Choosing where to stay and dine in Kauai can be a difficult task, since options run from casual to über-chic. Under the casual accommodations category, go to the Coconut Coast (East Kauai) and stay at Hale Lani Bed & Breakfast (283 Aina Lani Place, Kapaa, 808-823-6434; www.halelani.com). Rooms at Hale Lani come with their own kitchens, private entrances and patios, and two of the four units have hot tubs. For a place to stay on the east side of the island, try the Mobil three-star Kauai Marriott Resort and Beach Club (3610 Rice St., Lihue, 808-245-5050; www.marriott.com), where you can lounge poolside and take in the vista of adjacent Nawiliwili Bay.

The Grand Hyatt Kauai (1571 Poipu Rd., Koloa Kauai, 808-742-1234; www.hyatt.com) is a draw for honeymooners and foodies alike. The resort hotel spoils you with marble baths, private lanais, and your choice of mountain, ocean, or garden views. And if you check in here, you won't even have to leave the hotel grounds in search of an upscale meal. The Grand Hyatt houses two of the island's best restaurants. Dondero's offers northern Italian cuisine—with dishes such as open-faced seafood lasagna with housemade squid ink pasta, Pacific lobster, rock shrimp, and blue crab tossed lightly in bechamel sauce with spicy marinara, salsa cruda and chives—served either on the patio or in a dining room that mimics an Italian villa. Tidepools serves contemporary Hawaiian fare—including Romi's Seafood Delight with banana-macadamia-nut-crusted mahimahi, grilled shrimp, scallops, mango-cucumber relish and sinful lilikoi (passion fruit) butter sauce—served in thatched roof huts, a uniquely Hawaiian setting.

The Beach House (5022 Lawai Rd., Koloa, 808-742-1424; www.the-beach-house.com) in Poipu, a Mobil three-star restaurant, in Poipu is one of Kauai's most popular restaurants for a reason—the view at sunset shouldn't be missed. Bring your other half to enjoy the gorgeous sunset while chowing down on some splurge-worthy food. Start with the watermelon salad and move on to wasabi-crusted snapper, lemongrass and kaffir-lime-crusted sea scallops, or mint-coriander-marinated lamb rack.

To bite into saimin, a local specialty, you have to go to Hamura's Saimin Stand (2956 Kress St., Lihue, 808-245-3471), a Kauai institution. Slurp the noodle bowls and fuel up on savory teriyaki sticks and the famous lilikoi chiffon pie before you hit those hiking trails.

If you want to unwind instead of energize for some rigorous walking, belly up to Tahiti Nui (5134 Kuhio Hwy., Hanalei, 808-826-6277; www.thenui.com) in Hanalei. Tahiti Nui claims to be the island's oldest tavern; it's been in business for more than 50 years. Come for a mai tai at the friendly bar; stay for the locally grown food, including ahi carpaccio with salsa tonnata.

If you're keeping it healthy, stop at Blossoming Lotus (4504 Kukui St., Kapa'a, 808-822-7678; www.blossominglotus.com) in Kapa'a Town. The restaurant churns out green-certified vegan world-fusion cuisine, but even carnivores will be anxious to tear into this menu. Sample fun-named dishes like the Rockin' Moroccan seared tofu. It's a good taste of what Kauai dining has to offer.

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"Where to Stay and Dine in Kauai ". October 23, 2008 http://mobiltravelguide.howstuffworks.com/tc-beaches-where-to-stay-and-dine-in-kauai.htm (November 07, 2009)