[Jonathan Mallard]

Peter,

I've been there once - 10 years ago. I had to go for a committee meeting for an organization I was involved in at the time. Some things I remember:

There were some outfits that advertised a round of golf with a helicopter ride. The pilot was fabulous in that he offered to go wherever folks wanted him to. The golf was on the Mokihana course which was windy, but otherwise forgettable. The muni at Wailua got decent reviews from the folks I spoke to there, and has hosted pub-links qualifiers in the past.

I didn't do so well in the helicopter, and had to cancel one I had planned for the Big Island while I was out there. Airplanes of any kind don't bother me, but I will probably never ride in a helicopter again. That said, what I do remember was incredible scenery with the pilot finding all sorts of waterfalls in the interior. It was also interesting to me to see the abandoned sugar facilities.

Waimea Canyon is interesting. Not much to the Russian Fort, but interesting that it's there. There's a steakhouse in Lihue that overlooks the harbor that offers great views at sunset.

Sounds like you've got plenty of suggestions. I hope you have a memorable time.

[Powell Arms]

Peter,

You will love Kauai.  I have been there many times over the past 10-15 years.  

I abosultely agree to grab this book, http://www.hawaiirevealed.com/books-apps/kauai-revealed .  It is updated frequently so it's reviews and suggestions stay current.

As for golf, I have played all of the courses on the island except Kukui'ulu.  I agree with what has been said before  - there is no must see golf.  Where you play depends solely on where you are staying and the deal you can get.  We typically stay near Poipu, and I have really enjoyed playing Kiahuna.  Similar routing to Poipu Bay, but better pricing, better pace of play, better aloha.  And a reasonably interesting ride for your bride.  Puakea ( http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,45750.msg1005619.html#msg1005619 ) and Kauai Lagoons are in the same general area, and both are good and preferable to Poipu Bay, but neither are as interesting for a non playing companion as Kiahuna would be.

Kukuiolono is the 9 hole family owned course, now a public course.  If you arrive in board shorts and slippers you will fit right in, and have a wonderful time.

If you're staying in Princeville, then it's the Prince course.  Period.  It's a ton of fun.  And carved out of a jungle - photos dont do it justice.

All of that said, here are some things to fill a day that trump golf:

Kipu Ranch ATV tour,

Waimea Canyon, hike to Wiepo'o Falls, mauka side hike, head out to Polihale State Park and Barking Sands beach

Waimea Canyon, hike to Nualolo overlook , makai side hike, yup it's its own day

Kayak to Wailua falls from Wailua / Kapaa

Kiluea light house & bird sanctuary

Catamaran along the Na Pali coast

Hike from Ke'e in as far along the Na Pali coast as you like, then retrace your steps

If you are a movie buff, do a Kauai movie tour.  You'll see everything from Blue Hawaii to Gilligans Island to Raiders of the Lost Ark and Jurassic Park.

And I would definitely take the helicopter tour.  So much of Kauai is inaccessible, helicopter is the only way to see it.  And it is like no place on earth.

Oh yeah, and enjoy some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. 


Some great food in and around Poipu:

definitely the fish & sushi market opposite the Koloa post office - Koloa Fish Market - you wont find fresher

Next to KoloaFish Market is the Koloa Wine Shop - grab a couple of bottles - the owner Dan has it worked out with many local restaurants to let you bring your own bottle

Merrimans in the new Kukui'ulu shopping center is great locally sourced food with very good service and wonderful sunset view of the Kukiu'ulu golf course

For breakfast and lunch, head to the Kalaheo Coffee Company.  A cinnamon knuckle and bonzo burrito are perfect before hiking the Waimea Canyon.


If you are nearer Princeville, two great dining choices are Bar Acuda and the Hanalei Dolphin


Have a wonderful time - and bring your Costco card


Powell


 

[Bob_Huntley]

Peter,

I've been there once - 10 years ago. I had to go for a committee meeting for an organization I was involved in at the time. Some things I remember:

There were some outfits that advertised a round of golf with a helicopter ride. The pilot was fabulous in that he offered to go wherever folks wanted him to. The golf was on the Mokihana course which was windy, but otherwise forgettable. The muni at Wailua got decent reviews from the folks I spoke to there, and has hosted pub-links qualifiers in the past.

I didn't do so well in the helicopter, and had to cancel one I had planned for the Big Island while I was out there. Airplanes of any kind don't bother me, but I will probably never ride in a helicopter again. That said, what I do remember was incredible scenery with the pilot finding all sorts of waterfalls in the interior. It was also interesting to me to see the abandoned sugar facilities.

Jonathan,

You have every right to be wary of helicopter rides in Hawaii. I had an in-law who was reuniting with her ex-husband and part of the trip was a helicopter ride in Kauaii. All went well until the landing when trouble began; the tail rotor broke, a loss of control, the pilot jumped out but his two passengers were trapped in the the helcopter and burned to death.

Bob

[Aidan Bradley]

Makai #2



Makai #3



Makai #3



Makai #7



Makai #13



Makai #14

[Aidan Bradley]

The Prince #3



The Prince #7



The Prince #7



The Prince #10



The Prince #14



The Prince #14

[jkinney]

Peter - Congrats on your upcoming nuptuals ! Kukui 'ula is a fine Weiskopf design with beautiful bunker complexes. The back nine is especially memorable, as it goes out and comes back along a hillside above the ocean and will be, apparently the last to be developed with housing. The views frpm that hill are marvelous. As you are a PGA pro, you may be able to talk your way on, in spite of its private nature. The clubhouse is classic Hawaiian plantation architecture and well constructed. Have a great honeymoon.

As to the chopper tours, Holly & I did one in a doorless. It was fantastic, but as an ex Jarhead, I was used to those as transportation. I'd not do it in bad weather, however.

[Reef Wilson]

Just got back from a week in Kauai.

Have to agree with whoever suggested Kiahuna. I played there twice. IMO - it's the place to play in the Poipu area if you can't get on Kukuiula. PoipuBay golf is an expensive bore. Kiahuna has some fun holes with a lot of variety and a great laid back feel. Definitely not as polished as Poipu but it was in fine shape where it counted with very nice greens. Live music most nights at the bar during Happy Hour.

If you are a sushi lover then you must get acquainted with poke and all it's wonderful varieties. Best places on the island are Koloa Fish Market (already mentioned by one) and Fish Express in Lihue.

Our great restaurant discovery this time was Tortilla Republic in Kukuiula shipping center. Great high end Mexican and I am very picky about such things.

Also, my wife went and did the powered hang glider and loved it. Much better than the helicopter ride we went on last time.

[Tags:]

Tags:

[Tags:]

Tags:

Call to undefined function theme_linktree()