VOLUME 8, NUMBER 1, WINTER 2020
Now’s The Time To Create Your Whale Story! Cindy Kauanui / Holo Holo Charters
W
hales have enchanted humans ever since man first set out to sea, inspiring some of our favorite childhood bedtime stories such as, Jonah and the whale, the heartfelt “Humphrey the Lost Whale”, or perhaps history’s best-known, Moby Dick which was written by American writer, Herman Melville. These magnificent creatures have captured the imagination of the young and old for generations with their delightful and mysterious behavior. Whales are certainly a popular topic this time of year on Kaua‘i as humpback whales visit the islands. If you’re animal obsessed like me, then you will want to give yourself the gift of adventure by booking a boat tour with Holo Holo Charters during whale season. Whale activities can be spotted from the shore, but your best chance of an intimate encounter is to spend
some time at sea. The more time you spend on the water provides more opportunities to spot these beautiful creatures and witness their unique behavior. An adult humpback whale should be easy to spot as they measure anywhere from 39 to 62 feet in length, about the size of a school bus! Females are typically larger than males, and adults weigh between 28 to 40 tons. These mammals have dark backs, light bellies, pleats on their throats, and a small hump in front of their dorsal fin, leading to their common name of “humpback”. Other distinguishing characteristics of the humpback whale are the presence of knobs, called tubercles, on their heads, along with having two blow holes. They are a species of baleen whale, scientific name Megaptera novaeangliae and in Hawaiian they are known as kohola-. Humpback whales are best known for their beautiful songs and for
their habit of jumping out of the water or “breaching”. Their tail luke pattern is also unique to each individual humpback, like a human fingerprint. Humpbacks are generally known to travel alone or in small groups, called pods, of two to three whales. To communicate, whales touch fins with each other, vocalize, and slap fins on the water. After migrating to Kaua‘i’s warm waters during the winter, the male humpbacks will pursue their “true love” as whale courtship officially begins. Males compete for the right mate using a variety of behaviors, including sparring and, of course, singing. You could easily compare it to an Elvis Presley, “Blue Hawaii” moment, after all, Kaua‘i has a reputation for being the island of love! Humpback whales are curious and often approach vessels or small craft in the water. It is important to keep your distance though, as they
are protected by the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Holo Holo Charters is committed to viewing them respectfully, being the only boat company on Kaua‘i certified by NOAA as Dolphin SMART, ensuring safe and responsible viewing of all marine life. During this wonderful time of year Holo Holo Charters welcomes three local schools on board for a two-hour marine life excursion. This is an excellent way for Kaua‘i’s young explorers to gain a greater appreciation for these incredible creatures by witnessing them in their natural environment. “It’s a great opportunity to share the wonders of nature with our island keiki (children), while also educating them about protecting our marine life and natural resources. It’s thrilling to see their eyes light up during their first whale sighting!” says General Manager, Chandra Bertsch.
While on the water, be on the lookout for the unique behaviors of these magnificent creatures. A common sight is a “fluke up dive”, when the tail of the humpback appears out of the water in an upward arch and slowly rolls underwater as they dive. You might witness a rare “spyhop”, when the whale positions itself vertically, popping its head out of the water to have a look around. But, the most impressive activity is sure to bring a smile to your face! It is truly incredible to witness a full “breach”, when the humpback whale uses its tail to gain enough speed to launch itself out of the water than land on its back, producing a huge splash. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness these activities for yourself, it is truly an experience to remember, and the chance to create your own whale story! To book your whale experience with Holo Holo Charters, call 808-335-0815 or visit holoholocharters.com.
E komo mai (welcome) to Kaua‘i! Boasting a lush landscape, crystal waters and the breathtaking Napali Coast, among other picturesque sites, the “GARDEN ISLAND” is truly a treasure. Ranked the NO. 7 TOP ISLAND OVERALL in Travel + Leisure’s WORLD’S BEST AWARDS (2017 edition), Kaua‘i is hailed for its pristine ambiance. The island’s hotels landed two spots in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2016’s Top 10 Resorts in Hawai‘i—not too shabby for the oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands. Kaua‘i’s golden beaches, thrilling ocean sports, shopping locales and charming towns are rich in history and ALOHA SPIRIT.
Don’t miss stopping at Unko’s when on the West Side.
Unko’s Kitchen serves local favorites and has received Five Star Revioews from Locals & Tourists.
2 • Winter 2020
(808) 335-5235
Trust is their most valuable asset! Robert’s Jewelry has an unusual reputation for NOT trying to make a sale. Since the business began over 70 years ago in quaint Hanapepe town, their primary objective has been to have anyone who walks through their doors leave with a satisfying experience, not to make a sale. The store is now located in downtown Lihue. It’s difficult to find but worth looking for. Their selection and prices of Hawaiian heirloom and other jewelry are unmatched. But the true worth in finding Robert’s Jewelry is discovering their genuine attitude of placing customers’ needs beyond their desire to sell. During its first 40 years, Robert’s had stores in Kauai’s busiest shopping areas following the formula of “location, location and location.” But they learned busy locations weren’t necessarily the best. Having too many customers at once prevented giving the level of service they wanted. Moving to less accessible locations meant less customer traffic, but actually resulted in increased sales. Robert’s customers now search for the store after hearing of its reputation. In an enjoyable, no-pressure setting, customers sense the staff’s desire to inform rather than to sell. There are no commissions on sales because that would be counter-productive to Robert’s belief that good service first ultimately brings more sales.
Open Weekends • Friday 6-9pm Saturday and Sunday 7am-1pm 1-3749 Kaumualii Hwy. • Hanapepe
THE GARDEN ISLAND
Robert’s prices lower than its competition partly because they own their buildings and avoid high rents. They also get lower product costs from many vendors because of their steady sales volume. But the biggest reason for their reasonable prices is their belief that providing good value is an integral part of providing good service, and prices are just high enough to make a reasonable profit. However first-time Robert’s customers are often surprised that no additional discounts are given, even with very large purchases. Everyone pays the same price, which are never adjusted just to make the sale. Customers accustomed to bargaining will find their proposals ignored but will still be happy to pay the price… the same low price that everyone else has paid. They may also be understandably apprehensive about paying for jewelry and returning home emptyhanded. Because much of what Robert’s sells is custom-made requiring weeks to manufacture, customers often first see their purchase when the mailman arrives and are relieved and happy to find their jewelry more beautiful than expected. Receiving emails, phone calls and letters of appreciation is a regular event. But Robert’s is still thrilled each time to learn another customer is happy. Gaining another customer’s trust is what Robert’s Jewelry is all about.
Over 70 Years In Business LIHUE | 2976 Kress St. | (808) 246-GOLD (4653) For store hours see robertsjewelry.com | info@robertsjewelry.com
thegardenisland.com
Shops, Restaurants & Services at Ching Young Village: Activity Shack Aloha from Hanalei Aloha Juice Bar Alo La‘a Yoga & Dance Big Save Billabong Blue Tiki Tattoo Chicken in a Barrel BBQ Chocolat Hanalei DeCamp Construction Divine Planet Hanalei Bay Pizzeria Hanalei Cafe Hanalei Poke
Hanalei River Healing Hanalei Strings Hanalei Surf Backdoor Honua Engineering Hot Rocket Hula Moon Gifts of Hanalei Infinite Arts Jo-Jo Shave Ice Kalypso Restaurant Kauai Vacation Rentals Kokonut Kids L&L Hawaiian BBQ Lee Acupuncture Na Pali Catamaran
Na Pali Properties Northshore Grill Ohana Shop On the Road to Hanalei Pat’s Taqueria Pedal and Paddle Reside Kauai LLC Seahorse Boutique Spinning Dolphin Styles Studio Hanalei Sunrise Emporium Timeshare Resales Tresor Rare Village Snack & Bakery
5-5190 Kuhio Hwy. • Hanalei, HI 96714 • chingyoungvillage.com thegardenisland.com
THE GARDEN ISLAND
Winter 2020 • 3
KAUAI FACTS
Kauai FAQ
Nickname: The Garden Island
Q: Is Kauai really home to the wettest place on earth? A: Mount Waialeale averages at least 460 inches of rainfall each year, making it one of the wettest places on the planet.
Population: 67,091 (2010 Census) Visitors: 16,000 + visitors on any given day; more than 1 million annually.
Q: Can I drink the water from streams and waterfalls? A: Not a good idea. Micro-organisms in the water can cause flu-like symptoms and wreak havoc with your immune system. Always pack your own water when you go exploring.
Size: 555 square miles (depending on the tide) Length: 33 miles Width: 25 miles Coastline: 90 miles
Q: Is Kauai prepared for a tsunami? A: A 24-hour Tsunami Warning System has been in operation in Hawaii since 1946. If the possibility of a tsunami reaching Hawaiian waters exists, the public is informed by a steady one-minute siren. While possible, tsunamis are uncommon. The island’s most recent tsunami in October 2012 generated a wave only a few feet high.
Highest Point: Kawaikini Peak (5,243 feet) County Seat: Lihue Island Color: Purple Island Flower: Mokihana Weather: Daytime temperatures range from mid-70 to mid-80 degrees Fahrenheit, with slightly warmer days in the summer. Rain is variable.
Have a question about The Garden Island? Call us at (808) 245-3681
Ocean Temperature: Between 72 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit year-round.
4 • Winter 2020
Key Follow the color-coded routes to your destination.
Ke‘e Beach
To North Shore
Tunnels Beach
Ha‘ena State Park Limahuli Gardens
Kilauea • Princeville Airport • Princeville Hanalei Valley Overlook • Hanalei Lumaha‘i Beach • Ke‘e Beach • Napali Coast
Kilauea Lighthouse Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge
Anini Beach
Lumaha‘i Beach
Hanalei Valley Princeville Overlook Airport
Napali Coast
To Eastside Lihu‘e Airpot • Wailua Falls • Wailua River Kapa‘a • Kealia Beach • Anahola
To South Shore Lihu‘e Airport • Lihu‘e • Kilohana Tree Tunnel • Old Koloa Town • Po‘ipu Spouting Horn • Brennecke Beach Shipwreck Beach
Alaka‘i Wilderness Preserve
550
Polihale Beach Park
To Westside
Sleeping Giant
Waimea Canyon Lookout
Kalaheo • Hanapepe • Waimea • Kekaha Waimea Canyon Drive • Waimea Canyon Lookout • Koke‘e State Park • Kalalau Lookout • Barking Sands • Polihale Beach Park
Fern Grotto
Waimea Canyon Drive
583
Mileage Guide Distances & Drive Times
Wailua River Lydgate State Park
55
Po‘ipu to Port Allen Waimea Koke‘e St. Pk. Lihu‘e Kapa‘a Princeville Hanalei
Miles 14 18 34 15 23 40 45
Time 30 min 38 min 1 hr 20 min 35 min 52 min 1 hr 25 min 1 hr 36 min
Princeville to Waimea Port Allen Po‘ipu Koke‘e St. Pk. Lihu‘e Kapa‘a Hanalei
Miles 52 47 40 67 25 22 4
Time 1 hr 45 min 1 hr 36 min 1 hr 25 min 2 hr 24 min 51 min 47 min 10 min
Lihu‘e to Waimea Port Allen Po‘ipu Koke‘e St. Pk. Kapa‘a Princeville Hanalei
Miles 25 20 15 40 11 28 32
Time 52 min 42 min 30 min 1 hr 30 min 24 min 1 hr 1 hr 10 min
Time 1 hr 15 min 1 hr 5 min 52 min 1 hr 50 min 25 min 50 min 1 hr
Waimea to Port Allen Po‘ipu Koke‘e St. Pk. Lihu‘e Kapa‘a Princeville Hanalei
Miles 8 18 14 25 35 52 56
Time 15 min 38 min 34 min 51 min 1 hr 15 min 1 hr 45 min 2 hr
Lihu‘e Airport
550 Kilohana
Russian Fort Elizabeth
Salt Pond Beach Park
Port Allen
National Tropical Botanical Garden
Nawiliwili Bay
Tree Tunnel
Kalaheo
530
Kapa‘a to Miles Waimea 35 Port Allen 30 Po‘ipu 23 Koke‘e St. Pk. 50 Lihu‘e 11 Princeville 22 Hanalei 26
580
Wailua Falls
Barking Sands
Kealia Beach
520
Old Koloa Town Spouting Horn
Po‘ipu
Shipwreck Beach Brennecke Beach
Getting Around The Garden Island THE GARDEN ISLAND
thegardenisland.com
EXPERIENCE THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME
With almost zero annual rainfall, Lehua Crater off of Ni'ihau's North Shore is home to some of Hawai'i's clearest water and world-class snorkeling. Koho[a, Hawaiian for Humpback Whales, are seen regularly on our Kaua'i and Ni'ihau boat tours from December through April.·· Visit us online today to learn more.
holoholocharters.com
reservations@holoholocharters.com
(808)335-0815
thegardenisland.com
THE GARDEN ISLAND
Winter 2020 • 5
Discover What Puakea Has to Offer Explore our amenities below like our state-of-the-art practice facility or the Clubhouse and Pro Shop which features merchandise from top manufactures.
International Award Winning Hawaiian Sea Salts and Seasonings Bring this coupon into our store in Hanapepe and receive
A Practice Place Like No Other
ANY SALTY WAHINE PRODUCT WITH EVERY $25 PURCHASE (VW)
Puakea offers everyone a state-of-the-art practice facility • New 18-hole layout with a new driving range, putting green and spacious short-game practice area • Over 30 hitting stations and grass tees • Complete schedule of clinics, private and group lessons
Come out and enjoy today!
1-3529 Kaumualii Highway, Unit 2B, Hanapepe, HI 96716 808-378-4089 www.saltywahine.com Open Daily 9 am - 5 pm
Pro Shop The clubhouse features merchandise from top manufacturers and can satisfy all your golf needs. You can also pick up Puakea Gift Cards! Gift cards are available in any increments in the Pro Shop or in our online store. VW
Ho’okipa Café Join us at the Ho’okipa Café now open for Breakfast, Lunch and Pupus from 7am – sunset! With fresh ingredients and all your local favorites, the Ho’okipa Café is the place to eat for golfers and non-golfers alike! Drink specials offered daily. Ask about hosting parties and catering services. View our menus below. Open for Breakfast, Lunch & Pupus from 7am – Sunset Breakfast • Lunch • Pupas Appetizers • Catering
4150 Nuhou Street Lihue, Hawaii 96766 | 808.245.8756 | puakeagolf.com
KAUAI’S MOST TRUSTED JEWELER SERVING THE COMMUNITY FOR OVER 70 YEARS! 14k Leis of Gold that never fade or wilt
6 • Winter 2020
Koa Wood Rings
Snorkeling Tips: 1. Never snorkel alone. Hang with a buddy. 2. Never turn your back to the ocean. No matter how calm the ocean looks, it is always unpredictable. 3. Whenever possible, snorkel in the morning. Fish are significantly more active in the morning, and predictable afternoon winds make water clarity less than ideal. 4. Marine life tends to congregate around structures, so stick to reefs for the best opportunity to come face to face with underwater creatures. 5. Don’t feed the fish.
Kaua‘i’s largest selection of Custom-Made Hawaiian Heirloom Jewelry 56
AIRPORT RICE ST.
50 HWY
Map not to scale
51 HWY 51
ROBERT’S JEWELRY
HAMURA SAIMIN
2976 KRESS ST., LIHUE ON THE WAY TO HAMURA SAIMIN
246-GOLD (4653)
7. Take a small cooler with bottled water, snacks and food. Most beaches don’t have concession stands. 8. Stay relaxed, float and kick only when necessary. The more relaxed you are in the water, the more relaxed and friendly the fish will be.
LEE’S FURNITURE
KRESS ST.
RICE SHOPPING CENTER
6. Even on the cloudiest of days, use waterproof sunscreen.
For store hours see robertsjewelry.com
9. Be respectful of the ocean. Avoid standing on coral, which is the foundation of Hawai‘i’s reef environment. All sea creatures rely on the reef for homes, protection and food.
THE GARDEN ISLAND
thegardenisland.com
Shop Unique, Shop Kaua‘i Made
Kaua‘i Made products made on Kaua‘i, by the people of Kaua‘i, with love and respect for the aina (land) of Kaua‘i. We invite you to discover the beauty and warmth of our island home through locally made products. Look for the Kaua‘i Made seal.
Please present this coupon to any Kaua‘ii Made retailer and receive a FREE KAUA‘I MADE luggage tag. Offer is good for one Kaua‘ii Made luggage tag per person, per visit, with purchase at any of the Kaua‘i Made retailers listed in the Kaua‘i Made Official Shopping Guide. Offer is good while supplies last.
Visit our website, or purchase at any of our Kaua‘i Made retailers, www.kauaimade.net thegardenisland.com
THE GARDEN ISLAND
Winter 2020 • 7
Paid Advertisement
Your One Stop for Adventure while on Kauai.
Outfitters Kauai has been an innovative adventure company since they first opened their doors in 1988. First on the action menu was Ocean Kayaking along the majestic Na Pali Coast during the summer months and Ocean Kayaking on the South Shore from Poipu to Glass Beach during the winter months while the amazing Humpback Whales are around. For a fun workout
and way to see a special waterfall, try their Wailua River Jungle Waterfall Kayak Trek. The Wailua River is famous for its gorgeous scenery and history rich past. For something a little easier try the guided tour on the Hule’ia River. Kayak one way upstream with the wind to your back, hike to a fun rope swing and get a motor boat ride back down the river at the end of the tour. Another cool way to see the Hule’ia River and some great jungle hiking is on their Stand Up Paddle tours. In 1994 they began their Waimea Canyon Bicycle Downhill Tour, an adventure unique to Outfitters Kauai only. In 2003,
Outfitters Kauai’s owner, Rick Haviland, inspired by a National Geographic article about canopy tours in Costa Rica, constructed and opened Kauai’s first zipline. They now have three zipline course options covering beginning, intermediate and advanced. In 2017, Outfitters Kauai added the Flyline, the longest Zipline in the State - 4,000 feet of pure adrenaline. Their diverse course is on beautiful Kipu Ranch, 4,200 acres of diverse terrain with scenery made famous in movies like Jurassic Park, Pirates of the Caribbean, Indiana Jones and the
Best Value for Golf on Kaua‘i
Salty Wahine Gourmet Hawaiian Sea Salts–a true Island treasure. Salty Wahine Gourmet Hawaiian Sea Salts is a family owned business that specializes in tropically infused sea salts, seasonings and cane sugar. Entrepreneur Laura Cristobal Andersland created her first blend when she was 11 years old and started Salty Wahine Gourmet Hawaiian Sea Salts 2008. Salty Wahine’s business revolves around their mission statement of “Making Eating Healthy Fun”! Laura learned the value of Hawaiian sea salts at a young age from her paternal Hawaiian grandmother. Salty Wahine uses local flavors of not only herbs and spices, but also of tropical fruits to create amazing fruit infused blends that not only taste good, but also are eye appealing. Salty Wahine takes pride in the fact that 84% of her end product is Hawaii origin. Laura has appeared as a celebrity chef on the TV show “Cooking Hawaiian Style” and her products are also featured on “VegTV” which is a vegan cooking channel on the east coast. Salty Wahine has grown from a small part-time business to a nationally recognized family owned company. Laura has used her business experience to prepare her children to expand the Salty Wahine brand worldwide. Laura’s children are the fifth generation to live on Kauai, have graduated from college and have become full time employees assuming all responsibilities allowing Laura and her husband David to travel to food shows to further market the business. Together, the 8 • Winter 2020
family has accumulated 44 International product awards including the International Flavor Awards honor of “Best Salt in the World”. Salty Wahine has won “Best of the Best Kauai Made Product” seven years in a row, 2017 Pacific Edge Best Hawaii Family Business, 2012, 2017 SBA Hawaii Exporter of the Year, Hawaii’s 2017 Ho`okela Awards for Retail Merchant of the Year and Fastest Growing Retail Merchant in Hawaii, 2016, 2018 Pacific Business News Fastest Fifty Award, 2015 Kauai Filipino Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur of the Year, and 2012 Kauai Economic Development Board Agricultural Business Plan Competition 1st Place Winner. Visit us at 1-3529 Kaumualii Highway, Hanapepe Kauai or www.saltywahine.com Factory tours available through Tasting Kauai https://www.tastingkauai.com
Descendants to name a few. For the ultimate family day, Outfitters Kauai offers a magical combination tour called the Kipu Ranch Zipline Safari. This tour combines kayaking, hiking, Ziplining, movie tour information, lunch, swimming and some of the best photo opportunities on the island. Whatever your interests or activity level, Outfitters Kauai will have something for you and your family. Contact them directly: Call: (808) 742-9667 or toll free at (888) 742-9887 www.outfitterskauai.com
MANAGED BY
THE GARDEN ISLAND
18 Holes with Breathtaking Views, Driving Range, Putting Green & Golf Lessons 4150 Nuhou Street | Lihue, Hawaii 96766 808.245.8756 | puakeagolf.com
Voted #1
Ho‘okipa Cafe open daily for lunch and pupus till sunset thegardenisland.com
scale waimea canyon Often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon is a geological wonder located along Highway 550 en route to Koke‘e State Park. Approximately 10 miles long and 3,000 feet deep, the canyon is only a fraction of the size of its Arizona namesake, but its location—carved into the lush landscape of a tropical island—is unique. Formed by a deep incision left by the Waimea River and extreme rainfall runoff from the island’s central peak, Mount Wai‘ale‘ale (one of the wettest places on Earth), Waimea Canyon is an awe-inspiring marvel.
The canyon’s walls take on ever-changing hues as the sun makes its daily journey across the sky. From a lookout along the rim of the canyon, every morning’s sunrise is a stunning meditation with nature. Hiking trails snake through the canyon, some more demanding than others. Trail information is available at the Koke‘e Natural History Museum or the Ranger’s Station in the park. The trail to the 800-foot Waipo‘o Falls is the most popular. The half-day hike offers glimpses of exotic rainforest vegetation. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the warm, flat rocks of a ginger pool. Tent camping and 12 reasonably priced cabins are available in Koke‘e State Park.
For more information about cabins, call the Koke‘e Lodge at (808) 3356061. In addition, breakfast, lunch and a cocktail lounge are available at the lodge, which is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Groceries and gas are not available in the park. WARNING: Kaua‘i, the oldest of the Hawaiian Islands, is made of brittle volcanic rock, so never attempt to climb steep cliffs. Every year, people are stranded in the wilderness, and fatalities have been recorded. If you become lost at night, stay put and try to light a fire. Be mindful of flash floods; small creeks can turn into raging torrents with upland rains, so never camp in a dry creek bed.
More Ziplines. More Airtime. More Variety. That’s Us.
HAVE THE EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME. Because we’ve got a lifetime of experience.
BOOK YOUR TOUR TODAY • 808-742-9667 www.OutfittersKauai.com
Ocean and River Kayak
2827A Poipu Road, Poipu Beach, Kauai, HI 96756 • info@OutfittersKauai.com thegardenisland.com
THE GARDEN ISLAND
Winter 2020 • 9
10 • Winter 2020
TEXT “4Fun” to 71441 For the best deals and activities
Your complete source for island travel. THE GARDEN ISLAND
thegardenisland.com
More Hawai҅i visitors drown while snorkeling than during any other activity.
IF YOU CAN’T SWIM, DON’T GO IN! BE COMFORTABLE BREATHING WITH YOUR SNORKEL GEAR ON. SNORKEL NEAR A LIFEGUARD & WITH A BUDDY. Find great lifeguarded beaches at
HIOceanSafety.com Hawaiʻi Drowning and Aquatic Injury Prevention Advisory Committee
thegardenisland.com
THE GARDEN ISLAND
Winter 2020 • 11
12 • Winter 2020
Complimentary boat tour for Kauai Residents with ID
Good
throug
h 12/3
1/16
for info, call or visit
THE GARDEN ISLAND
thegardenisland.com