Blog

Christmas Shopping on Kauai

Christmas Shopping on Kauai

Looking for a super special Christmas gift? I love supporting local Kauai artists by buying original art at Christmas (or anytime). Kauai is a magnet for gifted artists and photographers, and the work produced here is truly amazing. If you're driving out to the north shore, stop in at the new 7...

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Hanalei Surf Swap Meet

Hanalei Surf Swap Meet

Ever had the urge to pick up a new language? Well there’s plenty of opportunity here on Kauai. Cultural diversity abound with Japanese, Portuguese, dialects of Chinese, Tagoleg,  Hawaiian, ‘Pidgin’ and a fairly new ‘Romance’ language known as “Surf-ese”. On the first Saturday of every month one...

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Pot Pie on Kauai: New Bakery Opens in Lihue

Pot Pie on Kauai: New Bakery Opens in Lihue

Kauai's very popular purveyor of fresh pies - The Right Slice Bakery -  now has a retail location in the Puhi Industrial Park in Lihue. They just had their grand opening (sorry, you missed the pie-eating contest), but you can pick up fresh pies daily from 11-6, or enjoy a slice and a cup of coffee...

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He’s Here! Our Baby Bundle of Boy

He’s Here! Our Baby Bundle of Boy

Zack and I are officially outnumbered! Baby #3, seven pound Kona Colt Abubo, arrived on Sept. 15th and WE ARE SO IN LOVE! We named him Kona because Zack and I were married on the Big Island, and it holds a special place in our hearts. And we just found out that in Hawaiian, kona means "calm," so...

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Make a Lei on Your Kauai Vacation

Make a Lei on Your Kauai Vacation

Some ancient Hawaiian customs may have disappeared, but not the tradition of lei giving. From airport greetings to weddings and graduations, these fragrant symbols of aloha express love and friendship. Here's a chance to learn one of Hawaii's greatest art forms during your Kauai vacation: On Sept....

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Wanna Take an ‘Art Walk’?

Wanna Take an ‘Art Walk’?

Your trip to Kauai is an opening to nature's exquisite art. Cascading skies of blue meet their counterparts in surf and sand, luscious green mountain landscapes are festooned with breathtaking flora and fauna that have aptly nicknamed Kauai; the Garden Isle. Kauai also boasts multinational "human...

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Martha Stewart’s Kauai Honeymoon Pick

Martha Stewart’s Kauai Honeymoon Pick

What more can I say? If Martha likes it, you're gonna love it. One of our favorite Kauai vacation rentals, the Hawaiian Romantic Cottage was a recent pick in Martha Stewart Weddings. A secluded retreat on an ocean bluff with a private path to the beach, this northshore gem at Anini Beach is...

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You Say Kipu… I Say Kapu!

You Say Kipu… I Say Kapu!

Kauai like legends of old, holds the siren song for many travelers with her lush tropical splendor that assault all the senses. Her 'aina' (land), her natural surroundings has many secrets and lessons for us, and along with that splendor and beauty is also a dark side that is an exacting teacher...

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The Perfect Kauai Vacation Rental?

The Perfect Kauai Vacation Rental?

When I say, "you won't want to leave," I really mean you won't want to leave this spectacular new Kauai vacation rental on the bluffs above Anini Beach. It's not just the infinity pool, where you can do laps under azure skies while gazing on forever... or the quiet, secluded location (yet close to...

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Paddle for the Pali

Paddle for the Pali

Registration is open for the second annual SUP/Paddleboard Na Pali Race, August 7 on Kauai. With amazing views of mountains, caves, cliffs and waterfalls, paddlers call this 17-mile race "unforgettable." The race kicks off at the Haena Beach Park and finishes at Polihale State Beach Park on the...

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Flash Mob… or Flash Hula?

Flash Mob… or Flash Hula?

Visitors to Foodland in Princeville and Bubba’s Burgers in Hanalei have been surprised lately by more than the prices. Yes, folks, the flash mob has come to Kauai:   Spearheaded by Julianna of Dance Class Kauai, dozens of dancers have “spontaneously” performed to Michael Franti's "Say Hey, I...

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Mini-Golfing on Kauai

Mini-Golfing on Kauai

Kauai Mini-Golf is what our 5 yr. old lives for... well, maybe not lives for, but gosh, that boy is hooked! After one round of the island-style, 18-hole golf experience he wants to go every weekend, holiday, birthday, you name it! (Needless to say, we have played quite a few rounds.) Not only is...

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Kauai Weddings (and Hanalei by Moonlight)

Kauai Weddings (and Hanalei by Moonlight)

Could there be a more idyllic place to say, "I do" than Hanalei Bay, Kauai? We don't think so, and legions of happy brides agree. Must have something to do with kissing under a rainbow, or a waterfall, or seeing Hanalei by moonlight…? If you are looking for an awesome wedding photographer, Sara...

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Taro Trippin’ in Hanalei

Taro Trippin’ in Hanalei

Though I’ve seen it a thousand times, the view of Hanalei Valley's emerald green taro fields still takes my breath away. If you're interested in learning more about our agricultural staple - and checking out the last surviving rice mill in Hawaii - take a tour of the Ho’opulapula Rice Mill and...

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Kauai Island Grocery Stores

Kauai Island Grocery Stores

You're just settling in to your incredible Kauai vacation rental, reclining into your comfy beach chair, warm sun bathing you, tropic breezes carrying the sweet scent of plumeria, lazy waves lap up to meet your feet, but something is missing! Of course!  A cool beverage, a bag of your favorite...

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Kauai’s Bethany Hamilton in “Soul Surfer”

Kauai’s Bethany Hamilton in “Soul Surfer”

I’ll never forget the sinking feeling in my gut when I heard ambulance sirens screaming toward Princeville. It was a perfectly clear, crisp late October morning – way too beautiful of a morning for anything bad to happen. Only later did we discover that one of our daughter’s best friends had...

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88 Shrines Lawai, Kauai

88 Shrines Lawai, Kauai

You will find, as you spend time on Kauai that this little island is full of inspiration - great and small.  The obvious include sand, sea and surf;  mother nature's gift and artistry.  Then there are those man-made interpretations/tributes to the unseen energies that surround us. In an earlier...

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Ultimate Kauai Waterfall Hike

Ultimate Kauai Waterfall Hike

It’s been described as long, challenging, strenuous, muddy, rocky, steep, wet, treacherous, slippery—and the most beautiful place in the world. The 2nd Loveliest Waterfall... We’re talking about the trail leading to Hanakapi’ai, the Kauai waterfall CNN Travel just named second loveliest on the...

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Kauai Beachfront Rentals + Hawaii Airfare Sale

Kauai Beachfront Rentals + Hawaii Airfare Sale

Towering kamani trees, swaying palms, a sprawling front lawn… the Kauai beachfront homes at Hale O’ Naue are an escape to “old Hawaii.” With views of Bali Hai—made famous in the movie South Pacific —these two luxury air-conditioned vacation homes are just steps from world-renowned Tunnels Beach, a...

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Everybody Loves the “Nui”

Everybody Loves the “Nui”

“Our food is awesome: Our pizzas are awesome, our pastas are awesome, our Chef is awesome.” Our server Darcelle basically thought everything at Tahiti Nui, Hanalei's landmark restaurant, was awesome. The only problem was actually getting the awesome items: The Ahi Tartare wasn’t available, so...

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