Kauai Properties Blog

E Kanikapila Kakou!

admin — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:13:06 +0000

Every year “snowbirds” come to visit Kaua`i and plan their stay during the “E Kanikapila Kakou” series of Hawaiian music concerts. This is a 12 week program where you can learn a song with your guitar or ukulele and also learn a hula from a “kumu” or teacher of hula dancing.

This years performers include: Brother Nolan, Kaukahi, Sister Robi, Troy Lazaro and friends and more. The final performance is on March 7th featuring Nathan Aweau and Jeff Peterson. The opening performance is on January 29th featuring Dennis Kamakahi & Stephen Inglis. Tickets for this performance only is $20 in advance, $30 at the door. All other performances are by donation only.

For more information about this wonderful program visit

http://www.kauaifestivals.com/festivals/e_kanikapila_kakou_2012_legacy_of_hawaiian_music.html

Support Hawaiin music, culture and the hula! Hope to see you there!

Fun Festivities in Kauai

admin — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 21:54:17 +0000

If you’re looking to add extra excitement to your next Kauai vacation, check out these fun experiences that await you at this fine Hawaiian island!

Kalo Festival — Dec. 9, 10, 11

The Kalo Festival is back to celebrate everything kalo! Saturday Ho`olaule`a will feature hands-on workshops, educational presentations, biggest kalo contest, a cooking compeition, lo`i tours, and a keiki kalo art contest. Entertainment will include live music and presentations throughout the day. Get more info about the Kalo Festival.

Kauai Christmas Hula Concert — Dec. 18

Kumu Hula Leilani Rivera Low and Halau Hula o Leilani invite everyone to celebrate the holidays Hawaiian style with lovely music, hula, Maori and Tahitian dances. Watch more than 75 keiki and adult dancers dressed in colorful costumes and lei dance to lively Hawaiian Christmas songs and vibrant Tahitian drums. Learn more about the Kauai Christmas Hula Concert.

Waimea Christmas Parade — Dec. 19

Waimea Town gets decked-out with festive cheer! Join the annual parade, which starts at 6:00 p.m. Come early to enjoy the refreshments and entertainment. After parade festivities include live, on-stage free music at Hofgaard Park, with free beverages, baked goods and tasty treats. Get more details about the Waimea Christmas Parade.

Fireworks at Poipu Beach — Dec. 31

Time to bring in the New Year! Enjoy an aerial fireworks display in the early evening at Poipu Beach Park. The event is free, and promises to be a fun Kauai night! For more information, visit the Poipu Beach website.

Of course, if you require Kauai vacation rentals, feel free to contact us!

Recalling Hawaii — A Night to Remember

admin — Wed, 25 May 2011 22:46:12 +0000

Sue Maruyama-Strickland, far right, and her hula sisters.

Recalling Hawaii, presented in Germany and Switzerland in 2010 under the creative direction of Roselle Keliihonipua Bailey, is set to hit the stage on May 28 at KCC Performing Arts Center. It promises to be a magical night, and will feature our very own Sue Maruyama-Strickland.

The program is being presented by Ka `Imi Na`auao O Hawai`i Nei Institute, which was established in 1976 by Kumu Hula Roselle Keli`ihonipua Bailey of Maui, “to search for the truth of the Hawaiian culture; to restore the Hawaiian culture to its original dignity; to educate the populace for its understanding, enjoyment and appreciation of the medicine, art, language, crafts, philosophy and religion of the Hawaiian people…”

Born and raised in Honolulu, Sue started dancing shortly after moving to Kauai in 1974. While taking breaks to raise three children, she returned to her love of hula with her oldest daughter Kanani who started dancing at age 4 under the tutelage of Puamohala Kaholokula. Both Sue and Puamohala are former students of Roselle.

While Sue keeps busy helping people find the right Kauai vacation rentals, she always makes time for enlightening celebrations. She stated: “It’s a lot of fun learning and appreciating the Hawaiian culture!”

Join Sue, her family and others at Recalling Hawaii!

Tips for your Kaua`i vacation-what to pack, local customs,etc.

admin — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 01:30:14 +0000

Planning a trip to Kaua`i? What to pack for your trip to Hawaii?

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!

Johnny Depp is coming to Kaua`i

admin — Thu, 13 May 2010 22:20:09 +0000

Filming will begin this summer for upcoming Johnny Depp movie. This should certainly help our Kaua`i economy as they shop at our stores, restaurants and stay in our hotels and vacation rentals. Some of us will even get a shot in the movie itself or be employed doing other things related to filming! Go Kaua`i! Many of the movie workers from the mainland get a per diem and will want to move out of their hotel room and stay in a vacation rental instead, where they can cook their own meals and have a bit more space. Check out www.kauaiproperties for affordable condos, homes and beach cottages. They’d be happy to assist you!

2010 Upcoming Friends of the Childrens Justice Center of Kaua`i Fundraiser

admin — Thu, 13 May 2010 22:07:50 +0000

aloha! The Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of Kaua`i is planning their 4th Annual “Treasure our Children” Fundraiser. It will be held at the Kaua`i Lagoons Tennis Court on Friday, August 6th. Enjoy the onolicious heavy pupus, Hawaiian music and great Silent Auction! Tickets will be $35 w/no host bar. This is an adult only event. Call Sue Strickland at 651-4694 for tickets or info. Our non-profit Kaua`i Agency assists with children on Kaua`i who have been physically or sexually abused or witness to abuse. Please kokua (help). Silent Auction items and manpower is needed. Mahalo for assisting in a good cause!

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!

:Kauai Marathon coming soon!

admin — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:24:35 +0000

Soon there will be 1,500+ runners registered for the Kaua`i Marathon according to the latest Garden Island news release. (July 17, 2009.) The Martathon will be held on September 6th at 6am directly in front of the Po`ipu Shopping Village. Jeff Sacchini is the found and co-race director and is very happy with the warm reception he has been receiving about the Kaua`i Marathon! You can either sign up for the full or half marathon. If you’re coming to Kaua`i and need accomodations, please visit www.kauaiproperties.com Nearby Poipu vacation rentals available include: Brenneckes Cottage, Poipu Makai and Makahuena.

Further information about the Kauai Marthon 2009 can be found at www.thekauaimarthon.com

Please support this great event!

“good deals”for car rentals on Kaua`i..and last minute bookings on Kaua`i!!

admin — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 01:55:27 +0000

aloha! Just received a call from one of my clients who always scouts for a good deal on car rentals for Kaua`i…he said go to www.priceline.com He booked a car for $17 per day in October!! And don’t forget to call Garden Island Properties on Kaua`i…..we will give you the best Kaua`i vacation rental price for your stay in a home, condo or cottage! Mention this blog and we’ll even WAIVE the reservation fee! aloha from beautiful Kaua`i……..

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.