Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Nounou Mountain West Trail starts higher and is therefore somewhat less strenu-
ous and better if you prefer a cooler forest trail. Much of the hike is shaded by towering
Cook Pines. There are two ways to access the trailhead: from Kamalu Rd, near telephone
pole 11, or from the end of Lokelani Rd, off Kamalu Rd. Walk through a metal gate
marked as a forestry right-of-way. You'll have a magnificent views of Mt Waialeale to
Mt Makaleha as you ascend.
The Kuamoʻo-Nounou Trail runs through groves of trees planted in the 1930s by the
Civilian Conservation Corps; it connects with the West Trail. The trailhead branches
from the middle of a residential community off Kuamoʻo Rd between mile markers 2 and
3. Look for the petit brown state park sign and follow it behind the last house on the
ridge.
For guided hikes, the gold standard is geologist Chuck Blay's company,
Kauaʻi Nature
child $125/90)
, which offers an all-day tour that includes lunch and transportation.
Festivals & Events
Taste of Hawaii
FOOD
(
www.tasteofhawaii.com
; per person in advance/day of $100/115; 11:30am-3:30pm)
On the
first Sunday in June, the Rotary Club of Kapaʻa hosts the 'Ultimate Sunday Brunch' at
Smith's Tropical Paradise, where you can indulge in gourmet samples by 50 distin-
guished local chefs. With additional booths offering wines, microbrews, ice cream and
desserts, you're liable to stuff yourself silly. Dance it off to more than 10 live music acts.
Sleeping
Most condos, B&Bs and inns require a three-night minimum stay and a cleaning fee.
Rosewood Kauaʻi represents many outstanding vacation rental homes in Wailua and
Kapaʻa.
Rosewood Kauaʻi
HOTEL $
MAP
(
822-5216;
www.rosewoodkauai.com
;
872 Kamalu Rd; r with shared bathroom $65-75, cottages
from $135;
) Set high in the Wailua Homesteads, budgeteers will be forever spoiled by
these meticulously tidy private bunkrooms with private entrances, sleeping lofts, sky
lights and tasteful built-in furnishings. Expect a cleaning fee ($25). For a step up, inquire
about their romantic cottages.
