What’s new in Kaua’i for 2010? Check out the latest news and attractions in Kaua’i so that you can plan your dream Hawaii getaway (Source: Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau):
- Kaua‘i Voted Hawai‘i’s Best Island for the second straight year. When rating the Hawaiian Islands, the readers of Travel & Leisure magazine have spoken and their number one choice is again the beautiful Garden Isle of Kaua‘i. For the second consecutive year and third year out of the past five, Kaua‘i has earned the distinction of being named Hawai‘i’s Best Island in the 2010 World’s Best Awards announced by Travel & Leisure.
- 22 North is Kauai’s newest restaurant. Site of the former Gaylord’s at Kilohana, the restaurant features only Kaua‘i-grown meats, fishes, and produce, including items from its own 1-1/2 acre garden and the 60 acre Kilohana orchard and agricultural park. The lounge will feature seasonal cocktails and a dynamic, food-oriented wine list.
- The Kaua‘i Culinary Market at Kukui‘ula Village is Kaua‘i’s latest market featuring live chef demonstrations using Kaua‘i grown food products. Held on Wednesdays from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. www.kukuivillage.com
- Island Helicopters recently began a new 90-minute island tour, highlighted by an exclusive landing at the base of the 400-foot Manawaiopuna Falls, made famous in the movie Jurassic Park. www.islandhelicopters.com.
- Kayak Kaua‘i Now Offers Stand Up Paddling Lessons. Kayak Kaua‘i has added stand-up paddle boarding lessons and rentals in Hanalei. Stand up paddling is gaining popularity in Kaua‘i – and Hollywood. Kaua‘i regulars Pierce Brosnan and Jennifer Aniston have been spotted enjoying stand-up paddle boarding while on island. www.kayakkauai.com
- Koloa Rum Company located at the Historic Kilohana Plantation in Lihu‘e now offers authentic premium rum made from the molasses of high-quality Kaua‘i sugarcane. The Kōloa Rum Company was recently awarded a Gold Medal for its Kaua`i Dark Rum in the Rum Renaissance Festival held in Miami, Florida May 5-9, 2010. The Medal came in the ‘Dark Rum’ category of the competition, in which some 100 rums from around the world competed. www.koloarum.com
- Princeville Ranch Adventures has opened “King Kong,” its newest and longest zipline at 1,200 feet. The company now offers nine ziplines, the most on Kaua‘i, with “King Kong” being the finale. www.adventureskauai.com
- Josselin’s Tapas Bar & Grill Opens in Po‘ipū. Jean-Marie Josselin, one of the 12 original Hawai‘i Regional Cuisine chefs, has opened his newest restaurant, Josselin’s Tapas Bar & Grill, at the new Kukui‘ula Village in Po‘ipü. Josselin’s new menu features a mix of country French, seasonal Provencal and Asian dishes. 808-742-7117. www.kukuiula.com
- Outfitters Kaua‘i has introduced a new zipline tour, “Zip Trek Nui Loa,” highlighted by a new 1,800-foot zipline course that lets guests soar above a scenic forest canopy. For information, visit www.outfitterskauai.com.
- Kaua‘i Marriott Resort & Beach Club has completed their multi-million dollar renovation including all guest rooms, fitness center and restaurants. Aupaka Terrace is available for a quick “grab-and-go” continental breakfast featuring Kauai Coffee in the mornings or for specialty cocktails and light pupus in the evenings. Great ocean views and complimentary WiFi make it a great place to relax and enjoy the light ocean breezes day or night. www.kauaimarriott.com
- 9-Hole Course Reopens at Makai Golf Club. On Kaua‘i’s north shore, the Makai Golf Club has reopened its popular 9-hole Woods Course at The St. Regis Princeville Resort following an extensive renovation. Also, new golf carts equipped with GPS systems have been added. The renovation included a refurbishing of the adjacent tennis complex. www.MakaiGolf.com
- Hanalei Colony Resort on the north shore is offering a lu‘au every Tuesday evening featuring a lavish buffet of Hawaiian favorites, including lomi lomi salmon, taro rolls, poi, fresh island fish, kalua pork, and haupia cake, along with a variety of other dishes. Guests also enjoy the music and dance of Hawai‘i and Tahiti. Advance reservations are required. www.hcr.com
- Outrigger Waipouli Beach Resort Adds New Restaurant and Spa. A new restaurant and spa can be enjoyed at the Outrigger Waipouli Beach Resort. The Oasis on the Beach Restaurant features dishes created by Chef Zack Sato that are made exclusively with organic ingredients, 80 percent of which are locally grown. Spa by the Sea is a new full-service day spa with an extensive array of organic pampering treatments. Guests can enjoy unique-to-Hawai‘i spa options like the volcanic clay facial or a noni body wrap.
- The Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort & Spa has embarked on a complete guestroom renovation. The comprehensive room refurbishment will replace wall coverings, flooring, curtains, furniture, and décor. The project also includes a complete revamp of the bath and shower area. The multi-million dollar project will occur in phases, closing entire building wings at a time to mitigate any disturbance for guests. With the main two buildings completed in 2010, all guests will be in fresh, new rooms in 2011. www.grandhyattkauai.com
- Starwood Hawai‘i is proud to introduce the only St. Regis resort property in Hawai’i – St. Regis Princeville Resort. Elegantly appointed, it offers 252 guest rooms, a signature restaurant with world renowned Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten and the famed St. Regis Butler Service for premiere suites. From this ocean side retreat experience world-class golf or rejuvenate mind and body in the sanctuary of the hotel’s exclusive Halele’a Spa. www.stregisprinceville.com.
- Kaua‘i’s renowned Po‘ipu Bay Golf Course is closed for its greens renovation project. The championship course will be closed for approximately eight months with a reopening date planned for December 16. The restaurant at Po‘ipu Bay Club house will be closed during the renovation period. The project will include a complete renovation of all greens, replacing the original Tifdwarf Bermuda grass with a Sea Shore Paspalum hybrid (Supreme) that has proven to be an optimum putting surface in Hawai‘i. www.poipubaygolf.com
- Non-Stop Flights to Lihu‘e: Alaska Airlines – Daily from Seattle, WA; American Airlines – Daily from Los Angeles, CA; Delta Airlines – Daily from Los Angeles, CA; United Airlines – Daily from Los Angeles, CA & San Francisco, CA; weekly from Denver, CO; US Airways – Five times weekly from Phoenix, AZ; Alaska Airlines – non stop service from San Jose & Oakland to begin March 2011.
Contact me today to plan your dream trip to Kaua’i! linda@honeymoonsinc.com!
