KAUAI, The garden isle. . .

When asked about Kauai, teIl me if you are from the Northwest. Kauai has 650 inches of rain up on the mountain--more than anywhere else on earth! Poipu is the driest spot on Kauai, but you may experience showers wherever you are. Mixed weather on the Coconut Coast, but conveneint to shopping and sightseeing in both directions, south to Poipu and north to Princeville and beautiful scenery. Past Princeville, after traveling over 8 one way bridges, you feel a sense of really "being away from it all" on the north coast. Here you access the famous Na Pali trail, for serious hikers only, and some wonderful snorkeling. In Princeville try golfing on the 7th hardest golf course in the world. The greens are tricky here! Lots of nice condos to stay in at Princeville, starting about $95.

Kauai is the garden island and it has recovered from the hurricane. Lush green foliage abounds and lovely beaches stretch for miles. Kauai is easily divided into three areas. The first on the north side is Princeville, the site of the 7th most difficult golf course in the world. The scenery is beautiful with Lumahai Beach, where the movie South Pacific was filmed, taro fields, caves and one-way bridges, and the famous Na Pali Trail. The second area of Kauai is the Coconut Coast on the east shore where 5 miles of beach enjoys sunny and cooler weather.

The Wailua River is great for kayaking and exploring. The Coconut Coast is in a super spot to explore in both directions--to the lighthouse and the egrets going north and Waimea Canyon traveling west. The last section is Poipu Beach with the sunniest weather on Kauai. Several nice beaches are Brenneckes, Poipu, Beachhouse and Shipwreck. Some available condos and homes have prices of $150--400. Large hotels like Sheraton and Hyatt are slightly more costly.

Kauai is an island of contrasts when it comes to accommodations. You can rent a rustic cottage with very few amenities, a comfortable condo vacation, or a luxurious hotel. There's something for everyone. Maybe you like to hike so there's the Napali Trail or Waimea Canyon, the little Grand Canyon. Maybe you prefer sitting by the pool and relaxing. Your choice! I have favorite places to stay on all sides of the island. The north shore may get an occasional shower but the beauty of the beaches and the green taro fields are spectacular. And don't forget Tunnels ands Ke'e Beaches for snorkeling.

Places to stay on the Kauai, the Garden Isle:

• Wailua Bay View, oceanfront one bedroom condos, close to shopping and convenient to excursions in both directions.
• Poipu Shores, a dreamy view looking over the cliff to the sea, with sea turtles swimming below. The swimming pool hangs over the cliff! One and two bedroom condos.
• Kaha Lani, oceanview and oceanfront two bedroom condos in a private location. They are surrounded on all sides by state park, golf course, and the ocean. Large lawn is a good place for kids to run off steam.
• Kuhio Shores: oceanfront one and two bedroom condos. Fabulous views and next door to a tiny but great snorkeling beach.
• Pali Uli, stand alone condos near Princeville Golf Course with a small soaking tub. Very private and quiet.
• Homes and cottages: On Kauai you have choices from $100 per night for small rustic cottages and $175 -- $400 for homes. There are a couple of tiny one room cottages right on the beach at Anahola and Hanalei, and also a fabulous luxurious home at Anini for $500 per night. Something for all tastes.

IMPORTANT HINTS: What's important to remember? It's your sunscreen, number 15. Hawaii is close to the Equator and you can burn in 40 minutes. The second thing to remember in Hawaii is to keep drinking fluids. If you are outdoors, drink one glass of water or juice every hour!

Wonder about packing? Pack cotton shorts or cotton dresses, clothing that breathe. Most of the day you'll be in a swimsuit, so you don't need much.