for the perfect Kauai vacation rental.
HISTORY
Kauai : A Proud History
Kauai, the fourth largest and oldest of the main Hawaiian islands, is rich with history. If you rent a Kauai vacation property, youll be able to experience the pride Kauais inhabitants feel towards their homeland. And its not just the beautiful weather and white sandy beachesKauai is much more than that once you learn a bit about its past. If a native of Kauai seems a little defiant or stubborn, maybe it has something to do with the islands history. After all, in 1810 Kauai was the last island to join King Kamehamehas Kingdom of Hawaii. Twice Kamehameha tried to take Kauai by force. Twice, he failed. Kauais ruler, KaumualiI, decided that enough blood had been shed, however, and joined the kingdom.
Kauai was influenced greatly by outside cultures. In 1778, British Captain James Cook found Kauai on his voyage to Alaska. From there, missionaries and an influx of industry brought great prosperity to the islands. Sugar plantations popped up, and Kauai flourished.
But perhaps the most unique part of Kauais history is the myth of the Menehune, a dwarflike people said to dwell deep in the forests and valleys of Kauai. These Menehune were said to be superior craftsmen, creating such structures as the Alekoko fishpond wall at Niumalu, the Kikialoa ditch at Waimea, and the Necker island structures, where the Menehune were said to have been exiled to.
Did the Menehune actually exist in Kauai? There are some who believe they were the first settlers of Kauai who fled to the mountains when forced by another band of settlers. Some believe they are simply a myth, a piece of Kauai lore. If you come to Kauai and stay in one of the beautiful condos or rental properties, ask the locals what they think. Youll probably get some very interesting opinions.
Some of the locals may even have their own stories of Menehune encounters. Not that theyve actually seen them, but Menehune are blamed for those little things in life that go wrong, like spilled milk or a flat tire. They are part of Kauais history, and such are part of the present, as well.
When you come to Kauai, remember that this is an ancient place with history dating back to the fifth century A.D. Be respectful of those that came before you, but use your Kauai vacation to make a little history of your own!
PACKING
Pack Light for Your Kauai Vacation. If youre like most travelers, youre always concerned about forgetting something on your vacation. Whether its clothing, personal items, or your brand new digital camera, you want to make sure youve got everything that you needand nothing you dont.
Thats why after youve got your Kauai vacation property rented and your itinerary worked out you spend some time thinking about what youre really going to need. After all, its not as important to remember everything you might need, but to bring only the things that you will actually use. With this short guide, youll be well on your way to making your essentials list for your Kauai vacation!
Every Kauai traveler should bring, at a minimum:
·Sunscreen You can buy it once you get to Kauai, but it might be more expensive.
·Swimsuit Some recommend bringing more than one, but if youre swimming or hanging by the pool, at least one swimsuit is a must.
·Casual clothing Leave the formal clothes at home. Most of Kauais restaurants are casual, so you wont need anything more than jeans and a t-shirt.
·Sunglasses The style you choose is obviously your own, but youve got to have something to shield your eyes from the sun. After all, youll be seeing a lot of it!
·A good pair of walking shoes if you plan on walking around the island. Of course, if you just want to lounge around your Kauai rental property, you may need nothing more than a pair of sandals.
There are certainly other things you will want to bring to Kauai, but for the most part these are the things youll need for sure. If you plan on going hiking on one of Kauais many beautiful trails, youll need your hiking gear. And if you plan to camp, youll need to bring your gear, unless youre renting it once you get to Kauai.
Most everything else should be tailored to what youre going to do once you get to the island. If frequenting one of Kauais beaches will be your main goal, then a collapsible cooler, aqua shoes, and a sun hat might need to be added. If you want to hit a formal restaurant or go dancing, youll need to bring appropriate clothes. And always remember to leave extra room in your suitcases youll want to have a lot of room to put those souvenirs in!
ATTRACTIONS
Make Kauai Culture a Part of Your Dream Vacation
When you plan a trip to a Kauai vacation rental, chances are youve got visions of beautiful white sandy beaches, the sound of the surf lapping the shore, and the smell of the fresh ocean air. Youre likely looking for a relaxing time, and in Kauai youre going to find it. But for those that like to soak in a little local history with their sunlight, Kauai has many culture treasures to share.
The Kauai museum touts itself as the cultural sanctuary for the art and artifacts of Native Hawaiians. Here youll find permanent exhibits with ancient Hawaiian artifacts like poi pounders, pohaku, calabashes, and tapa. Seeing these instruments can help give you an appreciation of how the ancient dwellers of Kauai lived and make you even happier you have a luxury Kauai rental to return to after your museum trip!
The museum also has rotating exhibits, ranging from photography exhibitions to lei making contests. Since the museum is always keeping their content fresh, you will always see something new if you make a return trip to Kauai. And with all the beauty and history Kauai has to offer, youll likely long to return soon.
For those that are looking for a little more, The Kauai Mokihana Festival takes place every September. Its a weeklong celebration, so you wont have to worry about making the schedule of your Kauai vacation too rigid in order to make it. Theres dancing, music, and folk crafts at this festival, named after the light violet mokihana flower and green berry grown only in Kauai forests.
Of course, after youve soaked in all the culture you want, you can always retire back to your Kauai vacation rental and spend some relaxing time on the beach. Hawaii is famous for its beaches, and the island of Kauai is no exception. There are a variety of beaches depending on what youre looking for.
Anini Beach is one of the safest beaches for swimming, as its protected by a fringed reef that runs the entire length of the beach. The calmer water lends itself well to swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
For something a little different, head over to Glass Beach. Its not the best for swimming, as the currents are stronger and theres a sudden drop off to worry about. Despite that, Glass Beach certainly has a unique beauty that comes from the thousands of polished pieces of glass that line its shore on the far side of the beach. Just like the rest of Kauai, it certainly is unforgettable!
RESTAURANTS AND NIGHTLIFE
Simple is the Key with Kauai Nightlife. When you think of traditional nightlife hotspots, what comes to mind is pulsating club beats, packed bars, and late night meals. Bouncing from one place to the next, the hours can melt away until you find yourself looking to the horizon and see the sun greeting the day. Its true that you can lose yourself in the nightlife of a city thats new to you. And while the island of Kauai doesnt specialize in til-the-sun-comes-up entertainment, there are always things to do in this tropical paradise.
Kauai, Hawaiis fourth-largest and oldest island, is known for its natural beauty. Like the other Hawaiian islands, Kauai has seemingly endless miles of beaches. There are lush tropical rainforests, but the population is mostly rural, and nightlife isnt the main focus. But that doesnt mean there arent options for the Kauai traveler.
One of the simplest options doesnt even necessitate you leaving the beach or setting down the drink in your hand. Its watching the sunset at the end of a relaxing day, perhaps with a cold mai tai, snuggled in with your loved one. Watching the orange, red, and pink streaks line the sky is absolutely breathtaking, and a great way to usher in the Kauai night. After soaking in a sunset, its off to eat at one of Kauais finest restaurants. Theres delectable Mediterranean fare at La Cascata, authentic Hawaiian fare at The Beach House, or a little taste of Italy at Donderos. Whatever your taste, Kauai offers high-quality dining.
If you need to work off a little of that fettuccine alfredo, perhaps a little dancing is in order. If you find yourself in Koloa, make sure to visit the Koloa Ballroom on Sunday nights. Here youll find ballroom dancing, including the waltz, foxtrot, and swing. Beginners are welcome, so dont worry if youve never taken a step before.
For those looking for something a little more contemporary, theres always the Sushi & Blues in Hanalei. Live music rocks this jointeverything from reggae and rhythm & blues to rock, as well as some of the best sushi around. For those looking for some libations, the drink menu, brimming with martinis, beer, sake, and wine will be sure to please no matter what your taste. Kauai certainly has something for everyone.
To some, Kauais nightlife is simple. To most, however, its simply perfect!
Kauai : A Proud History
Kauai, the fourth largest and oldest of the main Hawaiian islands, is rich with history. If you rent a Kauai vacation property, youll be able to experience the pride Kauais inhabitants feel towards their homeland. And its not just the beautiful weather and white sandy beachesKauai is much more than that once you learn a bit about its past. If a native of Kauai seems a little defiant or stubborn, maybe it has something to do with the islands history. After all, in 1810 Kauai was the last island to join King Kamehamehas Kingdom of Hawaii. Twice Kamehameha tried to take Kauai by force. Twice, he failed. Kauais ruler, KaumualiI, decided that enough blood had been shed, however, and joined the kingdom.
Kauai was influenced greatly by outside cultures. In 1778, British Captain James Cook found Kauai on his voyage to Alaska. From there, missionaries and an influx of industry brought great prosperity to the islands. Sugar plantations popped up, and Kauai flourished.
But perhaps the most unique part of Kauais history is the myth of the Menehune, a dwarflike people said to dwell deep in the forests and valleys of Kauai. These Menehune were said to be superior craftsmen, creating such structures as the Alekoko fishpond wall at Niumalu, the Kikialoa ditch at Waimea, and the Necker island structures, where the Menehune were said to have been exiled to.
Did the Menehune actually exist in Kauai? There are some who believe they were the first settlers of Kauai who fled to the mountains when forced by another band of settlers. Some believe they are simply a myth, a piece of Kauai lore. If you come to Kauai and stay in one of the beautiful condos or rental properties, ask the locals what they think. Youll probably get some very interesting opinions.
Some of the locals may even have their own stories of Menehune encounters. Not that theyve actually seen them, but Menehune are blamed for those little things in life that go wrong, like spilled milk or a flat tire. They are part of Kauais history, and such are part of the present, as well.
When you come to Kauai, remember that this is an ancient place with history dating back to the fifth century A.D. Be respectful of those that came before you, but use your Kauai vacation to make a little history of your own!
PACKING
Pack Light for Your Kauai Vacation. If youre like most travelers, youre always concerned about forgetting something on your vacation. Whether its clothing, personal items, or your brand new digital camera, you want to make sure youve got everything that you needand nothing you dont.
Thats why after youve got your Kauai vacation property rented and your itinerary worked out you spend some time thinking about what youre really going to need. After all, its not as important to remember everything you might need, but to bring only the things that you will actually use. With this short guide, youll be well on your way to making your essentials list for your Kauai vacation!
Every Kauai traveler should bring, at a minimum:
·Sunscreen You can buy it once you get to Kauai, but it might be more expensive.
·Swimsuit Some recommend bringing more than one, but if youre swimming or hanging by the pool, at least one swimsuit is a must.
·Casual clothing Leave the formal clothes at home. Most of Kauais restaurants are casual, so you wont need anything more than jeans and a t-shirt.
·Sunglasses The style you choose is obviously your own, but youve got to have something to shield your eyes from the sun. After all, youll be seeing a lot of it!
·A good pair of walking shoes if you plan on walking around the island. Of course, if you just want to lounge around your Kauai rental property, you may need nothing more than a pair of sandals.
There are certainly other things you will want to bring to Kauai, but for the most part these are the things youll need for sure. If you plan on going hiking on one of Kauais many beautiful trails, youll need your hiking gear. And if you plan to camp, youll need to bring your gear, unless youre renting it once you get to Kauai.
Most everything else should be tailored to what youre going to do once you get to the island. If frequenting one of Kauais beaches will be your main goal, then a collapsible cooler, aqua shoes, and a sun hat might need to be added. If you want to hit a formal restaurant or go dancing, youll need to bring appropriate clothes. And always remember to leave extra room in your suitcases youll want to have a lot of room to put those souvenirs in!
ATTRACTIONS
Make Kauai Culture a Part of Your Dream Vacation
When you plan a trip to a Kauai vacation rental, chances are youve got visions of beautiful white sandy beaches, the sound of the surf lapping the shore, and the smell of the fresh ocean air. Youre likely looking for a relaxing time, and in Kauai youre going to find it. But for those that like to soak in a little local history with their sunlight, Kauai has many culture treasures to share.
The Kauai museum touts itself as the cultural sanctuary for the art and artifacts of Native Hawaiians. Here youll find permanent exhibits with ancient Hawaiian artifacts like poi pounders, pohaku, calabashes, and tapa. Seeing these instruments can help give you an appreciation of how the ancient dwellers of Kauai lived and make you even happier you have a luxury Kauai rental to return to after your museum trip!
The museum also has rotating exhibits, ranging from photography exhibitions to lei making contests. Since the museum is always keeping their content fresh, you will always see something new if you make a return trip to Kauai. And with all the beauty and history Kauai has to offer, youll likely long to return soon.
For those that are looking for a little more, The Kauai Mokihana Festival takes place every September. Its a weeklong celebration, so you wont have to worry about making the schedule of your Kauai vacation too rigid in order to make it. Theres dancing, music, and folk crafts at this festival, named after the light violet mokihana flower and green berry grown only in Kauai forests.
Of course, after youve soaked in all the culture you want, you can always retire back to your Kauai vacation rental and spend some relaxing time on the beach. Hawaii is famous for its beaches, and the island of Kauai is no exception. There are a variety of beaches depending on what youre looking for.
Anini Beach is one of the safest beaches for swimming, as its protected by a fringed reef that runs the entire length of the beach. The calmer water lends itself well to swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
For something a little different, head over to Glass Beach. Its not the best for swimming, as the currents are stronger and theres a sudden drop off to worry about. Despite that, Glass Beach certainly has a unique beauty that comes from the thousands of polished pieces of glass that line its shore on the far side of the beach. Just like the rest of Kauai, it certainly is unforgettable!
RESTAURANTS AND NIGHTLIFE
Simple is the Key with Kauai Nightlife. When you think of traditional nightlife hotspots, what comes to mind is pulsating club beats, packed bars, and late night meals. Bouncing from one place to the next, the hours can melt away until you find yourself looking to the horizon and see the sun greeting the day. Its true that you can lose yourself in the nightlife of a city thats new to you. And while the island of Kauai doesnt specialize in til-the-sun-comes-up entertainment, there are always things to do in this tropical paradise.
Kauai, Hawaiis fourth-largest and oldest island, is known for its natural beauty. Like the other Hawaiian islands, Kauai has seemingly endless miles of beaches. There are lush tropical rainforests, but the population is mostly rural, and nightlife isnt the main focus. But that doesnt mean there arent options for the Kauai traveler.
One of the simplest options doesnt even necessitate you leaving the beach or setting down the drink in your hand. Its watching the sunset at the end of a relaxing day, perhaps with a cold mai tai, snuggled in with your loved one. Watching the orange, red, and pink streaks line the sky is absolutely breathtaking, and a great way to usher in the Kauai night. After soaking in a sunset, its off to eat at one of Kauais finest restaurants. Theres delectable Mediterranean fare at La Cascata, authentic Hawaiian fare at The Beach House, or a little taste of Italy at Donderos. Whatever your taste, Kauai offers high-quality dining.
If you need to work off a little of that fettuccine alfredo, perhaps a little dancing is in order. If you find yourself in Koloa, make sure to visit the Koloa Ballroom on Sunday nights. Here youll find ballroom dancing, including the waltz, foxtrot, and swing. Beginners are welcome, so dont worry if youve never taken a step before.
For those looking for something a little more contemporary, theres always the Sushi & Blues in Hanalei. Live music rocks this jointeverything from reggae and rhythm & blues to rock, as well as some of the best sushi around. For those looking for some libations, the drink menu, brimming with martinis, beer, sake, and wine will be sure to please no matter what your taste. Kauai certainly has something for everyone.
To some, Kauais nightlife is simple. To most, however, its simply perfect!
