October 15, 1996

Traveling to the remote Hawaiian Islands may take extra time and money, but most visitors say the pleasure of a stay on Kauai or one of the other isles is worth every penny spent.

The oldest of the Islands, Kauai awaits those in search of a true fantasy vacation. Accommodations are plentiful on the its eastern side, while the more remote western side offers only one resort property, history-filled Waimea Plantation.

Hundreds of years ago, Waimea Plantation's wooden houses were home to workers of two sugar cane plantations. Now, these 50 restored cottages, nestled amid towering coconut palms, offer a refuge for budget-conscious travelers who want to spend time experiencing the native Hawaiian lifestyle.

The former plantation turned resort is like an exotic campsite -- yet with all the comforts of home. Each brightly-painted, rustic cottage has a "lanai," or porch, and most provide at least a partial view of the Pacific Ocean and its black sand beaches. A one-night stay ranges from $160-$470 a night, depending on the size of the cottage.

Guests who choose to venture out of the resort can visit Waimea Canyon, a nearby local wonder. At 10 miles long and more than 3,000 feet deep, it's often called the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific."

For travelers who would rather stay in the resort's lush, tropical surroundings, plenty of room exists to take a stroll, dip into the aqua-blue water, catch up on some reading or just plain relax. And, for those swimmers who find the black-sand beaches too muddy, they're the perfect backdrop for an evening sunset stroll.

Weather: Honolulu
City guides and maps: Hawaii


Related stories:

• Skim the Na Pali Coast
• Hop on a photo jaunt
  

  Related sites:

• Kauai - Hawaii Visitors Bureau
• The Kauai Link
• Captivating Kauai
• Kauai Vacation Planner
• Hawaiian Net
• Kayak Kauai