Frommer's Kauai - Jeanette Foster [62]
USING A BOOKING AGENCY VS. DOING IT YOURSELF
Sometimes you can save money by making arrangements yourself—not only can you bargain on the phone, but some accommodations may also be willing to pass on a percentage of the commission they would normally have to pay a travel agent or a booking agency.
However, if you don’t have the time or money to call several places to make sure they offer the amenities you’d like and to bargain for a price you’re comfortable with, consider using a booking agency. The time the agency spends on your behalf might well be worth any fees you’ll have to pay.
The top reservations service in the state is Hawaii’s Best Bed & Breakfasts, P.O. Box 758, Volcano, HI 96785 ( 80 0/262-9912 or 80 8/985-7488; fax 80 8/967-8610; www.bestbnb.com). The fee for this service starts at $20 to book. The staff personally selects the traditional homestays, cottages, and inns, based on each one’s hospitality, distinctive charm, and attention to detail.
For vacation rentals, contact Hawaii Beachfront Vacation Homes ( 80 8/247-3637 or 80 8/235-2644; www.hibeach.com). Hawaii Condo Exchange ( 80 0/442-0404;www.hawaiicondoexchange.com) acts as a consolidator for condo and vacation-rental properties.
Hawaii on the Web
Below are some of the best Hawaii-specific websites for planning your trip.
• Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau (HVCB; www.gohawaii.com): An excellent, all-around guide to activities, tours, lodging, and events, plus a huge section on weddings and honeymoons. But keep in mind that only members of the HVCB are listed.
• Kauai: Island of Discovery (www.kauaidiscovery.com): Extensive listings cover activities, events, recreation, attractions, beaches, and much more. The Vacation Directory includes information on golf, fishing, and island tours; some listings include e-mail addresses and links to websites. You’ll also find an interactive map of the island with listings organized by region.
• The Hawaiian Language Web Site (www.olelo.hawaii.edu): This fabulous site not only has easy lessons on learning the Hawaiian language, but a great cultural calendar, links to other Hawaiian websites, a section on the hula, and lyrics (and translations) to Hawaiian songs.
Chapter 4: Suggested Kauai Itineraries
Your vacation time is precious, you only have so many days, and you don’t want to waste one of them. That’s where I come in. Below are several suggestions for things to do and how to organize your time. I’ve included ideas if you have 1 week or 2, are traveling with kids, or want a more active vacation.
The number-one thing I would suggest is don’t max out your days. This is Hawaii; allow some time to do nothing but relax. Remember that you most likely will arrive jet-lagged. Ease into your vacation. Your first day you most likely will be tired—hitting the pillow at 8 or 9pm will sound good. Don’t be surprised if you wake up your first morning in Kauai before the sun comes up. Your internal clock is probably still set 2 to 6 hours earlier than Hawaii.
Finally, think of your first trip as a “scouting” trip. Kauai is too beautiful, too sensual, too enticing to see just once in a lifetime. You’ll be back. You don’t need to see and do everything on this trip. In fact, if you find something in the itinerary below and just fall in love with it, go back again. It’s your vacation. I’ve included general, sample itineraries. If you are a golf fan or a scuba diver, check out chapter 1, “Best of Kauai” , to plan your trip around your passion.
One last thing—you will need a car to get around. Kauai does have a local bus system, but it does not go to the resorts, so plan to rent a car. But also plan to get out of the car as much as possible. This is Hawaii; don’t just view it from your car window. You have to get out to smell the sweet perfume of plumeria, to feel the warm rain on your face, to hear the sound of the wind through a bamboo forest, and to plunge into the gentle waters of the Pacific.
The Island in Brief
Kauai’s three main resort areas, where nearly