How to spend 10 hours in/around Lihue airport
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,470
How to spend 10 hours in/around Lihue airport
On a forthcoming mileage run, I will be arriving in LIH around noon and then leaving around 10 PM to fly all the way to Dublin, without a hotel bed enroute
I booked the flight many months ago and in a fit of thrift did not book a hotel in LIH to get some rest. Of course, now I realize the folly of having booked such an itinerary.
Does someone have any suggestions as to what I could do with the 10 hours in Lihue to get some rest? Preferably without spending a lot of money? I will not be having a rental car at LIH.
Just as an FYI, I will be flying coach into LIH and then on AA/First-Business LIH-PHX-CLT-DUB, all without any overnight stop.
I booked the flight many months ago and in a fit of thrift did not book a hotel in LIH to get some rest. Of course, now I realize the folly of having booked such an itinerary.
Does someone have any suggestions as to what I could do with the 10 hours in Lihue to get some rest? Preferably without spending a lot of money? I will not be having a rental car at LIH.
Just as an FYI, I will be flying coach into LIH and then on AA/First-Business LIH-PHX-CLT-DUB, all without any overnight stop.
#2
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Hawai'i Nei
Programs: Au: UA, Marriott, Hilton; GE
Posts: 7,125
Not sure what you would define as "inexpensive," but you can check out the Aqua Kauai Beach Resort and also the Kauai Marriott.
The Tip Top Motel is another option, but I've never stayed there.
The Tip Top Motel is another option, but I've never stayed there.
#3
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: USA
Programs: AA Platinum Pro
Posts: 652
Searching there are several lower end, less expensive motel/hotels in the town of Lihue, minutes from the airport if you just want to sleep. As mentioned the lovely Kauai Marriott is 5 minutes from LIH. There you could use their huge pool and amenities. Their standard non view rooms aren't overly expensive. You could ask about a day rate, but it's a popular resort so that might be hard to come by.
#4
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: mountains of western NC
Programs: Life, Love and Laughter
Posts: 8,533
I've stayed at the Garden Island Inn a couple times. It's nice, and about a five minute drive from the airport. It is also across the street from a beach.
http://www.gardenislandinn.com/
http://www.gardenislandinn.com/
#5
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Chicagoland/ORD
Programs: UA Million Miler (Gold), Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 3,458
The Marriott doesn't fit the OP's "without spending a lot of money" statement. Even in off season it's $200 + resort fee. And, depending on the time of year, you probably can't check in that early. It does have a free airport shuttle, as does the Aqua Beach Resort, which also has a good pool area.
#7
Join Date: Mar 2012
Programs: Mileage Plus 1K; Marriott Platinum; Hilton Gold
Posts: 6,355
Take the Marriott shuttle over to the hotel complex and have lunch at one of their beachfront/poolside restaurants. Then buy a bamboo mat from one of the cheap souvenir stores at the adjacent cluster of shops on the west end of Kalapaki Beach. Then take a nap on the beach, as long as you have an alarm to wake up in time for....
happy hour at Duke's, and then get the Marriott shuttle back to LIH in the evening.
happy hour at Duke's, and then get the Marriott shuttle back to LIH in the evening.
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,470
Take the Marriott shuttle over to the hotel complex and have lunch at one of their beachfront/poolside restaurants. Then buy a bamboo mat from one of the cheap souvenir stores at the adjacent cluster of shops on the west end of Kalapaki Beach. Then take a nap on the beach, as long as you have an alarm to wake up in time for....
happy hour at Duke's, and then get the Marriott shuttle back to LIH in the evening.
happy hour at Duke's, and then get the Marriott shuttle back to LIH in the evening.
BTW, is it better to have lunch at the Marriott Resort or at the Marriott Beach Club?
#11
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Chicagoland/ORD
Programs: UA Million Miler (Gold), Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 3,458
They're on the same property. I highly recommend Duke's, especially if you like fish. I always eat downstairs and order the fresh fish; whatever it is and however it's prepared, it's delicious. In two weeks on the island, I go to Duke's for the fish at least three times.
#12
Join Date: Mar 2012
Programs: Mileage Plus 1K; Marriott Platinum; Hilton Gold
Posts: 6,355
I agree that Duke's will be better than any of the Marriott branded restaurants around the pool. I was suggesting going for an early supper there when happy hour starts, and doing the poolside restaurant at lunch more for the location than the food.
#13
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: YQR
Programs: no status
Posts: 1,052
Exactly, lots of beaches nearby, just bring a swimsuit and a towel and relax/nap until sunset. Then go for a nice Hawaiian supper.
#14
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Canada
Programs: A3*G, Fairmont Pl, Accor Pl, SPG Platinum, Marriott Platinum, Amex Platinum
Posts: 182
I totally agree with the advice to take the shuttle to the Marriott and hits Duke's for happy hour. That is our low cost dinner destination - the beach is gorgeous, the atmosphere is great, and the happy hour specials are easy on the pocketbook.