What's New: An Online Update for Frommer's Kauai

Since the First Edition of Frommer's Kauai was released there have been a few changes and additions on places to stay, eat and play on the "Garden Isle."

Now it is easier than ever to fly direct to Lihue, with some 3,000 additional seats opening up on United Airlines, Aloha Airlines, American Airlines, Pleasant Hawaiian (ATA) and SunTrips increasing the number of direct flights from the mainland to Kauai.

United Airlines (tel. 800/225-5825; www.ual.com) is adding a third direct flight from San Francisco on Saturdays beginning April 1. American Airlines (tel. 800/433-7300; www.americanair.com) is adding a second daily Los Angeles flights starting May 1. Aloha Airlines (tel. 800/367-5250, 808/245-3691, or 808/484-1111; www.alohaair.com) is re-launching direct service from Oakland on July 2 with daily flights until September 1st, and then four times a week until the end of the year. Pleasant Hawaiian (ATA) (tel. 800/742-9244; www.pleasantholidays.com) will have direct service on Saturdays from both San Francisco and Los Angeles between June 12 and August 21 for San Francisco, and September 4 for Los Angeles. SunTrips (tel. 800/SUN-TRIPS; www.suntrips.com) will begin direct flights from Oakland on Monday, May 31 and continue until August 23, and Fridays from April 9 to December 10.

Getting Information on Kauai: If you are looking for information on the Poipu Beach area, the Poipu Beach Resort Association's website, www.poipu-beach.org, now has an expanded website to search the database for "instant" information. All you have to do is type in your query and your request will pop right up with links to websites.

The Aloha Spirit of Kauai: Hopefully, you will never have to use their services, but the Visitor Aloha Society of Kauai (tel. 808/246-0506) ) , a private, non-profit volunteer organization helps visitors who have been robbed. With more than 125 different resources ranging from hotels to restaurants and activities, the members of VASK donate goods or services to stranded visitors.

Accommodations

The Hyatt Regency Kauai Resort and Spa, 1571 Poipu Rd., Koloa, HI 96756 (tel. 800/55-HYATT or 808/742-1234; Fax 808/742-1557; www.kauai-hyatt.com) , has under gone a full-scale renovation of 565 rooms and refurbishment of the Spa. Included in this massive remodeling are new tiled-showers and bathroom floors, wall covering and paint, furniture, draperies, bedspreads, lamps, artwork, mirrors, lanai furniture, refinishing of mahogany millwork and upgrading the ADA compliant guest rooms. Each room also has a new 25-inch television, high-speed Internet access and three phones, including a portable. The work on the spa entailed re-tiling the 25-yard lap pool and four Jacuzzis, upgrades to exercise equipment in the fitness area, remodeling of the 11 massage and facial treatments rooms and upgrades to the steam rooms, showers, wet treatment rooms and bathroom facilities.

At the other end of the island, the Hanalei Colony Resort, 5-7130 Kuhio Hwy. c/o P.O. Box 206, Hanalei, HI 96714 (tel. 800/628-3004 or 808/826-6235, Fax 808/826-9893; www.hcr.com) , also has some great package deals for those looking for adventure, the Explore Nature package includes accommodations, a Wrangler Jeep or convertible, a two hour guided tour of Limahuli Garden, a day's adventure on a kayak, a double massage, a guide book on hiking trails, and other amenities, all starting at $1,518 for five nights.

Dining

For a tropical island experience, stop at the recently (re-opened) Moloa'a Sunrise Fruit Stand, at the intersections of Koolau Road and the Kuhio Hwy, at the boundary of the North Shore and eastside Kauai. Closed since Hurricane Iniki in 1992, the stand sells a range of fruits and other locally grown produce, plus fresh smoothies (papaya, pineapple, mango, etc.) , sandwiches, salads, granola, fresh juices and coffee drinks. Open Monday-Saturday, 8am-6pm and from 10am-6pm on Sunday, you can order ahead (tel. 808/822-1441) and pick up a lunch to take to the beach.

Activities

The renovation of the front nine holes at Kiahuna Golf Club, 2545 Kiahuna Plantation Dr. (adjacent to Poipu Resort area) , Koloa. (tel. 808/742-9595; www.kiahunagolf.com) , is just about completed and the back nine, while still open, will be renovated over the summer. Australian sand now fills the bunkers, new championship and new junior tees have been added.

In other golf news, the Puakea Golf Course, (formerly the Grove Farm at Puakea) has re-opened. Located in dramatic surroundings: near Nuhou Street and Pikake Road in Lihue, the course is designed by Robin Nelson, and played at par 72, with 6,954 total yards. The course was actually open for 10 holes since 1997, but recently added the additional holes for a full 18. Green fees are $125, and $65 after 1 pm. To find the course, from the airport take a left onto Kapule Highway (51 South) . Take another left at the stop sign onto Rice Street (51 South) . 51 South turns into Highway 58 (Nawiliwili Road) . Turn left at Borders on Pikake Street then turn left on Nuhou Street. Golf course is located at 4150 Nuhou Street For more information, contact: tel. 866/773-5554 or 808/245-8756; www.puakeagolf.com.