Kauai, Hawaii: Vacation Island

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

Published by Bruce Fisher

Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.

Entry Filed under: Hawaiiana,Kauai

December 1st, 2009