Kauaʻi: What s Blooming on the Garden Isle

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1 Kauaʻi: What s Blooming on the Garden Isle FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 2015 LĪHU E, KAUAʻI Fall is coming to Kaua i and so are clear, sunny skies and temperatures in the mid to high-80 s, ideal vacation weather on Kaua i following the peak summer travel season. It s also one of the best times to save on package deals and offers at some of Kaua i s top resorts and attractions. From unique culinary experiences around the island to Hawaiian cultural and musical festivals, the Garden Isle has much to explore and enjoy in the fall. Fall is a wonderful time of year to bask in the warmth of Kaua i and enjoy the unmatched beauty that nature has blessed as the Garden Isle, said Sue Kanoho, Executive Director of the Kaua i Visitors Bureau. Everything about Kaua i in the fall reminds you of summer except the crowds are smaller with the kids back in school. The following are updates and information about the newest happenings, specials and events that are blooming on the Garden Isle of Kaua i: WHAT S NEW Hilton Garden Inn to Rebrand Aston Aloha Beach Hotel The Aston Aloha Beach Hotel is undergoing a significant renovation as it prepares for a re-opening under the Hilton Garden Inn brand in early Improvements are being made to the 216 guestrooms, lobby, meeting space of approximately 5,000 square feet, exteriors, fitness center, indoor pool and 24- hour business center. Under the new partnership as Hilton Garden Inn Kauai/Wailua Bay, the beachfront property will offer guests its signature elements, like Hilton's pressure-reducing Garden Sleep System bed, ergonomic desk chair, LCD high-definition, flat-screen television, work desk, a hospitality center featuring a mini refrigerator and Keurig single-cup coffee brewer in every guest room, and complimentary WiFi internet access. Once completed, the renovated property will be the only Hilton-brand on Kaua i and the second Hilton Garden Inn in Hawai i. The Shops at Kukui ula Welcomes Eating House 1849 by Roy Yamaguchi Award-winning chef Roy Yamaguchi has brought his newest restaurant to Kaua i, Eating House Promising regional cuisine with a historic flair the new restaurant, located at The Shops at Kukui ula, pays homage to Hawai i s vibrant culinary heritage. Yamaguchi strives to blend two worlds: the ambiance and simple flavors from the plantation era with the dynamic modernism of haute cuisine. Popular menu items are inspired by a number of local cultures including Portuguese, Filipino, Japanese, Hawaiian and Korean. Join Eating House 1849 at the Kaua i Culinary Market each Wednesday from 3:30 6:00 p.m. with a chef demo at 5:00 p.m. Every Friday evening from 6:30 8:30 p.m. visitors are also welcome to enjoy live music entertainment. For more information, please call (808) or visit Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas Unveils Refreshed Villas and More The 18.5-acre Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas, located 200 feet above Anini Beach on Kaua i s north shore, has recently completed a refreshing of its 346 spacious villas, lobby, WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio and pool areas. Highlights of the villas rejuvenation include new sleeper sofas and seating, new Blu-Ray DVD players, new carpeting, new drapes, lighting and more. The resort s inviting lobby offers new furniture, area rugs and chandeliers, with the Main Pool, and Mālie and Nā Pali plunge pools resurfaced and retiled. The WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio has been updated with Life Fitness treadmills, strength machines, free weights, and mats for energizing workouts. The

2 Page 2 WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio is available for registered guests 24 hours a day and includes dry and steam saunas. For more information please call (866) or visit Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas Installs Co-Generation System To reduce its carbon footprint, the Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas has installed a cogeneration plant, which is producing more than 90% of its electricity on site. The cogeneration plant s heat output is being used to heat the four pools, three whirlpools and hot water throughout the resort. In addition, the resort was recently awarded Gold Status as a TripAdvisor Green Leader. To see a complete list of green initiatives at The Westin Princeville, please visit Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas Offers Ocean-View Kundalini Yoga Revitalizing Kundalini Yoga classes are now being offered by the Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Held on the resort s ocean-view bluff with the beautiful scenery providing added inspiration, the Kundalini Yoga classes promote mindful fitness and relaxation by focusing on breath and movement that challenges students both physically and mentally. All experience levels are welcomed to join. Private group classes are also offered based on availability. Each class is $18 per person. For more information about The Westin Princeville s resort activities, visit Tasting Kauai Partners with The St. Regis Princeville Beginning Aug. 25, Tasting Kauai will begin a partnership with The St. Regis Princeville Resort, making it one of six stops on the North Shore Food Tour. With picturesque views of Hanalei Bay and Mount Makana as a backdrop, guests will enjoy a variety of delectable private tastings made with locally grown seasonal products and have the opportunity to meet and "talk story" with the resort s top chefs. Participating restaurants and chefs include KG Beachside Tapas with chef Noelani Planas, the St. Regis Bar with Executive Pastry Chef Heather Campbell, Kauai Grill with Executive Sous Chef Maxime Michaud, and Nalu Kai with chef Noelani Planas. Tasting Kauai encourages people to buy island-made produce while connecting guests to Kauai s culture, aloha, people and land. For more information, please call 1 (888) or visit Tasting Kaua i Introduces Royal Coconut Coast Food Tour Tasting Kaua i is offering a new food tour that explores the cuisine of the famed Royal Coconut Coast. The tour begins at a family-owned farm with a short stroll down an old plantation road where guests sample traditional Hawaiian food while learning about taro farming as well as the plantation history and culture of the Kealia area. Afterwards, guests can sample Hawaiian food and enjoy tastings at some of the east side s best farm-to-table restaurants. The 4-hour tour costs $120 per person and Tasting Kaua i donates a portion from each admission to the Hawaii Foodbank Kaua i Branch. Tasting Kaua i s goal to inspire residents and visitors to buy local through educational and fun events while connecting guests with Kaua i s culture, aloha, people and land. Space is limited to 10 people per tour; reservations are required. For more information, please visit The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa Grows Greener With Hydroponics The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa has converted one of its tennis courts into a hydroponic garden, growing lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and other fresh produce for use by the resort s restaurants and events. The goal is to provide the hotel with 120 pounds of lettuces and other vegetables each week. A model of sustainable food production, this project is the result of the collaboration between the resort and University of Hawai i s College of Tropical Agriculture. For more information, please call (808) or visit Sheraton Kauai Resort Renovates Lava s on Po ipū Beach Restaurant Nestled on 20 acres of oceanfront property on Kaua i s south shore, the Sheraton Kauai Resort has completed its renovation at Lava s on Po ipū Beach, the highlight of which is the installment of a glass wall around the restaurant perimeter to provide expansive ocean views. The restaurant, a fun and delicious twist on a traditional bar and grill, offers a comforting menu of local favorites from sunrise to sunset just steps away from the beach and is available as an open-air function space upon availability.

3 Page 3 Lava s on Po ipū Beach is a wonderful complement to Kaua i s Ocean Courtyard, which completed its own renovation in 2014 and opens to a stunning view of the ocean through a meandering pathway. In addition to the revitalized landscaping incorporating native Hawaiian flora, a new stage, new seating and new fire pits were also added to enhance the space, welcoming groups of up to 300 guests. For more information, please call (866) or visit Table 53 at RumFire Poipu Restaurant Hits $100,000 Donation Milestone RumFire Poipu Beach at the Sheraton Kauai Resort is the south shore s oceanfront hotspot for locally sourced, globally inspired cuisine, exciting cocktails and 180-degree ocean views. Each month, all net food and beverage proceeds from Table 53, a secluded booth overlooking the resort s Ocean Courtyard are donated to a local charity. Since the program s inception in October 2012, Table 53 has generated more than $100,000 in donations to local community organizations. To participate in the Table 53 program, please call (808) in advance and request Table 53. For more information, please call (808) or visit Kōloa Rum Takes Top Awards at National Convention Kōloa Rum Company, the Kaua i-based award-winning rum company, recently showed that many of the nation s best rums are being made at their distillery in Kalāheo, Kaua i. At the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America 72nd Annual Convention and Exposition, April 12-15, the artisanal rum purveyors took the Double Gold Medal for Gold Rum, Gold Medal for Coconut Rum and Silver Medals for both Dark and Spice Rums. For more information or to plan a visit to the distillery, tasting room and store, please visit Limahuli Garden and Preserve Presents New Guided Tour On Kaua i s north shore, Limahuli Garden and Preserve is offering an interesting new tour on the grounds of its beautiful 17-acre native botanical garden. The Sustainability Tour explores the garden s treasured plants through the lens of modern sustainability challenges. The ancient Hawaiians were careful stewards of the land utilizing only what they needed. Ancient knowledge paired with modern science offers visitors insight into ways to better care for our global gardens. The Sustainability Tour is offered Saturdays twice a month or by appointment. For more information, please call (808) or visit Exciting Improvements at Luau Kalamaku Luau Kalamaku at historic Kilohana Plantation has been renovated; including upgrades made to the dining and showroom areas, a new state-of-the-art speaker system, and enhanced lighting. The combined effect is a more dramatic showcase of the music and cultural performances that accompanies the traditional lū au experience. Luau Kalamaku is an unforgettable Hawaiian experience offered on Tuesday, Friday and select Monday nights during the summer and winter months. For more information, please call (877) or visit Kaua i Says Mahalo Nui Loa Steven Spielberg for Jurassic World Four times Steven Spielberg has brought dinosaurs to life on the big screen with his Jurassic movies and each time Kaua i s wondrous natural beauty has helped create a magnificent backdrop to tell an exhilarating story. This summer, movie audiences are being thrilled by the newest blockbuster from Spielberg and Universal, Jurassic World. Kaua i has a prominent role, with scenes showing the spectacular Nāpali Coast, Jurassic Kahili Ranch, Kaua i Ranch, Valley House waterfall, lush tropical forests, and mountain ranges. Jurassic World follows Jurassic Park (1993), The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997), and Jurassic Park III (2001), each of which was filmed on Kaua i to help create the tropical island settings. In appreciation of Spielberg s longstanding support of Kaua i as a film location, the Kaua i Visitors Bureau, in conjunction with the County of Kaua i, created a special tribute video, Mahalo Nui Loa Steven Spielberg. Mahalo nui loa is the Hawaiian phrase for thank you very much. The entire video was shot, edited, and scored by a Kaua i-based production team. Mahalo Nui Loa Steven Spielberg shows Kaua i residents presenting that same message at island locations seen in the Jurassic movies with a funny twist at the end. The video can be seen at

4 Page 4 KAUA I SPECIAL OFFERS Princeville Makai Golf Club Offers All Day Fun for Golfers and Non-Golfers The spectacular Princeville Makai Golf Club on Kaua i s north shore is offering fun and fit ways for both golfers and non-golfers to enjoy its Makai Course. Golfers can take advantage of the Makai Wine & Dine special for just $225 which allows them to enjoy 18 holes of golf on the Makai Course and a $50 gift certificate redeemable at any of the neighboring St. Regis Princeville Resort s lounges, restaurants or spas. A 9-hole variation is also available for $135 (tee times for both packages at any time of day, based on availability). Non-golfers can experience the beauty and relaxation of the widely acclaimed course with ocean-view morning yoga classes for $20 per guest, breakfast, lunch and happy hour at the open-air Makai Grill, and the self-guided Sunset Golf Course Tour for $50 per two-person cart. For more information, reservations, or tee times at the Princeville Makai Golf Club please call (808) or visit The Kauai Marriott: Group Room Packages and Bonus Marriott Rewards Points The beachfront Kauai Marriott Resort in Līhu e invites guests to earn an amazing allocation of up to 1,000,000 Marriott Rewards Points on group bookings through June Guests will enjoy airport shuttle service, daily self-parking, enhanced internet service and limited domestic and international calls, all free of charge. In addition, the package includes discounts on Enterprise on-site car rentals, Alexander Day Spa & Salon services and merchandise throughout the resort. Guests can also relax and unwind with perks such as complimentary mai tais, yoga classes, hula lessons, tennis court time and a deluxe Kaua i photo book to commemorate their stay. A minimum of a three-night stay is required. For more information please call (808) or visit The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas: Endless Escape with Breakfast Perched above Kaua i s pristine coastline, The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas invites guests to Be Well in their travels by escaping to paradise. The resort s Endless Escape with Breakfast package includes spacious accommodations with the comforts of home and a daily breakfast buffet for two at Nanea Restaurant and bar. Enjoy deluxe island view studio villas from $315 per night, which includes no resort fees and complimentary Internet access. Rates based on availability; taxes are not included. For more information please call (866) or visit Koloa Landing's 4th Night Free The largest Villas on Kauaʻi make the perfect destination for families looking to escape to the Garden Isle. Now, at Koloa Landing Resort & Spa, purchase 3 nights in our 2 or 3 bedroom Villas and receive a 4th night free. Book before the end of August to also get a $50 food & beverage credit to use on purchases at the on-site Gourmet Marketplace. This offer can be stacked for multiple free nights (every 4th) but not combinable with other offers or promotions. Based on availability. For more information please call (808) or visit Kaua'i Golf Trail Card offers Exclusive Savings on Award-Winning Courses Play some of the best golf courses in the world and save 15% off standard rates with the Kaua i Golf Trail Card. Participating trail courses and their affiliated resorts have earned multiple best-in-kind honors, including from GOLF Magazine, Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, Golf Digest, Golfweek, LINKS, GolfWorld, Celebrated Living, and other leading media outlets. For $450 including tax, players can choose three rounds to play from among four participating courses Kaua i Lagoons Golf Club, Puakea Golf Course, Princeville Makai Golf Club and Poipu Bay Golf Course. The rounds must be played at three different courses. Additionally, cardholders receive a 10% merchandise discount on regular-priced items during the day of play. A round at Puakea also includes a $50 golf shop credit, which can be used for merchandise, rental clubs, or green fees. The card can be purchased from any of the participating courses, either in person, or by calling one of the courses and mentioning Kaua i Golf Trail Card. Cards can then be picked up at any of the courses on the first day of play. There are no restrictions on the day or time card rounds are played. Guests simply need to call ahead and book their tee times. Rounds are non-transferable and must be used within 30 days of purchase. For more information about Kaua i Golf Trail Card, please call Kaua i Lagoons Golf Club (800) ,

5 Page 5 Puakea Golf Course (866) , Princeville Makai Golf Club (808) or Poipu Bay Golf Course (800) or visit UPCOMING KAUA I EVENTS Westin Princeville Jazz & Wine Festival, Sept. 19 The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas is holding its 6th Annual Westin Princeville Jazz and Wine Festival on Saturday, Sept. 19, starting at 5:30 p.m. Held on the resort s main lawn overlooking the Pacific Ocean high above Anini Beach, the festival will feature delectable wines, island-inspired cuisine from the island s top chefs and lively jazz music. Proceeds from the event s Silent Auction will benefit the Kaua i Lifeguard Association. Tickets are $95 per person and include entertainment, an etched Jazz & Wine Festival wine glass, food, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages (tax & gratuity included). To purchase tickets or to book the resort s villa accommodations, call The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas at (808) , or visit Kaua i Mokihana Festival, Sept The Kaua i Mokihana Festival is a weeklong celebration of Hawaiian culture featuring interactive workshops, educational lectures, a three-day hula competition, craft fair, music competition, Hawaiian church service, and much more. This year s festival will be held at Kauai Beach Resort and other island locations, Sept , and is being hosted by the Mālie Foundation, which is committed to the promotion, preservation and perpetuation of Hawaiian culture. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door and can be purchased at select local outlets after Aug. 20 or by phone at (808) For more information on the festival or Mālie Foundation, contact Maka Herrod at (808) or visit Powwow in Paradise, Sept The 17th Annual Kaua i Powwow will honor the theme of Dance For Life, offering traditional powwow drumming, dancing, arts and crafts and fresh organic traditional Native American foods. Held over three days, Sept , at Kapa a Beach Park this cultural exchange event is free to all guests and designed with the family in mind. For more information, please call (808) or visit Kenny Endo Concert, Oct. 11 Enjoy a night of Japanese taiko drumming performed by one of Hawai i s best, Kenny Endo, on Oct. 11 at the Kaua i Community College Performing Arts Center. A leading artist in this exciting style Japanese cultural drumming and contemporary percussion, Endo is celebrating 40 years as a performer, composer and professional taiko teacher. He continues to pave new paths in the taiko genre and will showcase his talents to the people of Kaua i. For more information, please call (808) or visit Kaua i Chocolate & Coffee Festival, Oct The inaugural Kaua i Chocolate & Coffee Festival is being held for all to enjoy in historic Hanapepe Town, Oct Celebrating all things chocolate and coffee, this two-day event will feature food samplings, workshops, cooking demonstrations, farm tours, live entertainment and exhibit booths to showcase the products of our local farmers, chefs, roasters, chocolatiers and manufacturers. For more information, please call (808) or visit Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival, Nov. 15 The 22nd Annual Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival returns to the Aqua Kauai Beach Resort & Spa on Sunday, Nov. 15, 12:00 6:00 p.m. The festival draws renowned slack key artists from throughout the islands to Kaua i for a day of continuous Hawaiian slack key guitar performance. Tickets are $10 at the door and benefit the Ki-Ho Alu Foundation. For more information, please call Milton Lau at (808) or visit

6 Page 6 KAUA I HAWAI I S ISLAND OF DISCOVERY Nicknamed the Garden Island, Kaua i is green and flourishing with lush flora that runs from the mountains to the ocean. Kaua i offers more than 50 miles of white-sand beaches more beach per mile than any other island in Hawai i. Other natural wonders include the 3,567-foot deep Waimea Canyon, dubbed The Grand Canyon of the Pacific, and the 3,000-foot towering mountain cliffs overlooking the Nāpali Coast along the northwest shoreline. Kaua i s abundance of outdoor activities, including kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, mountain tubing, horseback riding, ATV adventures, zipline tours, and helicopter and boat tours, offer memorable vacation experiences for the whole family. For information about Kaua i Hawai i s Island of Discovery visit or call the Kaua i Visitors Bureau toll-free at Follow updates about Kaua i via Twitter (@kauaidiscovery) or Instagram (@kauaidiscovery) and as a fan on its Facebook page as Kaua i Visitors Bureau. The Kaua i Visitors Bureau is a division of the Hawai i Visitors and Convention Bureau, which is contracted by the Hawai i Tourism Authority (HTA), the state of Hawai i s tourism agency, for marketing management services in North America. The HTA was established in 1998 to ensure a successful visitor industry well into the future. Its mission is to strategically manage Hawai i tourism in a sustainable manner consistent with the state of Hawai i s economic goals, cultural values, preservation of natural resources, community desires, and visitor industry needs. # # # Contact: Kristen Ka uhane, Anthology Marketing Group , Kristen.Kauhane@AnthologyGroup.com Julie Tabarejo, Anthology Marketing Group , Julie.Tabarejo@AnthologyGroup.com