May Day is Lei Day on Kauai

Posted on April 23, 2012 by Tanya

May is just around the corner and the whisperings of spring are in the air. What better way to kick off the month of May than by celebrating with beautiful flowers and the tradition of making and giving a lei.

The lei was first introduced to the Hawaiian Islands by early Polynesian voyagers, who traveled in sailing canoes from Tahiti. As part of Hawaiian tradition, garlands of flowers, seashells, seeds, nuts and colorful feathers, were worn by ancient Hawaiians to add beauty and to set themselves apart from each other.

The tradition of Lei Day was introduced in 1928 by writer and poet Don Blanding, a Star Bulletin newspaper columnist, who wrote about the celebration and custom in Hawaii of making and wearing leis. The first May Day was celebrated on May 1, 1928 in Honolulu. The phrase “May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii” was coined by author Grace Tower.

Today we celebrate tradition, culture and heritage of the lei by taking part in many colorful and fragrant traditions. Local school children put hours of practice into learning hula and songs for May Day programs throughout the state. This is always a festive time of year and much anticipated holiday. Though the official holiday is May 1st you can find many festivals, exhibitions and lei making contest through out the month of May.

Friday May 4th Na Lei Hiwahiwa ‘Elima Concert and May Day Celebration

Na Lei Hiwahiwa, a Malie Foundation Scholarship Fundraiser, is an annual May Day Celebration Concert featuring Lady Ipo Kahaunaele-Ferreira.
Kauai Beach Resort 6:00pm – 9:00
$ 20.00 Adults $5.00 Children 6-17
Tickets available at Kaua‘i Beach Resort, Vicky’s Fabrics, And Kaua‘i Music & Sound For Ticket Info Call (808) 652-4497 ask for Iwa Dawbarn

Saturday May 5th Kauai Museum 32nd Annual Lei Contest and May Day Celebration

This is a day dedicated to celebrating Hawaiian culture. Enjoy a fabulous collection of fresh, fragrant and colorful lei displayed throughout the museum. Lei making workshops and exhibitions by master lei makers who demonstrate their art on the steps of the museum.
10:30am – 2 pm Enjoy the grounds and make or buy a lei, watch demonstrators and purchase delicious foods from our vendors.
11 am-3 p.m Museum doors open. Admission is free for kama`aina and $2 off for visitors.
1 pm Award ceremony for lei makers on the front porch.
3pm Silent auction ends and a live auction will commence selling all unclaimed lei.
4pm Museum Closes More information Call: Kauai Museum 808 245-6931

Saturday May 26th May Day By The Bay

A day of Hawaiian music, hula, cultural demonstrations, food, crafts and silent auction.The setting is Waioli Beach Park also known as Pine Trees on the most beautiful Hanalei Bay.

Sunday May 27th Banana Poka Round-Up

Education, and fun for the whole family at the 23rd annual Banana Poka Round-up. The Banana Poka is an invasive pest from South America. It is a threat to our native plants and the health of our native forest. Every year in Kanaloahuluhulu Meadow fronting the Kokee Museum a fun free outdoor family forest fair is held in Kokee State Park. Come and enjoy Hawaiian music, basket making, exhibitors, family hikes, as well as the Pedal to the Meadow bicycle race, crowing contest and more.

For updated events check back often at our Kauai Events Calendar

Meet Kauai’s Children’s Authors

Posted on April 19, 2012 by Monika

Kauai children’s authors are hitting the road with an island-wide, year-long book signing tour. Kauai Children’s Authors Guild members, Monika Mira, Mark Huff, Wendy Lewis, Susan Dierker, and Carol Peacock will be signing copies of their children’s books on Saturday April 21st at Kauai Mini Golf in Kilauea. They will also be appearing at Beach Rail in Harbor Mall, Talk Story Bookstore in Hanapepe, Na Aina Kai Gardens in Kilauea, National Tropical Botanical Gardens in Poipu and the Princess Ka’iulani Festival in Hanepepe. They are also in negotiations with a number of other locations and events (See below for the event schedule.)

The authors recognize the importance of reading to and interacting with children. “We want children to know that creativity is important, and by learning to write, they to have something to aspire to. We also wish to be accessible to the children and their families.” It was with these intentions that the Kauai Children’s Authors Guild was formed.

Kauai’s Children’s Authors will also be reading their books, or in Mira’s case, conducting coral reef building activities in classrooms and Libraries. For more information about the Kauai Children’s Authors Guild you can view their blog, or Facebook page.

Spring and Summer Book Signing Events:

Saturday April 21st, 2012 from 1p-3p

Kauai Mini Golf in Kilauea is hosting a group book signing for members of the Kauai Children’s Authors Guild. Local authors will be available to sign copies of their children’s books from 1p-3p. Come and enjoy a round of mini golf with your family and get a chance to meet several of Kauai’s Children’s Authors in one place.

Friday April 27th, 2012 from 9a-noon

Beach Rail Toy Store in Harbor Mall will be hosting a group book signing for the Kauai Children’s Authors Guild. Kauai’s authors will be offering signed copies of their books to cruise-line visitors as well as local folks. Free reef fish coloring sheets will be available for the keiki.

Saturday April 28th, 9am-12p

Kauai Children’s Authors Guild member, Monika Mira will be signing copies of her book, The Complete Hawaiian Reef Fish Coloring Book at Na Aina Kai at their monthly keiki day event on Saturday April 28th, from 9a-12p.

Sunday July 15th

Kauai Children’s Authors Guild members, Mark Huff, Carol Peacock-Williams, Susan Dierker, Wendy Lewis and Monika Mira will be signing their books at the National Tropical Botanical Gardens in Poipu on their ‘Ohana day from 9am-noon.

Best Snorkeling on Kauai’s South Shore

Posted on April 16, 2012 by Monika

Some of the best snorkeling on Kauai can be done from shore right next to the Beach House Restaurant in Poipu. The abundance and diversity of fish here is unsurpassed. Here a few guidelines to follow if you want to have the safest and most enjoyable experience at this location.

The winter months (October through April) are the best months for snorkeling at Lawai Beach. This is because southern facing beaches can experience strong surf during summer months. If you see a lot of surfers taking advantage of the waves here then it is probably a good day to find a calmer location. There is also no lifeguard posted here, so you might want to check in with lifeguards posted at nearby Poipu Beach if you are uncertain of the conditions. However, it is possible to take advantage of days when there are calmer conditions. The inside reef is fairly protected, so when surf is small, Lawai Beach is the best choice for snorkeling on the South Shore.

Entering and exiting the water here is easy if you look for the patch of sand in the center of the beach. On either side of the sandy area it is quite rocky, which makes entry not only difficult but unsafe as well. Take a moment to observe where others are entering the water and if they are doing so with ease. When you enter the water, notice where you are, so that when you return to shore, you know where to get out.

You will begin to see fish here as soon as you put your face in the water. Rainbow colored Wrasses, Butterfly fish, and Convict Tangs can be spotted immediately. Swim further from shore and you will begin to see some healthy patches of live coral. You may see some cleaning stations set up over the coral heads where fish come to have parasites removed by the vividly colored Hawaiian Cleaner Wrasse. If you move slowly by simply floating, you are likely to see more of what is hidden on the reef. Devil Scorpion fish look just like the rocks and octopus are equally well hidden, but if they move, you are sure to be delighted. Remember, never touch or step on the coral in order to preserve it for the creatures that live there.

Devil Scorpion fish

There is a strong current that runs east to west away from the Beach House Restaurant. The safest way to avoid this, is to look at the resort across the street and make note of the “Lawai Beach Resort” sign. This is an important landmark. Do not allow yourself to drift west beyond this sign, because this is where the current becomes extremely strong and dangerous. If you can stay on the eastern side of this landmark it can help keep you out of trouble.

There are plenty of fish to see at Lawai Beach, and many of them are very unique. Did you know that nearly a quarter of the fish found in Hawaii are found nowhere else in the world? Relax and enjoy the bright blue Parrot fish, the long-nosed Bird Wrasse, schools of Orange Band Surgeon fish and Convict Tang feeding on filamentous algae, the Rock Mover Wrasse digging through the rubble, Damsel fish defending their territory, and Butterlyfish as bright as the sun.

If you are lucky enough to spot a turtle, remember that they are protected by law and you must keep your distance. The best way to enjoy a turtle is to float motionless where you are and observe. Of course, you might want to have your camera ready.

Remember, always swim with a partner and don’t forget to check out our articles on snorkeling tips and reef etiquette. Enjoy your time in the water and follow the snorkelers motto, “take only pictures, leave only bubbles.” If you are traveling with your family and want to learn more about the fish that you see, be sure to pick up a copy of The Complete Hawaiian Reef Fish Coloring Book by local author Monika Mira.

Kilohana Plantation: Shop Dine & Tour Kauai’s Sugar Era

Posted on April 13, 2012 by Tanya

It is hard not to feel as if you have stepped back in time and a feeling of how life was lived during Hawaii’s Plantation Era. The well manicured grounds of Kilohana’s 1930′s Managers Estate sits in the middle of what used to be a 27,000-acre sugar plantation and at one time the center of Kauai business, culture and social life. From the moment you enter the foyer of the 16,000 square foot estate you will be treated to an elegant sampling of antique furnishings, decor, food, shopping, history and charm. Relax and take in the views of Kilohana mountain while dining at Gaylord’s, a favorite spot for Sunday brunch, settled at the edge of the courtyard of Kilohana’s Plantation Estate.
You can easily spend a few hours on the grounds exploring the unique and beautiful shops on the ground level and second story. Check out the newest additions to the mansion, Cane Field Clothing and Gallery and Cher McMacken Art, together they occupy what used to be the master bedroom, sun-room and study, this is a beautifully designed boutique with a great selection of women’s clothing, locally designed jewelry, novelty gifts, vintage Hawaiian memorabilia and a local artist corner. Other shops include Grande’s Gems & Gallery, Sea Reflections, The Artisans Room and Men’s Hardware. Kauai Plantation Railway, Clayworks at Kilohana, The Beauty Shop and Koloa Rum can be found in separate plantation cottages located on the grounds.

What better way to explore the grounds of a Historic Sugar Plantation than by vintage train. The excitement in the eyes and voices of my six and nine year old escalated as we boarded the beautiful mahogany coaches being pulled by a 1939 Whitcomb diesel locomotive. The sound of the train whistle and the wheels clanking on steel tracks added the perfect amount of nostalgia as we set off to explore Kilohana’s 105 acre grounds. Exotic fruit orchards, vegetable and herb gardens along the tour supply a large portion of the fresh daily produce for Gaylord’s restaurant. At the half way mark of the tour we disembarked the train to feed the farm animals. It was hard to distinguish between the squeals of smiling children and very excited pigs.As we pulled back into the station the sounds of the conch shell signaled the start of the Imu Ceremony, the unearthing of the roasting pig and the beginning of the theatrical Luau Kalamaku. The center stage was a non stop melange of color, light and a brilliant production, executed by an extremely talented cast of local dancers, performers and musicians, delivering the story of Kalamaku. The fire knife dancing and flaming poi ball twirlers kept the audience lively and on the edge of their seats throughout the night. The combination of great shopping, friendly staff, great entertainment, ono (delicious) food, desserts and an overall feeling of Aloha, makes this a definite must-do Hawaiian experience on Kauai- even for local Kama’aina!

Restore Kauai Swap Meet and Music Festival

Posted on March 31, 2012 by Tanya

Do you love a good old fashioned swap meet? Restore Kauai hosts a Swap Meet with Free Live Music every Saturday in downtown Kapaa, from 10 AM until 4 PM.

Their location, behind the Bank of Hawaii, is easy to find and has plenty of free parking. Vendors, produce, local food and yard sale items are combined into an eclectic Kauai mix, providing a unique Saturday afternoon activity for the whole family.

While shopping or selling, you can enjoy their free live music, featuring some of Kauai’s most talented and upcoming artists. HD video is captured and posted on their Facebook site: www.facebook.com/restorekauai

In addition to headline musicians, they also have plenty of open mic time. Bring your instrument(s) and play a few songs! All types of music and levels of talent are welcome.

If you are an artist, crafter, have a home based business, or just have a lot of extra stuff in the garage, come down and get a space. Although they ask for a space fee of $20, exceptions are readily made for hardship cases.

About Restore Kauai
Formed in November of 2011 to provide essential services to our local community, Restore Kauai is focused on creating jobs, providing job training, supporting sustainability and restoring traditional land use practices.

As a Hawaiian non-profit, Restore Kauai is founded and ran with the principles of Aloha, to serve the needs of our local communities. In addition to the Saturday Swap Meet, they have a recycled construction materials store that takes in used materials, and provides them at reasonable prices to the public. By giving these materials a second chance, the burden on our landfill is reduced, and jobs are created.

They can be found on the web at: www.restorekauai.org

What to Do with 7 Days on Kauai?

Posted on March 26, 2012 by Tanya

What to do on Kauai? If you have to ask yourself this question it is probably your first visit to the Garden Island. Kauai offers some of the most diverse landscapes on the planet, a nature lovers paradise with white sand beaches, countless hiking trails, waterfalls and an endless list of things to do and discover. Here is a sample itinerary with some of my favorite Kauai sites and activities.

Day 1: Arriving and Getting Settled

After settling into your hotel or vacation rental, head for the beach. On the South Side Poipu Beach Park is a great choice to get your feet wet, try a little snorkeling and watch the sunset. Lydgate Beach Park if you are staying on the East Side, Hanalei Bay or Anini Beach on the North Shore.

Day one is a great day to have your Kauai luau booked. No need to do any thinking just sit back enjoy the rhythm of the islands, the dance of the Hula and the taste of Polynesia while sipping a Hawaiian Mai Tai.

Day 2: Kauai a Bird’s Eye View and Touring the North Shore

A helicopter tour is a spectacular way to see the eighty percent of Kauai’s interior that is otherwise not accessible. Book this early then head out to the North Shore. (Flights take off from Lihue or Princeville airport) Drive all the way to the end of the road to Ke’e Beach. Plan to hike a little on the famous Kalalau Trail in Napali Coast State Park — bring hiking shoes or closed-toe tennis shoes. A half-hour on the trail will give you an idea of the spectacular coastline. The hearty may want to hike all the way to Hanakapiai Falls, a 3-hour trip one-way. After your hike, snorkel a bit at Ke’e Beach. Head back into the town of Hanalei for lunch, take it to-go and head down to Hanalei Bay to have lunch. On your way back south head to the Kilauea Lighthouse for a spectacular view and some wildlife spotting.

Day 3: Discover the Napali Coast

The Napali Coast is the main attraction for Kauai boat tours. This spectacular 17 mile coastline will leave you in awe as your eyes wander from sea level toward the hanging valleys and razor back ridges thousands of feet above the ocean. Experience the exhilarating adventure of a Kauai dolphin and whale watching adventure while relaxing in the sun and soak up the beauty as your captain and crew guide you along secluded beaches of Kauai and the spectacular Napali coast. For those who seek the most exhilarating day on the water book an adventure to the forbidden island of Niihau, where you will explore the Na Pali Coast and the islands of Niihau and Lehua offshore from Kauai’s West Side.

Day 4: Visit the West Side

Get an early start and discover the laid back and historical towns of Hanapepe, Waimea and Kekaha. The scenic drive up the winding roads to Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Park, will give you ample opportunities to stop at the scenic lookouts, take photos and take in the this amazing beauty of the canyons and scenic overlooks into the valleys of the Napali Coast. Bird lovers, nature enthusiasts, hikers, and sightseers will love wandering around this park. Be sure to stop by the Kokee Natural History Museum and have lunch at the Kokee Lodge that is open till 4:00. Make sure to drive to the end of Hwy. 550 and enjoy the breathtaking lookout into Kalalau Valley.

Day 5: Explore Kauai’s Jungle Interior

Most of Kauai’s lush interior is not accessible by car. There are many fun and exciting ways to explore this part of the island. Paddle into the lush jungle along the Huleia or the Wailua River, hike to a waterfall and enjoy a picnic lunch on a kayak tour or stand up paddle adventure.

If you are looking for a bit more speed, booking an atv tour is a surefire way to have fun. Ride through the forest and private ranch land while you explore breathtaking views of the Huleia River and many movie locations – Jurassic Park, Raiders of The Lost Ark, Pirates of the Caribbean and the spectacular view into Kipu Kai as seen on The Descendants. Other fun tours to explore Kauai’s interior are the zipline tours and the tubing adventure.

Day Six: Explore Your Kauai

By now you have seen most of Kauai, either by land, air or sea. Now you can pick your favorite side of the island and explore more Kauai attractions and beaches. If you are feeling like doing nothing but relaxing just stay put at your resort or vacation rental and enjoy a good book and some Hawaiian sunshine.

Day 7: Kauai Favorites and Souvenirs

Depending on how what time your flight leaves on your last day in paradise, you can decide to relax on the beach, get pampered in a spa, or shop for souvenirs. If you choose to be pampered there are many spa choices on island. An amazing experience not to miss out on is a traditional Hawaiian Lomi Lomi or hot stone massage.

For the shopping enthusiast check out some of the favorite local boutiques. The Kauai Museum is filled with many historical treasures as well as a beautiful gift shop with many unique Kauai made products. If you have a late flight check out Wailua Falls before your flight. This hidden attraction just 5 miles from the Lihue Airport.

For help planning your accommodations or Kauai activities contact us or if you prefer call us at 800.652.8248.

Kauai’s Garden Isle Tri Fest, 2012

Posted on March 13, 2012 by Monika

The 2012 International Garden Isle Tri Fest is keeping organizers, Joe and Carol Williams busy. This annual multi-sport event is scheduled for Saturday, March 17, 2012 and will provide a safe, fun, sporting event for individual athletes as well as families with children. The event also enables local athletes to compete in an international competition. Proceeds from the event will benefit local charities like Habitat for Humanity and the Rotary Scholarship Fund.

Despite their busy schedules, I had a chance to catch up with Joe and Carol to a few questions about the event. This is what I found out:

Q: How did you come up with the idea for the Garden Isle Tri Fest?
A: To help out the local kids that need more scholarship money through the Rotary Scholarship Fund while creating a much- needed multi sports event during a time we felt like there wasn’t much going on -St.Patrick’s Day.
Q: How long have you been putting on this event?
A: This is our second year.
Q: Who does the Tri Fest benefit?
A: The Rotary Scholarship Fund and the Habitat for Humanity.
Q: What have been some of the challenges and rewards of putting on an event like this?
A: The biggest reward is watching the kids having fun learning how to do the Kids Duathlon Event and seeing how much they enjoy running and biking plus getting a finisher metal.
The biggest challenge is community support, especially early on (because it takes a long time to pull together this multi-faceted type of a Festival.)
Q: I understand that wellness is really important to you and your wife. How does the Tri Fest support your wellness beliefs?
A: It helps teach folks that cross training with more than one sport is actually better on your body than a lot of just one activity. Also, sweating while doing such an event can help you get rid of toxins that you do not need to keep in your body. We will also be providing healthy snacks and drinks for the participants (which goes along with a wellness lifestyle.)
Q:When and where is the Tri Fest?
A: Saturday, March 17th, 2012 from 7am till about noon at Kalapaki Bay & the Kauai Marriott Resort Grounds, starting in the upper big parking lot close to the pro shop.
Q: How can people find out more about the 2012 International Garden Isle Tri Fest?
A: Check out our website: www.gardenislandtrifest.com
You can also sign up online at active.com or pick up a registration form at Kauai Athletic Club, GNC, Pictures Plus all in Lihue, Work It Out active wear store in Kapaa, or Kiahuna in Poipu.

What is Happening on Kauai in March

Posted on March 7, 2012 by Monika

Planning to visit the Garden Island in March. Below is a list of events that might enhance your Hawaiian experience. From Hawaiian entertainment to international sports competitions, to Hawaiian cultural demonstrations, children’s events and craft fairs, don’t miss the opportunity to take advantage of these local events.

March 5 – March 19th, 2012
E Kanikapila Kakou is an amazing Hawaiian music concert series that will be held at the Kauai Beach Resort in the Jasmine Ballroom. Donations are accepted at the door. If you miss one event, not to worry, the concert series continues every Monday in March. If you like Hawaiian Music you are not going to want to miss this event. More details are listed below for each date.

March 5, 2012
Anake Beverly Muraoka and her gang “The Epitome of Chalang-alang Hawaiian Music.”

Monday March 12, 2012
Aldrine Guerrero – Ukulele “The Amazing Ride and Tide of the ‘Ukulele”

Monday March 19, 2012
Troy Lazaro & Friends “An Evening of Angelic Music and Hula”

March 11-26, 2012
Prince Kuhio Celebration
A week long celebration of Hawaiian cultural events to commemorate Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana`ole. Events include a spearfishing competition, Hawaiian entertainment, Hawaiian cultural demonstrations, history of Pa’akai, Hawaiian salt making, Prince Kuhio Rodeo at CJM stables, commemorative ceremonies at Prince Kuhio Park, canoe races, a craft fair, Taiko drumming and a royal dinner at Plantation Gardens Restaurant. For more information contact Aunty Stella Burgess at (808) 240-6369 or stella.burgess@hyatt.com.

March 17, International Garden Isle Tri-Fest
International, outdoor multi-sport Event and competition. Includes a kids Duathlon, adults 10K, a 5K Fun Run/Walk and a SUP-Paddle board event all on one day. Events will be at the Kauai Marriott Resort at Kalapaki Bay. For more information call (808)-346-0990.

March 17, 2012
Garden Island Artisan Fair
More than 40 local artisans showcase an array of handcrafted products at Poipu Beach from 9a-3p. This fair is a great opportunity to see wealth of local talent and pick up souvenirs that are actually made on Kauai by Kauai artisans. Ono food, plate lunches and smoothies will be available at one of the many food booths. For more information call 808.245.9021.

March 30 & 31, 2012
The 6th annual Kauai Orchid and Art Festival in Hanapepe Town showcases free Hawaiian music concerts including Taiko drumming and special guest, Makana. Enjoy great food, art exhibits, and the Garden Island Orchid Society’s Orchid Show. Plein air painting workshops, food demonstrations, and keiki crafts and activities will also be available for your enjoyment. For more information, call Kim at (808)651-9801 or email orchidfestival@hanapepe.org

Gulick Rowell House a Kauai Historic Site

Posted on February 24, 2012 by Tanya

Photo taken in 2009 Courtesy of Joel Bradshaw

The Gulick-Rowell House sits quietly nestled in Waimea on Huakai Road (formally known as Missionary Row) between Waimea Town and the road leading up to Kokee. Construction of the home began in 1829 by Rev. Peter Johnson Gulick, who with his wife left their home in Boston and sailed 148 days before landing on Oahu on March 28, 1828. The home was completed by Rev. George Rowell in 1846 and made this his family home. Rev. Rowell passed away on June 1, 1884, and was buried on the property. On April 15, 1978, The Gulick-Rowell House made its way to the National Register of Historic Places as the eighth of 37 sites on Kauai, making the list one year before the Kilauea Lighthouse was listed.

The two-story coral limestone house has the distinction of being Hawaii’s oldest continuously occupied house. The house became a home for the sugar company’s plantation managers, and during a short period the basement served as the Waimea town jailhouse. The history and stories of this home span from the the arrival of missionary families in the early 1800′s to the final days of Hawaii’s sugar era.

Today the Gulick-Rowell House sits unoccupied, hidden under the shade of a large Monkey Pod Tree. Time has been friendly to a home that has been around for over 180 years, but the last decade has not been kind. Architect Bob Fox worked on the home inspection in 1997 and was quoted as saying, “Once a house is unoccupied, it’s amazing how quickly it deteriorates. I don’t know what it is, but it seems like the whole building gives up and just rots away.”

It would be nice to see this historical home restored and and turned into a place where the history of Waimea and Kauai’s West Side, could continue to share the stories of a time past but not forgotten. Learn more about Waimea and Kauai’s sleepy West Side by checking out the Waimea Town Celebration, which is is held every year in February. This year is their 35th year. Events will be held throughout the week of February 19-25th.

The home is currently owned by Kikiaola Land Company who has done an amazing job of restoring aging plantation cottages built in the1900′s into what is now the Waimea Plantation Cottages, a resort run by Aston Hotels.

The land owners would love to start a non-profit organization or find an existing foundation that would make it possible raise funds for the repair and renovation of this irreplaceable example of traditional New England architecture in Hawaii.

Lydgate Beach Park, Boys and Sticks

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Monika

If you are the parent of a toddler or preschool boy you are familiar with the joy that a simple stick can bring. You can replace the stick or alter the stick but it seems ironic with all the fancy toys they have they are pretty content when they find their perfect stick. This is because the stick is his defense, his weapon, gun, cannon, sword, poker- digger and best friend.

Now, imagine a place with a long stretch of white sandy beach, crystal clear water and an endless supply of sticks. This place exists and it is located on the East Side of Kauai just south of the Wailua River. The river is the source of a driftwood stick haven, carried down during heavy rain and then deposited onto the sand. The sticks come in all shapes and sizes guaranteeing a satisfied stick aficionado and hours of free entertainment.
With the sheer number of sticks and logs available the shoreline, a weapon might not be the only use your boy will find for his stick. In fact, you might be delighted to see him being quite creative building a fort, a seat, or a pirate ship out of those sticks. If you think this kind of behavior is silly, think again. Early childhood educators and child psychologist agree about the importance of imaginary play. Imaginative play has been shown to foster social and emotional skills, creative problem solving, language skills, cognitive thinking skills, and even helps builds self-esteem. That’s right, you can actually help your child’s overall development by having a fun time playing with sticks on the beaches in Hawaii.

If however you tire from building forts and sword fighting, the nearby Lydgate Ponds offer safe snorkeling for beginners. The playground at Lydgate Park is the largest playground on the island and can offer your family hours of imaginative play. The beach park also offers facilities, a lifeguard, and shade pavilions for the perfect picnic. If you are vacationing with children of any age, make sure that Lydgate Beach Park is on your list of places to visit. Be warned however, you might find that trusty stick tucked away in your boy’s suitcase when you get home.

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