Hawaii vacation blog...

[Arugula Latte]

13. A few suggestions

Last edited Wed Jun 5, 2013, 02:35 PM - Edit history (2)

There is a farmer's market in Hanalei and possibly other places (there used to be one in Waimea but I think that is gone). You could find out days and locations and hopefully get some good produce.

If you want a nice ocean front dining experience (and maybe someone else picks up the check!), the Beach House in Poipu is very nice.

Check out Waimea Plantation Cottages. They have a restaurant on site and a wide porch where you can sit with a drink and watch the sunset. Stroll the beautiful grounds -- you'll feel you've stepped back into Old Hawaii well, a cleaned-up version -- this is an old sugarcane plantation and they converted workers' cottages to guest houses. It's extremely charming without being "too much." It's not far from the entrance to Waimea Canyon, so you could stop before/after you go there. http://www.waimea-plantation.com/

There is usually very good snorkeling at Anini Beach (northeast coast). Very beautiful beach with large trees right on the water. There are many sea turtles here.

Hanapepe (southwest coast) has an art district and there are gallery events on certain nights.

Edited to add:

Koloa (on the way to Poipu) is a charming little town with nice colonial architecture and cute shops/eateries.

There's a zipline place outside of Lihue and also one up in Princeville, I believe, if you're feeling adventurous.

Also, if you're in Poipu you can wade a few feet into the shallow water in front of the Sheraton (I think it's the Sheraton -- it's the hotel to the left of Kiahuna Plantation if you're facing the ocean). Stick your head in the water with a face mask and you will see fish. Easiest snorkeling ever.

Also, you are not far from Wailua Falls (the "Fantasy Island" waterfalls). It's an easy drive/very accessible waterfall (at least to see the top of the falls; to see it from the bottom you need to hike or kayak). I looked up directions: Driving north on Hwy 56 from Lihu'e, look for the State Hwy 583 (Ma'alo Road) turnoff just north of the one-mile post on the mauka (mountain) side of the road. Turn left and follow Hwy 583 (a recently improved two-lane road) north about four miles until it dead ends at the Wailua Falls car park.

Enjoy.