On my previous trip to the island, I was lucky enough to meet the Kinimaka brothers, their surf school staff, and a cool-ass chick from Australia by the name of Zoe. I briefly got to know them as I was only there for a week, but I was most definitely inspired to return for a month [July-August '08]...
Titus Kinimaka
Zoe
Randy
By the time for my second Kauai trip, my knee was still not up for surfing or anything strenuous. So I made best of it and ate at every place on the island, took long walks, kayaked, drove around, etc.....
There are so many beautiful opportunities for photographs, it was overwhelming....
Anyways, my two favorite places to eat are the Hanalei Dolphin, and Mermaids [in Kapa'a]. The Dolphin has real good Butter Fish, but I think its a Spring catch- I couldn't find it on my second trip. The Mermaid has a really good seared Ahi burrito.... I ended up making it for all meals the whole week I was home after my trip...
Also, roadside bbq is most excellent. They cook chicken and serve it with rice and veggies. A lot of food for your money. I would not suggest going to the one in Kapa'a because they use wild chicken. The wild chicken tastes bland, like their instect/trash diet. The roadie bbq heading to Hanalei is the best one.
Another thing to consider is to make friends with a local to score some wild pig. It is ssssoooooo tastey! But be really respectful to the locals as they really don't like us 'haoles' [white people]
There are also guys selling coconuts near the Napali Coast end.
Everyone who goes to the island and likes the outdoors should really try to hike into the valley, I'm not going to say the name.
I'll update more later.... This is a long post....
