One Coast

Archive for July, 2009

Getting the Best Deals at Kauai Shopping Districts

Aside from the many natural beauties that sprout all over the island, the towns and cities in Kauai are also bustling with modern structures and developments. Kauai shopping is a very fun and exciting experience since you get a vast selection of authentic Hawaiian goods and other well-known international brands. You get to enjoy different atmospheres with varying themes that truly depict the Hawaiian lifestyle.

Shopper?s Paradise

You will find a variety of good shopping places ranging from small shops to boutiques to department centers to malls. There are plenty of specialty shops and boutiques carrying unique souvenir items and vintage accessories and clothing on the north shore.

Antiques are also sold coming from different lands like Polynesia, Tibet and India. Jewelry, Oriental rugs, necklaces, leis, bracelets, anklets and pearls can be purchased in Hanalei and Princeville. Other great home items like candles, soaps, tablecloths, napkins with exotic designs, plates and aloha shirts are found in factories and outlets in these areas as well.

Hawaiian Heritage: The History of Kauai Island

Compared to other American states and islands, Kauai history is truly unique, rich and worth remembering. The birth and development of the oldest island in Hawaii provide and involve a lot of folklore, tradition and culture. A number of popular persons can actually be credited for discovering the island. Some of the natural wonders, products and items found today can be attributed to early visitors.

The Origin

Around 400 to 500 A.D., Kauai had its first share of settlers who brought basic food products like taro which is commonly used to make poi. The Marquesans sailed from Polynesia and became the first inhabitants of the island. In 1000 A.D., Tahitians arrived and overpowered the Marquesans to settle in Kauai as well. Several of the Polynesians brought many of the plants that you can still find in Kauai today.

Westerners arrived at the scene only during the 1700s. Captain James Cook is the most famous of all western explorers who navigated Hawaiian waters and islands. The HMS Discovery and Resolution of the captain first landed in Waimea Bay, the west coastal region in 1778 resulting to trinket and food trading as well as cultural education from Hawaiian hosts. Captain Cook named the islands ?Sandwich Islands? after the captain?s superior officer, the 4th Earl of Sandwich.

Cultural Heritage at Its Natural Best: Revealing Kauai State Parks

Kauai is home to a variety of unique plant and animal species and its natural beauties have been preserved for thousands of years making it a special wonder in the Pacific. The island is one of the major islands in Hawaii but Kauai State Parks have maintained its original natural form with 97%PRCTG% of the entire land left untouched by human hands. Find out things and attractions to expect in these great locations.

The Main Highlights

Na Pali Coast State Park measures about 6,175 acres and is considered by many as the most beautiful in the island. The location features majestic sea cliffs and valleys that can be viewed from the coastal Kalalau Trail, by boat or air via helicopter. Kalalau Valley, Nualolo Kai and Milolii can only be accessed via commercial or private boats and helicopters. You can enjoy a variety of activities in the park such as hiking, camping, backpacking and bird viewing.

Backpackers and hikers can go through the Kalalau Trail that spans 1 to 2 miles depending on the route with great landscapes, waterfalls and stream valleys. You can camp at Milolii and enjoy the captivating sunset view. It requires a certain level of primitive outdoor experience to camp along the coast and ocean currents can be harsh depending on the tide and season.

An Introduction to Kauai Vacation

A Hawaiian trip is one of the most exhilarating experiences for any person in the globe. The 51st state of America features a lot of rich culture and history that will surely give you an unforgettable stay. A Kauai vacation is considered a top choice because of the various beautiful sights as well as the traditions that make it one majestic island. Find out more about the place especially its unique layout and geography.

About the Island

The name Kauai probably originated from Hawai?iloa, the Polynesian explorer who is known to have discovered Hawaii. Hawai?iloa was said to have a favorite son whom he named the island after. It also translates to ?food season? or ?place around the neck? just as how a father would lift his favorite child. The population in the island ranges over 60,000. The United States Census Bureau defines Kauai as Census Tracts 401 to 409. This includes all of Kauai County except for the islands Lehua, Ni?ihau and Ka?ula.

Kauai or Kaua?i is the oldest and fourth largest main island in the Hawaiian archipelago. It is also the 21st largest island in America which lies 105 miles across the Kaua?i Channel, just northwest of O?ahu. It is also called ?Garden Isle? with blooming flora and fauna, great weather and captivating volcanoes.

For the Party People: Finding the Best Kauai Luaus

You should never miss witnessing a Kauai luau when visiting Hawaii. A luau is an authentic Hawaiian feast featuring entertainment like original Hawaiian music, hula presentations, games, local delicacies like poi, kalua and opihi and other fun-filled activities. Types of the event may also vary depending on the occasion such as birthday luaus, ceremonial luaus and wedding luaus. Find out where to see one.

Oceanfront Luaus

The Surf to Sunset Luau is held every Monday and Friday evenings beginning at 6:00 p.m. just a few steps from the crescent-shaped white beach of Kauai. This is the perfect ceremony for families and couples featuring world-class entertainment that boasts the island?s culture and traditions plus a wide array of authentic Hawaiian dishes. Here you can enjoy fresh sweet pineapple, lomi salmon, pipikaula, kalua pig, poi, poke and tempting desserts like coconut coated haupia, chocolate macadamia nut cake and guava chiffon pie.

Other delicacies included in the extensive banquet are Korean, Japanese, Filipino, Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese cuisine. You get to choose between the Traditional package and The Golden Circle package.