Hawaiian Monk Seals
by Etoile2B
Hawaiian Monk Seals are one of only two species of animals endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. They are high on the endangered species list with only 1,300 left in the world. It is an amazing site to catch a glimpse of one of these incredible animals but if you are lucky enough to encounter one of them on your trip please be advised that since they are on the endangered species list it is illegal to kill, capture, harass or disturb them. This means keep your distance. You should not approach a monk seal and are required by law to stay at least 100 feet away. If you are caught harassing a monk seal you may be fined up to $25,000 US and / or face up to 5 years in prison. Kauai is a great place to sneak a peek at one of these mighty sea creatures, that average 6 to 8 feet in length, but it’s estimated that only 40 live on the island. Monk Seals are often spotted at the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, but you’re more likely to get a closer look at one of them on Poip’u Beach. There are a couple monk seals that come to nap on Poip’u Beach and volunteers are on hand to rope off the area surrounding the resting critter to ensure that visitors can view the seal from a regulated distance.
Shipwreck Beach
by annk
This beach is located at the end of Poipu Road by the Hyatt. It's primarily used by advanced surfers and boogie-boarders. Definitely not a swimming beach as surf is rough and currents dangerous. A nice beach to walk along and hook up with a couple mile shoreline trail.
The Grand Slam of Golf
by annk
Poipu Bay Golf Course - This Robert Trent Jones, Jr. golf course is located adjacent to the Hyatt Regency and is home of the PGA Grand Slam of Golf. It offers spectacular scenery along the ocean and a challenging 18 holes. Green Fees - $185 (cart and range balls included)
After 3 pm - $65
Golf Lessons per half hour - $40
Hours: 6:30 am to 6 pm
Restaurant on premises:
Poipu Bay Grill & Bar 808-742-1515
Get a massage
by Avryle
Since Hawaii allows outcall massage, we had certified massage therapist, Larry Hunt, come to the condo where we stayed. He charges $80 for the first hour, $60 for each additional hour. He's trained in Swedish, Shiatsu, deep tissue, Lomi Lomi and Russian massage. Well worth every penny though we should have waited until after kayaking to have him come in!
Also, Larry is a registered member on VT now (as a result of my initial tip!) so I'm sure he'd welcome any email inquiries through VT or through his web site listed below. Have a great massage!!
Koloa Farmers Market
by annk
One of my favorite acitivities is going to the Koloa Farmers Market on Monday's at noon. It's by the Ball Park and it gets very crowded so I'd strongly advise getting there before it opens. Parking fills up and items sell out quickly.
They sell a wide range of tropical fruits and vegetables. Many are rarely or never seen in the continental U.S. They also sell nuts, fresh coconuts (opened) and beautiful tropical flowers.
This vendor is slicing the tops off coconuts. He'll then insert a straw for customers to drink the coconut milk. Once they are finished he'll crack open the coconut for them to scoop out the soft coconut meat.
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Hawaiian Monk Seal on Poipu Beach
Poip'u Beach
Koloa History Center
Heading out to surf on Kauai's south shore
