Juliana and Jim of Ala Muku Vacation Rentals, http://www.AlaMuku.com

What’s Happening Around The Island

 Juliana and I thought that our past guests and travelers might enjoy an occasional update on what’s happening on this little island out in the big Pacific. So we are launching this newsletter and directing it toward what has recently happened in Kauai and any up and coming events that might entice you back for another visit with Ala Muku Vacation Rentals .
It’s Spring in Kauai and the flowers are blossoming and the birds are nesting. There is a family of particularly gifted thrushes that visit the trees in our back yard. Their morning songs entertain us over breakfast, along with the cooing of the doves and the chatter of the mynah birds, and, of course, the crowing of the ubiquitous roosters.  Here is a recording of a white-rumped Shama:  http://thailandbirding.com/white-rumped-shama.mpg
Although Kauai is close to the equator (latitude of approximately 22 degrees), we do experience a definite change in seasons. Each with their own characteristics and beauty. The one uniform and predominate feature is the greenery. Spring is a wonderful time to visit our island! Enjoy a hundred different shades of green in every square mile.
Summer is when the fruit trees share their bounty. Enjoy fresh picked mangoes, guavas, rambutan, lychee, star fruit, egg fruit, etc. Plus the staples of bananas and papayas ripen at all times during the year.
In the Fall some trees lose their leaves, some don’t. Some lose them in the Spring, some don’t seem to lose them at all. They all seem to bloom at different times as well.
So in this edition we will talk a little about the tsunami from Japan; upcoming events you just can’t miss; and the latest in fun and food in Kauai.

 Tsunami and Radiation in Hawaii

After the tragic earthquake in Japan on March 11, Hawaii residents started to prepare for the worst.  We were told via the News that a tsunami of  at least 6 feet would hit Kauai about 3:00 AM.  Juliana and I scrambled to contact our vacation renters.  Those guests in the flood zone area we were able to move to unoccupied homes temporarily.  Those not in the flood zone we offered reassurances and asked them to stay off the roads if at all possible. Then we all sat back and watched the news and prayed for the best for all concerned.

We learned the next morning that the tsunami was basically a non-event  here on Kauai.  Some of the other islands, namely Maui and The Big Island had some significant damage. 

Since the Jetstream is considerably north of Kauai it appears that any airborne radiation has passed us by as well.  So far so good for Hawaii.

Fun Things To Eat In Kauai

 If you haven’t been to Kauai for awhile or this is your first visit, there are some great new things for you to try.

In Poipu we have the new Kukui’ula Shopping Center.  There are some nice restaurants here for you to sample.  We had a very good meal at Merriman’s Restaurant.  It is upstairs overlooking the Pacific.  The sunsets are spectacular from the lanai dining area.  The food is great, but expensive.  There is also a more casual and affordable Merriman’s Cafe on the ground level.

Kukui'ula Village

Another eatery in the village is Josselin’s Tapas Bar and Grill.  Our dear friends dined there recently and loved the fare.  It is all appetizers, each uniquely created and presented.  The chef is well known on the island and also in San Francisco.

Then there is the island favorite known as Bubbas Burgers.  They recently expanded their  location to include the Kuhui’ula Village.   Juicy, mouth watering burgers with enough calories to ruin anyone’s  diet.  Their motto written on the wall  “Health Food Sucks!”

Lappert's Ice Cream

Enough with the main course, now what about dessert!  Juliana and I love to reward ourselves with an occasional visit to Lappert’s Ice Cream. 

    It is made on island in Hanapepe.  They have lots of local flavors plus gelato flavors as well.  You will find  reasons to return to Lappert’s several times during your visit . . . yummy! 

  While you are making the rounds a couple of other favorites are Roy’s in the Poipu Village Center, and just across from them is Keoki’s Paradise.   Both are popular eateries!

Our choice of a dress-up restaurant on Kauai is Donderos Restaurant at the Hyatt in Poipu.  It is the best Italian food we have eaten anywhere.  Sit on the lanai and watch the sun set while you dine.  Truly a memorable experience.  Their appetizers are well priced at $5-8 and you can make an affordable meal of it and save room for dessert.

Links To Other Neat Stuff To Do

 Over the years we have found a number of websites worth mentioning.  Here are some links you might enjoy.

http://beatofhawaii.com/  This is good information about air fare deals and other neat things to do.

http://www.hawaiigaga.com/kauai-beaches.aspx  Great info about Kauai’s beaches.

http://www.bestplaceshawaii.com/calendar/kauai/april.html  This is a very complete events calendar for Kauai, just click on the month’s you are interested in.

http://outfitterskauai.com/kipu-zipline-safari.html This is so much fun it will make your cheeks ache from laughing.  A definite “To Do” list item.

http://www.hawaii-guide.com/index.php/kauai/list/category/kauai_hiking_trails   For some  great hiking spots.

www.101thingstodo.com/hawaii/kauai/tours/botanicalgardens/index.php   More information on botanical garden tours

http://www.kauaiboats.com  Blue Dolphin boat tours

www.AlaMuku.com  A site to find great places to stay while visiting Kauai

Upcoming Events

Summer brings visitors and residents together for a great season of fun.  I will just hit some of the highlights  here .  Please use the Calendar of Events link above to view all the events in store for you if you  decide to visit this summer: 

Since we live in Poipu, almost in our backyard is one of the nicest festivals of the summer:  Koloa Planatation Days (July 23-31).  Until about ten years ago sugar cane was the  main crop of the island.  This is a celebration of those days when everyone either worked in the cane fields or somehow derived their income from it.    One of the main events is a parade and fair with entertainment, booths and games.   Throughout the 9 days in Koloa and Poipu, you can choose to attend various cultural and historical festivities,

basically all are free.  The highlights to us were the tour of the old sugar mill and to hear the old timers talk about the “good old days”.  We also loved to listen to the deep rhythm of the Taiko Drummers.  The photos below are by Anne E. O’Malley.

Taiko Drummers

Another event that is quite popular is the Kauai Marathon on September 4.  We get visitors from all over the world who compete in the event.  The course is set along some of  the  most beautiful scenery in the world.

Another cool thing that happens during the summer is the Movies in the Park.  Kauai’s Rotary Club sponsors movies on Friday evenings at sundown at Poipu Beach Park.  Bring your beach blanket or chairs, listen to the surf while you watch the big screen under the stars – great family fun!

That’s it for now, check back soon for more updates on our Ala Muku Vacation Rentals Blog.

One of the special treats of living on the garden isle is the delightful sunrises. Juliana and I take the stroll to Shipwreck beach frequently just before sunrise. This time I took the camera. The best rewards in life are the ones that lift the spirit.

Hey, there’s a new shopping center in Poipu that is very nice.  It is called Kukui’ula Village Shopping Center.  It is located just past the round-about on Poipu Road.  The shopping center is also a part of the new development called Kukui’ula.  They have some beautiful view lots for sale as well as cottages.  They are now constructing a new state of the art golf course and clubhouse. 

The shopping center is quite upscale with the motif like the  plantation homes of old.  We haven’t tried the new Merriman’s Restaurant but the menu sure looks good.  It has a great view of the ocean in the upstairs dining room.  The new natural foods store has some great stuff for healthy shoppers:  fresh organic produce, exotic cheeses, organic dairy products, and a very nice deli.  Just down a few stores is Bubba’s Burgers, a great place to stop for lunch.  They have a little sign on the front of the building that says “Health Food Sucks”, so take your chances.

I’m sure you will enjoy the several art and boutique stores in the village as well. 

I am including a few pictures so you can get a feel for the area.

Best Ice Cream in the World

If you want to experience a Hawaii Luau Kauai is a great island to do it. There is a different Hawaii luau Kauai hosts several nights a week offering a good choice for visitors. Many of the top Kauai resorts host regular luaus. Most people want to know which is really the best Kauai luau. If want to attend a Kauai Luau the best tend to be those that are most authentic. Some say the best luau in Kauai is Kauai Best Luau. The luau features traditional dance and music and legends and chanting of old Hawaii.
The Punua family has stayed close to their roots and illustrates the best luau in Kauai with grace and expertise. Entertaining the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Tiger Woods, this Hawaii luau Kauai group is one of the best on the island. Kauai Best Luau shows are featured at the Aloha Beach Resort each Tuesday evening. Leis are given out upon arrival and the fully stocked bar serves up tasty Blue Hawaiians, Maia Tais and other colorful cocktails. Some of the most exciting parts of Kauai Best Luau are the Samoan Fire Knife features and genuine Tahitian dancing. At this Hawaii luau Kauai dancers prove their incredible skills and expertise.
A Hawaii luau Kauai hotels and resorts offer will all be different. The Sheraton Kauai hosts the Surf to Sunset Luau on Mondays and Fridays beginning at 6pm. There is a combination of traditional dancing, chanting and music with a large menu of dishes served in a seaside setting.
The Grand Hyatt has a similar luau situated on Poipu Beach called The Drums of Paradise Luau At the Hyatt a traditional imu oven is used, a complex type of underground oven, to cook much of the feast. The feast is eaten near the coastline with the ocean as the background for both dinner and the following dance. Another Hawaii luau Kauai hosts is at Princeville Resort on the North Shore near the Napali Coast. Pa’ina O Hanalei is staged on Monday and Thursday evenings at sunset on Hanalei Bay beach, another of the beautiful, golden Kauai beaches

Here is the link to the menu for Aloha Beach Resort:  <a href=”http://http://www.alohabeachresortkauai.com/Luau%20Menu.pdf”>Aloha

II. A CLOSER LOOK AT HAWAII’S HUMPBACKS

Humpback whales are very large animals. Adults typically range in size from 35 to 48 feet, and weigh in at about one ton per foot. Their scientific name is Megaptera noveangliae. This means “giant wings”, which refers to their large front flippers that can reach a length of 15 feet– about one-third of the animal’s entire body length. Humpback whales are found in all of the world’s oceans, although they generally prefer near shore and near-island habitats for both feeding and breeding. The current world population for the species is estimated to be between 5,000 and 7,500 individuals, and can be divided into groups based on the regions in which they live. One group found in the North Pacific in the waters off Alaska is estimated to consist of about 2,000 individuals. A large percentage of this population are the ones with which you are probably most familiar, as they migrate to the main Hawaiian islands during the winter months, November through May, each year. The round-trip distance they travel during this annual migration is approximately 6,000 miles, one of the longest migration distances of any animal species. During their stay in Hawaii, they do not feed, but rely upon energy stored in their blubber. Instead of feeding, the whales devote most of their time to mating and bearing their calves. (Fig. 4, Migration route of North Pacific Humpback Population)

Humpback whales become reproductively mature when they are between 4 and 8 years of age. As mentioned, they mate during their winter migration to warmer waters, and eleven to twelve months later, upon their return to winter breeding grounds, the mother gives birth to a single calf. At birth, calves are approximately 13 feet long and weigh two tons. This changes quickly however, as the mother must feed her newborn about 100 pounds of milk each day for a period of five to seven months until it is weaned. After weaning, the calf has doubled its length and has increased its weight five times, attaining a size of about 27 feet and 10 tons. Usually, a female humpback will bear one calf every two or three years. The maximum rate of reproduction for the species is one calf per year, but this is seldom practiced as it puts quite a strain on the mother whale. Scientists estimate the average life span of humpbacks in the wild to be between 30 and 40 years, although no one knows for certain.

While visiting the islands, humpbacks have become renowned for their various acrobatic displays. In fact, the common name “humpback” refers to the high arch of their backs when they dive. One of the humpback’s more spectacular behaviors is the breach. Breaching is a true leap where a whale generates enough upward force with its powerful flukes to lift approximately two-thirds of its body out of the water. A breach may also involve a twisting motion, when the whale twists its body sideways as it reaches the height of the breach. Researchers are not certain why whales breach, but believe that it may be related to courtship or play activity. Some behaviors such as headlunging, which occurs when one whale thrusts its head forcefully towards another whale in a threatening manner, are believed to be aggressive behaviors meant to ward off competitors. Males display this behavior most often to gain access to females. Many other behaviors including fluke slaps, flipper slaps, and headslaps have also been characterized, although their apparent functions are unknown.

This information is from www.earthtrust.org  if you would like more information.

Lappert's Ice Cream in Kauai

For those who are fans of Lapperts Ice Cream in Koloa you have a surprise coming next time you come to Kauai.  It won’t be where you left it.  Lapperts has moved about a mile away to the Kukui-ula Shopping Village in Poipu.  It is a beautiful new store in a beautiful new area.  The village is just opening up.  They have about half of their stores rented.  It really is a move up for Lapperts.  The store is lovely inside with silestone countertops with red highlights and new ice cream cases and the same delicious, creamy ice cream.  Now they are featuring gelato as well as their famous flavors.  the Kukui’ula Village is just past the new round-about on Poipu road where it turns at the fire station to either head up to Koloa or down to Spouting Horn and the Sheraton resort.  Here’s the link:  http://www.lapperts.com/

For those of you who haven’t experience Lapperts, you are in for a real treat.  We discovered it on our first trip to Kauai in 1997, and have been faithful patrons ever since.  Try the Kona Lava Java, or the Kauai Pie.  The Hayden Mango sherbert is the best anywhere and the Coconut ice cream is delighful.  Nothing compares to it, anywhere.  Ben and Jerry’s or Hagandaz are nice when you don’t have a Lapperts near, but don’t really compare.

Every Friday night in a little town on the west side of Kauai called Hanapepe there is an art walk.  Artists display their wares in the shops and on the streets.  It is a really fun experience.  Not long ago we took the tour of the shops.  There are wonderful artists who work in different mediums.  One artist specializes in a form of batik.  She has taken the art to a whole new level.  Her fabrics look like ripples in the ocean, or fine wood grain.  Totally astounding!  Another artisan crafts exquisite pieces of furniture from local woods, mainly koa.  His pieces belong in a museum.  

Then we came across an artist who crafts wonderful pieces of art from his photographs.  I had to pick up his card (I wish I had gathered the other artists’ cards as well).  Here is the link to his site:  you will be awestruck by the beauty of Kauai he has captured:  www.hopmanart.com

I’d love to recommend a few things to do in Kauai in the Poipu area and beyond. First let’s talk about food. The house/condo has a fully equipped kitchen, but you will need some groceries when you arrive. We usually pick up what we need on the way in from the airport.  We like to go to Costco for our shopping needs.  It’s about a mile and half from the airport on highway 50 on the way to Poipu, across the street from the Kukui Grove Shopping Center. The street is Nawiliwili. You will see Macy’s, Border’s, etc off to the left.  There is another nice market about one mile from the house in Koloa by the Post Office. It is called Big Save and is a well stocked grocery store. There is also a natural food store called Papaya’s in Kapaa (about 30 minutes away). For fresh produce (and flowers too) there is the Farmer’s Market. It is like a mobile swap meet held at different locations on the island. The one in Koloa is on Monday (I believe) at noon in the school parking lot. You can check the local shopper’s guide that is given away at many places in Koloa. It is fun if you like crowds. Get there right at noon or a little before or you will miss out on the best stuff.
Now for the restaurants: Brennecke’s restaurant is a great place for lunch or dinner at the beach; good burgers, fish and drinks. Don’t forget Lapperts’ ice cream for a real treat. It’s fresh made in Hanapepe and definitely a landmark destination. They are located throughout the island: Hanapepe, Poipu, Kapaa, Princeville, Hanalei, etc. The one in Poipu is just a  mile up Poipu Road on the other side of the round-about.  If you are looking for a good breakfast go the Ilima Terrace at the Hyatt. They have a very nice brunch every day of the week. Roy’s restaurant just down the road in the Poipu Village shopping center is famous for their coconut shrimp, try it you’ll love it.

The Hyatt is the place to go when you want to get dressed up and go to a real nice restaurant. It’s a mile or less from the house/condos, go East on Poipu Rd. until you come to the Hyatt. Incidentally getting dressed up in Kauai for a guy entails a nice pair of shorts and a breezy Hawaiian shirt and sandals. The ladies usually wear something slinky and cool with heels. Get her a nice lei for the occasion (Star Market or in Koloa at the Big Save). We really enjoy the Ilima Terrace restaurant, but there are two others just as nice at the Hyatt as well: Dondero’s (Italian food), and Tide Pools (Seafood). They also have an excellent Luau once a week. Here is the number at the reservations desk: 800-233-1234. Best to make reservations no matter which one you choose. After dinner take a slow stroll around the grounds. The Hyatt continually gets awards for the beauty of its resort. Check out the torch lighting ceremony and the Hula show at the Seaview Terrace evenings around 6:00. The ladies may want to take advantage of the Anara Spa. It’s open to the public and they offer wonderful massages, facials, exercise classes, etc.
Now if you are energetic and want some exercise Kauai offers a great series of hikes and drives, some with breath taking views. We enjoy the hike along the beach East behind the Hyatt and then up along the cliffs to the long sandy beach. It’s about 4 miles and well worth it. You can drive directly to this beach by following the road past the Hyatt. Be forewarned you have never seen so many potholes in one road. Try these links for more fun stuff: http://princevilleranch.com or there’s a great downhill bike ride in Waimea Canyon: www.outfitterskauai.com For a Helicopter ride the Jack Harter one is really good: www.helicoptors-kauai.com Ever tried snuba? I have to try this sometime: www.snubakauai.com  Here’s a great boat tour: Makana charters, it’s owned by native Hawaiians and their tours are limited to 12 people, http://www.makanacharters.com/ : call 888-335-6137 for more info and reservations.
There is a great hike that overlooks the Napali coast. Drive west past Hanapepe to Waimea. Take the Waimea Canyon road (550) up to the end. It winds above the Waimea Canyon (Grand Canyon of the Pacific) with incredible views. At the end of the road is a several mile hike that leads to a lookout over the Napali coast. I can’t begin to describe it. You look down on rolling seas, clouds and helicopters that look like toys.
A note about hiking in Kauai… the dirt everywhere is a brownish red clay. It will stain your clothes, shoes, furniture, towels, etc. It can be very slippery just after a rain so please be careful.
There are several nice hikes along the Wailua river by Kapaa, and then at the very north end of the road past Hanalei there is a strenuous hike to a very impressive waterfall at Haena. There is a guide book at the house that will help you with details as you plan your days.

In all your planning, don’t forget to book time at the beach. The water is incredible, clear and full of beautiful fish. The wonderful thing about the water is the temperature. It is not bath water but very near it, even yours truly who is known as a real sissy when it comes to cold water enjoys hours of floating, swimming and snorkeling.
We love the botanical gardens on the island. I think that we have visited them all now. The ones that really stick out in our memories are the Allerton Gardens just past Spouting Horn and the Na’Aina Kai Gardens up by the Kilauea Lighthouse; Plan on spending most of the day and really enjoying yourself. Most of the tours are guided and cover a lot of territory, so wear comfortable shoes and take a hat.
Here is a helpful link regarding things to do: http://www.101thingstodo.com/hawaii/kauai/tours/botanicalgardens/index.php
Try the zip-line tours if you are adventurous and not afraid of heights. They are becoming very popular. Try these links: www.adventureskauai.com or this www.outfitterskauai.com this link shows a short video clip of someone doing it: www.justlive.org
The ATV tours are a blast, a friend of ours took the tour and loved it. Prepare to get dirty. Here’s the link: http://www.kauaiatv.com/

As for shopping there are a few recommendations. Close to town there is the Poipu Village shopping center just west on Poipu rd: Whalers’s drug store, several clothing boutiques, and a couple of restaurants (one is open for breakfast). Koloa Town, just a couple of miles up the road, has many quaint shops, a pizzeria, and a little museum.  Now there is a great new shopping center at the round-about in Poipu.  It’s called Kukui’ula Shopping Village.  It is very well done with two restaurants, art shops, Lappert’s ice cream, and a great Natural Foods Market.
For the serious shopper you will need to go to Kukui Grove in  Lihue, or the Coconut Grove in Kapaa. WalMart is in Lihue as well as Home Depot  and Costco if you are interested. There are also some fun shops, boutiques, etc. in Kapaa town on the old main street.
Hopefully this will give you some idea of where things are and what to do in Kauai. Just remember that it’s ok just to do nothing but unwind, read, sleep, eat, and of course work on your tan.

www.AlaMuku.com

There is no direct translation for the word “Hawai’i” in Hawaiian or English. In searching for the origins of the word I came across some interesting information. The word can be broken down into 3 separate Hawaiian words:  “HA”, “WAI”  and “I”.   The first word “HA” means to “breathe upon” to “exhale”.  The second word “WAI” means “water”.  Any kind of water or fluid other than sea water.  The emphasis here is upon vital, life-giving, fluids.  The word “I” refers to “God” or initial consciousness, or supreme being.  To put the three together:   the word Hawai’i quite literally means from “The breathe of life” comes the “Water of life” which emanate from the “I” or supreme/ initial consciousness.