TRAVEL CHANNEL NAMES POIPU BEACH #1 IN USA-2003

I couldn’t agree more with the Travel Channel’s comments, especially that part about the warm people.

The good news is that this last remaining eye sore on Poipu Beach looks like it’s finally going to be refurbished.

Visitors to the south shore may have noticed the large piles of sand deposited on Brenneckes Beach.  That’s part of a program initiated by the Poipu Beach Resort Association to restore the beach at Brenneckes.  Working in conjuction with the County of Kauai and the State of Hawaii, permission was obtained to move sand from another part of the island to Brenneckes.  With 32 loads of sand already in place, another 30 loads were delivered on May 21st.

Eventually a total of 160 loads will hopefully provide sufficient sand to cover the many rocks that were exposed after hurricane Iniki and restore the beach to its former glory (and size).  All sand is placed above the high water mark.

The cost to haul the sand to the beach is being paid for with donations.  As additional funds are secured, more sand is contracted to be delivered.  Local homeowner's have recently come up with enough donations to allow an additional sixty load of sand. This is an excellent example of the private sector and government working together for the common good.  Hats off to the Margy Parker and the Poipu Beach Resort Association for spearheading this effort.

Given the less than optimum climate for travel what with SARS and the Iraq war, we were delighted to see total visitor arrivals to Kauai rising 1.5% in March over the previous year. While a 1.5% increase may not seem like much, it does beat the heck out of a decline in visitors. That’s what both the Big Island (-4.5%) and Oahu (-11.4%) experienced.  Only Maui posted a slightly higher gain than Kauai in March with 1.7%.

Other good news in March--Canadian visitors to Kauai were up 8% over 2002 plus the length of stay on Kauai increased to 7.11 days as of the end of the first quarter. Also boosting the local economy substantially was the sharp increase in cruise ship passengers, up 29%.  And with all of the increased flights directly into Lihue, total passengers flying directly to Kaai were up 83.5% over March 2002.

April saw a more robust expansion of Kauai visitors, with a 5.2% increase over 2002. The Big Island (2.2%) and Maui (17.9) also had increases in April, however Oahu visitors fell 10.9% from last year.  Oahu is suffering due to a 33% decrease in visitors from Japan, who also stayed away after 9/11.  The light at the end of the tunnel (and it’s not a train) is that Japanese travelers will steadily increase again, as they did post 9/11.  Do not despair Honolulu merchants, all is not lost.

JUNE 1 - July 15

 
Jun 1 2003
16TH ANNUAL TASTE OF HAWAII 2003
The Rotary Club of Kapaa invite you to the "Ultimate Sunday Brunch" at the beautiful Smith's Tropical Paradise. Hawaii's most celebrated resorts and restaurants showcase 60 different chef's and beverage vendors with contiuous live entertainment all day. This is a fund raiser for local non-profit agencys and charities. Gary Hooser (808) 822-7449

Jun 1 2003
SONGS & STORIES OF SEA TURTLES (AND OTHER ENDANGERED SPECIES)
Sunday 3-4:30pm. Hanalei Community Center. Delightful afternoon concert of slack key guitar and ukulele featuring songs & stories of sea turtles and other endangered species. FREE gift drawing. Tickets $10 ($8 keiki/seniors) Seating Limited. Portion of proceeds support Hale Halawai Ohana o Hanalei. Aloha Plenty 826-1469

Jun 1 2003 -Jun 4 2003
KAUAI MUSIC FESTIVAL
A four-day celebration of the art of songwriting. The multi-faceted event features seminar style instruction for small groups of songwriters, lectures, panel discussions, songwriting contest, demo recordings, festival marketplace and two major concerts. America's top performing songwriters will be there. Hyatt Regency Kauai. Richard McSheehy 808-332-9421

Jun 1 2003
WONDERWALKS GUIDED HIKE
Kaluapuhi Trail - This easy family hike takes you along native vegetation which mixes with introduced species, such as groves of plum and karaka nut trees. Michelle Hookano (808)335-9975

Jun 5 2003 -Jul 31 2003
JOHN & HAYLEY DAVISON EXHIBIT AT KAUAI MUSEUM
Trained at North Bennett Street School in Boston, Hayley Davison crafts exquisite furniture in koa and other woods. John Davison's paintings in acrylic and watercolor are inspired by the sublime landscapes of Kauai. Mezzanine Gallery, opening reception, June 5, 4:30-7 p.m. Gallery Hours: M-F, 9am to 4pm; Saturday 10am to 4pm, closed Sundays. Kauai Museum 808-245-6931.

Jun 6 2003
SLACK KEY CONCERT - SONGS & STORIES OF KAUAI
Friday 4-5:30pm. Hanalei Community Center. Enjoy songs and stories of Kauai with this slack key guitar and ukulele concert. FREE gift drawing. Tickets $10 ($8 keiki/seniors) Seating Limited. Portion of proceeds support Hale Halawai Ohana o Hanalei. Aloha Plenty 826-1469

Jun 7 2003
HANALEI SLACK KEY & HULA FESTIVAL
Celebrate a day of Kauai's north shore Hawaiian traditions of oli (chant), hula (dance), mele (song), and ki ho'alu (slack key guitar & ukulele) with this festival on the lawn at Hanalei Community Center. FREE! Proceeds support Hale Halawai Ohana o Hanalei. 12:30 - 6:00 Aloha Plenty 826-1469

Jun 7 2003
FAMILY DAY AT KAUAI MUSEUM
Spend a day at Kauai Museum in Lihue from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and learn the culture of the islands, participate in activities and enjoy entertainment. Admission is free. Learn the art of Origami with Yuni Smith 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Kauai Museum 808-245-6931

Jun 8 2003
WONDERWALKS GUIDED HIKE
Berry Flats Trail - This family hike offers sightings of forest birds and introduced California redwoods, Australian eucalytus and Japanese Sugi pines. The native koa and ohia lehua trees offer a canopy as you strool along this moderate forest loop. Michelle Hookano (808)335-9975

Jun 13 2003
CONCERT - SLACK KEY GUITAR & UKULELE
Friday 4-5:30pm. Hanalei Community Center. Delightful afternoon concert featuring songs & stories of legendary mo'o (lizards) and Menehune (ancient peoples of Hawaii). FREE gift drawing. Tickets $10 ($8 keiki/seniors) Seating Limited. Portion of proceeds support Hale Halawai Ohana o Hanalei. Aloha Plenty 826-1469

Jun 15 2003
WONDERWALKS GUIDED HIKE
Waininua Trail - As you walk to the trail head, an easy, family forest hike, you will have a view of man's introduction of garden plants now naturalized. Native ohia and koa trees mix with introduced, aggressive strawberry guava and black wattle. Also, keep your eyes open for native birds. Michelle Hookano (808)335-9975

Jun 20 2003 -Jun 21 2003
OBON DANCE & FESTIVAL
The season of remembrance of honoring the spirit of those that passed on celebrated with special services and festivals Waimea Higashi Hongwanji Mission in Waimea, 7:15 p.m. on both days. Information: 808-338-1847

Jun 21 2003
LAUHALA WEAVING CLASS
In a single day you will learn to weave a simple project after learning the basics of preparation of one of the early weaving materials in Polynesia - the leaves of the hala (Pandanus) tree. Class will be held at the Kaua'i Museum from 10:30am to 2:30pm. Please be sure to bring your own lunch. Information & reservation 808-245-6931

Jun 22 2003
21ST ANNUAL HULA EXHIBITION
Na Hula O Kaohikukapulani presents an evening of chants, music and hula. This wonderful events will take place at the Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall. Doors open to Arts & Crafts at 3:30 p.m. and the Auditorium doors open at 5:00 p.m. Come and take pleasure in seeing little keiki (children) from ages 4 years to Kapuna (grandmothers) dance their hearts out in an evening of Hawaiian and Polynesian entertainment. Admission fee. Kapu Kinimaka-Alquiza 808-335-6466

Jun 22 2003
WONDERWALKS GUIDED HIKE
Kokee - Halemanu Loop - Halemanu or "House of Birds" was the home to many native species, which you may be fortunate to see. A canopy of Hawaiian koa and ohia lehua trees will offer welcome shade along this moderate forest hike. Michelle Hookano (808)335-9975

Jun 27 2003
SLACK KEY GUITAR CONCERT & HISTORY
Friday 4-5:30pm. Hanalei Community Center. Afternoon slack key guitar concert featuring songs & stories telling the history of this rare and beautiful music. FREE gift drawing. Tickets $10 ($8 keiki/seniors) Seating Limited. Portion of proceeds support Hale Halawai Ohana o Hanalei. Aloha Plenty 826-1469

Jun 28 2003
KOKEE BASKET MAKING
Black wattle basket making - learn to weave a basket using the bark of the invasive Black Wattle tree. Michelle Hookano (808)335-9975

Jun 29 2003
WONDERWALK GUIDED HIKE
Canyon Trail - This strenuous hike offers breath taking views into Waimea Canyon. Michelle Hookano (808)335-9975

Jun 29 2003
SLACK KEY CONCERT - LEGENDS OF MO'O & MENEHUNE
Sunday 3-4:30pm. Hanalei Community Center. Slack key guitar and ukulele concert featuring songs & stories of legendary mo'o (lizards) and Menehune (ancient peoples of Hawaii). FREE gift drawing. Tickets $10 ($8 keiki/seniors) Seating Limited. Portion of proceeds support Hale Halawai Ohana o Hanalei. Aloha Plenty 826-1469

Jul 4 2003
14TH ANNUAL "4TH OF JULY CONCERT IN THE SKY"
The largest one day event on Kauai to benefit Kauai Hospice. Over 8,000 residents and visitors of all ages celebrate July 4th at Vidinha Stadium with family fun, great food, continuous live entertainment and the most spectacular aerial fireworks! 3-9:30 p.m. Entertainment by Kalapana. Tickets: $7 in advanced thru July 3rd $10 at the gate. Children under 5 free. Information 808-246-2440

Jul 5 2003
WONDERWALK GUIDED HIKE
Pihea Trail - This strenuous rain forest hike takes you along the back ridge of Kalalau Valley and offers incredible views into the valley and across the canopy of the Alakai Swamp. Bring your binoculars to see the native and introduced birds found in the area. Michelle Hookano (808)335-9975

Jul 5 2003
GARDEN ISLE ARTISAN FAIRE
Garden Isle Artisan Faire, Saturday, July 5, Wai'oli Town Park, Hanalei. From 9-4 shoppers can browse through a fabulous array of handicrafts, products & tropical clothing by over 40 of Kauai's finest artisans! Hawaiian music all day featuring Keoni Lake! Food & shave ice! Free & open to the public. Judy Ta'afuli 245-9021

Jul 6 2003
SLACK KEY GUITAR - HAWAII'S COWBOY MUSIC
Sunday 3-4:30pm. Hanalei Community Center. Delightful afternoon concert of Hawaiian slack key guitar & ukulele with stories telling the history of the Hawaiian paniolo (cowboy). FREE gift drawing. Tickets $10 ($8 keiki/seniors) Seating Limited. Portion of proceeds support Hale Halawai Ohana o Hanalei. Aloha Plenty 826-1469

Jul 8 2003
NISEI
The struggles and victories of a WWII second-generation Japanese American soldier come alive in a stunning dance performance when Covenant Dance Theatre presents NISEI. A dancing homage to WWII Nisei veterans at Kauai Community College Performing Arts Center. Call for ticket & hour info at 1-888-598-8115. Information (808) 947-5702

Jul 11 2003 -Jul 12 2003
OBON DANCE & FESTIVAL
The season of remembrance of honoring the spirit of those that passed on celebrated with special services (7pm) and festival/Bon dance (8pm). Koloa Jodo Mission, 3480 Waikomo Road. Information: 808-742-6735

Jul 11 2003
MO'O & MENEHUNE - SLACK KEY MUSIC & STORIES
Friday 4-5:30pm. Hanalei Community Center. Hawaiian slack key guitar concert featuring legends of mo'o (lizards) and Menehune (ancient peoples). FREE gift drawing. Tickets $10 ($8 keiki/seniors) Seating Limited. Portion of proceeds support Hale Halawai Ohana o Hanalei. Aloha Plenty 826-1469

Jul 12 2003
WONDERWALKS GUIDED HIKE
Kokee Halemanu Loop - Halemanu or “House of Birds” was the home to many native species, which you may be fortunate to see, the ‘apapane, friendly ‘elepaio and perhaps even an ‘i‘iwi. A canopy of Hawaiian koa and ‘öhi‘a lehua trees will offer a welcome shade along this moderate forest hike. Michelle Hookano (808)335-9975

Jul 13 2003
WONDERWALKS GUIDED HIKE
Kaluapuhi Trail - This easy family hike takes you along native vegetation which mixes with introduced species, such as groves of plum and karaka nut trees. Michelle Hookano (808)335-9975

Coming Events Calendar courtesy of Hawaii Visitors Bureau

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Victor is another terrific web site designer who did our www.kaui4u.com website.  He also came to our rescue and rewrote the code for our FYI Kauai newsletter.  It seems the new server couldn’t read the code from the old server.  Without his dedicated effort, I would still be manually entering subscribers into the database and clumsily doing the mail out.  Victor can be emailed at info@5pixels.com and his website address is www.5pixels.com.

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Saddam

Saddam's doctor called a meeting for all of Saddam's doubles. 

"Men, I've got some good news and I've got some bad news. The good news is Saddam is still alive. The bad news is he lost a leg."

An elderly lady was waiting to pull into a parking space when a young man in his shiny new red Mercedes went around her and parked in the space she was waiting for. The little old lady was so upset that she went up to the man and said, "Young man, didn’t you see that I was going to park there?" The man was a real smart aleck and he said, "That's what you can do when you're young and quick."

Well, this really upset the lady even more, so she got in her car, backed up and then stomped on the gas and plowed right into his Mercedes. The young man ran back in horror to his car and asked, "Why on earth did you do that?" The little old lady smiled sweetly and said, "That's what you can do when you're old and rich!"

At this time, no one fitting the description of the sixth cell member, Bin Workin, has been found at your office.

We are confident that anyone who looks like he's Bin Workin will be very easy to spot. There are no suspects at this time.

• Artery -- The study of paintings 
• Bacteria -- Back door of cafeteria 
• Bowel -- A letter like A.E.I.O.U 
• Caesarean section -- District in Rome 
• Cat scan -- Searching for kitty 
• Cauterize -- Made eye contact with her 
• Colic -- Sheep dog 
• Coma -- A punctuation mark 
• D&C -- Where Washington is 
• Diarrhea -- Journal of daily events 
• Dilate -- To live long 
• Enema -- Not a friend 
• Fester -- Quicker 
• Fibula -- A small lie 
• G.I. Series -- Soldiers' ball game 
• Hangnail – Coat hook 
• Impotent -- Distinguished, well known 
• Labor pain -- Got hurt at work

"But officer," the man began, "I can explain."

"Just be quiet," snapped the officer. "You were going so fast that I'm going to let you cool your heels in jail until the chief gets back."

"But, officer, I just wanted to say,..."

"And I said to keep quiet! You're going to jail!"

A few hours later the officer looked in on his prisoner and said, "Lucky for you that the chief's at his daughter's wedding. He'll be in a good mood when he gets back."

"Don't count on it," answered the fellow in the cell. "I'm the groom."

A woman from the deepest, most southern part of Alabama goes into the local newspaper office to write an obituary for her recently deceased husband. The obit editor informs her that the fee for the obituary is 50 cents a word.

She pauses, reflects and then says, "Well, then, let it read, 'Billy Bob died'."

Amused at the woman's thrift, the editor says, "Sorry ma'am, there is a 7 word minimum on all obituaries."

Only a little flustered, she thinks things over and in a few seconds says, "In that case, let it read, 'Billy Bob died – ‘83 Pick-up for sale.'"

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Men’s Journal magazine published its list of the 50 best places to live (small cities) in the USA.   For any of you wondering if your city made it into the top 50, you can see the full list online at www.mensjournal.com, Volume 12/Number 4, May, 2003.  Here are some highlights:

Best overall city: Boulder, Colorado with a metro population of 259,000, median household income of $48,000 and a median home price of $219,060.

Outdoorsiest:  Look no further than Fort Collins, Colorado, with a population of 223,000, income of $39,000 and median home prices at $176,000.  Said by some to be “the Gore-Tex vortex, outdoor fitness in overdrive, the likeliest place in America to get T-boned by a Ford Explorer piloted by a triathlete Ph.D. on her way to Pilates.”

Santa Fe, New Mexico bagged the “Healthiest” tag.  Those 139,000 residents average $42,000 in income with homes at $207,000.  Cancer, diabetes and mental illness rates among the lowest in the nation.  283 days of sunshine a year.

Best Women:  Honors went to Tallahassee, Florida with a population of 261,000, income of $38,000 and median home prices of $115,000.  Curious as to how they came up with Tallahassee?  And I quote “Residents are maniacally fit and tan.  And smart.  And young. And a female-to-male ratio of 1.11 to 1.”

Apologies to our single women readers.  The magazine didn’t name the place for Best Men.

Smallest population to make the list was Corvallis, Oregon.  Those 78,000 residents (one of which is our daughter Kim at OSU and next year our son Bill) earn $35,000 while living in houses priced at $144,000.  In addition to the University, Hewlett Packard has a campus there with 4,000 employees.

Although Poipu Beach couldn’t be found anywhere on the list, we’re content to continue to be named the best beach in the country and certainly one of the Best Vacation Destinations in the good ‘ol USA.

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Every Friday night from 5 - 9 p.m. is Hanapepe Art Night and is unique. Participating galleries take turns being the weekly host gallery, offering original performances or demonstrations which become the theme for that art night. All the galleries are lit up and decked out, giving the town a special atmosphere. Enjoy a stroll down the streets of quaint, historic Hanapepe Town and meet the local artists.  This is also the only night the Hanapepe Café is open (it’s otherwise open for breakfast and lunch) and it is a wonderful restaurant serving vegetarian fare. For Art Night info, call Lew or Annette Shortridge at (808) 335-0343. 

• Seaview Terrace at Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa, Poipu, 6:00 - 8:00 PM.  Be sure and call (808) 742-1234 to double check the type of performance.  Some nights there is guitar music, others keiki hula with young children performing.  If you’ve never seen 3-9 years olds doing the hula, you should go.  It’s really a joy to watch.
• 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
• Coconut Marketplace, Kapaa, 5:00 PM daily (programs vary) 
Call (808) 822-3641
• Happy Talk Lounge at Hanalei Bay Resort, Princeville, Tuesdays 6:30 - 9:30 PM - call (808) 826-6522.  Also enjoy live jazz here on Sunday afternoons.

The free Tiare Tahiti Dance Show takes place Monday & Thursday evenings at 5:00 PM, in the courtyard of Poipu Shopping Village.  Call 808-742-2831.

Watch Hawaiian crafts being created at the Hui Aloha (friendly get-together) in the Sheraton Garden Court Lobby in Poipu from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. This daily display features everything from coconut hats to Niihau shell leis, lauhala baskets and more.  Call (808) 742-1661 for further information.

Monday through Thursday go on Crater Hill Hikes.  From the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge Visitor’s Center, you can join this 2 to 2-1/2 hour hike. Guides discuss the geology of the island and Crater Hill, seabirds and migratory birds, native plants, and marine wildlife that visit Kilauea Point. Spectacular setting including historic Kilauea Point Lighthouse, visitor's center, and grounds open all day. Free with paid entry fee of $3 to the Wildlife Refuge. Call (808) 828-0168 for reservations.

Monday through Friday take a Gay & Robinson Tour. See Makaweli's sugar irrigation systems Mon - Fri, 8 - 4 p.m. Exhibits show the 17.5 mile Koula Ditch, 13 mile Olokele Ditch, and history of Gay & Robinson, Olokele and Hawaiian Sugar Co. plantations. Free. Call (808) 335-2824.

Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays go for a Kapaa History Tour.  Take walking tours through Kapaa town.  Meet at Pono Kai Resort lobby at 10 am. Call (808) 245-3373 for reservations. 

Tuesdays through Saturdays take the kids to the Kauai Children’s Discovery Museum.
"Deep Sea Giants" is an amazing interactive exhibit of robotic ocean creatures. Permanent exhibits include multi-cultural keiki village, coral reef at night, virtual reality stations, magic tree house library and more. Admission is $4.50/$3.50. Located at Kauai Village Shopping Center in Kapaa. Daily summer camp is offered weekdays. For more information call (808) 823-8222.

Mondays are reserved for the Historic Waimea Walking Tour. This 90 minute tour offers a glimpse of historic Waimea town Mondays at 9:30 a.m. Call (808)338-1332.

Mondays through Fridays enjoy a Sugar Mill Tour.  This two-hour field and factory tour is given twice daily at 9 a.m. and at 1 p.m. There is an admission charge for the tour, but admission to the Visitor Center is free and is open 8 - 4. Kaumakani Ave. Call (808)335-2824 for reservations. 

Mondays through Fridays take advantage of any one of a number of Garden Tours.
North shore Limahuli Garden: Restored ancient taro fields, rare species, and spectacular views. (808) 826-1053. 
Kalaheo Allerton Garden: Exquisite statuary and reflecting pools plus amazing flora. (808) 742-2623. 
Na Aina Kai: Contemporary sculptures and wonderful grounds.  (808) 828-1525. 

Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays stroll back in time with a Walking Tour of Old Waimea Sugar Plantation and Cottages.  The tour meets at 9:00 a.m. and lasts approximately 90 minutes.  Volunteers lead you through Waimea Plantation Cottages, a vacation resort of restored plantation houses, and the neighboring Waimea Sugar Company "camp" of houses dating to the turn of the century. Tours are limited to 12 people. For reservations please call (808) 335-2824.

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays take a Kauai Museum Tour.
Free tours at 10 am with admission. Docents provide interpretation of Kauai and Niihau culture as they lead tours through the Museum's galleries. Call (808) 245-6931 for more information.

Fridays and Sundays perk up your ears for Hawaiian Slack Key Music Concerts.
Enjoy a delightful afternoon of live slack key guitar and ukulele with stories of the history of the music, Kauai, endangered species, and more. Free gift drawing! Tickets $10 ($8 keiki/kupuna). Hanalei Community Center - Fridays at 4 p.m., Sundays at 3 p.m. For more information call (808) 826-1469.

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Congratulations to Gene McCabe from Pleasanton, California for winning a $300 credit toward a future stay at Hideaway Cove.  Good luck to everyone for our next drawing.  The winner will be announced in our next issue.

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