By Da Two Japanee Bruddahs
Kyle Tatsumoto and Keith Kamisugi
March 2002, Nichi Bei Times

So, Japanee Bruddah Keith recently ran into Richard Wada, who promptly asked, "When's the next column for us kotonks coming out?"

Apparently, a number of readers, like Rich, have actually taken our November column, offering "insider" tips, with them to Hawai'i, kind of like a Japanee Bruddah's version of the Michelin Guide.

Well, Rich, mahalo for reading our modest column. And, in dedication to you and anyone planning a trip to the Islands, we continue with more tips on special places to visit in Hawai'i.

The most common question we get from would-be visitors is our advice on which island to visit. Coming from O'ahu and being the state's equivalent of "big city" boys, we often have to take a malihini's (newcomer's) perspective.

Kaua'i is, by far, the 50th State's most pristine major island. Ni'ihau and Lana'i no count. You gotta be invited to the former and you gotta be kanemochi fo' go to the latter.

Not much nightlife, but if you're looking for beaches, outdoor activities and some of the most breathtaking scenery on the planet, the aptly named Garden Island is the place for you.

Still reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Iniki in 1992, one of the island's most lavish resorts is currently making an offer than makes even us Honolulu boys ponder a visit to Kaua'i.

The Kaua'i Marriott Resort and Beach Club just completed renovations. The centerpiece of the property is a 26,000 square-foot pool just steps away from the quarter-mile of hotel beachfront. Five jacuzzis ring the mauka (mountainside) end of the pool situated under column-adorned terraces.

In the resort's early days, the main hallway was guarded by replicas of the life-size terra cotta soldiers from China keeping a watchful eye over the expensive décor and furnishings. Even for "big city" boys, the place was - and still is - beautiful.

If you like mo' information, e-mail us. (It takes one good travel writah fo' describe da place.) And, no worry - we not getting kick-backs from the hotel fo' dis promo.

If you end up staying at the Marriott, you won't be too far away from virtually everything there is to see on Kaua'i, the small island that it is. An extremely popular locale with Hollywood filmmakers, outdoor scenes of blockbusters such as Jurassic Park, South Pacific, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Fantasy Island, were filmed on Kaua'i!

Just minutes away is one of our favorite places to eat in Lihue, Kaua'i - Hamura's Saimin. You remember from our July column about saimin (right?) so we won't regurgitate that "locals only" information. Hamura's is definitely one of the best saimin places in da universe, not just because the food is good, but the atmosphere can't be beat.

There are no billboards leading you there and even when you get there, standing just outside the entrance, you might scratch your head looking around for a restaurant. Hamura's looks like just another nondescript house on a narrow backstreet; just watch for da people walking out, a look of sheer contentment on their faces, with shiru stains on their shirts.

Walking into Hamura's is like walking into your obachan's kitchen, but with counters and stools. No booths. The homeliness of Hamura's makes one feel very comfortable. But don't get too comfy if you're there during the rush, cuz da locals like kau kau (eat) too, and no mo' dat much seats, eh?

Scoops: Da Two Japanee Bruddahs wen hear one rumor dat the new Hukilau, Da Bar goin' get Hamura's saimin, so stay tuned to our coconut wireless, brah!

All the way on the other side of the island, the Na Pali Coast and the Kalalau Trail is a stunning destination that will take you all day to explore. Japanee Bruddah Kyle grew up on the Windward side of O'ahu, which only slightly resembles Na Pali, but with the same vertical mountainsides and terrific views of the ocean.

Kalalau Trail is 11 miles long so be prepared for the journey. It's difficult to stay focused on where you're walking when faced with a constant canvas of a sapphire blue ocean, lush tropical flora and the countless waterfalls and streams. Japanee Bruddah Keith wen walk two miles of da trail one time - in slippahs no less - but was well worth every step.

We could fill a whole issue of the Nichi Bei Times with fantastic Kaua'i locations, so you'll just have to visit yourself. (Sorry, eh, we wen run out of space, li'dat*)

Kyle Tatsumoto wen go Castle. Keith Kamisugi wen go Mililani. So wot?
Two Japanee Bruddahs is a monthly column in the Nichi Bei Times.

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