A Guide to Koloa Plantation Days

Koloa Plantation Days is a 10-day mid-July festival showcasing the area’s rich history. It also celebrates the immigrants from places like Japan, China, Europe, and the Phillippines who contributed to Hawaii’s culture. The family-friendly event has been taking place for over 30 decades in the same region where Hawaii’s first sugar plantation was founded. 

Over 20 events take place throughout the festival. All happenings are geared towards highlighting plantation life and the natural beauty of the Koloa area. These activities include sporting events, live music, guided history walks, “talk stories” on plantation life and local history, and more. There’s also a parade, rodeo, and plenty of delicious food.

For an official schedule for this year’s Koloa Plantation Days, check the website for updated information. You can even view events by type, which makes it easy to find out which ones are kid-friendly.

Book Your Dream South Shore Kauai Vacation Rental

There’s nothing better than unwinding in your private home base after a day spent taking in all the fun at Koloa Plantation Days. For the best vacation rentals on Kauai’s South Shore, turn to Kauai Exclusive Management. 

Our luxury rentals are located throughout Kauai, including in sunny South Shore towns like Koloa and Poipu. This means you are close to the festival and all the activities and attractions the South Shore has to offer, including exploring Old Town Koloa. Not only do we offer incredible homes, but we also provide you with rentals in popular resorts like Pili Mai. Reserving one of these units means you have access to all the resort’s incredible amenities, like a family pool and spa, recreational village, and lush green space. 

 If you need help reserving your dream Kauai rental, call 1-877-465-2824. One of our reservation specialists is here to help!

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7 Food Trucks to Dine at in Hanalei

The food trucks found throughout Hanalei offer a diverse range of cuisine known for taking advantage of the fresh ingredients found on the island. As you explore the North Shore, keep your eyes peeled for these delicious dining options.

1. Fresh Bite Kauai offers farm-to-beach style food. The truck is open weekdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and serves up everything from quinoa bowls to sandwiches.
2. Cool off with a sweet treat at Wishing Well Shave Ice. Since 1983, this food truck has been serving traditional shave ice and more from an old bus at the entrance to Hanalei.
3. Create a custom poke bowl at Kealia Poke. Pick between fresh, locally caught seafood and a variety of toppings at this truck beside the Big Save Market.
4. If you’re craving Indian, try Cafe Tumeric. In addition to authentic dishes, they also offer tasty vegan and seafood options.
5. Refuel with something scrumptious from Hanalei Taro & Juice Co. Sip on a taro smoothie, or enjoy one of their Hawaiian plate lunches or entrees.
6. Found in the heart of Hanalei in the Ching Young Shopping Center, Tiki Tzatziki is known for its Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Dig into a delicious gyro or treat yourself to some baklava.
7. Enjoy breathtaking views while waiting for your food at Pat’s Taqueria. Found at the Hanalei Pier, this truck serves up incredible tacos and burritos.

Make the Most out of Your North Shore Getaway

For anyone planning an escape to Kauai’s North Shore, there’s no better place to turn for luxury vacation rentals than Kauai Exclusive Management. We offer fantastic homes and condos near all fantastic activities and amenities, like Hanalei food trucks.

Our North Shore rentals are tucked away in the lush settings of Princeville, which is only a short drive from Hanalei. Whether looking for a home with ocean views or a rental with a private pool, we have something for you. After finding your dream Kauai vacation rental, save by booking directly with us.

To learn more or for help finding the home that meets your wants and needs, call 1-877-465-2824.

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For years, Kauai Exclusive Management has been bringing travelers some of the best luxury homes and condos Kauai has to offer. There are countless reasons why avoiding third-party platforms is the best way to reserve your rental; keep reading to learn about three of them.

1. No Hidden Fees

The cost of vacations can add up quickly. The last thing you want to worry about are hidden fees that can pop up when booking through third-party platforms. When you search for your dream Kauai rental directly with us, our rates are clearly outlined. In fact, you can save up to 15 percent by booking directly through Kauai Exclusive. 

2. Access to Incredible Services

Being one of our guests means you have access to our customized concierge services. Our knowledgeable expert can take some of the planning stress off your shoulders by recommending things like the best places to eat and popular hiking trails. She can even help book activities like a Napali boat tour from Na Pali Experience or a helicopter tour with Ali’i Kauai Air Tours & Charters. 

Booking direct also means our on-island reservation team is here to help. They have an intimate knowledge of Kauai and all of our unique vacation rentals. This means they can help you find the perfect fit for your needs and preferences based on things like number of guests, location on the island, and preferred view.

3. The Best Selection Around

We’re always working on improving our inventory. This means to have the best selection of our Kauai rentals, you want to look directly at our website. From condos in some of the best beach resorts like Waipouli Beach Resorts to homes large enough for the entire family, we have it all. Searching a third-party platform means you could miss out on the property that meets all your wants and needs. 

Learn More by Contacting Kauai Exclusive Today

The Kauai Exclusive Management team is here to make booking vacation home and condo rentals a breeze. Browse our inventory online or call 1-877-465-2824 for help finding your right fit.

The post Why Book Kauai Vacation Home Rentals Direct appeared first on Kauai Exclusive | Kauai Vacation Rentals | Kauai Luxury Condos | Kauai Real Estate.

A Checklist of 9 Helpful Phrases and Words

It would take you a lifetime to learn all of the Hawaiian language. However, there are some words and phrases you will likely come across during your Kauai vacation. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of several helpful Hawaiin words and phrases every visitor should know.

1. While aloha is often used as a way of saying “hello” or “goodbye,” it is also a way of life and acknowledgment of what matters. 
2. If you are trying to say “thank you,” say mahalo. Another option is mahalo nui loa, which means “thank you very much.”
3. If someone says one of the above to you, your response would be ‘A‘ole pilikia, which means, “you’re welcome.”
4. It’s common to see e komo mai above the doors of shops and restaurants. This phrase means “welcome” or “come on in.”
5. Makai means towards the ocean, while mauka refers to toward the mountain. Knowing these two terms is helpful if asking for directions.
6. When dining out and a waiter asks how your meal is, respond with ‘ono to say it was delicious. This is also a type of fish.
7. When you’re looking for a small bite to eat, you’re looking for a pupu, a snack or an appetizer.
8. Pau hana is the time after work. Restaurants will often have pau hana specials, which is the same as happy hour.
9. If you accidentally bump into someone or are trying to navigate a crowd, say, “e kala mai.”

Knowing how to say the above phrases or words is as important as knowing what to say. Listen to a recording of the phrase and repeat it until you have it down.

Learn Something New on a Kauai Vacation

While a vacation to Kauai is the perfect way to enjoy some R&R, it’s also a great way to expand your horizons. From practicing common Hawaiian words and phrases in your Kauai Exclusive management rental to snorkeling for the first time, the possibilities are endless.

No matter what is on your itinerary, it’s important to have a centrally located place to call home. At Kauai Exclusive Management, our inventory includes luxury rentals on the island’s three most popular sides. In addition to spacious homes, we also offer rentals at some of the top Kauai beach resorts.

Call 1-877-465-2824 to learn more.

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Natural Wonders

While Kauai is known as the Garden Isle, the East Side has earned the nickname the Royal Coconut Coast thanks to its groves of coconut palms. These plants, often found in the resort areas, aren’t the only picturesque examples of Mother Nature’s work you can see. Spend time inside Wailua River State Park, home to Fern Grotto and scenic waterfalls like Opaeka‘a Falls. See if you can make out the Sleeping Giant in the NouNou Forest Reserve or climb the face of the fabled figure on the 3.2-mile trail.

Sandy Beaches

One of the biggest things that draws people to the East Side is the fantastic beaches. If you are vacationing with children, we recommend checking out Lydgate Beach Park. Two lava rock-enclosed ocean pools protect swimmers and snorkelers from open ocean waves. Other fantastic options include Kapa’a Beach Park, Waipouli Beach, and Keālia Beach.

Other Things to See and Visit

No matter where your interests lie, there is something on the East Side that fits the bill. Take your time wandering the shops that line the streets of Old Kapa’a Town. Learn about area history at the Kauai Museum or Grove Farm Sugar Plantation Museum, both in Lihue.

Let Us Help Plan Your Perfect Vacation

You don’t have to research top attractions in Kauai on your own. Our knowledgeable concierge can help discover incredible things to do and see all over the island, including the East Side. She can provide recommendations for everything from hiking trails to restaurants.

We also have a team of on-island reservationists who can help you find your dream Kauai vacation rental. Enjoy all the perks that come with staying at the Waipouli Beach Resort, or enjoy a more private space in a luxury vacation home. Whatever is on your list of wants and needs, we can help you find the Kauai rental that meets them all.

To learn more about reserving your stay with Kauai Exclusive Management, call 1-877-465-2824.

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What to Know about the Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge

Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge should be at the top of your list. Found on the northernmost point of the island, this refuge is home to one of the largest nesting seabird populations in the state. Established in 1985, this area works to protect and enhance migratory seabirds and threatened species.

Thousands of resident and migratory seabirds call the refuge home, including red-tailed tropicbird (koa’e’ ula), Hawaiian goose (nēnē), and Hawaiian short-eared owl (pueo). The best spot within the refuge to go birding is the peninsula at Kīlauea Point.

In addition to birds, you might be able to spot humpback whales and endangered monk seals in the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, found just offshore. The best time of year to see each animal varies, so check the refuge’s site for more information. 

Other Places to Go

In addition to the refuge mentioned above, several other places in Kauai are known for viewing wildlife.

• While the Hulē‘ia National Wildlife Refuge is closed to the public, you can view it from the overlook at the Menehune Fish Pond.
• Found on the west side of Kauai is the Kawai’ele State Waterbird Sanctuary. Created in the 1990s, this spot is home to all four of the endemic waterbirds of Hawaii. 
• Currently closed to the public, the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge is expected to reopen. Check the refuge’s website for updates on the popular birding destination.

Plan a Breathtaking Escape with Kauai Exclusive Management

At Kauai Exclusive Management, we are here for guests from start to finish. Not only can we help you find your perfect Kauai rental, but we can help schedule incredible adventures. 

Whether you set off on your own to view wildlife in a Kauai refuge or have our concierge team arrange a kayak tour, there’s no shortage of ways to spend your days. While our concierge team is here to help with your activity needs, our reservation team is ready to help you find your dream luxury Kauai vacation rental. Our inventory features homes, condos, and villas in some of the island’s most popular areas, including top resorts.

For any assistance reserving your Kauai rental, call 1-877-465-2824.

The post Where to See Wildlife in Kauai | Reserve & Refuge Guide appeared first on Kauai Exclusive | Kauai Vacation Rentals | Kauai Luxury Condos | Kauai Real Estate.

A Look at 2 Festive Kauai Events

While a holiday getaway to Kauai means no snow, there are still plenty of ways to get into the spirit of the season, including annual events. Numerous events and festivals are always in the works, so visit kauaifestivals.com for updates about things being added to the lineup.

One popular event is the Lights on Rice Parade. Taking place on the first Friday in December, the parade is one of the must-see events of the year. Rice Street in Lihue shuts down around 5:30 p.m. for the gathering. We recommend getting there early to snag a viewing spot. The route takes parade participants from Hoolako Street near the ACE Hardware to the County Building.

Plans are still being worked on for the Festival of Lights. The annual festivity takes place at the Historic County Building Part in Lihue. Generally running from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, a local designer transforms the building into a holiday display like none other. Time your visit right, and you might run into Santa and Mrs. Clause.

Other Memorable Things to Do

If you want to do some gift shopping, check out some of the local markets. The Princeville Night Market takes place the second Sunday of the month, while the Kauai Island Crafters Fair is open the second and fourth Saturday of the month.

For something to do on NYE, keep your eyes open to see if the Poipu Beach Foundation is bringing back its annual fireworks display. Check local bars and restaurants as well to see if they are hosting any celebrations to close the year out in style.

Have Fun at Your Kauai Rental

Celebrating Christmas or New Year’s Eve in a Kauai vacation rental doesn’t mean you have to leave traditions at home. Every rental from Kauai Exclusive Management comes with a fully-equipped kitchen perfect for making cookies in. Watch the ball drop from the comfort of your spacious living room.

With rentals of all sizes and styles on three sides of Kauai, our inventory has something for everyone. We even have accommodations at some of the best Kauai beach resorts. Treat yourself to an extra luxurious stay by reserving a home with a private pool or phenomenal outdoor living space. Don’t wait; now is the perfect time to reserve your holiday home base!

Call 1-877-465-2824 to speak with a team member who can help you find the right fit.

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A Guide of 5 Waterfalls to Hike To

The journey to reach the waterfalls on Kauai is as unique as the natural attractions themselves. Some are easy and an excellent option for those visiting with children, while others are more suited for experienced hikers. Before setting off on your waterfall hike, be sure to check out the trail information to make sure it’s something your group can handle. We promise the effort to reach the sights is worth it!

1. Found on the west side of Kauai is Waipoo Falls. The falls near Waimea are broken into two parts. The first is a short fall, while the second can be viewed from one of the lookouts on Waimea Canyon road or by hiking a trail to the top.
2. One of the most popular options is Wailua Falls. The two streams drop 80 feet below and are visible from the road. We recommend trying to get there in the morning as you might be able to see a rainbow as well.
3. Considered one of the most accessible major waterfalls on Kauai, ‘Opaeka’a Falls are over 100 feet tall and 40 feet wide. Found on the East Side, there are signs that direct visitors to the roadside lookout. 
4. Ho’opi’i Falls are actually a series of two waterfalls found on the more residential side of Kapa’a. Because the trailhead is in a residential area, be mindful as you start your journey. The hike is about a two-mile path that is on the more challenging side.
5. Found within the Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park is Hanakapiai Falls. Considered a highly challenging route, we recommend this 7.7-mile trail to only the most seasoned hikers.

Enjoy a Tranquil Kauai Getaway

Whether hiking to waterfalls or visiting Old Town Koloa, there is no shortage of things to do on a Kauai vacation. Each side of the island is unique and home to memorable adventures. Be close to them all by reserving a rental from Kauai Exclusive Management. Our collection of luxury home and condo rentals includes properties found on three of the most popular sides of the island.

After a long day of adventure, there’s nothing better than getting away from the crowds. All of our Kauai vacation rentals have everything you need to unwind after a day of exploration. Take time browsing our properties to find the one that meets all your wants and needs.

To learn more about our Kauai rentals or how our concierge service can help you make the most out of your stay, call 1-877-465-2824.

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A Look at Its Heritage

Koloa was once home to Hawaii’s first successful sugar mill. This is an area where families and merchants put down roots. Several of the historic buildings and sites found in this area are part of the Koloa Heritage Trail, including:

• The Tao Building that used to be an ice cream parlor and general store
• The Koloa Hotel, which traveling salesmen used
• The Okumura Building, once home to a general store

You can also see some remnants of the old sugar mill.

What to See during Your Visit

The streets of Old Koloa Town are lined with every type of business imaginable. 

Shopping

Take time wandering in and out of the boutiques and shops that showcase incredible local talent. Hawaiian Artisans is a great place to find beautiful gifts and art. Find island souvenirs and Aloha gear for the whole group at Na Koa Surf Co. If you’re looking for a special gift, stop by Brianne & Co., a women-owned jewelry store utilizing locally sourced materials.

Restaurants

Before heading back to your South Shore rental, grab a bite to eat at one of the delicious Koloa restaurants. Try a sushi burrito or burger made with 100 percent Kauai grass-fed beef at Kenji Burger. Enjoy refreshing hand-crafted shave ice at The Fresh Shave, or get a mid-day pick-me-up at Koloa Mill Ice Cream & Coffee.

Experience the Ultimate South Shore Escape with Kauai Exclusive

From historic Old Town Koloa to bustling Poipu, there are endless incredible and unique towns found on Kauai’s South Shore. Be close to them all by staying at a rental from Kauai Exclusive Management. If you’re trying to decide when to plan your escape, consider the fall! This time of year is known for incredible rates, especially when you book direct.

Our inventory of Kauai rentals on the South Shore has something for everyone, from homes that embrace the island atmosphere to modern condos. Book a luxurious home with room for all your closest friends, or find the perfect space to host your family reunion. 

Call 1-877-465-2824 to learn more about our accommodations or why booking direct is the best.

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5 of the Best Places to Eat on Kauai near the Beach

After a day filled with adventures, sometimes the last thing you want to do is cook. Dining at one of the top beachfront restaurants on Kauai is a great way to not only enjoy a delicious meal but also watch a breathtaking sunset. Whether located right on the sandy shoreline or just a stone’s throw away, the places to eat below are perfect for anyone looking to enjoy dinner and a show.

1. The Beach House in Koloa is loved by residents and visitors alike. The South Shore spot is known for its menu featuring dishes utilizing as many local ingredients as possible. The menu is seasonal, so you can try something new whenever you visit.
2. Located along the Kapaa Bike Path is Sam’s Oceanview Restaurant + Bar, which opened its doors in 2015. The open-air dining room is the perfect place to watch the sun sink into the horizon as you browse the menu filled with incredible options.
3. Be right on the beach at Lava Lava Beach Club. While this restaurant is first-come, first-serve, you can simply go for a stroll along the shore if you have to wait. When your number is called, sip on a cocktail while deciding which scrumptious dish you want to try.
4. Duke’s Kauai, found right in front of Kalapaki Beach, has been a staple on Kauai for years. Named after Duke Pao Kahanamoku, a legendary swimmer, the restaurant plates up and serves island-inspired dishes in a lively atmosphere.
5. One of the main goals at Oasis on the Beach is to use as many local ingredients as possible. The oceanfront spot works closely with ranchers, farmers, and fishermen to source ingredients that come together to create exceptional dishes.

Discover Endless Beauty on a Kauai Getaway

From visiting a nearby lookout to dining at one of the top beachfront restaurants, there are endless ways to enjoy the remarkable beauty of Kauai. You can also take in views of the lush landscape and crystal waters from the comfort of your Kauai Exclusive Management rental.

With rentals on the three most popular sides of the island, our luxury Kauai rentals make the perfect home base for any escape to paradise. Our inventory has something for every budget and group size, including spacious penthouses to the perfect home for your family. To learn more about which rental fits your wants and needs best, call 1-877-465-2824.

Pro tip: Book your getaway in the fall for the lowest rates of the year when you book direct. Enjoy all Kauai has to offer without the summer crowds while also enjoying unbeatable prices for your perfect vacation rental.

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