Kauai, Hawaii: Vacation Island

December 1st, 2009

When you live in Hawaii, where do you go for a quick get-away?  Often, the answer is a neighbor island.  I mentioned online that we were going to Kauai for Thanksgiving and many locals responded, "That’s my favorite island!"  Now I know why.

I’ve heard since we arrived here that each island has its own personality.  I can now compare two: Oahu and Kauai.  Oahu is the center of government and commerce — it’s like the big city that you travel to for shopping or entertainment or doctor’s appointments when you live in a small town on the mainland.  If you want a sampler of all that Hawaii has to offer, it’s a good choice.

In contrast, Kauai is the summer vacation you took as a kid, either with the family or at summer camp.  There are parks to camp in that reminded me of Colorado but to a fellow student they seemed like upstate New York — whatever your memories are of pine, rocks and hiking trails, they will fit.  Some fellow philosophy students stayed in a fairly rustic cabin in the woods near many hiking trails.  It was also near the fabulous Waimea Canyon — a breath-taking view many compare with a mini-version of the Grand Canyon in Arizona.

Rick and I stayed in a nice, moderately-priced Kauai hotel on the Coconut Coast.  It was popular with young people and families.  Many middle-aged (and older) couples walked the nearly deserted beach hand-in-hand, perhaps enjoying a second honeymoon.  The beach was a stone’s throw from the hotel but shopping and restaurants were just across the parking lot.  Our flight back was delayed and we spent an additional night in a more upscale hotel (thanks to Yaling and Bruce).  It was full-on resort: a Vegas-style pool ringed with hot tubs, massage tents on the beach, golf course, beach/poolside restaurants and bars.  While you could walk to nearby stores or restaurants, you might not want to.

I would not recommend Kauai to someone who wants to include high-fashion shopping (there are plenty of souvenirs, clothing, and fine art, but it does not compare with Honolulu).  Someone wanting to take in a bar-scene, urban art gallery hopping or nightclub entertainment might also be happier on Oahu.  But if you think vacation get-away — personal time for rejuvenation or recharging, quality time with the kids or rekindling romance — it’s on Kauai.  We returned so relaxed that the island pace of Oahu seems rushed! 

Posted by Cindy Scheopner  Follow me on Twitter @Scheopner

Entry Filed under: Hawaii Vacation Links, Kauai, Uncategorized