Kauai Properties Blog » Things to do

THINGS TO DO IN KAUAI

admin — Fri, 07 May 2010 04:15:40 +0000

Looking for things to do in Kauai? Kauai boasts a relaxing, peaceful atmosphere that locals and visitors agree is unlike anywhere else. It’s the perfect vacation destination for a romantic honeymoon, or an intimate getaway you’ll never forget. In fact, Kauai was voted the friendliest island on a Conde Nast Readers’ Choice Awards survey, and most people who visit Kauai love it so much that they return again and again. And if you need Kauai vacation rentals, no problem — just contact us.

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!

Putting Kaua’i on the Map

admin — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 01:48:18 +0000

Putting Kaua‘i ‘on the map’

Makana Mountain, pictured in this undated photo, is one of Kaua‘i’s main tourist attractions. Visitors recently nominated Kaua‘i as “Hawai‘i’s Best Island,” as part of a 2009 World’s Best Awards in Travel and Leisure magazine. Photo contributed by Kicka Witte

By Coco Zickos – The Garden Island

Published: Saturday, July 11, 2009 8:48 PM HST

LIHU‘E — As visitor arrivals dip and spending sags, Sue Kanoho, executive director of the Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau, says glimmers of hope for businesses on the island still shine, as this week Canadian airline WestJet added Lihu‘e to its list of destinations and Travel + Leisure magazine honored Kaua‘i as “Hawai‘i’s Best Island.”

“Our main market is California,” said Gov. Linda Lingle, Thursday, at the Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce luncheon. “California is an economic basketcase; they are not going to recover any time soon.”

Lingle described the WestJet announcement as “good news” for the island and said “everything we can do, we have to,” as recovery from declining Japanese and California visitors will take time.

“I don’t think Canadians have been immune to economic challenges, but they certainly haven’t had as tough a time as some areas in the U.S.,” Kanoho said. “In the long run, the Canadian market is strong, like the Japanese market.”

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. said in a press release that he is “thrilled” WestJet gave Kaua‘i their “vote of confidence.”

He said he is also thankful to KVB, visitor industry businesses and residents for the hospitality that helped readers of Travel + Leisure select the island as the best in Hawai‘i.

“This award pays tribute to what is truly special about Kaua‘i — the beauty of our island, which is matched by the beauty of our people and the aloha we share,” Carvalho said. “Nowhere on earth can you go and experience the magic of Kaua‘i.”

The island was rated based upon natural attractions, activities and sights, restaurants and food, people and value.

“What makes the honor of being named ‘Hawai‘i’s Best Island’ is the acknowledgment that Kaua‘i’s incredible beauty and diversity of activities matches the demands of Travel + Leisure’s discerning readers seeking a memorable vacation,” Kanoho said in a press release Friday.

This marks the fourth time in seven years that Kaua‘i has earned the title, finishing on top in 2003, 2004 and 2006, according to KVB.

Next on the agenda for promoting island tourism, Kanoho said, is a “road show” in October which will include Vancouver, to help promote WestJet’s new round-trip service.

“We’re a third of the way in and almost half-way through the things we needed to get going,” she said with reference to the county’s $1 million Visitor Industry Stimulus Plan.

The plan, according to a press release, aims to “attract visitors to Kaua’i and keep the visitor industry and related businesses viable during these tough economic times.”

Projects that have already taken place include promotions with wholesalers and online travel companies such as Expedia, Travelocity and Orbitz.

Officials say the Visitor Stimulus Plan will generate approximately $20.1 million in visitor spending on hotels, condos, car rentals, activities, restaurants, retail outlets, and related businesses over the next year, according to a KVB press release.

“We’re working on kama‘aina deals now as we speak and they are almost ready for the rest of the year,” Kanoho said, regarding plans to promote Inter-Island travel.

“We’ve been very fortunate between Hanalei being the No. 1 beach and now this, it gives the reassurance we are plateauing and are starting to go on the uptick and using the opportunities to bolster the economy,” Kanoho said.

Though Canadian visitor arrivals for Kaua‘i fell by 26.9 percent in May, WestJet felt that “having all islands represented would send a stronger message,” Kanoho said, and announced Wednesday that it would begin twice weekly flight service Dec. 16.

On the other hand, more Canadians are reportedly staying exclusively on Kaua‘i compared to May 2008, and their length of stay is 17.6 percent longer, according to the state tourism office.

University of Hawaii Football Schedule 2009

admin — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 23:58:07 +0000

For all you Football Fans!

DATE OPPONENT LOCATION TIME

· Fri., 9/4 Central Arkansas Aloha Stadium 7:05 p.m.

· Sat., 9/12 @ Washington State Seattle, Wash. TBA

· Sat., 9/19 @ UNLV Las Vegas, Nev. 6:00 p.m. PT

· Wed., 9/30* @ Louisiana Tech Ruston, La. 7:05 p.m. CT (ESPN2)

· Sat., 10/10* Fresno State Aloha Stadium 6:05 p.m.

· Sat., 10/17* @ Idaho Moscow, Idaho 2:00 p.m. MT

· Sat., 10/24* Boise State Aloha Stadium 6:05 p.m.

· Sat., 10/31* @ Nevada Reno, Nev. 1:05 p.m. PT

· Sat., 11/7* Utah State (Homecoming) Aloha Stadium 6:05 p.m.

· Sat., 11/14* New Mexico State Aloha Stadium 6:05 p.m.

· Sat., 11/21* @ San Jose State San Jose, Calif. 5:00 p.m. PT

· Sat., 11/28 Navy (Military Night) Aloha Stadium 6:05 p.m.

· Sat., 12/5 Wisconsin Aloha Stadium TBA (ESPN or ESPN2)

*denotes a Western Athletic Conference contest

New Festival to stimulate economy

admin — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 22:08:49 +0000

The Garden Island

Musician turned businesswoman Ilima Rivera aims to use her multiple talents to help stimulate the local economy thiis summer by organizing a two day cultural festival next month at Kukui Grove Center.

Kauai Kau Wela will include Hawaiian and Tahitian crafts and dance competitions, which she said will likely attract both kamaaina and visitors.

“With the way the economy is on Kauai, I decided to start the 1st Annual Kauai Kau Wela Festival” she said, claiming it was something she actually dreamed of doing long ago. “It only helps Kauai grow and will draw more people to the island.”

The 1st Annual Kauai Kau Wela Festival will be held July 10, from 12:30 pm to 8:30pm and July 11 from 10am to 4:30pm.

To register for a booth or to participate in the dance competition, call Rivera at 822-5929. Deadline for applications is July 1.

Magazine gives Lumahai top rating

admin — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 01:23:27 +0000

Birmingham, Ala.

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.

North Shore Beach ranked No. 1 in nation

admin — Sat, 30 May 2009 01:41:13 +0000

The Garden Island

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!

Stand-up paddleboarding boosts Kauai economy

admin — Wed, 27 May 2009 01:30:33 +0000

Coco Zickos

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!

Na Lei Hiwahiwa ‘Elua Concert

admin — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 23:42:27 +0000

Na Lei Hiwahiwa Elua

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

Kauai Museum’s 29th Annual Lei Contest and May Day Celebration!!!

admin — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 23:35:22 +0000

Kauai Museums 29th Annual Lei Contest and May Day Celebration

11am-30 , Saturday, May 2, 2009

at the Kauai Museum 4428 Rice Street in Lihue, Free and open to the Public!

Schedule of Events

10:30am Lei making tents and demonstrations, free entertainment and food booths on the lawn of the museum.

11am Keiki Hawaiian Court ope ing ceremony, the 20th annual let contest museum soors open, lei viewing and lei auction sign up until 3pm

1pm Awards Ceremony

3pm Lei Auction ends/ Lei Pick Up

3:30pm Live Auctino of Remaining Lei

Lei Entrants- contest forms and rules available at www.kauaimuseum.org or at the front desk. Lei entries accepted7-8:30am on Front Porch. Maya Day celebration sponsored in part by the Hawaii Tourism Authority and County of Kauai

Prince Golf Course named “greatest”

admin — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 01:38:33 +0000

The Prince Golf Course at Princeville is once again the only Hawaii golf course to be included on Golf Digest’s list of “America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses.” The 2009-2010 list, considered to be one of the most prestigious rankings in the golf world, was released this month with the Prince Course in the 67 spot.

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