Hawaii - Jeff Campbell [428]
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KALIHIWAI
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A wide and beautiful setting at the end of a small, picturesque valley, Kalihiwai offers great swimming (when calm), sunbathing and a great opportunity for a short kayak trek. Like all North Shore beaches, the surf can pound here, so beware, particularly as there are no lifeguards.
Remote, small and surrounded by lush grounds, Kalihiwai Beach is an ideal frolicking spot for sunbathing, sandcastle building and, swells permitting, swimming, bodyboarding and surfing along the cliff on the east side. To get here, take the first Kalihiwai Rd, 0.5 miles west of Kilauea.
Stay fit on vacation with Pilates Kaua′i (639-3074; www.pilateskauai.com; 2540 Halocline Rd; 1hr session per person in a group of 3 or more $30, per couple/single $45/75; by appointment only) and redefine the concept of bikini- or Speedo-worthy with fitness expert Laurie Antonellis.
Take in the island with a tropical jaunt on horseback at animal-friendly Silver Falls Ranch (Map;828-6718; www.silverfallsranch.com; Kamo′okoa Rd; 1½/2/3hr ride $95/115/135). Opt for the waterfall swim and picnic lunch for the best value.
Bamboo (Map;828-0811; 3281 Kalihiwai Rd; www.surfsideprop.com; 1br house per week $1100; ) is pricey, perhaps, but that’s to be expected. Overlooking the Kalihiwai Valley and a 10-minute walk to either ′Anini or Kalihiwai beaches, this is a charming getaway attached to a larger house inhabited by the owners. The private entrance stairs are steep to this cozy but well-appointed spot, which works well for two people.
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′ANINI
A popular destination for locals spending the day or weekend camping, fishing, diving or just ‘beaching’ it, ′Anini is unsullied, revered and golden. To get here, cross Kalihiwai Bridge, turn onto the second Kalihiwai Rd and then bear left onto ′Anini Rd.
Sights & Activities
‘Anini Beach Park is one not to miss, as it wears many proverbial hats: it’s an ideal windsurfing, snorkeling, camping, swimming and low-key just-cruisin’ spot, plus it has some of the most reliable conditions, bubbling over a lagoon, and protected by one of the longest and widest fringing reefs in the Hawaiian Islands. At its widest point, the reef extends over 1600ft offshore. The park is unofficially divided into day-use, camping and windsurfing areas. While weekends might draw crowds, weekdays are low key. Facilities include rest rooms, showers, changing rooms, drinking water, picnic pavilions and BBQ grills.
You can learn what it’s like to walk on water at Windsurf Kaua′i (828-6838; windsurfkauai@aol.com; 3hr lesson $100, board rental per hr $25; rentals 10am-4pm, lessons 9am & 1pm Mon-Fri). Teacher Celeste Harvel knows what she’s doing and is enthusiastic about inspiring you. Lessons by appointment only (9am and 1pm Monday to Friday).
Sleeping
High-end vacation rentals abound in ′Anini, though they’re a tad harder to find now under a new county bill which restricts vacation rentals only in specific zones on the island.
Camping at the justifiably popular ′Anini Beach Park is another option. For information on permits, Click here.
Orchid Cottage (828-0811; www.surfsideprop.com; 3585 ′Anini Rd; 1br house per week $1199; ) This private, idyllic getaway is in a small-but-lovely guesthouse a minute’s walk from ′Anini Beach Park. Pick your own fruit and enjoy partial ocean views. Includes washer-dryer, TV, VCR, ministereo, kayaks, bicycles, snorkel gear and beach chairs. There’s an $85 cleaning fee, a three-night minimum stay (one week during holidays), a three-person-max rule, $250 security deposit and free long-distance calling to Canada and mainland USA.
Liwai’s Makai Hale Cottage (822-4500; 4343 ′Anini Rd; 2½br house per week $1950; ) Location, location, location. A good deal for four people, this secluded gem is just 120ft away from the most reclusive part of ′Anini Beach and perfect for those