Hawaii - Jeff Campbell [420]
In Kapa′a, the path currently starts at at the Lihi Boat Ramp at the south end of Kapa′a Beach Park (Click here) and ends just past Donkey Beach (Click here) at Ahihi Point (Map), a 4-mile stretch. But this constitutes only a small piece of the ambitious facility, which will run over 16 miles all the way from Lihu′e to Anahola Beach Park (Click here).
While a vocal minority has complained about pouring concrete along the coast, especially near the Wailua River, which is sacred to Native Hawaiians, most appreciate the easy-access path, which is now like a town square in motion. Proponents point out that an official path is critical to preserving public shoreline access (a legal right in Hawaii). Often, such access is blocked when private landowners post no-trespassing signs or set up gates, or when trails are deemed unsafe by authorities.
Sunrise walks are brilliant but, for an added kick, rent a coaster bike! Coconut Coasters (822-7368; www.coconutcoasters.com; 4-1586 Kuhio Hwy; bike rentals per 1hr/4hr from $8.50/18; 7am-6pm Tue-Sat, 9am-4pm Sun) specializes in hourly rentals for the path. Classic single-speed coasters are just right for the gentle slope north, but you can upgrade to a three-speed model ($9.75 per hour) for an extracushy ride. Owners Melissa and Spark Costales meticulously maintain their fleet and exude aloha spirit. For daily or weekly rentals of coaster, mountain or road bikes, try Kauai Cycle (Click here), located at the south end of the path.
A nonprofit community group called Kaua′i Path (www.kauaipath.org) is promoting and maintaining the path; see the website for more info. Note: the path is wheelchair accessible.
* * *
Coconut Festival (651-3273; www.kbakauai.org) Celebrate all things coconut! Events during this free two-day festival in early October include coconut-pie-eating contests, coconut cook-off, cooking demonstrations, music, hula, crafts and food.
Sleeping
If you’re seeking accommodations right in town, pickings are slim. Kapa′a has only one hotel and almost all B&Bs and inns are situated way beyond walking distance. In case you’re wondering about the ideally located Pono Kai Resort, We’re sorry to say that it’s primarily a midrange timeshare, with a limited number of exorbitantly priced vacation rentals.
That said, driving mauka to residential neighborhoods leads through picturesque pastures, sweeping views and excellent B&Bs and inns. Remember to ask about minimum-night requirements.
BUDGET
Aloha Hale Orchids (822-4148; www.yamadanursery.com; 5087-A Kawaihau Rd; r $55, 1br cottage $85) Trust us, you won’t top this value-priced pair of units at a residential orchid nursery. The studio is ideal for singles and contains queen bed, mini-refrigerator and TV, while the airy one-bedroom cottage has a full kitchen, TV, windows on all walls, washer and clothesline. One drawback: no wi-fi.
Orchid Tree Inn (822-5359; www.vrbo.com/118213; Lehua St; 2br s/d $85/90; ) Everything’s within walking distance from this rare, in-town inn. Compact but tidy units include two bedrooms, full kitchen, washer-dryer and a sofa sleeper. Ideal for sociable types who appreciate Asian philosophies (including the careful Taoist and feng shui influences on the garden).
Green Coconut Studio (647-0553; www.greencoconutstudio.com; 4698 Pelehu Rd; studio $98-105; ) Literally lined with windows (and a wraparound veranda), this fantastically airy studio allows spectacular coastal views and cooling cross-breezes. The layout makes great use of space, allowing a comfy satellite-TV setup and a kitchenette with full-sized fridge and the gamut of appliances. There’s a $75 cleaning fee for brief stays.
MIDRANGE
Hotel Coral Reef Resort (822-4481, 800-843-4659; www.hotelcoralreefresort.com; 4-1516 Kuhio Hwy; r $110-289; ) Kapa′a’s sole hotel has one major advantage: an oceanfront location. Otherwise it’s a basic hotel, with smallish room and the expected amenities such as air-con and flat-screen TV. Budget rooms ($110 to $125) face the parking