BIKES
Outfitters Kauai
rents bikes. They are a mile west of the house located between Koloa Town
and Poipu. The roads here are generally narrow and the shoulders not always
well maintained. There is some great mountain biking.
WILD LIFE
Are there mosquitoes in Poipu?
We get them sometimes but they really aren't a problem. I've spent countless
evenings enjoying sunsets, meals and conversation with family and friends on the
lanai without bother. I make it a point not to have any standing water on the
property. Local tip: Smearing a lime wedge on your skin acts has a great
mosquito repellent.
Has the house been pet free?
Yes. Additionally, I've been conscientious about making this a low allergen
environment. Tile floors throughout except carpet on the stairs for safety.
EARLY ARRIVALS AND LATE CHECK OUTS
An early check in may be fine. You are welcome to phone me at
808-742-1778 on your arrival day or send me your cell phone # so we can
phone you as soon as it's ready. We can have part of the house ready so you
can drop your gear off, change clothes and head to the beach with the boogie
boards, beach chairs, etc. The house will be ready for sure by 3pm.
You are welcome to check out as late as you like if there is no one
arriving the night of your departure. If there is a party arriving, I'll
find out my arriving guests' arrival time then I can let you know how far
past 10am we can push your checkout time if you wish. My housekeepers need 5
hours to get the house ready. It would be best to phone me at 808-742-1778
while you're here as by then I can tell you for certain. Many times it works
out. With just the one home, there is not as much flexibility at times. An
alternative would be to book an extra day to include the night of your
departure then you'll have it guaranteed for as late as you'd like.
RESORT AMENITIES
I understand the tradeoffs between my house and a resort with a pool and
tennis courts. One consideration is our
proximity to beach.
Once you walk out of the house, walk past 2 homes and you are at the ocean.
Turn right and walk past 3 more homes to get to the first of a string of
beaches. The first one is Brennecke's Beach which is more exposed and often
great for body boarding. The next one is Poipu Beach which is a protected
bay a very short walk across the lawn past a few picnic tables and
playground equipment. After that you’ll find a bigger bay which is great for
for snorkeling and swimming and is also protected. A lifeguard is stationed
at Poipu Beach.
There are no public pools in the area although there are public tennis
courts in Koloa where my kids and I play.
KIDS/BABY STUFF
Aikane Kauai is an excellent choice for the little ones. The house is one
of the closest to Poipu Beach Park with a protected lagoon and newer
playground equipment with a spongy ground surface. There is a baby gate for
the stairs, a pak-n-play crib and a high chair at the house. There are also
little boogie boards and beach toys.
There is a place close by that rents cribs and other things and they have
a web site (of course!): http://www.readyrentals.com/ You can make
arrangements directly with them for which type of crib you prefer. They will
deliver and pick up.
For baby sitting, phone Jody Ascuena at 808-742-1467. Jody has a book of
references, is a long-time Kauai resident and lives in Poipu.
DO I NEED A CAR?
The house is about 25 minutes or 12 miles from the airport.
Steve at South Shore Cab and Limo 808-635-0312
told me in 2009 that a ride from the airport to the house costs about $50.
Once you're at the house there are 3 beaches, 3 restaurants, a deli and a
surf/beachware shop within five minute walks. A public bus stop is about a
third of a mile from the house.
I'd highly recommend a car to get to some of the other interesting places
on Kauai such as the Waimea Canyon and the more remote beaches east of the
house. Also to the bigger grocery stores. You really don't have to have a
4WD.
CAR RENTALS
The cheapest place I've heard of to rent cars here is at
http://www.islandcars.net/
There are 2 quirks. From what my guests tell me, there is no shuttle bus and
they may not come to get you. Once you get off the plane you have to either
catch a short taxi ride. Budget RAC is next door and they have a van.
Second, the person that works there is not in the running for "Mr. Aloha".
Most everyone else you meet here will be friendly.
The disclaimer; I have not rented from this company and have no
affiliation.
A/C
All three bedrooms have wall mounted air conditioners. The units however
are rarely used for several reasons. First, I designed the home to take
advantage of the prevailing trade winds with lots of jalousie windows and
good cross ventilation. Second, the picture windows have thermal glass and
the home is fully insulated. And lastly, all the rooms have high quality
ceiling fans. All together, it really is a comfortable place to stay.
DIVING
There is very good diving on Kauai, especially around the Poipu area and
also a number of dive companies. Poipu is also one of the best snorkeling
areas. There is a dive shop nearby in Koloa: The Scuba Shop, phone
808-742-6522.
KAYAKS
There are several companies that rent single and double kayaks.
Outfitters Kauai (ph. 808-742-9667) is the closest. There are several
companies that will deliver your kayak to the Wailua River which is very
nice. Don't go on a windy or rainy day.
WEDDINGS
For Poipu hotels try the Hyatt Regency Poipu 808-742-1234 or Sheraton
Kauai 808-742-1661. The Marriot is 20 minutes east and has a small chapel
(808-260-5050).
WEATHER
The weather is generally sunny in Poipu year-round. Temperatures should
range from high 60's at night to low 80's during the day. We do get
occasional showers and storm systems. One of the reasons Poipu was
identified as the #1 beach in America by Dr. Beach (http://www.topbeaches.com/)
was for the number of sunny days. http://2kauai.com/kauai_weather.htm
WINDSURF
Ted and Crystal at Sea Star Kauai (808-332-8189) for rentals. They are
located a couple miles inland of Poipu. I've known Ted for many years as one
of the original windsurf pioneers on Kauai. He would be able to tell you
about all the spots. There is another company on the north shore-Windsurf
Kauai (808-828-6838).
FISHING
For deep sea fishing try http://www.kaibear.com/
I’d recommend you wait until you get here to book and see what’s
happening with the weather. If you need lures, check out http://www.markwhitelures.com/
MUST SEE/DO
Here are some of my favorite things to do on Kauai;
From the house, walk down to the ocean then right on Pe’e Road for about
a quarter mile. Cut through the Embassy Suites parking lot to the coastal
path which runs in front of the Hyatt and Shipwreck Beach then along the
bluffs continuing east for miles. There are several more beaches along the
way. Another option is to drive and park at Shipwrecks and walk from there.
There is good snorkeling by the house. Best and safest conditions are in
the protected bay between Poipu Beach Park and the Marriott, a 5 to 10
minute walk. There is also another protected bay about a mile west toward
Spouting Horn in front of the Beach House Restaurant.
The Na Pali coast is spectacular! 3 ways to enjoy;
1. Drive north to the end of the road and park at Ke’e Beach and take the
2 mile hike to Hanakapiai Beach from there. You may have to park in the
overflow lot about a quarter mile before the beach. I also really like going
to the waterfall 2 miles inland from Hanakapiai but it is usually a muddy
trail. Caveats: Hankapiai Beach can be super dangerous with currents. Be
careful going across the stream there.
2. View from the Kalalau lookout at Kokee State Park. There are 2
lookouts. There is a nice trail from the the second lookout, about another
mile or so from the first. Take Pihea along the ridge for a mile. I also
really enjoy taking Pihea to the Alakai Swamp Trail and out to the end on
clear days. The views are spectacular if not cloudy. It is a demanding trail
but not too bad. It’s been a favorite since my kids were little and we’d all
enjoy it, mud and all!
3. The deluxe and most beautiful way is by boat. I’ve gone with Captain
Andy a number of times and it’s always fun. http://www.napali.com/kauai_sailing/
Waimea Canon is also excellent. You can see much just from the road.
Favorite hikes are Waipoo Falls and Awaawapuhi.
For adventure and ziplines, check out http://www.outfitterskauai.com/
My son guided for them for a couple years and I’ve been on the kayak,
hike, zipline tour with my daughter. Really fun!
You are welcome to phone me any time for more ideas. My local number is
808-742-1778.
GROCERIES
First of all, the house will be stocked
with some of the basics for your arrival (i.e. soap, paper products).
For groceries and other supplies, the most
convenient stop and widest selection between the airport and the house is at
the Kukui Grove Shopping Center. This will be on your left about a quarter
mile out of Lihue on your way to Poipu. This is the home of Times
Supermarket, Longs Drug Store, Macy's, CostCo, K‑mart and Border's Books
among others. Times has biggest grocery selection.
Kauai has a grocery shopping and delivery service. Per their web site,
they are "locally owned and operated,
Grocery Guys support locally owned businesses and products." Visit the
on-line store and have your
groceries delivered – before or after you arrive.
There are three grocery
stores in the Koloa-Poipu area. Big Save/IGA Grocery is the biggest of the
three. Turn left at the intersection where Highway 520 (Maluhia Road) meets
Koloa and go 2 blocks. Big Save will be on the right. This is the opposite
direction to Poipu and the house.
Part of the south side
charm are the smaller "Mom & Pop" run businesses such as Sueoka Store and
Kukuiula Store. Sueoka's is straight ahead where Highway 520 meets Koloa.
Kukuiula Store is in a small strip center on Poipu Road about half way
between Koloa and Poipu. It will be on your right. The smaller grocery
stores compete well on price and usually have very nice locally grown
produce and also fresh fish. Most food is imported and very expensive no
matter where purchased in the islands.
Brennecke's is a mini
sundries store located right across the road from Poipu Beach Park. They
also sell other essentials such as shave ice, sunscreen, cold drinks, beer,
wine, sandwiches and muffins.
Kauai's Safeway is in Kapaa in the Kauai Shopping Village. Papaya's
Natural Foods is also located here and is one of the top places for buying
organic. Kapaa is about 45 minutes from the house. stores
usually have some fresh fish.
