Suffice it to say that you don't come to Kauai to trip the light fantastic. This is the island for winding down -- from New York, Houston, even the hiking trails of Kokee or the Na Pali Coast. But there are a few nightlife options.

Hanalei has some action, primarily at Sushi & Blues, in Ching Young Village, ([tel] 808/826-4105). Reggae, rhythm and blues, rock, and good music by local groups draw dancers and revelers Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 8:30pm on. The format changes often there, so call ahead to see who's playing. Hanalei Bay Resort ([tel] 808/ 826-6522) is a also a music lover's gem, with a Sunday Jazz Jam in its Happy Talk Lounge from 3 to 7pm Sundays and contemporary Hawaiian music at the Happy Talk Lounge Monday through Saturday from 6:30 to 9:30pm. Al Jarreau and Quincy Jones are among those who have stopped by the Sunday Jazz Jam, and the evening crowd has had its share of well-known Hawaiian jammers. On Saturday evenings, Kenny Emerson, a fabulous guitar and steel guitar player, performs with Michelle Edwards; if they play ``Hula Blues'' or any other 1920s to 1940s hits, you'll never leave.

On the south shore, the Hyatt's Stevenson's Library is the place for an elegant after-dinner drink with live jazz nightly from 8 to 11pm. Also in Poipu, Keoki's Paradise ([tel] 808/742-7534) offers live music Thursday and Friday evenings from 8:30 to 10pm, with the cafe menu available from 11am to 11:30pm. Hawaiian, reggae, and contemporary music draws the 21-and-over dancing crowd. No cover.

Down the street at Sheraton Kauai Resort ([tel] 808/742-1661), The Point, on the water, is the Poipu hot spot, with live music Saturday through Thursday from 8:30 to 11:30pm and a DJ on Fridays from 9pm to 1:30am. There is no cover charge, and the DJ spins Top 40 hits for dancing. The rest of the evenings, local groups play contemporary Hawaiian music for a mellower mood. There's no cover charge.

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