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Kauai Events
Hanapepe Art Night on Fridays
Kaua'i's flourishing art community and Hanapepe galleries host the weekly event. Galleries offer art works and other collectibles for sale, and local musicians play in the streets. 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 presents the details of life on a Hawaii sugar plantation. 808-338-0006
January
Christmas Bird Count
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
February
Eat Dessert First
Taste more than 30 different desserts during this fundraising evening of sweet delights.
March
Prince Kuhio Long Distance Canoe Race
Presented by Garden Island Canoe Racing Association at Hanamaulu Beach.
April
Polo Matches, Mid-April through August Polo matches at Anini Beach polo field held Sundays at 3 pm. Call: 808-822-3740
May
Annual Lei Contest, Kaua'i Museum, May 1
4428 Rice St. in Lihu'e. Includes music, entertainment, local crafts and a look at some of the best leis ever. For more information call 245-6931
August
Annual Hanalei-Tahiti Fete
Presented by Hanalei Civic Canoe Club at Hanalei Bay. Includes canoe races and all day entertainment.
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.
September
Mokihana Festival
The highlights of this annual festival are the Kaua'i 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 Kaua'i 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
Taro Festival in Hanalei
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,
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 Kaua'i. 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.
December
Holiday Hula Celebration
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 Santa bringing goodies for the children. Admission fee. 335-6466.
Arts and Entertainment
Kaua'i Community College Performing Arts Center
3-1901 Kaumuali'i Hwy.
Lihu'e, HI
808 - 2458311
Kaua'i Community College Performing Arts Center provides a venue for Hawaiian music and dance as well as visiting performers.
Nightlife
People on Kaua'i take great pride in their culture and enjoy sharing their traditions with those who come to call. As a result, on the Garden Isle you will find more traditional Hawaiiana and less glitz than on neighboring O'ahu.
Most of the island's dinner and lu'au shows take place within a hotel or resort. Hotel lounges and restaurant bars offer live music with no cover charge.
Sports
Captain Zodiac Raft Expedition
1-800-422-7824.
A boating trip on 23 foot inflatable rubber boats (weather permitting). Children prefer the snorkeling activity to the sightseeing excursion.
Golf
Some of Hawaii's most challenging golf courses are found on Kaua'i. In addition to several outstanding resort courses, there are also some excellent public courses. What puts all these golf courses in a class above those you might play elsewhere, is their location. Most come with an inspiring ocean view or spectacular mountain backdrop.
Horseback Riding
One of the best ways to explore Kaua'i is from horseback. There are scenic trails that follow along the coast. Trips up Hanalei Valley, reveal a place that hasn't changed much in the past one thousand years. Other trails take you to Haupu Valley, along the beach and past the coves of Mahaulepu Beach, or down into Waimea Canyon.
Fishing
Kaua'i is a popular spot for both freshwater and saltwater anglers. Large- and smallmouth bass are taken in Kaua'i's inland reservoirs. Marlin, ahi, ono, and aku are found in abundance off Kaua'i's south and east coasts. There also are special charters available that will carry you near the private island of Niihau for giant tuna and marlin.
Hiking
About 10 percent of Kaua'i is accessible by road.
Write to the Hawaii Geographic Society, P.O. Box 1698, Honolulu, HI 96806, and ask for their information packet..
Three of Kaua'i's best trails:
The Kukui Trail
This 5-mile (round trip) trail drops 2,000 feet into spectacular Waimea Canyon, and offers the shortest route to the canyon floor. There's a large swimming hole at the bottom.
The Kuilau Ridge Trail
This 4.2-mile (round trip) hike offers dramatic views of small waterfalls and a wealth of flora. The trailhead is about a mile beyond the University of Hawaii Agricultural Experimental Station on Route 580.
The Kalalau Trail
This is the original Hawaiian trail into Kalalau Valley, and offers dramatic views of Na Pali Coast and Kee Beach. It begins at Kee Beach where Highway 56 ends. Two miles inland is Hanakapiai Falls, which cascades 300 feet to a pool below.
Windsurfing
Anini Beach Park and Kalapaki Beach are both good places for windsurfing, especially Anini Beach because it said to have more consistent wind. On the south coast, Poipu Beach is also an excellent choice. For the more advanced, Haena Beach on the north shore is a great spot.
Scuba Diving
The best diving on Kaua'i is found along the southern shore because waters are calmer. The water is clear, with visibility averaging about 50 feet, and sea life is abundant.
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