Even in this “leid-back” destination, there’s a lot happening this winter on Hawaii’s Garden Island, Kaua’i. Discover the latest happenings in Kaua‘i in this article from resort renovations to new dining options. Don’t miss out on these events this winter.
“Escape the winter weather and come experience the warmth of the Garden Island,” said Sue Kanoho, Executive Director of the Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau.
Kaua’i News
The Royal Sonesta Kaua‘i Resort Unveils Property Enhancements and Renovations
The Royal Sonesta Kaua‘i Resort recently unveiled a series of renovations. All rooms have been completely redesigned with contemporary island-inspired décor and eco-friendly materials. The resort’s expanded pool area now features new lounge chairs, cabanas and landscaping. Kukui’s, the resort’s signature restaurant, has been fully revamped with an updated menu and extended outdoor seating, while the new Royal Lanai offers grab-and-go breakfast, a full coffee bar and an evening sushi and cocktail bar. Other enhancements include a refreshed lobby, expanded fitness center and sustainability initiatives, such as solar energy panels and biodegradable products. To book your stay, visit www.Sonesta.com.
New Townhomes Available at Timbers Kaua‘i
Timbers Kaua‘i also has a new rental accommodation that debuted last fall, Lāola Nani, multi-level townhomes available for overnight stays. These homes come with expansive lanai as well as accordion style windows to completely open up the living area to the main lanai with a plunge pool. For more information, visit www.timberskauai.com/stay/laola-nani-residences/.
Lydgate Farms Launches Immersive Honey Farm & Tasting Tour
In addition to Lydgate Farms must-do Kaua‘i Chocolate Farm Tour, the owners have launched an immersive Hawaiian honey farm & tasting tour (complete with full bee suits for guests to wear). This two-hour experience goes from bees to hives to honey, and of course features tastings along the way–including honeycomb harvested right from the hive in front of guests. For more information, visit https://lydgatefarms.com.
Pā‘ina Series at Red Salt at Ko‘a Kea Resort
Kaua‘i native Chef Noelani Planas will continue a weekly pā‘ina (dinner) series at Red Salt, offering the chance for a small group of 14 guests to dine with her at golden hour. The specialty curated five-course Red Salt tasting menu is paired with wines from across the globe. The pā‘ina are staged at Red Salt’s oceanfront lanai allowing guests to take in breathtaking views of Po‘ipū Beach. For more information about Red Salt, visit www.koakea.com/red-salt.
Babymoon at Ko‘a Kea Resort
Koʻa Kea resort launched a brand-new babymoon package, designed to help soon-to-be parents relax and release any pre-baby jitters while embracing the resort’s calm setting. The package includes a pregnancy pillow, Koʻa Kea Resort branded onesie from Kyte Baby, belly balm, a reserved daybed at the oceanfront pool, Pregnancy Massage at The Spa at Koʻa Kea Resort, mocktail credit and an optional maternity photoshoot. For more information, visit www.koakea.com.
Waipā Foundation’s Cultural Foodways Program
Discover the rich history and deep connection between Hawaiian people and the ‘āina (land) through Waipā Foundation’s Cultural Foodways Program. Guests are invited to explore Waipā valley’s farms, gardens, and waterways, and participate in hands-on activities that contribute to the community’s food sustainability. The experience includes a continental breakfast upon arrival, tastings in the garden or lo‘i (taro patch), and a four-course lunch featuring fresh ingredients from Waipā’s gardens and orchards. The schedule for various programs, include:
- Tuesdays (9:00 AM – 12:30 PM): Introduction to the Ahupua‘a: Its Food Systems & Waterways
- Wednesdays (9:00 AM – 12:30 PM): Natives, Invasives, and Canoe Plants: Their History, Cultural Use & Significance
- Thursdays (9:00 AM – 12:30 PM): Kalo & Poi: The Versatile Superfood of Our People
For more information or to book your experience, visit https://waipafoundation.org.
Waimea Plantation Cottages 2025 Aloha Kai Special
Waimea Plantation Cottages’ 2025 Aloha Kai Special gets people up to 25% off a stay with a $25 gift certificate to the lobby gift shop. This limited-time offer applies to select one- to three-bedroom oceanfront and ocean-view plantation cottages. Each cottage accommodates up to six guests.The special is valid for stays from March 1 to December 18, 2025, with a minimum 3-night stay required. To reserve call (800) 716-6199 or visit www.waimeaplantationcottages.com.
KAUA’I EVENTS
Old Kapaʻa Town 1st Saturday Hoʻolaule‘a Multi-Cultural Celebration
Held every first Saturday of the month, from 5 to 9 p.m., this event features food, cultural performances, crafts and nonprofit vendors. The monthly celebration happens in the Old Kapaʻa Town area between Beachside Boutique on the north side of town and Paco’s Tacos on the south side along Kūhiō Highway, as well as the east end of Kukui Street and west end of Kauwila Street. For more information, visit KauaiFestivals.com.
Downtown Līhu‘e Night Market Every Second Saturday
With live performances from talented local musicians, craft food, and local creators, the Downtown Līhu‘e Night Market is the highlight of the Garden Island’s downtown area. Every second Saturday, take a stroll through Kress Street to shop and support local small businesses from across the island. With over 40 local vendors, featuring handmade specialties, jewelry, local wear and local food. For more information, visit www.downtownlihue.com.
E Kanikapila Kākou 2025, February 3-March 24, 2025
Celebrate 42 years of music, hula and stories of Hawai‘i at the annual E Kanikapila Kākou 2025. The eight week series begins Monday, February 5 at the OUTRIGGER Kaua‘i Beach Resort. Doors open at 5 p.m. with ‘ukulele and hula hour. The main program begins at 6 p.m. Enjoy live music each week kicking off with entertainer, singer and slack key virtuoso Makana as he performs an evening of the “golden era” taking you back in time to the heyday of Hawaiʻi’s legendary crooners, remembering icons like Alfred Apaka, Don Ho, Sonny Chillingworth, Kui Lee, The Kalima Brothers and more. To purchase tickets, visit http://EKK2025.eventbrite.com.
Kauaʻi Quilt Show & Boutique, February 7-19, 2025
Happening at the Kaua‘i Society of Artists Gallery in the Kukui Grove Center, the show will spotlight more than 70 local-crafted quilts, many of them available for purchase. A special Meet the Quilters Reception on February 7, from 5 to 7 p.m., opens the multiday event and offers attendees opportunities to meet and talk to quilt creators. Admission to the Kaua‘i Quilt Show and Boutique is free and proceeds from event sales support a Kauaʻi nonprofit of each quilt buyer’s choice. The show’s schedule also includes quilting workshops for attendees. The Kaua‘i Quilt Show will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit KauaiFestivals.com.
Waimea Town Celebration, February 15-23, 2025
Kaua‘i’s longest-running festival celebrates its 48th anniversary with nine days of music concerts, cultural events, competitions and tasty cuisine culminating with a two-dayho‘olaule‘a (celebration). Visitors and residents are welcome to experience the popular celebration in historic Waimea town. For more information, visitWaimeaTownCelebration.com.
KAUA‘I – HAWAI‘I’S ISLAND OF DISCOVERY
Also known as the Garden Island, Kaua‘i is green and lush with flora from mountain to ocean. The island offers more than 50 miles of white sand beach – adding up to more beach-per-mile than any island in Hawai‘i. Other Kaua‘i natural wonders include 3,567-foot-deep Waimea Canyon (often called The Grand Canyon of the Pacific) and the towering 3,000-foot sea cliffs of the Nāpali Coast.
Kaua‘i’s abundance of outdoor activities – which includes helicopter and boat tours, kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, mountain tubing, horseback riding, ATV adventures, and zip-line tours.
For information about Kaua‘i – Hawai‘i’s Island of Discovery – visit www.gohawaii.com/kauai, or call the Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau at (800) 262-1400. You can also follow updates about Kaua‘i on Twitter (@kauaidiscovery), Instagram (@kauaidiscovery) or by liking the Facebook page of the Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau.
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