Frommer's Kauai - Jeanette Foster [85]
2721 Poipu Rd. (just after entry to Poipu, on ocean side of Poipu Rd.), Poipu, HI 96741. Reservations: c/o Parrish Collection, 3176 Poipu Rd., Suite 1, Koloa, HI 96756. 80 0/325-5701 or 80 8/742-2000. Fax 80 8/742-9093. www.parrishkauai.com. 60 units. $105–$199 1-bedroom for 4, $135–$239 2-bedroom for 6 (5-night minimum). Ask about Frommer’s “Special Discount.” DC, DISC, MC, V. Amenities: Concierge; 2 outdoor pools (1 for children, 1 for adults) with whirlpool spas; complimentary tennis courts. In room: TV/VCR, kitchen, Wi-Fi.
ELSEWHERE ON THE SOUTH COAST
Further inland and about 10 to 15 minutes from Poipu Beach, the towns of Kaleheo and Lawai offer very affordable accommodations.
Moderate
Bamboo Jungle New owners Lucy and Terry Ryan recently took over this property, consisting of a jungle of verdant plants, a quaint gazebo, an 82-foot lap pool, and an impeccably decorated old plantation-era house. They are making much-needed repairs and renovations to the rooms, each of which has a private entrance and French doors opening onto a private lanai with an ocean view. The netting over the beds creates a romantic mood and serves a functional purpose (it keeps Hawaii’s insects on their side of the sleeping quarters). Accommodations range from a single room with deck to a studio with minikitchen. There are no phones in the units, but you can use the house phone. Breakfast is served in the “great room” inside the house and is a full breakfast (frittata, waffles, French toast, pancakes, and the like). Golf and tennis courts are nearby; in-room massage can be arranged. Note that there is no air-conditioning, which 350 days of the year is fine, but on the few days the trade winds stop blowing, it’s not so great.
3829 Waha Rd. Reservations: P.O. Box 737, Kalaheo, HI 96741. 80 8/332-5515.www.kauai-bedandbreakfast.com. 3 units. $140–$180 double. 3-night minimum rooms, 5-night minimum suite, cleaning $35–$45. MC, V. From Hwy. 50, turn left at the traffic light onto Papalina Rd., then right on Waha Rd. Amenities: Outdoor pool; hot tub. In room: TV, kitchenette (in 1 room), no phone, free Wi-Fi.
B&B Etiquette
In Hawaii, it is traditional and customary to remove your shoes before entering anyone’s home. The same is true for most bed-and-breakfast facilities. Most hosts post signs or will politely ask you to remove your shoes before entering the B&B. Not only does this keep the B&B clean, but you’ll be amazed how relaxed you feel walking around barefoot. If this custom is unpleasant to you, a B&B may not be for you. Consider a condo or hotel, where no one will be particular about your shoes.
If you have never stayed at a B&B before, here are a few other hints: Generally the host lives on property and their part of the house is off-limits to guests. (You do not have the run of the house.) Most likely there will be a common area that you can use. Don’t expect daily maid service. Your host may tidy up but will not do complete maid service. Also don’t expect amenities like little bottles of shampoo and conditioner; this is a B&B, not a resort. Remember that you are sharing your accommodations with other guests; be considerate (that is, quiet) when you come in late at night.
There is a strict no smoking law in Hawaii: no smoking in hotels, restaurants, bars, and public buildings. Most bed-and-breakfast units, condos, and vacation rentals also do not allow smoking. If this matters to you, be