LIHU'E, KAUA'I - Special vacation deals, festive cultural events, and new travel and tour offeringsin the coming months are making Kaua'i an even more enticing destination to visit.
"The enjoyment of vacationing on Kaua'i is the sense of escape to a tropical paradise, to a place ofspectacular scenery featuring some of the world's most strikingly beautiful beaches and lush rainforests," said Sue Kanoho, executive director for the Kaua'i Visitors Bureau. "This is a great time to travel as our industry partners are offering special deals to enjoy Kaua'i's natural beauty
and diversity of activities." Below is a listing of newsworthy events and items that are "blooming" on the Garden Isle of Kaua'i:
WHAT'S NEW
Island Helicopters Offers Exclusive Tour to "Jurassic Falls"
Island Helicopters recently began an exclusive, new tour to the 400-foot Manawaiopuna Falls, which was popularized in the movie Jurassic Park. The helicopter lands in a tropical valley at the base of "Jurassic Falls," allowing visitors to take photographs and experience the tropical grandeur of this remote, magnificent site. The helicopter ride also includes a 90-minute tour of the entire island. For more information, visit www.islandhelicopters.com or call 1-800-829-5999.
Ko'a Kea Hotel & Resort Opens in Po'ipu
The luxurious Ko'a Kea Hotel & Resort opened on April 14. Located on Po'ipu Beach, the boutique 121-room hotel offers stunning ocean views and a contemporary design showcasing fresh, crisp colors in the guestrooms and suites. Highlights include the Spa at Ko'a Kea and a new restaurant, Red Salt, featuring an innovative menu by Executive Chef Ronnie Sanchez, who comes to Kaua'I from the three-star Michelin rated El Bulli restaurant in Spain. For more information, visit www.koakea.com or call 1-877-806-2288.
Princeville Resort Re-Branding as St. Regis, Adding Jean-Georges Restaurant
The iconic Princeville Resort on Kaua'i's north shore is currently undergoing a massive renovation of its 252-room property and will re-open October 1, 2009, as a St. Regis, Starwood Hotels' most exclusive brand. A welcomed exclusive addition to the St. Regis Princeville Resort will be Hawai'i'sfirst Jean-Georges restaurant. Guests will enjoy the distinctive flair and Asian-influenced dishesthat Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten has brought to his restaurants around the world. For more information, visit www.stregisprinceville.com/kauai.
National Tropical Botanical Gardens Begins Sunset Allerton Estate Tour
The National Tropical Botanical Gardens has launched a new guided sunset tour of Allerton Estate on Saturday, showcasing the garden's outdoor rooms, rippling pools, and lush landscaping. For more information, visit www.ntbg.org or call 808-742-2623.
Kaua'i's First High-Quality Rum by Koloa Rum Company
Koloa Rum Company will soon be offering authentic premium rum made from the molasses of high-quality sugarcane grown on Kaua'i. Distilled and blended on island, this is Kaua'i's first commercial rum company, with the first bottles available for sampling later this month and a full tasting room and tour at Kilohana Plantation in Lihu'e scheduled to open in July. For more information, visit www.koloarum.com.
On Your Mark - Go! Kaua'i's First Marathon in September
The inaugural Kaua'i Marathon is taking place on September 6, 2009. Kaua'i's magnificence - sparkling blue water, beautiful white-sand beaches, and lush rainforests - will be on display as runners make their way along a scenic course that begins at Po'ipu Beach. A portion of the net proceeds will go to local charities. Registration is available at www.thekauaimarathon.com.
KAUA'I SPRING DEALS
More Family Time for Less Money at Grand Hyatt Kaua'i Resort & Spa
The Grand Hyatt Kaua'i Resort & Spa, located at Po'ipu Beach, is offering families a fifth night free plus 50% off the second room, complimentary daily breakfast buffet for two adults and two children, upgraded room view category, and other amenities. Valid from June 1 to December 19, 2009. For more information, visit www.GrandHyattKauai.com or call 1-800-55-HYATT.
New Samplers for Anara Spa - Grand Hyatt Kaua'i Resort & Spa
The luxurious Anara Spa at the Grand Hyatt Kaua'i Resort & Spa is offering new "samplers" for several of its world-renowned treatments. Choose from a sampling of shorter treatments to enjoy at a reduced price. Mini-sessions and add-on options can be combined. For more information, visit www.GrandHyattKauai.com or call 1-800-55-HYATT.
Outrigger Kiahuna Plantation Runs Kaua'i Marathon Special
Race to take advantage of Outrigger Kiahuna Plantation's Kaua'i Marathon Special, August 30 - September 13, 2009. Located in Po'ipu, the condo resort is offering 45% off published room rates, starting at $165 per night with a two-night minimum stay. For information and reservations, visit www.OutriggerCondos.com or call 1-800-688-4444.
Castle Resorts & Hotels Offers Summer Sale for Kaua'i
Castle Resorts & Hotels is offering a couple of summer vacation specials for Kaua'i. Enjoy an oceanfront two-bedroom, two-bath suite for $260 nightly at Castle Kaha Lani in Lihu'e. In Po'ipu, Castle Kiahuna Plantation & The Beach Bungalows offers a one-bedroom, one-bath garden paradise view for $227 per night. For information, visit CastleResorts.com or call 1-800-367-5004.
Your "Vacation Bailout" from Aston Hotels & Resorts Aston Hotels & Resorts is offering special rates at the following properties: Aston Aloha Beach Hotel starting at $94; Aston Islander on the Beach at $110; Aston Kaua'i Beach at Maka'iwa at $115; Aston at Po'ipu Kai at $131; and Aston Waimea Plantation Cottages at $164. Valid for travel through December 21, 2009. Blackout dates and some restrictions may apply. For more information, visit www.AstonHotels.com or call 1-866-774-2924.
Po'ipu Lodging Specials with The Parrish Collection
Enjoy The Parrish Collection's 2009 Island Escape specials offering savings of 10-25% off the regular rates through December 19, 2009. Prices are dependent on the property and season. For more information, visit www.ParrishKauai.com or call 1-800-742-1412.
UPCOMING EVENTS
King Kamehameha Celebration Floral Parade And Ho'olaule'a: June 13
Marching bands, decorated vehicles, and regal pa'u riders on horseback are among the parade participants making their way through the heart of Lihu'e from Vidinha Stadium, along Rice Street, and on to the historic Kaua'i County Building. Following the parade, guests enjoy a ho'olaule'a(celebration) featuring music, hula, and island food. For more information, call 808-821-6895.
Koloa Plantation Days Festival: July 18-26
Enjoy a weeklong tribute to Kaua'i's plantation heritage where it began on the south shore. Events during the week include a Sunset Ho'olaule'a (Celebration), paniolo rodeo, plantation tennis tournament, hapa road walk, Hawaiian Olympics, craft fair, ethnic cooking demonstrations, and more! A parade and festival in Koloa Town feature great entertainment, local food and crafts. For more information, call 808-652-3217 or visit www.KoloaPlantationDays.com.
Kaua'i Music Festival: July 29 - August 1
The Kaua'i Music Festival is a four-day celebration about the art of songwriting in which participants learn from Grammy-winning producers and some of the best songwriters in the music industry. Participants' music will be heard in small group seminars and in the songwriting competition. For more information, visit www.KauaiMusicFestival.com.
Heiva I Kaua'i: August 1-2
The annual Heiva I Kaua'i Iorana Tahiti in Lihu'e is an International Tahitian dance competition, featuring solo and group performances, as well as traditional and contemporary drumming. For more information, call 808-822-9447.
Kaua'i - Hawai'i's Island of Discovery
Nicknamed the Garden Island, Kaua'i is green and flourishing with lush flora that runs from the mountains to the ocean. Kaua'i offers more than 50 miles of white sand beaches - more beach per mile than any other island in Hawai'i. Other natural wonders include the 3,567-foot deep Waimea Canyon, dubbed "The Grand Canyon of the Pacific," and the 3,000-foot towering mountain cliffs overlooking the Napali Coast along the northwest shoreline. A wealth of outdoor activities like kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, mountain tubing, horseback riding, ATV adventures, zipline aerial tours, helicopter and boat tours, offer memorable vacation experiences for the whole family. For information about Kaua'i - Hawai'i's Island of Discovery - visit www.kauaidiscovery.com or call the Kaua'i Visitors Bureau toll-free at 1-800-262-1400.
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