Hawaii - Jeff Campbell [461]
Na Pali Explorer (338-9999, 877-335-9909; www.napali-explorer.com; Kaumuali′i Hwy; 5hr tour adult/child 5-12 $125/85) does snorkeling trips on rigid-hull inflatable rafts (hard bottom, inflatable sides), smoother than the all-inflatable Zodiacs. Expect between 16 and 35 passengers. The 48ft raft includes a rest room and canopy for shade.
SURFING
Between the 21- and 22-mile markers, you’ll notice cars parked on the side of the highway in an area known as Makaweli. This is the access point to the fiercely defended local surf spot dubbed Pakala, or Infinities, said to offer the ‘longest lefts’ anywhere on-island. It’s also teeming with tiger sharks. As it’s one of the few locals’ breaks left, we’d recommend leaving it alone. Instead, try Kekaha or Polihale beach parks.
MASSAGE & YOGA
A Hideaway Spa (338-0005; www.ahideawayspa.com; Waimea Plantation Cottages, unit 40, 9400 Kaumuali′i Hwy; massage $95-145; beachside add $20, spa & skin treatments $55-130; 9am-6pm Mon-Sat) offers traditional Hawaiian massage techniques such as lomilomi and also features ayurvedic treatments, as well as oceanfront yoga classes (5pm Tue, 8:30am Sat), which are ideal for newbies.
Festivals & Events
Waimea Town Celebration (338-1332; www.wkbpa.org) Free fun in mid-February includes rodeo, canoe race, food, crafts, and lei and hula competitions.
Waimea Lighted Christmas Parade (338-9957) Watch lighted floats through Waimea town. Parade starts at dusk, a week before Christmas.
Sleeping
BUDGET & MIDRANGE
Waimea Rock Cabin (822-7944, 338-9015; www.a1vacations.com/kauaiwaimearockcabin/1; Menehune Rd; cabin per day/week $50/300) If you don’t plan on spending a lot of time at home base, this is a great, budget-friendly stay for those who plan to be hiking the canyon. It’s about 1.5 miles northeast of town. There’s a $50 cleaning fee.
Coco’s Kaua′i B&B (338-0722; www.cocoskauai.com; btwn 21- & 22-mile markers; cottages $110, incl breakfast $125; ) Off the grid (call in advance) and keeping it low-key at this getaway is all part of its appeal. Owned by one of the Robinson family descendants, you’re basically on the quiet side of the sugar plantation. it features a king bed, private hot tub, BBQ, air conditioning, garden and kitchenette. There’s a minimum two-night stay.
Inn Waimea (338-0031; www.innwaimea.com; 4469 Halepule Rd; cottages $150, r from $110; ) Perfectly situated in the heart of town, this place is uniquely appointed and offers wheelchair access (it’s ADA certified). Thre’s a three-night minimum for the cottages and two nights for the room.
West Inn (338-1107, 866-937-8466; www.thewestinn.com; 9686 Kaumuali′i Hwy; r $139; ) Likening it to a ‘Best Western’ is probably the best way to describe this average, clean, two-storey motel-like place, across the street from the Waimea Theater. Choose either king or double bed. Though it has wi-fi, you must have your own network card. For the price, there are better options elsewhere.
Waimea Plantation Cottages (338-1625, 800-992-7866; www.waimea-plantation.com; 9400 Kaumuali′i Hwy; 1-/2-/3br cottages from $220/275/325; )These cottages are expensive, no doubt, but charming. The decor offers saliently Westside features, hailing from the tradition of plantation styles while featuring upmarket and modern Hawaiiana-inspired embellishments and several Occidental accoutrements some may not want to live without. The fact that it’s a stone’s toss from Waimea Brewing Company is a plus for those after a dose of nightlife.
West Kaua′i Guesthouse (346-5890; www.westkauaihouse.com; apt $135; ) Fully furnished and air-conditioned, this getaway does share a wall (it’s a duplex), but it also has a full kitchen and washer-dryer, as well as charcoal grill. With two bedrooms and one bathroom, it can sleep up to six people. The