Blog Feed: Kauai Vacation Blog by Jean & Abbott Luxury Kauai Vacation Rentals

Hana Hou means “one more time” – it’s what we say in Hawaii when we want an artist to perform an encore – and that’s exactly what you’re going to request after a luxurious vacation in this oceanfront Poipu be

Where Do the Locals Eat on Kauai? (And Valentine’s Tips)

Published on 2013-02-03 10:51:00

If you’re staying in a Kauai vacation rental, that probably includes at least one trip to Costco in Lihue to stock up, right? So here’s a tip: stop by Mark’s Place in Puhi before or after. Mark’s is where we get plate lunches

Kauai Love Shack

Published on 2013-01-26 09:23:14

Check out the view from this bathtub! If you’re looking for a beachfront Kauai vacation rental, you can’t get much closer to the ocean than this sweet little beach shack on the north shore of Kauai. Stylish, contemporary, but steeped with

Keali’i Reichel on Kauai

Published on 2013-01-19 10:36:57

He’s opened for Celine Dion and Sting. He’s played Carnegie Hall and the Hollywood Bowl. And on Friday night, January 25, you can hear him right here on Kauai. One of Hawaii’s most popular recording artists, Keali’i Reichel pr

Hot Tip: New Year’s Eve on Kauai

Published on 2012-12-30 11:27:08

It’s official: favorite local musicians Matt Bolton, Vito Truglio, and Rhett Pierce will ring in 2013 Kauai-style at Tahiti Nui in Hanalei (with a very special, “almost-confirmed” guest from Vermont on electric guitar). And next doo

Christmas Dinner on Kauai

Published on 2012-12-17 00:59:27

Kalua Turkey? Cranberry Lilikoi Sauce? Macadamia nut pie? Make reservations early if you’re taking a Kauai vacation over Christmas. If you’re staying in Poipu, there will be tons of kau-kau at the Grand Hyatt on Dec. 25: Breakfast Buffet,

Princeville Vacation Rentals from $1,400/week

Published on 2012-12-10 11:29:47

Looking for a view to stir your soul? “We were quite literally shaken by the breathtaking view overlooking the ocean,” reports one former Pali Ke Kua guest. We couldn’t agree more: the views at these one and two bedroom bluff-top Pr

Culinary Tours on Kauai: Seed to Table and Farm to Fork

Published on 2012-12-04 09:16:45

A culinary romp through paradise? Why not? Tasting Kauai’s day-long “Farm to Fork” expeditions include a farm tour, a four-course lunch, a cooking demonstration, and, on December 11, a tasting at Nani Moon Mead. (Nani Moon produces

Yes, We Have Christmas on Kauai!

Published on 2012-11-30 21:36:35

And it all starts Dec. 7 with the “Lights on Rice” Christmas Parade. (No, not that kind of rice… this parade takes place on Rice Street in downtown Lihue at 6:30 pm.) The celebration continues with the annual “Festival of Lights&#

Where to Eat Thanksgiving Dinner on Kauai?

Published on 2012-11-16 10:50:21

If you can get a reservation, the Hukilau Lanai at the Kauai Coast Resort is one of my favorites. They’ll be serving an (almost) traditional dinner with roast turkey, mashed potatoes, Hamakua mushroom stuffing, purple sweet potatoes and cranber

Cheap Airfares to Hawaii

Published on 2012-11-09 10:22:48

Do you live in the Bay area? If you do, Hanalei Bay is just over five hours away. If you’re looking for a low airfare to Kauai, check out Alaska Airlines‘ direct flights from San Jose to Lihue. I just found fares in November and December

Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar: Sweet Music on Kauai

Published on 2012-11-04 11:53:47

There’s a reason why so many contemporary musicians have embraced slack key guitar: it’s awesome! Developed in Hawaii, Ki-ho’alu literally means “loosen the key”—a tuning and picking style that produces some of the s

Paint Kauai…on Silk

Published on 2012-10-28 22:04:09

Capture the beauty of Kauai at a silk painting workshop in Kapaa on November 3rd from 10-2. Artist Laurie Bolton will demonstrate gutta, transfers, design and simple color theory. And no experience is necessary—the artist says even total beginners

Kauai Dining for a Cause

Published on 2012-10-24 21:43:33

Here’s a yummy way to do good: dine at Roy’s Poipu Bar and Grill or the Tavern at Princeville on Thursday night, Oct. 25. One hundred percent of profits from these acclaimed restaurants will be donated to Malama Kauai’s Farm to School Campaign thanks to celebrity chef Roy Yamaguchi. Along with Malama Kauai, Roy is on a mission to get...

Homage to Kauai’s Taylor Camp

Published on 2012-10-04 13:14:51

If you’re on Kauai this weekend and want a glimpse into a very interesting part of the island’s history, there’s an event at Art Cafe Hemingway on Saturday at 7pm that you don’t want to miss. Way back in 1969—allegedly to get revenge on a recalcitrant Building Department—the brother of actress Elizabeth Taylor allowed a whole lotta hippies to camp...

Building Sandcastles at Hanalei

Published on 2012-09-12 13:01:13

Sometimes the simplest things we do with our children are the moments they’ll remember for a lifetime. Like the annual “Sand Festival” at Hanalei Bay. We took the kids to this sandcastle/sculpting contest (and music festival) on August 11… and we had a blast. Hundreds of keiki, adults, families and teams participated. Renowned sand sculptor Jeff Peterson kicked it off...

The Kauai Marathon (and Where to Recover)

Published on 2012-08-26 14:33:54

“The locals warm your heart with their chants and cheers and dances.” -Jim Miller, Orlando, Florida Where else do you have hula dancers alongside the road cheering you on? There are many reasons runners from all over the world will congregate on Kauai Sept. 2 for our annual marathon. Yes, it’s challenging (“hot, humid and hilly”)—but it’s also one of...

Music ‘n Mangos

Published on 2012-08-12 11:47:52

‘Tis the season, so if you love mangos—and who doesn’t?—head to the north shore on August 19. Next Sunday, from 11 am to 3 pm, the Waipa Mango Festival (just north of Hanalei town) will celebrate the “king of fruits” with all things mango. That means mangos for sale, along with mango-inspired products by local artisans, cooking demos, music, and...

Two to Mango at Tahiti Nui

Published on 2012-08-08 23:43:15

What happens when a local author takes a detour from her New York Times best-selling romance novels and applies her skills to the mischievous exploits of a troupe of post-menopausal hula dancers? Find out on August 19 from 3-5 pm at a book-signing bash for Jill Marie Landis‘ “Two to Mango,” the second installment in her Tiki Goddess Mystery series....

Moonlight and Music in the Garden

Published on 2012-07-31 20:33:43

A dreamy garden party under the stars with a rockin’ band, wine, champagne, and a fabulous buffet catered by Gaylord’s? Put a gardenia in my hair… I’m there! This annual fundraiser for the National Tropical Botanical Garden on August 25th is one of the highlights of the Kauai social calendar. It’s held at the secluded McBryde Garden, set in a...

The Music of the Islands

Published on 2012-07-30 16:44:43

In addition to our Kauai Radio post it goes without saying that you can’t have the true taste of the sounds of Kaua`i, Hawai`i unless you indulge yourself with it’s music. Hawaiian music is as diverse as it’s culture spanning generations, from the classic “Aloha Oe”, the iconic Hollywood “Blue Hawaii” from Elvis to the angelic voice of “Bruddah IZ”...

Island Music – Kauai Radio Stations

Published on 2012-07-27 16:48:15

Your trusty five senses give you many ways to get the ‘flavor’ of our beloved Kaua`i; smell the tropical scents of ocean and flowers, taste local cuisine, feel the soft trade winds against your face, see the vibrant colors of tropic plants and birds, and wherever you go on the island your ears can pick up it’s essence not only...

Things to Do on Kauai

Published on 2012-07-24 22:40:26

Things to do on Kauai: Beach. Check. Mai Tais. Check. Sunsets. Check. Theater… Theater? On Kauai? Yes, actually. This island is brimming with talent, so after watching a glorious sunset (with Mai Tai in hand, of course), head out to Women in Theatre’s latest production, “Kauai Briefs,” weekends through August 5. The program—two new short plays by Kauai playwrights, plus...

New Additions to Kauai’s Yoga Scene

Published on 2012-07-23 16:46:04

Hatha Yoga on the island continues to grow - We posted a blog “a-while-back” on the ever increasing Kauai Yoga Scene and since then a couple of new studios have opened to give the visitor and local alike more to choose from. Metamorphose Yoga Studio in Kilauea gives the lover of hatha yoga a complete menu of hatha yoga expressions...

Zumba Kauai

Published on 2012-07-15 00:16:02

She’s been called a “Zumba Queen” and quite simply, “the bomb.” If you want to get hot and sweaty on Kauai, do yourself a favor: check out one of Alana Brennan’s classes. She’s so cute, so enthusiastic, and so… well, let’s just say she defies the laws of gravity… and inspires you to do likewise. According to Alana, there are...

You Can Do It!

Published on 2012-07-09 15:12:39

Want to learn how to surf or stand-up paddle while on your Kauai vacation? I wouldn’t hesitate for a minute to recommend our friend Kelley Hunt in Poipu. He is SUCH a great surfer and waterman… and he’s awesome with kids, too. His company, Kauai Stand-Up Paddle Tours, teaches all ages and skill levels. In the initial 1-1/2 to 2...

Poipu Beach Vacation Home (and free fireworks!)

Published on 2012-06-26 10:46:29

Family, fun, fireworks, the beach… if you’re looking for a great place to “camp out” this Fourth of July, this five bedroom “old Hawaii” style beachfront estate has it all (and it sleeps up to ten). Adjacent to a white sand beach and swimming cove, this Poipu vacation home has a spacious covered lanai, a large lawn sloping to the...

Gluten, Gluten, Who’s Got the Gluten?

Published on 2012-06-19 11:47:10

Not Sweet Marie's, that's for sure. Because Kauai's Marie Cassel started baking gluten-free desserts long before most people had even heard of the stuff. After a vacation in Southeast Asia–where she ate fresh vegetables and rice noodles daily—Cassel returned to the U.S. and fell ill when she went back to eating the all-American diet of pasta, breads and cereals. Now,...

So Fine… Photographic Images of Kauai

Published on 2012-06-05 10:47:15

"Expanding visual reality" is photographer Aaron Feinberg's motto—and wowza, does he ever! You may have seen this photo ("Kaboom!") before, since it's been featured in National Geographic, and won all kinds of awards. I think you'll agree, Aaron has the most uncanny ability to capture the mystical beauty of our mystically beautiful island. Do yourself a favor and check out...

Anahola Beach House… Our New Favorite!!!

Published on 2012-06-01 18:46:02

The Anahola Beach House is one of those homes that sparkels... one of those homes that you step foot in and never, ever want to leave! Here you will find an escape from the noisy, crowded world you left behind. This lovely home offers sloping roofs, Hawaiian/Asian architecture, stucco exterior and ocean views from the living area, dining and...

Taste of Hawaii: Kauai’s Ultimate Sunday Brunch

Published on 2012-05-28 22:29:53

In Hawaii, to grind is slang for "to eat like there's no tomorrow" - and that's what we'll be doing on Sunday, June 3 from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm at Smith's Tropical Paradise. If you're on Kauai that weekend, hele on down to the "Taste of Hawaii" - a giant Sunday brunch on the banks of the Wailua River....

All that Jazz on Kauai (and Blues too!)

Published on 2012-05-20 22:25:50

Don't miss the fifth annual Red Clay Jazz Festival June 27-30: four days of jazz and blues and an outdoor concert on the oceanview lawn of the Kauai Lagoons Resort. This event just gets better every year. This year's headliner is the winner of numerous blues awards, soul singer Miss E.C. Scott. She'll be joined by the Venissa Santi Sextet...

Second Annual Kauai Plein Air Invitational

Published on 2012-05-15 09:02:44

If you appreciate beauty - and you wouldn't be vacationing on Kauai if you didn't - check out the second annual Kauai Plein Air Invitational June 9-16. Sixteen of Kauai's most talented artists will participate in this week-long event, which concludes with an art sale to benefit the preservation of three of Kauai's most historic buildings. Whether you're an artist,...

Shake Your Booty: Kauai Polynesian Festival May 24-27th

Published on 2012-05-06 22:19:10

Tahitian, Maori, Samoan and Hawaiian dance, arts, crafts, food and workshops? Woo-hoo: it's time for Kauai's annual Polynesian Festival this Memorial Day weekend. The event kicks off with "A Polynesian Evening of Stars" at 6 pm on May 24 at the Kauai Community College Performing Arts Center. Besides the opening ceremony, music, and entertainment, there will be a talent show...

Two Blondes. Two Workouts.

Published on 2012-04-30 12:13:38

Need a workout or a personal trainer while you're on Kauai? You can't go wrong with Sandi O'Shaughnessy of Iron Lotus Core Fitness, a new air-conditioned studio in beautiful up-country Kapaa. Specializing in kettlebells, Ropes Gone Wild, Bosu, TRX Suspension Training and Pilates, Sandi will teach you "how to move weight, as opposed to lifting it" - which results in...

Entertainment on Kauai: “God of Carnage” May 4-21

Published on 2012-04-20 09:28:48

Theater buff alert: mark your calendars for Kauai Community Players’ production of “God of Carnage,” winner of the 2009 Tony Award for best play, opening May 4th. Directed by Kauai's very talented Laurel Petterson-McGraw, "Carnage" tells the tale of two professional New York couples who meet to discuss a playground altercation between their eleven-year-old sons. As the meeting progresses (and...

Historic Hanalei: the Perfect Kauai Vacation?

Published on 2012-04-11 11:45:55

A hundred years ago, a few privileged Kauai residents built summer homes on large beachfront lots on Hanalei Bay. Today, many of the large estates are gone - but the historic Faye house, on an expansive green lawn sloping to Hanalei's white crescent beach, retains the expansive feeling of days gone by. This is the kind of home you can...

New Kauai Restaurant: A Feral Pig?

Published on 2012-04-02 01:01:52

"Feral pigs" are hairy beasts with big snouts that end up in a luau pit—so I've gotta admit, I did not think this was a particularly great name for a Kauai restaurant. But what a surprise. This new restaurant/pub at Nawiliwili Harbor is a great addition to our local dining scene (and a nice alternative to the higher priced restaurants...

#1 Rated Golf Course in Hawaii: Kauai’s Prince Re-opens

Published on 2012-03-23 10:08:50

The Prince, the Prince, the beautiful Prince Golf Course on Kauai has just re-opened after a $5 million renovation overseen by the original architect, Robert Trent Jones, Jr. All the greens and practice areas have been replanted with Seashore Paspalum, the tee boxes are either new or renovated, and the bunkers now have buff-colored sand—to blend better with the environment....

Kauai’s Fauna

Published on 2012-03-19 02:19:31

Like much of the flora flourishing on the island Kauai's animal and mammal species have arrived via sea and air along with their human counterpart as far back as Captain Cook (possibly even further) and we've come to embrace their presence on the island as one of our own. There are very few places on Kauai that won't be startled...

Kauai Flora

Published on 2012-03-17 02:18:00

Aptly named the Garden Isle, Kauai, the oldest of the Hawaiian island chain has taken advantage of it's "ripe old age" and an average 400 plus inches of rain a year pouring down onto Mt. Waialeale, to develop Kauai's flora into one of the most bountiful, lush, tropical environments in all the United States and some say in the western...

Pidgin, da language of Hawaii brah!

Published on 2012-03-14 02:15:36

Much of the joy in visiting Kauai and the islands in general for that matter is to observe and even immerse oneself in the culture; like going to a hula show, experiencing a luau, even hanging out at a popular local grinds spot. Language is another way to experience true Hawaii. In an earlier post Hawaiian Words we started a...

Murder at the Howard Johnson’s

Published on 2012-03-12 20:59:25

It's been called "a holiday of laughter," and the "feel-good" play of the season. Our very talented Kauai Community Players are presenting "Murder at the Howard Johnson's"—a suspense comedy about inept would-be murderers—at the Puhi Theatrical Warehouse, March 16 - April 1. Steve Pinzer plays Mitchell, a dentist who sees himself as a dashing hero, and Shauna Griffin plays Arlene,...

Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day on a Very Green Island (Kauai)

Published on 2012-03-02 11:23:13

Guess we've had enough winter rains lately to ensure that Kauai will be VERY green this St. Patrick's Day (sorry, but "no rain, no rainbows"). Hopefully the luck of the Irish will shine on us in the form of sunny skies, so you'll be able to tee off on Kauai's awesome golf greens, or don a green sarong and hit...

Getting Married on Kauai?

Published on 2012-02-27 10:08:42

Looking for a vacation rental on Kauai large enough for a special gathering, like a wedding or a reunion? Here's a setting that evokes every fantasy you've ever had about a tropical vacation. Swaying palms, golden sands, and an exquisite home with a separate cottage right on the beach. Kayak, swim, or snorkel with sea turtles: it's no wonder this...

Ride ‘em, Rope ‘em, Brand ‘em!

Published on 2012-02-20 11:34:42

Softball games, a basketball tournament, 2K, 5K and 10K runs, an ice cream eating contest, a ukulele competition and a rodeo? It's all happening at the 35th Annual Waimea Town Celebration Feb. 24 and 25. With continuous entertainment starting Friday at 4:30pm and Saturday at 10am, this is the Westside's biggest party of the year. Fuel up on 'ono plate...

Island Dancing, Tropical Terpsichory

Published on 2012-02-17 20:33:23

Terpsichore, terpsichory: ORIGIN: Greek, literally ‘delighting in dancing.’ Getting the urge to “trip the light fantastic”? Is Dancing a way of life for you and even on vacation you must find a way to get your “Fred and Ginger”– on? Want to learn a dance step or two while you’re here? A little worried that the only terpsichory here on...

S.W.A.K. (Sealed with a Kiss)

Published on 2012-02-09 17:37:04

My perfect Valentine's Day? Hmmmm, let's see, with three boys under six... maybe my husband could take the kids so I could have a little "me" time? Just kidding (I think). Seriously, here's my idea of a dream date: Call Jessica Lindman of Kauai Island Cuisine. Order one of Jessica's fabulous dinners. Take Jessica's fabulous dinner to the beach. Watch...

Calling all Artists!

Published on 2012-02-06 10:16:10

Break out your brushes! Returning to Kauai for the sixteenth year, painter Kathy Kovala is teaching watercolor classes in Poipu at the Plantation Garden Restaurant Thursdays from 9:30 am-12:30 pm (intermediate) and 1-4 pm (beginners) through Feb. 23, and again from March 1-29. The cost is $35 per session or $50 per day. (Sign up for six classes and get...

Kauai Skate Ohana

Published on 2012-02-05 18:20:52

Jean & Abbott Properties is ALL for positive activities for our Kauai Keiki! I am SO excited to let you know about a wonderful foundation that has sprouted on our island... the Kauai Skate Ohana. Their vision encompasses raising the funds to build quality skateparks for every side of the island. These skateparks will be the foundation of the organization,...

The Tao of Personal Health

Published on 2012-01-30 11:32:13

If you'll be on Kauai on Saturday, February 11th - and you've ever had the slightest curiosity about Tai Chi - don't miss this special lecture and workshop with one of the most renowned masters on the planet. Chungliang Al Huang will be the keynote speaker at the 8th Annual Kauai Wellness Expo at 11:30 am, followed by a "quantum"...

Real Hawaiian Hula on Kauai

Published on 2012-01-26 02:06:42

We've told you about E Kanikapila Kakou - a chance to hear real Hawaiian music. Now we're going to tell you where to see real Hawaiian dance: Because there's gonna be a whole lotta shakin' going on February 4th at Hula Hoike 2012 when Leilani Rivera and Halau Hula o Leilani perform hula, Tahitian and Maori dances accompanied by the...

Hawaiian Music on Kauai

Published on 2012-01-13 15:11:30

Want to hear some real Hawaiian music? If you're taking a Kauai vacation this winter, don't miss E Kanikapila Kakou (“let’s play music together”) Monday nights from 6-9 pm at the Kauai Beach Resort. Now in its 29th year, this grassroots program features some of the best musicians in Hawaii. The 2012 season opens Sunday, January 29 at 7pm with...

Write Your Life with Ann Randolph

Published on 2012-01-04 15:02:42

"Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart." —William Wordsworth She's considered one of the most innovative writer/performers in the U.S. —and if you've see her onstage you know what we're talking about. This month the very gifted Ann Randolph will offer her popular "Write Your Life" workshop January 21-22 at the Church of the Pacific in Princeville. Through...

New Year’s Eve on Kauai

Published on 2011-12-21 12:45:11

Lucky enough to be on Kauai this New Year's Eve? You can sip champagne, listen to Hawaiian music, or head to Poipu and watch fireworks under the stars. If you're in the mood for elegance, Kauai resident Toni Childs (three-time Grammy nominee and Emmy winner for the haunting "Because You're Beautiful") will perform a New Year's Eve concert at the...

Calling All Elves!

Published on 2011-12-13 14:30:31

Who wouldn't want to go to Elfland? If you and your family are vacationing on Kauai this month, the Montessori School in Kapaa is holding a special event December 19-23 for children ages 5-12. Because sometimes you just can't spend the whole day at the beach. From 8am–3pm at "Elfland," children can make gifts, cards, wrapping paper and decorations for...

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Blog Feed: Kauai Vacation Blog by Jean & Abbott Luxury Kauai Vacation Rentals

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