From Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip
Kauai Sheraton's Menehune Magic
Need a vacation? Close your eyes and picture a cool tropical drink in your hand, complete with fresh pineapple and a paper umbrella.
Listen for the gentle waves of the pacific ocean as they break along Kauai’s Poipu Beach.
Sniff in the salt air and taste the fresh, local ahi and kajiki sashimi that is served outside, lit only by the light of the moon and tiki torches.
Bring on the hula dancer and que the Hawaiian music while Chef Ben Takahashi of Naniwa Japanese restaurant at the Sheraton Kauai brings out a platter of Opakapaka, otherwise known as pink snapper, blanketed in local west Kauai rock salt.
Dreaming of Kauai
Chef Ben Takahashi, Naniwa at Sheraton, Kauai with Opakapaka in west Kauai rock salt.
This doesn’t have to be a dream, especially if you happen to live in California. Fans of Hawaiian vacations should be able to find some great hotel and lodging values in Kauai, especially before the Thanksgiving holiday and after winter break.
I recently stayed at the Kauai Sheraton as a guest of the property and the Kauai Visitors Bureau. I hadn’t been to the island since my honeymoon, over 23 years ago. The garden island is as lush and beautiful as a I remembered it to be.
On this island visit, my palate, along with my waistline, has expanded and is open to new dining experiences such as fresh sashimi and sushi. Chef Takahaski does a good job of utilizing the best in seasonal, local seafood. If, like me, you haven’t been a fan of raw fish, Naniwa at the Sheraton is the place to give it a whirl. Aloha.
Island Fresh Seafood Specialties, Naniwa at Sheraton Kauai
Photos by Nancy D. Brown
Sheraton Kauai Resort 1 (800) 782-9488
2440 Ho’onani Road, Kola, Hawaii 96756