Kauai Events and Festivals Archives

Kauai Preschools Visit with Enormous Inflatable Whales

Two enormous inflatable whales visited several Kauai Preschools after “migrating” around the island chain. The visit was part of program offered by the Storybook Theatre of Hawaii as a way to let children get up close and personal with Pacific Humpback Whales. The pair of whales was created in 1997 by renowned artist Evelyn Roth of Festival Arts in Australia, and has been used to educate thousands of children about Pacific Humpback Whales.

This year, Mark Jeffers of Storybook Theatre toured with the whales visiting nearly thirty schools and reaching over 1600 preschoolers, as well as their parents and teachers. The program allows children to crawl inside the whale, breach with the whale, and get spit out by the whale. They experience the enormity of the whale and learn about whale anatomy.

Jeffers plays “Captain Mark” as he guides the children on a fantasy trip around their island before telling stories and singing songs. He says that he likes to challenge the children by asking, “Can whales see the stars?” He does not allow the children to answer this question with words; instead he inspires their imagination by encouraging them to draw a picture of the answer. He is always amazed with what the children are able to come up with.

Jeffers says the presentation is a good match for preschool aged children because they love big movements and big sounds. Being able to explore the whale and see the size of the fins, the tail and even look out of the blowhole is an unforgettable experience for preschool age children.

In a recent interview, Jeffers stated that the best part of the tour was what he learned from the schools and the children and brought home with him. He observed that the schools that emphasized host cultural and family values like malama aina, malama na keiki, etc., had students that were more respectful, more alert and more focused. He noticed that they had a better connection with their community and their environment. He stated that children are the heart of our community yet in many instances, children have lost this connection, and he applauded the schools that have incorporated these important values into their curriculum.

The tour also requires continual fundraising efforts. This year, the tour was funded by the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts with funds provided by the Hawaii State Legislature, the Hau’oli Mau Loa Foundation and the Hawaii Association for the Education of Young Children. Jeffers and the crew at Storybook Theatre are hoping that with additional funds, they can continue to make a difference for our ocean resources and perform for thousands more children in the future.

For more information about the Storybook Theatre or the Pacific Humpback Whale Program, you can contact Mark Jeffers via email at director@storybook.org.

Kauai Plein Air Invitational at Grove Farm Museum

The Grove Farm and Waoili Mission House museums are hosting the 2nd Annual Kauai Plein Air Invitational on June 16th from 1-5 pm at the Grove Farm Museum in Lihue, 4050 Nawiliwili Rd. The museum is the former sugar plantation home of G.N Wilcox and the grounds and buildings are being preserved for present and future generations to enjoy and learn something of the life and times of 1864 Kauai. This fund raiser will benefit the Grove Farm museum as well as the Waioli Mission House museum (built in 1836) in Hanalei.

The event begins in the morning of June 9th when 16 invited plein air artists will begin with a group painting session at Hanalei Bay. The public is invited to watch the artists create their works, capturing the fleeting light and their individual vision. During the week the artists will paint various scenes throughout the island, during different times of the day. Plein air is the style of painting when the artists bring paint and easel to the outdoors, painting in the natural light. it is a French expression meaning “in the open air”.

The culminating event will be at Grove Farm museum on June 16th from 1-5 pm. That morning the artists will have a final group painting and then bring their finished, framed art work to the museum for a display and sale of their work. The public has the opportunity to acquire original paintings of our beautiful island, at times capturing scenes that may be lost in the future.

There will be tours of the buildings and grounds and refreshments, including beer and wine, will be served. Live music will entertain, both outside on the grounds and inside, with piano music played in the living room.

Admission $20.00

Contact: Barb Kennedy 826-1528.

Meet Kauai’s Children’s Authors

Kauai children’s authors are hitting the road with an island-wide, year-long book signing tour. Kauai Children’s Authors Guild members, Monika Mira, Mark Huff, Wendy Lewis, Susan Dierker, and Carol Peacock will be signing copies of their children’s books on Saturday April 21st at Kauai Mini Golf in Kilauea. They will also be appearing at Beach Rail in Harbor Mall, Talk Story Bookstore in Hanapepe, Na Aina Kai Gardens in Kilauea, National Tropical Botanical Gardens in Poipu and the Princess Ka’iulani Festival in Hanepepe. They are also in negotiations with a number of other locations and events (See below for the event schedule.)

The authors recognize the importance of reading to and interacting with children. “We want children to know that creativity is important, and by learning to write, they to have something to aspire to. We also wish to be accessible to the children and their families.” It was with these intentions that the Kauai Children’s Authors Guild was formed.

Kauai’s Children’s Authors will also be reading their books, or in Mira’s case, conducting coral reef building activities in classrooms and Libraries. For more information about the Kauai Children’s Authors Guild you can view their blog, or Facebook page.

Spring and Summer Book Signing Events:

Saturday April 21st, 2012 from 1p-3p

Kauai Mini Golf in Kilauea is hosting a group book signing for members of the Kauai Children’s Authors Guild. Local authors will be available to sign copies of their children’s books from 1p-3p. Come and enjoy a round of mini golf with your family and get a chance to meet several of Kauai’s Children’s Authors in one place.

Friday April 27th, 2012 from 9a-noon

Beach Rail Toy Store in Harbor Mall will be hosting a group book signing for the Kauai Children’s Authors Guild. Kauai’s authors will be offering signed copies of their books to cruise-line visitors as well as local folks. Free reef fish coloring sheets will be available for the keiki.

Saturday April 28th, 9am-12p

Kauai Children’s Authors Guild member, Monika Mira will be signing copies of her book, The Complete Hawaiian Reef Fish Coloring Book at Na Aina Kai at their monthly keiki day event on Saturday April 28th, from 9a-12p.

Sunday July 15th

Kauai Children’s Authors Guild members, Mark Huff, Carol Peacock-Williams, Susan Dierker, Wendy Lewis and Monika Mira will be signing their books at the National Tropical Botanical Gardens in Poipu on their ‘Ohana day from 9am-noon.

Kilohana Plantation: Shop Dine & Tour Kauai’s Sugar Era

It is hard not to feel as if you have stepped back in time and a feeling of how life was lived during Hawaii’s Plantation Era. The well manicured grounds of Kilohana’s 1930’s Managers Estate sits in the middle of what used to be a 27,000-acre sugar plantation and at one time the center of Kauai business, culture and social life. From the moment you enter the foyer of the 16,000 square foot estate you will be treated to an elegant sampling of antique furnishings, decor, food, shopping, history and charm. Relax and take in the views of Kilohana mountain while dining at Gaylord’s Restaurant, a favorite spot for Sunday brunch, is settled at the edge of the courtyard of Kilohana’s Plantation Estate. For a sophisticated night out on the town the new Mahiko Lounge located in the elegant living room of the Kilohana mansion offers signature drinks, live music and a fun venue for dining and shopping.

You can easily spend a few hours on the grounds exploring the unique and beautiful shops on the ground level and second story. Check out the newest additions to the mansion, Cane Field Clothing and Gallery and Cher McMacken Art, together they occupy what used to be the master bedroom, sun-room and study.This beautifully designed boutique offers a great selection of women’s clothing, locally designed jewelry, novelty gifts, vintage Hawaiian memorabilia and a local artist corner. Other shops include Grande’s Gems & Gallery, Sea Reflections, The Artisans Room and Men’s Hardware. Kauai Plantation Railway, Clayworks at Kilohana, The Beauty Shop and Koloa Rum can be found in separate plantation cottages located on the grounds.

What better way to explore the grounds of a Historic Sugar Plantation than by vintage train. The excitement in the eyes and voices of my six and nine year old escalated as we boarded the beautiful mahogany coaches being pulled by a 1939 Whitcomb diesel locomotive. The sound of the train whistle and the wheels clanking on steel tracks added the perfect amount of nostalgia as we set off to explore Kilohana’s 105 acre grounds. Exotic fruit orchards, vegetable and herb gardens along the tour supply a large portion of the fresh daily produce for Gaylord’s restaurant. At the half way mark of the tour we disembarked the train to feed the farm animals. It was hard to distinguish between the squeals of smiling children and very excited pigs.

As we pulled back into the station the sounds of the conch shell signaled the start of the Imu Ceremony, the unearthing of the roasting pig and the beginning of the theatrical Luau Kalamaku. The center stage was a non stop melange of color, light and a brilliant production, executed by an extremely talented cast of local dancers, performers and musicians, delivering the story of Kalamaku. The fire knife dancing and flaming poi ball twirlers kept the audience lively and on the edge of their seats throughout the night. The combination of great shopping, friendly staff, great entertainment, ono (delicious) food, desserts and an overall feeling of Aloha, makes this a definite must-do Hawaiian experience on Kauai- even for local Kama’aina!

Restore Kauai Swap Meet and Music Festival

Do you love a good old fashioned swap meet? Restore Kauai hosts a Swap Meet with Free Live Music every Saturday in downtown Kapaa, from 10 AM until 4 PM.

Their location, behind the Bank of Hawaii, is easy to find and has plenty of free parking. Vendors, produce, local food and yard sale items are combined into an eclectic Kauai mix, providing a unique Saturday afternoon activity for the whole family.

While shopping or selling, you can enjoy their free live music, featuring some of Kauai’s most talented and upcoming artists. HD video is captured and posted on their Facebook site: www.facebook.com/restorekauai

In addition to headline musicians, they also have plenty of open mic time. Bring your instrument(s) and play a few songs! All types of music and levels of talent are welcome.

If you are an artist, crafter, have a home based business, or just have a lot of extra stuff in the garage, come down and get a space. Although they ask for a space fee of $20, exceptions are readily made for hardship cases.

About Restore Kauai
Formed in November of 2011 to provide essential services to our local community, Restore Kauai is focused on creating jobs, providing job training, supporting sustainability and restoring traditional land use practices.

As a Hawaiian non-profit, Restore Kauai is founded and ran with the principles of Aloha, to serve the needs of our local communities. In addition to the Saturday Swap Meet, they have a recycled construction materials store that takes in used materials, and provides them at reasonable prices to the public. By giving these materials a second chance, the burden on our landfill is reduced, and jobs are created.

They can be found on the web at: www.restorekauai.org

Kauai’s Garden Isle Tri Fest, 2012

The 2012 International Garden Isle Tri Fest is keeping organizers, Joe and Carol Williams busy. This annual multi-sport event is scheduled for Saturday, March 17, 2012 and will provide a safe, fun, sporting event for individual athletes as well as families with children. The event also enables local athletes to compete in an international competition. Proceeds from the event will benefit local charities like Habitat for Humanity and the Rotary Scholarship Fund.

Despite their busy schedules, I had a chance to catch up with Joe and Carol to a few questions about the event. This is what I found out:

Q: How did you come up with the idea for the Garden Isle Tri Fest?
A: To help out the local kids that need more scholarship money through the Rotary Scholarship Fund while creating a much- needed multi sports event during a time we felt like there wasn’t much going on -St.Patrick’s Day.
Q: How long have you been putting on this event?
A: This is our second year.
Q: Who does the Tri Fest benefit?
A: The Rotary Scholarship Fund and the Habitat for Humanity.
Q: What have been some of the challenges and rewards of putting on an event like this?
A: The biggest reward is watching the kids having fun learning how to do the Kids Duathlon Event and seeing how much they enjoy running and biking plus getting a finisher metal.
The biggest challenge is community support, especially early on (because it takes a long time to pull together this multi-faceted type of a Festival.)
Q: I understand that wellness is really important to you and your wife. How does the Tri Fest support your wellness beliefs?
A: It helps teach folks that cross training with more than one sport is actually better on your body than a lot of just one activity. Also, sweating while doing such an event can help you get rid of toxins that you do not need to keep in your body. We will also be providing healthy snacks and drinks for the participants (which goes along with a wellness lifestyle.)
Q:When and where is the Tri Fest?
A: Saturday, March 17th, 2012 from 7am till about noon at Kalapaki Bay & the Kauai Marriott Resort Grounds, starting in the upper big parking lot close to the pro shop.
Q: How can people find out more about the 2012 International Garden Isle Tri Fest?
A: Check out our website: www.gardenislandtrifest.com
You can also sign up online at active.com or pick up a registration form at Kauai Athletic Club, GNC, Pictures Plus all in Lihue, Work It Out active wear store in Kapaa, or Kiahuna in Poipu.

What is Happening on Kauai in March

Planning to visit the Garden Island in March. Below is a list of events that might enhance your Hawaiian experience. From Hawaiian entertainment to international sports competitions, to Hawaiian cultural demonstrations, children’s events and craft fairs, don’t miss the opportunity to take advantage of these local events.

March 5 – March 19th, 2012
E Kanikapila Kakou is an amazing Hawaiian music concert series that will be held at the Kauai Beach Resort in the Jasmine Ballroom. Donations are accepted at the door. If you miss one event, not to worry, the concert series continues every Monday in March. If you like Hawaiian Music you are not going to want to miss this event. More details are listed below for each date.

March 5, 2012
Anake Beverly Muraoka and her gang “The Epitome of Chalang-alang Hawaiian Music.”

Monday March 12, 2012
Aldrine Guerrero – Ukulele “The Amazing Ride and Tide of the ‘Ukulele”

Monday March 19, 2012
Troy Lazaro & Friends “An Evening of Angelic Music and Hula”

March 11-26, 2012
Prince Kuhio Celebration
A week long celebration of Hawaiian cultural events to commemorate Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana`ole. Events include a spearfishing competition, Hawaiian entertainment, Hawaiian cultural demonstrations, history of Pa’akai, Hawaiian salt making, Prince Kuhio Rodeo at CJM stables, commemorative ceremonies at Prince Kuhio Park, canoe races, a craft fair, Taiko drumming and a royal dinner at Plantation Gardens Restaurant. For more information contact Aunty Stella Burgess at (808) 240-6369 or stella.burgess@hyatt.com.

March 17, International Garden Isle Tri-Fest
International, outdoor multi-sport Event and competition. Includes a kids Duathlon, adults 10K, a 5K Fun Run/Walk and a SUP-Paddle board event all on one day. Events will be at the Kauai Marriott Resort at Kalapaki Bay. For more information call (808)-346-0990.

March 17, 2012
Garden Island Artisan Fair
More than 40 local artisans showcase an array of handcrafted products at Poipu Beach from 9a-3p. This fair is a great opportunity to see wealth of local talent and pick up souvenirs that are actually made on Kauai by Kauai artisans. Ono food, plate lunches and smoothies will be available at one of the many food booths. For more information call 808.245.9021.

March 30 & 31, 2012
The 6th annual Kauai Orchid and Art Festival in Hanapepe Town showcases free Hawaiian music concerts including Taiko drumming and special guest, Makana. Enjoy great food, art exhibits, and the Garden Island Orchid Society’s Orchid Show. Plein air painting workshops, food demonstrations, and keiki crafts and activities will also be available for your enjoyment. For more information, call Kim at (808)651-9801 or email orchidfestival@hanapepe.org

Gulick Rowell House a Kauai Historic Site

Photo taken in 2009 Courtesy of Joel Bradshaw

The Gulick-Rowell House sits quietly nestled in Waimea on Huakai Road (formally known as Missionary Row) between Waimea Town and the road leading up to Kokee. Construction of the home began in 1829 by Rev. Peter Johnson Gulick, who with his wife left their home in Boston and sailed 148 days before landing on Oahu on March 28, 1828. The home was completed by Rev. George Rowell in 1846 and made this his family home. Rev. Rowell passed away on June 1, 1884, and was buried on the property. On April 15, 1978, The Gulick-Rowell House made its way to the National Register of Historic Places as the eighth of 37 sites on Kauai, making the list one year before the Kilauea Lighthouse was listed.

The two-story coral limestone house has the distinction of being Hawaii’s oldest continuously occupied house. The house became a home for the sugar company’s plantation managers, and during a short period the basement served as the Waimea town jailhouse. The history and stories of this home span from the the arrival of missionary families in the early 1800’s to the final days of Hawaii’s sugar era.

Today the Gulick-Rowell House sits unoccupied, hidden under the shade of a large Monkey Pod Tree. Time has been friendly to a home that has been around for over 180 years, but the last decade has not been kind. Architect Bob Fox worked on the home inspection in 1997 and was quoted as saying, “Once a house is unoccupied, it’s amazing how quickly it deteriorates. I don’t know what it is, but it seems like the whole building gives up and just rots away.”

It would be nice to see this historical home restored and and turned into a place where the history of Waimea and Kauai’s West Side, could continue to share the stories of a time past but not forgotten. Learn more about Waimea and Kauai’s sleepy West Side by checking out the Waimea Town Celebration, which is is held every year in February. This year is their 35th year. Events will be held throughout the week of February 19-25th.

The home is currently owned by Kikiaola Land Company who has done an amazing job of restoring aging plantation cottages built in the1900’s into what is now the Waimea Plantation Cottage

The land owners would love to start a non-profit organization or find an existing foundation that would make it possible raise funds for the repair and renovation of this irreplaceable example of traditional New England architecture in Hawaii.

Kauai Mini Golf

Kauai Farm to Host Outstanding in the Field – Dinner Without Walls

Outstanding in the Field
celebrates the New Year with first-ever visit to Hawaii~ Four islands ~ Four farms ~ Four dinners ~

In January, Outstanding in the Field, the California-based “restaurant without walls” that has inspired pop-up supper clubs across North America and around the world, makes its first-ever visit to Hawaii to celebrate the New Year with four dinner events at four farms on four islands with four fabulous local chefs: Outstanding in the Field January 14 ~Olana Farm, Kilauea, Kauai ~

Guest chef: Aaron Leikam Host Farmer: Tim O”connor and guest chef Aaron Leikam share both a latitude and a deep appreciation for fresh tropical ingredients. Combined with Aaron’s experience working with some of the best in the farm-to-table movement, including Rick Bayless, Jan Birnbaum and Melissa Kelly, that’s a recipe for a fabulous outdoor feast.

January 17 ~ Kupa’a Coffee Farm, Kula, Maui ~ Guest chef: Justin Pardo, Market Fresh Bistro, Makawao
Farmers Gerry Ross & Jane Simpson are our hosts for OitF’s first dinner on a coffee plantation. Kupa’a coffee is outstanding, named best coffee on Maui two years in a row. Guest chef Justin Pardo does popular twice-a-month farm dinners in his restaurant. That’s how OitF started — for us, farm-to-table is now table-to-farm.

January 21 ~ Ma’o Organic Farms, Wai’anae, Oahu ~ Guest chef: Ed Kenney, Town and Downtown, Honolulu
Farmer Gary & Kukui Maunakea-Forth are dedicated to organic farming and to inspiring the next generation of young people to celebrate their connections to the land. Gary and guest chef Ed Kenney are great friends, and Ed’s son Duke does kids cooking demonstrations at Ma’o.

January 25 ~ Kekala Farms, Waimea, Hawaii ~ Guest chef: Edwin Goto, Village Burger, Kamuela
Farmer Paul Johnston is a leader in the Hawaii local farms movement and grows more than 100 different kinds of vegetables at Kekala. Guest chef Edwin Goto recently opened up his burger shack with all local meats and produce. We’ve never paired up with a burger shack, but the locals tell us he’s the man.

Outstanding in the Field Dinner without Walls The Hawaii dinners kick off Outstanding in the Field’s 13th season; founding chef Jim Denevan did his first farm dinner in his hometown of Santa Cruz, California in 1999. In 2011, OitF staged 87 dinners across North America from Vancouver to Virginia and, for the first time, in Europe.

“Our dinner season traditionally starts in Spring, but when we decided to add Winter dates in 2012, we knew it was finally time to go to Hawaii,” said Denevan, who became a chef because it gave him time to surf during the day. “Over the years, we’ve had many requests to come, and we can’t wait to meet island farmers, see what new tropical-climate foods we discover, and catch a few waves.”

Since 1999, Denevan and the Outstanding crew have created outdoor dining events at country farms and urban gardens, on mountain tops and sea caves, on islands and ranches. Wherever the location, the mission is the same: To re-connect diners to the land and the origins of their food and introduce them to the local farmers and food artisans whose good work brings nourishment to the table. Ingredients for the meal are almost all local, often sourced within inches of the table, and prepared by a celebrated chef of the region. After a tour of the host site, everyone settles in: farmers, culinary artisans and diners serving each other at the long communal table. Outstanding in the Field Table Denevan is also an environmental artist, known for the large-scale drawings he creates on beaches, dry lakebeds and frozen surfaces. A temporary piece or two on Hawaiian sand, destined to disappear with the tide, is likely to appear during his visit.

Many Outstanding in the Field dates sell out within hours of being announced. The Hawaii events in January start at 3pm with a glass of wine and welcome hors d’oeuvres, followed by a tour of the host farm and a family-style, four-course meal paired with wines. Ticket price of $190 per person includes the farm tour, multi-course meal with wine and all gratuities.

To learn more and reserve a seat at the Outstanding table, please visit www.outstandinginthefield.com

Kauai Fireworks bring in the New Year!

Every New Years Eve, my son looks forward to seeing the aerial fireworks display in Poipu. This free event is held at Poipu Beach Park on the South side of Kauai, drier weather, family friendly facilities and a beautiful palm lined backdrop, is the perfect location for this outdoor event. The popularity of this event can make parking a little tricky. If you plan on attending an event like this in the future, you can either get there early, walk from your resort, or park along the side of Poipu Road and walk in. We chose to hoof it.

This year, the celebration included a Kauai Musicians, food booths and a Keiki tent. Festivities began at 5:00pm with entertainment by Alyson’s Anthem. The Music Fest continued to rock into the night with some of the hottest local bands like the Papa’a Bay Boys, Sashamon and Revival. The event culminated in a spectacular aerial fireworks display that began promptly at 9:15 giving families ample time to get home safely to ring in the New Year.

The celebration is sponsored by the Poipu Beach Resort Association and numerous local businesses. This is a family friendly event that brings local and visitors together to ring in the New Year. Unlike the New Year’s Festivities in New York where folks are bundled up in the freezing weather, Kauai people are sporting shorts, tank tops, sandals and big smiles. The mood is social and friendly, and local families are often handing out poppers and sparklers to any kids who are lacking. It was indeed a festive and enjoyable Kauai style New Years celebration on the South Shore.

Kauai.com wishes you and your family a happy, healthy and prosperous 2012!

Holiday Lights, a Kauai Tradition

A great Holiday activity on Kauai is to amaze your family with a winter wonderland in a tropical climate. Despite the summer weather, Kauai residents get into the Christmas spirit with outstanding displays of holiday lights. There are numerous displays to be found around the island, just take a drive and you are sure to be dazzled. For those of you looking for more specific locations, keep reading.

The located inside Kauai’s Historic County Building is a tribute to Auntie Josie Chansky and her Christmas house in Kapaa. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 6-8pm through Christmas Eve, your family can participate in this spectacular island-style holiday celebration.

Highlights include: the “SPAM Can Tree”, and the “ Surfin’ Santa’s Sleigh” pulled by roosters. Auntie Josie is known for recycling ordinary items like six-pack rings, egg cartons and toothpicks to make extraordinary holiday decorations to share with the children of Kauai and beyond. The display has become a Kauai tradition but was missed last year when the County Building was being remodeled.

Neighborhood displays are also popular and plentiful and have become somewhat of a social event. If you are passing through Kalaheo, there are several elaborate displays that are sure to delight you. An entire neighborhood behind the old CampHouse Grill is lit up with thousands of lights, the Polar Express, the Nutcracker House, vintage Snowmen, and of course, Santa is on hand to hand out lollipops to the Keiki. That Santa sure gets around! Just turn mauka on Opu Road and look for the lights.

If you are coming from Lihue, don’t forget to wave to Santa on the roof of the famous Lawai Christmas house, just past the intersection of Kaumualii Highway and Koloa Roadd. On the East Side, the Wailua House Lots also boasts a Christmas Street where nary a house declines to participate.

As a reminder, when visiting lights displays, please drive slow as children and families are walking the streets, be courteous to the residents and their driveways and of course, don’t forget your camera. Happy Holidays!