A couple of photographs should be sufficient to describe the Garden Isle; Kauai. However, this is a web log, so photographs are used judiciously (I don’t have many) and I have an abundance (they’re free) of extra words; adjectives, adverbs, etc.

Perfect for descriptions. And facts about good resorts and restaurants in the Poipu Beach area.

Just the facts, mister. Just the facts. By now you know that Kauai is the oldest of all the islands in the Hawaiian chain. It’s also the fourth largest behind Hawaii (the Big Island, ‘cause it’s the biggest), Maui, Oahu.

Kauai is known as the Garden Isle because it’s like a garden (duh). Lush and green with flowing rivers, towering peaks, plummeting waterfalls (what else could waterfalls do?). This island is lush. Lushy. Beautiful, even.

OK, what about those resorts and restaurants?

Let’s do the tour. You start out at Lihue (where the airport is; and most people). Head west toward Poipu. It’s out in the country a bit. The drive is enjoyable. The scenery is worth the time. Poipu Beach boasts an excellent Hyatt Regency.

Nearby is the Embassy Vacation Resort. On your way is the Kauai Marriott Resort and Beach Club.

I’ll assume you have to join the club. Maybe not.

Hotel food is one thing. Locally, Poipu is known for some outstanding restaurants. These we recommend (I’d recommend them in all caps but they haven’t responded to my request for a free “taste test dinner”).

Roy’s Poipu Bar and Grill in the Poipu Shopping Center. Roy’s is on a number of islands and doing well. The great food and service is why, that’s why.

Brennecke’s Beach Broiler across from Poipu Beach Park along Hoone Road. It’s a seafood and burger paradise with a view.

Oh, back to hotel food. I had to include Dodero’s because it’s just that good. Maybe they couldn’t find another place to put up a restaurant. You know, it’s off the beaten path stuck down inside a hotel and all.

Dondero’s is worth the extra few minutes it’ll take you to find. It’s a healthy, friendly menu that mixes Italian and Pac Rim. In a healthy, friendly sorta way.

“Lush and green with flowing rivers, towering peaks, plummeting waterfalls (what else could waterfalls do?)”Got time for one more? Let’s try Keoki’s Paradise. You can’t miss this one. It’s right in front of the Poipu Shopping Center on Kiahuna Plantation Drive (how many of those can there be?). It’s lively.

It’s large. Service is fast. Steak and seafood is the order of the day; fresh on both counts.

If God smiles on you they’ll have a slice of the original Hula Pie from Kimo’s in Lahaina. I tell it, it’s just like Liz Taylor (a tad overweight but with violet eyes to die for). Great.

Want to know the best places to eat in Hawaii? Click over to Ono Dining for totally biased reviews on Hawai's best (and not so best) restaurants.