Published: February 2022

Kauaʻi: What’s Blooming on the Garden Island - February 2022

LĪHU‘E, KAUAʻI – As winter is coming to an end, now is the perfect time to escape and recharge for spring on the lush Garden Island. With updated travel rules, Kauaʻi is ready to welcome mindful travelers with an array of shopping, dining, and lodging opportunities. Whether you’re looking to just relax or get your fill of outdoor adventure, Kauaʻi’s natural beauty awaits.

“This is the perfect time to experience all that Kauaʻi has to offer,” said Sue Kanoho, Executive Director of the Kauaʻi Visitors Bureau. “From world-class resorts and restaurants to unique shopping, excursion and adventure experiences, our island paradise offers an unforgettable getaway guaranteed to leave you feeling rejuvenated and ready to take on the year ahead.”

As of November 8, 2021, the State of Hawaiʻi has aligned with federal international Hawaiʻi.gov/newsroom/office-of-the-governor-news-release-state-of-hawai%ca%bbi-aligns-with-federal-international-travel-requirements/">travel requirements which include:

●    Governor David Ige Hawaiʻi.gov/newsroom/office-of-the-governor-news-release-governor-ige-gives-the-greenlight-to-non-essential-travel-for-fully-vaccinated-residents-and-visitors/">announced that effective November 2021, the State of Hawaiʻi is open to vaccinated residents and visitors traveling domestically and between islands for business or pleasure.

●    Non-U.S. citizens traveling directly to Hawaiʻi from an international destination must present BOTH a vaccination record AND a negative COVID-19 test result (NAAT or antigen) within three days of boarding a flight to the United States.

●    U.S. citizens flying directly to Hawaiʻi from an international destination have two options: 1) Fully vaccinated travelers must provide proof of vaccination and present a test taken within three days of boarding flight to the U.S., OR 2) Travelers not fully vaccinated must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result within one day of boarding a flight to the U.S.

Please note the pandemic has caused a very fluid situation and policies can change at any time without notice. For the latest information, visit https://hawaiicovid19.com/travel.

Here’s an update and information about the latest happenings, deals and events:

WHAT’S NEW

KVB Names New Destination Manager
KVB is proud to introduce Patricia “Patti” Ornellas as the island’s destination manager. Patti will lead mindful travel initiatives to help preserve the natural beauty of Kauaʻi, its culture and people. Patti is a 15-year veteran of the hospitality industry and is excited to help make a difference within Kauaʻi’s island community. Welcome aboard, Patti! For more details, visit https://bit.ly/3qiLlCo.

Aqua-Aston Hospitality Unveils Sustainable Partnerships & Programs
Aqua-Aston Hospitality just introduced a new reef-safe sunscreen amenity to their properties on Kauaʻi through a partnership with local mom-owned business Little Hands Hawaiʻi. During a stay at Aston at Poʻipū Kai and Aston Islander on the Beach, guests receive complimentary access to the lightly coconut scented, reef-safe formulated sunscreen available at the front desk. In addition to supporting Hawaiʻi’s small businesses, Aqua-Aston is an advocate for Hawaiʻi’s oceans and overall marine life through its #ForOurReef campaign, which educates guests and the community on the impact of coral bleaching. Aqua-Aston has also introduced bulk bathroom amenities to move away from single-use plastic. For more details, visit https://www.aquaaston.com/hotels/aston-at-poipu-kai.

Hanalei Colony Resort Announces Hale Ho‘omaha Expansion
Adding even more value to a Hanalei Colony Resort vacation is its soon-to-be-completed Hale Ho‘omaha (House of Relaxation). The two-story venue includes a new pool and expanded gazebo complete with plenty of sun and shade, new furniture, two new grills, and lush tropical landscaping that creates the perfect refuge. The second level offers an expansive multi-use hospitality suite with a wet bar and other amenities giving guests another fun spot to mingle and entertain. With the resort’s new "Late Check-out" program, it is also a comfortable space for guests to relax and refresh after making the most of their departure day. For more information, visit https://www.hcr.com.

Take to the Skies with Kauaʻi ATV
Kauaʻi ATV’s “Sky Bike” attraction—the only Zipline Bike in the USA—is now open. This unique adventure brings visitors up to the sky and over the water on a flying bicycle zipline. This is followed by a thrilling “leap of faith” rappel where riders jump off the platform and are lowered to the ground. For more information and to book your adventure, visit https://kauaiatv.com/tours/skybike/.

Take a Culinary Romp Through Paradise with Tasting Kauaʻi
Tasting Kauaʻi is back with new and improved food tours! The company’s Saturday Downtown Līhuʻe tour made a comeback with amazing local restaurants that includes a beer tasting. They’ve also launched a new Hanalei Town Walking Food tour every Sunday that features hidden gems that you might miss if you’re not on this tour. Tasting Kauaʻi’s local guides will share with you the inside scoops on locally owned eateries and its tours will connect you with chefs and owners. Book a tour and get a 10% discount by using the code ALOHA10 online at https://www.tastingkauai.com.

NTBG “Allerton by Fire” guided tour with dinner (Tuesdays and Thursdays)
The National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG) announced “Allerton by Fire,” an exclusive, one-of-a-kind dinner tour of Allerton Garden with dinner served at the Allerton Estate House accompanied by live Hawaiian and Polynesian dancing, music, and fire knife performance. Come be awed by the beauty of the garden and entranced by music, dancing, and fire. There is limited capacity for this intimate, open-air experience, so make your reservations today at https://ntbg.org/gardens/allerton/.

KAUA‘I SPECIAL OFFERS

Sheraton Kauaʻi Coconut Beach Resort Launches Picnic Series
The Sheraton Kauaʻi Coconut Beach Resort launched a new Picnic Series, specially created for guests to enjoy personalized experiences that bring them close to their loved ones. For the active traveler, the “Experience Kauaʻi Bicycle Package” allows them to take advantage of the breathtaking views through a bicycle ride on the incredible 8-mile oceanfront bike path that connects to the town of Kapaʻa. The “Romance in Kauaʻi Picnic Package” is great for lovebirds who want to enjoy all the magic Hawaiʻi has to offer. Another option is the “Coconut Beach ‘Meat’ in Paradise Picnic,” where foodies can indulge in exquisite artisan cheeses and prime charcuterie selections. To book this package, visit https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/lihsk-sheraton-kauai-coconut-beach-resort/.

Spend Spring Break at Waimea Plantation Cottages
Relax and revive your spirit this spring! Waimea Plantation Cottages boasts 43 oceanfront acres featuring one- to five-bedroom plantation homes with fully equipped kitchens and a private lānai (porch). Imagine walks on the black-sand beach, a dip in the oceanfront pool, and stargazing at night.

Waimea Plantation Cottages is offering a “Spring Break Vacation Special” that includes:

•    Up to 15% off Best Available Rates
•    Free Kauaʻi Coffee Gift Pack
•    And no check-out cleaning fees!

Book from now through May 31 for stays from March 1 to June 20, 2022 with a minimum 4-night stay. Book your reservation at https://www.coasthotels.com/waimea-plantation-cottages.
 
UPCOMING KAUA‘I EVENTS

6th Annual Kauaʻi Steel Guitar Festival, March 31 – April 2, 2022
Enjoy steel guitar performances by Hawaiʻi steel guitar masters at the 6th Annual Kauaʻi Steel Guitar Festival that will be held on March 31 to April 2, 2022, at the Sheraton Kauaʻi Coconut Beach Resort. The festival will include workshops, kanikapila jam sessions for play-along or listening enjoyment, and Open Stage sessions where amateur Hawaiian Steel Guitarists can present their own programs to festival guests. The festival will be presented free to the public by Hawaiʻi Institute for Music Enrichment and Learning Experiences (HIMELE) in association with the Ke Kula Mele Hawaiʻi School of Hawaiian Music. For more information, visit: https://www.kauaisteelguitarfestival.com/.

Princeville Artist & Flea Market, Every Second Sunday of the Month
Bloom and Prosper hosts the Princeville Artist & Flea Market at the Princeville Community Center every second Sunday of the month from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Enjoy local vendors offering crafts, vintage apparel and accessories, jewelry, health products, food, and live music. For more information, visit https://www.instagram.com/princevilleartistandflea/?hl=en.

Princeville Night Market, Every Second Sunday of the Month
The Princeville Night Market brings together Kauaʻi’s finest artisans for a night of shopping, live music, and food trucks. You’ll find a diverse array of Kaua‘i-made goods, including art, wood carvings, jewelry, quilts, clothing, and more. This free and family-friendly market is held every second Sunday of the month. Additional information can be found at https://www.princevillecenter.com/news/princeville-night-market.

KAUA‘IHAWAI‘I’S ISLAND OF DISCOVERY
Also known as the Garden Island, Kauaʻi is green and lush with flora from mountain to ocean. The island offers more than 50 miles of white sand beach – adding up to more beach-per-mile than any island in Hawaiʻi. Other Kauaʻi natural wonders include 3,567-foot-deep Waimea Canyon (often called The Grand Canyon of the Pacific) and the towering 3,000-foot sea cliffs of the Nāpali Coast.

Kauaʻi’s abundance of outdoor activities – which includes helicopter and boat tours, kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, mountain tubing, horseback riding, ATV adventures, and zip-line tours all offer memorable vacation experiences for the entire family.

For information about KauaʻiHawaiʻi’s Island of Discovery – visit www.gohawaii.com/kauai, or call the Kauaʻi Visitors Bureau at (800) 262-1400. You can also follow updates about Kauaʻi on Twitter (@kauaidiscovery), Instagram (@kauaidiscovery) or by liking the Facebook page of the Kauaʻi Visitors Bureau.

The Kauaʻi Visitors Bureau is a division of the Hawaiʻi Visitors and Convention Bureau, which is contracted for marketing management services in North America by the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA), the state of Hawaiʻi’s tourism agency. The HTA was established in 1998 to ensure a successful visitor industry well into the future. Its mission is to strategically manage Hawaiʻi tourism in a sustainable manner consistent with the state of Hawaiʻi’s economic goals, cultural values, preservation of natural resources, community desires, and visitor industry needs.

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