With the first blast of summer heat, minus any tradewinds, sending residents for cool cover wherever it may be found, the number of complaints about the humid heat is rising like mercury in the thermometer. Before temperatures and tempers continue
With the first blast of summer heat, minus any tradewinds, sending residents for cool cover wherever it may be found, the number of complaints about the humid heat is rising like mercury in the thermometer.
Before temperatures and tempers continue rising, we thought we’d offer a beachless list of places to go to cool down on Kaua‘i.
Of course, beaches and rivers, with the cooling waters, are a good place to beat the heat.
But if you just can’t get to the beach, but find yourself with a burning desire to cool off in air-conditioned comfort, herewith is our top 10 list of places to go on Kaua‘i to beat the heat:
10. Dondero’s in the Hyatt Regency Kauai Resort & Spa in Po‘ipu (this works only during dinner-time hours, but it’s stayed so warm late into the night that this might be just the place);
9. Pomodoro Ristorante Italiano in Kalaheo (again, only for dinner);
8. Barbecue Inn in Lihu‘e (still among the best values for local breakfasts, lunches and dinners on the island);
7. Cost You Less in Kapa‘a (for the hot shoppers among us; you can even — briefly and when the employees aren’t looking — stick your head in the freezer);
6. Wal-Mart in Lihu‘e (perfect for people watching, too, during the long hours the store is open);
5. Macy’s at Kukui Grove Center (the added benefit is there is a sale going on there this weekend);
4. Borders Books Music & Cafe in Lihu‘e (another good place to people watch, and you never get hassled even if you spend hours in the aisles reading books, magazines or newspapers. The cafe has good eats and drinks, too);
3. Wilcox Memorial Hospital cafeteria in Lihu‘e (the food is good, healthy, not that expensive, and it also serves three squares a day, with snack opportunities including frozen yogurt, ice cream and more in between);
2. Tip Top Motel Cafe & Bakery (Usually this is not a crowded place to sit, cool off, and eat and eat and eat);
And the number-one place to cool off during this early-summer heat wave:
1. Poipu Bay Grill and Bar (the only Southshore restaurant with air conditioning).
Honorable mentions: the island’s movie theaters from Waimea to Kilauea are all air-conditioned, and are showing the early-summer blockbusters and a variety of other features. And, if you have to attend a meeting, try the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative conference room in Lihu‘e, where the nonprofit pays for the electricity.
