by JP on October 26, 2011
Anahola Granola is among my favorite Kauai made products. Its tropical flavor and homemade goodness has also become popular with our Kauai vacation rental guests.
While their business has grown over the past 25 years, Anahola Granola is still handmade one cookie sheet at a time. Recently I met up with Becky who started Anahola Granola from scratch. The smell of toasting grains and nuts in the oven while we talked was too good to pass up.
If you’ve ever made granola you know that it’s time consuming and requires frequent stirring while baking. Becky and her team mix all of the ingredients by hand in small quantities. Locally sourced products are used whenever possible including honey from the Big Island.
On the Anahola Granola website you can read more about Becky and her passion for baking. Becky moved to Kauai in 1982 and started selling her granola at local holiday fairs in 1986. It caught on and now her popular Anahola Granola is sold throughout the islands and Costco stores on Oahu, Big Island and Kauai.
If you’re craving Anahola Granola after reading this, it may be a good time to enter our Facebook giveaway for a basket of your favorite Kauai treats. We’ll be drawing a lucky winner on October 31, 2011.
What locally made Kauai foods do you like to eat on your Hawaii vacation?
by JP on October 12, 2011
Four times a year we showcase a Kauai farmer’s market and tell you what’s in season. Our tips on what to buy will give you the best taste of the island to enjoy in your Kauai vacation rental.
Featured for fall is the Kauai Culinary Market at The Shops at Kukuiula, held every Wednesday from 4pm to 6pm.
Located South Shore at the Poipu roundabout near our soon to be announced Kukuiula Vacation Rental Collection, this upscale market recently celebrated its first anniversary. It’s a feast for the senses and everything here is Kauai made or grown. At 5pm you can watch a live cooking demonstration from a popular chef and share recipes. There’s also a beer and wine garden for pau hana (after work). The mood here is festive with live island music and ocean breezes.
Fall Produce Tips
It’s the end of the season for papaya and pineapples. Get them while you can. Even a green papaya will ripen as long as it has some yellow. My best tip for pineapple is to choose by smell, golden color and some softness when pressed.
In Season: Citrus fruits like lemons, tangelos and grapefruit are popular. Guavas are delicious and great for jam. I’m also enjoying the many varieties of local avocados.
My Two Seasonal Favorites: Starfruit and Atemoya.
Starfruit should be orange color and not pale or washed out. Pass if you see dark or soft spots which indicate over ripeness. Bright orange is brighter taste. I like to slice it into thin star shapes and serve on breakfast cereal.
Atemoya has the sweetest taste and comes in every shape or size. It’s ripe when it feels like a soft like peach. Watch out for the black seeds inside. It’s messy to eat but the flavor is over the top.
What are your favorites?
by JP on September 18, 2011
Shopping at roadside produce stands is popular with locals and our Kauai vacation rental guests. You can buy locally grown foods and flowers at bargain prices.
It’s a good idea to carry small bills and change with you for these impromptu stops. Many stands run on the honor system. You just add up the cost of your purchases and leave the money in a box.
One thing on my list when I stop is a fresh Hawaii pineapple. The white low acid variety is a personal favorite but I like the yellow too. At a roadside stand I’ll pay between $2 and $4 for each one.
There are three things I look for when selecting a pineapple. If it’s hard as a rock I’ll pass. The pineapple needs to have a golden color and fragrant smell.
Tip: Pineapples are on the USDA list of agricultural items permitted to leave Hawaii. As long as there are no bugs, soft spots or holes you can take them home to the mainland. It makes for a perfect souvenir. If the pineapple is going to be a gift, I’ll attach a photo of the stand where it was purchased for the recipient to see.
The photo in this post was taken at a friend’s garden. Pineapples grow easily on Kauai. We save the crown of the pineapple and place on the ground under weed cloth. Two years later it’s ready to harvest.
If you have a favorite Kauai roadside stand or tips on choosing the right pineapple, be sure to leave a comment.
The best Kauai golf deal has the richest ocean views for under ten dollars. Just a 15 minute drive from our Poipu vacation rentals, Kukuiolono is an island favorite and Kauai’s second oldest course.
The local name for this decent mid-length, nine hole public course, is “Kooks.” I like its laid back atmosphere and no scheduled tee time. When I’m ready to play I just show up. If there’s a wait, I’ll hit a coffee can or two worth of balls. The driving range is one of the most scenic on Kauai and has views of the island of Niihau.
If your game is rusty when you arrive, Kooks will be a great warm-up to Kauai’s signature holes. Because of the price and ultra-wide fairways, it’s beginner and family-friendly. As more visitors find this secret value course, they want us to keep things moving along and pick up after 8 shots.
Several years ago the Kooks team put the course through a facelift with new traps and replanting of greens with Seashore Paspalum grass. It improved the greens markedly.
Kukuiolono History: Built in 1928 on Walter McBryde’s estate, the course became public when he died in 1930. McBryde bequeathed the 178 acre park to the people of Kauai. You can tip your cap to McBryde at his grave near the 8th tee. The Japanese garden you’ll see was his pride and joy.
Address/Phone: 854 Puu Road, Kalaheo. 808-332-9151.
Pay $9.00 for each of the following: green fees for the day, power cart for 9 holes and club rentals if you need.
Golf Pro: Pat Hunt, born and raised on Kauai, is one of the most respected instructors on the island.
Hungry after golf? They have the best burgers on island with grass-fed beef.
If you’ve played Kooks on your Kauai vacation, we invite you to share your best tips with us.
Kaiola Women's Team Arriving Poipu Beach
Our south shore Kauai vacation rental guests had a perfect view of Paddle Fest this past weekend. Under a blue Hawaii sky they watched outrigger teams from around Kauai compete in this 12 mile race from Kalapaki Beach to Poipu.
I was among the 150 participants. Joining me were men and women of all ages and backgrounds. Some paddled alone on their OC-1 and others like me were on six person canoe teams.
Before starting the race we held hands to unite each of us mentally and spiritually. Once in our canoes the first challenge was Carter Point. This is the Cape you see just before landing at Lihue airport. The ocean is rough here and it’s a wild ride until you’re on the other side going towards Poipu.
The outrigger teaches each of us about teamwork and pulling together. Not only do we compete, each team actively supports local charities like the Kauai Food Bank.
Close to the finish line there was a school of dolphins greeting us. Our teams placed second overall in both men’s and women’s competition. Congratulations everyone!
After the race, we paddled back to our home base at Kukui’ula Harbor and once our canoes were back on dry land, we pointed them towards the water. The early Hawaiians did this out of respect for the canoe and its spirit. Then it was time to celebrate at Poipu Beach with all of the participants, their families and friends.
If you’d like to know more about this sport, I invite you to read my post called, Outrigger Paddling 101.
While you’re on island try one of the many ocean sports on Kauai from surfing to stand up paddle boarding. Our complimentary guest concierge service can help plan your activity.
North or South. When you choose your Kauai vacation rental which shore do you prefer? Here’s your chance to pick your favorite side of the island and to share your reasons why.
To help our first time guests to Kauai, I’m offering my five tips on how to choose the Kauai paradise that’s just right for you.
First Tip: Compromise if you can and split your stay on both shores.
This is an easy solution that may work. You’ll have more time at the beach and less time on the road. The drive between Hanalei and Poipu can take up to 90 minutes each way.
Second Tip: Consider the seasonal wave.
Do you like flat surf or waves? South Shore has larger waves in Summer and the North Shore can exceed 30 feet in winter.
Third Tip: Weather conditions.
Poipu is usually sunny throughout the year and North Shore weather is somewhat more variable. Temperature is generally warm and sunny year round and island wide.
Fourth Tip: Activities on both shores are similar and also unique.
Golf: You’ll find no shortage of world class golf courses, both public and private.
Beaches: Hanalei was ranked Number 1 in the US by Dr. Beach in 2010. Just one look and you’ll see why. Poipu is equally famous with its white sand beaches, snorkeling and diving. It’s a great place for kids of all ages and ranked a Top 10 Beach by The Travel Channel.
Gardens: On the North Shore, visit the Limahuli Garden and Preserve. Or stop at Na ‘?ina Kai Botanical Garden-Kauai. On the South Shore you’ll find the exquisite Allerton and McBryde Gardens, where Jurassic Park was filmed.
Hiking: Na Pali on the North Shore and Mahualepu on the South will keep day hikers busy. The Westside also offers renowned hiking spots at Waimea and Kokee State Parks.
Fifth Tip: Do you relate more to the North or South shore vibe?
North Shore is rural and relaxed. Edged by miles of golden sand and nestled against lush emerald mountains. Explore sleepy Hanalei town or you may find yourself standing still just to absorb it all. There’s also Princeville and its Halele`a Spa. Take the challenge and see who can count the most waterfall tracks on the valley walls.
South Shore: Old Koloa town offers quaint shops in historic plantation buildings while Poipu offers world class golf, tennis, walking trails, designer shops, Anara Spa and superlative dining. Newly opened Kukuiula Village is a Mecca of upscale stores and unique dining opportunities.
Now it’s your turn to comment and add your favorite tips. We’d enjoy hearing from you. And no matter what best suits your needs, we look forward to warmly welcoming you with Aloha at The Parrish Collection Kauai.
