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Kauai on a Shoestring Budget
How to fun on the Hawaiian island of Kauai without
breaking the bank.
Like most things in life, the best things on Kaua'i are free. Begin with
the beaches. There are 43 white sand beaches. Toss down the towel in front
of the grandest hotel on Poipu Beach or find a secluded cove at 'Anini.
All island beaches are public. The only thing alive that has more rights
to the sand than you are the Hawaiian monk seals that come ashore to doze
in the sun or the giant Hawaiian sea turtles that haul themselves onto the
reef for a nap.
To get acquainted with Hawaii's wonderful underwater world with its coral
formation and colorful reef fish, you can buy a snorkel tour that includes
lunch. Or, you can save a lot of money by renting a mask and fins at activity
wholesalers in Hanalei, pick up a sandwich or plate lunch and head for Ke'e or
'Anini Beach Park. The same for whale watching -- go for the tour or just
perch along the south shore and look out to sea for the gentle giants of the
deep as they spout and jump clear out of the water. Locals call these southern
waters "Whale Alley." The season is November through March.
For more action, try some of the spectacular hiking trails that lace Kauai's
green wilderness. They range from easy nature walks among some of the rarest
flora on the planet, to challenging treks into hidden valleys streaming with
waterfalls. Hike into Waimea, the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," or walk the
famous 11-mile Kalalau Trail. Contact the State Division of Parks for maps
and information. For only a $3 donation, guided hikes are offered through
the Koke'e Natural History Museum during the summer months. Other community
or environmental groups may also sponsor hikes. Check the local Garden Island
newspaper for listings. Of course, a variety of outfitters offer guided hiking
tours throughout the year at commercial rates.
On Kauai, you don't have to be wealthy to golf. The nine holes of the public
Kukuiolono Golf Course can be played for $7 and you can go around as many
times as you want.
The most cherished cultural aspects of Hawaii can be encountered with little
effort or money. Many hotels offer free hula performances, torch lighting
ceremonies and lei making classes. Coconut Marketplace in Kapaa stages
hour-long free hula shows every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday
evening. Go early to get good seats at this popular event.
Surprisingly inexpensive accommodations can be had on this island, considered
by many to be among the most beautiful in the world. Drive inland and units
can be found for $50 double -- and they're clean and nicely decorated. Sometimes
the owners will even let you use their water sports equipment and golf clubs.
Along the Royal Coconut Coast, some quaint hotels offer rooms from $60 double
and complimentary access to swimming pools and exercise rooms.
One of the best buys on the North Shore are bed and breakfasts with Hawaiiana
and Polynesian decor. They offer kitchen access, use of water toys and are
steps from white sandy beaches. Rates begin at $65, double and can include
continental breakfast.
There are also numerous moderately priced hotels and holiday condominiums,
many catering to families. Inquire about room and car deals, and special
packages such as honeymoon or sports packages.
To eat inexpensively, you needn't dine in the big national burger and burrito
chains, although you can, because several of them are on the island. Kauai,
however, abounds in really good food, sometimes in industrial-strength portions,
at refreshingly modest prices. Many of the free visitor publications available
at the airport and at outlets around the island offer restaurant discount
coupons, early bird specials and two-for-one deals.
The best buy is Hawaii's famous "plate lunch." It's not only a mountain of
food, it's a cultural experience. Routinely, a plate lunch consists of potato
or macaroni salad, "two scoops rice," and a meat entree. The entree might be
teriyaki beef, Korean-style ribs, kalua pig and cabbage, pork katsu, fresh
caught mahimahi or opakapaka, beef stew or a curry dish. The combinations
are endless. If you can't afford a lu'au, look for a Hawaiian plate lunch -- it
will have most of the lu'au "musts" crammed onto one big, sectioned paper plate.
The other ubiquitous local dish is saimin, a savory broth heaped with noodles
and adorned with such things as pinwheel fish cake, won bok, won tons, strips
of Spam, scallions, sliced boiled egg or whatever creative toppings the cook
comes up with. Saimin "stands" are usually humble in appearance but proud of
the size of their bowls. Hamura's Saimin Stand in Lihue has an international
following and a loyal local base who rub elbows at the Formica counter and
slurp contentedly of the delicious soup. Japanese restaurants usually offer
"bento," a take-out tray of ethnic specialties while Chinese and Korean
restaurants have their own delicious versions.
Cafes with outdoor seating waft their enticing aromas out to the road.
You can usually get modestly priced sandwiches and salads. Most restaurants
post their menus outside so you can get a look at prices before committing.
Getting around the island is easy by rental car and most of the major car
companies are stationed on Kauai. Great weekly rates can be found on the
Internet, as well as discount coupons in the free visitor publications.
One of the least expensive ways to fly to Kauai is aboard charter flights
that often include hotel and car packages. Check with your travel agent or
local newspaper.
Beyond all the bargains, you will see, absolutely for free, some of the
most beautiful sunrises and sunsets of a lifetime and scenery so magnificent
Hollywood keeps coming back with their cameras.
See Also
Budget Hotels on Kauai
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Related Links
Kauai Island - Main Menu
Islands of Hawaii
Hawaii for Visitors
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