Visiting Hawaii will leave you with the rare of dilemma of having too much beauty, too many opportunities for absorbing activities, and too little time to see it all. A handful of intriguing islands flung across the sea like a string of jewels make for quite a treat, but as far as vacations go, your best bet would be to focus on one area and give it your full, undivided attention. Kauai is no slouch when it comes to delivering the holiday goods, so consider visiting one of the hotspots on this island to ensure an engaging, memorable, and relaxing trip.



One such pocket of tropical treasures is Princeville, located on the northern shore of Kauai. Once the site of a coffee plantation, this picturesque region is now the scene of resorts, golf courses, restaurants, and the kind of beaches that will make you forget what your cubicle looks like. This magnet for tourists has what it takes to please your pleasure-seeking senses, so explore it a little further.

The North Shore is a little quieter than the South, meaning that it has all the conveniences you'll need and want without being overly crowded or plastic-feeling. If the thought of settling down in a tourist trap rubs you the wrong way, be aware that plentiful accommodations for travelers can't disguise the natural wonders of Princeville, so enjoy the atmosphere without ever feeling like you're at a Hawaiian-themed amusement park.

For example, Princeville is known for its amazing stretches of shoreline where you'll be able to snorkel, fish, swim, or kayak. Pencil in a few long afternoons of simply strolling and sunbathing as well, as these are the times when true relaxation occurs. Pu'u Poa is a fine place to start your beach going, as are Kenomene and Kaweonui. This trinity of tantalizers will give you the full experience of Hawaii within the kingdom of Princeville, so banish thoughts of tiresome traveling from one end of the island to another.

Also easily within reach are world-class golf courses, something you probably already know if you have a penchant for putting. The Prince Course is considered the best around, and the Makai Course isn't too shabby either. Each is challenging in its own way and immeasurably beautiful, so even if you don't play your best game ever you won't be sorry to have walked these greens.

Also on dry land you'll find opportunities for horseback riding, hiking, and playing tennis, and if you'd like a more privileged view, charter a helicopter and take in Kauai from above. The gentle breezes and constant sound of crashing waves will lull you into a state of calm that you thought you had forgotten even existed. As you'll soon discover, this is the place where stress is banned and the authentic version of yourself is invited to emerge. You know, the one who smiles a lot and is free of worry.

Nearby you'll find the village of Hanalei, as well as the famous Na Pali coast that has been featured on the silver screen due to its incomparable loveliness. Lookout points and parks balance the fine dining establishments and hotels, making this portion of the island a microcosm of all that the Aloha State has to offer.

Only one thing has been left out; lodging. To take full advantage of this getaway, really escape the common experience by reserving a vacation rental. Condos and villas have been constructed in all shapes and sizes and filled with the kinds of amenities that tend to catapult normal vacations to the realm of spectacular. Imagine a lanai off the master bedroom, a hot tub to luxuriate in beneath the stars, and a fully-equipped kitchen that will tend to every appetite for a picture of what the future holds.

If all of this sounds like the vacation you've been silently screaming for every time the alarm clock rudely awakens you each morning, then go online to pick out the perfect and imagine yourself floating across the ocean to a better place.