Who: John, Ryan and Rhonda Racicot of Longmont, with surf instructor Mitchell Boy of Hawaiian Surfing Adventures
Where: Kauai
Best meal: Breakfast at Grinds Café in Eleele. Grilled mahi mahi with eggs and potatoes and local coffee at a reasonable price. We also liked the nachos and beer at Waimea Brewing Co., the westernmost microbrewery in the United States.
Best deal: Golf at Kukuiolono Park in Kalaheo. A 9-hole, par-36 course with great mountain and ocean views for $8 a round plus $8 to rent clubs (they have lefty clubs too).
Best time to go: January to escape the cold, July to escape the heat, or anytime in between. Hiking and kayaking are supposed to be better in the summer and whale watching in the winter.
Best travel tips: Stay one week in the southwest part of the island and one week in the north to fully experience this wonderful paradise. We liked to have some cooking facilities. Eating breakfast and light suppers in can really stretch the budget.
