Here are some of the items you should bring:  a light jacket, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, flip/flops (we call them slippers in Hawaii), a good book and a “chill” attitude.  Things will be slower here…driving is slower and people are not as “loud”.  Even the service in restaurants can be slower…  Keep a low profile, be a courteous driver..when you see someone trying to merge into traffic, give them the nod and let them go… Many visitors say they are surprised by this gesture of “aloha”.  Please do the same so the locals feel good about visitors coming to this beautiful island!  Visiting a friends home here??  Please bring an “omiyage” or “gift” of some sort for your host.  If you’re invited for dinner, bring a dessert, bottle of wine, beer, etc.  Even if the hostess/host says you don’t have to bring anything, bring something!  It’s a local custom and your host will be happy with your gesutre. 

When entering someones home, remove your footwear.  This is very important!  This is the same for your Kauai vacation rental/hotel room..remove your foot gear.  In Hawaii, especially Kaua`i, we have “red dirt” which can stain carpets, rugs, etc…please “kokua” (cooperate).

Cell phones:  Recently the County of Kauai passed an ordinance for “Hands Free” driving.  Please bring a head set with you or risk being fined if you are the driver.  

That’s all for now….But most of all, enjoy your vacation and be safe!  The ocean is your friend; but “When in doubt, don’t go out!”.  Swim at lifeguarded beaches!  Aloha!

Kauai Beaches and Parks
As the oldest and northernmost island of the main Hawaiian Islands, Kauai offers beautiful and diverse beaches and beach parks. Whether you’re looking to stroll, swim, surf, or picnic on your vacation, you’ll find your paradise at Kauai’s beaches. Check out Kauai’s beaches and parks.

Fishing in Kauai
Kauai is a popular fishing destination for freshwater and saltwater anglers alike.
Deep water surrounds the island of Kauai as sharply as the cliffs of the Grand Canyon, so the Mahi Mahi, Ono and Ahi are much closer to shore than on the other Hawaiian Islands. See fishing in Kauai.

Golf in Kauai
Kauai is home to some of the world’s finest golf. With more than 153 holes of golf at eight courses, Kauai boasts three of the top five golf courses in the State of Hawaii. Why not swing through golf in Kauai.

Hiking in Kauai
If you enjoy hiking, Kauai’s got treats in store for you! Explore countless miles of breathtaking scenery, including some of the earth’s most magnificent waterfalls. Learn more about hiking in Kauai.

Horseback Riding in Kauai
Enjoy the magical sites of Kauai as you ride a horse along bluffs, foothills, the coast, secluded beaches and bays, sugar cane fields, and waterfalls. Check out horseback riding in Kauai.

Water Activities in Kauai
Kauai offers a host of water activities for all ages and skill levels. If you’re looking to get wet, Kauai is the place for you! Visit water activities in Kauai.

As for Kauai accommodations, we’ve got you covered. Whether you desire Kauai condos or vacation homes, you’ll find what you’re looking for with our quality Kauai vacation rentals. Aloha!

Looking for a beautiful bech without the crowds? Coastal Living magazine recommends 10 secluded beach destinations in it’s June issue.

Two are in Hawai’i- Lanikai Beach on Oahu and Lumahai Beach on Kaua’i.

The others are Bahia Honda Staet Park in Florida, Bahia Sucia on the south west coast of Puerta Rico along Highway 301; Indian Beach on Oregon’s Pacific Coast, Ocracoke Island on North Carolina’s outer banks, Cape Cod’s Bound Brook Island in Massachusetts, Montana de Oro State Park in California’s San Luis Obispo County, St Joseph Peninsula State Park in northwest Florida and Windansea Beach in San Diego.

Jaymes Song

Hanalei- If life is a beach, Hanalei Bay must be heaven.

This remote, two mile crescent shaped beach on Kauai where the emerald mountains meet the sparking sea was selected No 1 on “Dr. Beach: Stephen P Letherman’s 2009 list of top 10 beaches, which was released today.

Hanalei beat out other shores stretching from San Diego to Cape Cod.

“The sheer beauty of Hanalei is breathtaking.” said Leatherman, director of Florida International University’s Laboratory for Coastal Research. “It’s really an idyllic setting.”

Hanalei features postcard view from every angle and is untouched by the feverish developments that has transformed the coastlines of other island. It’s cherished by both locals and tourists as the perfect spot to swim, surf, snorkel or simply escape and unwind.

**Poipu Beach Park was voted the best beach in the nation in 2001!

Check out www.kauaiproperties.com for vacation rentals on the North and South Shore of Kauai!

Call Garden Island Properties 800-801-0378 for further information!

The Garden Island

Whether or not some animosity exists between stand-up paddleboarders, surfers and swimmers, its evident that the popular sport is helping to boost the economy. there has been a definite increase in sales, rentals and interest, said Patrick Coan of Hanalei Surf Company, Thursday.

“Tourists are coming in and flipping out about it,” he said,

The local surf shop is reportedly selling at least twice as many paddle boards as it did last year and visitors are even having them shipped over to the mainland for use in their own local waterways.

“It’s an amazing wave craft,” Coan said. “A good thing is it’s not just for waves, it’s for flat water too.”

Which is likely the reason not only island residents have caught on to the new trend, but Mainland and global visitors as well, he added.

Anahola Bay is a great place to paddleboard. Check out www.kauaiproperties.com for great vacation rentals in the area!

A May Day Celebration Concert

Friday, May 1st 2009 6pm at the Hilton Kauai Beach Resort, Jasmine Ballroom

A Malie Foundation Scholarship Fundraiser

Lady Ipo Ferreira and Na Hoaloha

Special Guests: Punana Leo O Kauai

Na Kumu Hula: Healani Youn, Kapu Kinimaka Alquiza, Wayne Kaho’onei Panoke, Keala Senkus, Doric Yaris

Tickets: $15 Adults $5 Children ages 6-17 Ticket Outlets: Hanalei Liquor Store, Vicky’s Fabrics, Hilton Kauai Beach Resort

For information on Vacation Rentals in the area, please contact Garden Island Properties at 800-801-0378, kamaaina rates available! www.kauaiproperties.com 

The 18- hole Prince course, a Robert Trent Jones Jr. design, has maintained its top ranking in Hawaii with numerous accolades over the years. The course received Hawaii’s only five star rating in Golf Digests 2008-2009 “Best Places to Play” and has consistently been named by Golf Digest as the No 1 course in Hawaii for the past several years. Other recent rankings include NO 18 on Golf Weeks 2009 list of Americas “Top Resort Courses: No 20 in Golf Magazines 2008-2009  “Top100 Courses You Can Play” and one of the “Sweet 16: list of top West Coast courses for 2009 in Fairways and Greens.

For more information or tee times at the Prince Course, call toll-free 800-826-1105 or local and 808-826-5001 or visit www.princeville.com

For information about Princeville Vacation Rentals check out www.kauaiproperties.com

 Jaymes Song Associated Press

Here are some of the places President Obama eats when he’s in Hawaii, along with some of the eateries he spent time in growing up.

Indigo- 1121 Nuuanu Ave, Honolulu

Alan Wong’s- 1857 S. King Street, Honolulu

Rainbow Drive In- 3308 Kanaina Ave, Honolulu

Zippy’s- 24 locations on Oahu, one on Maui

Grace’s Inn- 2 locations in Honolulu

Island Snow Shave Ice- 130 Kailua Rd, Kailua

Chowder House- 1050 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu

Kua Aina Sandwich- 1200 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu

Sakura Restaurant- 41-1891 Kalanianaole Hwy, Waimanalo

Baskin Robbins- 1618 S. King Street, Honolulu

Koko Marina Paradise and Kokonuts Shave Ice- 7192 Kalanianoaole Hwy, Honolulu

Mariposa- 1450 Ala Moana Blvd

If you are coming to the beautiful Island of Kauai, please contact Garden Island Properties for affordable and clean vacation rentals. We offer condos, cottages and homes all over the island! Our website is www.kauaiproperties.com or come see us in Kapaa, right next to Kapaa Shore Resort.

Garden Island Properties, 4-928 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI 96746, 800-801-0378/808-822-4871, aloha@kauaiproperties.com

800-801-0378 toll free

808-822-4871 locally

Visit our website at www.kauaiproperties.com and email us at aloha@kauaiproperties.com

We are running the following specials on our vacation rentals:

Alii Kai Condo located in Princeville- a two bedroom condo with full kitchen and w/d! Just a short drive to the beach. $100/nt + taxes and fees

Hale Mahina Beach Home located in Haena- beautiful three bedroom custom home just steps to Haena beach! Starting at $1575/wk + taxes and fees

Pineapple House located in Wailua- three bedroom home just .25 miles from Wailua Bay! Private hot tub on the lanai. Starting at $150/nt + taxes and fees

Mention our Blog and we will waive the reservation fee!

Mahalo and we look forward to working with you!