Kauai Vacation

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For the Party People: Finding the Best Kauai Luaus

You should never miss witnessing a Kauai luau when visiting Hawaii. A luau is an authentic Hawaiian feast featuring entertainment like original Hawaiian music, hula presentations, games, local delicacies like poi, kalua and opihi and other fun-filled activities. Types of the event may also vary depending on the occasion such as birthday luaus, ceremonial luaus and wedding luaus. Find out where to see one.

Oceanfront Luaus

The Surf to Sunset Luau is held every Monday and Friday evenings beginning at 6:00 p.m. just a few steps from the crescent-shaped white beach of Kauai. This is the perfect ceremony for families and couples featuring world-class entertainment that boasts the island’s culture and traditions plus a wide array of authentic Hawaiian dishes. Here you can enjoy fresh sweet pineapple, lomi salmon, pipikaula, kalua pig, poi, poke and tempting desserts like coconut coated haupia, chocolate macadamia nut cake and guava chiffon pie.

Other delicacies included in the extensive banquet are Korean, Japanese, Filipino, Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese cuisine. You get to choose between the Traditional package and The Golden Circle package.

The Traditional package includes classic buffet dining and entertainment while The Golden Circle package includes table service complete with appetizers, salads and beverages served family style, signature lei and great stage side seats.

Poipu also offers classic Kauai luaus with a spectacular oceanfront view at Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa every Sunday and Thursday with the theme “Havaki Nui” or “a journey to new lands”. Check-in time is at 5:00 p.m. Here you can enjoy quality Hawaiian and cosmopolitan culinary luau dishes and entertainment provided by world-class producers of Hawaiian and Polynesian entertainment.

The program features the voyage of ancient Polynesians into the Pacific Ocean to search for Havaiki Nui resulting to the established lands of Hawaii, Samoa and Tahiti. The story is well-described through songs, dances and chants. You get to see live fire knife dances and the mystical hula.

Other inclusions in the siet are the shell lei greeting, music and photo opportunity, limited bar, Hawaiian arts and crafts and Imu unearthing. The Kauai luau buffet has a very extensive menu with specialties like somen salad, tropical fruits, kim chee, imu-style cooked kalua pig, brewed kona and several specialty teas.

The Must-See Luau

The most famous Kauai luau is probably Smith’s Garden Luau held at the Wailua Marina State Park on the east side of the island. The program is held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Check-in time is at 4:45 p.m.

The event started more than 50 years ago by the Smith family in the holy Wailua River Valley and up to now, they continue to entice visitors to experience and become part of the family or “ohana”. The feast is the main highlight of the luau featuring delicacies like kalua pig roasted in the earthen imu oven, Cousin Gary’s secret teriyaki beef recipe and chicken adobo.

More highlights in this Kauai luau are Tahitian drum dances, Samoan fire knife dances, shell lei greeting, meeting some of the Smith family members, cocktails, Hawaiian music, the Aloha Show with performances from Hawaii, the Philippines and New Zealand and a preview of the romantic Hawaiian wedding.

Occasionally, the Pareo Fashion show and Tihati’s Hiva Pasefika Revue is also presented. Some ethnic dances and chants from China, Japan and Korea are featured as well.

Paradise On Earth Make Your Vacation A Worthy One

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Kauai Island is known as one of the most beautiful places on earth. This island is located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, and it has been created almost 7 million years ago, from a volcanic eruption. Though created from a volcanic eruption, Hawaii Island is considered as one of the best travel destinations in all over the world. The culture, the people, and the scenic beauty never fail to draw the attention of the travellers from different parts of the world. Even if you have not landed to this island ever in your past, you must have seen this on many popular Hollywood movies. Hawaii has always been a favourite destination for movie makers, food lovers and also the newly wedded couples.You can find different packages on different Kauai vacation rentals here, so that you can choose whatever suits your needs best. You can also find luxury Kauai vacation rentals here, and many other things will be included into that package. They will arrange you site seeing, and cruise trip too. The best thing you can do is to go for any of the tour packages. There are Hawaii and Hanalei vacation rentals are included in those packages. And if you go for tour packages it will save you a lot of money also. And the added benefit is, you can then enjoy your trip without bothering all the small details of your tour; because, everything will be supervised by your tour manager. You can go for private Hawaii vacation homes, or you can choose cottage to spend your vacation. If you are newly married, then there are some special arrangements for honeymoon couple, and you can enjoy them.If you are visiting Hawaii for the very first time, then you must not miss visiting Poipu. Choosing a rental accommodation in Poipu is not tough; you can anytime go for Poipu Kauai Condo vacation rentals from internet. Loads of resorts and beach cottages are there where you can spend your beautiful day or evening with your loved one. If you know anybody, who is known to this place, take advice from them about where to start your tour. Because Poipu is full of waterfalls, zip lines, hiking, rope swings, kayaking and many other different things. So, if you do not make a tour map, you may feel that you have missed a couple of exciting things here.You can enjoy in an absolute different way if you are going there to spend your honeymoon. There are various Kauai Island Weddings Luxury Home Vacation Rentals which you can opt for. And for newly wedded couples there are different packages where they will take you for a romantic cruise venture. It is adventurous, romantic and full of enjoyment. The dining and all other costs will be included in your package. Hawaii wedding cruises are very popular, because in this way you can visit all the islands in one trip. And for that you need not spend even single extra bucks. So, this time throw away the traditional destinations, go and experience something new and exciting.

Jason McGregor is a frequent traveler to Hawaii reviewing Kauai Hawaii vacation beach rental homes and Kauai Hawaii vacation cottages, Princeville Kauai Vacation Homes, Poipu Kauai Condo vacation rentals, Hawaii Vacation Homes Rentals, Hawaii vacation condo rentals, luxury Kauai vacation rentals, Haena Hawaii Vacation Homes Rentals, Hanalei

Sacred Sites: Getting a Glimpse of Kauai Heiaus

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Ancient Hawaiian villagers used to be very religious people with many gods and goddesses. They frequently abided in religious laws, traditions and practices when doing virtually almost anything like planting and harvesting crops, going to war and delivering babies. Kauai heiaus or temples can be found in several areas of the island along with other old sacred relics and symbols. These remain as cultural attractions that continue to draw thousands of tourists all over the world.

Ancient Legends and Religious Stories

Kaula Laka Heiau is a sacred altar located among the Napali cliffs. It was originally built for Laka, the goddess of hula and is one of the most captivating spots with a majestic view of the cliffs and Pacific Ocean. Up to this day, the heiau is still used by hula halau. Kiki a Ola or Menehune Ditch is located 25 miles north of the Waimea River. According to ancient legends, the ditch was built in a single night by legendary little people or menehune to irrigate taro patches. At present, a 2-foot high portion of one of the walls still exists.

Halekuamano at Mana is a Kauai heiau located at Kalaipuaa. According to ancient folklore, the temple was built by the gods in a single night for a special tribal chief. Things and other accessories related to the hula used to be thrown in the area. Hauola Heiau is located at Hoea Valley, Waimea at the base of Hauola ridge. The temple has 2 divisions with remnants of two houses that used to stand on each side of the entrance. 4 to 8-foot high walls outline the temple. Upstream from Hauola, a natural amphitheater can be seen where worshippers used to hold meetings and other special events.

Prince Kuhio Park is the birthplace and home of the “People’s Prince” or Prince Jonah Kalanianaole who was highly revered and loved by the Hawaiian people. Today, his house’s foundation, shrine and royal fishpond still exist. These used to be sites where priests or kahunas and villagers offered gifts, meditated and lived around in.

Alakoko Fishpond used to span 40 acres and was built inland on a river for a young Hawaiian chief. The remains are a 13 to 30-foot wall dividing the fishpond from the river. Holoholoku Heiau is believed to be the oldest temple in all of Kauai. Poliahu Heiau is located very near Opaekaa Falls featuring a large black lava rock. This used to be the personal temple of Kaumualii, the island’s last king.

More Kauai Heiaus and Foreign Temples

Hikinaakala Heiau is found in Waimea village and is one of the largest in the island. Sorcerors used to sacrifice animals and humans at the site featuring a grand view of the ocean. Howea was the main heiau in Waimea. Ancient legends say that Ola, a Hawaiian warrior whose mother was Kahapula was supposed to be sacrificed at the site. Some of the chants and religious rituals that Ola’s mother used were passed down among priests and other religious village leaders.

Kauai Soto Zen Temple is located at Hanapepe, South Kauai which is a Buddhist sacred place. Buddhism was believed to have been spread by Japanese workers who migrated to Hawaii to plant sugarcane. Other Buddhist temples still exist throughout the state. The temple is open to the public but visitors are required to remove their shoes before entering.

Aside from many Kauai heiaus, an Iravian temple also stands in the center of the 51-acre San Marga Sanctuary. This is an all-granite Hindu religious site situated by the Wailua River and at the foot of Mt. Waialeale. Hawaiians consider the location as holy and believe that it is 1 of the 7 ancient temples that descended to the Pacific Ocean from Waialeale.

Kauai Asian Restaurants

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If you want to enjoy mouth-watering spicy dishes while touring and staying in Kauai on your Hawaii vacation, visiting to any one of the ocean front Kauai Asian restaurants would be just ideal for you. Owing to their stylish delicious preparation and supporting with wide collection of yummy food items, these restaurants have gradually become one of the most sought after dining options in the island. You may find numerous Kauai Asian restaurants while enjoying beach beauties here and there in Kauai, but all are not highly appreciable for their food items and the ambiances they offer. However, few prominent and reputed dining places in Kauai where you may find authenticated Asian foods with varied aromas to delight your dream Hawaii vacation may include:

• Aroma, 3501 Rice St, Lihue, HI-96766, Tele. 808-245-9192
• Beach House, 5022 Lawai Rd, Koloa, HI-96756, Tele. 808-742-1424
• Gaylord's, 3-2087 Kaumualii Hwy, Lihue, HI-96766, Tele. 808-245-9593
• Hamura Saimin, 2956 Kress St, Lihue, HI-96766, Tele. 808-245-3271
• Lighthouse Bistro, 2484 Keneke St, Kilauea, HI-96746, Tele. 808-828-0481
• Mema Thai and Chinese Cuisine, 4-369 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI-96746, Tele.
808-823-0899
• Roy's Poipu Bar & Grill, 2360 Kiahuna Plantation Dr, Koloa, HI-96756, Tele.
808-742-5000
• Sushi Blues (Bouchons Hanalei), 5-5190 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI-96714, Tele.
808-826-9701
• Tidepools, 1571 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI-96756, Tele. 808-742-1234

The Kauai Asian restaurants are known for their extravagant oceanfront setting to allow local and outside tourists to enjoy most pleasing Hawaii vacation dining experience. You will highly appreciate the patronage of gracious Hawaiian services coupled with innovative approaches towards preparation and servicing of unbeatable luscious Asian dishes there.

Along with providing all types of succulent Thai, Japanese, Chinese, Indian, and Pacific Rim food items, all of the Kauai Asian restaurants also offer traditional and contemporary sea-food products. However, you must not forget tasting the following special menus while visiting any of the Kauai Asian restaurants on your Hawaii vacation.

• Beef Salad
• Fresh Island Shrimp
• Ginger Coconut Soup

You will find majority of the Asian restaurants in Kauai are kept open on all days of the week offering hottest Asian entertainment in the evening, thereby making them natural choice for the visitors to have romantic dinner with fun-filled luxurious leisure!

Article by Kani Amea

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kani_Amea

vel & Leisure> Kauai - One of Hawaii 's Best Kept Vacations Secrets

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Kauai is indeed an island that can take your breath away even at a glance. The everyday hustles and bustles of life can drain every ounce of energy that we have. There are various concerns that desperately calls for our attention and time which can mess up our thinking and everyday existence in this big world. That is why there is a need for us to at least stop from our usual routine and take time to enjoy and be free. Of course there are lots of activities that can soothe our pains and longings but the most effective of which, as supported by studies and researches, is through nature. Our mother nature has its own power to heal and regain the lost energy of its vital components which include man. That is why a break from the everyday monotonous tasks can help a lot to refresh and remove the toxins that can engulf our minds and bodies. There are thousands of places to visit from all over the world and one of that is the lush, alive and stunning island of Kauai, Hawaii.

You cant help but be mesmerized by the sparkling blue oceans that stretch along the stately mountains and hills that stood proudly on almost all sides of the island. Freely flowing from the elevated areas are gushing waterfalls that can truly refresh the tired and weary mind. There are so many breath-taking places waiting to be explored. It may appear to be a small Kauai island but on almost all sides and corners are landscapes and locations that can ones attention and interest. On the North shore of Kauai is the spectacular Na Pali Kauai coast which was featured on the movie South Pacific. On the heart of Kauai North shore is the alluring Hanalei bay that flows to almost 30 miles areas of hills and bays. On the South area of Kauai shore are the superb beaches and waterfalls which also include the magnificent National Tropical Garden, the product of Congress legislations. The natural result of lava formation in Spouting Horn is also found on the Southern Kauai shore.

Anyone interested to know the cultural and historical landmarks of Kauai can go to the West Kauai area. The historical captain Cook monument can be found on this Kauai area which serves as the mark for the landing of British Captain James Cook in the island of Hawaii in the year 1778. The place where the souls of Kauai inhabitants rest is said to be found in the sanctified Polihale heiau. Known as the Coconut Coast is the Eastern area of Kauai Island. A visit to Kauai shores will not be complete without exploring this area. East Kauai is also notable for their beachfronts which made it a favorite among visitors and tourists for kayaking or boating although it may have trick currents for adrenaline rushing adventures.

Warm accommodation is given by various establishments and companies ready to give their optimum services. Kauai Island has wide arrays of rooms given by famous hotels, condos and resorts to make your stay truly a remarkable and unforgotten one. The rates vary to suit the budget of visitors and tourists. There are lots of varieties of services to choose from. On the northern Kauai shores are vacation rentals that can provide a good view of the ocean and other landmarks. Furniture, home accessories and other stuff are also available to make you feel at home. Beach houses situated near the road, shops and grocery stores are also available for the visitors to easily have access to other amenities that they may need and want.

Article Source:http://www.articles321.com

Timothy A. Garyantes travels lots and recommends: http://www.fmkauai.com/ as a resource for information about Kauai.

An Introduction to Kauai Vacation

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A Hawaiian trip is one of the most exhilarating experiences for any person in the globe. The 51st state of America features a lot of rich culture and history that will surely give you an unforgettable stay. A Kauai vacation is considered a top choice because of the various beautiful sights as well as the traditions that make it one majestic island. Find out more about the place especially its unique layout and geography.

About the Island

The name Kauai probably originated from Hawai’iloa, the Polynesian explorer who is known to have discovered Hawaii. Hawai’iloa was said to have a favorite son whom he named the island after. It also translates to “food season” or “place around the neck” just as how a father would lift his favorite child. The population in the island ranges over 60,000. The United States Census Bureau defines Kauai as Census Tracts 401 to 409. This includes all of Kauai County except for the islands Lehua, Ni’ihau and Ka’ula.

Kauai or Kaua’i is the oldest and fourth largest main island in the Hawaiian archipelago. It is also the 21st largest island in America which lies 105 miles across the Kaua’i Channel, just northwest of O’ahu. It is also called “Garden Isle” with blooming flora and fauna, great weather and captivating volcanoes.

The island is of volcanic origin with Kawaikini the highest peak standing at 5,243 feet and Mount Wai’ale’ale at the center of Kauai at 5,148 feet. It is one of the wettest places in the plant with annual rainfall resulting to deep valleys, canyons and waterfalls.

Lihue Airport is the main air transportation hub of the island. There are several towns and cities all over Kauai but majority of the distinctive ones are located from the northern tip of Hawaii Route 560 to the western end of Hawaii Route 50. Some popular places include Kapa’a, Lihu’e, Wailua, Princeville, Hanalei, Hanapepe, Kilauea, Lawa’i and Anahola.

Kauai resembles the shape of an almost perfect circle over an area of 552 square miles. The location provides warm waters from the Pacific Ocean as well as great temperature any time of the year. About half of the shoreline of the island is comprised of Kauai vacation beaches. You can expect to find some very rare species of animals and plants both on and off shore such as bamboo, orchid, hibiscus, sandalwood, eucalyptus, java plum, kiawe, iwi, nene goose, sea turtle, whale, dolphin and humuhumunukunukuapuaa.

What to Expect

You get to enjoy several open and commercial beaches all across the island as well as the vast richness of marine life. Hiking is another great Kauai vacation activity because of its mountainous regions specifically the Waimea Canyon or the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” rising up to 4,000 feet. Another popular site is the Napali Coast featuring captivating coastline views, free-flowing waterfalls, secret sea caves and tall cliffs.

Enjoy the tropical weather of a Kauai vacation all-year round. Temperatures also drop later in the afternoon for cooler nights. There are micro-climates on the island wherein both lush and dry areas exist Mount Waialeale has a beautiful rainforest having more than 400 inches of rain per year.

Other areas usually have sunny days and warm breezes and surrounding sites around the peak are generally unaffected by the rain. Coastal spots have an average of 18 inches of rain annually. Rainfall usually occurs at night.