Frommer's Kauai - Jeanette Foster [90]
Location, across the street from the Kauai Village Shopping Center and the Waipouli Town Center, means guests are within walking distance of restaurants and shops and, more importantly, just across the street from a Safeway grocery store and a Longs Drug Store and pharmacy.
4-820 Kuhio Hwy., Kapaa, HI 96746. 800/OUTRIGGER or 80 8/823-1401. Fax 80 8/823-8301. www.outrigger.com. 196 units. $215–$245 hotel double; $295–$439 1-bed/2-bathroom for 4; $339–$609 2-bed/3-bathroom for 6. 2-night minimum. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Amenities: 2 restaurants, bar; fitness center; nearby golf course; huge oceanside outdoor pool; spa; nearby tennis courts; and 3 outdoor whirlpools. In room: A/C, TV/DVD, full kitchen (not in hotel rooms), hair dryer, Wi-Fi.
MODERATE
Aston Aloha Beach Resort New ownership and management of this 10-acre property, located next door to a 57-acre beach park and playground on one side and a very sacred historical Hawaiian site on the other side, has brought back the feeling of Old Hawaii at this moderately priced resort. After a $10-million renovation, the entire property is rich in Hawaiian culture from the historical presentation given by the general manager himself to the decor of the rooms to the full-time kupuna (senior cultural expert) who gives classes to the guests in Hawaiian arts and crafts. Every room was renovated in 2006 with new carpet and furniture, oversize Balinese mahogany doors, upgraded bathrooms, and Hawaiian-style quilts on the beds. The result is a family-friendly choice located right next door to Lydgate Beach Park (with Kamalani Playground for the kids) and convenient to nearby golf. Restaurants and shopping are within minutes of the resort along the Coconut Coast.
3–5920 Kuhio Hwy., Kapaa, HI 96746. 87 7/997-6667 or 80 8/823-6000. Fax 80 8/823-6666. www.abrkauai.com. 216 units. $120–$250 double; $160–$315 suites; $191–$340 1-bedroom cottages. Extra person $30. Rollaway beds/cribs $30. Children 18 and under stay free in parent’s room. Check the Internet for specials. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant, bar; small fitness room; 2 outdoor pools with whirlpool spas; complimentary tennis court. In room: A/C, TV, fridge, hair dryer.
Best Western Plantation Hale Suites These one-bedroom condos, all with the same standard decor, offer guests moderately priced accommodations with kitchen facilities in the heart of the Coconut Marketplace, and a central location from which to tour the island. Built in 1972, this property, featuring a row of 10 (two-story) buildings, has been well-maintained and features three swimming pools, two whirlpools, plenty of barbecue areas, a putting green, and a shuffleboard court. The rooms are spotlessly clean and have full kitchens (fridge, microwave, four-burner stove/oven, and cooking utensils) and complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access. At these prices you may be able to afford to stay a couple extra days.
484 Kuhio Hwy., Kapaa, HI 96746. 80 0/775-4253 or 80 8/822-4941. Fax 80 8/882-5599. www.Plantation-Hale.com. 145 units. $104–$144 for 4. AE, MC, V. Amenities: Barbecue areas; golf and tennis nearby; 3 outdoor pools with 2 whirlpools; shuffleboard. In room: A/C, TV, full kitchen, hair dryer, Wi-Fi.
Mahina Kai Mahina Kai (“moon over the water”) is a traditional Japanese villa (complete with teahouse next door) on two landscaped acres just across the road from one of the most picturesque white-sand beaches on Kauai. The property is unique, but in the past few years the rates have continued to creep up to the point that I think it is way, way, way too expensive. Three rooms in the main house come complete with shoji screen doors, private bathrooms and lanais, use of the gorgeous living room (with fishpond, vintage Hawaiian furniture, and views of Japanese gardens and Aliomanu Beach), and shared kitchenette. Although this place is undeniably unique, the rooms are tiny and sparsely furnished (no TVs or phones), and the walls are paper-thin. Also available are a large one-bedroom suite with private