honolulu and another plane ride. So let’s get on with the process of planning your trip. Searching out the best deals and planning your dream vacation to Hawaii should be half the fun.
For additional help in planning your trip and for more on-the-ground resources in Kauai, please turn to chapter 11.
1 When to Go
Most visitors don’t come to Kauai when the weather’s best in the islands; rather, they come when it’s at its worst everywhere else. Thus, the high season—when prices are up and resorts are booked to capacity—generally runs mid-December through March or mid-April. The last 2 weeks of December in particular are the prime time for travel to Kauai; if you’re planning a holiday trip, make your reservations as early as possible, count on holiday crowds, and expect to pay top dollar for accommodations, car rentals, and airfare. Whale-watching season begins in January and continues through the rest of winter, sometimes lasting into May.
The off seasons, when the best bargain rates are available, are spring (mid-Apr to mid-June) and fall (Sept to mid-Dec)—a paradox, since these are the best seasons in terms of reliably great weather. If you’re looking to save money, or if you just want to avoid the crowds, this is the time to visit. Hotel rates tend to be significantly lower during these off seasons. Airfares also tend to be lower—again, sometimes substantially—and good packages and special deals are often available.
Note: If you plan to come to Kauai between the last week in April and the first week in May, be sure to book your accommodations, interisland air reservations, and car rental in advance. In Japan, the last week of April is called Golden Week because three Japanese holidays take place one after the other; the islands are especially busy with Japanese tourists during this time.
Due to the large number of families traveling in summer (June–Aug), you won’t get the fantastic bargains of spring and fall. However, you’ll still do much better on packages, airfare, and accommodations than you will in the winter months.
What to Pack
Kauai is very informal: You’ll get by with shorts, T-shirts, and sneakers at most attractions and restaurants; a casual sundress or a polo shirt and khakis is fine even in the most expensive places. Don’t forget a long-sleeved coverup