LIHUE, KAUA'I – As we head into the new year, nothing can cure your winter blues better than feeling the warm sun, hearing the palm trees swaying, and relaxing on a white sandy beach. 

“Kauaʻi is a special place. From the moment you step off the airplane, the island captures your heart,” says Sue Kanoho, executive director of the Kauaʻi Visitors Bureau. “Regardless if you are traveling alone or with family and friends, Kauaʻi is both an adventurer’s paradise and a tranquil getaway.”  

With the new year already in full swing, check out the following updates and information about the latest happenings, special offers and events “blooming” on Kauaʻi.

WHAT’S NEW
Sheraton Kauaʻi Coconut Beach Resort Unveils Full Transformation
Perfectly located in Kapaʻa on Kauaʻi’s east shore, lies the new oceanfront Sheraton Kauaʻi Coconut Beach Resort, formally known as the Courtyard by Marriott Kauaʻi at Coconut Beach. After undergoing a multimillion-dollar renovation, guests now have the luxury of staying in one of the 314 redesigned guest rooms, dining at oceanfront restaurants, and one-of-a-kind firepits that surround the modern infinity pool, which seems to never end. This property is a perfect mixture of relaxation, modern amenities, and tropical paradise. For reservations, visit https://bit.ly/38xjDHp, or call (808) 822-3455.

New Rules To Visit Hāʻena State Park On Kauaʻi’s North Shore
Hāʻena State Park on the north shore of Kauaʻi has reopened with new rules and limited attendance. The areas that are open include, Kūhiō Highway from Waipā to the end of Hāʻena, Hāʻena State Park (including the Kalalau Trail, Hanakāpīʻai Falls and Kēʻē Beach) and Limahuli Garden and Preserve. In addition to the reopening, important changes have taken place, which includes limited daily entry with advanced reservations and parking by advanced permit to Hāʻena State Park. There will no longer be parking on the side of the road; this is strictly enforced. Visitors driving into Hāʻena must secure a reservation in advance of going to Hāʻena State Park. For advanced reservations, visit www.gohaena.com. The North Shore Shuttle will take visitors to Hāʻena State Park with advanced reservations. To reserve a seat on the shuttle, visit https://kauainsshuttle.com. To understand how to best travel within Hāʻena, visit https://alohapledge.com/f/hanalei-to-haena-road-code-of-conduct. Hanalei town is accessible without advanced reservations and advanced permit. The quaint town is filled with shops, restaurants and galleries and is made up of historical and cultural buildings. For a list of businesses in Hanalei town, visit http://hanaleitown.com  

The Fresh Shave Opens New Location
The Fresh Shave is entering 2020 with a new location in addition to their Warehouse 3540 location in Kōloa. The Fresh Shave will be serving up shave ice made from fresh ingredients and garnished with their signature mustache straw in Waimea Town. The new storefront is the perfect spot to grab a refreshing snack after enjoying the views of Waimea Canyon. All locations are free of single-use plastics and are certified as Ocean Friendly Restaurants by the Surfrider Foundation. For more information, visit www.thefreshshave.com or call (808) 631-2427.  

Eco e-bikes Kauaʻi Offers An Environmentally Friendly Way To Tour The Garden Island
Take in the beauty of Kauaʻi on an earth friendly electric bicycle! Eco e-bikes Kauaʻi offers a quiet, comfortable and effortless way to cruise around the Garden Island. With a touch of a button, riders can zip up to 20 miles per hour. Eco e-bike rentals are equipped with chargers, helmets, bike locks, lights and removable carrying bags. Choose from an hourly, 24 hour or six day rental with free bike delivery for multi day rentals from Poʻipū to Kapaʻa. For more information, visit http://ecoebikeskauai.com.

Kauaʻi Ocean Discovery Now Open
Kauaʻi Ocean Discovery is a new learning facility that shares the traditions and knowledge of our ocean connections and inspires stewardship. Each visitor will learn about humpback whales, Hawaiian monk seals, sea turtles, albatrosses and more. Get a glimpse of the underwater world through videos, interactive displays, and hands-on activities. Hear the Hawaiian creation chant, Kumulipo, and view a mural inspired by it. The Keiki Corner provides ocean-themed fun for the little ones. Rotational exhibits feature community and student projects with monthly and weekly special programs. Admission to Kauaʻi Ocean Discovery is free. For more information, call (808) 246-2861.

Kōloa Rum Breaks Ground on New Expansion Project
Kōloa Rum Company breaks ground for its new headquarters which will be located in Kōloa town along Maluhia Road. The expansion will more than double the size of the current operation to a 45,000 square-foot distillery and warehouse, which will also include a tasting room, company store, and free-standing cafe. To recognize and honor the agricultural heritage of Kōloa town, where commercial sugar production operations were first introduced in 1835, expansion plans also include the planting and cultivation of 10-12 acres of sugar cane fields on site. Kōloa Rum will also refurbish old plantation camp structures into workforce housing and a museum that will tell the story of the rich history of sugarcane production in the area. Completion of the project is currently projected for September 2020.

Kauaʻi Safaris Creates a New Experience at Kilohana Plantation  
Jump on an open-air safari truck to explore the beautiful 105-acre Kilohana Plantation, where you’ll enjoy tasting and learning about fruits and vegetables grown on the plantation, interact with family friendly farm animals, and stop off to stroll through the beautiful rainforest of Kahuna Nui Valley. During the tour, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy sipping on farm to table cocktails made with award-winning Kōloa Rum. To make a reservation, visit www.kauaisafaris.com or call (808) 652-4707.  

Kayak Kauaʻi New Whale Watch & Snorkel Tour
From the golden coast of Poʻipū, take a sea kayak and paddle west along the scenic shoreline that is home to Spouting Horn, Lāwaʻi Valley, Nomilu Pond, and the cove of Wahiawā. While on the Whale Watch & Snorkel Tour, you’ll paddle the same paths the Polynesians and whaling captains ventured from Kōloa to Port Allen. The Poʻipū Whale Watch & Snorkel Tour takes place from October through April. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/2RNNmoV, or call (808) 826-9844.

National Tropical Botanical Gardens Add New McBryde Garden Waterfall Tour
Discover one of Kauaʻi’s hidden gems at the National Tropical Botanical Garden’s (NTBG) McBryde Garden during the new wailele (waterfall) tour. Uncover some of the most beautiful and private sections of Lāwaʻi Valley, where you’ll be immersed in a lush tropical rainforest that houses the Waihulili Waterfall. You’ll continue your journey to the Canoe Garden, which is adorned with botanical treasures introduced by ancient settlers, then sit under a hale (traditional Hawaiian structure) and learn about the history of the land, stars, and Hawaiian culture. To make a reservation, visit NTBG.org or call (808) 742-2623.

The Lodge at Kukuiula Offers A New Adventure Program
Enhance your outdoor skillset with The Lodge at Kukuiula’s new Huakai (voyage) Intensives program. Learn a variety of traditional Hawaiian activities from surfing to crossbow hunting led by experts. Each experience is customized with one-on-one instructions that give attendees the tools to become an expert. The new Huakai Intensives program awaits for lodge members and guests seeking an authentic, educational and memorable experience. For more information, visit www.lodgeatkukuiula.com/intensives or call (866) 901-5204.  

A Dinner to Remember at Koa Kea Hotel & Resort at Poʻipū Beach  
Situated under a private oceanfront cabana at Koa Kea Hotel & Resort at Poʻipū Beach as the sun sets and the moon rises, take part in a romantic four course dinner crafted by award-winning Chef Noelani Planas. Private cabana dining is available between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. and must be reserved 48 hours in advance. For reservations, call (808) 742-4200 or email [email protected].   

Kauaʻi ATV Adds New Makauwahi Cave Tour
Travel back 10,000 years and experience life on Kauaʻi before human arrival. Witness mankind’s impact on a fragile ecosystem and become a part of preserving native endangered species and Hawaiian culture. Visit Kauaʻi’s internationally recognized, fossil-rich, limestone cave that attracts archaeologists and visitors from all over the world. Plus, learn what scientists have discovered about the ancient ecosystem from fossils and artifacts found in the cave, stroll through a tortoise ranch and Thousand Year Forest, a living museum of Native Hawaiian plants. Enjoy scenic panoramic views of famous movie sites and hear about sugar plantation history in Hawaiʻi. A portion of the proceeds from this tour will go toward supporting the Makauwahi Cave Reserve. For more information, visit www.kauaiATV.com or call (808) 742-2734.

Tasting Kauaʻi Launches New Tours  
Love food, but want more than just a dining experience? Tasting Kauaʻi launches two new tours for all you foodie fans. The new Kauaʻi Happy Hour Tour specializes in cocktails and handcrafted food pairings that highlight the island’s unique and exotic flavors. For those looking for a more hands-on experience, check out the Kauaʻi Cooking Class Tour guided by a local chef. Start the Kauaʻi Cooking Class Tour by shopping at a farmer’s market to gather and learn about local ingredients. It’s a perfect combination of food, learning, and culture. The best part of this tour is that you don’t need experience in cooking! For more information or to book a tour, visit www.tastingkauai.com or call (808) 278-2912.

KAUA'I SPECIAL OFFERS
Koa Kea Hotel & Resort at Poʻipū Beach Offers New Experience  
Seeking a vacation that is a perfect combination of outdoor adventure, education, and relaxation? Koa Kea Hotel & Resort at Poʻipū Beach introduces its new Endangered Kauaʻi package. Grab your complimentary reef safe sunscreen and reusable water bottle and set sail on an award winning, dolphin-safe charter to the breathtaking Nāpali Coast. The package also includes a guided oceanside walk to view marine life in their natural habitat. Koa Kea Hotel & Resort truly values the island’s marine life and the people who devote their time to protect them. In support of the Kauaʻi Surfrider Foundation, 5% of all booking fees for the Endangered Kauaʻi package will go to the organization. For more information, visit https://meritagecollection.com/koa-kea or call (877) 276-0768.

UPCOMING KAUA'I EVENTS
Lei Po‘o (Head Lei) Making Workshop, Every 2nd Friday of Each Month
Every second Friday of each month stop by Kauaʻi Museum for a lei poʻo (head lei) lesson with lei maker, Elvrine Chow. Elvrine also offers custom workshops to fit into your schedule. Learn the history, significance, and art behind the honored and cherished craft. For more information or to book a workshop, call or text Elvrine at (808) 634-9999.

Open House Tour at Lāwaʻi International Center, Every 2nd & Last Sunday of Each Month
Take a tour around Lāwaʻi International Center every second and last Sunday of each month. Lāwaʻi International Center has long been recognized as a healing sanctuary, and is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the country. Walking tours are free and take place at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m., donations are accepted. For reservations, call or text (808) 639-5952, or email LM@Hawaiʻi.rr.com.  

10th Annual Anahola Prince Kūhiō Day Celebration, March 14, 2020
The 10th annual Anahola Prince Kūhiō Day Celebration will take place on Saturday, March 14 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Anahola Beach Park. The event reaffirms the leadership, stewardship, and vision of Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana‘ole and his legacy in perpetuating the growth of a healthy Hawaiian community on ʻāina hoʻopulapula (homesteads land). The free celebration will feature live music, entertainment, and hula performances honoring the past and embracing the future of Prince Kūhiō's legacy. For more information, email La Contrades or Kahanu Keawe at [email protected].  

40th Annual Walter & Irmalee Pomroy May Day Lei Contest, May 1, 2020
The 40th Annual Walter & Irmalee May Day Lei contest takes place on Friday, May 1 at Kauaʻi Marriott Resort & Beach Club from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event honors lei maker Dana Valeriano Kauaʻi iki Olores who was a participant in Kauaʻi Museum’s lei contest for many years and also garnered numerous prizes. Stop by and perpetuate the art of lei making. For lei entry forms and event details, call Kauaʻi Museum at (808) 245-6931.

May Day by the Bay, May 9, 2020
May Day by the Bay is a community event on Saturday, May 9 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Waiʻoli Beach Park. The event showcases Kauaʻi’s beauty, culture and people with hula, cultural demonstrations, Kauaʻi made products craft fair, displays by community groups, Hawaiian food and a silent auction. May Day by the Bay attendees will need to park and shuttle from Waiʻoli Town Park. For more information, call (808) 635-9028.

KAUA'I – HAWAI‘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 kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, mountain tubing, horseback riding, ATV adventures, zip-line tours, and helicopter and boat tours – offers memorable vacation experiences for the entire family.

For information about Kauaʻi – Hawaiʻi’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 Hawaiʻi Tourism United States (HTUSA), which is contracted for marketing management services in North America by the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA), the State of Hawaiʻi’s tourism agency. 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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