Q: What’s your favorite part of Kauai and why?
A: The North Shore, heading north from Princeville until the road ends. This area represents a taste of the real Hawaii before tourism changed the landscape of so many Hawaiian Islands. It’s an untouched oasis where the pace is slow, the locals are friendly and the rainbows are abundant.
Q: How has the North Shore managed to avoid overbuilding?
A: The small, seemingly insignificant one-lane Hanalei Bridge crosses over the Hanalei River, where it has guarded the North Shore since 1912. In 2003, the bridge was designated as a historical monument. As a result, heavy construction equipment has no access beyond it. It is protected, like the coral and the sea turtles.
Q: What are the North Shore beaches like?
A: Hanalei Beach, with its old community pavilion, attracts a mix of visitors and tourists with canoe races, local music, surfing and snorkeling. Tunnels Beach is stunningly attractive, surrounded by waterfall-laden mountains, white sand and crystal blue water. It’s a view your clients will never forget.
Q: What North Shore eateries do you recommend?
A: In Hanalei town, clients should have a shave ice with Diana at the Wishing Well. Don’t let them be fooled by the well-deserved rust on her catering truck; this is by far the island’s best shave ice. Also, have dinner at Sushi Blues, home of great seafood and live music.
Q: What are the visitor accommodations like on the North Shore?
A: There are no major hotels, but clients can find an impressive variety of lodgings to satisfy everyone’s tastes, from the peaceful low-rise Hanalei Colony Resort to multi-million-dollar vacation homes. Two handy Web sites are www.hanaleirentals.com and www.hanaleirental.com.
Q: What’s the best way to sell Kauai’s North Shore to clients?
A: If your clients are ready for an escape from civilization, there is no place like the North Shore. It doesn’t really require selling. It only requires an awareness. They won’t find Don Ho-type crooners or flashy Polynesian reviews there. Instead, it’s funky, fun and spiritually uplifting. A day on the North Shore is like a week in any other destination.
