ResortQuest Islander On The Beach

ResortQuest's Islander on the Beach (formerly Aston Hotels), is a charming plantation-style hotel and one of Kauai's best oceanfront values. They recently finished a $10 million renovation with wonderful results. The lobby was redone and is now open-air with ceiling fans and a veranda that looks out to the wide green lawn and pool complex. With their great location on the island's east coast, six acres of prime oceanfront land, lush gardens throughout the property and now, beautifully renovated rooms, the Islander has become a very special getaway on a very special island.

The rooms are beautifully decorated with island-style furnishings and large furnished lanais or patios, stone flooring and granite countertops on the wet bars. The Islander's eight, three story buildings offer garden, partial ocean or ocean views. There are no elevators, but the views from the 2 upper floors are more than worth the slight trek, which you can always consider exercise. Amenities include Cable/Satellite Flatscreen TV, CD player, refrigerator, voice mail, internet access (fee), in-room safe, coffee/tea maker and more. There is no charge for two children 17 years and younger occupying the same room as their parents.

You can relax on a lounge chair on the lawn, or spend your time by the pool, sundeck or the large hot tub where they keep the greenery low enough so you can enjoy the views of the ocean. The beach is beautiful, wide and white, but swimming is not recommended due to strong currents. But if you love to swim in the ocean, just a few minutes away are beaches with calmer waters and some great snorkeling areas. The Islander on the Beach also has a picnic area with barbeque grills for the use of guests and The Sand Bar, next to the pool serving tropical drinks and light meals.

Across the street is the Coconut Marketplace, an open air shopping center with stores and restaurants. The Wailua River is just five minutes away and is the longest navigable river in all the islands. One of the most popular things to do is rent a kayak and paddle up the river where you then stop and hike to a waterfall – it's quite an unforgettable experience. A short distance away is the 19th century plantation town of Kapa'a, well worth a stroll through. It's a charming, funky town with lots of small boutique-type shops, unusual items to purchase, including some unique items made in Hawaii and a varied choice of restaurants.

Drive to the South and visit Kokee State Park and Waimea Canyon, called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. There are great hiking trails in the Park and Canyon area. Go in the opposite direction and be in the land of Princeville where pristine golf courses and luxurious resorts are the norm. Be sure to visit Hanalei Bay where the movie South Pacific filmed scenes. It's a beautiful bay and lovely spot to swim.

Some recommended restaurants include Eggberts, great for breakfast, located right next door in the Coconut Marketplace. The charming Café Coco, just off the main road of a canefield in Wailua serving excellent gourmet fare cooked to order at cafe prices. Then there is Café Portofino serving excellent Italian dishes at reasonable prices located in Harbor Mall, Nawiliwila and The Lighthouse Bistro Kilauea in the Kong Lung Center on the way to Princeville, serving great food with an eclectic selection.

And although Kauai is not known for their night life, you can always check out Whaler's Brewpub, located at the end of the road in Ninini Point, Lihue. Perched over the harbor, they specialize in seafood, but are also known for their selection of great appetizers and their burgers. There is live entertainment on Tues. and Fri. to Sun., the place is extremely popular, the food is good, the company interesting. And, if you're there during the winter months, you might just see a Humpback Whale or two swimming past on their way to Maui.

Amenities

• Mini Bar
• Wake Up Service
• Crib
• CD Player
• High Speed Internet Access
• Ocean Front
• Direct Dial Phone
• Data Port
• Pay For View Movies
• Mini refrigerator

• Bar/Cocktail Lounge
• Laundry Facilities
• Nonsmoking rooms
• Alarm clock/radio
• Cable TV
• Hair Dryer
• Iron & Ironing Board
• Voice Mail
• Maid Service
• Air Conditioning

• Bath Amenities
• Complimentary newspaper
• Swimming Pool
• Golf Nearby
• Hot Tub/Spa
• In room safe
• ADA Rooms available
• Coffee/tea maker
• Barbeque grills
• Picnic area

• Complimentary parking
• Child Care, by request
• Activities Desk
• Lanai/Patio