Surfing

As you know, I’ve termed this month April Awareness month in honor of water safety. I want all visitors to our island to stay safe, avoid dangers, and have a wonderful time. And since so many people acquaint Hawaii with surfing, I think the first water safety blog I write should be about surfing safety.

On the news in February, you probably heard about the surfer who died while surfing a large wave in Hanalei Bay. That’s right in my backyard, so it was especially shocking for me. And while I don’t normally write about death on this blog, I feel this man’s accident is an especially good example of why we should always be cautious in the water.

The man who died was Richard Proczka, a resident of Kilauea! In other words, he was from here, had been in the ocean a million times before, and was a good surfer. But when a high surf warning was announced on the North Shore, he ran toward the water instead of away from it. Now, many great surfers tend to do this, as bigger waves mean bigger surfing awesomeness. But bigger waves also mean danger, especially for those who are newer to surfing.

Large breaking surf is hazardous because it can create dangerous rip currents and undertow. You know that feeling that you get under your feet when a small wave crashes on shore and the water is sucked back out to sea? Well, that’s undertow. Now times that by a million and you have the affect that is caused after a large wave hits the shore. And rip currents are strong currents that not even the best swimmer in the world can fight. They will drag you out into deep water, and there is nothing you can do except stay calm, go with the flow, and wait for help. Even expert surfers are at the mercy of such a great force of nature, as was proven by Mr. Proczka.

So how can you surf and stay safe at the same time. Well, first of all, DO NOT go surfing while a high surf warning is in affect. How will you know when a warning is in affect? Well, there is a website (found here) called Kauai Explorer. You can check there for up-to-date info about the water conditions on the island. This site is up-kept by lifeguards, so the information is good and should be followed.

And speaking of lifeguards, if you want to go surfing, make sure you do so on a beach with a guard tower. Surfing in secluded areas and exclusive beaches might sound fun and romantic, but it’s just plain dangerous. You need the protection of someone who is trained in water rescue, even if you never have to use his or her expertise.

Another good idea is to NEVER surf alone. Find some friends who want to go with you or join a class or surfing club. This is Kauai, after all, and we have quite a few surfers around. I’m sure you’ll never hurt for lack of company.

To book Kauai Activities at a big discount or for more information on fun things to see and do on Kauai please call toll free 1-877-742-7893

So Much More

Okay, there is so much more to do before the Prince Kuhio Day celebration ends. But I don’t have enough time to blog about all of it. ☹ (Sometimes it’s hard when the rest of my life interferes with my blogging.)

SO… I’ve decided to give you a brief overview of everything else you can do during this month. Hopefully, you will see something you’re interested in and you can contact the venue for more information. Okay, are you ready to quickly learn about your options? Good!

Cultural Demonstrations (FREE) – Did you miss the crafting sessions and cultural lessons last Friday? Well, good news! There will be more sessions today (March 24) from 9:30am to 3pm. Plus, in addition to the previous lesson choices, you can take ancient hula lessons at 10am! Awesome, right? For more information, contact Stella Burgess at 808-240-6369.

Talk Story (FREE) – A talk story (if you haven’t read this blog before) is an oral account of Hawaiian history. And at this Talk Story, you will have the opportunity to listen to our eastside kupuna tell the histories of Kauai. This is also a great chance to ask questions about Kauai and a good chance to get your children some extra credit in their history classes. The talk story is Thursday (March 28th) at 10am. For more information, call 808-632-8202 and talk to the front desk. (This Talk Story will take place at Kauai Lagoons in Lihue.)

Birthday Party – You knew that was coming, right? ;-) Okay, so this party will take place at Smith’s Tropical Paradise in Wailua on Friday (March 29). From 5-6pm, the life of Prince Kuhio will be showcased, pictures will be shown, and history will be given. Then at 6pm, there will be an abundance of food! So come hungry and bring your wallets, because this will cost money. You can call Smith’s or check their website for more information.

Another Birthday Party (FREE) – This will be a town-wide celebration in Anahola on Saturday (March 30) and will take place mostly at Anahola Beach Park from 11am to 5pm. There will be stories, dancing, art, games, crafts, food, and more. For more information, call 808-639-1754.

Easter Egg Hunts – In all of this celebrating, we can’t forget Easter, right? So, you have options! I have heard about two egg hunts so far: one in Anahola and one at the Prince Clubhouse. The Prince (golf course in Princeville) will be hosting an egg hunt, meet the bunny, and refreshments event from 9-11am. This event is FREE but food will cost money. Anahola’s Easter event will take place at Anahola Baptist Church from 1pm-1am and will include a live bunny petting zoo, games, songs, stories, snacks, an egg hunt, prizes, and more. Free for all ages. You can call 639-9675 for more information.

Okay, that is just a few of the things happening this week. Crazy, right?! And the funny thing is… there is so much more I could have told you about! So if you don’t see something here that sounds like fun, just look around you and ask a resident. We’ll be happy to help you find a concert, craft fair, water sport, rental company, or luau that interests you. ☺

To book Kauai Activities at a big discount or for more information on fun things to see and do on Kauai please call toll free 1-877-742-7893

Hands-on Learning

When I was a kid, I was pretty good in school. I loved to read, and so I easily got through my textbooks. Plus, I’m a visual learner. So, if it was in the book, I would pick it up rather quickly. If information was placed on the blackboard, I would remember it. And if I took notes in class, I would even remember what my teacher said. It was great.

However, there was a girl right next to me who simply couldn’t sit still. She was constantly tapping her pencil, bouncing her feet on the floor, cracking her knuckles, and generally moving. She simply had to move. At the time, her parents thought it was ADHD and put her on some low dose meds. But after her grades dropped (and a very good school counselor got involved), she learned that she was simply a kinetic learner. She had to be moving to learn. She really enjoyed building things, doing hands-on projects, and excelled at PE.

I think of her now because there is a Hawaiian cultural demonstration coming up that I think everyone will enjoy. This demonstration is a part of the Prince Kuhio Day celebration, and will involve hands-on arts sessions! So if you have ever wanted to make Hawaiian crafts and arts, now is your chance to learn, no matter your learning style.

Let’s be honest here – it takes more than a lecture to learn something. You have to practice, play, and figure it out in a practical place. Well, this cultural event will highlight the Native Hawaiian culture and art practices by teaching weaving, working with taro, stone-carving, Hawaiian weapons, making drums, making tapa, and the creation of bracelets. There will also be Ukulele lessons. Awesome, right?

Now, not all of these things will involve participation learning, but several will involve activities where you can get hands-on experience. And, the best part, these sessions are FREE!

So, if learning about Hawaiian culture and learning to make fun crafts sounds good to you, come to Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa this Friday from 2pm until 7pm. And, if you want to ensure yourself a seat, you can call the concierge at the hotel early to register for the lessons. Want more information before you decide? No problem! Just call 808-240-6369 and talk to Stella Burgess.

To book Kauai Activities at a big discount or for more information on fun things to see and do on Kauai please call toll free 1-877-742-7893

Makauwahi Reserve

Do you have $10? Do you like archaeology? Are you going to be here on Kauai on Thursday, March 21st, from 9am to 11:30am? Well, if you answered yes to these questions, then I have an event for you!

The Makauwahi Reserve is a fascinating place where explorers can visit and hear all about the past and future of Kauai. Both past and future? Why yes! Let me explain. This reserve has the largest limestone cave on Hawaii, which is pretty cool in and of itself. But add to that an open-air sink hole containing what scientists say is perfectly preserved fossils ranging from 10,000 years ago or more and you have amazing.

To quote the Makauwahi Cave Reserve’s website (which can be found here): “The rich fossil-bearing sediments of Makauwahi Cave, over 10 m (33 feet) thick in some areas, have an unusual chemistry that preserves almost everything that fell in there over the last 10,000 years or more - animal fossils such as shells and bones, as well as plant fossils including seeds, leaves, and wood. Microscopic fossils, including pollen, spores, algae, even DNA fragments, occur by the billions.

So what does this mean? Well, by using the information from fossils found in the cave, scientists have been able to research the past and do some pretty awesome things in the present, like saving species on the brink of extinction. Plus, the place looks really neat. So if you want to come and visit, why not stop by.

As part of the Prince Kuhio Day events, there will be a Makauwahi Reserve Tour starting at 9am on Thursday morning. The tour will give the history of the area, a presentation of the fossils found, and information about how uncovered scientific data is able to preserve the present and future as well as the past. The price for this tour is only $10! So it will be well worth the price. Plus, how cool is ancient history!?

If you’d like to sign up for the tour, simply call 480-225-5604 for more information. And if you go, remember to wear grippy walking shoes and to bring a water bottle. The preserve is 17-acres, and walking in and out will work up a thirst.

To book Kauai Activities at a big discount or for more information on fun things to see and do on Kauai please call toll free 1-877-742-7893

Barrel Racing

As part of the Prince Kuhio Day celebration, there will be a mini rodeo at CJM Stables at 2pm today! So if you want to enjoy some great horseback riding and be a part of a wonderful Kauai tradition, then come and join us.

Rodeos have a long history on our island. They started around the plantation era, where farming families would learn to ride and compete with others from around the island. And ever since then, we have held our horseback-riding heritage in our hearts. That’s why there are rodeo events and horseback riding options all year round on Kauai, especially in Poipu.

Now today, there will be barrel racing. This event will be divided up into three separate divisions: open, senior, and youth. So no matter your age or riding style, you could join us. And, if you don’t want to race, you can certainly watch the fun. After all, admission to this event is FREE!! So you can come, watch a day of horsing around, and enjoy yourselves for no cost.

And if you have kids, there will also be pony rides available. So everyone wins!

For more information on this event, you can visit CJM Stables online or call 808-639-6695. And if you don’t like horses, don’t worry. There will be many more events this month as we move toward Prince Kuhio Day.

To book Kauai Activities at a big discount or for more information on fun things to see and do on Kauai please call toll free 1-877-742-7893

The Birthday of a Prince

If you visit Kauai sometime before the end of this month, chances are that you will hear about Prince Kuhio’s birthday. And you will think, “Well, happy birthday to him” and then go about your merry way, enjoying the sand, the surf, and the special events on our lovely island. But there is more to this event than you think.

First of all, Prince Kuhio is dead. I know – shocker, right? So don’t feel too bad if you can’t find him to wish him a happy birthday in person. So why are we celebrating? Well, Prince Kuhio Day is a statewide holiday on Hawaii, and on Kauai we like to build up the celebration a bit. So while the Prince’s official birthday is on March 26th and his full name is actually Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana’ole Piikoi, we have a bunch of celebratory events all throughout the end of March.

Secondly, we aren’t just celebrating a birthday here. Just like President’s day is actually President George Washington’s birthday, Prince Kuhio Day is a day to celebrate the life and achievements of our dear Prince. You see, Prince Kuhio was heir to the throne of the Kingdom of Hawaii. He was prince of the House of Kalakaua. And he was, by all rights and accounts, a great man.

But you see, the United States was forming and our set of tiny islands needed unity and protection. So, when Hawaii entered the United States of America and became an official state, we could no longer have a King. We had a President.

That didn’t stop Prince Kuhio, however. Our prince did not consider himself so important that he would block our entrance into the United States. Instead, he desired the good of all of our people. He worked hard to ensure that Hawaii was well-represented in Congress. He authored the Hawaii Statehood bill in 1919. And he worked hard to provide for his people. By going through the US government, he did more for his people that we could have ever imagined. And he looked good doing it! ☺

And so we celebrate Prince Kuhio Day (his birthday) as a memorial to this great man and a celebration of his legacy. Plus, it’s always a good day for a party of two, right?

Now, if you are on Kauai and you see a PK Day celebration going on, join us! We welcome all tourists and residents alike. And we look forward to celebrating our freedom, our island heritage, and our culture with you.

To book Kauai Activities at a big discount or for more information on fun things to see and do on Kauai please call toll free 1-877-742-7893

Artisan Fair

If you like art, then you will want to visit Poipu Beach Park on Saturday, March 16th. Why? Well, over 40 of Kauai’s top artists will be there, working artist booths and showing their wares. From photography and paintings to jewelry and wood carvings, you can find it all at one of our artisan fairs. And this one is no exception.

One of my favorite things to do is window shop. I admit that I don’t have a ton of cash to spend on things I like, but I do enjoy looking at the things that I like and knowing how lovely they would be in my house. So when an artisan fair comes up on the schedule, I get excited.

I love art because I love beautiful things. And you can clearly see that when you walk into my house. Paintings cover the walls, specialty baskets hold my belongings, wood carvings are the centerpieces on my table, and I have several photography books lying around on coffee tables. In other words, if it’s pretty, I want it. And I save up my money until I can buy it.

I also know a few artisans here on Kauai and request their work as my birthday and Christmas presents. So my life is always full of color, creativity, crafts, and created things. It makes me happy and my fiancée puts up with it nicely. ☺

So if you are anything like me (or if you just want something fun and easy-going to do on a Saturday morning), come to Poipu Beach Park. Walk along the sand, check out the beautiful works of art, and find something new. There will be clothes, carvings, pounded mulberry bark, oil paintings, linens, and much more to buy. Plus, you can see some of the best artists on Kauai, ask them questions, and get to know their work.

If you are vacationing here, what better souvenir can you bring back for your friends that a special piece of art made by a local artist right here on Kauai? Sure, it’s no plastic surfboard keychain, but I think a piece of art would make a great gift. So come and see for yourselves. The Prince Kuhio Garden Isle Artisan Fair will begin promptly at 9am and will continue until 3pm. Entrance to the park is free, so you can stop by and visit at any time.

To book Kauai Activities at a big discount or for more information on fun things to see and do on Kauai please call toll free 1-877-742-7893

Belly Dancing

When my brother moved to New York, he was so impressed with the buildings, the city life, and the play options. Being raised on Kauai, he grew up loving live entertainment. So moving to New York was a great thing for him. In a big city, there is always something going on and always a play to go and see.

Well, being on Kauai is similar to that. We always have something going on. There are carnivals, street fairs, cultural exhibits, craft shows, luaus, parties, plays, concerts, and more. There is always something to do, especially if you love live entertainment.

So every now and then, we get the opportunity to go to a unique dance show or concert, and I call my brother and brag about it. After all, there is a lot to do in New York, but you just can’t beat a good performance on a tropical island, right? And the upcoming Silence of the Nile show is one of the reasons why I called my brother this week.

I have always wanted to know how to belly dance. It was something that I tried as a child, and I was okay. I never really had the coordination for the more complicated belly dancing, but it was fun to learn and to perform. I read once that belly dancing is great for exercise, stretching, building the right muscles prior to childbirth, fun, and presentation. And with all of the good that comes from it, why not give it a shot!

And perhaps that’s why the Garden Nile Belly Dancers decided to learn as well. But, not only did they learn and find it fun to do, they also became very good and decided to put on shows. And this upcoming show features a prominent belly dancer from Germany: Khalida. (Other performers include Gypsy Rose, Sudeeka, Al Farashat, Cheryl, Sweih, and Laura from the Big Island. So there is sure to be a lot of talented people at this show.)

So here is my question for you: have you ever wanted to belly dance? And what about you men… have you ever wanted to watch a belly dancing show? Well, if you answered yes to either of those questions, then visit Church of the Pacific in Princeville on Friday, March 15, from 7pm-1am for Silence of the Nile! The show costs only $15 at the door ($10 in advance from their website) and will be well worth the minimal cost. Plus… BELLY DANCING!! Awesome, right!?

To book Kauai Activities at a big discount or for more information on fun things to see and do on Kauai please call toll free 1-877-742-7893

The Veteran Road Show

Are you in need of something fun to do today? Well, how about heading to the Kauai Veterans Center in Lihue for a swap meet of sorts. That’s right – today is the Veteran Road Show!

Okay, this actually “Road Show” isn’t exactly a star-studded affair. But there will be men and women there who gave it all for the stars and stripes, so that’s far better, right? You see, veterans and collectors from all over the island (and the surrounding islands) will be getting together from 9am-2pm today and swapping everything from stories to trade goods. And you could join them! It’ll be cool!

Now let’s see… do you want some amazing deals on wartime goods? How about trading your canteen for some home grown produce? Would you like to hear some great war stories or listen to a guy bragging about his conquests in 1945? Would you like something fun to do on a Saturday morning? If you answered yes to any of those questions, then this is your chance. The Veteran Road Show is a one day only event.

Of course, as with all island swap meets, entrance is free. And you will probably find quite a few fun items! So visit 3215 Kapule Hwy today and see what you can find. And listen to a few stories while you’re there. Our island veterans have been to some amazing places and have seen some devastating things. And I believe it is good for everyone to get a taste of what it’s like to be a soldier for the USA.

To book Kauai Activities at a big discount or for more information on fun things to see and do on Kauai please call toll free 1-877-742-7893

The Sisters Rosensweig

Yea! Women in Theatre are having another performance and it starts today! This performance will be the Sisters Rosensweig, and it’s bound to be awesome. So why not give it a shot? Here, let me tell you more.

Each Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening for the next three weekends, The Sisters Rosensweig will be performed at the WITS END theater in Kapaa. (The WITS END is located in the Coconut Marketplace.) Each performance will cost only $18 and will be 6+ hours of entertainment. How awesome is that? Performances start at 7pm each night, except Sundays. On Sundays, the performances start at 5pm.

So what is the play like? Well, I’ve been told it’s hilarious. Apparently, it’s a family drama about three sisters who reunite in London to celebrate a birthday party. While all three women have different personalities, baggage, relationships, and lives, they all learn to love each other, have respect for each other, and understand each other’s differences. Sounds quite moving, right? But it’s also supposed to be funny, and I do SO love dramas that have a sense of humor.

So do you want to go? It’s a great opportunity to see a wonderful play while enjoying some time on a tropical island. What more could you ask for? Well, how about a ticket selling location? ;-) Hmmmm, good question! If you would like to purchase tickets to this show, simply head to Brown Paper Tickets or call 635-3727.

I know it sounds like a lot of fun, and we’re definitely going. So why don’t you join us. WITS END. The Sisters Rosensweig. Kapaa. Let’s go see a play!

To book Kauai Activities at a big discount or for more information on fun things to see and do on Kauai please call toll free 1-877-742-7893

Farmers Market and Swap Meet

If you haven’t been to one of our local farmer’s markets, it’s well worth the time, especially if you are staying in a vacation rental instead of a hotel room. Why? Well, you can find a lot of great local produce from fresh fruits to homegrown vegetables. But that won’t do you as much good unless you’re staying somewhere with a kitchen, if you know what I mean.

This Wednesday (aka tomorrow) from 3pm-6pm, the weekly Kapaa Farmers Market and Swap Meet will take place. This is one of the better Farmers Markets because you can get excellent produce and also amazing deals on swapped items. Last year, a friend of mine got a $200 surfboard as a trade in for car parts! Can you believe it!?? Of course, I don’t surf, so I didn’t even consider the surfboard. But I’ve gotten clothes, other water sports gear, and a few items for my home from this swap meet. So I know it’s worth a visit.

I try to get there every Wednesday, but lately I’ve only been going once a month. I got a bit busy, I guess, so I don’t have as much free time in the afternoons. But if you have the time, I would highly recommend visiting this Farmers Market. It’s free for anyone wanting some good deals and fresh foods, and it’s only $20 for vendors to set up a booth. So everyone wins.

I’ll include a map of where it’s located (plus it shouldn’t be hard to find on a GPS). My recommendation is to enter the market from behind the Bank of Hawaii on Lehua Street and park there, as there will be less traffic. And once you get there, have fun! Browse, buy, and support our local growers.

To book Kauai Activities at a big discount or for more information on fun things to see and do on Kauai please call toll free 1-877-742-7893

Lea Salonga!!!!

I have never wanted to go to a concert so much in my entire life!!!

Okay, let me start from the beginning. So, I was hanging out with some friends the other day and one of them mentioned that Lea Salonga was coming to Kauai. As in she will actually be here on our island! In Puhi! At the Kauai Community College Performing Arts Center! For a concert!!!

As you can tell, I was a bit excited. In fact, I bought tickets immediately. You see, Lea Salonga is one of my heros. Having very little musical talent of my own, I have always imagined singing on Broadway. I know it’s stilly (and downright sad if you’ve ever heard me sing), but it was a big dream of mine for a long time. And Lea Salonga was (and still is) part of the reason why.

I first heard her sing when I visited my brother on the mainland. Her voice was amazing and sounded SO familiar. So when I got home, I googled her. Turns out, she was the singing voice of Jasmine on Disney’s Aladdin. I recognized her voice finally, but couldn’t believe it. She was such an amazing person.

To give you some background (in case you don’t want to google her yourself), she was the leading role of Kim in the musical Miss Saigon. She was also the first Asian to play the roles of Eponine and Fantine in Les Miserables on Broadway! (Not in the recent movie… but I think she was MUCH better than the singers in the movie.) She also did the singing for Disney’s Mulan!

And she has won a ton of awards from a Tony to the Theatre World award! (You really should look her up or visit her website.)

Anyway, I’m such a fan. She has had a phenomenal career and has pioneered many singing roles for Asian women. And SHE IS COMING HERE!!!! *girly screams*

Sorry. Okay, here are the details. She will be performing at Kauai Community College Performing Arts Center on February 26 at 7pm. The concert will be three hours long (including intermission) and will cost $40/person ($20 for students). For more information and ticket purchases, you can call 808-245-7464.

I hope you can make the concert. I am personally going to be first in line. See you there!

To book Kauai Activities at a big discount or for more information on fun things to see and do on Kauai please call toll free 1-877-742-7893

Speaking of Hometowns

I might not have been raised in Waimea, but a hometown celebration is still one of my favorite things to attend. So when I saw that there is a Waimea Town Celebration going on, I decided we all have to go!

That’s right – we want you there too!

The celebration started on February 16th, but the big event will take place on February 22 and 23. Starting at 4:30pm on Friday, the 22nd, at the Old Sugar Mill on Kaumualii Highway, this hometown event will be just like a fair! There will be booths for crafts, games, food, rides, and more. For the adults, there will be a Beer Garden featuring Coors. For the kids, there will be special rides and games. Plus there will be a large stage where live musicians and other entertainers will perform for the entire 2-day celebration! So you’ll hear all kinds of music from ukuleles to rock songs. And all performers will be from right here on Kauai.

Let’s see – what else. Oh! There will be sporting events. As far as I can tell, the plans include a canoe race, a softball tournament, a basketball tournament, a Fun Run, and a paddle boarding competition. In other words, there will be many sports to watch and participate in. Of course, I’m a little late in finding out about it, so some of the races might have already happened. But you can find out more information on the town’s celebration website.

And, if you want to spend a little money, there will also be a rodeo! Complete with all of the typical rodeo fun, this rodeo will feature races, riding, roping, and more. But remember, while the other events in the celebration are free, this one will cost you. (I actually don’t know the cost. I tried to find out, but haven’t found the price yet. I’ll let you know if I find out in advance.)

So, if you want to have a little fun and enjoy an awesome hometown event, please join us in Waimea at the Old Sugar Mill. It’s sure to be a great time.

To book Kauai Activities at a big discount or for more information on fun things to see and do on Kauai please call toll free 1-877-742-7893

Valentine’s Day

Is there anything more romantic than a man making his soon-to-be-wife a home cooked meal, setting the table with nice linens and candles, and then cleaning up the entire kitchen and dining room? No? Yeah, I didn’t think so. ☺

Sufficed to say, I had a lovely Valentine’s Day with my soon-to-be-husband. He made me feel so special, worked hard to surprise me, and then made sure I didn’t have to lift a finger for the entire evening. He even purchased some of my favorite Kauai coffee and some gourmet chocolates for dessert. It was a day made in heaven.

So what did you do for Valentine’s Day? If you were here on Kauai, where did you go for a nice dinner? What did you do afterward? I know a few couples who found a secluded beach and wet for a moonlit stroll. How about you? How did you put the romance into Valentine’s Day?

And for those of you who forgot all about Valentine’s Day, how are you planning on making it up to your significant other? A weekend get-away surprise? A nice dinner for two? A babysitter and a night away? A new car? I only know of one couple that forgot about Valentine’s Day this year, mostly because I got a call that morning from them. The husband was in a panic, assuming that his wife had remembered and was expected a lot. (She hadn’t remembered either, which is why they are such a cute couple.) I was able to help them find a restaurant and a game plan for the evening, and they had a wonderful spur-of-the-moment surprise evening. But I know they aren’t the only ones out there who forgot about the day.

Either way, if you have a cute or romantic story, please let me know! I would love to hear all about your night of romance. We can even have a competition to see who had the best Valentine’s Day this year. So if you have a story, comment here or send me an email telling me about it. Let’s see just how much fun Valentine’s was this year.

To book Kauai Activities at a big discount or for more information on fun things to see and do on Kauai please call toll free 1-877-742-7893

Dance-A-Thon!

There is a dance-a-thon coming up here on Kauai in Lihue! Now, for those of you who don’t know what a dance-a-thon is, let me explain. This is a day completely filled with dancing from start to finish. You can join in or just want the dancers from all different age and skill levels dance to several styles of music, ranging from Ballet to Hip Hop.

The dance-a-thon will be held at Lihue’s War Memorial Convention Hall on Sunday, February 17th, from 9:30am until 4:00pm. Throughout the day, there will be dancing and exhibitions. In fact, every hour on the hour there will be a showcase, allowing the best dancing students to show off what they know. It will be a fun filled, musical day of dancing excitement.

Plus, if you have a child between the ages of three and six, you can get them a free lesson just by showing up! There will be a free ballet workshop for small children starting at 10am. (Of course, space will be limited, so I recommend calling in advance if you plan to have your child in the class. The number is 823-9588.)

Let’s see… what else. Oh yes! If dancing all day and watching amazing performances isn’t enough, there will also be a silent auction to raise money for scholarships. There will also be a raffle, a bake sale, and things to buy like food and gifts. So come and enjoy some great music, great dancers, fun times, and good friends.

For more information, visit Kauai Dance Center.

To book Kauai Activities at a big discount or for more information on fun things to see and do on Kauai please call toll free 1-877-742-7893

Fighting

As a child, I hated fighting. The kids at school would go at it, and I would hide under my desk. (I was in kindergarten, but still…) As I got older, I still hated it. I would avoid confrontation and always try to be the peacemaker, even though that typically just put me in the middle of the fight instead of getting me away from it.

At home, however, things were different. My brother and I fought like cats and dogs. We are only two years apart, so we got on each other’s nerves a lot. When we were both in high school together, it was awful. We would fight over our friends, who got invited to the best parties, who was the nerd (that was me, by the way), food, school, our rooms, and everything else. I think we slowly drove our parents crazy.

Of course, that is nothing compared to the fight coming to Kilohana Plantation this Saturday. (Yes, I’m actually writing about a sporting event again.) If you are interested in sports fighting, then this event is for you. Starting this Saturday at 6:30pm, you can witness Mayheim at the Mansion: Breaking Point 4. At this Ainofea event, two brothers will be fighting it out in the ring.

If you haven’t heard of Tyson and Nalu Hawalu, I suggest googling them. Why? Because they will be battling at the fight this Saturday at the Kilohana Mansion and tickets are going pretty quickly.

Now, if you are a resident of Kauai, you can buy your tickets early at Peek a Bootique in Lihue, Pono Market in Kapaa, Kauai Harley in Puhi, Deli and Bread in Kukui Grove, Wongs in Hanapepe, or the Buddha Boutique in Lihue. Presale tickets are $25 ($35 for ringside). However, if you are coming to Kauai on vacation and don’t have a chance to buy tickets for the presale price, you can also purchase tickets at the door the night of the fight. General tickets will then cost $30 and ringside will cost $40.

Again, I’m not one for fights, but if you like to watch sports fighting, you can’t miss this event. So visit Lihue this Saturday and enjoy the show.

To book Kauai Activities at a big discount or for more information on fun things to see and do on Kauai please call toll free 1-877-742-7893

Chiefess Kamakahelei

For those who don’t know their 18th century Kauai history, Kamakahelei was Ali’i Aimoku of the island of Kauai from 1770-1794. In other words, she was the 22nd ruling chiefess of Kauai, the sovereign over the island but having no ruling authority in the rest of Hawaii. Why? Well, back then the islands were not united. Each island had a separate sovereign (sometimes more than one), and sometimes the islands fought against each other.

Kamakahelei was not even of the traditional ruling family line when she came to power. And to be honest, I’m not quite sure how she managed it. (Several history scholars argue over how exactly she came to inherit the chief’s position.) But somehow she succeeded Peleioholani as the Ali’i of Kauai and ruled for 24 years.

During those years, she worked hard, married twice, had children, and then died. Her first husband was of the ruling line of Kauai and Oahu. In fact, he was the grandson of Peleioholani when Kamakahelei became chiefess! So in all rights, he should have become the sovereign of Kauai. He didn’t however, nor did he take the throne in Oahu. And when he died in battle, Kamakahelei remarried.

Her next husband was a prince of Maui! (Apparently she had some pretty great taste.) He had ruling power over the island of Niihau. And when they wed, the islands of Kauai and Niihau became united. (Talk about a great two-for-one deal!) They also had a child and lived together until Kamakahelei’s death.

Now, why do I mention this? Well, I love history and feel that everyone should know a bit about themselves, their home, and their people. But I also know that the Chiefess Kamakahelei Street Fair is coming up, and it’s always more interesting to understand the person a fun event is named after. ;-)

ANYWAY, the Chiefess Kamakahelei Street Fair is this Saturday (February 9th) from 5-8pm. It will take place at Chiefess Kamakahelei middle school and admittance is free. So if you have kids and you want to know what fun things Kauai has to offer this weekend, this would be at the top of my list.

What can you expect? Well, how about food, games, tickets, crafts, music, prizes, photo booths and props, balloon animals, and more! There will be vendors here selling crafts that haven’t been to the previous street fairs, so their stuff will be new and exciting. PLUS you can hear the great music of the CKMS Concert Choir along with a Tahitian dance group and some special guests.

Everything here will be kid friendly and fun. So bring your kiddos down to Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School this Saturday night and enjoy some street fair excitement.

To book Kauai Activities at a big discount or for more information on fun things to see and do on Kauai please call toll free 1-877-742-7893

Princeville Craft Fair

If you enjoy craft fairs and are staying on the North side of the island, you should visit Church of the Pacific tomorrow. At least once a month, Church of the Pacific holds a craft fair for the whole neighborhood, featuring crafters from all parts of Kauai. And this Saturday (February 2nd) the next craft fair will be taking place.

So what can you expect? Well, I don’t know exactly. Each craft fair is a bit different. But the last time I was there, I shopped for an eclectic collection of things, mostly gifts for friends and family. There were wood workers, jewelry booths, paintings, home made jams and organic vegetables, things sewn and things crocheted, shirts, gadgets, and more. In other words, there was a TON of stuff to look through and choose from and I enjoyed every minute of it.

Do you know my favorite part about craft fairs? Well, typically the artist themselves man the booths. So, if you see a painting you particularly like or a wood carving, you can ask the artist directly about it and how it was made. If you like the produce or the candles, the same rules apply. While a few vendors have a friend or family member in their booth for the day, most local crafters come out themselves for a chance to get to know the community and answer any questions you might have.

You know, many times throughout my life, I have wished to be craftier. (Okay, maybe not “crafty” as much as “talented.”) I have tried to make sweaters and scarves. I have tried painting in a variety of mediums. I have sculpted, glued, beaded, and boiled (for home made preserves), and I failed just about every time. The times I succeeded were typically times I had a friend over, and that friend did a large majority of the work. I’m just not a talented person in most situations.

However, the people at North Shore craft fairs are extremely talented. They make their own instruments, they take photographs, they paint, they bead, they sew, they quilt, and they are awesome. I love perusing their wares and chatting with each individual artist. And, this Saturday at Church of the Pacific, you can to!

So, if you get the chance, drop by and visit the craft fair. You can click here for directions to the church grounds.

To book Kauai Activities at a big discount or for more information on fun things to see and do on Kauai please call toll free 1-877-742-7893

Fish

Marlin. Yellow Fin Tuna. Wahoo. Mahi-Mahi.

Kauai is a tropical island, right? We are located out here in the big blue ocean, surrounded by warm waters, deep sea reefs, and fish. Lots and lots of fish.

And do you know what else we have? Boats. Yep, we have boats, fishing equipment, and lots of bate options. So if you want to catch a large Marlin or some Mahi-Mahi for dinner, why not come to Kauai?

Around here, fishing is a major sport. And if you want to go sports fishing, there are several companies on Kauai who specialize in taking tourists out for a day on the water, places like Captain Don's in Princeville. All you have to do is pay the fees and they do the rest for you, from providing the equipment to sailing the boat.

Of course, that leaves you with the hard part: you have to catch the fish.

Now, if you are an avid fisherman, you have probably investigated the best fishing waters, planned a full few days of fishing into your vacation, and are currently looking to take in the maximum fish allowance. However, if you are new to fishing, here is my advice: put your line in the water, sit back, and enjoy your trip. And if you catch something, consider that a bonus.

To book Kauai Activities at a big discount or for more information on fun things to see and do on Kauai please call toll free 1-877-742-7893

Free Music

If you like free music and want to see some amazing musicians, then there is a cultural festival coming up that you will really enjoy. The festival is called “Thirty Years of EKK – One Long Hawaiian Kine Pardee.” And, since the name isn’t self-explanatory to most, let me fill you in on the details.

This festival is designed to celebrate 30 years of great music. How can we successfully celebrate this? Well, how about with a series of wonderful concerts?? And what’s better than a series of wonderful concerts? How about a series of FREE wonderful concerts? (Yep, I thought that was a good way as well.)

The first concert is this Monday, January 21. As with every concert in this series, the concert will start at 6pm at the Kauai Beach Resort, a lovely and EXPENSIVE place to stay here on Kauai. While I would never recommend staying there (unless you like overspending for a hotel room), I can absolutely recommend their concerts and their restaurants. So if you want to hear Keale, LT Smooth, and Donald Kaulia, come to the Kauai Beach Resort on January 21st at 6pm.

But this isn’t the only concert in the series! You can hear a lot of great music this month, next month, and through the end of March! Why? Because there will be a concert at Kauai Beach Resort at 6pm every Monday night until the end of March. Yea!

So, if you will be on Kauai on a Monday in the next three months, celebrate some great music with us. It will be something to remember.

To book Kauai Activities at a big discount or for more information on fun things to see and do on Kauai please call toll free 1-877-742-7893