Hawaii - Jeff Campbell [426]
NA ‘AINA KAI BOTANICAL GARDENS
In a somewhat over-the-top approach, this husband-and-wife operation (828-0525; www.naainakai.com; 4101 Wailapa Rd; tours $25-70; by reservation Tue-Fri) pays tribute to Hawaiian culture on 240 acres of botanical gardens. Also on the grounds: a beach, a bird-watching marsh and forest of 60,000 South and East Asian hardwood trees.
Turn right onto Wailapa Rd, between the 21- and 22-mile markers on Kuhio Hwy.
KAUAI KUNANA DAIRY
For a snapshot of farm bliss, this microdairy (651-5046; www.kauaikunanadairy.com; tours by appointment only) offers a tour harking back to a simpler time, with fruits, vegetables and, of course, goat cheese.
CHRIST MEMORIAL EPISCOPAL CHURCH
This charming church (826-4501; 2518 Kolo Rd) is one of two of Kilauea’s lava-built churches (the other is St Sylvester’s Catholic Church) and boasts 11 English stained-glass windows.
PINEAPPLE YOGA
Set out by Ashtanga Yoga Master Sri K Pattabhi Jois Institute in Mysore, this yoga studio (652-9009; www.pineappleyoga.com; drop-in classes $15; 7:30-9:30am Mon-Sat) is located in the parish house of the Christ Memorial Church, across the street from the Menehune Mart gas station.
Sleeping
Sleepy Kilauea has some unique B&Bs. What these lack in ocean views, they make up with lush, tropical farm settings.
Green Acres Cottages (Map; 828-0478, 866-484-6347; www.greenacrescottages.com; 5-0421C Kuhio Hwy; cottages $75; ) Kilauea on a budget? You got it. Each cottage has its own private entrance and kitchenette. Though somewhat small, cottages are bright and airy. On-site is a communal hot tub for use by the three cottages. The place is located on a citrus orchard, and guest can pick their own fruit.
Manu Mele Cottage (Map; 828-6797, 652-2585; www.kauaibirdsongcottage.com; cottages $150; ) Hawaiian-inspired embellishments make this secluded little spot a find. Its name means ‘bird song’ in Hawaiian. There’s a one-time cleaning fee of $100.
North Country Farms (Map;828-1513; www.northcountryfarms.com; cottages $150; ) You’ve got to call for an appointment, but if it has openings this is a good deal – you can even stroll around in the morning and pick fruit from the farm. Though it claims to be minutes from the beach, keep in mind the farm is inland, and it is ‘just minutes’ if you’re driving. The two cottages are similar to each other, but each is unique in its own charming way.
Plumeria Moon (Map; 828-0228; www.kauaivacationhideaway.com/plumeria; 4180 N Waiakalua St; cottages $295; ) One-bedroom cottages here are ideal for honeymooners. It has a private hot tub and BBQ grill. The owner boasts that vacationers can go their whole holiday without running into another soul.
Eating
Charming Kilauea town offers ample options for good eats. Whether it’s a gourmet slice o’ pie or high-end organic meals, you’ll likely find grinds for any palate at the Kilauea Plantation or Kong Lung Centers.
Kilauea Video Ice Cream & Candy (828-1822; Kilauea Plantation Center, 4270 Lighthouse Rd; noon-9:30pm; ) The owner of this buzzing little shop has a lot of pride in his family, his business and his products. A perfect pick-me-up, whether it’s creamy tropical ice cream or a live-culture, low-calorie Carpigiani gelato, everything here is served up in a low-key, happy-go-lucky style.
Banana Joe’s Fruitstand (828-1092; www.bananajoekauai.com; 5-2719 Kuhio Hwy; smoothies $3-12; 9am-6pm Mon-Sat) Expect more than one variation of the fruit you’re craving (there are at least three different kinds of papaya alone). Joe takes exotic fruits to the next level – it just tastes better at this little stand. Try some icy or blended fruit delicacies here, or do yourself a favour and try the banana frosty du jour, the papaya bread or the coconut tapioca.
Healthy Hut (828-6626; Kilauea Plantation Center, 4270 Lighthouse Rd; 8:30am-9pm) Wheat-free