If you’ve never been to Kaua'i before, you’re in for a treat!  The climate on the island ranges from very rainy and wet, particularly along the north shore and in the interior (the wettest place on earth is on Kaua'i!), to dry and arid in Waimea Canyon, one of the driest places on earth. 

There are so many things to do on the island, that is, if you ever want to leave the property.  Some of our favorites include:

Golf

Whether you’re a casual golfer or here primarily to hit the links, you’re in luck, as Kaua'i boasts some of the best golf courses in Hawai'i.  If you’re an avid duffer, we trust you’ll bring your own clubs.  But for those of you who might want to play just a round or two and don’t feel like lugging your clubs thousands of miles, we have a set of men’s and women’s clubs in the condo for your use.  You supply the balls and tees, and clean the clubs for the next guest, and they’re yours to use!

Just up the path at the Hyatt is the Poipu Shores course, designed by Robert Trent Jones, home for the past several years to the Grand Slam of Golf tournament each November.  Play on the course the Tiger Woods has conquered multiple times and enjoy great views, challenging holes, and all just steps from the condo.  Visit the website or call them at 808-858-6300 to arrange a tee time. 

West of the condo, about a 5 minute drive, is the “local” course on Poipu, the Kiahuna Plantation Course.  Also designed by Robert Trent Jones, this is a bit easier and less expensive course, as it’s not right on the water.  But it's a fair challenge and a comfortable course for the beginner to intermediate golfer.   Visit the course website here or contact then at 808-742-9595 for more information. 

Spa Day

Who doesn’t need a spa day now and then?  And luckily for us, there’s a great one just a few minutes up the path at the Grand Hyatt, the Anara Spa.  Visit their site at www.anaraspa.com to see a list of their full range of spa treatments.  They offer men’s and women’s services, as well as a full-service health club, for which 1-day memberships can be purchased.  Contact them at 808-742-1234 for reservations or more information.

Beaches

Makahuena is perfectly situated in the middle of some of Hawaii's top beaches.  Poipu Beach, one of the safest and most popular beaches on Kaua'i is a 10 minute walk west of the condo.  You'll pass Brennecke Beach, a great place to body surf.  A 10 minute walk east and you're at Shipwreck Beach (at the Grand Hyatt), although there are no lifeguards and the waves break on a rocky shelf.  Note that all beaches in Hawaii are considered public property, so you’re more than welcome to visit any of them and not feel like a trespasser!

Luau’s

There are luau’s at most of the hotels on the island, and we can recommend a few.  The Sheraton Kauai down the road on Poipu Beach is well known for its Surf to Sunset Luau held a few times a week.  Or in the other direction, the Grand Hyatt has its own great party as well.  For a non-hotel version, everyone says that Smith’s Luau is the best.  It’s a bit of a farther drive back up past the airport but is worth it, especially if you’re looking to see a different part of the island.

Hiking and Waimea Canyon

You’re not going to find any better place to hike than on Kaua'i.  From rain forests to arid canyons, there are endless trails to match all hiking levels.  One highlight for us in past visits is a long drive from Poipu, but you absolutely can’t beat the hike up the Na Pali coast on the north shore.  Just keep driving past Princeville until the road ends, and you’ll be there.  You can’t beat the views, and once you hit the ocean you head inland about 20 minutes to a spectacular waterfall and pool that is too good to be true.  This hike is fairly difficult, but worth the effort!

For a comprehensive list of hiking trails on the island, there’s a great website here that can help you find what you’re looking for.

Of course no visit is complete without seeing the Grand Canyon of the West, Waimea Canyon.  Truly breathtaking in its scope and beauty.  Visit this website for more information on the Canyon, directions, and great hikes to take.

Snorkeling and Surfing

Poipu’s excellent beaches provide endless opportunities to see the wildlife below the surface!  While the condo is stocked with masks and fins to get you started, you’ll need to head to one of the local beaches, or to the Sheraton Hotel to partake in some great snorkeling.  There are also several local surfing companies that can having you up and going in an hour.  Contact the Sheraton to be connected to their local surf pro’s who can get you started.  If you’re interested in just riding the waves, we’ve provided boogie boards in the condo for you.

Helicopter Rides

While they’re not for everyone, there are several great companies providing this service on the island.  Search the internet, read our guest book, or use the local yellow pages to find the company of your choice.  Rates and reservation requirements will vary.  There are several choices on the island, and most rides depart from the Lihu'e airport.

You probably didn’t come to Kaua'i to find the latest fashions, but there are a few great local places to pass an afternoon.

The Poipu Shopping Village is just up the road from the condo with over 70 local stores (including a sundries market called Whaler's Village and a Starbuck's), along with a Polynesian review several times a week just as happy hour begins.

If you need something other than resort wear or local crafts, visit the Kukui Grove Shopping Center, with a Macy’s, Sears, Super K-Mart, and supermarket, which you passed on the way to the condo from the airport.

Historical areas

Old Koloa Town, a 10 minute drive west up the coast, also has several local shops and restaurants, and is the site of one of the oldest settlements on the island.  Visit the Koloa Town website here to learn more about the attractions.  There’s a small but very interesting museum which tells the history of the area, right up the way from the landing site of Captain James Cook—the first place he came ashore in Hawai'i.  You can also see the ruins of the first Sugar Plantation on the island as well, now on the National Historic Register.

If you’re interested in a drive, there are historical villages back up the coast in Lihue and a bit farther in Kapa'a; or head west down the coast to Hanapepe.  Consult your own guide books, or the one in the condo for further information.

Restaurants

We’re no expert food critics, and with all the fresh seafood available, you’re not going to go wrong with pretty much any place you pick.  Just ask for the catch of the day, and you’re in good shape.  However, there are a few great places on the island that we can recommend, not too far from the condo.  With a few exceptions, most restaurants on the island are “resort casual,” which generally means no bathing suits, and a collared shirt for the guys.  We have guidebooks in the condo with a full list of island eateries.  Here are just a few of our favorites, click on the title to go to their websites:

Roy's Poipu Bar and Grill
This outpost of the popular Roy's chain is one of the nicer spots on the island, and is great for that special dinner out on the island.  The fusion cuisine mixes together traditional Hawaiian, Asian, and other influences in the cuisine, and the service is great.  Located in the Poipu Village Shopping Center.

Naniwa Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar

Located in the Sheraton.  While the other restaurants on the property are fine, this one sticks out for us.  If you enjoy sushi, there are two chefs on staff with a small sushi bar in the back, and a kids menu.  Given the freshness of the local seafood, as you would imagine, the quality is excellent.

Tide Pools

Located at the Hyatt.  This is a Zagat and Island recognized restaurant, which is also great if you’re looking for that one big night out.  Great views out to the beach and the tide pools which run around the restaurant, great food and great atmosphere.

Toi’s Thai Restaurant

Located about 20 minutes away up the coast in Hanapepe.  This is one of those “local” places that is well off the beaten path in the back of a shopping center.  It’s also inexpensive, and the food couldn’t be more authentic.  It’s BYOB, so pick up a bottle of red from the ABC grocerty store in the shopping center next to the restaurant or bring a bottle from the condo, and get ready for some great food.

The Beach House