Frommer's Kauai - Jeanette Foster [96]
In addition to a great children’s program, this property has oodles of activities not only for children but also for teens and even activities for the entire family, from horseback riding to adventures exploring the island. The hotel grounds are a fantasy land, with a huge swimming pool next to a sandy beach.
Other great amenities here: twice-daily fresh towels, daily newspaper, complimentary resort shuttle, comprehensive Hawaiiana program, riding stables, in-house cinema, arts program (from photography to painting), and a wealth of outdoor activities. Golfers may choose from two courses, both designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr.; and an on-property spa. Next door are golf and tennis courts.
P.O. Box 3069 (5520 Kahaku Rd.), Princeville, HI 96722-3069. 80 0/826-4400 or 80 8/826-9644. Fax 80 8/826-1166. www.princevillehotelhawaii.com. 252 units. $800–$1100 double; from $1,575 suite. Extra person $135. Children under 18 stay free in parent’s room. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Parking $20. Amenities: 3 restaurants, 3 bars; babysitting; bike rental; children’s program; concierge; outstanding golf on 2 courses; huge oceanside outdoor pool with outdoor whirlpools; room service; 25 tennis courts; watersports equipment rentals. In room: A/C, TV/VCR/CD player, fridge, hair dryer, Wi-Fi.
EXPENSIVE
Hanalei Bay Resort & Suites This 22-acre resort is just up the street from ritzy Princeville Resort (see above), overlooking the fabled Bali Hai cliffs and Hanalei Bay. It has the same majestic view, and until recently was a deal. But on our last visit here we were bitterly disappointed in the level of upkeep, the musty smell in our unit, general maintenance and repair work that needed to be done to the entire property, weeds in the once pristine landscape, and so forth. New management claims they are aware of the problems and are diligently working to make the necessary repairs and bring this once fabulous resort back to its former high standards. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that they will follow through because I have always loved staying here: Guests can choose from units ranging from a hotel room to a studio or one-bedroom suite (with kitchenette). The units all stair-step down the hill to a gold-sand, palm-fringed beach. Shuttle service is available for those who may have problems walking on the steep hillside. Travelers should be aware that this property offers timeshares (see the box “A Rose by Any Other Name: Timeshares”).
P.O. Box 220 (5380 Honoiki St.), Princeville, HI 96722. 80 0/827-4427 or 80 8/826-6522. Fax 80 8/826-6680. www.hanaleibayresort.com. (Managed by Celebrity Resorts). 236 units. $140–$175 double; $106 studio with kitchenette (up to 4); $217–$242 1-bedroom apt (up to 4). AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Amenities: Concierge; 2 inviting outdoor freshwater pools with whirlpool spas; Princeville Resort’s top-ranked golf courses; 8 tennis courts, pro shop, and tennis school. In room: A/C, TV, hair dryer, kitchenette, Wi-Fi.
The Palmwood This is a unique property with a tranquil setting (atop a hill on a 4-acre estate), fabulous views (360-degree panorama of the rolling hills of Moloa’a Valley and out to the ocean), and unbelievably beautiful rooms and surrounding landscaping. Eddi Henry has traveled the globe picking up decorating and landscaping ideas, and along with her husband, Steven, has turned this property into a comfortable, calming retreat in the midst of paradise. From the stone entryway to the leather/palm-wood chairs (so comfortable you will be hard-pressed to leave them) to the sound of water falling—this tiny, 2-unit inn is the lap of luxury. The amenities include flatscreen TVs, double doors leading to a large lanai, a hot tub and Japanese Zen gardens outside, a barbecue area, and a full breakfast (such as crab cakes with mango and banana bread). Relax in the free-form hammock—you may find it hard to tear yourself away and explore the rest of the island. It’s pricey, but worth every penny. Not appropriate for children.
6867 Koolau Rd., Kilauea, HI 96754. 56 2/688-3433.www.thepalmwood.com.