The Juice Bar at Living Foods Is Now Open!

Posted October 29, 2015 by admin & filed under Food.

After a relaxing day at one of Poipu’s crescent shaped white sand beaches, or a fabulous hike in Kokee, re-fuel with a fresh-pressed juice, invigorating shot, tasty smoothie, or fruit frostie at The Juice Bar at Living Foods Market at The Shops at Kukui’ula.

Even on the tranquil island of Kauai, the bandwagon of juicing is galloping along due to the availability of fresh organic fruits and veggies. Did you know that 95% of the vitamins and enzymes our bodies need are found in the juice of raw fruits and vegetables? We would need to eat 2 lbs of carrots, 10-12 apples, or 8 lbs of spinach to get the same amount of nutrients you receive in one 16 oz juice. That does not sound like a great way to spend a vacation in Poipu! That’s why The Juice Bar at Living Foods is the perfect healthy option to re-energize after enjoying the natural wonders of Kauai.

The featured juices at The Juice Bar at Living Foods are not only delicious, but also offer a big eboost of anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatories: key playrs in decreasing incidence of diseases associated with inflammation such as heart disease, cancer, and autoimmune illnesses. Here is a sampling of the menu:

Living Juice is a tasty concoction of apple, pineapple, kale, parsley, spinach, cucumber, celery, and lemon. It’s high in B vitamins from the cucumber, which helps the body reduce the effects of stress. Parsley contains volatile oils that can aid in protection against cancer, and celery contributes to lower blood pressure. Kale and spinach are super foods that bolster blood due to high iron content and are incredibly high in vitamins and minerals.

Hawaiian Glow is a unique blend of coconut water, pineapple, cucumber, spinach, kale, and ginger. Did you know that coconut water is known to be even better for hydration than sports drinks! Ginger is good for digestion because it calms the stomach and can also lead to lower blood sugar, while pineapple has the enzyme bromelain to promote healing and combat inflammation.

Combined from pineapple, orange, carrot, lemon, ginger and turmeric, the Jet-Set is a flavorful and powerful beverage packed full of nutrients. Pineapple, orange, and lemon are all high in vitamin C, a potent immune booster. Carrots have beta-carotene, an ally against diseases of the eyes, and turmeric has been shown to fight cancer growth and further protect against diseases of the brain.

The Aloha Blend is carefully crafted from beets, carrots, apple, and ginger. Beets contain betalin pigments that stimulate the body’s detoxification process. They are also a root vegetable, which, like carrots, have been shown to decrease cognitive decline (increase brain health!). Apples contain pectin which can serve to lower cholesterol, as well as encourage memory function, and stimulate the response against certain cancers.

If you want an additional boost, try one of their flavorful 2oz shots like Pele’s Fire (spicy cayenne pepper, aloe, celery, green apple, lemon, ginger, raw honey), Turmeric Love (turmeric, ginger, lemon, raw local honey, aloe), E3 Live (blue green algae) or Wheatgrass!

So come on down to The Juice Bar at Living Foods and see what all of the buzz is about. They are open from 8am to 5pm for walk up service at Living Foods Gourmet Market and Cafe. You can always extend your stay and enjoy a mouthwatering pizza, tangy Panini, or savory sandwich as the cafe is open from 7am to 8pm for breakfast, lunch or dinner and the market is open until 9pm.

How to eat like a local on Kauai

Posted September 3, 2015 by admin & filed under Food, Travel Tips.

You know you’re in Hawaii when you get your first look at Kauai’s enviable green mountains and smell the tropical air thick with the fragrance of plumeria flowers. Kauai has got your sense of taste covered as well, with a variety of unique delicacies and homemade goodies that will leave you dreaming of the islands long after you return home. The influence of many cultures on Kauai has blended together to offer your taste buds an experience that are out of this world delicious.

A visit to Kauai would not be the same without trying a few (or all) of these local specialties:

Saimin

@beeshieebubu

Saimin is a noodle soup dish that was inspired by the blending of Japanese ramen, Chinese mein, and Filipino pancit, during Hawaii’s plantation era. Often served with hot dashi (soup), green onions, fish cake, char siu pork, sliced spam, and boiled egg, Saimin is what you would consider a comfort food for the soul. Hamura Saimin Stand in Lihue is the oldest saimin stand on Kauai and is known for their homemade noodles that can also be purchased to take home. This family-owned establishment features counter-top dining, where strangers come together to talk story over a hot bowl of noodle soup. Tip Top Motel Café and Bakery in Lihue also serves saimin, filled with Chinese bok choi and a steamy broth.

Hawaiian Plate with Lau Lau

@jetsetcd

Flavorful and juicy pork and a small piece of salted fish, wrapped in a taro leaf and cooked in a Hawaiian imu (underground oven) is one of the foods that you may be initially afraid to try, but will be so happy you did. This is a traditional Hawaiian dish that is made to celebrate momentous occasions such as a baby luau or wedding, and is also a favored staple of the locals diet. Koloa Fish Market in Koloa has perfected the art of making laulau and offers Hawaiian plates daily that include laulau, white rice, mac salad, chicken long rice noodles and a small side of their delicious poke (salted raw fish).

Poi

Many visitors to Kauai will squint their nose at the word “poi.” Made of the taro root, this Hawaiian staple is mashed into a paste by a rock pounder and something people either love or hate. Did you know there are so many other ways to eat taro that are tasty and you will still reap the healthy benefits of the taro root? Hanalei Poi Truck offers a variety of taro products and all are flavorful and delicious ways to enjoy taro. Try the taro hummus, kulolo, a Hawaiian dessert made with coconut milk and has a chewy fudge-like texture, taro mochi, a Japanese-style dessert made with taro flour instead of rice or one of their taro based fresh fruit smoothies. They also sell cooked fresh taro that can be enjoyed cut up and enjoyed in its purest form. Taro Ko factory in Hanapepe Town makes taro chips that are so crispy and delicious they will replace your potato chip cravings instantly. Kauai Kookie bakes sweet poi rolls and Taro sugar crunchies, a toast-style treat basted by hand with a secret sugar spread and baked until crispy. Once you’ve tried these items and find that you love it, it’s time to be adventurous and give poi a try.

Spam Musubi

@ladelleia

You heard us- Spam. Hawaii consumes more spam than any state – seven million cans per year to be exact. Spam is prepared in many ways by locals, but the most popular way is easily the spam musubi. Fried slices of spam, sweetened with teriyaki sauce and wrapped in white rice and Japanese nori (seaweed) wrap, is an unusual but amazing combination. Filling and delicious, spam musubi makes a great snack and tastes even better while at the beach. It’s easy to come across spam musubi in almost every local convenience and grocery store, some favorites are Kukuiula Market in Poipu, Sueoka’s Store in Koloa, and Ishihara Market in Waimea. The cool thing is that you can walk into about any small mom and pop store or even a gas station convenience store and find these little snacks available on the counter.

Malasadas

@norcalpinayfoodie

Malasadas to Hawaii are like beignets are to New Orleans. A sweet treat that must be tried, over and over again. These little balls of sugary goodness were introduced by the Portuguese who came from Portgual to work on the plantations. Similar to donuts, malasadas are usually made from a secret family recipe that includes deep frying a special dough and rolling it in sugar. It is easy to find malasadas in just about any bakery on Kauai, however there are a few that have really perfected the art of making the malasada. We recommend Kauai Bakery in Kukui Grove Shopping Center, who offers malasadas with cream, custard, black bean or chocolate cream filling. Just down the street in front of Kmart is Kauai Malasadas, a malasada stand where you can choose to have your freshly fried malasadas rolled in sugar or cinnamon right before your eyes. Just be care with the first bite, they are always very hot. Hanalima Bakery in Puhi is also popular among the malasada lovers. Their malasadas are little smaller than the standard size, but tend to be light and fluffy in texture.

Loco Moco

A hamburger patty, an over easy egg, and gooey brown gravy over a mountain of white rice, the loco moco will have you going loco with joy. Hearty and over the top filling, this dish is a favorite among the locals for breakfast, lunch or dinner. When in Lihue, try the loco moco at Rob’s Good Times Grill, a sports bar with a small hometown feel brags that their loco moco is for the very hungry. On the way to the north shore is the “blink and you’ll miss it” town of Anahola which is home to Anahola Café and Saimin Stand. We’ve found that their loco moco with homemade gravy is one of the most decadent on the island.

Manapua

@cndcexbeau_

Food has always linked many different cultures in Hawaii to one another. When the Chinese arrived in Hawaii to work on the sugar and pineapple plantations, they introduced a popular Chinese street food called char siu bao. Steamed buns, filled with char siu pork, were adopted by the Hawaiian culture and given the name manapua, which is the shortening of the Hawaiian mea ono puaa and means delicious pork thing. Delicious pork thing is an understatement as these buns are savory and sweet. Hamura Saimin Stand has manapua made fresh daily and sells out quickly. If you are fortunate enough to get there in time, have a manapua as an addition to your bowl of saimin.

Lomi Lomi Salmon

In Hawaiian, the word lomi lomi means to massage. So what is massaged salmon exactly? Lomi lomi salmon is made of salted fish, massaged by hand and mixed with tomato, green onion, and chopped sweet onion. We suggest mixing your lomi lomi salmon with some sour poi and kalua pork, it’s what locals call broke the mouth ono.

For all its natural beauty and splendor, Kauai is the most scenic of all the Hawaiian Islands, best explored through our many adventure tours and offerings. The abundance of activities to experience while on island will leave you looking forward to your next snack and meal, be sure to add these to your list of foods you must try while on island.

The Kauai Marathon 2015

Posted August 16, 2015 by admin & filed under News, Travel Tips.

Come for the Race, Stay for the Paradise
7^th Annual Kauai Marathon and Half Marathon
Sunday, September 6, 2015

Sparkling blue water. Pristine white sand beaches. Lush rain forests. All of these features and more are seen from a runner’s eye view during the 7^th Annual Kauai Marathon on Sunday, September 6, 2015. Kauai’s tropical paradise is the backdrop for this world class event, where participants pass hula dancers, Taiko drum troupes and plenty of aloha from cheering supporters along their journey.

Each year, sunny Poipu welcomes runners from around the world who all have their own story to tell about their adventure to the start line. Some are running for a charitable cause, others for their own personal challenge while many simply enjoy the experience of spending a day outside with their friends.

The weekend festivities begin with the Sports and Fitness Expo at the Grand Hyatt Kauai on Friday, September 4^th at 10am. Vendors from Kauai and around the country showcase their products and services to the diverse audience. On Friday night, a Kickoff Celebration Concert is held at Poipu Beach Athletic Club featuring live local entertainment headlined by Kauai’s own Revival. Saturday is definitely not a day of rest as the 6^th Annual Fun Run begins at 7:30am followed by the exciting Keiki Run for children 2-12 years old at 9am at the Grand Hyatt Kauai. For the first year ever, a special Carbo Load dinner hosted by Brennecke’s Beach Broiler is going to take place at the Poipu Beach Athletic Club. You won’t want to miss out on this affordable pre race feast.

Then bright and early on Sunday morning, tiki torches guide the participants to the start line and away they go.

Just like their journey to the start, the finisher’s party chatter is alive with stories of the course, a crazy hill, someone that needed help, friends crossing the finish line together, a couple celebrating an anniversary, a participant who finished in honor of a family member, a spectacular view…the list goes on. There can be laughter, tears, and sighs of relief, joy, and excitement. And sometimes even talk of next year! So grab your running shoes, sunscreen and a smile and we will see you at the 7^th Annual Kauai Marathon and Half Marathon!

General Information on the Race

The half and full courses begin at 6am at the Poipu Shopping Village and run the first 11 miles together. The courses travel up through the 100 year-old Tree Tunnel, which offers spectacular views of Kauai’s breathtaking mountains. After runners make their way down Highway 50 and Omao Road, the half marathon course enters Kukuiula Resort where stunning ocean views highlight the last few miles. The full marathon heads out to the neighborhoods of Lawai and Kalaheo before heading down a gradual decent back into Poipu and the finish at the Sheraton Kauai Resort.

To register for this world-class event, please visit www .thekauaimarathon .com.

Running through the tree tunnel kauai marathon

Alekona Kauai

Posted July 28, 2015 by jody & filed under .

Alekona Kauai’s portfolio of oceanfront condos, vacation homes, and five-star luxury concierge services offer the discerning traveler a glimpse of Kauai unlike anything they’ve experienced before. From creating custom itineraries to arranging private chef dinners, our staff is dedicated to making sure you experience the best of Kauai.

Call us at 808-977-7400

10 Things to See on Kauai Without Leaving Your Car

Posted July 22, 2015 by admin & filed under Travel Tips.

There are so many things to do and see on Kauai it’s hardly reasonable to think it can all be accomplished in just one visit. We recommend spending the day driving around the island to discover the unique beauty each side has to offer. To help you do that, we’ve listed our 10 best attractions to see without leaving your car (well, almost):

1. The Tree Tunnel

The gateway to the beautiful south side of Kauai, the Tree Tunnel is the iconic stretch of Eucalyptus lined Maluhia Road beginning at Highway 50 and ending at Old Koloa Town. Originally a gift to the community from sugar plantation owner Walter McBryde (of the Allerton & McBryde National Tropical Gardens), the 500 trees were planted in 1911 and have withstood both major hurricanes and storms. Here drivers can catch glimpses of postcard-perfect mountain landscapes, grazing horses and if you’re lucky, a few wild piglets on the side of the road.

2. Discover Old Koloa Town

Once you’ve passed through the beautiful canopies of the Tree Tunnel you’ll find yourself at Old Koloa Town. Home to the first successful sugar mill on all of Hawaii, this quaint town is one of Kauai’s richest historical sights. Drive along the main street to see firsthand the charm of plantation style days past. Here you will find historical homes, storefronts and monuments as well as ancient mokeypod trees, sprawling parks and a real sense of plantation living.

3. Kukuiula Bay & Spouting Horn

The Kukuiula Bay & Harbor can be found just past Baby Beach and just before Spouting Horn. Here you can pull off to enjoy beautiful ocean and sunset views as well as incredible stargazing.

While guests can certainly see Spouting Horn’s powerful gust of sea spray from the car, the recommended viewing point is mere feet from the parking lot. As legend has it, an ancient lizard is trapped beneath the lava rock shelf, where she continues to shoot up water from below. Drive further up the winding road towards the Allerton Garden entrance to find more spectacular ocean views. If the season is right, keep your eyes peeled for a whale spout, tail or breach!

4. Catch A Glimpse of Honu & Boogie Boarders at Brennecke’s Beach

Brennecke's Beach snorkeling and bodyboarding

Poipu Beach Park’s main road, Hoone Rd, runs the length of the coastline offering beautiful views of its turquoise water and playful inhabitants. Pass Brennecke’s Beach Broiler and Nukumoi Surf Shop on the left and you will find yourself at the world-famous Brennecke’s Beach. Round the bend and boogie boarders catching crystal clear waves will come into view, as well as snorkelers and dazzling sea life like Honu (Green sea turtles) who stick their heads out of the water as if to say hello. If you can find a spot in the shade, grab a shave ice and enjoy the view from the road.

5. Menehune Fish Pond

While driving towards Lihue from Poipu travelers can stop by the Alekoko Scenic Overlook located directly above the Menehune Fish Pond on Hulemalu Road. About half a mile from the entrance to the Nawiliwili small boat harbor, this stunning lookout features panoramic views of the historic pond, river and Haupu Ridge and Kipu Kai.

Further back behind the pond are the winding Kipu backroads, where passersby can get up close views of local cows, horses and wild boar. The Kipu Kai mountain ranges and beach are most famously known for their appearance in Jurassic Park.

6. Waimea Canyon Lookout

This lookout can be found while driving towards the western side of Kauai. The view itself is as commanding as it is surreal. Appropriately nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon offers colorful views of mountains, rivers and local wildlife.

7. Time Travel in Old Hanapepe Town

Take a step back in time as you drive down this spaghetti western looking main street. Hanapepe, deemed “Hawaii’s biggest little town” is exactly that. A collection of historical buildings (such as Talk Story, the western-most book store in the United States), shops and plantation style homes, there is no place better to get a taste of Hawaii’s timeless spirit from long ago. Drive through on Friday evenings from 6-9pm to enjoy Hanapepe Art Night complete with live music, local and an array of art galleries.

8. Koke’e Waterfalls

If you’re not looking to helicopter or hike your way through Koke’e, driving is the next best thing. With various vantage points overlooking views from upwards of four thousand feet, there are many pit stops worth checking out. One of the first must-see views is that of the cascading red dirt waterfall. This waterfall can be found on the left hand side of the road (when driving up the mountain). Over time fresh mountain water has created grooves in the vibrant red dirt allowing for a small waterfall to twist and turn down the side of the hill.

The second worthwhile view is that of Waipoo Falls. Waipoo is easily seen across the canyon from any rest stop, cascading over 800 ft down. Keep an eye out for small mountain goats as they are known for scaling the nearby mountain sides!

9. Drive North

The scenic drive is an all time favorite among Kauai visitors. Begin on our warm and sunny shores and head North to “The End of The Road”. Not only does this drive include gorgeous coastal views along the eastern side of Kauai but takes travelers through charming beach towns, past idyllic mountain ranges and along sprawling fields of greenery. If a breath of fresh, tropical air is what you need, a drive north is exactly what the doctor ordered.

10. Taro Fields & Hanalei Bay

Located in Princeville are two of the most phenomenal lookout points on all of Kauai. Driving past the Princeville Shopping Center towards Hanalei, travelers will find the first vantage point to the left. This is the beautiful Hanalei Taro Fields lookout featuring majestic mountain views and green fields as far as the eye can see. Just past this rest stop is the Hanalei Bay overlook. This small turn off showcases the stunning beauty of the lush north shore, with views of the mountains, ocean and world-famous Hanalei Bay. Be sure to stop for a photo op!

The Ultimate Hawaiian Trail Run

Posted July 17, 2015 by admin & filed under News, Travel Tips.

The second annual Ultimate Hawaiian Trail Run will be held September 19, 2015 in Poipu. Crossfitters and workout enthusiasts from all over the U.S. fly in for this incredible event. Held in the back mountains just up from Poipu, this event isn’t for the casual exerciser. Climb through Kauai’s rugged mountain terrain and through old cane field roads- all the while battling the hot Hawaiian sun. Choose the 10K run, the 5K, or get a group of 4 die-hard friends and do the team 5K run.

The owners of CrossFit Poipu, Aaron and Jamie, are very proud to say that 100% of the proceeds for Ultimate Hawaiian Trail Run go to benefit the Keiki (kids) scholarships that they offer. CrossFit Poipu believes in supporting the kids on Kauai. Their dream was to help kids find an outlet on the island that is positive and healthy. As a participant, you will help the CrossFit Kds of Kauai get free monthly memberships, tennis shoes, jump ropes, and all other CrossFit necessities. So, come out and support the event and run along side one of the kids that you will be sponsoring by running the race.

More Details

Ultimate Hawaiian Trail Run course Kauai

Ultimate Hawaiian Trail run participants running through cane fields

Participants in the Ultimate Hawaiian Trail Run

Koloa Plantation Days

Posted July 16, 2015 by admin & filed under News, Travel Tips.

Every July, excitement abounds in Koloa and Poipu as event organizers prepare for the Koloa Plantation Days, an annual celebration of Kauai’s rich history of the sugar cane era held on the island’s beautiful south shore. This year’s festival theme is “The Legacy Lives On, Plantation Style” and takes place at various locations July 17-26, 2015.

Hula dancers at koloa plantation days festival

The Koloa Plantation Days Celebration began in 1985 with the sesquicentennial fete for the Old Koloa Sugar Mill. In its heyday, the Garden Isle’s sugar industry employed multiple generations of immigrants and their families. Sugar workers from all over the globe brought their traditions, art, music, and cuisine to Hawaii’s diverse cultural melting pot, leaving their own indelible imprint on the islands. The festival began as a celebration of this diversity and continues on today with a plethora of activities including guided walks, talk story sessions, sporting events, and more.

This year’s Koloa Plantation Days opens on Friday, July 17th at 5 pm with the Sunset Ho’olaulea hosted by the Poipu Beach Resort Association in partnership with the Festival and the Poipu Beach Athletic Club. Visitors and residents are invited to bring the family for ono food and a concert in the park. The Ho’olaulea features performances by top local entertainers including Make Any Kine, Cruz Control and The Greenstone Project. An assorted selection of Kauai’s food trucks highlight the event, as well as a beverage booth and summer BBQ items crafted by Poipu Beach Athletic Club’s own bar and grill, Hapas. Admission and parking is complimentary. Parking is available in the field north of the Poipu Beach Athletic Club. Guests are invited to bring beach chairs and blankets.

Throughout the 10-day festival, residents and visitors of all ages can enjoy various activities and events like the Makewehi Sand Dune Walk at the Grand Hyatt Kauai, a Polynesian Revue and Fire Dancing at Poipu Shopping Village, and Traditional Hawaiian Games at Kiahuna Outrigger Plantation to name a few.

The festival culminates with the annual Park Celebration, which takes place after the Koloa Town Parade on Saturday, July 25th at Anne Knudsen (Koloa) Ballpark. This includes a full day of music, comedy, and dance from 10 am to 5 pm, plus an array of delectable cuisine from local restaurants and Hawaii-made products from island craft vendors. Kids can enjoy exciting rides and waterslides. Live, local entertainment is featured throughout the day including the Papa’a Bay Boys, Bailes De Jose, taiko drumming by Tsunami Taiko, Stuart Hollinger and Group Therapy, and The Bootleggers, followed by the headliner, HAPA.

To enjoy the live music and festivities, the entry fee is just $3; keiki age 12 and under enter free of charge. Parking is available in the pasture lot north of the Anne Knudsen Ballpark, as well as the pasture lot north of the intersection of the bypass and Maluhia Road. Pedestrians exiting this lot should do so at the makai gate. A crossing guard on Ala Kinoiki will assist the pedestrians in crossing the bypass to get to the lower pasture and in to Anne Knudsen Ballpark.

If you are traveling to the south shore in July and looking for an authentic island experience, Koloa Plantation Days is perfect for you. For a full list of activities and times, please visit Koloa Plantation Days Website .

Events

Friday, July 17th –
8:30 AM Plantation Days Rodeo-Preliminary Roping at CJM Stables
5:00 PM Sunset Ho’olaulea

Saturday, July 18th-
8:00 AM Poipu Kai Charity Tennis Summer Challenge
9:00 AM Historic Hapa Trail Walk
11:00 AM 16th Annual Plantation Days Rodeo
1:00 PM Keiki Fishing at Waita
4:30 PM Paniolo BBQ and Music in the Country with Ladies Barrel Racing

For a full list of events, visit https://koloaplantationdays.com/eventlist.php

Signature Cocktails in Poipu

Posted July 9, 2015 by admin & filed under Food.

It’s summertime on Kauai. What better way to cool off from that hot Hawaiian sun than with a delicious cocktail at one of our local establishments? For a well-earned cocktail after a day of hiking, sand, and sun, or even to start the day off right, most Poipu restaurants offer a full bar. Of course they can masterfully craft any of your traditional favorites, but don’t miss out on the opportunity to sample unique signature cocktails designed with your full enjoyment of the island in mind.

Pizzetta

Located in Old Koloa Town, this quaint Italian eatery brings you culinary and liquid delights with the finest and freshest ingredients including the Glitterati. It is a lemon drop with an Italian twist that includes Grey Goose Le Citron, Tuaca, Amaretto Di Sarrono and fresh lemon, which are shaken to perfection and served in a sugar rimmed martini glass.

The Beach House

Known for their spectacular sunset views of Poipu, this Pacific Rim restaurant strives to offer the very best of Kauai. Their signature drink, the Lilikoi Mojito, is made with Koloa White Rum, Parrot Bay Passion Fruit Rum, fresh lilikoi puree, muddled fresh mint and lime, with a splash of club soda.

Red Salt at the Koa Kea Resort

A diverse menu celebrating fresh Hawaiian seafood and produce enhances the gorgeous oceanfront setting of Red Salt at the Koa Kea Resort. Their tantalizing signature cocktail is the Red Coral martini featuring Vanilla and Raspberry Stolichnaya with a touch of pomegranate.

Brennecke’s

Great food and amazing Hawaiian hospitality literally steps from Poipu Beach is what you will enjoy at Brennecke’s. Watch the sunset while sipping a refreshing Koloa Dark and Stormy that includes ginger beer, Koloa Dark Rum with fresh lime and bitters.

Poipu Tropical Burgers

This casual, open-air restaurant is located in Poipu Shopping Village and offers great food at affordable prices. Complete your meal with their signature Passion Fruit Mai Tai with passion fruit, pineapple, and guava flavoring, as well as light and dark rum.

Grand Hyatt Kauai

The Grand Hyatt Kauai has plenty of settings to enjoy their light version of an old favorite, a skinny Pina Colada. But sitting in a bikini poolside may be the best option. This fabulous cocktail is refreshing without all the calories. Combine Koloa’s Coconut Rum with coconut water, pineapple juice and garnish with a slice of fresh pineapple. Sip & enjoy.

Tortilla Republic

Experience modern Mexican fare with unexpected flavors at Tortilla Republic situated in The Shops at Kukui’ula. They offer a variety of gastronomic and cocktail delights including the Purist, mixed with Karma Reposado Tequila, Cointreau, agave Nectar and fresh lime juice.

Poipu’s many restaurants have much more to offer than fabulous food. Trade in your beach umbrella for a parasol in your glass. Bet you can’t have just one!

Win a trip to Poipu!

Posted May 21, 2015 by admin & filed under News, Travel Tips.

The Kauai Marathon “Race In Paradise” Sweepstakes

The Kauai Marathon and Half Marathon is one of the most beautiful destination races in the world today. Taking place on September 6, 2015 this race is a great way to combine a unique island experience and a get-away that only Poipu, Kauai can offer. Participants pass hula dancers and Taiko drum troupes along the course while viewing striking mountain views. Each runner concludes his or her journey in Poipu along one of the most beautiful oceanfront finish lines in road racing.

For the second year, The Kauai Marathon & Half Marathon is offering the “Race in Paradise” Sweepstakes to one lucky winner. The Sweepstakes runs from May 15^th to June 5^th and the winner will be announced mid June.

Runners, walkers, travelers and adventurers need to fill out the entry form online at https://www.thekauaimarathon.com/2015/05/raceinparadise and enter to win the following prize package:

(1) One Round Trip Airfare to Kauai Sponsored by Poipu Beach Resort Association
(3) Three nights at the luxurious Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
(1) One Entry into the Full or Half Kauai Marathon on September 6, 2015

The headquarters hotel for the 7^th Annual event is the enchanting Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, which hosts the Sports & Fitness Expo, Event Registration, Fun Run, Keiki (Children’s) Run and more. The marathon also boasts a number of accommodation partners that are located in close proximity to the start and finish lines and they include Lawai Beach Resort, Koa Kea Hotel and Resort, Suite Paradise and Kiahuna Plantation, a Castle Resort.

Other event sponsors that make this world-class event exceptional include Kauai Coffee, Brennecke’s, Nukumoi Surf Co., The Shops at Kukui’ula, Tortilla Republic, Living Foods Gourmet Market and Cafe, and Poipu Beach Resort Association.

For more information and the Sweepstakes Official Rules, please visit: Kauai Marathon Sweepstakes

Poipu businesses who give back

Posted May 5, 2015 by admin & filed under News.

Giving back to the community has been a long-standing commitment of businesses in Poipu. Whether it is supporting the New Year’s Eve Fireworks at Poipu Beach Park, volunteering for The Kauai Marathon, or participating in the Tunnel of Trees Clean-Up, Poipu Beach Resort Association members are always willing to lend a helping hand or support with financial donations. Here are a few inspiring stories:

Whaler’s Cove Resort, provides not only luxury condominium rentals, but also donations to Lawai International Center and has also supported two local sporting events: The Kukui’ula Outrigger Canoe Club Race Series and the Koloa Sugar Mill Run.

The Lawai Beach Resort, a South Shore timeshare, donates canned goods to the food bank monthly. These donations are provided not only by their employees, but unit owners and guests as well. They also give back to the South Shore by organizing and facilitating beach cleanups along the shores fronting the resort. This includes picking up trash, cutting back the foliage and removing loose rocks on the beach.

Suite Paradise vacation rentals primarily support the local Habitat for Humanity Chapter. They also donate to other projects including providing maintenance at the corner of the bypass and Poipu road, Rotary Club of Poipu Beach, a women’s shelter, and beach enhancements at Brennecke’s Beach.

The Kauai Marathon and Half Marathon had its first race in 2009. Since its inception, the event has depended on hundreds of volunteers each year on race day to assist with course directions, parking, water disbursement, award distribution, and more. Over $55,000 has been generously donated to numerous local non-profit groups volunteering for these race day activities. Additionally, for the last two years, The Kauai Marathon and Half Marathon has established the One Grand Mile charity campaign, where companies can sponsor a mile marker along the half marathon course for $1,000. The $30,000 collected was distributed to various non-profit groups on Kauai.

Holo Holo Boat Charters supports island wide community events through organizations such as Rotary Club of Poipu Beach, which hosts free Movies in the Park at Poipu Beach Park in July and August. They also sponsor The Kauai Lifeguard Association, The Kauai Marathon, Kauai Bum Run, Koloa Plantation Days, Waimea Plantation Days, Koloa Sugar Mill Run, Taste of Hawaii, Concert in the Sky Fourth of July and various canoe races in addition to youth organizations, such as the junior life guard program, AYSO, and POP Warner (Lihue, Hanapepe, Koloa).

Living Foods Gourmet Market and Cafe, recently purchased by Kauai residents Jeff Sacchini and Howard Warner, is a generous partner to community events, fundraisers and non-profit groups. They have provided food for The Kauai Marathon and the Roots ‘n Shoots Fun Run, as well as cash donations and silent auction items to island residents fundraising for medical bills.

Mahalo to these amazing Kauai organizations for their generous financial support, and for keeping the ‘aina pristine and clean. It is what sets Poipu apart from other vacation destinations!