Spring has finally arrived on the mainland and summer is on the way. There's no better time of year to let the outdoors rejuvenate the body and revitalize the spirit.
Kauai's lush natural beauty and spectacular scenery offers unforgettable settings to comfortably match every age and activity level. The experience of enjoying Kauai is in large part experiencing Kauai's outdoors and feeling how it invigorates the senses.
"We know from speaking with travelers that Kauai rejuvenates them, that they leave here happier and more relaxed than when they arrived, and many can't wait to return and recapture that sense of serenity," said Sue Kanoho, executive director of the Kauai Visitors Bureau.
Let's begin by taking a look at what's new on Kauai for the spring of 2011. We'll them take a look at some great hotel and resort deals and finally look at the exciting festivals and events taking place on the island.
What's New on Kauai for the Spring of 2011
American Girl of the Year is Kaua'i's Kanani Akina
All this year, young girls everywhere are learning about the uniqueness of Kauai's special qualities, cultural appeal, and close-knit spirit of 'ohana (family), as told through the story of
Kanani Akina, the 2011 American Girl of the Year. The Kanani doll conveys Hawaii's multicultural diversity and comes with two books that tell her story about life on Kauai, including the
rescue of an endangered Hawaiian monk seal. In support of educational programs raising awareness about protecting endangered animals, American Girl is donating $1 for every Kanani
plush monk seal sold in 2011 to the National Wildlife Federation (up to $100,000).
Courtyard by Marriott at Coconut Beach Undergoes New Management and Major Renovation
Davidson Hotel Company has been selected to manage the beachfront 311-room Courtyard Kauai at Coconut Beach. Formerly the Aston Kauai Beach at Makaiwa, the hotel is converting to the Courtyard by Marriott brand and undergoing a comprehensive renovation to enhance the exterior look of the hotel, including lush landscaping and a reconfigured pool. All public areas, including the restaurant, lounge and meeting spaces, will be upgraded. Completion is scheduled for July.
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa Completes Renovation
The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa has finished its guest room renovations. Inspired by Kauai's ambiance, the guest rooms now feature new mahogany furniture, with marble entryways, and upgraded bathrooms that have marble counter tops, double sinks, and rain-style showers.
Kauai Marriott Resort Completes $50M Renovation
Kauai Marriott Resort on Kalapaki Beach recently completed a nine-month, $50-million renovation that has brought improvements to all areas of the hotel. Highlights included a
transformation of the 356 guest rooms with a timeless island elegance, a refurbishment of Kukui's restaurant and Aupaka Terrace lobby lounge, a newly built children's pool with a slide and water spout features, and an expanded porte cochere and improved main lobby. The 800-acre oceanfront resort also offers the island's most impressive swimming pool with five saunas, as well as a Jack Nicklaus signature golf experience at the Kauai Lagoons Golf Club.
Koloa Landing Resort Opens at Po'ipu Beach
The new Koloa Landing at Po'ipu Beach was officially unveiled on April 12. The first phase of its opening features 85 guest villas, two resort pools, a lounge and bar, and an upscale gourmet marketplace. The resort's second phase will include an additional 29 villas, full service spa, and restaurant. Koloa Landing is located on 25 acres of lush tropical oasis with meandering lagoons and cascading waterfalls.
Sheraton Kauai Resort Undergoes $15M Renovation
Sheraton Kauai Resort is in the midst of a $15-million renovation to transform its ocean wing pool, courtyard, front desk, lobby and porte cochere. It will be combining its two on-property restaurant spaces into a new RumFire restaurant. The 394-room resort was built in 1968 and is located in Po'ipu on the south shore.
Southern Star Yacht Offers New Tours
Southern Star Yacht has added two new tours for guests: a three-hour Sunset Prime Rib Dinner Cruise off the south shore, and a six-hour hour Napali Snorkel BBQ Sail. These new adventures ensure that smaller groups – and those with smaller budgets – can enjoy the yachting experience, complete with gourmet food and visits to amazing destinations. Southern Star is a custom, 65-foot luxury sailing catamaran that delivers a new genre of the Hawaiian ocean experience. Each trip is tailored to an individual's desires and activity options, such as paddling into Napali sea caves, catching and grilling fresh fish, or diving near the island of Ni'ihau.
Weekly Kauai Culinary Market
Kukui'ula Village has introduced the Kauai Culinary Market, featuring live music, live cooking demonstrations, ocean views from the wine and beer garden, and locally grown produce and other foods. This special new market experience is open every Wednesday from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
