It may be a small island, but plenty is happening in Kauai. Here's a sample of the latest news:
Princeville Ranch Adventures Opens New Tour
Princeville Ranch Adventures has introduced Ride N’ Glide, a new tour combining horseback riding and ziplining. The first tour of its kind in Hawaii, Ride N’ Glide begins with a horseback ride to enjoy the mountain and ocean vistas of the North Shore, followed by a bird’s-eye view of the area soaring on three ziplines. The tour concludes on horseback in the secluded valleys of Princeville Ranch. For information, visit www.adventureskauai.com.
Outfitters Kauai Creates New Stand-Up Paddle Boarding Tour
Outfitters Kauai has introduced a new tour that lets guests experience the hottest trend in water sports: stand-up paddle boarding. Led by experienced guides and outfitted with a state-of-the-art SURFTECH board, guests paddle along a tranquil tropical stream, while enjoying the spectacular scenery of the Haupu Mountains and Huleia National Wildlife Refuge. For information, visit www.outfitterskauai.com.
22 North Restaurant Opens at Kilohana Plantation
22 North, a new “farm-to-table” restaurant featuring freshly grown products from Kauai, has opened at Kilohana Plantation on the site formerly known as Gaylord’s. The restaurant’s interior has been completely refurbished, and we hear the new menu is focusing on fresh produce grown next door at the 60-acre Kilohana Farm and Orchards. For information, visit www.22northkauai.com.
New Weekly Kauai Culinary Market
Kukuiula Village has introduced Kauai Culinary Market, featuring live music, live cooking demonstrations, ocean views from the wine and beer garden, and locally grown produce and other foods. This special new Market is open every Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m. For information, visit www.kukuiulavillage.com/calendar.
Kauai Marriott Resort Completes $50 Million Renovation
Kauai Marriott Resort on Kalapaki Beach recently completed a nine-month, $50 million renovation. Among the highlights were a refurbishment of Kukui’s restaurant and Aupaka Terrace lobby lounge, a newly built children’s pool with a slide and water spout features, and an expanded porte cochere and improved main lobby. For information, visit www.kauaimarriott.com.
And looking ahead, here are some upcoming events on the Garden Island:
Eo E Emalani I Alakai Festival: October 9
This annual festival recreates the trek of Queen Emma to Kokee in 1871. Guests can enjoy Hawaiian music, hula, exhibits and Hawaiian craft making. Free to the public. For information, call 808-335-9975 or visit www.kokee.org.
Royal Paina 2010: October 23
Celebrate Kauai Historical Society’s 96th anniversary with this gala affair at Smith’s Tropical Paradise. It begins at 5:30 p.m. and is highlighted by a traditional Hawaiian luau with entertainment. For information, call 808-245-3373 or visit www.kauaihistoricalsociety.org.
Veterans Day Parade: November 6
Kauai honors its men and women who have served in America’s Armed Forces with its annual Veterans Day parade on Saturday, November 6. The parade winds through Kapaa Town and ends at Kapaa Ballpark for food, entertainment, special recognitions, and a viewing of military vehicles. For information, call 808-826-1469.
18th Annual Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival: November 14
Come hear the music of Hawaii’s renowned slack key guitar artists at the Hilton Kauai Beach Resort, while enjoying local foods and island crafts. The festival runs from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. For information, call 808-226-2697 or visit www.slackkeyfestival.com.
The Annual Festival Of Lights Parade: December 3
Bring the kids and watch the lighting of Christmas decorations at the historic Kauai County Building. This family-oriented celebration features entertainment, Christmas caroling, and a parade of floats through the heart of Lihue on Rice Street before concluding on the grounds of the Kauai County Building. The parade begins at 6:30 p.m. For information, call 808-241-4925.
Christmas Craft Fair At Kauai Museum: December 4-5
Enjoy the annual Christmas Craft Fair at Kauai Museum and help support the island’s artisans. The daylong event will feature delicious food, Hawaiian music, and hula performances and run from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. For information, call 808-245-6931.
Easter Seals Hawaii Gingerbread Festival: December 11
Easter Seals Hawaii on Kauai will be selling gingerbread houses for the annual Gingerbread Festival at Kukui Grove Shopping Center. Participants are invited to build a gingerbread house with family, friends and co-workers. Gingerbread Festival packages must be pre-ordered and can be reserved by calling 808-245-7141. All proceeds raised will benefit Easter Seals Hawaii for the Kauai Early Intervention Program.
Annual Boat Parade of Lights: December 12
Boats and vessels adorned with lights and decorations for the holidays will light up Nawiliwili Harbor and Kalapaki Bay for the Nawiliwili Yacht Club’s Annual Boat Parade of Lights. The boat parade sets sail at 6 p.m. and the public is invited to watch from the harbor area or jetty next to the U.S. Coast Guard’s Nawiliwili Moorings. For information, call 808-742-2512.
Waimea Town Parade: December 18
Waimea Town will decorate the streets to celebrate the fun and festivities of its annual parade, which starts at 6:00 p.m. Come early and enjoy refreshments and stay afterwards for entertainment following the parade. For information, call 808-338-9957.
New Year’s Eve Celebration: December 31
Celebrate the end of 2010 and welcome the New Year by enjoying an evening fireworks show at Poipu Beach Park. The fireworks show is free and open to the public. For information, visit www.poipu-beach.org.
