Picture Perfect

Description:

Join Jack Harter's expert staff as they take you on a journey of Kauai from a bird's eye view. Flying high over Kauai, visitors will be in awe of the aerial views of such wonders as the Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon. Let Jack Harter show you the advantages of flying with the first helicopter company on the Island as you take in the sights through their "Scenic View" windows which allow for clear pictures and unobstructed views of sights such as Wai`ale`ale Crater with its 3,000 ft. waterfalls and sheer cliffs only visible from the air. No trip to Kauai is complete without a ride in a helicopter!

Our Local Expert Says:

Beautiful falls and a fun, although tiring hike.

Description:

Local myth says that the ali'i, or Hawaiian royalty, would come to Wailua Falls to display their physical fitness by diving from the cliff into the pool below. The double waterfall, which cascades 80 feet over a ledge is located at the end of Route 583 that runs from the highway inland and north, through cane fields and past a valley overlook.

 The backdrop of the famed Fantasy Island television show, the falls can be viewed from the side of the road, or from the bottom of a trail that is recommended only for experienced hikers. The trail is often wet and slippers, and there is a rope hanging down it for hikers to hold onto whether they are going up or down. The beautiful falls are worth the hike if you can make it and you may end up having the falls to yourself when you get down there. Use good judgment when deciding to proceed.

Description:

What better combination than sports and good food? At the Shack Sports Bar you can play video games, pinball and pool or watch NFL games and live telecasts of other sports, on Saturdays and Sundays. If you are hungry, choose from local dishes, salads, sandwiches, burgers, steak etc. And you cannot afford to miss the famous Shack cheeseburger at any cost!

Our Local Expert Says:

Kilauea lighthouse is a wonderful spot to take in the ocean views, enjoy the bird sanctuary and visit one of the more noteworthy man made landmarks on the island.

Description:

The Kilauea Lighthouse, known for its historical significance and its picturesque views, was in full operation from 1913 until the mid 70's. During much of its operation, this lighthouse was known for having the largest clamshell lens in existence until it was replaced by the beacon currently used by boat traffic. Directly offshore lies a bird sanctuary named Moku`ae`ae Island. Though visitors can no longer enter the lighthouse, the views and rich history of the Kilauea Lighthouse are unmatched and well worth the drive.

Description:

While it is hard to say whether one of Kauais gardens outshines the others, this preserve was named the United States' best natural botanical garden in 1997. Located on the North Shore, the property serves as a tourist attraction, botanical research facility and outdoor classroom. Only 17 acres of the garden are open to the public. Guided or self-guided tours are available. Reserve your spot in advance for the guided tour. Check in at the gift shop.

Our Local Expert Says:

Check it out and don't forget the snorkel and mask. It's a picturesque location.

Description:

Snorkeling, sand, and sun awaits at the end of the road. Located at the north end of the Na Pali Coast, Ke'e Beach is home to a unique natural swimming pool thanks to a reef protecting it from the open ocean. Like most beaches on Kaua'i, swimmers and snorkelers need to be careful, but the snorkeling here is some of the best on the north side. Snorkelers can explore in the pool and very experienced snorkelers can go outside of it and explore the open ocean. A lifeguard watches over the beach here and there are also restrooms and showers.

Parking is extremely limited here so it's hit or miss, but the beach is worth the wait. One of the reasons parking is scarce is that the Kalalau trail head is also here so many cars are left for the day or overnight. Strolling to the right eventually leads to the former site of an old hippie camp called Taylor Camp where they lived on the beach for almost a decade in tree houses and living without rules. Ke'e is also an ideal place to watch the sunset.

Description:

The charming plantation-style building that used to be the Hanalei Museum is now Hanalei's gourmet central. Postcards is known for its use of healthful ingredients, fresh from the island and creatively prepared and presented. It's dinner only at this quaint eatery but a memorable experience. My picks from the changing menu are the wasabi crusted ahi or the sombrero (puff pastry filled with organic cheeses, green chiles, onions, mushrooms, and garlic) or the Shanghai (tofu with veggies and roasted cashews in a tamarind ginger sauce). Save room for the chocolate silk (a chocolate pie in a crust of graham crackers, dried cherries, and crusted cashews) -- yum-yum. In the front yard, an immense, mossy, hollowed-out stone serves as a free-standing lily pond and roadside landmark. Great menu, presentation, and ambience -- a winner.

Description:

This jewel in the Sheraton crown, a palace full of marble and chandeliers is scheduled to undergo massive interior renovation in 2008, then reopen in January 2009 as a St. Regis property (with new pool and a spa on property). No matter how fabulous they make the interior (and St. Regis properties are always superb), the location still enjoys one of the world's finest settings, between Hanalei Bay and Kauai's steepled mountains. Nearby are outstanding surfing and windsurfing areas, as well as a wonderful reef for snorkeling. The panoramic view from the lobby has to be the most dramatic vista from any hotel in the state.

The footprint of the building will remain the same: stepping down a cliff, with the entrance on the 9th floor, and you take elevators down to your room and the beach. Each opulent room has such extras as a door chime, dimmer switches, bedside control panels, a safe, original oil paintings, an oversize bathtub, and a "magic" bathroom window: a liquid-crystal shower window that you can switch in an instant from clear to opaque. There are no lanais, but oversize windows allow you to admire the awesome view from your bed.

In addition to a great children's program, this property has oodles of activities not only for children but for the entire family, from horseback riding to adventures exploring the island. The hotel grounds are a fantasy land for children (and some adults) with a huge swimming pool next to a sandy beach.

Other great amenities here: twice-daily fresh towels, daily newspaper, complimentary resort shuttle, comprehensive Hawaiiana program, riding stables, in-house cinema, arts program (from photography to painting), and a wealth of outdoor activities. Golfers may choose from two courses, both designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr.; and until the on-property spa is complete in 2009, guests may use the spa in the Golf Club House, with whirlpools, steam baths, 115-foot lap pool, and multitude of treatments.

Call for current details; they may reduce some rates during certain periods of construction, and rates may increase when property is rebranded a St. Regis in 2009.

Facilities: 3 restaurants (1 w/excellent nightly entertainment) ; 3 bars; huge oceanside outdoor pool; outstanding golf on 2 courses; 25 tennis courts; first-rate health club and spa; 3 outdoor Jacuzzis (including a really palatial one); watersports equipment rentals; bike rental; children's program; concierge; activities desk; car-rental desk; business center; shopping arcade; salon; 24-hr. room service; massage; babysitting; 24-hr. return laundry/dry cleaning