Kauai - You’re
the Best!
Readers of
two leading travel magazines have rated Kauai among the top island destinations
in the world. Conde Nast Traveler readers voted Kauai No. 3 in its World's
Best Awards, a rating boosted by the isle's top rating for its people.
Travel & Leisure magazine readers  named
Kauai No. 2 on its top 10 list.
New Poipu Resort
and Golf Course
Alexander and Baldwin is continuing
with its development plans along Spouting Horn Road near Kukuiula Harbor
(just down the road from Lawai Beach Resort ). The project, when
completed, will include a new resort and golf course, a commercial center
plus single and multi-family homes.
Hawaiian and
Aloha Merge
Hawaiian Airlines and Aloha Airlines
have announced plans to merge. Greg Brenneman, former CEO of Continental
Airlines, heads the group that made the offer to combine the two companies
and will run the new consolidated airline. His track record at Continental
was excellent and industry experts are predicting that he will move to
consolidate inter-island routes while at the same time expanding mainland
locations.
Cruising The
Islands
The 3000 passenger Norwegian Star
has begun plying Hawaiian waters following the demise of American Hawaiian
Cruise Lines. The ship makes weekly stops at Nawiliwili where a $100,000
federal grant will help improve the dock and surrounding area.
Macys Arrives
Federated Department Stores, parent
company of Macys, completed their acquisition of Liberty House. Our
local store at Kukui Grove is now a Macys and the smaller store at Coconut
Marketplace has been closed.
New Eco-Resort
Gay and Robinson have been given
final approval to proceed with construction on 250 cottages at Pakala Beach
in Makaweli. Construction is slated to begin in late summer of this
year and continue for five year. It is estimated that over 225 jobs
in the service industry will be created by the project, with preference
going to those living on the Westside.
The People's
Bridge
Kauaians are good
at huge volunteer projects. A few years ago 7,000 people turned out to
build the Kamalani Playground at Lydgate Park. Now they're building a 35-foot-tall
pedestrian bridge near the park. The Kamalani Kai Bridge will be 150 feet
long and include slides, tunnels, towers and other features designed by
island children.
March 1st- KAUAI CONCERT ASSOCIATION
(Kaua`i)
The Kauai Concert Association presents
its fifth concert of the season with the Borromeo String Quartet at the
Kauai Community College Performing Arts Center. The tickets are $20 for
adults and $5 for all students. The program will feature works by Mozart,
Bartok and Beethoven. “So rich in details and variety that one might have
thought an entire orchestra was playing.” The Washington Post Donna Lee
808-245-SING.
March 3rd - SLACK KEY MUSIC &
STORIES OF KAUAI (Kaua`i)
Concert of Hawaiian slack key songs
and stories of Kauai! FREE gift drawing. Tickets $10/$8. 3-4:30pm at the
Hanalei Community Center. Portion of proceeds support Hale Halawai Ohana
o Hanalei. Sandy 826-1469.
 March
15th & 16th- GARDEN ISLAND ORCHID SHOW (Kaua`i)
Orchid show of hundreds of varieties.
Orchids on display and for sale along with lectures and demonstrations
of general orchid culture. Held in Hanapepe. Information 808-247-3345.
March 16th- 5TH ANNUAL FAMILY
OCEAN FAIR (Kaua`i)
An exciting day of live entertainment,
lectures, games, food, hands-on demonstrations, projects, displays &
exhibits at the Kilauea National Wildlife Refuge. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with
free admission. Off-site parking with free shuttle service available. Jean
Souza 808-246-2860.
March 22nd - ENDANGERED SPECIES
- SLACK KEY SONGS AND STORIES (Kaua`i)
Hawaiian slack key songs and stories
of Kauai's endangered species! FREE gift drawing. Tickets $10/$8. 4-5:30pm
at the Hanalei Community Center. Portion of proceeds support Hale Halawai
Ohana o Hanalei. Sandy 826-1469.
March 23rd - KAUAI PERFORMING
ARTISTS (Kaua`i)
Kauai Concert Association presents
a scholarship benefit concert featuring some of Kaua'i's best performing
artist. Kauai Community College, 7 p.m. $15 adults, $5 students. Information
808-245-SING.
April 1st-30th - ALOHA FRIDAYS
(Kaua`i)
It's Aloha Friday at the West Kaua'i
Technology & Visitors Center. Free workshops are held every Friday
from 9:30am to 11:00am. Workshops include "Learn the Art of Lei Making"
which is the symbol of Aloha and "Create a Hawaiian Gift". Reservations
recommended. West Kaua'i Technology and Visitors Center 808-338-1332.
April 1st-30th - HISTORIC WAIMEA
WALKING TOUR (Kaua`i)
Take a 90-minute walking tour and
experience "A glimpse of the Historic Waimea". Best known as the place
English explorer Capt. James Cook first landed in Hawai'i. Missionaries
established schools, rice and sugar growers changed the landscape and historic
buildings were rebuilt after Hurricane 'Iniki. Enrich your historical knowledge
about the town that was once a major population center and home to ruling
chiefs. Tours will be held every Monday and will start at the West Kaua'i
Technology & Visitor Center at 9:30am. Be sure to wear light clothing
and comfortable walking shoes. Walking tour is free. West Kaua'i Technology
and Visitors Center 808-338-1332.
 April
13th - KAUAI CONCERT ASSOCIATION (Kaua`i)
The Kauai Concert Association presents
the Battlefield Band at the Kauai Community College Performing Arts Center
at 7 pm. The tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for all students. Inspired
by their rich heritage of Celtic music and fired by the strength and vibrancy
of today's Scottish cultural scene, which indeed they have done much to
create and fuel, they have led, and been at the forefront of a great revival
in Scottish music. Donna Lee 808-245-SING.
April 17th-22nd - EARTH DAY 2002
HO'OLAULE'A AND LUAU (Kaua`i)
A wonderful reason for residents
and visitors to gather together for Hawaiian culture, multi  culture,
education, fun, organic fare and environmental appreciation. Connect with
Garden Islanders and people from around the world in a cause that really
matters. Earth Awareness Week begins April 13,2002*. The main attraction
is presented on Saturday April 20* with an all day Ho'olaule'a (celebration)
with an all-you-can-eat Luau with torch lighting and traditional offering
beginning at sunset. Admission is free, meals additional. Suitable for
all ages and families. For full program and 2002 island location see our
web site. Information will be posted as it becomes available. *Dates and
program subject to change Coordinator 808 826 6404.
April 20th - 6TH ANNUAL ROYAL
PA'INA (Kaua`i)
The Kauai Historical Society presents
its annual celebration of Hawaii's multi-ethnic heritage. Featuring great
local entertainment and an exquisite meal. It will be held at the Kauai
Marriott Resort & Beach Club, Kalapaki at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $65
each. Tickets - Donna Stewart 808-245-3373.
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HERE to visit our Home Page
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-
January marked the beginning of our
second year in business as well as the opening of our new building at 2307
Nalo. Although only two of the four Villas are “open for business”
and have not yet been remodeled, the response has been very encouraging.
Both the Oceanview and Aloha Villas are large accommodations with high
ceilings and are in good clean condition. They’re just are not equipped
to the same high standards we know you’ve come to expect after staying
in our 2315 building, so will be totally remodeled.
-
The Aloha and Beachcomber Villas were
in such poor condition (carpets dating to 1986 for example), we did not
consider them rent able at all and they were immediately closed for remodeling.
Although we had hoped to have both these Villas back on line by the end
of February, it now looks like the end of March is more realistic.
The time delays are more often than not the result of the long lead-time
for materials arriving from the Mainland. You’ll be able to see the
results for yourselves by mid-April when we post new photos on the website.
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We have also hired a highly recommended
local landscape architect, Maureen Murphy, to design a comprehensive plan
for both properties, which now cover a half-acre. I told Maureen
her mission was to make the exterior of the property look as inviting as
the interiors and from looking at her preliminary sketches, I’m convinced
she’s up to the task. We’ve begun by relocating two of the giant
royal palms. The addition of meandering walkways are next followed
by lighting and lots and lots of plants. We’ll post photos of this
work as it progresses.
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Our personalized snorkel gear service
continues to be very popular. By emailing us your shoe size(s) prior
to your arrival, your gear will be waiting at your Villa when you check
in. Gear includes silicone mask with purge snorkel, fins, fish card
and no fog goop, all in a mesh carry all bag. The rental is just $20.00
per week, about half what the other companies charge. Also offered
is a “combo package” of snorkel gear, smooth bottom boogie board and free
underwater camera for $40.00 per week.
Here’s more from the Police Blotter,
published in The Garden Island Newspaper each week. These are factual
accounts of happenings on our wonderful island out here in the middle of
the Pacific.
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A caller reported hearing strange noises
at the golf course across Kuhio Highway. Officers found a wild boar
grazing on the #10 tee.
-
A woman called to complain that her
neighbors were interfering in the argument she was having with her husband.
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There was a request for police to deliver
a message to a member of a visiting parachute jumping team, and it was
duly noted that the message had been left taped to the airplane.
-
There was an urgent call for police
to investigate a report of three men at the Coconut Marketplace dressed
in camouflage and carrying what appeared to be live ammunition. Turns
out it was three actors working on a movie being filmed near by who were
taking a shopping break.
-
A caller from the North Shore that lives
right on Kuhio Highway complained that people were stopping to use his
outdoor shower.
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An elderly gentleman in Lawai called
to complain that someone removed his good tire and replaced it with an
old flat one.
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The owner of a dress shop said she has
a problem because someone is looking through the racks and slipping religious
literature in the pockets of all her clothing.
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A 3 a.m. caller reported someone pounding
on the back door of Hamura’s Saimin. Police found a young man who
said his wife was craving saimin and sorry, he didn’t realize the restaurant
was closed.
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A caller said a man was chasing cars
near the museum late at night. It turned out to be a drunk on a bicycle
and because driving under the influence doesn’t cover bikes, police took
him home “without incident”.
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A man at a Lihue motel asked to speak
to an officer because someone was playing with his mind.
-
A Kekaha man asked police to swing by
and tell his wife to leave him alone while he repairs his boat.
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KILAUEA POINT LIGHTHOUSE
 Every
day throughout the year (except Christmas & New Year's), Kilauea
Point National Wildlife Refuge leads guided hikes up the one-mile trail
to the top of Crater Hill. Beginning at 10:00 AM and lasting about 2 hours,
the hike starts at Kilauea Lighthouse and includes discussion of Kauai's
geology & birds as well as marine & plant life. The walk is free
with $2.00 admission to the Refuge. Bring your camera to capture the spectacular
panoramas & seabird sights. For further information call 808-828-0168.
FRIDAY NIGHT ART NIGHT IN HANAPEPE
TOWN
Every Friday evening from 6:00 to
9:00 PM, Hanapepe's art galleries, cafes and shops light up to welcome
visitors from near and far. Take in the cappuccino, the beautiful paintings
and festive
atmosphere as you roam from gallery to gallery. Stop and talk with
the artists, or make your own artistic creations at a mini-workshop. Enjoy
the sweet sounds of a passing guitarist, or sit in on a poetry reading.
Browse among gifts and flower leis, or watch an artist sketch passers-by.
For more information about Art Night call Lew Shortridge, 808-335-0046.
Step back through history - take
an Old Waimea Sugar Plantation Walking Tour. Picked as one of Travel
Holiday Magazine's "25 Best Kept Secrets in Hawaii", these volunteer-guided
90-minute walks start at 9:00 AM every Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday.
Find out about Kauai's immigrant sugar workers, and the people who established
the Waimea Mill Sugar Company. Twelve-person maximum per tour.
Visit the free Sugar Exhibit,
featuring photos & artifacts of Kauai's sugar history, 8:00 AM -4:00
PM weekdays at the Tour Office & Visitor Center of long-time
Kauai cane grower Gay & Robinson in Kaumakani. Find out about
Kauai's irrigation system, designed many years ago with help from the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers. This water system still shines as an engineering
marvel. The Sugar Exhibit also examines scientific tools and procedures
used in sugar processing, including laboratories in Lihue and Kekaha, and
home-made chemistry equipment dating from 1900.
On weekday mornings, weather permitting,
the Visitor Center offers a paid tour of Gay & Robinson Sugar Plantation
fields, Makaweli Ranch, and the spectacular Olokele Canyon Overlook. This
3.5-hour tour explains local mythology, culture and wildlife, as well as
Gay & Robinson's company history starting in 1889.
Enjoy free hula shows at the
following locations:
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Seaview Terrace at Hyatt Regency
Resort & Spa, Poipu, 6:00 - 8:00 PM daily Call 808-742-1234
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Kukui's Restaurant at Kauai Marriott
Resort & Beach Club, Lihue (on Kalapaki Bay), Wednesday & Saturday
shows, 6:30 PM and 8:00 PM. Call 808-245-5050
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Coconut Marketplace, Kapaa, 5:00
PM daily (programs vary). Call 808-822-3641
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Happy Talk Lounge at Hanalei Bay
Resort, Princeville, Tuesdays 6:30 - 9:30 PM - call 808-826-6522
The Kadavul Hindu Temple, open
daily from 9:00 AM to Noon, is part of Kauai's Hindu Monastery in rural
Wailua. Several times a month, walking tours extend across the Monastery's
large and beautiful property, including the Kadavul Temple, 51-acre meditation
sanctuary, botanical gardens and ponds. Tours begin at 9:00 AM sharp, and
last two hours or a bit longer. An umbrella is recommended, and modest
clothing is required (in keeping with Hindu tradition). For tour
dates and visitor guidelines, e-mail the Monastery or call 808-822-3012
ext. 237.
OPEN AIR MARKETS
Farmers' markets abound on the Garden
Island. Each day except Sunday there's one or two County-sponsored "Sunshine
Markets". Be sure to arrive early for the best selection of vegetables,
fruits & flowers. Prices are quite reasonable, organically grown produce
is available, and the atmosphere is open and friendly.
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Knudsen Park, Koloa - Monday
market meets 12:00 PM
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Kalaheo Neighborhood Center -
Tuesday's is 3:30 PM
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Kapaa New Town Park - Wednesday's
is 3:00 PM
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Hanapepe Town Park - Thursday
at 3:30 PM
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Kilauea Neighborhood Center -
Thursday at 4:30 PM
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Lihue at the Vidinha Stadium parking
lot - Friday's market is 3:00 PM
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Kekaha Neighborhood Center -
Saturday's is 9:00 AM
Click
HERE to visit our Home Page
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We're very pleased to announce that
Andy
Stone of New York, New York is the lucky winner of our semi-monthly
drawing for a FREE three night stay at Hideaway Cove.
Best of luck to everyone else for
our next drawing at the end of February!
Click
HERE to visit our Home Page
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HERE to send FYI Kauai to a friend!
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