FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March Kauaʻi: What s Blooming on the Garden Isle

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1 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 2016 Kauaʻi: What s Blooming on the Garden Isle LĪHU E, KAUAʻI As winter weather envelops much of the mainland U.S., Kauaʻi remains a sunny paradise escape for those looking to trade in rain boots and snow gear for barefoot walks on the beach. Sue Kanoho, Executive Director of the Kaua i Visitors Bureau, commented, Kaua i is as radiant as ever during winter. Rather than hunkering indoors away from the cold, Kaua i s visitors spend their days outdoors enjoying the warmth of our island and enjoying the variety of experiences and sites to see, such as the gorgeous Napali Coast, the magnificent Waimea Canyon or enjoying one of the many botanical gardens. The following are updates and information about the newest happenings, specials and events that are blooming on the Garden Isle of Kaua i this winter: WHAT S NEW Island Air Returns to Kaua i Island Air recently announced that service is to be restored to the Garden Isle with plans of six daily round-trip flights between Honolulu and Līhuʻe Airport (LIH). The return service to Kaua i is projected to benefit passengers by offering more available flight options and seats for interisland travel. For more information, please call (800) or visit Award-Winning LEGO Brick Art Exhibit Soon Showcased at McBryde Garden More than a quarter of a million LEGO bricks will make their way to the Garden Isle for the record-breaking Nature Connects: Art with LEGO Bricks exhibit. This traveling exhibit, by artist Sean Kenney, will feature 14 nature-themed sculptures created with more than 378,000 individual LEGO bricks. The exhibit is to be hosted for the first time ever in Hawai i at the National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG) flagship garden, McBryde Garden in Kōloa, from May 8 July 10. In celebration of the exhibit s arrival, NTBG will also host special events, contests, movie nights and more at McBryde during the two-month showcase. For more information, call (808) or visit Better than a bird s-eye view? Kaua i from the Air Inspires Travellers Worldwide As the world s largest independent travel publisher, the Matador Network possesses a global network of editors, writers, photographers, and filmmakers to push the limits of visual storytelling while promoting destination travel. Matador works to provide unique perspectives on culture, geography, and place to audiences in mind-blowing, cinema-quality HD. In partnership with the Kaua i Visitors Bureau, the Matador Network created a short video highlighting the many outdoor activities visitors can experience while on the island from surfing to kayaking and ziplining to hiking, biking and more. Kaua i from the Air highlights the islands breath-taking mountains, waterfalls, greenery, and beaches and encourages locals and visitors alike to soak in the beauty and rejuvenating qualities of Kaua i. The video can be seen at

2 Page 2 Hawaii s Newest Beachfront Restaurant Opens at the Kauai Shores Hotel Lava Lava Beach Club, located on Kaua i s beautiful Coconut Coast, recently opened its doors at the Kauai Shores Hotel featuring a 250-seat open-air restaurant and bar. Guests can experience island inspired cuisine and cocktails while enjoying the laidback Hawaiian-style atmosphere the new venue provides. Lava Lava Beach Club includes an indoor-outdoor dining experience where guests can lounge on comfy couches, unwind next to fire pits, and experience live Hawaiian music and hula. The Lava Lava Beach Club is open daily, serving breakfast from 7 10 a.m., lunch from 11 a.m. 2 p.m., happy hour from 3 5 p.m., dinner from 5 9 p.m. and a late night bar food from 8 10 p.m. For more information, please call (808) or visit lavalavabeachclub.com. Mediterranean Gourmet Reopens at Hanalei Colony Resort After 10 months of repairs and renovations, the popular Mediterranean Gourmet restaurant reopens its doors to serve both loyal and first-time guests. Amongst the restaurant changes, the husband-and-wife team Imad and Yarrow Beydoun introduce a number of new menu items such as pizzas, a Wagyu beef burger, and an organic grass-fed Rib Eye Steak. All-time favorites such as Seafood Paella, Rosemary Rack of Lamb, and Chicken Marsala will also be readily available. The updated beverage menu now includes an expanded listing of classic cocktails and international wines. For more information, please call (808) or visit Kōloa Rum and Kauai Coffee Company Debut New Kaua i Coffee Rum Kōloa Rum Company recently launched the new Kauai Coffee Rum, to their award-winning lineup as a result of a partnership with Kauai Coffee Company. Kauaʻi Coffee Rum blends locally grown, dark-roasted Kauai Coffee with Kōloa White Rum and pure Hawaiian cane sugar. Rich in flavor with bold notes of coffee and cocoa, Kauaʻi Coffee Rum debuted with a redesigned bottle and label. The new flavor showcases both companies passion and dedication to quality as well as their pride in creating distinctive local products. For more information, please call (808) or visit or 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 Recent Renovations at the Waimea Plantation Cottages Enjoy a relaxing, serene oceanfront experience set in a peaceful coconut grove at Waimea Plantation Cottages. Now managed by Coast Hotels, Waimea Plantation Cottages has incorporated a variety of property upgrades including air conditioning for each of the 61 cottages. Waimea Plantation Cottages has also introduced a new full-time events staff member. From creating an exciting family reunion to coordinating the perfect wedding, the new event coordinator will be able to assist with special events of any size. For more information, please call (808) or visit

3 Page 3 Recent Hotel Revitalization Along the Royal Coconut Coast Located on the east side of Kaua i, the Royal Coconut Coast offers guests hiking and shopping options as well as noteworthy restaurants and beautiful beaches. Recently, the Royal Coconut Coast has seen many hotel and resort renovations, which makes finding the right accommodations for each visit that much easier. The Kaha Lani Resort has upgraded all pool furniture, painted building exteriors and made improvements to its tennis courts. It is also in the process of replacing the various lanais on the property. The Kauai Kailani has completed a $4 million, 2-year revitalization phase throughout its entire property and now provides completely refinished and redecorated interiors of all fully equipped condominium units, which are now Wi-Fi accessible. Additions to the Kauai Kailani also include an elevator and a recreation room. Kauai Shores, previously known as Kauai Sands, is slated to complete an extensive $10 million renovation project within the month of November. The overhaul will include new, colorful tropical décor and amenities in every unit, a new lobby and guest service area. The Hotel Coral Reef recently announced the property will be undertaking an extensive $3 million revamp, for which there are plans to add a third floor to its main building and upgrade its interiors with Tommy Bahama furnishings. The Outrigger Waipouli Beach Resort & Spa has completed a number of improvements to its resort interior and outdoor areas, which include a complete upgrade of poolside furnishings with new Tropitone padded-sling chaise lounges and chairs, doubling the amount of shade umbrellas in a new ocean-themed teal color, installation of new solar PV panels to reduce electricity costs, and new paint and carpet throughout interior hallways. For more information, please call (808) or info@royalcoconutcoast.com. New Digital Detox Package at Hanalei Colony Resort In an effort to help guests truly relax and unwind while taking in the beauty of the island, the Hanalei Colony Resort has introduced the new Digital Detox Package, in which guests are encouraged and even rewarded for disconnecting and unplugging from technology. The Digital Detox Package includes five nights in an Ocean View two-bedroom suite, a special Digital Detox amenity basket upon arrival, a guided walking tour for two at the nearby spectacular Limahuli Garden and Preserve (part of the National Tropical Botanical Garden network), a 50-minute beachside couples massage provided by the Hanalei Day Spa therapists, a picnic basket lunch for two from Mediterranean Gourmet Restaurant, and fresh fruit smoothies from Na Pali Art Gallery & Coffee Shop. If all guests in a unit commit to turning in their digital devices at the Front Office for 24-hours or more, they will receive a $50 discount on their stay. For more information, please call (800) 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 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

4 Page 4 Tasting Kauai Partners with The St. Regis Princeville 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 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. 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 KAUA I SPECIAL OFFERS $15 Off + Free Sunglasses aboard Niihau & Napali Coast Boat Tours by Holo Holo Charters From December through April, humpback whales can be regularly seen on the Kaua i and Ni ihau boat tours. During peak season, regular surface activity is almost a guarantee. As the only company on Kaua i to offer daily tours to the forbidden island of Ni ihau, the Holo Holo Charters crew invites guests aboard any of the Kaua i-built vessels to sightsee the Nāpali Coast, see sea life and learn about Hawaiian history and legends. For an exclusive offer of $15 off and a free pair of sunglasses for each passenger, please mention the promo code SEESEALIFE to a sales representative or use the promo code during checkout online. Offer is valid from until April 30, For more information, please call (808) or visit Island Helicopters extends special pricing towards the Kauai Grand Deluxe Circle Island Tour As the longest-running helicopter tour operator in the Līhuʻe, owners Curt & Bonnie Lofstedt personally designed their superior tours to capture the true essence of Kaua i by offering the best audio-visual experience possible. This winter, Island Helicopters is extending a supersavings rate on Thursdays and Sundays toward their signature minute tour, the Kauaʻi Grand Deluxe Circle Island Tour. For more information, 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

5 Page 5 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 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) , Puakea Golf Course (866) , Princeville Makai Golf Club (808) or Poipu Bay Golf Course (800) or visit Experience the Suite Life In Paradise at The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas Set 200 feet above the Pacific Ocean on Kaua i s rejuvenating coastline, The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas offers suite-like accommodations for honeymooners at an affordable price point. Starting at $475 per night, the resort s Deluxe Island-View One-Bedroom Villa offers nearly 800 square feet with intuitively designed features including a kitchen, living area, comfortable master bedroom with King-sized Heavenly Bed, and spacious bathroom with dual sinks and a deep-soak whirlpool tub. Four rejuvenating pools, island-inspired dining options, and an array of resort activities are among the numerous amenities for guests to enjoy. With a four-night minimum stay, this package includes champagne and strawberries, daily breakfast for two, and a five-course Tasting Journey dinner for two at Nanea Restaurant and Bar. Packages subject to availability. For more information, please call (866) and request rate plan LCPKG1 or book online at

6 Page 6 UPCOMING KAUA I EVENTS 2nd Annual Roots n Shoots Fun Run and Walk, April 12 In partnership with the Kaua i Marathon, the National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG) will host the second annual Roots n Shoots Fun Run and Walk in McBryde Garden. After the run, participants can enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast sponsored by Living Foods Gourmet Market. Don't forget to pick up on delicious coffee provided by Kauai Coffee Company. A silent auction will also take place after the run to benefit the Kauai Marathon Youth Running Program and other non-profit organizations. Participants and family members are encouraged to explore McBryde Garden after the event on a self-guided tour. Admission is $40 for adults, $30 for students and youth 16 or younger. Entry fee includes an event t-shirt, post-event food and beverages as well as entrance for one spectator on the NTBG Shuttle. For more information, please call Tessa McSwain at (808) or visit May Day by the Bay, May 14 Experience a daylong cultural festival in Hanalei at Waiʻoli Beach Park. May Day by the Bay features live music and entertainment, hula, cultural practitioners, displays by community groups, a silent auction, ʻono food and more! Local Kaua i made products will also be available for purchase. Admission is $5. For more information, please call Julie Kanealiʻi at (808) Visitor Industry Charity Walk, May 14 The Hawai i Lodging and Tourism Association (HLTA) Kaua i Chapter will host the 38th Annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk. Beginning at 7:00 a.m. at the Historic County Building, the walk will travel through Līhu e on a 2.9-mile route. The Charity Walk is open to the public and everyone is welcome to participate. A minimum pledge of $35, which includes breakfast and t-shirt, is asked of all attendees. Participants under 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult and walkers under the age of 18 must have an application form signed by a parent or guardian. For more information, please call (808) or visit Bana Poka Round Up, May 29 This environmental fair is a free and festive event that the whole family can enjoy. Held on Memorial Day Sunday, in Kanaloahuluhulu Meadow, the free event features basket making, a variety of live music entertainment, exhibits by environmental organizations and agencies, along with lots of activities for kids including face painting and Banana Poka basket making. Guided tours of the Civilian Conservation Corps Camp in Kōkeʻe State Park will also be available. For more information, please call Michelle Hookano at (808) or visit 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.

7 Page 7 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