Travel Tips

Packing Hints

• Pack an overnight bag, but be sure it rolls. This should include toiletries and a change of clothes. All undeveloped film must now be carried on, due to new security scanning of luggage sent through. (Also carry it, going home!)
• The most popular outfits are shorts and cool tops. I recommend spaghetti strapped T-shirts for the women, as they're cooler. It's hot, here. (Oh, don't fret. We're not talking Phoenix-hot. Those trade winds really do save you, if you stay makai.)
• Layer for the chilly plane ride, and then you'll have a sweatershirt and jeans, in case a rainy night or morning seems cool
• Avon Skin-so-soft is a natural bug repellant, although you don't need it near the coast. If you're hiking into the rainforest or swamp, bring OFF!
• You need flip-flops or slippers. Shoes come off every time you enter the house and go back on every time you step outside. (Yup. Red dirt, nice carpet.)
• Bring a pair of old tennies or sports sandals. You are more likely than you may think to be hiking in mud or water.
• You will want your own snorkel and non-leaky mask and at least one underwater disposable camera, as well as a strong boogie-board if you have one. (The latter is your second piece of check-through luggage.)
• Don't forget waterproof sunscreen!
• And of course, the general rule for all travel remains, "Bring half the clothes and twice the money that you think you need."

Getting There (Some things we've learned so far about traveling to Kauai)

• Carry nothing. You'll be doing more walking through airports than you realize.
• If the airline offers to give you $500 each to spend a night in Honolulu on them, take it. Then mellow out and roll with it so you don't go nuts your first day of travel. This place is wonderful, but that's a whole 'nother vacation they're offering! (Oh, decide this ahead of time. Jump when they offer it.) Your luggage will precede you, but there is good security in Lihue. (ALSO, don't lose your claim checks!)
• Call me, if your flight plans get delayed. You have my Kauai home and cell phone numbers.
• When you arrive in Honolulu go straight to your next gate, even if it's an hour or two until your departure. If the plane ahead of you isn't full, they'll change your ticket right there at the gate and let you on early. (Again, call - from your cell phone before the plane taxis, if necessary - so I can meet you!) Your luggage may follow as scheduled, but you can pick up your rental car while you wait.
• Look for signs telling where to line up for first class or coach, and line up early (or as soon as they announce it.) They may have over-booked the flight and it's open seating.
• Try to sit on the right side of the plane (That's your left as you're boarding) for best views of Oahu on your way to Lihue.
• Resist buying an airport lei. I'll likely be waiting with a nicer one that I bought cheaper from a favorite source, here.
• Roll with whatever happens. Just get here. It doesn't matter how. It doesn't matter how long it takes. It doesn't matter how painful it seems. Just keep saying, "It doesn't matter" or "There's no place like home," assuming Princeville is home. Just get here and it will all be worth it, the moment you walk in the door. Just get here, and the peace of the place will erase any memories of the journey.

Rush-hour traffic (4:00-6:40PM, weekdays) Avoid the main road, Rt.56, between Lihue and Kapa'a by taking a bypass:

• North from Lihue near the airport, take 51 Kapule Hwy. north to 570 Ahukini to 56 Kuhio Hwy.
• From the Coconut Marketplace (just north of Sizzler and south of the Coconut Plantation), go north to 581 Kukui, then east to 56 Kukui Hwy.

Obey the traffic laws

• Speed limits and seat belt laws are strictly enforced.
• No U-turns in business districts.