Posts Tagged ‘Kauai’

Kauai Condos: Taking a History Lesson Before Your Visit Gives Perspective Few Have

If you’re opting to rent or buy one of the many beautiful Kauai condos, you likely already know that you are treating yourself to residence on one of the most beautiful and unique places on Earth. That said, you’d be surprised how many people visit this incredible Garden Isle paradise without truly understanding the historical context of how it came to be what it is today. Taking the time to understand that context will enrich your experience on Kauai, no matter how long you plan to stay!

The landscape diversity under the foundations of your Kauai condo

Like all the Hawaiian islands, Kaua’i was made by volcanoes pushing up, out of the sea. As the oldest island in the chain, its mountain tops don’t boast the height or size of its younger neighbors on the Big Island, but there is one claim to fame that sets Kauai apart from anywhere else: The eastern slopes of Kauai’s second highest mountain, Mount Wai’ale’ale, are one of the wettest spots on Earth – with over 460 inches of rain per yer!

Don’t worry though. Living on Kaua’i doesn’t mean you’ll be drenched all the time. Kaua’i actually has seven different distinct micro climates ranging from dry desert to tropical rain forest – which means that you have a wide range of climates to pick from when choosing where to rent or buy your Kauai condo or vacation home.

Understanding your lineage as a Kauai homeowner

Culturally, Kauai is very diverse as well. The Marquesans are believed to be the island’s first inhabitants, arriving from Polynesia around 400 A.D. 600 years later, the Tahitians arrived and overpowered the locals who called the island home. Much of the plant life, as well as the chickens that are ancestors to the scourge you currently see in Kauai, were originally brought by the Polynesian peoples.  

This island’s ruler, Kaumuali’i, managed to twice thwart invasion from King Kamehameha, even going so far as to negotiate with the Russians in an effort to maintain independence. He finally ceded Kaua’i on his deathbed to the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1824 in order to avoid further bloodshed.

The first well recorded European contact came in 1778 when Captain Cook landed in Waimea Bay. Starting in the mid-18th century, sugar plantations were Kauai’s most important industry, and opened the way for the waves of immigrants, whose ancestors make up Kauai’s multicultural population today.

Kauai originally had its own dialect, thought to be closer to its Polynesian origins than the other islands, and managed independence for so long in part because of its 1000-ft cliffs ringing the Na Pali Coast, a place that is accessible only by hiking, boat or helicopter even today!

Today, buying or renting Kauai condos means that you will take part in a line of paradise-seeking people dating back over a thousand years. Each era has left its mark, and if you understand what you’re looking at, there is nothing quite like hiking the Na Pali Coast or standing at an overlook on Waimea Canyon and envisioning history unfolding on this Eden-like island in the middle of the Pacific!

Breathe In The Air Of Peace When Buying Kauai Real Estate

With such a gorgeous island as Kauai, finding the perfect area to buy real estate will all end up with what you expect once you start your island living lifestyle. The different areas of the island have varying amounts of rainfall, attractions, destinations etc. If you are looking for that conventional feel of island living, then the south coast of Kauai is the place for you to settle. The south shore offers white sand beaches, party and social getaways, unlimited swimming and unending days of waking up with a warm sunshine.
Here’s a little prelude to what’s in store for you in the south shore.

If I decided to settle here, what cities are nearby?

While regional divisions vary, in general the south shore is considered to begin south of the main transportation city, Lihu’e, and end east of the artsy town of Hanapepe. Along the beach between these cities you’ll encounter the glamorous and dynamic resort town of Po’ipu and the historic Koloa town, which was built around Hawaii’s very first sugar mill plantation.

Upcountry, on the road between Lihu’e and Hanapepe, you’ll pass through the small village of Oma’o and the larger settlement of Kalaheo, home of the National Tropical Botanical Garden, a U.S. Congress-chartered reserve where you’ll find thousands of species found throughout the tropics gathered together. Kalaheo is home to Kaua’i Coffee Company, the largest coffee company in the U.S.

Are there available social activities on the South Shore if I bough property there?

The south coast is famous for its tranquil waters and high grade ocean conditions. You’ll find some of the best snorkeling and diving on the island at Po’ipu Beach Park, which is also the site of the occasional surfing and body boarding competitions. West from Po’ipu, you’ll come across Spouting Horn Beach Park where you can see a geyser of water shoot into the air as the waves come crashing into the lave tube found there.

The south shore brags about having a couple of PGA-class golf courses, tennis courts and a breathtaking view of the sunset at the cliff tops at Mahaulepu which can be reached by hiking, biking or horseback riding.

Music coming from different genre available and dining choices from fast food to international cuisine is easy to locate.

Kauai real estate for sale on the south shore may well be some of the sunniest and beautiful property you can buy, and with so many options for ways to spend your time, it’ll be hard to get bored while you explore your new community.

Kauai Condos: Learn The History, Feel The Present, Wonder About The Future

If you’re opting to rent or buy one of the many beautiful Kauai condos, you likely already know that you are treating yourself to residence on one of the most beautiful and unique places on Earth. That said, you’d be surprised how many people visit this incredible Garden Isle paradise without truly understanding the historical context of how it came to be what it is today. Taking the time to understand that context will enrich your experience on Kauai, no matter how long you plan to stay!

The landscape diversity under the foundations of your Kauai condo

Like all the Hawaiian islands, Kaua’i was made by volcanoes pushing up, out of the sea. As the oldest island in the chain, its mountain tops don’t boast the height or size of its younger neighbors on the Big Island, but there is one claim to fame that sets Kauai apart from anywhere else: The eastern slopes of Kauai’s second highest mountain, Mount Wai’ale’ale, are one of the wettest spots on Earth – with over 460 inches of rain per yer!

Don’t worry though. Kaua’i is not all rain. Kaua’i actually has seven different distinct micro climates ranging from dry desert to tropical rain forest – Giving you a lot of options in terms of weather variations in the process of selecting the perfect Kauai vacation home or condo to lease or purchase.

Understanding your lineage as a Kauai homeowner

Culturally, Kauai is very diverse as well. The Marquesans are believed to be the island’s first inhabitants, arriving from Polynesia around 400 A.D. 600 years later, the Tahitians arrived and overpowered the locals who called the island home. Much of the plant life, as well as the chickens that are ancestors to the scourge you currently see in Kauai, were originally brought by the Polynesian peoples.

This island’s ruler, Kaumuali’i, managed to twice thwart invasion from King Kamehameha, even going so far as to negotiate with the Russians in an effort to maintain independence. In 1824, Kaua’i was formally surrendered upon his death to the Kingdom of Hawaii to shun further atrocities.

The first well recorded European contact came in 1778 when Captain Cook landed in Waimea Bay. Starting in the mid-18th century, sugar plantations were Kauai’s most important industry, and opened the way for the waves of immigrants, whose ancestors make up Kauai’s multicultural population today.

Kauai originally had its own dialect, thought to be closer to its Polynesian origins than the other islands, and managed independence for so long in part because of its 1000-ft cliffs ringing the Na Pali Coast, a place that is accessible only by hiking, boat or helicopter even today!

Today, buying or renting Kauai condos means that you will take part in a line of paradise-seeking people dating back over a thousand years. Each era has left its mark, and if you understand what you’re looking at, there is nothing quite like hiking the Na Pali Coast or standing at an overlook on Waimea Canyon and envisioning history unfolding on this Eden-like island in the middle of the Pacific!

Kauai Vacation 2010

Last January I spent a two week vacation on Kauai, mostly around Hanalei. I shot this on my little Canon G9 digital camera that has a movie function. Through many trials and complications I narrowed three and a half hours of video down to about nine minutes. The music track is my creation. This is just one small slice of the lovely possibilities on Kauai. Aloha!

Going Green: Featuring the Magnificent Kauai Gardens

Kauai is called the “Garden Isle” because of its vast tropical treasures and plant life. You get to see some very rare flora in different spots of the island as well as the most important ones in famous parks and tended gardens. 3 of the 5 national botanical gardens are actually located in the island containing indigenous and ancient vegetation dating back since its earliest days. Here are the best Kauai gardens. The National Tropical Botanical Gardens The 3 national tropical botanical gardens are namely Limahuli Garden & Preserve, Allerton Garden and McBryde Garden. Limahuli Garden & Preserve features about 1,000 acres of gardens in the Limahuli Valley on the north shore of the island. Allerton Garden features over 100 acres of oceanfront gardens in the Lawai Valley on the south shore of the island. McBryde Garden several endangered Hawaiian plant and animal species. Limahuli Garden & Preserve is open all week from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. except on Monday and Saturday. You get to see the high peaks created by thousands of years of rain and wind. A guided tour for 2 to 2.5 hours or a self-guided tour for 1 to 1.5 hours will take you through 17 acres of garden and rainforest showing the natural beauty and riches of Kauai. Taro continues to thrive on very old lava rock terraces. Some native plants in the Kauai garden were actually brought by Polynesian explorers thousands of years ago. It is ideal to bring walking shoes, mosquito repellent and hat or umbrella. Allerton Garden is a landscaped estate location presenting special collections of Polynesian herbal plants, coffee varieties, breadfruit cultivars, native Hawaiian plants, palms and erythrinas. Guided tours last 2.5 hours including a 15-minute tram ride and an easy walk for 1 mile. The Kauai garden is open for tours from Monday to Saturday. It is recommended to bring walking shoes, mosquito repellent and hats. The McBryde Garden has some research and conservation collections as well as a laboratory where experts continue to study the various benefits of different native Hawaiian plants. The garden is located at Lawai Valley offering self-guided tours lasting 1.5 hours including a 15-minute tram ride plus a moderate walk for 1 mile. The garden is open from Monday to Saturday and visitors are advised to bring walking shoes, mosquito repellent, hats and bottled water. Other Great Gardens of Kauai Smith’s Tropical Paradise features 30 acres of fruits, flowers and other native Hawaiian vegetation in the Wailua River Valley plus a captivating backdrop of fish-filled lagoons. Kukuiolono Park is found on Papalina Road, Kalaheo on the grounds of the Kukuiolono Public Golf Course. The park is just adjacent to the golf course featuring Hawaiian legend stones, panoramic views of valleys, peaks, rainforests and the coast and a mini Japanese Garden. The place is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. with no entrance fee. Na ’Aina Kai Botanical Gardens is located at Wailapa Road, Kilauea which is a 240-acre Kauai garden containing unique garden scenes, water features, hardwood plantation, beach and over 90 bronze statues. You also get to see the beautiful orchid collection and miniature ahupua’a. Tours are available from Tuesday through Friday all-year-round. Moir Gardens at Poipu is found on the grounds of the Outrigger Kiahuna Plantation which used to be the estate of Hawaii’s first sugar plantation manager. Moir Gardens publicly opened in 1954 showcasing orchids, water lily ponds, cactus and succulents.

How To Have A Kauai Getaway – On A Budget

So you want to visit Kauai, Hawaii, one of the most beautiful places on the earth, but it just doesn’t seem possible financially. I’ve been there and it is certainly worth the visit, so it is just a matter of figuring out how to make it happen.

As you plan your getaway to Kauai, Hawaii, it would be wise to think about the best times of year to travel. I’m not talking about the weather; I’m talking about traveling during the least expensive time of the year. Numerous people dream of taking a vacation in Hawaii, and while the location of the islands makes it a gorgeous spot all year, there are periods of the year to vacation that are significantly less costly than others. If you know when to travel and different opportunities to save money, you should be able to have an incredible Hawaiian getaway on a budget.

Here are some examples. During the fall, when school has just gone back, is a great moment to travel because typically, airfares and hotel is less expensive. The low-season in Kauai is mid September through mid December and January through May. During the high-season air, car rental and hotel tend to go up, especially in the summer months. Many times this period of time can be full months in advance. Because of this, you should getaway during the low-season when you can get a bigger savings. What are some of the other benefits of traveling “off-season”? Well, consider not having to share the small island with as many people or the exceptional weather that they have in Kauai year round. Seeing as Hawaii is one of the best locales for sunshine and vacation activities all year, there is not a compelling rationale not to visit in the off-season.

Beyond the considerable savings on your accommodations and airfare, here are a few other opportunities to keep the cash in your wallet.

More Ways to Save in Kauai

Rent a vacation home rental

Most people choose hotels in Kauai to enjoy for their vacation getaway. However, this is a more costly route and they don’t present the same comforts and privacy that a villa or condo could offer. In additional, hotels in Kauai are extremely costly, considerably more so than an equivalent cost of renting a condo or home for a week or more. There are a tremendous amount of villas, homes and condos to rent on Kauai with amenities like ocean front view, tons of extra’s, luxury kitchens, and so much more. in addition, there are villas, cottages and homes you could rent with anywhere from one to 8 bedrooms or more, accomadating just about any size group that you can bring with you.

Should you have an interest in renting a Kauai vacation home or villa, there are many places online that you can search to find a tremendous amount of options offered. This will allow you to locate the options that are the perfect size, with all the options you would like, without destroying that pocketbook. Don’t forget that when you take your vacation will be key in how expensive, or inexpensive, it will be. Try to figure out a time to visit in the off-season when it will cost less than if you go in the middle of the primary travel season for Kauai.

Finally, consider other options while preparing and taking you Kauai vacation. Don’t eat out every meal if you don’t have it in the budget as that can get expensive. When you get to the island, visit the grocery store, pick up the items that you need to help keep you and the family fed for however long you are going to be on the island. Eating out 3 times a day gets expensive. The beauty of a vacation home rental is that you typically have a kitchen and a full size refrigerator. Eating out only one time every one to two days can save you hundreds of dollars over a week’s time. Other ideas for cost savings are searching the web for travel discounts, being careful not to get the shopping bug while on the island and maybe just find a few keepsakes of your vacation.

If you put these things into practice for your Kauai getaway, it can potentially save you thousands of dollars over just a 7-14 day trip.

Living Large In Your New Kauai Home

The North Shore of Kauai is full of benefits if you choose to buy a home there. Beautiful golf courses, snorkeling, kayaking, hiking and bird watching, are just a few of the fantastic draws to this area, not to mention lovely botanical gardens and great restaurants. Check out what else you’ll get when you purchase on this side of the island.

Kaua’i Homes and Climate Considerations

The north shore temperatures hang around the mid-70s pretty much all year and are marked by regular rains that keep the area lush, green and very tropical. Nightime produces most of our rainfall, but in general the conditions vary all over the island all day every day and if you want a change in weather, just head over a few miles in either direction and you’ll find it.

Activities Available to North Shore Kaua’i Home Owners

The neat thing about living on the north shore of Kaua’i is the mix of rural charm with urban amenities. You’ve got access to beaches such as Tunnels Beach, which boasts a reef so big it can be seen from space (which also translates into some GREAT snorkeling), Queen’s Bath which allows you a soak in a natural bath carved out of a lava shelf when conditions are right, Kalihiwai Beach which offers prime swimming for kids and Ke?e Beach which is not only an excellent place to bring the family but also serves as both the starting point for the famous Kalalau Trail along the Na Pali Coast, as well as the access point to the Kaulu Paoa heiau (temple) which has been used as a hula school for over 1,000 years.

There are so many reasons to own property near the Na Pali Coast, including its 11-mile trail and super high cliffs.

There are also natural wonders such as the Kilauea Lighthouse, constructed with the largest hand-blown clamshell lens in the world in 1913 on the Hawaiian Islands’ northern most point, as well as Limahuli Garden which is a fascinating 1000-acre preserve rated as the best natural botanical garden in the U.S.

And finally, you have the coolest little town of Hanalei mixed with the amazing resort town of Princeville where you?be able to quench any thirst you have for sports and leisure such as tennis, golf and of course, great restaurants and shopping.

Truly, the north shore of Kauai offers some of the best property on the island, so when scouting Kauai homes for sale, make sure this little gem is at the top of your list!