Seal at Salt Pond Beach Park

Returning to regular life in the Chicago area in March after a two week stay in the paradise that is Kaua'i is a very tough adjustment and I do not recommend it. Just be prepared that when you go to Kaua'i you will not want to return to wherever you lived previously.

Although I have been on a few short trips over the past year, this was our first extended vacation as a couple since the recent years that we all do not want to mention. After a three-hour delay in Denver, we didn't arrive in Kaua'i until after dark. We found our way to our lodging after stopping at Jack n' the Box, so my spouse could enjoy his favorite fast food which is not available in our home area anymore.

Many lodging options in Kaua'i do not have air conditioning, or only have a unit in the bedroom. You may think this would be an issue, but after 10 minutes of having the breeze blowing through, it is once again paradise and the perfect way to sleep, with a lovely breeze carrying your troubles away.

You wake up in the morning to the sounds of birds and wild rooster cockle-doodles, but to me I imagined them shouting "Happy Birthday" to each other. I know. It's weird. Also, the curtains blowing and the birds singing as you open your eyes and look out at the tops of the palm trees swaying was mesmerizing and felt oddly decadent to lay in bed and not have to rush for any appointments or obligations. If you don't want to be woken up at dawn by the roosters this can easily be remedied with a pair of earplugs (I like Mack's brand of earplugs for comfort).

Although we have been to many of the other Hawaiian Islands multiple times over the past 15 or so years, this was our first time back to Kaua'i since 2007. When we visited before we stayed on the east side of the island and most of the nearby beaches were too rocky for swimming. This was not really an issue as you more than likely have a rental car and can get to anywhere on the small island relatively quickly.

Additionally, when we visited in the past we found the fine dining options a bit limited, but that has improved exponentially over the years!

During this visit, our home base was on the south side of the island in the Poipu area. Sandy beaches for swimming and sunbathing were within walking distance. Some of our favorite beaches on the island were Anini Beach, Salt Pond Beach Park, Kiahuna Beach, Poipu Beach, and Baby Beach.

As Salt Pond Beach Park was one of our favorites for calmer waves and fewer rocks, we went there several times and we were fortunate enough to see monk seals swimming and sunbathing there every time we went!

In regarding to fine dining, I would highly recommend visits to Hukilau Lanai (Wally's salad & steaks), Merriman's (the best lemon drop martinis made with Ocean vodka and the Duo Platter are phenomenal), and Table at Poipu (Shrimp and risotto).

If you're craving a pizza at some point go to Pancho's Pizza in Kapaa and have a custom hand-tossed pizza. In regards to ice cream, don't miss the Macadamia Nut ice cream at Lappert's, and if you're lucky enough to have a refrigerator with freezer in your accommodations, take a pint or quart to go as well!

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