Sarah and Mark are staying at the Pono Kai and are busy checking out the island. Here Sarah is getting ready for the hike while one of Kauai's famous chickens acts like it wants to go along. Kauai has many beautiful hiking trails where you get some great views. You can hike to view the Napali Coast, waterfalls and views of Hanalei Bay. There are hikes for every experience level but be extra careful after a rain. Kauai's red dirt gets extremely slippery.

My son wanted to try to surf while on the island. It was a last minute thing so we checked the yellow pages and Garden Island Surf School had an opening. When we got there he ended out getting a private hour long lesson for $80.

It started with some of the basics on shore. Then about 45 minutes with the instructor in the water followed by another 15 minutes trying by himself. He had a great time and was able to stand up after the first try. The only thing he didn't like was the sunburn. Make sure you use sunscreen and reapply often.

I really think renting a car while your in Hawaii is essential. Start checking prices as early as possible. I have found the best rates either with your airline tickets or seperately through either Costco or Discounthawaiicarrental. Com. You book a quote through DiscountHawaiicarrental and then keep watching the prices. Try checking daily and a few times a day is best. They change all the time. When you get a better rate, cancel the original quote and book the new one. There is no cost in booking or canceling. Keep checking all the way up to your trip. The photo is of our Ford Fusion we got as a free upgrade during our last trip. The Fusion was great and the trunk held 4 30" pieces of luggage.

Here are the pool and hot tub at the Pono Kai. They aren't huge but they are often not being used because of the other activities people are doing on the island. There are plenty of lounges and chairs around if you just want to relax and get some sun. The area has a fence around it and you use your room key to open the gate.

The Mermaid Cafe is a few blocks from the Pono Kai. It's not much to look at but the variety here is great. This is also a great choice for vegetarians. They have a nice selection of veggie and fish items. The food is super fresh and the prices are reasonable.