kauai

Catch a Glimpse of Ancient Hawaiian Culture in Torch Lighting Ceremony 

The muscular native Kauaiian, dressed in traditional garb, slowly raised a scalloped conch shell to his lips as the audience at the Marriott Beach Resort held their breath in silent anticipation. A trumpet-like fanfare filled the air at the natural beachfront stage where ocean waves rushed to meet the sandy shore. An attractive female native, in a flowing Polynesian skirt, green leafy leis, and Kukui nut shell necklace, sat nearby on the grassy knoll. Gentle drum beats engaged melodic songs swaying the beautiful sinuous hula dancer to her feet. Rhythmic hip movements, accompanied by floating hand gestures, matched the drumming performance. Together they seemed to cast a magical flow that touched each heart. As the history unfolded, the contemporary hula dance of Kahiko (ancient) told a story that left an imprint on all who caught a glimpse of this exceptional dance form. 

Dining Outside the Home: La Spezia Restaurant and Wine Bar in Old Kōloa Town, Kauai

Dining Outside the Home: La Spezia Restaurant and Wine Bar in Old Kōloa Town, Kauai!  Authentic cuisine is served Italian-style all week long, but it’s Sunday Brunch that grabs the attention. Choose your poison: the Bloody Mary Bar, Sparkling Champagne Mimosa, or an extended wine list that is nonstop. If the tables are full, no worries. Grab a seat at the bar. There’s never a dull moment in the midst of conversation. Breakfast entrees include Brie French Toast, Prosciutto Panini, or Three Egg Omelette along with a plethora of limitless menu selections. The hollandaise sauce on the Eggs Benedict is numero uno, in my opinion. I practically licked the plate clean! Relax in the cozy atmosphere and embrace the island atmosphere. Then next time, go back for dinner. 

Dining Outside the Home: Tortilla Republic in Poipu, Kauai

Dining Outside the Home: Tortilla Republic in Poipu, Kauai!  There’s something about a cantina-like patio setting where sea breezes and warm sunshine are as therapeutic as the bartender’s handcrafted jalapeño margarita on the rocks. The salty corn tortilla chips compliment the salsa de mesa, for starters. The menu is spot on with organic produce and fresh ingredients. It’s easy to choose the bold favorites of pork carnitas in a bowl of kale, black beans, and rice. The tropical atmosphere partners well with Mexican classics. Hola Aloha!

Discover the Sandwich Islands 

Often you find yourself looking so hard for something that is standing in plain sight. The elusive Captain James Cook monument appeared right under our noses in the business district of Waimea Town. Knowing Cook was the first European to arrive upon Hawaiian soil in 1778, we had been logically searching for the historical marker near the water’s edge in a small county park during our previous visits. Suddenly, there he was standing erect between the parking lot and main road. Talk about feeling foolish. While Gerald kept the car running, I jumped out and snapped a couple of shots of the guy who named Kauai and Oahu “The Sandwich Islands”.