We went to Kauai in 2010 and really enjoyed the north shore. This is a minimally developed area with incredible beaches and snorkeling. We ended up going back to the same place last year and your description brings back some great memories. The best afternoon was spent sitting in the sun reading a book while the kids played in the lava pools. My wife brought a pitcher of frozen Margaritas down from the house along with some homemade guacamole (avocados purchased at the farmers market)and lime-salt chips. What a memory!
I definitely think it is sad that the average American only takes 15 days of vacation a year. We work to hard! Take at least two, two-week vacations a year - doctor's orders!
