Glass Beach: One of the most unique beaches in all of Hawaii. The entire far side of the beach is filled with smooth, polished pieces of glass.

Ha’ean Beach: The swimming here is very hazardous as there is no reef to slow down the wave action. There is also a deep drop off just offshore.

Hanakapi’ai Beach: This beach is 2-miles down the popular Kalalau Trail. All beaches along the Na Pali Coast are treacherous and swimming in not adviseable any time of the year.

Hanalei Bay Beach: The entire Hanalei Bay is ringed with a white sand beach. The surrounding mountains embrace this bay and, in the early morning when the ocean is like glass, it mirrors the beauty of the cliffs.

Po’ipu Beach: Po’ipu is the major beach on the South Shore. Swimming here is almost always safe especially on the left side of the beach. A small strip of sand divides this section of the beach from the rest.

Polihale State Beach Park: The last beach on the road, this is Kauai’s westernmost point. It is an extension of Barking Sands Beach making it Hawaii’s longest beach with 17 miles of sparking white sand!

Pu’u Poa Beach: This great, white sand beach is located in front of the Princeville Hotel. Swimming is seasonal – best during the summer when the surf is usually calm.

Salt Pond Beach Park: This is the only natural salt pond in the state still used today by descendents of ancient Hawaiians to make sea salt. Do not enter the salt-making area without permission.

Shipwreck Beach: This beach was named for an old, wooden shipwreck that has long since disappeared. The hill is a lithified sand dune called Makawehi Point and is a popular fishing site.

Kauai’s heritage is one of fascinating folklore steeped in rich history. Blazing flames erupted deep in the heart of the Pacific Ocean and ravaged high above to create many atolls (fringing coral reef) and islands. One of these islands that formed was named Kauai. It is believed that from destruction comes serenity and beauty, and Kaui’s birth is a true example.

Kauai’s first settlers appeared in approximately the fifth century A.D. to be among the privileged few to set eyes on the earliest of the Hawaiian islands in its most genuine form. The adventurous settlers brought basic food items, among them taro, which is used to make poi and is today considered a highlight at Hawaiian luaus.

Centuries passed before Captain James Cook found Kauai on his voyage to Alaska. He first landed in Waimea and even visited the private island, Niihau, which is part of Kauai County. Kauai  was also the only island not conquered by force by King Kamehameha I, who conquered all the other Hawaiian islands.

Wyndham Bali Hai Resort in Kauai, Princeville

Why Kauai?

Living the (tropical) American Dream Aloha! This is such a warm and welcoming word that inspires honeymooners, families and singles to plan a trip to the beautiful state of Hawaii. You can combine the island dream — palm trees swaying in balmy breezes, fresh fish and macadamias galore, sandy beaches ending in bright blue seas — with American exclusivity.

Yet with so many options, how do you choose the perfect Hawaiian adventure? With consideration to all Hawaiian destinations, Kauai has been coined as the America’s Pacific paradise.  Kauai continues to offer the most affordable vacation for those who want to experience the beauty of Hawaii but not the empty pocket syndrome at the end of their stay. With the current state of the American economy, this is without a doubt the best reason to plan a trip to Kauai.  And memories can be made and shared without breaking the bank.

Below are a few fun facts about Kauai and what it offers the experienced and novice traveler. Mahalo!

Facts of Life in Kauai

• Population of main town, Lihu’e: 5,674
• Travel from U.S. mainland: Non-stop flights available; about six hours from LAX
• Closest hospital: Lihu’e
• Languages: English
• Ease of immigration: Couldn’t be easier.
• Website: kauaidiscovery.com
• Population of Island: 63,000

If you are planning a family vacation, perhaps we might suggest Myrtle Beach South Carolina. There is something for the whole family. If you love golf, you will love the many courses, some of the best in the state. The shopping district is absolutely world class, and the beach is killer. The local chamber of commerce and economic development association has gone all out bringing an abundance of hospitality to the area.

The town loves tourists and it shows, they make you feel like downright family. “How can people be so nice,” you’ll ask yourself. Hey, that’s just the way they do things there. And the Sheraton Broadway Plantation, well, it’s a top notch location for sure. If you are looking for a family vacation rental or beach timeshare rental, the Broadway Plantation ought to be at the top of your list.

Watching the sailboats from the beach is relaxing and fun. Broadway is the main drag at Myrtle Beach, all sorts of places to eat, and cool places to shop. Walk down to the beach, work on your tan, play some golf, and just enjoy life. You and your family deserve it, I think we all do.

You know sitting at Ocean Annie’s Beach Bar and sipping on your fruity cocktail drink is the life. “People watching” is a great sport at Myrtle Beach – it is fun to watch all those folks enjoying themselves walking by with those big beach hats. It just makes you smile. You know what I mean, and I think you do.

Southern California has some of the best weather in the world all year long. It’s time you got out to enjoy it – why not do it in style at the beach? In fact, why not go all out and try out a Beach Resort vacation condo? Sound good? It may be a lot less expensive to stay in a beach timeshare rental than you could have ever imagined. But first, let’s pick a good beach, as California has lots of them, many of them quite famous indeed.

Well, first you’ll want to avoid the Paparazzi and the best way to do that is to find a family vacation rental location where those persnickety photographers won’t poison that pristine pacific paradise that California beaches are known for! What you need is perhaps a beach vacation rental upgrade this year. For instance you could consider the popular Southern California Beach Club or the Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort. Maybe you want to try the world famous Coronado Beach for your family vacation this year – when was the last time you got away for a while, the whole family?

The Coronado Beach Resort is not too far from the famous US Navy Seal Training Camp. And once over the bridge, San Diego is filled with great restaurants and downtown attractions too. I like hanging out at Java Jones Coffee shops, and then taking a walk down by the marinas. San Diego Sea World is also a favorite. Back on Coronado Island you might like the Hotel Del Coronado’s famous Sunday Brunch, it’s magnificent, although the Coronado Beach Resort has everything you need right there if you just want to enjoy life without a care in the world and relax?

The Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort is completely affordable and let me tell you they’ve done a first class job in downtown Carlsbad, the shopping district is fantastic, sit outside for brunch, have a cocktail, soak in the fresh air and do a little shopping with all the money you are saving this year. Finding the perfect beach timeshare rental or beach vacation rental, might be a lot easier than you think.

The Southern California Beach Club and I know you are salivating just thinking about the name, well, lucky for you it lives up to that reputation, and then some. Watching that Sunset on the beach in Oceanside, CA is truly spectacular, and your family will never forget this year’s vacation get-away. I like to walk into town and thank the US Marines for their services, and grab a giant bad of onion rings at the popular restaurant. Oceanside is a cool place and the Southern California Beach Club is the coolest place in town.

Perhaps, a beach timeshare rental is in your near future, best of all you can book your reservation online. Why not treat you and your family to a first class beach resort vacation this year? Not only will you be saving money, but you’ll look really good doing it! No wonder everyone loves California, life really is a beach.

In all my earlier travels, I never really considered the seasonal aspect of when to go where. In fact, I usually followed the good weather rather than considered the beauty of seasonality. Then one year I happened on Lake Louise and Jasper State Park in the Canadian Rockies, it was early Fall and the water was aqua color from the silt and glacier run-off from summer. This happens every year, but I had never realized that. Then it occurred to me I had been missing something.

Going skiing in winter and going to the most happening beaches in the summer wasn’t enough. I wanted to witness the seasons, and that is why I recommend that you consider Fall Foliage and the beautiful colors that occur during this time of year. It’s simply amazing, and I am happy I had learned my lesson early so I could share it with you. And while I am discussing this and since you are planning your next vacation rental resort destination, let me mention a few places that I’d like to go. Who knows, maybe I will see you there?

We all know that the New England States, specifically Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine are beautiful in the fall season. And you’ve probably heard of New York City folks heading up to New Hampshire in Summer and Fall. Well, if you have ever been to Lincoln NH, you’d certainly get the picture. The White Mountains of New Hampshire come alive in the fall I am told. Why not book a vacation rental at the InnSeason Resorts South Mountain and see it for yourself.

If you’d prefer it has been recommended to me that the Jackman ME InnSeason Resorts Mountain View, is also a place to check out. I hear it is spectacular too. Perhaps, someone has already recommended such a vacation for you?

Remember when George Washington crossed the Potomac? It was very cold that night, if he’d crossed in the early fall season, it would have been a much easier trip. And he would have wanted to do it in the middle of the day to see all the fall colors on the trees along the Potomac, it’s very beautiful. Of course, had he crossed in the middle of the day, our nation’s early history would have been changed forever.

You see, the seasons really matter!

Indeed, the Potomac River’s edge with all its trees is stunning in fall, and staying at the Wyndham Vacation Resorts at National Harbor you could see it all. It’s no wonder why they chose that area for our Nation’s Capital, it’s beautiful that time of year – I think we’ve all probably seen pictures of this, maybe you and I need to “place ourselves” into that setting this season. It would be like walking through a work of art.

When folks talk about going to Hawaii you often hear them talk about the Big Island, or Oahu and Waikiki. Those who are somewhat trendy tend to boast about their last trip to Maui. Yes, those are all wonderful places and great islands no doubt. Still, there is a little secret amongst more seasoned travelers who seek out a more exclusive setting, away from the crowds, and touristy areas. Tell me have you heard of the absolute beauty of Kauai?

Well, if you want to vacation with your family in a real paradise, that’s the place you want to book your next family Hawaiian vacation. It’s really not that hard to get to for such an awesome family vacation. From the Mainland you’ll fly into Honolulu, jump on the Wiki Wiki airport tram and island hopping you go, Lihue Airport is just a hop, skip, and jump away. Once on the island you will be in instant awe of scenic views in all directions. You definitely will want a window seat on your way in!

The Alii Kai Condominums II are located on the Northern Shore, where the big waves break and the view is completely stunning, and for a family vacation rental, well, it doesn’t get much better than this. Good views, great food, and a no-stress relaxing beach vacation rental that the whole family will talk about for years. You will definitely want to take a tour around the island and take in all the sights, perhaps do some shopping.

Your family ought to feel right at home in paradise, and this island definitely grows on you. The locals are so nice, you want to give them all a big hug, seriously. If you are from a large city, you will feel the love. By the time your family vacation is over, you aren’t going to want to leave. There is something about Kauai, something you can’t find anywhere else. You’ll see.

Big Bear Mountain Ski Season

No need to head all the way over to the Rocky Mountains, this year Big Bear and Snow Summit are experiencing record snowfall with more on the way. El Nino doesn’t pass through every year, and this is looking like a season you’ll be talking about forever.

With the 2010 Winter Olympics around the cordner, that is going to get all the skiers and riders in the mood to hit the slopes. Bear Mountain just carved out their Super Half Pipe, so for all you park rats out there…grab your boards and head on out and let the shredding begin. But for all you beginners and “wanna be’s”, take a lesson from a pro. You can get free rentals on equipment when you book a lesson.

Best of the best deals in the area can be found on nightly rentals at ResorTime.com. They are offering $95/night at Snow Lake Lodge. This place rocks with a fire place in the bedroom as well as the living room. The hot tub is always steamy while the conditions on the hill are unbeatable this year. Come join the fun!!

Sure you can Ski in the winter and fish and hike the rest of the year, but we have come up with our top 10 favorite things to do while in Lake Tahoe. You can’t ski and fish everyday, so spice up your trip with some of these other favorites.

1. Tahoe Photographic Tours: Trust an insider to show you the most exquisite views in Tahoe.
   

   http://www.flickr.com/photos/the_tahoe_guy/ / CC BY 2.0

2. Go Hiking: Tahoe is a vast mountain country with plenty of trails for ever skill level. Pack the backpack and get away from the city life to hang out with Mother Nature. Three great trails are the Tahoe Rim Trail, Flume Trail, and Cascades Fall Trail.
3. Lake Tahoe Cruise: Head out on the water on one of many cruises that give you the best view in town. This is especially nice if you have a special event like a wedding or family reunion. A popular cruise is the Tahoe Blue Wave Cruise
   

   http://www.flickr.com/photos/wili/ / CC BY 2.0

4. Horseback Riding: Several stables offer horseback riding and I’ve even heard of some llama riding. This is the perfect way to take and the scenery and relax. I found this website with several horseback riding resources.
5. Historic Sightseeing: The Lake Tahoe area has plenty of historic landmarks to check out. Anything from museums to log cabins and a Scandinavian castle, there is plenty to see in Tahoe. For more info check out Tahoes Best Sightseeing.
6. Bicycle Riding: Just as fun as hiking but you can cover more ground in a shorter time span which allows for viewing of more Tahoe scenery. For a family tour check out the Tahoe Adventure Company.
7. Casinos: Cross over from California to the Nevada side and you are practically in Vegas. From high end luxury casinos with full buffets to low scale casinos where you might hope the slots are a little looser. Don’t forget the live entertainment, dining, and shopping that come along with casinos. The MontBleu Casinois a big hit in the Stateline area.
   

   http://www.flickr.com/photos/sling_flickr/ / CC BY 2.0

8. Dining: It doesn’t matter which part of Lake Tahoe you are in, you will find some great restaurants and cafes. Have some fine dining at a casino or stop by for a bagel and coffee in the morning, either way you will be satisfied. Here are our favorite restaurants in the area
9. Dog Sledding: We all remember the movie “Iron Will” and remember how much we wanted to jump on that sleigh pulled by dogs. Well in Lake Tahoe the dogs are waiting for you to jump aboard. Check out Tahoe Dog Sled Tours for an adventure you will never forget.
10. Snowmobiling: When there is snow on the ground, the most exciting way to get around is on a snowmobile. There are several companies that will rent you a snowmobile but the Lake Tahoe Snowmobile Tours will be sure to show you the time of your life.
    

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/mwichary/ / CC BY 2.0

Here are some of the most popular restaurants in the Lake Tahoe:

Christy Hill Restaurant

Tahoe City, California – Located 100 feet above the shoreline of Lake Tahoe, Christy Hill provides diners with a panoramic view of Lake Tahoe and spectacular sunsets with a menu of French influences of roasted wild king salmon, baked eggplant, tenderloin or port, and filet mignon and a selection of fine wines around the world. The San Francisco Chronicle voted Christy Hill “Most Romantic Restaurant. 530-583-8551. Christy Hill Website

Six Peaks Grille

Tahoe City, California – Surrounded by the majestic six peaks of Squaw Valley and the meadows below, this restaurant offers a diverse menu with fresh produce, seafood and steaks. 530-583-6300. Six Peaks Grille Reviews

Evans Gourmet Cafe

South Lake Tahoe, California – Nestled in a romantic vintage Tahoe cabin, entrees include grilled tenderloin of beef, roasted rack of lamb, oven roasted breast of chicken, roast venison loin on pecan and root vegetable hash, breast and confit leg of duck with dried cherry sauce. 530-542-1990. Evans Gourmet Cafe Website

The Soule Domain

North Lake Tahoe, California – The creative American dining experience and a marvelous contrast of old and new heightens your dining enjoyment at The Soule Domain in Crystal Bay. Menu consists of natural, free range and organic ingredients that are locally and seasonally produced. 530-546-7529. The Soule Domain Website

 See Also: Lake Tahoe Winter Itinerary