Hawaii - Jeff Campbell [430]
Activities
GOLF
St Regis Princeville Golf Club (Prince 826-5000, Makai 826-3580; www.princeville.com; 5-3900 Kuhio Hwy; green fees nonguest/guest Prince $175/150, Makai $125/110) offers some of the most scenic views imaginable, making it difficult to say anything other than the Prince Golf Course is among the most breathtaking in the world. This 18-hole par-72 course has been featured on several ‘best of’ lists and is set against sea cliffs. The 27-hole par-72 Makai Course (c 1971) is also beautiful and challenging for the avid golfer.
HORSEBACK RIDING
Princeville Ranch Stables (826-6777; www.princevilleranch.com; Kuhio Hwy; tours $65-170; tours Mon-Sat) is great even for those who have never seen an equestrian day. Wear jeans, sunblock and insect repellent.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
The Powerline Trail is a serious 11.2-mile ride that has steep climbs, deep ruts and puddles deeper than bike tires. Ample scenery makes the reward all that much sweeter along the trail, but the real reason to do this is the athletic challenge. Opt to ride in and turnaround back out, or arrange for pick-up at the Kapa′a trailhead or the Opaeka′a Falls lookout. To get there, take the road to the Princeville Ranch Stable and follow to the end to find the trailhead.
MULTIACTIVITY ADVENTURES
Princeville Ranch Adventures (826-7669, 888-955-7669; www.adventureskauai.com; tours $79-125) is a family-friendly enterprise that can bring out your adventurous side, whether it’s for a hike, kayak or zipline excursion. Minimum requirements are 12 years and 80lb.
HELICOPTER RIDES
Leaving out of both Lihu′e and Princeville Airport, Heli USA Airways (826-6591, 866-936-1234; www.heliusahawaii.com; 55min tour $267) offers convenience if you’re on the North Shore; however, it was one of two companies on-island to have a fatal crash in 2007, so its safety record is less than perfect. Also operating out of both airports is Sunshine Helicopters (270-3999; www.sunshinehelicopters.com/kauai/tours/princeville_adventure.html; 40-50min tours $345, online booking $285).
YOGA
Mana Yoga (826-9230, www.manayoga.com; 3812 Ahonui Pl; classes $20, private sessions per hr $80; 8:30am Mon & Wed; ) It’s no gimmick; Michaelle Edwards created her own version of yoga that has been known to make spines sing. Her studio doubles as a yoga retreat, too. Single/double studios are $85/$95; see www.kauainorthshorevacationrentals.com for more details.
Sleeping
Princeville is high end. Whether you’re renting a condo or are in a resort, expect to dole out some cash.
Hale O Oli Oli (714-803-8073; 4126 Kekuanaoa Rd; 3br per week $950) Not your typical Princeville rental, this mellow, clean home is chock-full of beach toys like surfboards and snorkel gear, as well as bikes. Reasonably priced, it’s a spacious 1600 sq ft that, though not beachside, is a few blocks from the Hanalei Bay Resort. Two of the three bedrooms in the upstairs living quarters have queen beds; the third has two twins. Bonuses include that for Princeville, rife with side-by-side dwellings, this is private, freestanding and sits on a 10,000 sq ft lot with fruit trees bearing avocado, banana and tangerines. Security deposit $200, cleaning fee $150.
Hanalei Bay Resort (826-6522; www.hanaleibayresort.com; 5380 Hono′iki Rd; r $205; 1br unit from $370; ) Location is the name of the game, and though steeply priced, there’s good reason: it’s one of the mainstays of ‘luxury’ most associated with the area.
Pu′u Poa (826-9394, 800-535-0085; www.marcresorts.com; Ka Haku Rd; 2br unit $275-500; ) For the price, you can do better, unless you absolutely have to stay near the St Regis Princeville. Though decor varies, most condos offer two bedrooms with a queen bed and two twins, full kitchen and sleeper sofa. Internet kiosk on-site.
Westin Ocean Resort (827-8700; www.starwoodhotels.com/wesstin/property/overview/index.html; 3838 Wyllie Rd; villas $225-780, ) Take advantage of this somewhat cheaper (though that word seems