Travel Agent will be meeting with several representatives of Kauai's Tourism Board this week. As a preview, here are just a few new developments on the Garden Isle.
Kauai Museum Presents the Hawaiian Pā‘ina Every First Friday and Storytelling
The Kauai Museum will present its new Hawaiian Pā‘ina every first Friday of the month from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Visitors and residents can listen to live Hawaiian music in the newly renovated courtyard along while trying the cuisine of of Kauai Chef Mark Oyama. The Hawaiian Pā‘ina is the perfect complement to the Historic Walking Tour of Līhue that also takes place on the first Friday of the month at 10:00 a.m. This spring, the museum will also introduce storytelling events for all ages, from children’s authors for the keiki (children) to traditional Hawaiian lore as told by kupuna (elders).
Other new activities offered include a hands-on cultural experiences where visitors can paint with local artists, learn the art of Hawaiian lei-making, and participate in Hawaiian ceremonies.
Kauai's East Side Resorts Unite
A group of nine dedicated property managers on Kauai’s east side have collaborated to formally organize as the Royal Coconut Coast Association. The new non-profit association was established to broaden awareness about the destination appeal of the Wailua to Kapa‘a corridor, known for its acres of royal palm trees. The association will promote the area’s convenient location, activities and moderate lodging rates as key attractions to travelers.
New VIP Ranch Movie Tour
The St. Regis Princeville has partnered with Kipu Kai Ranch to create a VIP movie tour, which offers a rare glimpse at some of Kauai’s movie locations. Developed exclusively for St. Regis Princeville guests, the tour is offered on the Kipu Ranch, a working cattle ranch once owned by Hawaiian royalty. Tours include visiting the most scenic areas of the 3,000 acres of Kipu Ranch. Families are taken on a Kawasaki 750 Teryx-4 vehicle.
New App Showcases Kauai’s Beaches
A new iPhone app, the Kauai Beach Guide, is making it easy for anyone to find their perfect beach on the Garden Isle. The app provides a wealth of information on Kauai’s beaches, including location, activities, safety, and facilities offered, as well as color-coded designations as to a beach’s safety level. Other tools include a fully interactive GPS-enabled map, detailed beach information, area history, ocean and weather reports, along with information on water safety, child-friendly beaches, marine life, and how to “go green” while staying on Kauai. The Kauai Beach Guide is available on iTunes for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch, or by visiting www.beachtoolz.com.
Alaska Airlines Launching San Diego – Līhue Service
Alaska Airlines is launching nonstop service between San Diego, California, and Kaua‘i in 2013. The new nonstop route will begin on June 7 and will be introduced as a daily flight during peak travel months until August 24. The flight will then operate four times weekly.
The Cliffs at Princeville Completes $5 Million Renovation
The Cliffs at Princeville has completed a $5 million property makeover, including the installation of new hardwood floors, custom-made Polynesian furniture, new Hawaiian artwork, new recreation room, waterfall-fed pools, and a keiki playground. The Cliffs at Princeville will host its first-ever Winemakers Dinner and Private Wine Tasting on May 31 and June 1, featuring Jon Phillips, owner and winemaker of Inspiration Vineyards from the Russian River area of California.
Beach House Restaurant Completes Renovation
The popular Poipū restaurant, the Beach House, recently completed a $500,000 renovation. Along with interior accents and upgrades to the décor and furniture, the bar and kitchen areas were also renovated to create improvements in efficiency and to maximize space. The entire restaurant renovation was heavily focused around energy efficiency.
Outfitters Kauai Introduces New Tandem Ziplines
Outfitters Kauai will add three new tandem ziplines this fall. The new lines will pass over three separate waterfalls on the Kipu Ranch and will range in length between 800 feet and 1,200 feet. The lines will also incorporate Outfitters Kauai’s existing zipline course.