Archive for December 10th, 2009

Dec 10 2009

TripAdvisor: Waimea (Kauai) #5 Top US Travel Destination?

Published by Rob under Travel tips

waimea cynThose TripAdvisor engineers are at it again with their self proclaimed, “proprietary algorithm.” It’s forecast findings for 2010 named Waimea as #5 in top US travel destinations.

I love Waimea as well as anyone, but am not sure I would rank the town as your “must see” destination on Kauai.

It’s a cute and folksy community just down the road from home and a favorite place for its quaint movie theater, stores and an occasional JoJo’s Shave Ice.

Beyond that, and some community events like parades and parties, Waimea is completely off-radar for both tourists and locals alike (unless you live there).

Waimea has one reasonable accommodation, the Plantation Cottages. And it does put you only a half hour away from gorgeous Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Parks.

Staying in Waimea, however, will put you at the western-most part of the island, 45 minutes (or more depending on traffic) from Poipu or Lihue and a good 2+ hours from Princeville and Hanalei. The beach is not good, though it’s murky waters are a favorite hangout for sharks (no joke).

This TripAdvisor forecast, with no supporting information, unfortunately only continues to undermine any value Beat of Hawaii ever placed on the Expedia-owned review site.

I’d enjoy hearing your comments.

Photo note:  Waimea Canyon.  I’ve never taken a photo of the beach at Waimea, as it simply isn’t photogenic. Looking at Google images, I guess others concurs as I couldn’t find a single photo.

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