* Meticulously researched by one of Hawaii's most noted journalists (and a long-time resident of the Big Island), this is hands-down the most reliable, up-to-date, and comprehensive guide to Kauai.* Each of our candid hotel reviews is based on a detailed personal inspection. You'll find lavish beachfront resorts, intimate rain-forest B&Bs, family-friendly condos, and much, much more. Our dining reviews are simply the best in the business, whether you crave cutting-edge Asian-fusion cuisine or a hearty, affordable plate lunch.* Our author makes sure that you'll truly experience the spirit of aloha, and she'll help you steer clear of anything that's overpriced, touristy, or inauthentic. With Frommer's in hand, you'll know where to find secluded beaches; secret spots for snorkeling; the best outfitters to choose for everything from diving to deep-sea fishing; and where to find the top galleries and shops.* Inside you'll find extensive coverage of family-friendly accommodations and activities; tips on how to get married in the islands; recommendations for the best honeymoon resorts; and valuable advice on finding the best airfares and package deals.
Whether you want to learn how to surf, hike through Waimea Canyon, play a challenging round of golf, snorkel with sea turtles, or simply kick back with a mai tai to watch the sunset, you can design the perfect trip with Frommer's Kauai.
Table of Contents
LIST OF MAPS. 1 BEST OF KAUAI. 1 The Best Beaches. 2 The Best Kauai Experiences. 3 The Best Adventures. 4 The Best of Natural Hawaii. 5 The Best of Underwater Hawaii. 6 The Best Golf Courses. 7 The Best Luxury Hotels & Resorts. 8 The Best Moderately Priced Accommodations. 9 The Best Inexpensive Accommodations. 10 The Best Bed & Breakfasts. 11 The Best Restaurants. 12 The Best Shops & Galleries. Pampering in Paradise. 13 The Best Spas. 2 HAWAII IN DEPTH. 1 History 101. 2 Hawaii Today. 3 Life & Language. 4 A Taste of Hawaii. 5 The Natural World: An Environmental Guide to the Islands. 6 Hawaii in Popular Culture: Books, Film & Music. 3 PLANNING YOUR TRIP TO KAUAI. 1 When to Go. What to Pack. That Long Flight to Hawaii: How to Stay Comfortable. Kauai Calendar of Events. Honoring the Dead: Obon Festival. 2 Entry Requirements. 3 Getting There & Getting Around. Coping with Jet Lag. 4 Money & Costs. What Things Cost in Kauai. 5 Health. What to Do If Your Luggage Is Delayed or (Gasp!) Lost. Don't Get Burned: Smart Tanning Tips. 6 Safety. 7 Specialized Travel Resources. 8 Getting Married on Kauai. 9 Sustainable Tourism. General Resources for Green Travel. 10 The Active Vacation Planner. Fun for Less: Don't Leave Home Without a Gold Card. 11 Money-Saving Package Deals. 12 Staying Connected. The Welcoming Lei. 13 Tips on Accommodations. Hawaii on the Web. 4 SUGGESTED KAUAI ITINERARIES. The Island in Brief. Niihau: The Forbidden Island. 1 One Week on Kauai. 2 Two Weeks on Kauai. 3 Kauai for Families. 4 Kauai for the Adventurous. 5 WHERE TO STAY. 1 Lihue & Environs. Family-Friendly Hotels. 2 The Poipu Resort Area. Construction in Poipu. The King of Condos. What's the Story on "Cleaning Fees?". 3 Western Kauai. 4 The Coconut Coast. A Rose by Any Other Name: Timeshares. 5 The North Shore. 6 WHERE TO DINE. 1 Lihue & Environs. Plate Lunch Palaces. 2 The Poipu Resort Area. Family-Friendly Restaurants. Where's All the Bottom Fish on the Menu? 3 Western Kauai. Icy-Cold Dessert. 4 The Coconut Coast. Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurants. 5 The North Shore. A Hawaiian Feast: The Luau. 7 FUN IN THE SURF & SUN. 1 Beaches. Safety in the Surf. Frommer's Favorite Kauai Experiences. 2 Watersports. Especially for Kids. 3 Hiking & Camping. Hiking Safety. 4 Other Outdoor Pursuits. 8 EXPLORING KAUAI. 1 Lihue & Environs. Discovering the Legendary "Little People". 2 The Poipu Resort Area. 3 Western Kauai. Taking to the Skies-It's More Than Just a Helicopter Ride. 4 The Coconut Coast. Make a Pilgrimage to a Hindu Temple. 5 Paradise Found: The North Shore. Hollywood Loves Kauai. 9 SHOPPING. 1 Green Markets & Fruit Stands. Fruity Smoothies & Other Exotic Treats. 2 Lihue & Environs. 3 The Poipu Resort Area. Up and "Rumming:" Koloa Rum Company Tasting Room. Niihau Shell Lei: The Island's Most Prized Artwork. 4 Western Kauai. Ultimate Kauai Souvenir: The Red Dirt Shirt. 5 The Coconut Coast. 6 The North Shore. 10 KAUAI AFTER DARK. 1 Lihue. 2 Poipu Resort Area. It Begins with Sunset. 3 West Side. 4 Coconut Coast. 5 The North Shore. Watch for the Green Flash. 11 FAST FACTS. 1 Fast Facts: Kauai. 2 Airline, Hotel & Car Rental Websites. INDEX. General Index. Accommodations Index. Restaurant Index. L I S T O F M A P S. Where to Dine in Lihue. Where to Dine in the Poipu Resort Area. Where to Dine on the Coconut Coast. Where to Dine on Kauai's North Shore. Kauai Beaches. Kauai Hiking Trails. Kauai Cabins & Campgrounds. Kauai Golf Courses. Kauai Attractions.
Author Biography
A resident of the Big Island, Jeanette Foster has skied the slopes of Mauna Kea-during a Fourth of July ski meet no less-and gone scuba diving with manta rays off the Kona Coast. A prolific writer widely published in travel, sports, and adventure magazines, she's also the editor of Zagat's Survey to Hawaii's Top Restaurants. In addition to writing this guide, Jeanette is the author of Frommer's Hawaii; Frommer's Hawaii with Kids; Frommer's Maui; Frommer's Portable Big Island; Frommer's Honolulu, Waikiki & Oahu; Frommer's Maui Day by Day; Frommer's Honolulu & Oahu Day by Day; and Frommer's Hawaii Day by Day.
