Kauai News

Jack Baker Wins at 7th HTLA Golf Tournament!

JackB — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:00:12 +0000

The Bali Hai ohana congratulates Jack Baker on his win at the 7^th Annual Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Golf Tournament held January 28th at Poipu Golf Course, Kauai.

Jack Baker (far right) and his winning team. Way to go Jack!

The scenic and well-maintained Poipu Golf Course located on the island of Kauai was the site of the 7^th annual Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association (HLTA) golf tournament sponsored by the Kauai Chapter. Coldwell Banker Bali Hai associate, Jack Baker (RA), was fortunate enough to team up with 3 other golfers to secure first place! Warren Doi of GreenCarHawaii, Scott Pacer of Hanalei Bay Resort, and Douglas Avery Sutter of the Makai Golf Club at The St. Regis Princeville Resort filled out the 4-person team. The event began early in the day and continued with an awards luncheon and silent auction event afterwards to benefit the HLTA scholarship fund and various other local charities.

The HLTA, which is the largest visitor industry trade group in Hawaii, is a partner association of the American Hotel & Lodging Association. That’s worth noting because the AHLA is the largest trade organization of its kind in the world. It’s a nationwide federation of 52 state and city lodging associations (New York City and Washington, D.C., are the cities) and represents more than 1.5 million rooms in the United States. Members range from economy hotels to five-star resorts.

Kauai At Forefront of Stand Up Paddleboard Revolution

SeanA — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:00:01 +0000

Young, Old, Men and Women Enjoy Stand Up Paddling

The sport of stand up paddle boarding involves using an oversized surfboard and a canoe-like paddle to propel yourself over the water while standing atop the board.

Stand up paddle boards ready for adventure. Photo by Sean Ahearn

The wide, long and thick stand up paddleboards provide excellent stability so even beginners can be successful on their very first try.

A few years ago the number of stand up paddlers in Hawaiian waters were very few. Today it is the fastest growing water sport in the world, and Hawaii is leading what many refer to as a stand up revolution!

Stand up paddling for beginners is best accomplished on very calm water, and it also helps if there isn’t too much wind. The best place to learn is on a calm and protected ocean bay or in a placid river, which makes Hanalei one of the best stand up paddling locations because it has both.

Beginners can launch their boards by Hanalei Pier and if the ocean water is too rough then they can paddle around in the large, calm area of the Hanalei river mouth.

Once you learn some basic skills including the proper stance as well as how to paddle and turn the board, then you may choose to venture up the Hanalei River to practice your skills. As you make your way toward the Hanalei Bridge you will enjoy the peaceful surroundings including lush and tropical greenery with scenic mountains and waterfalls in the distance.

The Allure of Stand Up Paddle Boarding

What is so attractive about stand up paddle boarding? One appeal of this new sport for many surfers is the ability to be standing and using a paddle rather than laying on your belly and using your arms to paddle, as on a surfboard.

Stand up paddle boarding utilizes different muscle groups than surfing so it provides good cross training. Stand up paddling also allows a better view of the surroundings including a better ability to see down into the water from above which provides great views of the coral reef.

Experienced surfers have remarked that they love to go back to the breaks where they used to surf and rediscover these places in a new way with stand up paddling. For those who are unfamiliar with ocean sports, stand up paddling is a great way to get out on the water and explore Hawaii’s beauty while also getting some exercise and having some fun.

In calm water on the proper board, stand up paddling is incredibly easy to do which has broadened its appeal to young children as well as senior citizens. Groups of women that used to meet at the gym for aerobics now meet on the water and paddle together as a daily ritual.

The buoyant stand up boards are also very easy to control, and if the water gets a bit rough or the wind picks up you can kneel or even sit on the board and continue to paddle.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding Lessons Ensure Safety and Fun

To ensure your safety and an enjoyable stand up paddling adventure it is highly recommended that you take a lesson with an experienced instructor.

On Kauai various companies offer stand up paddle boarding lessons from Hanalei on the north shore to Kalapaki on the east shore and numerous other sites. Stand up paddling tours on the Huleia River and National Wildlife Refuge take you near the famed Menehune Fishpond and stop in the jungle-like terrain to visit a secluded pool.

Stand Up Paddle Surfing

Once you have mastered the basic skills of paddling your stand up board on calm water (which doesn’t take long with the right conditions and the right board), then you may want to try riding some small waves.

Stand up paddle surfing has become a whole new field of competition among the world’s best watermen and waterwomen with more contests being held each year. Unlike just a few years ago when Hawaii’s surfing breaks were comprised almost completely of surfers, today it is rare to find a surfing spot that isn’t also well-populated with stand up paddlers.

One thing is for sure, stand up paddle boarding is here to stay. Many people are enjoying the health benefits as well as the fun and excitement of stand up paddling, and few places are as ideal for learning the new sport as Kauai!

Kauai Vacation Rentals, Realty Services and Concierge

For the finest quality Kauai vacation rentals including luxury estates, condos, cottages and beach villas, see our Kauai Vacation Rental Galleries or use our new Map-Based Vacation Rental Search feature.

If you are considering buying a home on Kauai you can see some of the island’s best real estate deals by browsing through the Coldwell Banker Bali Hai Realty Kauai Real Estate Galleries, or use the Map-Based Kauai Home Search.

Also please feel free to give us a call. The Bali Hai Realty staff will be happy to help you find the perfect Kauai vacation rental or assist you in the process of buying or selling a Kauai home. We also offer the highest level of personalized Concierge Services to help you plan your Kauai vacation activities.

Hanalei Waioli Church Celebrating 100 Years!

ChristineL — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:00:14 +0000

Hanalei’s ‘Green Church’ is turning 100 years old!

Join the centennial celebration!

Yes! The Wai’oli Hui’ia Church’s green, gothic, iconic sanctuary was built in 1912! In celebration of this historic event, our church choir thought it would be a great time to celebrate by remembering the Hanalei Plantation Hotel that opened 50 years ago. The church’s choir shared Hawaiian hymns, songs, and hula every Sunday evening in the dining room from the time Hanalei Plantation Hotel opened in 1961 until its doors closed in the early 1970s.

Memorabilia from the hotel will be displayed in the Church Hall with multimedia presentations and talk story time. And we will recreate a “Piki Niki”, the famous paniolo style meal offered and enjoyed at the Hanalei Plantation Hotel with music and entertainment. The gathering of past employees of the hotel and their recollection of what it was like to work at the only hotel on the north shore promises to be a historical event. It will be an experience not to be missed!

Celebrating 100 years of the ‘Green Church’

“Remembering Hanalei Plantation Hotel”

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Doors open at 11:00 a.m.

Piki Niki Luncheon at 1 p.m.

Wai’oli Hui’ia Church, Hanalei

This event is open to the public, all are welcome!

Adults $25, for under 12 yrs. old $15

Seating is limited. We encourage you to buy a table for your family and friends.

Tickets are available at the Church Office (white cottage next to Hanalei School) or call 826-6253.

Tickets also available in Hanalei at Savage Pearls in Ching Young Village and Judy’s Hanalei Liquor Store

Please make your checks payable to Wai’oli Hui’ia Church, P. O. Box 231 Hanalei, HI 96714.

Should you have any questions please feel free to Church Office (808) 826-6253 or

Haunani Pacheco at (808) 652-7811

Silent Auction

Part of this fundraiser will be a Silent Auction. Please help support this iconic building in Hanalei by donating something for this important part of our fundraiser. We welcome all donations and also encourage “home spun” auction items i.e., ‘poke demo/dinner for 4′ … ‘ice cream tasting for 6′ … SUP/surf lessons, ‘tours of beautiful homes’, ‘free eggs for a year’ etc.

Also, we are looking to you, as a leader in the community, to help us with this event by donating to underwrite logistical costs. As can be imagined, the maintenance and repair of a 100 year old structure is costly. This is the only major fundraiser the church has held in many years. We appreciate your support. Below lists various levels of sponsorship but all donations are welcome.

Platinum Sponsors- $500 and above

A. Name on sponsor banner displayed during day of event

B. Name in printed program and announced on day of event

C. Acknowledgement in newspaper and radio ads

D. 4 Piki Niki tickets

Gold Sponsor- $250 – $499

A. Name on sponsor banner displayed during day of event

B. Name in printed program and announced on day of event

C. 2 Piki Niki tickets

Silver Sponsor- $100 – $249

A. Name in printed program and announced on day of event

B. 1 Piki Niki ticket

Donations must be received by Feb. 8, 2012 to be included on the banner.

Please make your checks payable to Wai’oli Hui’ia Church, P. O. Box 231 Hanalei, HI 96714.

All donations are tax deductible and charitable donation receipts will be sent.

Should you have any questions please feel free to Church Office (808) 826-6253 or Haunani Pacheco at (808) 652-7811

“Remembering Hanalei Plantation Hotel” is being presented by the Wai’oli Hui’ia Church as benefit for the

100th Anniversary of its “Green Church” Sanctuary and its restoration, repair & maintenance.

Kauai Home Energy Use Review Saves Money, Helps Environment

MaliaP — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:00:15 +0000

Easy, Low-Cost and No-Cost Ways To Reduce Kauai Energy Costs

Kauai residents may significantly lower their electric bills and overall energy costs by evaluating home energy use and making some small changes that add up to big savings now.

Save energy. Save money.

The best plan for saving money is to first complete full energy use review. A home energy audit will help you pinpoint areas where energy is being wasted and help you develop effective measures to reduce your energy costs.

Whether you want to install solar power or other alternative energy options will depend upon a cost analysis as well as a consideration of how long you plant to live in your current home.

Meanwhile you can develop a strategy to make low-cost and no-cost changes and relatively minor home improvements that will optimize your energy efficiency as well as save you money.

Here are the top things you can do to lower your Kauai energy bill:

If you use air conditioning or heating check your insulation levels and inspect for holes or cracks around walls, ceilings, windows and doors as well as light and plumbing fixtures where leaks may occur. Also check for open fireplace dampers. Install a programmable thermostat.

Evaluate your family’s overall lighting use paying particular attention to high-use areas including the kitchen, living room and outdoor lighting. Investigate ways to use lighting controls including timers, dimmers and occupancy sensors.

Whenever possible utilize the natural sunlight, and use reflective colors on walls to optimize natural light. Utilize motion detectors and photocells for exterior lighting.

Make an extra effort to turn off any lights, fans, televisions and computers that are not being used. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs)with the Energy Star label.

Unplug cell phone chargers and laptop chargers when they are not being used because they are using electricity even when they are not charging anything!

Plug all home electronics including televisions and DVD players into power strips that you can turn off when the equipment isn’t being used (TVs and DVDs use power when in standby mode).

Make sure your appliances as well as your cooling/heating systems are properly maintained as they will operate much more efficiently. Refer to your owner’s manuals for the recommended maintenance procedures. Consider replacing inefficient appliances with Energy Star models which meet strict efficiency guidelines.

If you use a dishwasher make sure to wash only full loads, and air dry the dishes rather than using the drying cycle. Wash only full loads of clothes and hang out your clothes to dry.

Take short showers rather than baths, and lower the thermostat on your hot water heater so that is just warm enough to be comfortable for you.

Drive your automobile sensibly. Accelerating rapidly and speeding wastes gasoline.

Kauai Residents Benefit From KIUC Energy Efficiency Programs

Take advantage of the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) energy-efficiency programs with the goal improving the efficiency of your electrical use and developing a range of strategies to lower your overall energy costs.

KIUC offers programs to help you replace inefficient appliances (e.g., refrigerators, freezers, washing machines), solar water heater rebates ($800), solar loans (no interest, 5-year loans, no downpayment) and an appliance meter service to identify inefficient appliances.

KIUC also has a member lighting program (3 free 20-watt compact fluorescent light bulbs), commercial retrofit programs, and even free home visits by a Residential Energy Specialist to help you lower the overall amount of money you pay for energy. Reducing energy use also helps create a cleaner Hawaii environment.

You can pick up applications for KIUC’s Efficient Appliance Replacement Rebate program at Home Depot, Sears, Kapaa Electric & Appliance or KIUC.

Last but not least is KIUC’s Qualifying Member Appliance Replacement Program in partnership with Kauai County to help low-income seniors (age 60 and above) reduce their electricity bill by replacing old water heaters and refrigerators at no cost to the member.

For more information about these Energy-Efficiency Programs give KIUC a call at 808-246-8280 or visit www.kiuc.coop.

Kauai Vacation Rentals, Realty Services and Concierge

Privacy abounds at these Kauai North Shore Estates

PaulP — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:00:07 +0000

If you have picked up any of the celebrity magazines over the last few years you have frequently seen numerous famous faces being captured relaxing or working on the Garden island. In addition to being a popular filming location for movies, Kauai is also a great place to live as well as play. What is it about Kauai that attracts so many who can choose to summer or winter anywhere in the world? Some would say it is the islands warm climate and stunning beauty combined with a low key laid back lifestyle. Come find out for yourself.

Call for a showing of Emme Hale, MLS 245388.

Below is a glimpse into a few North Shore estates that provide access to all the magic of the Garden Island while retaining your personal privacy.

MLS 245388 $2,850,00.

Emme Hale at Kai Vista on Kalihiwai Ridge is a unique offering on Kauai; a secluded and tranquil riverfront estate. The nearly 5-acre property is located at the end of a quarter-mile private road, which delivers you to a circular drive protected by a large porte-cochere where the glassed entry opens to the postcard river view.

MLS 248521 $7,500,000.

It’s the things that you don’t expect that Paradise Island Ranch offers that will capture your attention. Two large covered outdoor kitchen areas let you breathe in the valley air while enjoying your favorite culinary treats. Get cozy around the outdoor fireplace in a courtyard setting and rub elbows with the visiting Nene geese. Spread out and relax in this custom 4,000 square foot Italian inspired villa on 10 manicured acres overlooking a verdant valley, meandering river and inviting ocean.

MLS 249094 $14,950,00.

Palm Royale at Kilauea Bay completely redefines the meaning of elegant island living. Breathtaking expansive views of the regal shoreline of Kauai and the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge are yours to enjoy from this very generous Neo-Hawaiian Style Estate Home. With freshness and sophistication, this architecturally designed 6 bedroom/ 5.5 bath home is lavish yet comfortable in its well thought out design.

If you are ready for slice of paradise on the Garden Island we have these and more. Please contact me here at Coldwell Banker Bali Hai Realty, Inc.

Kauai Realty Services and Vacation Accommodations

HHCA General Membership Meeting Tuesday January 24, 2012

MichaelS — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:00:27 +0000

The next Hanalei to Haena Community Association Meeting is scheduled January 24th. Below is a notice from current president, Joel Guy:

Kauai's beautiful north shore

Happy New Year!

With that comes an opportunity for new board members. The HHCA nominating committee has came up with a list of possible candidates and we welcome others. If you have been a current HHCA member for over a month and are interested in being more involved please send me a separate email regarding your interest. I will run a background check and see….. no, we welcome almost any suggestion and on January 24th at the annual General Membership meeting we can vote for who we want. I get people coming up to me all the time wondering who/what/where/why is the HHCA board doing, NOW IS THE TIME to participate!

The meeting is TUESDAY Jan 24th at 6:30 p.m. sharp. It will be at Hale Halawai ‘Ohana O Hanalei.

Please tell everyone and anyone you want, we will be welcoming new members and selecting a few new board members.

p.s. And my presidency still has another year

Thank you,

Joel Guy

President, HHCA
(808) 635-2074

Book a stay at our newest vacation rental Lae Nani

ChristineL — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:00:46 +0000

Beautiful Lae Nani!

Options abound - the pool or the beach? - at Lae Nani.

Enjoy the peaceful setting at our newest privately owned, oceanfront resort condominium located on the Coconut Coast of Kauai called the Lae Nani. Lae Nani is conveniently located on the East side of Kauai within a short drive from the airport (7 miles). Walk to shops and restaurants. Close to many of Kauai’s favorite island activities and centrally located to sightsee and tour the North and South shore of Kauai. Swaying coconut trees, beautiful landscaped grounds, amazing sunsets and sunrises grace you as you unwind at the gorgeous Lae Nani property. Featuring many amenities, the Lae Nani is a gated resort which includes a lighted tennis court, heated swimming pool, poolside BBQ grills, an oceanfront swimming bay great for adults and a protected swimming cove perfect for “gentle” swimming for the keikis (little ones) to enjoy.

Lae Nani unit #325 invites you to relax on your large lanai boasting views of the ocean. This cozy and comfortable 2 bedroom unit comes with 1 king and 2 twins, spacious living area, and fully equipped kitchen with great trade winds to keep you cool and much more! Come and experience the beauty of Lae Nani.

Kauai Vacation Rentals, Realty Services and Concierge

Lae Nani 325 living area

Hanalei to Haena Road Work Continues

MichaelS — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:00:31 +0000

Road construction/improvements at Lumahai.

Highway road improvements continue in the Lumahai Beach area between Hanalei and Haena. Stabilization and a new wall have just been completed at the “Nurse’s Beach” lookout. Now, State Department of Transportation contractors are busy cutting back an entire hillside just west as pictured. Unique equipment can be seen crawling up the steep slope preparing for more concrete stabilization. This will result in a safer and smoother highway through this area soon. Traffic has been reduced to one lane during the day but the delays have been minimal.

Soon the road to Haena above Lumahai Beach will be even more memorable to drive.

Kelii Ocean View Gem at the Princeville Resort Community

RuthM — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:00:10 +0000

MLS 250944 Keli'i Place

Tucked away on a 14,409 sq.ft. ocean view, valley rim lot lies this beautifully renovated 3BR, 2BA Princeville Resort Residence. Casual indoor-outdoor living, high-quality materials and artistic creativity are prominent throughout this two-story home. Almost 2,000 sq.ft. of interior living space open up to over 700 sq.ft. of lanais framing picture-perfect ocean and tropical valley views everywhere you look. Enjoy a lifestyle where you can watch the whales spout and the Albatross soar and wake up in what feels like your own private nature sanctuary – make Kelii Ocean View Gem your home!

The Princeville Resort Community is a legal Visitor’s Destination Area. This property can be used as a permanent or as a vacation rental residence.

MLS 250944

Beautiful valley and ocean views from Keli'i Place

Kauai Realty Services and Vacation Accommodations

Free Admission to Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge

lois — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:00:52 +0000

Saturday January 14th and Sunday January 15th, 2012

Be sure to visit the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge

The admission is free this weekend at the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. They will be closed on Monday January 16th in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

These free days are an initiative by the Federal Interior Department to encourage all of us to visit public lands, enjoy the outside and get active. Admission fees are being waived throughout national wildlife refuges and parks across the United States.

This is a great opportunity to visit the Kilauea Lighthouse. Its location is a great vantage point to view all of the local wildlife. Also keep a look out for whales at play.