With the new year already in full swing, check out the following updates and information about the latest happenings, special offers and events blooming on Kauai.

What’s new?

Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort unveils full transformation

Perfectly located in Kapaa on Kauai’s east shore lies the new oceanfront Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort, formally known as the Courtyard by Marriott Kauai at Coconut Beach. After undergoing a multimillion-dollar renovation, guests now have the luxury of staying in one of the 314 redesigned guest rooms, dining at oceanfront restaurants (see above), and one-of-a-kind firepits that surround the modern infinity pool, which seems to never end. This property is a perfect mixture of relaxation, modern amenities, and tropical paradise. For more info, click here.

New rules to visit Haeena State Park on Kauai’s North Shore

Haeena State Park on the north shore of Kauai has reopened with new rules and limited attendance. The areas that are open include, Kuhio Highway from Waipa to the end of Haena, Haena State Park (including the Kalalau Trail, Hanakaiai Falls and Kee Beach) and Limahuli Garden and Preserve. In addition to the reopening, important changes have taken place, which include limited daily entry with advanced reservations and parking by advanced permit to Haena State Park. There will no longer be parking on the side of the road; this is strictly enforced. Visitors driving into Haena must secure a reservation in advance of going to Haena State Park. For advanced reservations, click here. The North Shore Shuttle will take visitors to Haeena State Park with advanced reservations. To reserve a seat on the shuttle, click here, and to understand how to best travel within Haena, click here. Hanalei town is accessible without advanced reservations and advanced permit. The quaint town is filled with shops, restaurants and galleries and is made up of historical and cultural buildings. For a list of businesses in Hanalei town, click here.

The Fresh Shave opens new location

The Fresh Shave is entering 2020 with a new location in addition to their Warehouse 3540 location in Koloa. The Fresh Shave will be serving up shave ice made from fresh ingredients and garnished with their signature moustache straw in Waimea Town. The new storefront is the perfect spot to grab a refreshing snack after enjoying the views of Waimea Canyon. All locations are free of single-use plastics and are certified as Ocean Friendly Restaurants by the Surfrider Foundation. For more information, click here.

Eco e-bikes Kauai offers environmentally-friendly way to tour the Garden Island

Travellers can take in the beauty of Kauai on an earth-friendly electric bicycle. Eco e-bikes Kauai offers a quiet, comfortable and effortless way to cruise around the Garden Island. With a touch of a button, riders can zip up to 20 miles per hour. Eco e-bike rentals are equipped with chargers, helmets, bike locks, lights, and removable carrying bags. Choose from an hourly, 24-hour or six-day rental, with free bike delivery for multi-day rentals from Poipu to Kapaa. For more information, click here.

Kauai Ocean Discovery now open

Kauai Ocean Discovery is a new learning facility that shares the traditions and knowledge of our ocean connections and inspires stewardship. Each visitor will learn about humpback whales, Hawaiian monk seals, sea turtles, albatrosses and more. Get a glimpse of the underwater world through videos, interactive displays and hands-on activities. Hear the Hawaiian creation chant, Kumulipo, and view a mural inspired by it. The Keiki Corner provides ocean-themed fun for the little ones. Rotational exhibits feature community and student projects with monthly and weekly special programs. Admission to Kauai Ocean Discovery is free.

Koloa Rum breaks ground on new expansion project

Koloa Rum Company has broken ground for its new headquarters, which will be located in Kōloa town along Maluhia Road. The expansion will more than double the size of the current operation to a 45,000 square-foot distillery and warehouse, which will also include a tasting room, company store, and free-standing café. To recognise and honour the agricultural heritage of Koloa town, where commercial sugar production operations were first introduced in 1835, expansion plans also include the planting and cultivation of 10 to 12 acres of sugar cane fields on site. Koloa Rum will also refurbish old plantation camp structures into workforce housing and a museum that will tell the story of the rich history of sugarcane production in the area. Completion of the project is currently projected for September 2020.

Kauai Safaris creates new experience at Kilohana Plantation

Your clients can jump on an open-air safari truck to explore the beautiful 105-acre Kilohana Plantation, where they’ll enjoy tasting and learning about fruits and vegetables grown on the plantation, interact with family friendly farm animals, and stop off to stroll through the beautiful rainforest of Kahuna Nui Valley. During the tour, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy sipping on farm to table cocktails made with award-winning Koloa Rum. To make a reservation, click here.

Kayak Kauai with new whale watching and snorkel tour

From the golden coast of Poipu, travellers can take a sea kayak and paddle west along the scenic shoreline that is home to Spouting Horn, Lawai Valley, Nomilu Pond, and the cove of Wahiawa. While on the Whale Watch & Snorkel Tour, guests can paddle the same paths the Polynesians and whaling captains ventured from Koloa to Port Allen. The Poipu Whale Watch & Snorkel Tour takes place from October through April. For more information, click here.

National Tropical Botanical Gardens add new McBryde Garden Waterfall Tour

Visitors can discover one of Kauai’s hidden gems at the National Tropical Botanical Garden’s (NTBG) McBryde Garden during the new wailele (waterfall) tour. Guests can uncover some of the most beautiful and private sections of Lawai Valley, where they’ll be immersed in a lush tropical rainforest that houses the Waihulili Waterfall. They’ll continue your journey to the Canoe Garden, which is adorned with botanical treasures introduced by ancient settlers, then sit under a hale (traditional Hawaiian structure) and learn about the history of the land, stars, and Hawaiian culture. To make a reservation, click here.

The Lodge at Kukui‘ula offers new adventure program

Travellers can enhance their outdoor skill set with The Lodge at Kukuiula’s new Huakai (voyage) Intensives program. Visitors can learn a variety of traditional Hawaiian activities, from surfing to crossbow hunting led by experts. Each experience is customised with one-on-one instructions that give attendees the tools to become an expert. The new Huakai Intensives program awaits for lodge members and guests seeking an authentic, educational and memorable experience. For more information, click here.

A dinner to remember at Koa Kea Hotel & Resort at Poipu Beach

Situated under a private oceanfront cabana at Koa Kea Hotel & Resort at Poipu Beach as the sun sets and the moon rises, visitors can take part in a romantic four-course dinner crafted by award-winning Chef Noelani Planas. Private cabana dining is available between 5:30pm and 7:30pm and must be reserved 48 hours in advance.

Kauai ATV adds new makauwahi cave tour

Visitors can travel back 10,000 years and experience life on Kauai before human arrival. They can witness mankind’s impact on a fragile ecosystem and become a part of preserving native endangered species and Hawaiian culture. They can visit Kauai’s internationally-recognised, fossil-rich, limestone cave that attracts archaeologists and visitors from all over the world. Plus, they can learn what scientists have discovered about the ancient ecosystem from fossils and artefacts found in the cave, stroll through a tortoise ranch and Thousand Year Forest, a living museum of Native Hawaiian plants. Visitors can enjoy scenic, panoramic views of famous movie sites and hear about sugar plantation history in Hawaii. A portion of the proceeds from this tour will go toward supporting the Makauwahi Cave Reserve. For more information, click here.

Tasting Kaua‘i launches new tours

Love food, but want more than just a dining experience? Tasting Kauai launches two new tours for all foodie fans. The new Kauai Happy Hour Tour specialises in cocktails and handcrafted food pairings that highlight the island’s unique and exotic flavours. For those looking for a more hands-on experience, they can check out the Kauai Cooking Class Tour guided by a local chef. They can start the Kauai Cooking Class Tour by shopping at a farmer’s market to gather and learn about local ingredients. It’s a perfect combination of food, learning and culture. The best part of this tour is that you don’t need experience in cooking! For more information, click here.

Special offers

Ka Kea Hotel & Resort at Poipu Beach offers new experience

Are your clients seeking a vacation that is a perfect combination of outdoor adventure, education, and relaxation? Koa Kea Hotel & Resort at Poipu Beach introduces its new Endangered Kauai package. Guests can grab their complimentary reef-safe sunscreen and reusable water bottle and set sail on an award-winning, dolphin-safe charter to the breathtaking Napali Coast. The package also includes a guided oceanside walk to view marine life in their natural habitat. Koa Kea Hotel & Resort truly values the island’s marine life and the people who devote their time to protect them. In support of the Kauai Surfrider Foundation, five per cent of all booking fees for the Endangered Kauai package will go to the organisation. For more information, click here.

Upcoming events

Lei Poo (Head Lei) Making Workshop

Every second Friday of each month, travellers can stop by Kauai Museum for a lei poo (head lei) lesson with lei make, Elvrine Chow. Elvrine offers custom workshops to fit into your schedule. Guests can learn the history, significance, and art behind the honoured and cherished craft.

Open house tour at Lawai International Center

Visitors can take a tour around Lawai International Center every second and last Sunday of each month. Lawai International Center has long been recognised as a healing sanctuary, and is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the country. Walking tours are free and take place at 10am, 12 pm and 2pm, and donations are accepted.

10^th annual Anahola Prince Kuhio Day Celebration

The 10^th annual Anahola Prince Kuhio Day Celebration will take place on 14 March from 11am to 4pm at Anahola Beach Park. The event reaffirms the leadership, stewardship, and vision of Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianole and his legacy in perpetuating the growth of a healthy Hawaiian community on aina hoopulapula (homesteads land). The free celebration will feature live music, entertainment, and hula performances honouring the past and embracing the future of Prince Kuhio’s legacy.

40^th Annual Walter & Irmalee Pomroy May Day Lei Contest
The 40^th Annual Walter & Irmalee May Day Lei contest takes place on 1 May at Kauai Marriott Resort & Beach Club from 11am to 3pm. The event honours lei maker Dana Valeriano Kauai iki Olores, who was a participant in Kauai Museum’s lei contest for many years and also garnered numerous prizes. Guests can stop by and perpetuate the art of lei making.

May Day by the Bay
May Day by the Bay is a community event on Saturday 9 May from 9:30am to 5pm at Waioli Beach Park. The event showcases Kauai’s beauty, culture and people with hula, cultural demonstrations, Kauai-made products craft fair, displays by community groups, Hawaiian food, and a silent auction. May Day by the Bay attendees will need to park and shuttle from Waioli Town Park.