How to take a real vacation
How I did it: Researched all the Hawaiian Islands, asked friends who had been there, and chose Kauai based on all the information I gathered. We flew there on Alaska Airlines, which has direct daily flights from Seattle to Lihue. Stayed at the Aston Kauai Beach at Makaiwa, a nice, if slightly older hotel, with lovely staff.
Lessons & tips: Kauai is relaxing and very mellow. Do not go there if you are looking for a wild time. The East and North of the island are lush and gorgeous. Waimea Canyon and the western island is a desert. Gorgeous, but very different from the eastern part. Poipu and the southern part of the island is more built up and cheesy. I love Kapaa. Beautiful town with great restaurants & shops.
Resources: Friends, web, Hawaii tourism sites.
