The Romance Package

Description:

If you want to follow in the footsteps (or hoofprints, as it were) of the paniolos, book an excursion with CJM. Experienced guides lead riders on a tour of cattle country, through a working ranch and down the dunes to the ocean. Three different rides are offered. The earliest is a breakfast ride down to a private beach. The second ride is the most popular. It is two hours long. This tour is offered twice daily. The third tour combines a 90-minute ride with an ocean swim and picnic lunch. Several rides are offered daily. Call or check the website for a schedule or more information.

Description:

This natural phenomenon is second only to Yellowstone's Old Faithful. It's quite a sight -- big waves hit Kauai's south shore with enough force to send a spout of funneled salt water 10 feet or more up in the air; in winter, the water can get as high as six stories.

Spouting Horn is different from other blowholes in Hawaii, in that an additional hole blows air that sounds like a loud moaning. According to Hawaiian legend, this coastline was once guarded by a giant female lizard (Mo'o); she gobbled up any intruders. One day, along came Liko, who wanted to fish in this area. Mo'o rushed out to eat Liko. Quickly, Liko threw a spear right into the giant lizard's mouth. Mo'o then chased Liko into a lava tube. Liko escaped, but legend says Mo'o is still in the tube, and the moaning at Spouting Horn is her cry for help.

Our Local Expert Says:

Watching the sunset from the lawn is a fabulous view.

Description:

The Beach House Restaurant offers a Pacific Rim-influenced menu featuring a nice blend of seafood, veggie and meat dishes. But it is not just a place to eat or order drinks, the watching the sunset from the Beach House's front lawn is a sight of its own.

Visitors can sit down inside to eat, and watch the sunset from there, but drinks are not allowed on the lawn. The restaurant allows people to get comfortable on the lawn just to enjoy the sunset without ordering food. Sunsets from here on any clear evening are always vibrant and colorful, and they are the backdrop to a surf break known as PK's.

Not to be confused with Zelo's Beach House, this is a perennial favorite for fine dining. It has had a rather turbulent history that includes more than one full-scale natural disaster. Nevertheless, in spite of hurricanes, changes of ownership, and the unstable dining climate in Hawai'i, this restaurant perseveres. The Beach House usually has a mix of locals having a "pau hana" (end of work day) drink, and tourists taking in the sunset.

Description:

The white buildings of this resort sprawl luxuriantly across 50 acres of beachfront property in South Kauai. Rooms are spacious and stylish, with full-length sliding glass doors that look out on the garden or the ocean. The grounds are covered in tropical flowers, trees and plants; man-made pools and lagoons shimmer invitingly in the sun. Enjoy the water slide and the floating chairs. A half-dozen restaurants, bars and lounges offer everything from light snacking to fine dining. The 25,000 square foot ANARA Spa includes massage rooms which faces their own private gardens. The 4 jacuzzis and 25-yard lap pool are all located in open-air courtyards, and the locker room facilities include open-air lava rock showers. Adjacent to the resort is Poipu Bay Resort golf course, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., that hosts the PGA Grand Slam of Golf.

Our Local Expert Says:

Going to Mahaulepu beach makes you feel like you were just let in on a great secret. It's completely rugged and untouched without the bustle of all the tourists. It's a definite for people who want an off the beaten path experience. Maha’ulepu may be extremely beautiful, but please watch your step while hiking. Holes along the cliffs and prolific cactus can change the tone of any trip very quickly!

Description:

The largely undeveloped coastline of the Maha'ulepu Beaches are amazing places to go hiking, biking, fishing and even swimming in places. When traversing this seemingly alien landscape at times, you are reminded of the true uniqueness of Kauai and all her beauty. This amazing coast is alive with raw nature surviving upon its wind blasted sandstone cliffs, and can provide a backdrop for a host of outdoor activities. The true nature lovers should not miss an opportunity to visit Maha`ulepu.

Description:

The aim of Captain Andy and his stalwart crew is to ensure that each guest has the maximum amount of fun. People who want to cruise and play will probably be more than happy with the Captain's itinerary. Sunset sails, whale watches, day cruises and half-day sailing adventures are offered. All of them provide the opportunity to spot whales (in season), spinner dolphins or other beloved Hawaiian marine denizens. Day cruises offer a buffet lunch; evening cruises include cocktails.

Description:

The Hyatt's most popular restaurant is also a great place to have a drink and soak up the atmosphere. The restaurant is surrounded by a free-form pool, which makes for a pleasant, serene atmosphere. It serves Hawaiian-inspired cuisine which focuses heavily on steak and seafood. The menu changes regularly, but you can always count on a few fresh and delicious seafood catches. The extensive wine list offers vintages from all over the world. The lounge opens a half-hour earlier than the restaurant and closes whenever patrons choose to go home.