Now that I have names of some locations, I'll start searching the internet for more info. I wish my budget was unlimited, but it ain't so I'm just looking for a nice place to chill out, but with options for dinning or local culture within walking or short drive distances.

I'm researching for two people, but if it were just me, I'd be happy with a small village on the beach so I can disappear into the local scene....but you guys know when the lady of the house comes along...compromise...compromise.

Funny... alf and I linked to the same site.

Waikoloa Hilton on the Big Island was very weird... is that the one that had small boats running in canals between the towers along with the trams? Wherever that was I remember seeing baby barracuda swimming in the canal with the tangs.


If you go to Hanalei, Kauai be sure to go to the botanical gardens at the end of the road, call ahead and make reservation to take the guided walking tour... it's worth it.

Well, guys, thanks for the tips and suggestions. We're going to Kauai. I'm not a diver, and I wanted a quiet setting where I could forget about the rat race here at home.

It'll be our honeymoon trip, so we didn't want to deal with the crowd of the bigger island/places. Kauai looked like a good size place with enough to do/find, but quiet enough that we could just blend into the scenery. We're getting a house for a week, with no specific plan other than a helicopter tour that one of the relatives is gifting us. We'll use the heli tour as a recon trip, then we'll go back to places that interest us from the air.

One more thing, renting a car. Alfred said it was a good idea, but what about a scooter or motorcycle? A co-worker suggested renting mountain bikes for the week. I'm not sure it'll be fun to go out to dinner on mountain bikes and getting all sweaty. But I could deal with a motorcycle or scooter...bad idea? Anyone recall a motorcycle rental place on Kauai?

There is a wierd mix of drivers and traffic there. I wouldn't do it.

That said, there is a place that rents Harleys --if you really want to look like a dweeb. --Note, my wife & I go for the rented new convertable tourist dweeb look. ;)

Maui, Napili Kai. Need I say more?

Opps, almost forgot. Trip to Hanah is super. More turns than you'll ever see anywhere. Period!

SHeesh, typical Lib :cool: ... .he said he's going to Kauai, not Maui.

Souk, where abouts is the renal house?

What Island said risky to bike there with a bunch of drunk tourist, high locals and questionable roads...and it is hard to haul a boogie board on a bike.

Kauai is my fav. Hiking the Napali(sp) coast trail in to the high falls. Waimaia(sp) canyon hiking is also nice. Old Koloa town has a nice little cigar shop. And plenty of nuthin' else to do.

OK..so maybe a convertible dweeb look will do. I'm not a Harley...and the convertible dweeb look is probably better for me than the Harley dweeb look :) Thanks for the warning guys.

Glenn we have everything booked but the house. We're waiting on one or two of them to send us a contract and tell us where send the check. Lady H is handling that, and I don't need to stress both of us out. We targeted the Hanalei Bay, but some of the rentals that we liked were booked, so we expanded our options.

Kona Village. Big Island. Stay away from the other islands unless you're going to visit someone.

Yer killin me, don't remind me.

Imagine a 40 mile stretch of the most fantastic tight curves, just bangin 1st/2nd gear sports car joy, and its all along one of the most beautiful coastlines on earth, with dramatic views and deep jungles.

And what car was I driving along this route you ask? A chevy malibu. :(

I was on the Big Island last week and it was a blast. An expensive blast, but whatever.

+1 on what nostatic said about the Waikaloa Hilton. We stayed at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, which is a few miles up the road. Good free breakfast buffet.

+1 also on what Chuck Kieffner said about the nighttime manta ray dive. If you're a diver at all that's a once in a lifetime deal.

Anyway, good weather, good pool, good beach, and a rental car worked out great for me.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1180595546.jpg

And good company helped too.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1180595580.jpg

Good luck in Kauai!

A few Kauai picts I took last month:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1180598440.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1180598462.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1180598486.jpg

Use priceline to get your convertible. I did that last year and saved over $100 with no hassle.

Nice pictures guys.

She's a hottie, Jeremy. :)

Glenn, wow. I keep kidding with Lady H that I might just buy a house and not return...I don't think she realizes that I am not entirely kidding :D

I'll check out Priceline, Neil.

It's about time.

Congrats!

Actually all of Oahu rocks, except Honolulu.

I did that, did not make it all the way up cause the kids got sick in the boaty Malibu daddy was driving like the 911.

Souk, you are going to have a blast. Cook a pack of Ramen for me will ya.

CC - Thanks :)

Alfred - I'll be sure to make a bowl of noodles in your name. :D I plan to do most of my own cooking while we're there. I'm easily disappointed at restaurants, so I prefer to make my own meals when time allows. Plus I hear eating out on the islands can be expensive.....for the food you get.