A splashy, upscale resort with one of the best swimming pools on the planet. And a relaxing retreat that’s the epitome of old-time, Hawaiian charm. I loved my recent stay at both Koloa Landing in Poipu/Koloa and the Waimea Plantation Cottages on the lush, tropical island of Kauai. But for very different reasons. Here’s a look at two wonderful family properties with very different styles on what might be Hawaii’s most beautiful island. KOLOA LANDING RESORT AT POIPU, MARRIOTT AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION This is an upscale yet super family-friendly spot on the edge of the popular Poipu/Koloa region of south Read more
Poipu Beach
National Hawaii Day is today, July 5. To mark the occasion, yours truly, a 35-time visitor to the islands, is offering up some thoughts on special hotels and resorts you should consider for your next trip. Remember to visit responsibly and respectfully. Side note: Travel + Leisure came out with their list of the top 20 resorts of Hawaii on Tuesday, July 9. I believe eight of their top picks are on my list below. O’AHU Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina: Resting alongside the Aulani Disney resort outside of Honolulu, this is a chill spot overlooking a pretty Read more
PRINCEVILLE, KAUAI – It’s dusk at the Princeville Makai golf course on the north shore of Kauai and I’m bouncing around the practice area on a golf board. It’s kind of a Segway meets snowboard affair, a mechanized bit that golfers can use to get around the course in a different, youthful kind of way. It takes some getting used to, but it’s clearly a step above the dowdy golf carts you see puttering around most courses or Florida subdivisions. Also different at Princeville Makai are the short, four-hole lessons you can take and the $10 Saturday clinics and sunset Read more
The Hanalei Valley on north Kauai is a lush, tropical spot where they still grow taro and live close to the land. The north coast of the island of Kauai features gorgeous mountains and fabulous gardens. Try a hike along the coast to a lonely beach that will have you uttering words like “paradise” over and over. Princeville Golf Course is a spectacular layout near the town of Hanalei on the north part of Kauai. Tahiti Nui is a fun bar in Hanalei town, where part of the movie “The Descendants” was filmed. I did NOT spot George Clooney when Read more
