The Parrish Collection Kauai Island Vacation Homes

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Kauai Events

Our enchanting island is one of the last places on earth to see the year end. If you’re on Kauai for New Year’s Eve get ready for a dazzling firework display in the tropical night sky. Our Kauai vacation rental guests can join the revelry at Poipu Beach Park.

Fireworks in Hawaii have become a tradition to ring in a prosperous New Year with a loud bang heard across the Pacific. Parrish Kauai is pleased to be one of the lead sponsors for this annual celebration with the Poipu Beach Resort Association and other local businesses.

The big event starts with four hours of live music by Revival, Sashamon, Papa`a Bay Boys and Alyson’s Anthem starting at 5pm. After a magical Kauai sunset the crowds will gather for the firework show at 9:15pm. Food is available for purchase or plan a memorable night of Kauai dining at South Shore restaurants like Red Salt and Tortilla Republic. Our guest concierge can check seating times for you. Another option is to search on Open Table for choices remaining on this popular evening.

If you decide to buy fireworks to have your own show, please protect our island and ocean by removing any firework debris when you’re through. Fireworks are popular in local neighborhoods too and the sky at midnight can be a mixture of noise, smoke and color seen around the island.

Wherever you celebrate New Year’s Eve you can keep Aloha in your heart and wish everyone Hau`oli Makahiki Hou. “Makahiki” means year in Hawaiian and refers to an ancient four month celebration of resting and feasting. I think that’s what everyone will be doing on New Year’s Day!

“Hau `oli Makahiki Hou” to you from all of us at The Parrish Collection Kauai.

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Christmas-in-Hawaii

“Santa’s Gone Kauaian” with the start of our tropical holiday season. If you’re on island this month, there are many celebrations to enjoy along with your Kauai vacation rental.

Did you know…the very first Christmas in Hawaii happened on Kauai in 1786, when a team of British explorers landed at Waimea. These first high season travelers celebrated Christmas on the ship while the Hawaiians were observing Makahiki, a festival during the winter solstice.

Christmas in the islands today is a festive mix of island cultures and traditions. Expect to see palm trees lit, favorite Aloha wear, beautiful lei, and hear carols sung with ukulele. It’s also a great time for families to gather at our popular Kauai beaches for barbecues. Even if you can’t be on island during the holidays, it’s easy to celebrate in spirit by listening to your favorite Hawaii music and sharing Aloha with others.

christmas-on-kauaiOne of my favorite traditions is the month long Festival of Lights at the Historic County Building in Lihue.

Inside you’ll find trees decorated with recycled items. I guarantee you’ll leave with many new ideas. An empty can of SPAM is one of the fun ornaments. Decorate the outside of the tin, add a stuffed toy and then hang from the tree. Other ornaments include a child’s flip-flop decorated with glitter and Taiko drums made from two bottle caps held together with duct tape. This tradition started over 50 years go by the late Auntie Josie and has been the Festival of Lights the past 15 years. Free candy canes and a visit with Santa included. Weekends through December 24 from 6-8pm.

Other events happening: An evening parade down the main street of Waimea, Kauai Christmas Hula with 75 dancers participating, a Winter Festival in Hanapepe, the sounds of Kauai Sings! and popular holiday music from entertainer Willie K. For a complete list of these activities and more, check out Kauai Festivals.

Hanukkah this year coincides with the Christmas holiday. The Jewish Community of Kauai invites everyone to their festival. You’ll light a menorah, play the dreidel and enjoy traditional latkes when you join them on the evening of December 20, at St. Michael’s Church in Lihue.

Poipu Beach Park is the place to gather for New Year’s Eve. We’re one of the sponsors of the annual firework extravaganza organized by the  Poipu Beach Resort Association. It’s going to be a fantastic event that I hope you can attend.

What are your holiday plans? We wish you Merry Christmas, Mele Kalikimaka and Happy Hanukkah!

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fireworks-2011If you are staying at one of The Parrish Collection’s great Kauai vacation rentals during this July 4th weekend, be sure to check out these two main firework celebrations. You will find everything from the traditional American celebrations to local Hawaiian entertainment, food, games.

July 1st - The Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) on Kauai’s Westside hosts its Stars and Stripes Pre-Independence Day celebration from 5-11pm.

This free event, open to the public, is held on the grounds of PMRF’s Shenanigans restaurant. Featuring live music and other entertainment, food, crafts and keiki games.

A wonderful fireworks show is scheduled at 8:30 pm.

How to Reach PMRF: Take Kaumualii Highway (Route 50) west and watch for signage (entrance at mile marker 30).

Important Note: All vehicles will be subject to search, and there will be no outside food or beverages, coolers, tents, pets, or personal fireworks allowed. Beach chairs, towels, and umbrellas are okay. For additional information, please call 808.335.4346.

July 4th - The 22nd Annual Concert in the Sky in Lihue featuring Na Leo, 4pm to 9:30pm.

Kauai Hospice hosts their annual fundraiser at the Vidinha Soccer Field. Events include keiki games, food, and entertainment as well as Kauai’s largest fireworks show.

Tip: You can save money if you purchase tickets in advance. Prices are $10 for adults $5 for keiki (free under the age of 5) and are available until July 3rd at all Big Save Markets, Menehune Food Marts and the Kauai Hospice.

Tickets at the gate will cost $15 for adults and $7 for keiki.

Vidinha Soccer Field is located in Lihue next to the Vidinha Stadium. For additional information, please call 808.245.7277.

Have a safe Fourth of July Celebration and be sure to use a designated driver.

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Prince Kuhio Celebration on Kauai

by JP on March 6, 2011

Prince Jonah Kuhio KalanianaoleHonoring Kauai native son Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole Piikoi is occasion for a week-long festival March 19-27, 2011, mostly on Kauai’s South Shore.

Events include many hands-on cultural education offerings, music and hula performances, plenty of chances to eat ono (delicious) Hawaiian food, a Hawaiian outrigger canoe race and even an amateur boxing match. Many events are free. Venues include the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa, Prince Kuhio Park; Kukuiula Village, Plantation Gardens and Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club on the South Shore; and the Kauai Beach Resort and Kauai Veteran’s Memorial Hall in Lihue. [click to continue…]

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Kauai Celebrates Locally Grown Foods

by JP on November 1, 2010

kauai-food-festivalOn November 14, 2010, the 2nd Annual Garden Island Range & Food Festival will celebrate Kauai’s farmers and chefs who will be creating and preparing healthy and nutritious foods. The Kauai Food Festival will emphasize eating local and will present locally produced agricultural products through social, cultural and scientific exchanges. This is a chance for visitors and residents alike to meet the producers of Kauai grown foods and to sample their delicious products.

When: Sunday November 14th, 2010, 11 am-2 pm
Where: Kilohana Luau, Lihue
Cost: $35 for Adults, $17.50 for Children (under 5 free)
More Info: www.kauaifoodfestival.com

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Kauai Heritage PropertiesWhy would someone willingly rise and shine at 5:00 am on a Sunday morning?  To volunteer at Kauai Heritage Properties‘ Finish Line Aid Station for the 2010 Kauai Marathon and the awe inspiring Kauai sunrise. This year’s slogan was “Come for the Race. Stay for the Paradise”. Kauai is quickly drawing National attention for this relatively new annual event with articles such as last month’s featured “Race of The Month” in the August/September ‘10 edition of Runner’s World magazine. The locals are supporting this amazing race across some of the most beautiful sites on the island in Sunny Poipu, breath taking mountains to the North and white-sand beaches to South by offering top quality accommodations for the participants and their families. It is no wonder this is becoming a “must do” on the marathon runners’ racing circuit. [click to continue…]

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