Hawaii - Jeff Campbell [444]
Boulay Inn (742-1120, 635-5539; www.boulayinn.com; Omao Rd; 1br $85; ) Your money goes far with this airy one-bedroom apartment in quiet residential Omao. The 500 sq ft space is comfy rather than fancy, sitting atop a garage (no shared walls with the main house). Features include wraparound lanai, full kitchen, private phone line, high ceilings and free use of washer-dryer. A cleaning fee ($50) is charged.
Cozy Kauai Cottage (742-1778, 877-742-1778; www.kauaivacationproperties.com/cottage.htm; Omao Rd; cottage s/d $75/100; ) A pastoral retreat with modern amenities, this simple, compact cottage (best for a slim single or couple) is efficiently arranged to include a full kitchen, separate bedroom and comfy living area. The hardwood floor, granite counters and dimmer lights add style, while lots of windows let in cool breezes. Cleaning fee ($40) charged.
Hale Kipa O Koloa (742-1802; www.koloakauaicottage.com; 5481 Waiau Rd, Koloa; 2br cottage $125; ) Great for families or groups, this plantation-style house is close to town and affords much privacy. With two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen and washer-dryer, it’s just like home. The inland location can be hot, but this cottage features high, insulated ceilings, cool tile floors and clean white walls. Additional guests cost $15 per night more.
Kaua′i Banyan Inn (888-786-3855; www.kauaibanyan.com; 3528-B Mana Hema Pl; r $130-150; ) Although a tad pricey for the neighborhood, the five units are chic enough for the most discerning guests. Each impeccable unit features polished hardwood floors, kitchenette, vaulted ceilings, private lanai and furnishings you’d buy for your own home. Cleaning fee ($45) charged. No kids under 10.
Marjorie’s Kaua′i Inn (332-8838, 800-717-8838; www.marjorieskauaiinn.com; Hailima St, Lawa′i; r $130-175; ) The magnificent vista of Lawa′i Valley from this classy inn will change your life. Well, maybe that’s a stretch, but it’ll be a trip highlight, for sure. The rooms themselves show off stylish furnishings and each includes large private lanai and kitchenettes. you’re nowhere near the beach, but the elegant 50ft lap pool and poolside BBQ grill compensate nicely.
Eating
Lappert’s Ice Cream(742-1272; Koloa Rd; single-scoop ice cream $3.65; 6am-10pm) The late Walter Lappert’s signature ice cream is tropical themed, chunky and kid-pleasingly sweet.
Koloa Fish Market (742-6199; 5482 Koloa Rd; lunch $4-7; 10am-6pm Mon-Fri, to 5pm Sat) Line up with locals at this hole-in-the-wall serving outstanding poke, Japanese-style bentō, sushi rolls and Hawaiian plate lunches. Don’t miss the thick-sliced, perfectly seared ahi and rich slabs of homemade haupia (coconut pudding).
Pizzetta (742-8881; 5408 Koloa Rd; pizza $17-25, pasta $11-18; 11am-9pm) If this family trattoria had any competition, we’d be more critical, but affordable eateries are scarce around here. Choose from decent gourmet pizzas such as the El Greco (sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts and feta) and filling pastas that won’t ravage your wallet. Expect a mainly touristy clientele.
If your accommodations include a kitchen, you might eat best if you eat in. Local chain supermarket Big Save (cnr Waikomo Rd & Koloa Rd; 6am-11pm) has one of its best branches here. Don’t miss the value-priced ahi poke. Nearby, Sueoka Store (742-1611; 5392 Koloa Rd; 7am-9pm) holds its own with the basics, plus packaged Japanese takeout snacks. Like all health-nut venues, Koloa Natural Foods (742-8910; 5356 Koloa Rd; 10am-8pm Tue-Sat, to 4pm Sun & Mon) ain’t cheap, but it carries major natural brands, bulk and packaged items and supplements.
Shopping
Christian Riso Fine Arts (742-2555; www.christianrisofineart.com; 5400 Koloa Rd; 10am-9pm) Browsers are welcome at this informal gallery of paintings and drawings by island artists, fine jewelry (including Ni′ihau shell necklaces) and fun collectibles like handpainted walking sticks. The shop specializes in custom framing using Hawaiian hardwoods such as koa and kamani.
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TOP PICKS – BUDGET SLEEPS