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Kauai-- The Garden Island
Island Facts and Calendar of Events
| State Flower: | Yellow Hibiscus |
| State Mammal: | Humpback Whale |
| State Fish: | Reef Trigger Fish, "humuhumunukunukuapuaa" fish with a face like a pig. |
| State Tree: | Kukui Tree, the candlenut tree, the oiliest nut known to man. |
| State Bird: | Nene Goose |
| Size | Kauai is the smallest of the major Hawaiian Islands, (555 sq. miles) of land area |
| POPULATION 1999 est. | 56,000 residents |
| Wettest Spot! | The summit of Mt Waialaale is the wettest spot in the US with an average rainfall of 444 inches per year! |
| Time Difference/ Daylight Savings Time: | Hawaii has no daylight savings time.....Time differences between Hawaii and the Mainland (Pacific Coast Time ) in the winter is 2 hours (Hawaii is 2 hours behind)... and in the summer time Hawaii is 3 hours behind. |
| Only in Hawaii.... | Hawaii "Aloha State" was once a kingdom ruled by it's own royalty called, "ali'i" |
| State Gem: | Black Coral, found in off shore waters by early Hawaiian divers , black coral led to a thriving jewelry industry |
| State Team Sport: | Outrigger Canoe Paddling, Regatta Season: May thru July! |
| Flowers & Gifts | Federal law prohibits taking or sending certain fresh fruits , vegetables and plants to the US mainland; you can be fined up to $1,000 for mailing or carrying quarantined items. most items require US department of Agriculture Inspection before any shipment is permitted to the mainland. |
Calender
of Events
Ongoing Activities
New! Jogging & Bike Trail in Poipu
Beginning at Hapa Rd., which starts next to Kiahuna Tennis Courts in Poipu, a graded pathway has been created expressly for pedestrian & bike traffic. The 1.2 mile route provides a
care-free environment for walkers, runners and bicyclists.
New! Hanapepe Art Night--Fridays
There is life after dark in Hanapepe, at least on Friday nights. Kauai's flourishing art community and Hanapepe galleries host the weekly event, which lends a festive air to the
otherwise sleepy town. Browsers mingle from gallery to gallery viewing art and other collectibles for sale, while the rifts of local musicians drift down the street. Call: 808-335-0227
Plantation
Life-Styles Walking Tours, Tues., Thurs. & Saturdays at 9am.
This hour and a half historical walking tour of the Waimea Sugar Mill Camp covers life on a Hawaii sugar plantation. For more information call 808-338-0006
Island History Lectures, monthly
Kauai Historical Society sponsors free monthly lectures on varied aspects of island history. Call for schedule 808-245-3373
Kauai Museum Tours, Free Every Tuesday
10 am every Tuesday, tours of the Kauai Museum are presented free with admission. Located at 4428 Rice St. in Lihue. For more information call 245-6931
Kokee Natural History Wonder Walks
The Kauai Natural History Museum sponsors guided hikes in Kokee State Park. Hikers need to make reservations, bring drinking water, wear hiking shoes and a small donation is
requested per hiker. For more information call 335-9975.
Eco-tourism--Kokee and Waimea Canyon
Guilt-free vacations! Spend part of your vacation saving Hawaii's fragile ecosystem and the rest of it respectfully enjoying it. Volunteers are needed to participate in supervised
weed-control projects in the native Hawaiian forests. Interested parties should contact Kate Reinard PO Box 100, Kekaha, HI or email Kate at: kokee@aloha.net
United Resumes Non-Stop Flights to Kauai from Los Angeles!
Big promotions planned. Flights scheduled to leave LA daily at in the early evening and arrive in Lihue less than 6 hours later. Call United reservations for details 800-241-6522
Farmer's Market
Kauai's Farmer's Markets provide a glimpse into island life along with the freshest produce available. Try some of Kauai's many delicious tropical fruits, sweet corn or locally grown
salad greens to enjoy during your stay.
Farmer's Market Schedule
Monday--Koloa Ball Park 12 noon, Kukui Grove 3:00PM
Tuesday--Kaleheo Neighborhood Center 3:30 PM
Wednesday--Kapaa New Town Park 3:00 PM
Thursday--Hanapepe-across from Post Office 4:00 PM
Friday--Lihue Vidinha Stadium 3:00 PM
Saturday--Kekaha Neighborhood Center 10:00 AM
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August
Polo Matches, Mid-April through August
Polo matches at Anini Beach polo field held Sundays at 3 pm. Call: 808-822-3740
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor
Dreamcoat, July 16-Aug 7
Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical, is being presented by the Kauai Community Players under the direction of Jim Seibel in the Lihue Parish Hall at 7:00 Friday, Saturday, and
Sunday evenings from July 16 through August 7. Tickets are $12 & $8 ($5 for students) in advance and $15, $10, & 5 at the door. For more information Kauai Community Players
web site or call the KCP Hotline: 808-245-7700.
12th Annual Hanalei-Tahiti Fete, TBA
Presented by Hanalei Civic Canoe Club at Hanalei Bay. Includes canoe races and all day entertainment.
3rd Annual Na Himene Ki`eki`e Concert and competition, TBA
Waimea Plantation Cottages was the site of the 3rd annual Na Himene Ki`eki`e (Falsetto) Concert and Competition in 1998. The competition consists of hymns and ancient Hawaiian
songs sung in the traditional Hawaiian Falsetto style. Competitors from all over the state participate each year.
History of Surfing on Kauai and
Ni'ihau, through Sept.15
History of Surfing on Kauai and Ni'ihau appears in the Senda Gallery at the Kauai Museum. Explore the sport of Hawaiian ali'i on the island of Kauai and Ni'ihau. Research by Chris
Cook. 245-6931.
Trout Fishing,
Kokee State Park
Trout Fishing season begins in Koke'e State Park streams and reservoirs for a limited time. Fishing License required. Call State Dept. of Land and Natural Resources, Aquatic
Resources Div. for specifics 274-3344.
Kokee State Park
Trout Fishing season begins in Koke'e State Park streams and reservoirs for a limited time. Fishing License required. Call State Dept. of Land and Natural Resources, Aquatic
Resources Div. for specifics 274-3344.
Polo
Matches, Mid-April through August
Polo matches at Anini Beach polo field held Sundays at 3 pm. Call: 808-822-3740
History of Surfing on Kauai and
Ni'ihau, April 1-Sept.15
History of Surfing on Kauai and Ni'ihau opens in the Senda Gallery at the Kauai Museum. Explore the sport of Hawaiian ali'i on the island of Kauai and Ni'ihau. Research by Chris
Cook. 245-6931.
Kauai Tahiti
Fete, Aug 6-8
This annual competition hula event brings Tahiti's best hula dancers to Kauai. Both Tahitian and Hawaiian hula is performed during the festival, along with live music, craft fair and
food booths. For more details visit their web pages or call 808-826-9343
Royal Court Investiture
Ceremonies, Aug. 14
The Kauai Aloha Festival's Royal Court will be installed with special ceremonies and traditional Hawaiian protocols in the magnificance of Wailua-nui-a-ho`ano or the "great sacred
Wailua." Chants and dances honoring the trilogy of Hawai`i's cultural traditions tell of a Kauai of long ago. This is a very special opportunity to experience authentic and traditional
culture for both residents and visitors! Free. Processional begins at 9am. Poli`ahu Heiau, Wailua.
For more information email to this address
Kokee Wonder
Walk, Aug. 15
Guided hike of trails at Kokee State Park. Wonder Walk will begin at the Kokee Natural History Museum promptly at 12:15. $3 donation.
Kokee Natural History Museum 335-9975
Sam Choy's Poke
Contest, Aug 15
"Poke"-the Hawaiian delicacy of raw fish is taken to extreme levels in this delicious, annual culinary contest! Open to both professional and amateur chefs, it draws some of the most
innovative talent in the Pacific Rim regions. For information, call 821-2070.
Annual Summer Craft
Fair, TBD
Kauai Museum, 4428 Rice St. in Lihue. For more information call 245-6931
Kauai County Farm
Fair, TBD
A favorite with children, the county fair features carnival rides, local food, produce, crafts, 4-H livestock displays, and entertainment. Adults may want to check out the orchid and
bonsai plant competition.
Magnificent Mango
Mini-Feast, TBD
Annual Magnificent Mango Mini-Feast held at Borders Book store. Events spotlight the succulent tropical fruit and may include a mini-farmers' market, mango products, mango
food sampling, recipe contests and entertainment. Borders Books Music Cafe-246-0862.
September
History of Surfing on Kauai and Ni'ihau, through Sept.15
History of Surfing on Kauai and Ni'ihau appears in the Senda Gallery at the Kauai Museum. Explore the sport of Hawaiian ali'i on the island of Kauai and Ni'ihau. Research by Chris
Cook. 245-6931.
Mokihana
Festival, TBA
The highlights of this annual festival are the Kauai Composers Contest which spotlights local composers and entertainers and the Ukulele Jam. Many events featured across the
island. For more information, view the Mokihana Web Site or call 808-822-2166
Kaua'i Paniolo Ranch
Rodeo, Usually held in Sept.
Held at the CJM Country Stables in Poipu. Paniolo--Hawaiian cowboys--compete in rodeo events which range from typical to the uniquely Hawaiian. Call Joyce Miranda at
808-742-6096
October
Aloha Festivities
Aloha Festivities are celebrated throughout Kauai in October. A royal court presides over such events as a Royal Ball, horse racing, concerts, hula, tour of heiau (Hawaiian sacred
site), fishing tournaments and a Hawaiian sports challenge. Call: 808-944-8857
Ironman Triathlon World
Championship, Usually held in Oct. in Kona
Though technically not a Kauai event, it is included here for those who may be interested in planning a side trip to Kona, or for those who will be getting the heck out of Kona during
this event. A grueling fete of endurance; the triathlon includes a 2.4 mile ocean swim, 112 mile bike race and a 26.2 mile run. Kailua-Kona, on the "Big Island" of Hawaii, hosts the
annual event which was expected to draw 5,000 or more to the area last year.
Taro Festival in
Hanalei, TBA
The annual Taro Festival celebrates the cultivation of one of old Hawaii's dietary staples. The celebration includes music, hula, food, exhibits and games for keiki (kids). Experience
the "Taste of Taro"--a feast of taro dishes, and other exotic events around this Polynesian plant.
November
PGA Grand
Slam, TBD
Click here for information on Suite Paradise Golf Specials.
One of golf's most prestigious events, the annual Grand Slam features the beautiful Poipu Bay Resort Golf Course. This course is one of several prestigious golf courses located on
Kauai. Accommodations in Poipu during the Grand Slam are at a premium and generally sell out well before the event. Suite Paradise accommodations are within close proximity to
both the Poipu Bay Resort Golf Course, and the Kiahuna Golf Club. For questions regarding accommodations during the Grand Slam contact Suite Paradise at 800-367-8020.
International Film
Festival, TBD
This annual event specializes in Pacific Rim films and offers a wide assortment of newly released and obscure films. The festival last generally a week with films shown at theaters
across the island. Admission for most films is free. For more information visit the Hawaii International Film Festival web site.
December
Holiday Hula Celebration, TBD
Annual "Holiday Hula Celebration." Dancers perform a variety of hulas traditional and modern. There will also be a children's Christmas chorale and ukulele group, silent auction,
Christmas ornament contest and bake good sale. Guests include the man from up north himself bringing goodies for the children. Kauai Marriott. Admission fee. For more
information call 335-6466.
4th Annual Lighted Christmas Parade TBD
Held at Hofgaard Park in Waimea Town, this community event includes free refreshments and the big man himself--Santa! Call 808-338-9957
Christmas
Buffets, Dec. 24-25
Several of the large hotels and restaurants on the island feature large buffets for Christmas and Christmas eve. Please inquire at Suite Paradise front desk for more information.
First Night Kauai
Style, Dec. 31
This Annual New Year's Eve Cultural Festival is usually held in the immediate vicinity of the county facilities on Rice Street, Lihue from 6 pm-1:00 am. This family-oriented, alcohol
and drug-free New Year's Eve celebration, includes multicultural dance/music, foods, entertainment, crafts and other activities, sponsored by Kauai Habitat for Humanity. Call: LaVerne Bessert at 1-888-822-7002 or e-mail to habitat@aloha.net
January 2000
Christmas Bird
Count, TBD
Generally held on New Years Day. There is a small contribution to the National Audubon Society. For more information, call Kokee Natural History Museum at 808-335-9975
Rainbow Arts Festival TBA
This day-long festival for children features giant blow up characters and storytelling at Hanapepe park at the river mouth on Kauai. Sponsored by Storybook Theatre of Hawaii. Call
808-335-0712
Kauai Rodeo, TBA
CJM stables in Poipu hosts this annual event. The rodeo runs all day and features paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys). Call 808-742-6096
February 2000
Eat Dessert
First, TBA
Taste more than 30 different desserts during this fundraising evening of sweet delights.
Waimea Town Celebration TBA
2 days of fun, food, entertainment and sports, in the small town with a big history. Plantation-era style community celebration draws locals and visitors alike. Saturday sports include
canoe races, 23rd Annual Captain Cook Fun Run, and Paniolo (Hawaiian Cowboy) Challenge. Call 808-338-9957
Valentine's Wine Tasting
Extravaganza, TBA
Wine, pupus, music, silent auction and wines available for purchase. To benefit Poipu Rotary. Call: 808-332-0708
March 2000
Prince Kuhio Long Distance Canoe
Race, TBA
Presented by Garden Island Canoe Racing Association at Hanamaulu Beach.
Spirit of Mardi
Gras, TBA
Quota International of Kauai presents their annual "Spirit of Mardi Gras Festival and Costume Ball."
Prince Kuhio
Festival, TBA
Held at Prince Kuhio Park in Poipu. Event includes exhibits, special programs honoring Prince Kuhio and outrigger canoe races.
April 2000
Polo Matches, Mid-April through August
Polo matches at Anini Beach polo field held Sundays at 3 pm. Call: 808-822-3740
May 2000
20th Annual Lei
Contest, Kauai Museum, May 1
4428 Rice St. in Lihue. Includes music, entertainment, local crafts and a look at some of the loveliest leis ever. For more information call 245-6931
Polo Matches, Mid-April through August
Polo matches at Anini Beach polo field held Sundays at 3 pm. Call: 808-822-3740
4th Annual Prince Albert Music
Festival,
Princeville Resort TBA
Festivities include classical and Hawaiian music performances, a children's hula, Holoku Tea and fashion show, antique quilt display and music of old Hawaii. Information:
808-826-6439
Annual Banana Poka Festival, TBD
This annual event is Kokee Museum's forest education fair, complete with guided hikes, craft workshops and entertainment. For details call 335-9975.
Memorial Day Yacht Race, Nawiliwili to Hanalei, TBD
Nawiliwili Yacht Club sponsors this annual race from Nawiliwili Harbor in Lihue to Hanalei Bay. Awards feast follows at the Hanalei Pavilion.
Annual Kokee Wilderness Races, TBA
YWCA of Kauai at Camp Sloggett presents a 15K NORBA Sanctioned Bike Race, and 2K, 5K, 10K runs. All races start and finish at Camp Sloggett. Top quality prizes and awards
for each event! All proceeds benefit YWCA's Summer Camp Youth scholarships. Call: 245-5959.
While our friends at Suite Paradise has endeavored to compile the most accurate and up-to-date information available, even the best laid plans have been known to change.* Do not rely on this
calendar alone. Always verify dates and times with event coordinators before making plans or reservations.
*Where exact dates have yet to be announced for annual events, approximate dates are given along with contacts when
available
