Kauai

by Jordan Martindell and Elizabeth Hamilton

Cure the winter doldrums with a trip to the tropical paradise of Kauai

Reconnect with your summer self on a mid-winter trip to Hawaii. While Colorado is blanketed in snow, the Hawaiian Islands are alive with tropical cuisine, fresh sea breezes and warm, sunny days. Ditch the snow and enjoy miles of beaches, endless golf, and the cadence of waves on a blissful trip to Kauai.

Sleep

Timbers Kauai is the ideal base camp for a Hawaiian Island adventure. Tucked on the southeast shore of the island of Kauai on a sprawling 450 acres, the property sets the scene for whatever your heart desires. Whether you are looking for an intimate setting for two or plan on bringing the extended family, Timbers Kauai has lodging options perfect for every guest.

The 47 residences at the resort come fully equipped with everything you need to experience a home away from home. Each residence is 1,500-3,000 square feet, leaving room for everyone to find a quiet nook of solitude. A fully equipped kitchen allows maximum flexibility for lounging around in the morning or snacking late at night. The outdoor living space is just as important as the interior and each residence has a balcony, lanai or terrace. Enjoy your morning coffee with an ocean view and end each day with a sunset snuggle on your chaise lounge.

Dine

If you decide not to make meals in your residence, there are plenty of dining options. The Farm at Hokuala was once an overgrown golf course transformed into a working farm that supplies the resort with its delectable local ingredients. Pineapples, veggies, greens and traditional Hawaiian canoe plants like kalo, noni, and breadfruit are grown on the property and used freely in all the culinary creations. Farmer Cody will also join you on a tour of the farm where you can become intimate with the lush, fertile landscape.

Hualani’s Restaurant is the dining hub at Timbers Kauai. Here breakfast, lunch and dinner is served from sea to table—the freshest ingredients in the most creative combinations. Dining is taken to a surprising level with thematic offerings. Enjoy the fresh catch of the day for Wednesday’s Farm to Taco night fiesta. On Thursdays, the chef prepares a three-course meal highlighting local Hawaiian cuisine with a special focus on Hawaiian canoe plants. And on Sundays, dive into a fresh take on chicken and waffles with pineapple marinated chicken and bacon cheddar jalapeno waffles.

And of course, for those nights where you want to stay in, enjoy a chef prepared meal in the comfort of your very own residence. With personal preferences taken into account, each meal is perfectly curated to you and your family’s needs.

 

Adventure

The shining element of Timbers Kauai is the island itself. This picturesque setting is only made more riveting by the curated experiences available on the island. Enjoy breathtaking holes of seaside golf on the Jack Nicklaus Signature Ocean Course at Hokuala. Situated cliffside in the shadow of palm trees, it’s no wonder this course has been named Hawaii’s best golf course. Let one of the resort’s experts take you on a guided waterfall hike to Secret Falls or enjoy any combination of the 17 miles of hiking trails at your disposal.

The Beach Club and Adventure Center has you covered from snorkeling, SUP, and surfing equipment to the towels and chairs needed to relax on the stunning, private Kalapaki Beach. Get trailed in the art and education of snorkeling with a guide in the resort’s pool. Get to know the property by bike on Hokuala Bike Train Tour, where you will explore the resort’s beautiful trail system on a complimentary guided tour. Take things a little slower with a bird-watching excursion, Lei Po’o (flower crown) class, or hatha yoga session.

Because the island is covered with rugged and steep terrain, the best way to view the land is by air. Blue Hawaiian Helicopters will take you on an unforgettable tour of the sweeping Hanapepe Valley, stunning Manawaiopuna Falls, massive Waimea Canyon, and of course Mount Wai`ale`ale, a dormant volcano. Choose a sunrise ride or happy hour flight and enjoy the kaleidoscope of colors that Kauai has to offer.

If you are interested in setting out on your own to explore the island by vehicle, book a Jeep rental through the resort and get ready to climb on the rough roads of the island without the tourist traffic. Discover secret pockets of beauty on Kōke`e or Polihale State Park or enjoy a more urban experience with Old Koloa Town’s food truck scene.

Finally, after all the adventure, indulge in self-care at the spa on property. Whether you are looking for a coffee- infused facial, Wawae reflexology treatment, or a Hawaiian lomilomi massage, all of the spa services are relaxing with a local healing element. Let the soft atmosphere and gentle touch of the staff fulfill “lokahi,” the harmony of the mind and spirit.

 

The Details

Timbers Kauai

3770 Ala’oli Way

Hokuala, Hawaii 96766

855-420-9225

timberskauai.com

$850 and up nightly

 

Grand Hyatt Kauai

1571 Poipu Road

Koloa, Hawaii 96756

808-742-1234

hyatt.com

$398 and up nightly

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Blue Hawaiian Helicopters

800-745-2583

bluehawaiian.com

$229 and up

 

After growing up in California and years of East Coast city living, Jordan Martindell moved to Boulder, CO where she discovered a natural connection to the Rocky Mountain lifestyle. Following a career in high-end retail management, Martindell blends her love of aesthetics and the outdoors, documenting adventures that are delicious, comfortable, exciting, and sometimes unexpected. She has written for Dorado Magazine, Elevation Outdoors Magazine, Outdoor Retailer Magazine, SNEWS, rootsrated.com and offyonder.com.