Hawaii - Jeff Campbell [404]
May Day Lei Contest & Fair (245-6931; www.kauaimuseum.org) Established in the early 1980s, the annual Kaua′i Museum lei contest on May 1 spawns legendary floral art.
Kaua′i Polynesian Festival (335-6466; www.kauaipolynesianfestival.org) This four-day event in late May features rockin’ competitions in expert Tahitian, Maori, Samoan and hula dancing, plus food booths and cultural workshops, held at various locations.
Fourth of July Concert in the Sky (246-2440) Enjoy island foods, entertainment and a fireworks show set to music at Vidinha Stadium (Map), from 3pm to 9pm.
Kaua′i County Farm Bureau Fair (332-8189) Old-fashioned family fun at Vidinha Stadium (Map) in late August, with carnival rides and games, livestock show, petting zoo, hula performances and lots of local-food booths.
Aloha Festivals Ho′olaule′a & Parade (245-8508; www.alohafestivals.com) This statewide event in early September starts on Kaua′i with a parade from Vidinha Stadium (Map) to the county building lawn. The ho′olaule′a (celebration) includes an appearance by the royal court.
Kaua′i Composers Contest & Concert (822-2166; www.mokihana.kauai.net) The signature event of the Kaua′i Mokihana Festival, this contest in mid- to late September showcases homegrown musical talent.
‘Kaua′i Style’ Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival (239-4336; www.slackkeyfestival.com) Held in mid-November, this opportunity to see master slack key guitarists for free is not to be missed.
Lights on Rice Parade (246-1004) Disney had its Main Street Electrical Parade. Kaua′i has this charming parade of illuminated floats in early December.
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SLEEPING
Lihu′e’s sleeping options are limited mostly to a few hotels, from the high-end Marriott to no-frills motels in the nondescript town center. Unlike on the Eastside, few B&Bs and inns operate in residential neighborhoods. For vacation-rental homes, contact Kauai Vacation Rentals (Map;245-8841; 800-367-5025; www.kauaivacationrentals.com; 3-3311 Kuhio Hwy), where owner Lucy Kawaihalau is one of the island’s most experienced and dedicated rental agents.
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LIVE & LET LIVE
Before you get too annoyed at the thousands of wild chickens on Kaua′i, try to understand their backstory. The first chickens to populate Hawaii were jungle fowl (moa), introduced by the first Polynesians. These vividly colored birds later cross-bred with domestic chickens brought by Westerners. During plantation days, Kaua′i’s wild-chicken population was kept in check by field fires (a regular event before harvest, to allow more efficient reaping). However, when the sugar industry went bust in the 1980s, the chicken population boomed.
When Hurricane ′Iwa and Hurricane ′Iniki struck in 1982 and 1992 respectively, they obliterated the cages of Kaua′i’s fighting cocks, adding even more chickens to the wild. With no mongoose or snake population to prey on fowl, wild chickens proliferated.
You’ll see them perched in trees, running across fields, roaming parking lots and otherwise strutting their stuff across the island. Most locals have adopted an attitude of acceptance toward the chickens, but warn of their lolo (crazy) schedules: instead of crowing only at dawn, they cock-a-doodle-doo at random times and seem confused by a full moon or any late-night light. Before you book accommodations, ask whether there are chickens living within earshot. Or just wear earplugs.
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Kaua′i Palms Hotel (Map; 246-0908; www.kauaipalmshotel.com; 2931 Kalena St; r from $75-85; office 7am-8pm; ) The island version of Motel 6, Kaua′i Palms is Lihu′e’s best budget option. The 28 rooms include fridge, cable TV and windows on opposite walls to allow cooling cross-breezes. Pay more for rooms with kitchenettes and air-con. Wi-fi guaranteed only in lobby.