Posts filed under 'Kauai'
There'll be one less fireworks show when America celebrates her birthday this July 4th, and it's all thanks to those darn budget cuts. Kaua‘i's Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) canceled its annual tradition but hopes to bring it back next year.
We already told you about both the Kane‘ohe Bayfest and Kailua fireworks show fizzling out of the holiday festivities. Even Pearl Harbor had to say "nay" to their traditional show in the skies.
Not surprisingly, each Fourth of July event in the islands will draw thousands of people every summer. Last year, more than 10,000 people attended the PMRF show, according to The Garden Isle. I was among the crowd on the beach. We showed up early to get a spot and enjoyed the free entertainment and local grinds. The best part of this Kaua‘i event was that it was one of the only days that the public was allowed access to PMRF.
Those with Department of Defense ID cards may attend the Navy's July 3 observance at Barking Sands; it'll be a picnic-style event for DOD employees and families. This time, it will be during the daytime and end at 5 p.m., featuring the Pacific Fleet Band and the Air Force Band of the Pacific.
Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87
Published by Bruce Fisher
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
May 23rd, 2013
Why give your mother a bouquet when you can give her an entire garden?
Every Mother’s Day, Kaua‘i’s Allerton Garden invites families to enjoy this special day for free. The botanical garden is home to thousands of exotic plants from around the world, complete with water fountains, waterfalls and stunning statuary. Moms will especially like the Italian bronze mermaid statues that lounging poolside.
Located in the depths of Lawa‘i Valley, this garden is beyond amazing. Its outdoor garden rooms and pathways are among the most notable horticultural features. Robert Allerton and his adopted son combined their talents as a skillful artist and architect, respectively, to create this unique garden concept.
Even Hawaiian Queen Emma once walked the grounds of this garden estate. She planted the colorful wall of bougainvillea you see today. Sadly, the only reason for her stay at the garden was to mourn the loss of her husband and son.
This Mother’s Day, take a stroll through this magical garden with the mother in your life. It’s more than a bouquet of flowers could ever do!
ALLERTON GARDEN / 4425 Lawai Rd., Koloa, HI 96756 (Map) / Opens Mon-Sun 830am-430pm / 808-742-2623
Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87
Published by Bruce Fisher
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
May 12th, 2013
When visiting Hawai‘i, you’ll find some of the most breathtakingly-beautiful beaches in the world. But just because they’re beautiful doesn’t mean they’re safe. Kaua‘i, in particular, has had an alarmingly high number of drownings, which is why it’s best to head to lifeguarded beaches.
Here’s a list of Kaua‘i beaches with lifeguards on duty during the day. You should always check with them before jumping in, to make that sure it’s safe.
NORTH SHORE
Hanalei Bay & Pine Trees (Hanalei Bay)
About two miles of white sand beach best define this North Shore spot. It is located between Hanalei River and Waipa River and great for swimming and surfing.
Ke‘e Beach Park
During the summer months, when the ocean is calm, this beach is popular for snorkeling and swimming. Look for the butterflyfish, goatfish and surgeonfish while exploring these waters.
SOUTH & WEST SHORE
Poipu Beach Park
Thanks to a small boulder breakwater, there’s a protected swimming area in front of this beach park. At low tide, a sandbar is exposed, with a gently sloping ocean bottom.
Salt Pond Beach Park
Tucked between rocky points, a pocket of sand makes up this beach. It creates a natural large saltwater pool that has constant circulation. A perfect place for children.
EAST SHORE
Lydgate Pond
Located near the mouth of Wailua River, Lydgate is one of the most popular beach parks on the island. Swimmers, surfers, divers and beachcombers frequent this spot, and on south-wind days, it’s great for sailing.
Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87
Published by Bruce Fisher
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
May 5th, 2013
Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg “likes” several Kaua‘i businesses, giving his unofficial stamp of approval while on vacation with his wife.
The couple has been spotted strolling through Hanalei, according to several national websites. One of their first stops included the world-famous Kaua‘i burger joint Bubba Burger Hanalei. The business serves up more than burgers and fries but a piece of Kaua‘i’s history as well. Bubba’s has been in Hanalei since the 1930s.
I love that while there’s no doubt this power couple can afford fancy dining and luxurious resorts, they choose to vacation low-key instead. National websites show the couple eating burgers with friends under a shaded picnic table. They stroll through the town in shorts and sandals before heading to a beach house also in Hanalei.
Another photo shows the couple in front of the famed Shave Ice Paradise, which is yet another popular Hanalei business. In addition to the refreshingly tasty shave ice, they serve mac nut milkshakes and fruit smoothies.
It appears that celebs and other notable figures love to eat shave ice when in Hawai‘i. Take President Barack Obama, for intense; he’s been seen indulging in shave ice at Kokonuts in Koko Marina Center and Island Snow in Kailua. Who could blame them? There’s nothing more refreshing than a scoop of flavored shave ice. Well, except for maybe the ocean.
Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87
Published by Bruce Fisher
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
April 29th, 2013
Have you tried Monkeypod Jam yet?
It’s a brand of savory artisan marmalades made with fresh, local ingredients. People swear by it – on toast, in Greek yogurt or by itself. The thing is, you can only get it on Kaua‘i; otherwise, it’s available online, and I’m pretty sure there’s a charge for shipping.
Plus, ordering online means you don’t get to meet the wonderful woman who started the company a few years ago. Aletha Thomas, a middle school teacher, made the most out of her “Furlough Fridays” by making these fruitful creations. This temporary stint in the public school system placed teachers on furlough several Fridays of the school year.
Aletha created fruit jams, jellies and marmalades during this extra free time. The unique part was that she gathered ingredients from local farmers and vendors at farmers markets to give her product a truly authentic Kauaian taste. The name comes from the non-native monkeypod trees that are widespread throughout the state.
Today, you can choose from more than 50 seasonal preserves. They’re available at the weekly Kaua‘i Culinary Market held every Wednesday at The Shops at Kuku‘iula. Monkeypod Jams are also for sale at various local Kaua‘i stores, including The Aloha Spice Shop in Hanapēpē and Living Foods Market in Po‘ipu. It’s about $10 a jar with flavors like Tahitian Lime Curd and Banana Foster Jam.
MONKEYPOD JAM / Kaua‘i-made marmalade, jam, jellies and curds / Available at the Kuku‘iula farmers market, various Kaua‘i shops and online (www.monkeypodjam.com)
Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87
Published by Bruce Fisher
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
April 27th, 2013
Hawai‘i farmers markets have been getting comfy at local community colleges. So far, we've got one set up at the Maui Community College, Kapi‘olani Community College and on the Garden Isle's Kaua‘i Community College.
The Kaua‘i market is not as big as the Kapi‘olani market but definitely on its way. It features the usual fresh fruit, like lychee, papaya and apple bananas, as well as the more ethnic dishes like homemade kimchee. This spicy dish is actually among the first to sell out every market, so get it while it's "hot."
My all-time best find would have to be the taro hummus. It's a tasty blend of Hawai‘i and Middle Eastern cuisine that goes great with the fresh-cut veggies or chips that the market also sells. A company called Hanalei Taro & Juice Co. is the mastermind behind the creation. They also sell this hybrid dish of kalo (taro) and chickpeas at the O‘ahu community college market. So ono (delicious)! In addition, the taro and juice company makes fresh Hawaiian plate lunches, fresh-squeezed juices from the farm and KULOLO! Ahh, I have been meaning to do a separate post of this scrumptious Hawaiian delight. More to come on that.
The Kaua‘i market happens every Saturday morning (9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.), rain or shine. It's also very close to the Līhue airport, which is why many visitors make this market their first stop. If you're looking to learn more about the "farm to fork" concept, then there are many food demos, as well as tours of KCC's organic garden.
KAUAI COMMUNITY MARKET / Kaua‘i Community College, 3-1901 Kaumuali‘i Hwy., Lihue, HI 96766 (Map) / 808-337-9944 / www.kauaicommunitymarket.org / Free parking adjacent parking lot
Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87
Published by Bruce Fisher
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
April 25th, 2013
Hopefully we'll be seeing more of these beach safety displays along Kaua‘i's shorelines. The Marriott's Waiohai Beach Club has one fronting its property on the south side of the island.
The display board is meant to inform beach-goers of possible dangers, including safety tips and advice should a swimmer get caught in a rip current. The bright orange arrows show the direction of possible rips, which could likely suck someone out to sea. I don't think these should replace lifeguards. Instead, the signs should just be looked at for guidance.
According to a Garden Isle report, two beach safety displays will also be installed at Kalapaki Beach. Every day, tourists crowd this popular Līhue hang out for kayaking, snorkeling or just lounging on the shore. There's a definite need for ocean and beach safety education at this particular spot.
We can thank the wonderful efforts put forth by island first responders, community groups and hotel management. In addition to the signs, they're also responsible for the ocean safety video that play at Kaua‘i's airport. They've taken action from the very beginning to spread knowledge and awareness to our visitors. Mahalo to them for their hard work and persistence.
Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87
Published by Bruce Fisher
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
April 23rd, 2013
We told you about the best gifts to bring back from O‘ahu; now, check out these tasty and fragrant must-haves from Kaua‘i.
The two essential M's: Manju and Mochi
For the best local treats in town, head to Menehune Food Mart. It's the tiny convenience store in Lawai (and Kekaha) that boasts more than most may realize.
I live by the peanut butter mochi and sweet potato manju. They're the perfect snacks for lounging by the pool or road tripping around the island. Both snacks come packed in air-tight trays that are easy to fit in a carry-on, so you can enjoy the flavors of Hawai‘i back home, too.
Be sure to get to the mart early because the manju and mochi sell out really quick. Otherwise, pre-order, like I do, and you are guaranteed a box of sweet and savories from the Garden Isle.
MENEHUNE FOOD MART / 2-3687 Kaumuali‘i Hwy., Lawai, HI 96741 (Map) / Opens Mon-Sun 6am-8pm / 808-332-8641
Kookie Kraze
Kauai Kookies are so popular that they're now sold all over the Hawaiian Islands. However, it's at the original warehouse in historic Hanapēpē that you'll get flavors not found anywhere else. Among the most popular are the banzai cookies (furikake and wasabi) and rocky road variations.
The warehouse employees are used to the swarms of visitors, who frequent the store almost every day. Not only do they offer free samples of any flavor of cookie or candy, but the employees also pack purchases for those long plane rides. They'll box it up in no time.
KAUAI KOOKIE FACTORY / 1-3529 Kaumuali‘i Hwy., Hanapepe, HI 96716 (Map) / To place a phone order, 808-335-5003; for online orders, www.kauaikookie.com
For the body and soul
Much like Kauai Kookies, Island Soap & Candle Works is a company that sells products all over the islands. But if you want to find the newest stuff, visit their shops on Kaua‘i. They're always mixing and mingling the island's finest ingredients to make handmade soaps, candles, massage oils and skincare products.
The company also boasts a "Kaua‘i Made" label, meaning, the Island Soap & Candle Works has passed all requirements to be considered a business that's exclusive to the Garden Isle. There's definitely something to those local ingredients because many customers swear by their products. One lady wrote on the company website that the Hawaiian botanical lotion helped clear up her rosacea, a skin disease that can become quite severe.
Because of the three-ounce liquid policy at airports, it's best to pack your lotions and oils in a suitcase. I'd suggest taping the cap and keeping the products in a ziplock to avoid spilling into your luggage.
ISLAND SOAP & CANDLE WORKS (North Shore, Kaua‘i) / Kong Lung Center on Kilauea Rd. on the way to the lighthouse / Opens daily 9am-8pm / 808-828-1955
ISLAND SOAP & CANDLE WORKS (North Shore, Kaua‘i) / Princeville Shopping Center / Opens daily 10am-6pm / 808-827-8111
ISLAND SOAP & CANDLE WORKS (South Shore, Kaua‘i) / Old Koloa Town Shopping Center / Opens daily 9am-9pm / 808-742-1945
Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87
Published by Bruce Fisher
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
April 18th, 2013
Menehune Food Mart may not look like much from the outside. The greyish-blue shop sits discreetly alongside Kaua‘i's main road and has a subtle tinge of red dirt covering its faded exterior. The words MENEHUNE FOOD MART stretch across the front in plain red lettering. Typical laid-back, low-key Kaua‘i style.
Driving by, most would mistaken the mart for just another 7-11 convenience store. After all, it does sell the usual convenience store stuff, like chips and sodas. But it's the freshly-baked goodies that really set Menehune Mart a part from the rest. Manju, mochi and malasadas sell out almost as quickly as they're made. The bentos are quite the hit, too. These grab-and-go style lunches fit in well at any beach picnic.
To be honest, I had no idea the mart sold all these awesome treats; until recently, that is. We would drive past it almost every day while vacationing on the Garden Isle. A last-minute stop for lunch was the reason for this recent revelation. Now, we make sure to go here at least every other day. (Manju goes great with my mocha latte from Kalaheo Coffee.) I've also started pre-ordering manju and mochi to take back to my family on O‘ahu. They love me for it.
The best part about Menehune Mart's manju selection is that there are lots of flavors. But my all-time favorites will always be the azuki bean and sweet potato flavors. I keep meaning to try the coconut one, but every time I go in, they're already sold out of that flavor! It must be good.
Almost forgot to mention the peanut butter mochi. They are melt-in-your-mouth deadly.
If you're dying to try an authentic manju (and not those oil-soaked stale ones sold at drug stores), then go to the Menehune Food Mart. You'll not only be breaking in your taste buds to a true Kaua‘i-style treat, but you'll be supporting a local business that has become a mainstay in the islands for decades. Mahalo, for that!
MENEHUNE FOOD MART / 2-3687 Kaumuali‘i Hwy., Lawai, HI 96741 (Map) / Opens Mon-Sun 6am-8pm / 808-332-8641
Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87
Published by Bruce Fisher
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
April 15th, 2013
For Kaua‘i's ocean safety community, one life lost is one too many. And at the start of 2013, there were many lost due to drownings. That's why the island's team of first responders – including lifeguards and fire fighters – have stepped in to provide awareness through education.
The Water Awareness Visitor Education (WAVE) program was established with this sole purpose. It will be a commonly-seen acronym for those visiting the island. In fact, it's one of the first things seen upon landing. WAVE put together the ocean safety video playing at the Lihue Airport's baggage claim area. It will hopefully also be playing in hotel rooms.
Speaking of hotels, it's the very place that visitors rely on for information. Hence, the team has been making its rounds in training hotel staff on how to best inform guests about ocean dangers. It's the most efficient way of getting to the source of visitor awareness. So far, more than 1,200 residents and 100 businesses have participated in training and education, according to WAVE's website.
In further driving awareness through the community, WAVE developed educational materials, such as the Kaua‘i Ocean Report (www.kauaiexplorer.com/ocean_report/). It's a daily report of the surf and ocean conditions that's also easy to read. If you remember anything when visiting the islands, remember what's written at the very top of the report's website: "WHEN IN DOUBT DON'T GO OUT!"
I applaud the effort and hard work put forth by the Kaua‘i community in building better ocean awareness. The WAVE program and initiatives are, by far, the most advanced in Hawai‘i and truly a model of excellence for other islands to follow. It's a kakou thing, so let's all try our best to spread ocean safety with others.
WATER AWARENESS VISITOR EDUCATION (WAVE) / Program that educates visitors and residents on water safety for the goal of saving lives / www.kauailifeguards.org/ohana/wave_project.aspx
Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87
Published by Bruce Fisher
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
April 12th, 2013
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