With floor-to-ceiling glass walls overlooking the Prince Course, the Pacific, and Bali Hai, time on the treadmill just flies by at the Princeville Health Club & Spa, which has to be one of the most beautiful “gyms” in the world.

Open everyday, the Club features over thirty classes a week, from “Dance It Off Cardio” to Tai Chi, Yoga and Mat Pilates. (For a real “butt burner” don’t miss Melody James’ “Body Lift Express” Tuesday and Friday mornings!)

The 25-meter pool is the spot for five weekly Aquacize classes, and the gym is fully equipped with free weights, Cybex, Lifesteps, Lifecycles, Elliptical Cross Trainers, treadmills, a Gravitron—and personal trainers.

Of course there’s no better way to reward yourself after a hard workout than a whirlpool, a steam or sauna, and a luxurious massage. The Club offers Aveda facials and body treatments too—like the “Hawaiian Salt Glow” and the “Hanalei Tropical Body Wrap” with mango, cocoa and aloe.

Downstairs there’s a golf shop (and check in for the Prince Course) and a soon-to-be-open new restaurant by the king of Hawaiian fusion cuisine, chef Roy Yamaguchi (can’t wait!).

Summertime is Snorkelin’ Time… winter swells are months away, and calm waters rule the day.  Three of the ten best places to snorkel in Hawaii are right here on Kauai:  Ke’e, Anini, and Poipu Beach.

Ke’e Beach is at the very end of the road in Haena, at the gateway to the NaPali Coast. Get there early to get a parking space, and if you see a couple of guys selling coconuts out of the back of a pick-up, slake your thirst with a “cold one.” Drink the juice through a straw (more electrolytes than Gatorade) and then eat the meat (young green coconuts are like pudding inside… yum).

Anini Beach, just minutes from the Princeville Resort, is protected by the longest reef in the Hawaiian Islands so it’s calm year round. It’s also great for windsurfing, kite boarding, and kayaking.

“Sunny Poipu” is located on the hotter, drier south side of Kauai (it’s where we escape when the north shore is socked in), and the Poipu Beach Park is a great spot for babies and small children.

When snorkeling anywhere on Kauai, please don’t feed the fish, and try to keep your feet off the reef. Not only does walking on the coral damage it, but the reef is also home to spiky urchins (ouch!) that you do not want to disturb – trust me!

P.S.  If you need to rent equipment, I highly recommend Snorkel Bob’s.

Grandpa Mike & the Boys

My family has a pretty ‘typical Saturday’… the morning starts at Java Kai, the local Hanalei coffee shop where mom gets her morning espresso and the boys get the usual, Kauai Waffle (home-made waffles with fresh fruit, whip cream, toasted coconut and macadamia nuts).  Next stop on the list, the Hanalei Farmer’s Market… heheheee, my favorite!  We walk the rows &  load up on organic salad mixes, sprouts, apple bananas, mangoes, papayas, white pineapple, lychee... wheewww, all that shopping, hot sun and thirsty mouths lead us straight to the last fruit stand,  the Acai Lady!!

Saturday Farmer's Market

Frozen and pureed Acai berries mixed with pineapple and topped with sweet granola and bananas… next place on the list, THE BEACH!  Today, we went to Pine Trees, dead-center on Hanalei Bay… boogie boarding, body surfing, swimming, crab-hunting, sandcastles, you name we did it…

Hot, tired and thirsty boys… hmmm, shave ice anyone?  Shave Ice Paradise in the middle of Hanalei Town is our last pit stop before the drive home (lychee & pineapple flavors with vanilla ice-cream, winner to the max!!)… what a day, two tired kids latter with smiles from ear to ear we are all ready for a very mellow evening in… AND BED!

Summer on Hanalei Bay

Cousins on the Town (Hanalei)

Healthy Hut produce

People always ask me where I go to eat and shop. So today I’d like to tell you about one of my favorite places, Kilauea, “the biggest little town on the North Shore.”

If you take the turn off by the Chevron Station heading for the Kilauea Lighthouse, you’ll see historic stone buildings on three corners of the main intersection at Keneke Street (okay, it’s just about the only intersection). That’s downtown Kilauea, and in the first building on the left, I love, love, love Oskar’s, a little clothing store I always hit for birthday gifts (their baby clothes are adorable) and it’s where I buy most of my own clothes, too.

A few doors down is Healthy Hut—I always pick up a bag of organic salad greens – sold in bulk for $12.99/lb, way cheaper than buying it pre-bagged at the grocery store.

The Ahi Wrap is Awesome!

If we’re picking up dinner, the Kilauea Fish Market behind Oskar’s has a delicious ahi fish wrap made with fresh ahi, brown rice, organic greens and sesame dressing, and my husband Zack always gets the Korean chicken plate.

If  we’re in the mood for pizza, we head across the street to Pau Hana Pizza (a.k.a. Kilauea Bakery). We usually order a chicken veggie pizza, pick up two lemon bars for dessert, and we’re good to go!

P.S. While I’m waiting for the pizza I dash in to see what’s new at Cake, a fabulous consignment shop above the Kong Lung Trading Company!

So… with all this being said, what do you do and get the most amazing dad in the world for the day meant for dads, Father’s Day??  Hmmmm.  I have searched on-line for ‘stuff’, nothing…. maybe a dinner gift-certificate, too picky…. day at the beach, week-end usual… I finally came across in my opinion the perfect thing, a photo collaboration book!  I know what you all are thinking, been there & done that.  Well, take a 2nd look at this ‘book’… I came across it on the apple site and am so happy I did.  The way it works is you use all of your pics to create a book that apple makes into a  hard-copy and mails it out in 3-4 days!  I have yet to get our copy in the mail, but expect it by Friday and am SO excited…

Oh… also, I decided to take my Dad to Postcards Cafe, a favorite restaurant in our family!

Any  man can be a father, but it takes someone very special to be a Dad….

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY TO ALL THE DADS OUT THERE!

The Snorkel Bob Foundation focuses on reef recovery. To that end, the Foundation will oppose fin-fish harvesting that may cause reef collapse or critical by-catch. It’s all one reef; the Snorkel Bob Foundation recognizes the global impact of problems occurring on reefs around the world, and will  focus on this as well as the recovery and protection of whales, monk seals, dolphins and other marine cetaceans. Offensive vessels shall include long liners, drift netters, whalers and factory ships.

The Snorkel Bob Foundation shall further resist reef fish harvest by any means for commercial sale or display by the aquarium trade. Commercial sale of freeze dried seahorses, blowfish, seashells or corals is an assault on reefs worldwide, warranting response, as the Foundation is able to provide. We will also defend marine habitat against human effluent where mitigation is still practical.  The Foundation donates ‘Snorkel Bob’ Brand masks, fins and snorkels to those organizations engaged in defense of marine habit and/or species.

The Snorkel Bob Foundation provided pivotal efforts toward gill net regulation for the first time ever in Hawaii in 2006. Maui is now 100% free of gill nets by administrative rule. Often called “curtains of death” gill nets killed millions of reef fish, along with sea turtles and monk seals, and are still killing monk seals (endangered), Hawaiian green sea turtles (endangered) and hawksbill turtles (endangered) on other Hawaiian islands and around the world.

The Snorkel Bob Foundation was instrumental in exposing the Hawaii aquarium trade and its devastating attack on Hawaii reefs. The aquarium trade fills 80% of all tanks in the U.S. with Hawaii reef fish, 99% of which die in ayear. Those same fish live up to 40 years on the reef. Those fish leave $3-4 each in Hawaii but retail for $40-50, and each fish requires a few hundred dollars more in hardware—tanks, filters, pumps, etc.
The struggle continues. Hawaii aquarium hunters have no limit on their catch, no limit on the number of catchers and no constraint on species. 80% of the fish taken by the aquarium trade are herbivores. The biggest threat to Hawaii reefs is algae.

The Snorkel Bob Foundation donated masks, fins and snorkels to the Kauai Children’s Discovery Museum and to the Ko’ie’ie Fishpond on Maui, so that Hawaii children on these islands can visit the reef and see what they’ve been missing.

The Snorkel Bob Foundation donated $45,000 in Snorkel Bob Brand masks, fins & snorkels to 6 Pacific island nations through Coastal Resources & the Peace Corps, in order to show the residents of those islands what they’ve been missing—that their reefs can provide a wealth of sustenance far more valuable than a convenient dumping ground. Reef recovery has begun in those places.

The Snorkel Bob Foundation produced Turtlerama in 2004, a gala evening of turtle and reef movies, once on each island, so that reef huggers around Hawaii could gather to celebrate what we love, and to mobilize a petition and letter campaign to the Secretary General of the United Nations, urging the ban of North Pacific drift nets and long lines.

In 2010, a move is afoot to take Hawaiian green sea turtles off the endangered species list so that these turtles may be eaten. This initiative by the National Marine Fisheries “Service” is part of a greater move to reopen the Hawaii long line fishery, so that the turtle and sea bird by-catch kill will be tripled, and many thousands of humans will incur mercury poisoning from eating tainted swordfish. The Snorkel Bob Foundation is now focused on that campaign.

Spear fishers with scuba or other surface-supplied air are devastating Hawaii reefs by killing all the parrot-fish as they sleep. Parrot-fish are a lynchpin species. The Snorkel Bob Foundation is focused on this challenge and several others.

We hope you find our ‘Go Green; Preserving our ‘Aina’  news and event updates useful in plotting your own course for a better Hawaii.  Be sure to share it with your friends and family!

Activities at a Glance

• Indoor Event
• Handicapped Access
• Auction
• Live Entertainment
• Live Music

For More Information

* Discover our favorite north shore beaches: Hanalei Bay for incredible beach walks, calm summertime swimming, and challenging winter surf breaks; Kalihiwai for family fun, with firm, level sand perfect for running, and river kayaking (in summer, you can kayak in the bay itself); Secret Beach for quiet seclusion, accessible only down a cliff side trail; Larsen’s Beach for lazy afternoons of beach combing; or Tunnel’s Beach for amazing snorkeling, best in summer or on calm winter days.
* Drive to the end of the road on the north shore. From Hanalei to Ha‘ena and then on to Ke‘e Beach, you will wind along a narrow road, at times crossing one lane bridges, at times hugging the cliff, or perched next to the sea. At road’s end, Ke’e Beach is a great spot for summertime snorkeling, and is also the trailhead for the Kalalau trail.

* Tour the Na Pali Coast. This spectacular wilderness area is one of the most beautiful places in the world – huge waves crash against jagged cliffs, and waterfalls plunge into the cobalt sea. See the whole Na Pali coast either by boat or helicopter. One gives you a bird’s eye view; the other takes you up close into sea caves and under sparkling waterfalls. If possible, try both.

* Hike the Kalalau Trail even if only for the first quarter mile. Experience the amazing Na Pali cliffs from a narrow footpath winding through tropical trees and streams along the coastline. Seasoned hikers can forge ahead to Hanakapi‘ai Beach, Hanakapi‘ai Falls, or beyond.

* Snorkel with Kauai’s fish: Poipu Beach on the south, Lydgate Park on the east, and on the north, Tunnels (best in summer or calm winter days) and Ke‘e Beach (summer only). Or try scuba diving. Gregg Winston at Watersports Adventures, an excellent scuba teacher and pro guide, can coax even the most timid first-timers into the water and on to adventure.

* Escape to a hidden beach, perhaps Secret Beach, Larsen’s, or Kilauea (north shore); Maha‘ulepu Beach (south shore); the long beach walk south of Lydgate Park (eastside); or Pakala’s (also called Infinities) (westside).

* Sunrise, sunset: In summer, head north to one of our favorite beach overlooks, or visit the Princeville Hotel, watch the sun set into the ocean (summer) before a leisurely dinner in Hanalei. In winter, try the Beach House Restaurant in Poipu, or drive father west to the beach at Kekaha. At sunrise, walk the beach south of Lydgate Park on the eastside.

* Drive to the end of the road on the westside. See spectacular Polihale Beach, miles of white sand and a limitless horizon against tall cliffs.

* Taste local Kauai. Try a restaurant that has been serving meals on the island for more than 70 years:

Haimura’s Saimin, Barbecue Inn, or Tip Top (Lihue); and Hanama‘ulu Café & Tea House (Hanama‘ulu). Here you can find authentic Kauai!

* Sample Kauai treats: lilikoi chiffon pie, Taro-Ka Chips, shave ice, and home-made ice cream.

* Meet local farmers at farmers’ markets. On different days in different parts of the island, you can sample wonderful fruits and vegetables from the back of pick up trucks and on folding card tables – mangoes, papayas, tasty bananas and star fruit, as well as beautiful flowers. You will be tempted to cook eggplant and string beans – even if you’re on vacation!

* Try Kauai’s fresh catch: Local fish markets sell fish off the boat: Ara
Sushi Market (Hanama‘ulu), Fish Express (Lihue), and Pono Market
(Kapa’a) which has what many consider the island’s best poki (sashimi
grade fish with seasoning and onions). For a terrific lunch or cook-your own
filets, try Kilauea Fish Market (north shore) or Koloa Fish Market
(south shore). Or hook your own dinner on a fishing charter.

* Zipline over Kauai’s valleys and streams on a Kipu adventure.

* Drive Waimea and hike Koke‘e. The Waimea Canyon is Kauai’s own miniature version of the Grand Canyon. At road’s end, hiking trails in Koke‘e can show you gorgeous forest scenery entirely different from coast and beach.

* See the privately-owned island of Ni‘ihau, off limits to all but native Hawaiians (in order to preserve Hawaiian culture). Holo Holo Charters and Blue Dolphin Charters take snorkeling trips to the reefs off Ni‘hau; Seasport Divers has an all-day three-tank scuba boat dive for certified divers. Ni‘ihau Helicopters (operated by the Robinson family) offers an air tour with a beach and picnic stop.

MOST IMPORTANTLY… Have fun, you are on vacation!  Kauai has so much to offer and no matter what you choose to take part (shelling at Tunnels Beach or Zip-lining through Kauai’s Rain Forest) you will have an unforgettable and memorable time.

Take a moment to preview our large selection of amazing Kauai vacation rentals sprinkled around the island.   Being in your own ‘home away from home’ is an ideal way to stay on the island… gets one away from the hustle and bustle of a typical resort and let’s you experience the true feeling of the island.

Camping on Kauai

Camping on Kauai is permitted  at Anahola (Aliomanu Bay), Haena, Anini, Salt Pond, and Polihale Beach Parks, as well as in specified areas of the Na Pali Coast regions and other wilderness preserves.  For State Parks, the camping limit is 5 nights in a 30 day period per campground (less on some stopovers on the Kalalau Trail).

For information, permits, and reservations contact Department of Land and Natural Resources, Parks Division, State of Hawaii, 3060 Eiwa St,P.O. Box 1671, Lihue, HI 96766 (274-3444). Download permit forms at the Kauai Government Website (click on licenses and permits). For Alakai Swamp or Waimea Canyon, contact Division of Forestry at the same address (808-274-3444). Kauai County Parks: camping is limited to 4 days per park, or 12 nights total. (808-241-6670). Allow 30 days to process permits.

Westside: Koke’e: YWCA Camp Sloggett in spectacular Koke’e State
Park has access to 45 miles of hiking trails leading to the Kalalau Lookout
and its amazing views of the Waimea Canyon and Na Pali coastline. Group
and hostel accommodations include tent camping and a bunkhouse with
kitchenettes, shared bath facilities, and hot showers (from $20/pp/night).
Reserve at least two months in advance: YWCA of Kauai, 3094 Elua St,
Lihue HI 96766 (808-245-5959).

Those who want to be close to nature – and to a shower and refrigerator
at the same time – can try Koke’e Lodge’s cabins, which have a stove,
refrigerator, hot shower, cooking and eating utensils, linens, bedding, and
wood burning stove; prices start at $45/night (maximum stay of 5 nights
during a 30 day period). Advance reservations: Koke’e Lodge, Box 819,
Waimea HI 96796 (808-335-6061). Breakfast and light lunch 9am – 3:30pm.
Bring warm clothes for cold nights, and remember, on Kauai as elsewhere,
to lock valuables in car’s trunk.

North Shore: Ha’ena: YMCA Camp Naue in spectacular Ha’ena on
the north shore offers beachfront camping in bunk houses (or your own
tent). It’s popular with local clubs and families, but individual tourists are
also welcome to stay in the bunkhouse ($12/night; children half-price); if
you bring your own tent, it’s only $10. YMCA of Kauai, Box 1786, Lihue
HI 96766 (808-246-9090 or 808-742-1200).

Rent camping equipment at Pedal & Paddle in Hanalei (808-826-9069; you
can also ask about current trail conditions); Kayak Kauai in Hanalei (808-826-
9844; 800-437-3507) and Kapa’a (808-822-9179); or Outfitters
Kauai (808-742-9667) in Poipu. Buy camping equipment in Long’s Drug Store,
K- Mart, Wal-Mart, Costco in Lihue, as well as small variety stores like
Waipouli Variety (Wailua), Discount Variety (Koloa), Village Variety
(Hanalei), or Ace Hardware (Hanalei).

IMPORTANT MESSAGE: Please do take a moment to visit ‘Save Kokee’, a website dedicated to the community effort to sustain and protect Kōke’e and Waimea Canyon State Parks.  We must join together now, and do so quickly, if we hope to minimize the irreparable damage that will result if current redevelopment and new development plans, for the sake of generating revenue, are allowed to win out over the need to conserve and protect the integrity of our parks.

For further information about camping on the Garden Island and many other Kauai Island Activities please contact our Jean & Abbott Personal Concierge and Activity Director. who is full of knowledge on all things Kauai!