Frommer's Shortcut Kauai by Jeanne Cooper

Author:Jeanne Cooper
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: FrommerMedia
Published: 2015-08-30T16:00:00+00:00

The pool area at the Aston Aloha Beach Resort.

Garden Island Inn ★★Thrifty travelers will love this cheerily renovated, well-maintained motel within a short walk of Kalapaki Beach, shops, and restaurants, while families will appreciate the large suites (with up to one king-size bed with three twin beds) and extra guest fees of just $10 per person. It’s easy to make breakfast on the cheap, too, thanks to the mini-fridge, microwave, wet bar, and kitchenware, plus standard coffeemaker—grab free coffee and pie at the front desk, too. Other freebies include parking, Wi-Fi, and use of beach gear, not to mention happily given advice. Hanalei artist Camille Fontaine’s bright, island-inspired murals and paintings make this a welcome antidote to neutral, cookie-cutter resort decor, while owners Lis and Steve Layne work tirelessly to improve their guests’ comfort, even providing DVDs of movies made on Kauai to watch on flatscreen TVs. One caveat: Consider bringing earplugs to offset street noise. Note: The inn also manages two two-bedroom condos (sleep six) at the nearby hilltop Banyan Harbor complex ($174), which boasts a pool and tennis courts.

3445 Wilcox Rd. (across the street from Kalapaki Beach, near Nawiliwili Harbor), Lihue. www.gardenislandinn.com. ✆ 800/648-0154 or 808/245-7227. 21 units. $113–$164 double. Extra person $10. Amenities: Free use of watersports equipment and beach gear; Wi-Fi (free).

Kauai Shores ★★Formerly called Kauai Sands, this 6-acre beachfront bargain recently underwent a major overhaul of nearly all rooms and public areas under new ownership and management. The small but functional updated rooms feature modern, slightly quirky, Ikea-style furnishings (curvy mirrors, square lamps) with orange and lime accents, bright blue geometric-patterned rugs, and compact but tidy bathrooms, while the spruced-up, ocean-view pool especially inviting. A free continental breakfast (pastries, bananas, coffee/tea) is offered in the open-air lobby—at least until the Big Island’s Lava Lava Beach Club opens its planned offshoot in the beachfront half of the building. Swimming isn’t safe here, but the rock-walled pool in front of neighboring Lae Nani is good for children, and the Lydgate Beach ponds are just a short drive away; yoga fans can take a free class on the oceanfront lawn three mornings a week. Note: If you can carry your own bags, request a second-floor room for more privacy, and a location away from the parking lot (which fills up quickly).

420 Papaloa Rd. (off Kuhio Hwy.), Kapaa. www.kauaishoreshotel.com. ✆ 855/309-5483 or 808/822-4951. 206 rooms. $79–$219 double; studio suite with kitchenette $149–$299. Check for online discounts. Extra person $25. $15 resort fee (includes Wi-Fi). Amenities: 2 pools; barbecue grills; business center; coin laundry; Wi-Fi (free).

North Shore

Despite this magical region’s popularity with visitors, only Princeville is officially one of Kauai County’s “visitor destination areas”; it’s important to be aware that many rural bed-and-breakfasts and vacation rentals here are unlicensed. While the county may temporarily be leaving B&Bs alone, in 2014 the state abruptly shut down one longtime Hanalei B&B for building and operating in a conservation district, and unhappy neighbors of unlicensed rentals may report them to authorities. If you’re

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