Kauai - Hawaii with Kids - page 353

Kukuiolono Golf Course, and within walking distance of shops and restaurants,
the inn is a comfortable 1940s motel totally remodeled in 1999 and converted
into apartment units with kitchenettes. It's perfect for families (especially the
two-bedroom units that also have a sofa bed for just $105). Owners Chet and
Tish Hunt couldn't be friendlier, handing out complimentary beach towels,
beach toys, and even golf clubs to guests. (Links are nearby.) They love families
and have a storeroom full of games to keep the kids entertained. This is a must-
stay for vacationers on a budget.
444 Papaline Rd. (just behind the Kalaheo Steakhouse), Koloa, HI 96756. & 888/332-6023 or 808/332-
6023. Fax [phone]. www.kalaheoinn.com. 14 units. $65 double studio with kitchenette; $75-$85 1-bed-
room with kitchenette; $105 2-bedroom with kitchenette; $145 3-bedroom with full kitchen. Children 17 and
under stay free in parent's room. Cribs and futons free. Amenities: Complimentary watersports equipment;
children's games; coin-op laundry. In room:TV, kitchen or kitchenette, fridge, coffeemaker, iron, no phone.
Nihi Kai Villas Nancy Grantham (“The Queen of Condos” on p. 352)
is a marketing genius. She's offering the deal of the decade for families on these
large, two-bedroom units just 600 feet from the beach. If you stay 7 nights, the
rate for these well-equipped oceanview apartments starts at an unbelievable $135
a night. You may not be getting new carpet, new furniture, new drapes, or a prime
beachfront location, but you are getting a clean, well-cared-for unit with a full
kitchen, washer/dryer, and TV/VCR, all at an unbeatable price. The property is a
2-minute walk from world-famous Brennecke's Beach (great for bodysurfing) and
a block from Poipu Beach Park. On-site amenities include an oceanfront swim-
ming pool, tennis and paddle courts, and a barbecue and picnic area. Within a 5-
minute drive are two great golf courses, several restaurants, and loads of shopping.
1870 Hoone Rd. Reservations: c/o Grantham Resorts, 3176 Poipu Rd., Suite 1, Koloa, HI 96756. & 800/325-
5701 or 808/742-2000. Fax [phone]. www.grantham-resorts.com. 70 units. Regular rates (5-night min-
imum): $169-$189 2-bedroom for 4. Frommer's “Casual Rate” (7-night minimum): $135-$209 2-bedroom
for 4. Cribs can be arranged for rental at $7-$10 per night or $40-$60 per week plus $15 delivery charge;
futons $5 per night. DC, DISC, MC, V. From Poipu Rd., turn toward the ocean on Hoowili Rd., then left on

Value

Chickens & Roosters

One of the first things that visitors notice about Kauai is that there
seems to be an unusually large number of moa (wild chickens). Kauai
has always had a history of having more that its fair share of chickens
and roosters running about, but after Hurricane Iniki picked up and
scattered the fowl all over the island in 1992, they have been populat-
ing at a prodigious rate. Generally, a few chickens scratching around
in the dirt is quaint and downright picturesque. However, the “dark
side” of the chicken population explosion is the increase in the num-
ber of roosters. There are roosters everywhere. In fact, a new industry
has cropped up: Rooster Eradicators. Mainly resorts hire these Rooster
Eradicators to remove them from the well-manicured grounds because
the large number of these male birds has lead to, well, a sort of crow-
ing contest. Generally roosters will crow as the sun comes up. But on
Kauai, with the population increase, the roosters crow all day long and
throughout the night in some places. Be warned that part of the
charm of Kauai is the rooster population. So if you are not a rooster
“affectionado,” bring earplugs.