My wife and I just returned from Hawaii where we stayed on the
Islands of Maui and Kauai. We had the greatest times, especially at
a Bed and Breakfast we stayed at in Kauai called the "House of
Leaping Waterfalls" ; so I wanted to tell you all about the trip.
We took a TWA flight from NY to Honolulu and had called Aloha
Inter Island Air and made reservations to fly from Honolulu to the
airport at Lihue on the Island of Kauai. When you check in your
luggage in the Mainland, see if you can check your bags all the
way through to your final destination. We didn't do this on the way
down and had to pick up the bags in Honolulu at the TWA
baggage claim and bring them over to the Inter Island terminal at
the Honolulu airport; on the way back we checked the bags in all the way through to our final destination; it was a
pleasure.
We arrived in Kauai on Saturday, May 20th, 1995 and flew
into the Lihue Airport on the Island of Kauai. The car rental area is
a very short distance from the terminal at Kauai. I had made
reservations with Alamo Rental; but found the line so long that I
went over to Dollar Rental where there was no line. I paid an extra
$10.00 per day for the car, but avoided a
wait of at least an hour at Alamo for the car. The driving time from
the airport to the House of Leaping Waterfalls is about 20 minutes.
The Island of Kauai has a ring road around it from which just about
all of the other roads eminate. The ring road goes almost
completely around the 20 mile by 30 mile island, except for the
NaPali Coast area.
Well, let me tell you about the House of Leaping Waterfalls, where we stayed in Kauai.We had heard of the B&B from the internet; their E-mail address is
"kahuna@aloha.net" and they have a home page on the WWW at
"http://hoohana.aloha.net/kahuna/kahuna1.html". Their 800
number is 800-77-kauai; their fax number is (808) 823 8883. The B &
B is run by a dynamic young couple whose names are Ohelo and
Dejon Kaopio. At the end of this description is a copy of the
information sent to me by Ohelo of the House of Leaping waterfalls.
The description makes the B&B sound like a heavenly place to
stay; and it is not an exaggeration!!!!! Upon our arrival at the B&B
we were greeted by Dejon on the front porch with a freshly made
Lei. Our room was the larger of the three in the house with a
private bath; custom furniture and a beautiful view of the
mountains that were walking distance from the house. The
grounds of the house were filled with fields of flowers, a well
stocked pond, a lot of coconut trees; peacocks, ducks, chickens,
roosters, and geese. The first night there (Saturday) we took a
short ride into the town of Kapaa and went to a Japanese
restaurant recommended to us by the owners of the B&B called
Restaurant Kintaro for Sushi and Sashimi; delicious. We
woke the next day (Sunday) to a terrific breakfast of Macadamia
Nut Pancakes with a choice of Coconut, Passion Flower or
Pineapple syrup, fresh rolls, Kona Coffee, fresh juice and eggs (all
the breakfasts at this B&B were terrific and different every day).
We asked Ohelo and Dejon for a suggestion as to which Helicopter
to take around the Island; they suggested Safari air and had
discount coupons for us to use. We called and made reservations
and by 12:30 p.m. we were on a flight around the
Island of Kauai. The trip was terrific and took us places that we
never would have seen. We had considered taking a catamaran
ride around the Napali Coast; but after the Helicopter ride we felt
that we had seen the Napali coast.On Sunday night we went to a Hawaiian Luau at
the Kauai Coconut Beach Resort. This Luau had been
recommended by Ohelo and was well attended. Ohelo knew
someone that worked at the Luau and was therefore able to get us
discount tickets. The Luau had good food and a good
(as Luaus go- they have never been a favorite attraction to me)
series of Hawaiian dances and stories. On Monday after another
great breakfast and a good nights sleep, Ohelo offered to show my
wife and me how to get to a mountain trail near the house. He
packed us some water and fruit and we set off to climb the
mountain trail. After showing us the trail head he left us and off
we went up the mountain. My wife and I are in decent condition, and I must say that no one out of condition should try this trail. Through woods, fields of ferns, and up steep
dirt paths we walked and climbed for about 45 minutes. At that
point we had a magnificent view of the area; and decided to walk
back down the trail. Part of the trail was so steep that when we
slipped and fell back onto our butts we then proceeded to slid
down the trail for about 150 feet. After we got back from out hike;
we drove our rental car and followed Ohelo as he showed us how to
get to Donkey Beach; a popular; secluded; beautiful clothing free
beach that is about a ten minute drive from the House of Leaping
waterfalls. We had almost the whole beach to our selves with only
about five other people on the beach. Because we were pale form
too much office work at home; we only stayed at the beach for
about an hour. We then went back to the house; and invited Ohelo
and his wife Dejon out to dinner. We went to the Pacific Cafe; and
had a very nice meal (though the restaurant was shorthanded and
therefore the service could have been better). On Tuesday morning
after breakfast we took a ride on the ring road in a
counterclockwise direction to Haena. On the way we stopped at
various natural pools and scenic areas. We went through a town
called "Hanalei"; some of you may remember this town from the
song "Puff the Magic Dragon" by Peter Paul and Mary. At the end of
the road is a park with bathrooms and a rock that is known as the
Hula Platform. On the way back from this scenic drive we stopped
again at Donkey Beach to work on our tans and stayed there for
about an hour. We had agreed to meet Ohelo , his wife and two
other people staying at the House at 3:00 p.m. in the town of Kapaa
to rent out Kayaks. We rented the two person Kayak for $45 dollars
and all headed off for the mouth of the Wailua river (about a fifteen
minute drive) where we launched the Kayaks and rowed upstream
for about 45 minutes . At that point we beached the Kayaks and
walked up the stream to a crystal clear swimming hole fed by a
waterfall. We swam in the the water and stood up under the
waterfall. We then walked and climbed up to a second pond fed by
a second waterfall. After that we went back to the Kayaks and
went back to the mouth of the river. On the way back to the house
we all stopped and bought food and supplies for a very significant
Bar-B-Que. Ohelo cooked the steaks, chicken, and oysters on the
large stone bar-b-que at the house. We feasted on the food until we
couldn't eat anymore; then we went ahead and ate some more
anyway and had chocolate mousse cake and pumpkin pie for
dessert.
We left The House of Leaping Waterfalls, Ohelo and Dejon
and the Island of Kauai the next morning, on Wednesday. We
been so busy enjoying the island that we never used the private
Jacuzzi or the nicely equipped weight room.
We flew on Aloha Airlines to the Island of Maui (about one-
half our of actual air time); to the Maui Prince Hotel in the Makena
Beach area. The Maui Prince had a fairly good deal where for
$199.00 per night two people had a room with a King sized bed
with an ocean view; a mid-sized rental car, and a full
American/Japanese breakfast buffet every morning. Considering
that the cost to rent a mid-sized car is about $35.00 per day and the
cost of the breakfast buffet for two people would have been $33.00
per day, the room actually only cost about $130.00 per day. The
Maui Prince Hotel is on the beach and is a four star hotel; it is
understatedly elegant; clean but not flashy; with simple but more
than adequate facilities After we unpacked on Wednesday we
had diner at the Maui Prince Court Restaurant. The service was
very good; though the food was nothing to rave about. We stayed
at the restaurant until just after sunset at 7:00 p.m. and watched for
"the green flash", just as the sun sinks below the horizon there is supposedly a "green flash", I cannot describe it because we never did see it on that night on any other
night. After dinner we took a ride to the Grand Wailea and looked
around the hotel; which is very extravagant, approaching the
decor of the new Las Vegas hotels; though not at all gaudy. On
Thursday we decided to take the Road to Hana; which is a 50 plus
mile mountainous ride through at least one rain forest, and around
hundreds of sharp bends and over 65 bridges to a small town
called Hana. After Hana one should really run back and come back
the way that they came; instead we continued clockwise around
the island on an unmaintained and often not there road around the
southeast side of the island of Maui. The road was challenging and
at times we had to drive less than five miles per hour due to the
uneven surface of the road. Ideally this road should be driven in a
jeep; but we did make it around in the rental car with no mishaps.
The road offers no services and often goes through areas of
complete desolation. After we got back from Hana we took a drive
up to Lahaina and went to an activity discount warehouse;
because it was after 5:00p.m. we were able to purchase reduced
price tickets for a 38 mile down hill bicycle trip from the top of the
Haleakala Volcano to the ocean for Friday morning. We also picked
up several "buy one get one free" dinner coupons for several local
restaurants on the Island. For diner we used one of the "buy one
get one free" diner coupons and ate at " Pirates " in Lahaina.
The food and service were good. After diner we walked around the
various shops in "Lahaina". I really do not know how so many art
dealers can make a living within such close proximity of each
other, but they apparently do. We again watched for the green
flash and again did not see it.
We got to bed and sleep at about 10:00 p.m. on Thursday eve. and on Friday morning, at 3:00 a.m., we were picked up at our hotel by the "Mountain Rider's" van. The van had eleven other crazy people in it together with the van driver and bicycle group
leader (their excuse for being there was that they were getting
paid). The van headed for the top of the dormant volcano of
"Haleakala". The volcano is over 10,000 feet tall and the crater is so
large that all of Manhattan Island would fit inside of it We stood
on the west rim of the volcano, looking across the 3000 foot plus
deep volcanic crater and watched the sun rise over the east rim.
We were bundled up in layers of clothing, and a windbreaker outfit
given to us by the bicycle tour group along with thermal gloves. It
was a far cry from what one pictures when one thinks "Hawaii". The
sunrise was beautiful. We then waited to begin our 38 mile
downhill trip to the ocean on the bicycles. There were numerous
vans filled with people waiting to begin their trips down the hill.
The event is a very well orchestrated daily happening. The
national park services has set rules under which the bicycle tour
groups must operate. The order in which the tour groups leave the
parking area to begin their downhill trek is set by the order in
which they have arrived at the lot., All of the parking spaces for
the vans are numbered. We were in space number 4, which meant
that we were the fourth group to have arrived in the parking lot
and the fourth group to begin our downhill trek. The park rangers
require that the bicycle groups leave in ten minute intervals. This is
obviously to prevent the bicyclist from forming a total road block for
the 38 miles downhill. Another regulation is that the bicycles must
travel at at least 18 MPH as they go down the hill. The bicycle
group leader has a radio with which he keeps communication with
the van that is driving behind the bicycle group. When the van
sees that several cars are accumulating behind the van waiting to
pass, he radios to the bicycle leader who in turn gives a signal to
the bicycle group to pull over. The van pulls over behind the group
and waves for the cars behind the van to pass. If at anytime any of
the riders want to stop the trip downhill they have m,merely to
signal the van and they can ride in the van. On the 38 mile
downhill trek we only had to pedal twice for short distances. The
bicycles are equipped with special cable operated drum brakes.
On the way down the hill we stopped for pictures and to remove
various layers of our clothing, which went into the van. We also
stopped for breakfast, which was included in the cost of the
bicycle trip. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT to be in a tour group that gets
to the parking lot at the top of the volcano early. Because of the ten
minute wait between the "launching" of each group downhill, the
sixth group had to wait an hour; the twelfth group had to wait two
hours, etc., after sunrise to begin their downhill trek. After having
been up since 2:30 a.m. this one two or even three hour wait could
be quite gruelling. Anyway, the bicycle trip downhill was one of
the great adventures of my life; and I would go through it again in a
second; though perhaps I would take the day rather than the
sunrise trip so that I would be more awake to enjoy it. Of course,
one advantage of the sunrise trip is that we got back to our hotel
before 10:30 a.m., and the breakfast buffet was still going and the
whole day was in front of us. So anyway, it was still Friday and
after breakfast we went to Little Makena beach, which is a clothing
optional beach about a mile south of the Maui Prince hotel. This
beach is truly beautiful, and popular. Even though one has to climb
across a small but somewhat hazardous lava formation to get to
little Makena beach from big Makena beach, the clothing optional
little Makena beach had more people, snorkelers, and surfers on it
than the clothed big Makena beach. There were at least 90 people
at little Makena beach, of which at least 80% had some part of their
body unclothed that would normally be covered at a clothed beach.
There seemed to be no problem with sightseers at the clothing
optional beach from the clothed beach; though I did spot one fellow
atop the lava formation trying to discreetly take photos the
unclothed beach; upon seeing that I was pointing a finger at him
he discontinued his actions and left the area. So. after we got back
from the beach on Friday, having been up since about 2:30 a.m.,
and having bicycled 38 miles downhill from a nearly two mile high
volcanic crater; we were feeling a bit tired; never-the-less, we
decided to go shopping and tried some of the local centers;
thereafter we went out to eat at Harrys Sushi Bar, located in Wailea; the sushi and service was good. After that we watched the "X-Files" and after a looooong day, went to sleep.
Upon waking on Saturday morning we ate at the breakfast
buffet and went off to Little Makena Beach. Many of the people that
had been there the day before were there again. While there we
spotted at unique beach chair being used by several people that
had a wood frame and a built in knapsack. When the chairs were
folded they went on ones back, like a knapsack, and things could
be carried right in the chair pouch (again, like a knapsack). We
asked about the chairs and were told that they were called "Pac-a-
Pelican," were hand made right there in Maui, and that they could be purchased at the True Value Hardware store behind the Gas Express on Pilani Highway between Wailea and Kihei. We were told that that particular true value store buys the chairs directly
from a salesman who comes around with them. True value could
not ship the chairs, but I took them to a Postal Express Store in
Kihei where they shipped them to my house in New York for about
$50.00, including insurance. I guess that I could have checked
them onto the plane, but did not want to take a chance on theft or
breakage.
Saturday night was our last night in both Maui and Hawaii so we
sought out a place for a different and memorable dinner and ate at
the Haliimaile General Store. The cost was about $50.00 per person
including appetizers, drinks and entree. The food was well
prepared and served and the portions were large. Both myself and
my wife could barely finish our meals.
On the way back to our hotel we stopped and walked around
the grounds of the Stouffer Wailea Beach Resort, the Four Seasons
Resort, and the Kea Lani Hotel; all in Wailea. The four seasons
resort seemed to have classic elegance; and the Kea Lani Hotel
was modern and very pretty; Stouffers seemed somewhat low key
and plain compared with the other two resorts. The meal prices at
all three hotels were what I would call expensive; with many
entrees alone in the thirty dollar and above range. All of the
resorts seemed to be doing well. I do not think that one could go
wrong in staying at any of these resorts , or the Maui Prince where
we stayed. After packing we went to sleep and left after breakfast
on Sunday morning we flew out of Maui at 10:00 a.m,. and had
arrived at Honolulu by 10:30 am. We had arranged for a 9 hour lay
over in Honolulu so as to have time to briefly see Pearl Harbor and
Waikiki Beach. We rented a car for $35.00 for the day from Budget
rent a car. The car was brand new with only 10 miles on it when
we rented it. It had over 100 miles on it when we returned it. We
went to Pearl Harbor; to the Diamond Head crater; drove some
distance south of Honolulu and then went shopping at the brand
new Aloha Tower shopping Mall and the tremendous Ala Moana
Shopping Center. It is really amazing how many Japanese people
fly over to shop at the Ala Moana Shopping Center. The Gucci,
Cartier, Chanel, MCM, Tiffanys, (you name and I think it was there)
stores were mobbed with people from Japan; and the mall catered
to them with Japanese speaking staff and signs in English and
Japanese. With a few more malls like this perhaps we could
overcome the trade deficit.
Anyway, we took a flight out of Honolulu at 7:45 p.m. on
Sunday (Hawaiian time) and arrived on Monday in New York at a
little past 2:00 p.m. (New York time). The trip from Maui to New
York took a total of 23 actual hours, including the 9 hour layover in
Honolulu.
So there you have it, we did a lot in nine days; including
mountain climbing; sunning; bicycle riding 38 miles down a
volcano; kayaking up a river; swimming in mountain ponds;
standing under waterfalls; etc., etc.. The most fun we had was
on Kauai and we have Ohelo and Dejon Kaopio of the House of
Leaping Waterfalls to thank for this. They are great people and I am
glad to say that I will consider them always to be my friends. With
the hope that other might enjoy the same times that we had on
Kauai I am hereafter including a description of the "House of
Leaping Waterfalls" that was sent to me by Ohelo and Dejon.
I hope that this has summary of our trip will be of benefit to
those planning a trip to Hawaii, if I can be of any assistance do not
hesitate to e-mail me at:
ejdjd@ix.netcom.com
"Aloha", Eliot
NOTE: THE FOLLOWING PAGES OF THIS REPORT CONSIST OF A DESCRIPTION OF THE HOUSE OF LEAPING WATERFALLS, WHERE WE STAYED IN KAUAI, AND THE VARIOUS THINGS TO DO ON THE ISLAND OF KAUAI.
Hawaiian Vacations
Hale O' Wailele Bed & Breakfast
The House of Leaping Waterfalls
7084-A Kahuna Road, Kapaa, Kauai Hawaii
Nestled just outside of a one acre coconut grove on an 8 acre
tropical flower Plantation, Hale O' Wailele features an authentic
Hawaiian vacation retreat, newly constructed in 1994.
Pronounced (Hah-ley-oh-vie-ley-ley) it is Hawaiian for The House of
Leaping Waterfalls, and given this name because of its superior
position at the base of the Makaleha Mountains.
Private and secluded, within the most pristine environments Kauai
has to offer, Hale O' Wailele finds itself encompassed by lush
tropical flowers of fascinating colors and aromas, and unobstructed
waterfall views unparalleled in all of Hawaii
This exceptionally unique location makes its owners proud to say,
it is the one and only vacation retreat of its kind in the state. A
place where you may pick wonderful smelling tropical flowers and
make your love a lei. Suntan on your own private deck or while you
relax by the 100 ft. koi fish pond, sipping a maitai. Perhaps you'll
enjoy a Hawaiian style barbecue, then read a book or nap on a
hammock in the coconut grove, while our adventure seeking guests
will want to hike to the waterfalls right from the property, and
swim in Mother Natures pools. You may opt. to take a leisurely
drive around the area in one of our golf carts and take photographs,
or maybe ride a mountain bike to the secluded Donkey Beach, then
come home and soak in your jacuzzi. The choices are yours
You'll get the best of all worlds. Convenient and centrally located
on the Island, Hale O' Wailele is situated just three miles up the
mountain, in back of the Kapaa Town and only 30 minutes from the
Lihue Airport. We are 5 minutes to the beach, shopping, and
restaurants.
Off the property activities including zodiac rides along the
spectacular Napali Coastline, riverboat rides to the Fern Grotto,
snorkeling, horseback riding, boogie boarding, kayaking, game
fishing, surfing, helicopter tours and many others to name are only
minutes away.
Golf lovers, there are over 100 holes of golf to be played on the
island, and ten minutes South puts you at the Wailua Municipal
golf course, ranked 7th best in the nation amongst municipal
courses. Its green fees? Under $20. Perhaps drive 30 minutes
North to Princeville, and play the world renowned Makai, and
Prince golf course, rated by Golf Digest as the best in the state.
Again, the choices are yours.
Your lodgings will be in the fabulous million dollar home, Hale O'
Wailele. Three spacious bedrooms with imported hardwood floors
and Persian rugs, two marble baths, a full gourmet kitchen, dining,
living room area with entertainment center and giant 60 inch
screen Sony television, guest laundry facility, a full scale gym
equipped with both machines and free weights, two individually
private sundecks, each with its own large jacuzzi, and moss rock
barbecue pit for outdoor cooking enjoyment.
Each individual room comes furnished with a California king bed, or
2 double beds, a large color TV with built in VCR, and refrigerator
to stock your favorite refreshments. All rooms have a view
You will have complimentary use of large beach towels, mats,
beach chairs, ice chests, boogie boards and portable barbecue
grills, while quality snorkeling gear and mountain bikes will be
available for a nominal fee
come here and experience the true meaning of <i>Aloha</i>
(love) at Hale O' Wailele, where you will live the old island lifestyle,
in a place of incomparable natural beauty as far as the eye can see.
It will be the completely rejuvenating experience you've been
dreaming about, and more.
Room rates are $100 and $150 nightly and includes a Hawaiian
style breakfast served every morning at 8:00 a.m.
Hale O' Wailele may be booked by individual rooms, as a 2
bedroom condo lockout, or as a 3 bedroom vacation rental, where
you will have the entire place to yourself.
For more information or Reservations call: 1-800-77-KAUAI1-808-
822-7911, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Hawaii time or e-mail us at
kahuna@aloha.net. All rates are subject to 4% excise and 6%
State room Tax Room rates are based on single or double
occupancy Social drinking is acceptable while smoking is
permitted on the lanai's VISA / MASTER CARD
ACCEPTED Reservations should be made as soon as your travel
dates are firm. There is no "set" time when to reserve your room.
Many reservations are made a year in advance for peak seasons.A
50% deposit is required to confirm reservations for each room. Your
charge card may be used for this purpose. Deposits are refundable
with a minimum of 3 weeks notice prior to reservation date.
TRAVEL PLANNER FROM HOUSE OF LEAPING WATERFALLS
This is your travel planner which is a list of activities that you will
want to review prior to visiting with us. It is informing as it can
possibly get and within itself, contains the potential for the
perfect Hawaiian vacation.
Now its up to you.
You will want to review it at least a few times. See what sounds
interesting, exciting, or even risk'e. Decide which ones you think
you and your companion, would want to participate in. It's always
good to know what's available first and from that, you can let your
imagination run.
We will first begin with the activities that are on and around the
property, then to those that are nearby, and then all others in both
directions, North and South of us.
Here we go
1) BARBECUE
Because we are located on a tropical flower farm with a 1 acre
coconut grove, you are going to want to take advantage of it's
offerings. There are 4 hammocks, 2 park tables, a portable
barbecue, and a horse shoe pit in it. This is a wonderful place to
spend some time having a cookout, and old fashioned country fun.
If you are the cookout type, this is the ultimate. Atmosphere, view,
and great food. The supermarkets around here sell prepackaged
barbecue trays that are pretty good. I buy them myself. Just turn
on the grill and cook. What a deal.
COMMENT: Now if this doesn't sound like you or something you
might want to do, remember, the coconut grove is open 24 hours a
day. The above was just a suggestion.
Time: It takes about half a day to grocery shop, prepare your food,
then have a barbecue.
2) LEI MAKING
We cultivate flowers of many types, some of which produce the
scent of heaven, or at least what I would consider to be. If these
flowers are in bloom, you may want to awaken a little earlier, pick
some, and make
your love a lei.
COMMENT: When one does this, they express to this person the
spirit of aloha, in its purest form. If the flowers are there, don't pass
this one up.
Time: It takes about 5 minutes to pick the flowers (approx. 50 ) and
15
minutes to sew the lei. It is easy to do, and we will provide the
string and lei making needles.
3) SUNTAN AND SPA
You have a sunning deck to catch the rays and it is equipped with
a large spa.
Time: You can determine how much time you spend there. Night
or day.
4) WEIGHT ROOM
You have complementary use of our private( shared only with the
other guests, unless you book the entire house) full scale gym. It
includes a leg press, squat rack, leg extension, leg curl, standing
and seated calf
machines, flat, incline and decline benches, butterfly machine, dip
bar,
back machine, stair stepper, and a set of each dumbbell's from 5
pounds to 120 pounds.
COMMENT: All the equipment a workout enthusiast wants.
Time: You determine if you use the facility, how long and how
often.
5) GOLF CARTS
We have a pair of golf carts available just to cruise the property and
take photos. We charge $5 per cart for all day use as a way to keep
them in good running order. Of course this is optional. Note: When
booking the entire home, there is no charge.
COMMENT: The carts are just a nice way to spend time roaming
the property.
Why walk when you can ride?
Time: You determine if you use the carts, how long and how often.
6) HIKING
There are hiking trails that start from our property, and others from
right up the road. If hiking is what you are looking for, we got it.
The trail that I recommend, starts from the water tank just up the
road. This trail is known as Pohaku Pili trail. It is well used by
myself and friends and thereby well maintained. You will be
climbing up a dirt trail with large ferns on both sides of you, the
kind that you might expect to see in the movie Jurassic Park. It is
pretty neat.
Bring the camera, you will get some pretty spectacular shots here.
Within a half an hours time, you will begin to reach a point where
you come out of the trees and start to see the lay of the land. If you
continue for an additional half an hour, you will reach the half way
point, and overlook the entire east side of the Island, right down to
the Pacific Ocean. The sleeping Giant will be strait ahead, and Mt.
Waialeale off to the distance at your right.
If you choose to venture to the top, your reward will be the
opportunity to see waterfalls everywhere around you. It's
incredible. Snap, snap, snap. Get this one for the all time photo
album.
It takes a total of about 2 hours to reach the top, at which you will
be
able to see almost the entire Island, North, South and East.
COMMENT: This is what I would consider to be a safe trail, but not
easy. If you want to climb this one to the top, come in shape, with
some decent shoes and a junk pair of jeans. You will get dirty. The
beauty of it all though, is that you can go at your own pace. And no
matter how far you go, you will still take memorable pictures.
For the hard core hikers, the above mentioned trail also takes you
all the way to Kauai's rain forest, the Alakai Swamp. Three days
and a lot of sweat. It is worth it if you would like a chance to
photograph the beautiful Hawaiian Iwi bird, near extinction, and
can be found nowhere else in the world. Also along the way, there
is a place that I once counted close to thirty waterfalls. No words
can describe it.
Time: Anywhere from 1/2 hour to 3 days. Your choice.
7) MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDING
We have 4 mountain bikes available to you, to check out the area.
There are many places to ride around here, ranging from 10
minutes to 3 hours, leisurely to hard core. We will comment on
leisure.
>From the property you may ride 10 minutes to the end of Kahuna
Road. This section of road is part dirt, part paved. At the end, you
will find a
swimming hole, usually with no one there. The source are the
waterfalls. The water is exhilarating and refreshing, try it out.
You can take a 1/2 hour ride down a dirt road on the other side of
the stream that fronts our property, and view the mountains and
waterfalls from a different angle.
A 1 hour ride on an all paved surface would be to circle around
Kahuna Road. Kahuna Road fronts our property, and is a half circle
that ties into Kawaihau Road, which brings you right back to our
place.
You can take some pretty good pictures, look for wild cherry
guava's, and lilikoi (passion fruit) along the way of all three leisure
rides mentioned above.
If you are the mountain bike enthusiast, trails are everywhere
around here, but this is where you will have to use your own
judgment. I do not have a
specific recommendation, but can provide you with a map. I only
comment on things that I have done.
There is a $5 per day charge to use each mountain bike. This too is
optional.
Note: When booking the entire home, there is no charge.
COMMENT: Riding mountain bikes in the leisure fashion is for
everyone. We will also provide you with a helmet for safety.
Time: 10 minutes to 1 hour, leisurely.
8) SUNBATHING, BOOGIE BOARDING, SURFING, AND
BODY
SURFING
Kealia beach, located at the bottom of the mountain and only 5
minutes away is an excellent beach for surfing, boogie boarding,
body surfing and frolicking in the sand. We have 5 boogie boards,
1 surf board, and fins for body surfing in small, medium, and large
available to you
complimentary. Use of ice chests, small portable barbecues (for
your
cookout on the beach), beach mats and beach chairs are also
complimentary. Take advantage.
COMMENT: While there are many beautiful beaches on the Island
where you can do all of the above mentioned activity's, Kealia is
conveniently just down the road, and also what I would consider to
be a safe beach for all of these activities. It has a very large sand
bar.
Time: Anywhere from a few hours to all day. You decide.
9) SECLUDED DONKEY BEACH
Also 5 minutes from our property, the secluded Donkey Beach
(accessible only by foot, a casual 20 minute walk through sugar
cane fields on a dirt road, or by mountain bike, an 8 minute ride).
This is a little known beach that I used to go to when I was
growing up. It used to be that you could just drive right to it. But
no longer, since the plantation stopped cultivating sugar cane
around there and closed the road about 15 years ago.
COMMENT: Donkey's, a half mile stretch of pure white sands is
great for privacy (swim suits optional) and fun in the sun, as this
beach is rarely frequented, seeing how no one likes to walk 20
minutes around here, and the same reason why we have mountain
bikes for you. Go for it !
We do.
Time: Anywhere from a few hours to all day. You decide.
The time reflected in parenthesis indicates the amount of time it
will take you to drive there from Hale O' Wailele to each activity.
10) HORSEBACK TRAIL RIDES (5 min. South) and (35 min.
North)
When it comes to horseback trail rides, you have 2 choices. Your
choice
should be determined by the amount of experience that you have.
The first company is Pooku Stables (35 min. North)
We will mention Pooku Stables first because they are a company
that will conduct trail rides for folks that are completely
inexperienced, as most people are.
Pooku Stables offers two separate trail rides. The first one is 1 1/2
hours,and will include a tour of the Pooku Stables Ranch, which
overlooks the magnificent Hanalei Mountains, the taro patches of
Hanalei Valley, and the world famous Hanalei Bay. This tour costs
$50 per person.
Your second option is a 4 hour tour that will include all of the
above, and a trip to a waterfall, where you will be able to hike 10
minutes down a dirt trail and swim in the waterfalls pool. This tour
will run you $95 per person and includes a picnic lunch.
Guests of Hale O' Wailele receive a 10% agents discount on our
behalf, so you only pay $45 per person for their 1 1/2 hour tour and
$85 per person for their 4 hour tour.
Your second choice of horseback trail ride company's is Esprit De
Corps Riding Academy (5 min. South)
Esprit De Corps Riding Academy will take you on guided trail
tours ranging from 2 hours to an all day adventure, and because
your guide will not take more than 4 guests on a tour, you can be
assured of personal attention. Esprit is the only company on Island
that will allow you to trot your horse and canter, so their tours are
more for riders with a little bit of previous experience.
Your well trained guide will first start you out with stretching
exercises and an orientation lesson, to familiarize you with your
horse.
Their tours will take you into the mountains where you will see
waterfalls in the distance, and deep valleys with a hundred shades
of green. You will search for edible plants and flowers, and visit
areas that are simply unspoiled and incredibly breathtaking. Of
course being on your horse makes the whole thing a lot more fun.
This activity ranges in price from $70 per person for a 2-3 hour tour
which includes beverages, a 3-4 hour tour that includes beverages
and a snack at $90, to $150 per person for an all day tour 7-8 hours
and includes a picnic lunch. Again, the tours are private. (only 4
people maximum, and a guide)
Guests of Hale O' Wailele receive discount on our
behalf, so you only pay $56 per person for their 2-3 hour tour, $72
for the 3-4 hour tour, and $120 per person for their 7-8 hour all day
tour.
Both companies have an individual weight restriction of 220 lbs.
maximum.
The phone number for you to call for Pooku Stables is 808-826-
6484 and your contact person there is Gale Carswell.
The phone number for you to call Esprit De Corps Riding Academy
is 808-822-4688 and your contact person there is Dale Rosenfeld.
COMMENT: As with any horseback trail ride, you should always
bring carrots or an apple with you for your horse. It will love you
from the start. You should also bring your camera for those
fantastic photo opportunities,wear long pants, shirt, and CLOSED
shoes are always a must. If you are planning on the waterfall trip
with Pooku Stables (the first company mentioned), and intend on
swimming, you will want to wear your swimsuit under your pants.
We will provide you with a towel.
This activity is sort of like hiking. You get to see the beauty up
close breathe the air, listen to the birds, smell the flowers, and just
marvel at mother nature. All of the real outdoor experience,
without having to walk. I truly believe that in order for anyone to
see the incredible natural beauty of this Island, they must get out
and into the wilderness, yet at the same time I realize that not
everyone is cut out to hike a trail, so in order for many to have this
experience, they need a ride. This method provides the best
solution.
Time: Anywhere from 2 hours to all day, you decide.
SPECIAL GEAR: Long pants, shirt, CLOSED SHOES, apple or
carrots, camera. (towel and bathing suit are optional)
11) SCUBA DIVING (5 min. South)
If you have never been scuba diving and think that it would be
something you would like to try, there is a company located in
Kapaa Town (down the hill from us) called Sunrise Diving
Adventures, that has a reputation for being the best at first dives,
and I agree. You don't even require any special swimming skills. .
Sunrise offers private and personalized attention in underwater
tours for the beginners. You will find that your instructor is well
experienced, but most of all, patient. This is something that should
make you feel comfortable if you are contemplating this experience
You will first participate in a required scuba diving orientation,
conducted in a swimming pool, prior to your ocean dive.
They will then take you to their own secret diving spots that they
frequent,have you dress into your wet suit, re familiarize you with
all of your scuba equipment, then outfit you in shallow water. You
won't do any off the boat deep dives, you will walk into the water
right from the beach. Just the way a beginner likes it.
You will explore in waters with an average depth of about 20 feet,
and not more than 40 feet. The dive site selected by your instructor,
will be based upon where the weather conditions are the best. No
currents, and clearwaters.
They charge $98 for an introductory lesson, which includes 45
minutes of actual time under water, which is a pretty good deal
around here and certified divers pay only $78.
Guests of Hale O' Wailele receive a 10% agents discount on our
behalf, so you only pay $89 for the introductory deal, and certified
divers pay $70.
These prices includes post dive snacks, beverages, and fish food
for you to feed the fish. Also as a courtesy, they will pick you up
right from Hale O' Wailele if you do not wish to drive to town and
mess with parking.
The phone number for Sunrise Diving Adventures is toll free 1-800-
695-DIVE and your contact person is Richard.
COMMENT: With Sunrise, the good thing is that if you whimp out
and don't dive, they wont charge you for the dive. Your
satisfaction is guaranteed. Scuba diving is a wonderful experience,
that I feel anyone can do. It does take some nerve for some people
to get over any fear,but once you are in there, you see how fun and
easy it really is. There is so much life and color under water, it
truly is a different world.
Time: approximately 2 1/2 total hours. (45 minutes under water)
SPECIAL GEAR: Bathing suit, towel, dry set of clothes, disposable
underwater camera, and certification card if you are certified.
12) LUAU (10 min. South) NOT DONE NEEDS DISCOUNT PRICE
ADDED CALL ACCOUNTING
Everyone that visits Hawaii, must go to a Luau. It is a requirement,
or at least should be. In order to learn about any specific culture,
you must first eat their food, and participate in their traditional
celebration. Your choice for this activity, is the Luau at the Kauai
Coconut Beach Resort.
This award winning Luau received the coveted Hawaii Visitors
Bureau"Kahili Award" for excellence (something to be proud of), and
is located only 10 minutes South from Hale O' Wailele.
At this Luau, your experience will first begin with a traditional
Hawaiian Imu(underground oven) ceremony, that guests are
invited to watch at 10:45a.m.(in the morning).
You will watch the cooks prepare the pua'a (pig) and then move it
into the imu where it will be covered with Banana stumps, banana
leaves, and Ti leaves. These leaves are used to create a blanket of
moisture and provide the Pua'a with the Kalua flavor. In essence, it
is the leaves that provide the spices.
The pua'a will be left in the ground to cook, and that will take all
day.
Later that evening, you will return to the Luau site and continue
with tradition.
You will first be greeted with lei's, then start the evening with a
torchlighting ceremony.
There is an open bar, so help yourself, it is included with your
dinner. Then let the feast begin.You will indulge in an array of dishes
including Roasted kalua pig, Polynesian chicken, sauted mahimahi,
