By Gary Walther
Most of you have been to Kauai, the northernmost and oldest of the major Hawaiian Islands, without knowing it. That’s because Kauai’s extraordinary natural beauty has drawn film and TV crews for years. Kauai has been a main or subsid-iary setting for Jurassic Park, Raiders of the Lost Ark, South Pacific, Fantasy Island, The Thorn Birds, even Throw Mama from the Train.
Of Hawaii’s four main islands, Kauai draws the fewest visi-tors, making it a great getaway. It offers a sizeable inventory of condominium rentals, has its share of luxury resorts, has three of Golf Digest’s top 15 golf courses in Hawaii, and possesses some of Hawaii’s most magnificent scenic sites, the Na Pali coast and Waimea Canyon among them. You can even plan to visit movie and TV show locations by consulting GoHawaii and searching for “Kauai film locations.”
Whatever your interests, now is the time to make Kauai the setting for your next trip, given the great First Class fares— all less than $2,000—being offered by Delta, from numerous major cities, and by Hawaiian Airlines (see chart below).
Sample Discounted First Class Fares to Kauai
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The Fine Print
Hawaiian Airlines fare (booking code A) is valid for departures Sunday through Friday, and returns Monday through Friday, through May 18. Nearly the same deal (about $30 to $50 more) will be offered Aug. 21 through Sept. 26 (booking code P). A stop in Honolulu can be had for $40.
Logistics
Delta flights require a connection in LA or in Honolulu. JFK passengers take note: You can fly Delta's transcon BusinessElite service to LAX, which offers a seat that reclines 150-degrees and has 55 inches of pitch, and then connect onward to Kauai nonstop.
Where to Stay
Koa Kea Hotel & Resort: One of the newest properties on the island (121 rooms) and right on Poipu Beach, one of the best. St. Regis Princeville: Formerly the Princeville Resort, this 252-room property set a new luxury standard when it arrived in 1985. In 2009 it was renovated. Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa: 602-room, full service resort with Robert Trent Jones golf course. Waimea Plantation Cottages: 61 sugar-plantation cottages now retrofitted for guests. This is old school Kauai and at $250 in high season, a bargain to boot.
What to See
Waimea Canyon: Ten miles long, two miles wide, 3,600 feet deep. Mark Twain nicknamed it “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” There are two roads up to the Canyon, state highways 55 and 550. Take one up, the other back to get the full effect.
Helicopter Tour: Most of Kauai is inaccessible by car, so get yourself airborne. Among the cinema sights you’ll see on an Island Helicopters tour is Manawaiopuna Falls from Jurassic Park.
Limahuli Garden and Preserve: A 1,000-acre showcase of native Hawaiian plants.
Hike the Kalalau Trail: an 11 mile odyssey along the Na Pali coast, one of the most magnificent stretches of coastline in Hawaii.