Body surf, lay out, swim, or snorkel. Or if you're adventurous you can even learn to surf or scuba.

The resort offers fine dining, a casual beach side cafe and many activities. I stayed here once and absolutely loved it!

The grounds of the resort are stunning, tropical, and lush. The pool is a beautiful network of emerald lagoons and the whirlpool even has a sandy bottom. Birds frequent the site, and at night the stars shining between the palm fronds remind you that you are certainly not at home!

For recreation you can walk the pathways amidst palms, ferns, Hawaiian ginger, and a variety of tropical flowers. Play tennis, attend classes in Hawaiian crafts, or take a short stroll down a tree-lined path to swim in the soothing waters of Hanalei Bay. Nearby activities include snorkeling, sunning, or swimming on the many beautiful north shore beaches, or hiking along the stunning Kalalau trail. If the rain persists, just hop in the car and drive south to find the sun.

Dining at the resort's Bali Hai restaurant is an experience in itself. For breakfast, try the thick french toast with coconut and passion fruit syrup, kona coffee, and fresh squeezed juice while you watch the mists and rainbows play over the mountains. The sapphire blue bay shines brightly after the morning mists lift, and if you're lucky you might even see a whale or two during its winter sojourn just beyond the bay.

If you're not an early riser, visit the restaurant at night for a romantic dinner by candlelight, or if you're in a more casual mood, the nearby lounge offers lighter fare and nightly Hawaiian entertainment in an open-air terrace with the warm trade winds blowing by. Too good to be true!

You'll enjoy a spacious whitewashed living area with two couches, a fully equipped kitchen (even has a blender for those mango smoothies!) and dining area, a queen sized bed, a few chairs, and a comfy little bathroom. Amenities include beach towels, ironing board, toiletries (in case you forget your own) books, appliances, tour pamphlets, and lots, lots, more.

Aunty's is just a fifteen minute drive from the riverfront town of Hanalei where you can grab groceries, or a quick breakfast any time you want. Choose from bacon and eggs at the Hanalei Wakeup Cafe, or go for some decadent pastry at the coffee shop. There are so many more choices! For lunch, do not skip the Ono Plate Lunch place i the Ching Young Shopping Plaza! And for dinner, try Zelo's, the Blue Dolphin, Suko Thai, or for some local flavor, the Black Pot Lua Hut which is just around the corner and across the street from Zelo's.

For beach activities, try swimming and sunning at the end of the road at Ke'e beach, or stop at Tunnels for some awesome snorkeling. Hike to Hanakapia falls, visit Limahouli gardens, or better yet escape from the world and take a book to Lumahai beach where you will rarely find a crowd. If it rains in the morning, it will likely clear up by 11am or so, and you can always drive around the island to the south if you need immediate sunshine! Or you can lounge in your own private home while the morning rains soothe your cares. Why worry? You're on Hawaiian time here!

A stay at Aunty's will make you think you really live in Kauai. This could easily become my favorite home away from home.