Kauai Lagoons Golf Club gets major makeover.
The Kiele Golf Course, which was originally designed by Jack Nicklaus in 1988, is undergoing a major renovation that will make it one of the most exciting courses in Hawaii.
The project, which is being overseen by Nicklaus, will take place in three phases. And when it’s done, Kauai Lagoons will feature 27 Jack Nicklaus Signature Holes. The first phase — to be completed in May, 2011 — will include building three new holes, and renovating six others on the back nine. When completed, the course will include one-half mile of ocean-front golf — the longest stretch in the state.
The course is adjacent to the Kauai Marriott Resort on Kalapaki Beach, which just completed a $50 million renovation of its own. Currently, 18 holes are open for play.
Read more about the Kauai Marriott.
New Poipu vacation rentals near Poipu Beach.
The Poipu Beach area is one of our favorite places to stay in Kauai. The beaches are safe and swimmable all year long, it gets less rain that the North Shore, and there are lots of good restaurants to choose from.
Until now, Poipu vacation rentals didn’t have the same level of amenities you’d find at Waipouli Beach Resort & Spa on the East Shore or the Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas. But the new Villas at Poipu Kai offers all the bells and whistles, including hardwood and tile floors, stone bathrooms, and kitchens with granite countertops, and SubZero Refrigerators.
Located in the Poipu Kai Resort complex, the Villas has 27 condos in eight plantation-style buildings. All have full kitchens, washers and dryers, and free WiFi. There’s also a spa, swimming pool, and fitness center. Poipu beaches are about a five minute walk down the pathway that runs through the resort. And there are two golf courses nearby.
Both garden and pool side villas are available. One-bedroom, two-bath condos start at $269 a night. Two-bedroom units start at $299 a night. With travertine floors, 1,200 square feet of living space, and two full baths, these are a great deal for families. The five-bedroom model will sleep more than a dozen. And the four-bedroom pool side penthouse has two master suites.
It’s a short stroll to numerous restaurants and bars. The Grand Hyatt is a few minutes to the south, and Brennacke’s and the restaurants in the Koa Kea and Marriott Waiohai are in the other direction.
A grand-opening special makes the Villas an even better buy. If you reserve a three-bedroom condo before August 31, 2010, you’ll get a rental car free for seven days. You must complete your stay by December 15, 2010 and stay a minimum of five nights.
New Poipu restaurants.
The opening of the long-awaited Kukui’ula Village shopping center and the Koa Kea Resort have brought some exciting new dining choices in Poipu.
The new Poipu restaurants cater to all budgets with two fine-dining restaurants helmed by James Beard Award nominated chefs, a lovely pool-side resort bistro with ocean views, and a casual café. Vacationers staying in Poipu will enjoy the added variety. And all of them are convenient to Poipu-area hotels and resorts.
Josselin’s Tapas Bar & Grill.
One of the founding fathers of Hawaiian regional cuisine, Jean Marie Josselin, won plenty of accolades for his previous restaurant, A Pacific Café. Now, he’s opened a new place in Kukui’ula Village called Josselin’s Tapas Bar & Grill. As the name suggests, the menu features small plates that are meant to be shared.
Yummy choices like coffee-smoked pork tonkatsu, scallop ravioli in coconut milk, wood-oven roasted steak, and firecracker salmon roll make choosing a challenge. For those who want something more substantial, entrée-size dishes like sesame-crusted mahi mahi are also available. Many of them were on the menu at A Pacific Café.
Don’t miss the fabulously refreshing sangrias, which are made at your table on a cart. Three versions are available, including a white lychee.
Red Salt Restaurant
Located in the Koa Kea Resort, which is on the grounds of the old Poipu Beach Hotel, the Red Salt Restaurant serves chef Ronnie Sanchez’s innovative takes on traditional island favorites. The beach-front location provides wonderful views and the dining room is stylish and attractive.
Inventive cocktails like the Poipu Surf with Champagne, peach vodka, and passion fruit juice are a lovely way to begin your evening. And if you’re not hungry enough for dinner, you can order appetizers like crispy pork gyoza or crab cakes in the lounge.
Sanchez breathes new life into standards like poke and kalau pork, which is served with taro gnocchi and a pineapple demi glace. Seared ahi comes with an avocado-ginger salsa and mango vinaigrette. Grilled ono has Maui onion and king crab home fries. The New York steak served here is one of the best on Kauai.
Lilikoi Crème Brulee is the perfect way to end your meal.
Merriman’s Poipu
A three-time finalist for the James Beard Awards for the Pacific Northwest/Hawaii region, Peter Merriman has opened not one, but two restaurants in Kauai. Located in Kukui’ula Village, the fine dining restaurant — Merriman’s Poipu — is located upstairs. Merriman’s regional Hawaiian cuisine makes the most of local ingredients. In fact, 90% of the food he serves is locally sourced. So you can expect to find oyster mushrooms, sweet onions, and line-caught fish in season.
Start with the Pupu Taster, which includes ahi and watermelon poki, kalua pig and sweet onion quesadillas, roasted beets and feta, marlin sashimi, and calamari salad. The Mix Plate serves almost as a tasting menu, letting diners sample fish, beef, and vegetable dishes. There are also excellent choices for vegetarians, including truffle-Parmesan fries. The wine list is terrific and the desserts are worth saving room for.
Downstairs, Merriman’s Café is more casual and less expensive, with soups, salads, sandwiches, and pasta dishes. Fish tacos, grilled fish sandwiches, and pulled kalua pork on a Portuguese sweet roll keep things local. Kalbi-style ribs and teriyaki are other good choice. Most items are less than $12.
One of our favorite places to eat in Poipu, Savage Shrimp, is moving out of the truck and into the Kukui’ula Village this summer. Watch for an update once she’s settled in.
Find more Poipu restaurants here.
Save almost 40% on a five-night stay at the St. Regis Resort Princeville.
Luxury Link has a package at the St. Regis Resort Princeville that works out to 38% off the regular price. Formerly the Princeville Resort, the St. Regis reopened last fall following a $100 million makeover. Now, it’s the most luxurious property on Kauai, noted for its fabulous views of Hanalei Bay, and Bali Hai. With five restaurants, a 10,000-square-foot spa, and 36 holes of golf, the St. Regis is a privileged enclave in one of the most beautiful parts of Hawaii.
This package is an auction, but there are currently no bids. The retail price of the package is $4,569. And the starting bid is $2,799. It’s available during March, April, July, or August, and it includes:
* Five nights in an ocean-view room
* Breakfast for two each morning
* One 60-minute spa treatment per person
* Welcome gift on arrival
* Taxes
Visit LuxuryLink.com to bid.
You can read more about the St. Regis here.
Save up to $180 a night at the Kauai Marriott Resort.
Orbitz is offering a special deal at The Kauai Marriott Resort from now through March 28, 2010.
When you stay two consecutive nights, you’ll receive a $50 resort credit for each night of your stay. Use it for food, spa services, and almost anything else at the resort. With rates starting at $199 a night, you‘ll save as much as $180 a night.
The Kauai Marriott Resort has all the amenities required for a great vacation — 800 acres of beautiful grounds on Kalapaki Bay, a huge sandy beach, a 26,000-square-foot pool, five spas, and a helpful staff that can arrange virtually anything.
A limited number of rooms is available. Make your reservations at www.orbitz.com.
Read more about the Kauai Marriott Resort here.
Special deals at Aston Kauai hotels.
Aston Hotels & Resorts is offering special winter deals at all of their Hawaiian properties from now through March 31, 2010. You’ll save as much as 40% per night, and there’s no minimum stay required. There are five Kauai properties to choose from — Aston Islander on the Beach, Aston at Poipu Kai, Aston Kauai Beach at Makaiwa, Aston Aloha Beach Hotel, and Aston Waimea Plantation Cottages.
Rates start as low as $80 a night for the Aloha Beach and include free parking and free high-speed Internet or WiFi access.
Near the Coconut Marketplace and adjacent to Wailua Beach, Aston Islander on the Beach has a pool, spa, and barbecue area. Their Discover Kauai Romance Package includes four nights in an ocean view room, your choice of a 50-minute couples massage or a kayaking adventure, dinner for two at the Voyager Grille in the Aston Kauai Beach at Makaiwa, two complimentary cocktails, and late checkout. The price is $206 per night, based on four nights. It’s available through December 21, 2010 and black out dates apply. Information is available at http://www.astonhotels.com/aston/specialOffers/hotDeals.do.
Find things to do near the Islander here.
Hawaii cruise deals make cruising a great way to explore Kauai.
Most people who come to Kauai, Hawaii fly from their home city, rent a car, and stay in a Kauai vacation rental or resort. But dollar for dollar, Hawaii cruise deals can make cruising the islands a very attractive alternative. Hawaii cruises take you to several islands and because virtually all the usual expenses — lodging, meals, transportation, and entertainment — are included, they’re a terrific value. Especially when they’re on sale.
The Merchant Marine Act of 1920 — also known as the Jones Act — prohibits foreign-flagged vessels from embarking and disembarking passengers in U.S. ports unless they visit a foreign country in between. Most cruise lines register their ships in other countries because it’s less expensive, which prevents them from doing roundtrips from Honolulu. That’s why many Hawaii cruises originate in Vancouver, Australia, or Tahiti.
But Norwegian Cruise Line registered their Pride of America in the U.S. So they’re able to operate seven-day, roundtrip sailings from Honolulu year ‘round. Pride of America is the first American-flagged cruise ship in fifty years, and she has an American staff and crew. With nearly 100 hours in port, you won’t spend that much time aboard, but when you do, there’s plenty to enjoy with a spa and fitness center, 14 restaurants, and 9 bars.
Pride of America sails from Honolulu on Saturday nights at 8PM. She arrives at Kahului, Maui the next morning at 8AM. Passengers have two full days in Maui for sightseeing, shopping, sunning, or whale-watching before sailing for Hilo at 6PM.
In Hilo, passengers have a full day to explore Volcanoes National Park, Akaka Falls, or downtown Hilo on the eastern side of the Big Island. The next day is spent on the other side of the Big Island in Kona and the Kohala coast.
Pride of America arrives in Kauai at 8AM on Thursday in Nawiliwili Harbor. Since the ship doesn’t sail until 2 the following afternoon, cruisers have plenty of time to visit the Napali Coast, Waimea Canyon, Hanalei Bay, Poipu Beach, or any of Kauai’s other beautiful attractions.
Right now, 2010 sailings are being discounted from 32% to 65% off. In early December, for instance, you can sail for as little as $769 per person, or $219 per couple, per day. When you consider that all your meals are included in that price and compare it to the cost of buying inter-island airfare, Hawaii cruise deals are way less expensive than doing the same trip independently. Plus you can visit several of the islands and only have to pack and unpack once.
Find Kauai must-sees for your time in port here.
Read more about Hawaiian Island cruises here.
Starwood offers big discounts on Kauai.
Starwood Hotels Hawaii
Starwood Preferred Guests (SPGs) can save 35% off the room rate, and get a free night (with minimum stay), double points, a free double room upgrade or $100 dining credit, and free breakfast for two each day. The three participating properties are:
* The Sheraton Kauai. On a beautiful golden-sand beach in sunny Poipu, the Sheraton has the island’s only ocean-front luau. It’s walking distance to Poipu’s shops and restaurants, and the Point is one of the best spots on the island to watch the sun set.
* The St. Regis Princeville Resort. Recently reopened after a $100 million renovation, this member of the prestigious St. Regis group has unbeatable views of Hanalei Bay and Bali Hai. With five restaurants and two world-class golf courses, you’ll never leave.
* Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas. With gourmet kitchens, private lanais, spas, and great programs for kids, these are some of the best Kauai vacation rentals. The location is convenient to North Shore beaches and Princeville golf.
The offer is good for bookings through June 30, 2010. But availability is limited, so make your reservations as early as you can to avoid disappointment.
You’ll find all the details at starwoodhawaii.com/morehawaii. Or find other recommended Kauai hotels here.
Great deals on Kauai vacation rentals at Kiahuna Plantation.
Kiahuna Plantation is one of our favorite places to stay on Kauai. And it’s especially nice in winter, when the surf is pretty big on the north shore of Kauai.
Spread across 30 beautiful, beach-front acres, Kiahuna Plantation has 333 units in 42 low-rise buildings. The grounds are landscaped with mature tropical plants. The beach is great for swimming, surfing, and sunning. There’s a wonderful restaurant on site, and lots of other restaurants within walking distance.
Each of the units has a bedroom, a kitchen, a private lanai, and daily maid service. And all have good access to the beach.
Right now, Outrigger has rates as low as $169 a night for stays in February, March and April. Since this is one of the best Poipu vacation rentals, it’s a terrific value and significantly less expensive than the other properties in the area.
Poipu vacation rentals.
Vacation rentals are a great way to get the most from your travel dollars. Unlike a hotel room, they give you a lot more room to stretch out. If you travel with friends or family, you can rent a unit with several bedrooms and split the cost. And having a kitchen really reduces your food budget. And in Hawaii, meals out are pretty expensive.
Some of the best Kauai vacation rentals are on the sunny south side of the island, around Poipu. There are plenty to choose from, and they’re available in all price ranges.
Most Poipu vacation rental units are individually owned, so quality and amenities may vary a lot, even in the same complex. Check out the photographs of the unit, but don’t take anything for granted. Ask lots of questions before paying a deposit.
Poipu vacation rentals near Lawai Beach.
There are two nice vacation rental properties on Lawai Road. Both are convenient to Spouting Horn, the Botanical Gardens, and good snorkeling at Lawai Beach.
Prince Kuhio is just across Lawai Road from the beach. The vacation rentals here range in size from small studios to 700-square-foot one-bedroom units. Amenities at the property include a pool and barbecue area, and a laundry. And the complex is conveniently located. It offers solid value for money in an area where the weather’s nearly always pleasant.
For lunch, the Savage Shrimp truck is usually parked nearby. And The Beach House across the street is one of the best restaurants on Kauai.
Prince Kuhio vacation rentals are available through several property management companies. You can find them online. Some have a 5-night minimum, others only require 3.
On the beach side of Lawai Road, Kuhio Shores is right on the water. Many of the units here have fantastic ocean views — corner units have the best. In addition to one-bedtoom units, Kuhio Shores also has two-bedroom, two-bath vacation rentals with up to 1,200 square feet. There’s a barbecue area and laundry facilities on every floor. No swimming pool, but easy access to the beach.
One of the nicest Poipu vacation rentals – and most expensive — Whaler’s Cove has 39 one- and two-bedroom units in two circular beach-front buildings. There’s also daily maid service, in-room safes, and high-speed Internet access, with WIFI in most units. The nicely landscaped grounds have a beautiful heated pool and spa. Service here is first rate – they’ll even stock your fridge in advance if you’d like. Many of the units have koa wood doors and trim, as well as whirlpool tubs with ocean views. The units are individually owned, so they’re all different, but most are of a very high standard.
Poipu vacation rentals on Poipu Beach.
Although Poipu Kapili isn’t right on Poipu Beach, it’s a short stroll away. It’s a very nice complex with 60 units in seven low rise buildings across Kapili Road from a rocky beach. Spread across five acres, Poipu Kapili has an on-site management company you can rent through and there’s an activity desk. Each of the units has an ocean view and lanai, and you can choose from a simple one-bedroom or a two-story townhouse, which is a great value. Most of the two-bedroom rentals have washers and dryers in the unit. There are two tennis courts, a pool, a laundry, an herb garden, and barbecues on the property. It’s close to Poipu Beach shops and restaurants. Depending on the unit, Poipu Kapili is often less expensive than other Poipu vacation rentals.
Although Kiahuna Plantation has 333 units, you’d never know it because they’re divided among 42 low-rise building spread out across 30 acres that was once an old plantation. The lush grass lawn with mature tropical plants leads right down to the beach, where you can rent water sports equipment. And what a beach it is – broad, and sandy, perfect for swimming, sunning, or surfing. There are one-, two-, and three-bedroom units available, and the beach-front rentals really are right on the beach. It’s a short stroll to the bars and restaurants of the Sheraton Kauai or Poipu Village shops.
Prices vary widely depending on the location of the unit and its views. Most have private lanais.
Kiahuna Plantation rentals are available through both Outrigger and Castle.
Located between Kiahuna Plantation and the Hyatt, Poipu Kai Resort is a 350-unit complex with nine tennis courts, seven pools, and a spa. The 70-acre property has six subdivisions. You can choose virtually anything from a cottage to a house to a five-bedroom condo. Vacation rentals are categorized as deluxe or ultra-deluxe, and prices are based on location and view. Rentals on the west side have better access to sandy Poipu and Brennecke’s Beach. On the east side, it’s a short stroll to Shipwreck Beach, which is not safe for swimming. You can rent bikes, golf clubs, and water sports equipment from the concierge desk. Poipu Kai is also close to the shops and restaurants in the Hyatt.
Several management companies represent Poipu Kai, but Suite Paradise has the most biggest selection.
For more options, see our recommended Poipu hotels here.
