HOLOHOLO
Kaua'i named Hawai'i's best island
By Chris Oliver
Travel + Leisure magazine has named Kaua'i the No. 1 island in Hawai'i, and second in the World's Best Islands (behind Bali), in its 2006 World's Best Awards. Readers judged the islands on natural attractions, activities/sights, restaurants/food, people and value. The remaining World's Best Islands, in order, are: Maui, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia; Mount Desert Island, Maine: Tasmania; Hawai'i's Big Island; Galapagos Islands; Santorini, Greece; and Phuket, Thailand.
Garden Isle, luxe and country: Pure Kaua'i's five-, seven- or 10-day packages include a stay at a private home or villa, a private chef to prepare all meals, all on-island transportation, surf lessons, yoga classes, massage and a guided Na Pali coast hike. Rates begin at $3,200 per person, double, and $5,000 per person, single, for the five-day, four-night stay. Reservations: (866) 457-7873 or purekauai.com.
Sheraton Kauai Resort hosts the 8th Annual Sunset Ho'olaulea on Saturday, 4 to 9 p.m., to celebrate Koloa Plantation Days 2006, a weeklong festival to honor Hawai'i's first sugar plantation, founded in 1835. Entertainment, food booths and kids' activities are followed in the late evening with salsa music and cocktails at the resort until 1 a.m. See an events list at koloaplantationdays.com.
Museum expedition: The Bishop Museum is sponsoring a seven-night, escorted trip to French Polynesia leaving Sept. 23, led by archaeologist Yosihiko Sinoto. The expedition will visit archaeological sites on the islands of Huahine and Raiatea, as well as Tahiti. It costs $3,450 per person, double, and includes roundtrip air between Honolulu and Papeete, luxury accommodations, ground transportation plus welcome and farewell dinners. Reservations are through TravelWays, 597-1425.
Solo Japan: Traveler Chris Christensen presents "Going to Japan On Your Own," a free talk with tips and a suggested itinerary that includes lesser-known places not in guided tours, 7 p.m. July 27 at Liliha Public Library, 1515 Liliha St. Information: 587-7577.
Walk Japan: Sacred Earth Journeys of Vancouver, British Columbia, offers a three-week walking tour of old Japan. The Temples, Gardens and Spas Walking Tour of Japan is Nov. 4-24. Cost is $3,240 and includes accommodations, some meals, tours, entry fees and all ground transportation. Information: sacredearthjour neys.ca or (877) 874-7922.
Reach Chris Oliver at coliver@honoluluadvertiser.com.
