Hawaii - Jeff Campbell [451]
Kiahuna Plantation (742-6411, 800-542-4862; www.outrigger.com; 2253 Po′ipu Rd; 1br $160- 360, 2br $240-460; ) This aging beauty is still a hot property because it’s among the rare accommodations flanking a swimmable beach. Of course, only a few units actually sit on the beach (money talks). Units are comfy, with fully equipped kitchen, living room and large lanai, but furnishings seem worn. On-site agencies include Outrigger and Castle Resorts (742-2200; www.castleresorts.com; one-bedroom units $140 to $510, two-bedroom units $390 to $560), but Kiahuna Beachside (937-6642; www.kiahuna.com; one-bedroom units $365 to $490, two-bedroom units $565) manages the best beachfront properties.
TOP END
Po′ipu Kapili (742-6449, 800-443-7714; www.poipukapili.com; 2221 Kapili Rd; 1br/2br from $230/345; ) An all-around winner, this 60-unit condo features gorgeously landscaped ground, and spacious units (1120 to 1820 sq ft) that are consistent in quality, with lots of hardwood, big plush beds, extra bathroom, quality electronics and wired internet access. The closest sandy beach, fronting the Sheraton, is within walking distance.
Aikane Kaua′i (742-1778, 877-742-1778; www.kauaivacationproperties.com; 2271 Nalo Rd; 3br house $250-300; ) A stroll away from Brennecke’s Beach, this beach house lets you spread out, with high ceilings, ocean-facing balcony, full kitchen and three bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. It’s a ‘green’ house, insulated and running exclusively on solar energy. Rates vary by number of guests. The cleaning fee is $150 to $195.
Sheraton Kaua′i Resort (742-1661, 800-782-9488; www.sheraton-kauai.com; 2440 Ho′onani Rd; r garden/ocean from $240/460; ) The business-class Sheraton has one enviable advantage: a prime stretch of sandy, swimmable, sunset-perfect beach. Rooms are decent, if unmemorable, and the low-end Garden View or Partial Ocean View wings are nowhere near the beach. Eco-efforts include recycling bins and free breakfast coupons for guests who forgo maid service that day.
Grand Hyatt Kaua′i Resort & Spa (742-1234, 800-554-9288; www.kauai.hyatt.com; 1571 Po′ipu Rd; r garden view $280-430, deluxe ocean view $470-720; ) Po′ipu’s glamour gal is 602-rooms strong and she loves to show off, with a soaring lobby, tropical gardens, massive spa, world-renowned golf course, oceanfront restaurants and meandering ‘river pools.’ Inside, the room decor is typically tropical, but obviously a class above. What’s missing is a swimmable real beach, not just the manmade one.
Whalers Cove (742-7571, 800-225-2683; www.whalers-cove.com; 2640 Pu′uholo Rd; 1br/2br from $349/479; ) Po′ipu’s most luxurious condo suits discriminating travelers who want luxury without a smidgen of tourist fuss. Units are palatial (1300 sq ft on average), elegant and utterly immaculate, often with gleaming marble floors, granite counters and mansion-worthy furniture. Truly gawk-worthy is the amount of prized koa wood used for doors and furnishings.
Eating
BUDGET
Papalani Gelato (742-2663; www.papalanigelato.com; Po′ipu Shopping Village, 2360 Kiahuna Plantation Dr; single scoop $3.75; 11:30am-9:30pm) With mouth-watering flavors (all homemade on-site), you can’t go wrong with classic vanilla bean or pistachio gelato. But, for local color, try the creamy sorbetto, made with fresh, island-grown starfruit, lychee, mango, guava or avocado.
Puka Dog (742-6044; www.pukadog.com; Po′ipu Shopping Village; hot dogs $6.50; 11am-6pm) There’s only one house specialty here, and it’s a hot dog, for cryin’ out loud. Even Anthony Bourdain couldn’t resist a sample: toasty bun, choice of Polish sausage or veggie dog, ‘secret’ sauce and tropical fruit relish (from mango to pineapple). Purists might find the toppings overwhelming.
Savage Shrimp (635-0267; Lawa′i Rd near Prince Kuhio Park; meals $10; 11am-2pm) Follow your nose to the roadside white van for heaping plates of Brazilian-style shrimp cooked with garlic, coconut milk, cilantro and tomatoes. Be prepared for blazing sun and greasy