Kilohana Plantation

Amid sprawling, manicured lawns, Kilohana Plantation is now a tourist magnet featuring Gaylord's restaurant, estate tours and one-stop upscale shopping. Sugar baron Gaylord Parke Wilcox, once the head honcho of Grove Farm Homestead, built the house in 1935. Trivia buffs take note: the Wilcox family was the model for James Michener's famous epic, Hawaii.

The 15,000-sq-ft Tudor-style mansion has been painstakingly restored and its legacy as one of Kaua'i's distinguished historic houses is unquestioned. Antique-filled rooms and Oriental carpets laid over hardwood floors lead you past cases of poi pounders, koa bowls and other Hawaiiana to a row of gallery shops.

Clydesdale horses take visitors on carriage rides across the 35-acre grounds, including gardens and livestock barns - rather hokey but fun for kids.

Another attraction, is the 2.5-mile recreational railway. Its retro-style trains pass staple island crops (sugarcane, pineapple, coffee and taro) and groves of tropical fruits; then passengers can sample and buy edibles at a farmers market and gift shop.