Hawaii - Jeff Campbell [424]
TriHealth Ayurveda (828-2104, 800-455-0770; http://trihealthayurvedaspa.com; Kuhio Hwy; treatments $130-275; by appointment) In a simple bungalow just off the highway, you can sample traditional ayurvedic therapies, practiced by therapists trained both locally and in Kerala, India. Kudos if you can withstand a full-body (head and all) session in that intimidating horizontal steamer. Located between the 20- and 21-mile markers.
Eating & Sleeping
For information about camping in Anahola Beach Park, Click here.
Duane’s Ono Char-Burger (822-9181; 4-4350 Kuhio Hwy; burgers $5-7; 10am-6pm Mon-Sat, 11am-6pm Sun) If you’re a fan of In-N-Out and Dairy Queen, you’ll go nuts over this indie drive-in. Try the ‘old fashioned’ (cheddar, onions and sprouts) or the ‘local girl’ (Swiss cheese, pineapple and teriyaki sauce). Add crispy thin fries and melt-in-your-mouth onion rings. See autographed photos of famous fans, from Chuck Norris to Steve Tyler.
Hale Kiko′o (822-3922; www.halekikoo.com; 4-4382-B Kuhio Hwy; studio units s $70-80, d $75-90; ) Along an unnamed, unpaved land, find two charming, modern studios, each with full kitchen. The downstairs unit is large enough for living room and features stylish slate floors, lava-rock pillars, garden patio and artsy outdoor shower. The upstairs unit is more ordinary, but brighter, with windows aplenty and a deck. Cleaning fee ($75) charged.
′Ili Noho Kai O Anahola (821-0179, 639-6317; www.kauai.net/anahola; ‘Aliomanu Rd; r with shared bathroom incl breakfast $100-120) This simple guesthouse fronting Anahola Beach ain’t cheap, but from here you can stroll from bed to beach in a New York minute. The four compact but tidy rooms (sharing two bathrooms) surround a central lanai, where guests talk story and fill up on home-cooked breakfasts. The hosts are Native Hawaiian activists now running a B&B on Hawaiian Home Lands for which they fought long and hard.
Riverside Tropical Retreat (823-0705; www.vrbo.com/9186; 4-4382 Kuhio Hwy; ste $125; ) Spiritual seekers would appreciate this rustic bungalow, surrounded by green forest, river, mountains and pasture. The one-bedroom suite is well worn rather than spanking new, but includes kitchenette and lots of louvers for ventilation. On-site ayurvedic treatments offered. Cleaning fee ($80) charged.
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KO′OLAU ROAD
Ko′olau Rd is a peaceful, scenic loop drive through rich green pastures, dotted with soaring white egrets and bright wildflowers. It makes a nice diversion and is the way to reach untouristed Moloa′a Beach or Larsen’s Beach (no facilities at either). Ko′olau Rd connects with Kuhio Hwy 0.5 miles north of the 16-mile marker and again 180yd south of the 20-mile marker.
For a quick bite, the Moloa′a Sunrise Fruit Stand (822-1441; Kuhio Hwy & Ko′olau Rd; juices & smoothies $3-6.25, sandwiches $5.50-7; 7:30am-6pm Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm Sun) offers healthful sandwiches on multigrain bread, taro burgers and brown-rice vegetarian sushi. It’s located past the 16-mile marker.
Moloa′a Beach
Off the tourist path, this classically curved bay appeared in the pilot episode of Gilligan’s Island.
To the north, there’s a shallow protected swimming area good for families; to the south, the waters are rougher but there’s more sand. When the surf’s up, stay dry and safe – go beach walking instead. Toward the back of the beach, which is fed by Moloa′a Stream, there’s plenty of shade, making for an ideal picnic or daydreaming spot.
To get here, follow Ko′olau Rd and turn onto Moloa′a Rd, which ends 0.75 miles down at a few beach houses and a little parking area.
Larsen’s