Plans are in the works for Prince Kuhio Celebration Kauai 2014, March 15 - 29. Join us next year as we celebrate Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole.

Join us on Kauai for a host of activities and events in celebration of Prince Kuhio, one of Hawaii's most beloved monarchs. Many events are free of charge. Check out our video. Events subject to change.

Saturday, March 16
Garden Isle Artisan Fair at Poipu Beach Park (Manokalanipo): 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.This event offers an opportunity to see a wealth of local talent on the Garden Isle with over 40 of Kauai's fine artisans. Photography, jewelry, aloha wear, wood carvings, lau hala baskets, pounded mulberry bark, passion fruit and assorted jewelry, original oil paintings, table linens and more. Local plate lunches and shave ice all day. Hear a performance by drummer-maker, Heifara. Learn about Prince Kuhio at our historical table. For more information, Judith Webb, 808-245-9021 or email, judithhawaii@yahoo.com. Located at the corner of Poipu and Hoone Roads. Photo courtesy of Inspiring Images

Prince Kuhio Rodeo at CJM Stables by the American West Kauai Rodeo Association, 2 p.m. See exciting barrel racing among open, senior and youth divisions. Rodeos and horseback riding have long-been a tradition in Hawaii, since the early days of the plantation era. Pony rides available for children. Open to the public at no charge. For more information,  Nancy McMahon, 808-639-6695 or email to poipunan@me.com.  Stables are located at the eastern end of the Poipu area (travel 1.5 miles past the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa). Photo courtesy of CJM Stables


Wisdom of the Kupuna from 'Olelo No'eau (Hawaiian proverbs) by Mele Brewer, National Tropical Botanical Garden, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Hear the wisdom of the kupuna (Hawaiian elders, knowledgeable ones) about how 'Olelo No'eau (Hawaiian proverbs) apply to modern day times. Open to the public at no charge, 808-742-2433. Gardens are located at 4425 Lawa`i Road, Koloa, 96756, across from Spouting Horn, west of Poipu.

Monday, March 18
Salt Pond Park, Hanapepe
Pa`akai (the art and culture of Hawaiian salt making) by the Kahalekomo `Ohana (family), 9:30 a.m.  If you are touring on the west side of the island, stop by Salt Pond Park at Pu'olo Point in Hanapepe (east side of the park) and visit with `Anake (Aunty) Janet Kahalekomo and her `ohana (family) as they share their history and knowledge of cultivating Kauai's red salt, a prized product among cooks and local families on Kauai. Open to the public at no charge. For more information, contact Stella Burgess, stella.burgess@hyatt.com or call 808-240-6369. Located at the end of Kaalani Road in Hanapepe. Photo by Margy Parker.

Tuesday, March 19
A Royal Dinner at Plantation Gardens Restaurant, 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Enjoy the incredible array of specialty dishes at this well-known eatery, or savor a multi-course special menu offering traditional Native Hawaiian foods assembled in extraordinary combinations. Delight in the surroundings of this old plantation-style home surrounded by exotic orchid and cactus gardens. Wear your best Hawaiian-style clothing. Be serenaded by our local musicians. Call 808-742-2121 for reservations and information. Located at 2252 Poipu Road, Koloa 96756. Photo by Anne E. O'Malley

Wednesday, March 20
"Talk Story" about Kauai's south shore culture, flora and history at Marriott's Waiohai Beach Club,     10 a.m., lobby. See an opening protocol ceremony, followed by "talk story" sessions from our south shore kupuna (knowledgeable ones) who are well-versed in the Native Hawaiian culture. Hear them convey the traditional oral history and stories of Kauai's south side region. This is an outstanding opportunity to ask questions and hear answers about much of Kauai's history and cultural practices. No charge. For information call 808-742-4400 (front desk). Located at 2249 Poipu Road, Koloa, 96756. Photo by Margy Parker

Thursday, March 21
Makauwahi Cave Tour at Makauwahi Reserve, 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The richest fossil site in the Hawaiian islands is found east of Poipu at the Makauwahi Cave, an open ceiling sinkhole that is a uniquely preserved archaeological site. Considered a living museum, this 17-acre area serves to both interpret ancient history of Hawaiian plant, animal and human activity as well as work on the future of indigenous plants. Learn how native plants and animal species have been restored and continue to thrive. Wear walking shoes, bring water. Cost - $10. For information or reservations, makauwahi@gmail.com or call Mary Werthwine at 480-225-5604 or Makauwahi Reserve website. Located 3 miles east of Poipu. Click here for driving directions.

Friday, March 22
Hawaiian cultural demonstrations and hands-on learning sessions,
Grand Hyatt Kaua`i Resort & Spa Lobby,
2 p.m. to 7 p.m.  Hear about many Native Hawaiian cultural and art practices, including weaving, working with kalo (taro), stone-carving, Hawaiian weapons, making drums, making tapa (kapa), creation of kupe`e (bracelets). Learn some of these practices through hands-on teaching sessions and `Ukulele lessons. Please call concierge to register for lessons.......`Ilima and Stevenson's Foyer, Atrium.   For more information, Stella Burgess, stella.burgess@hyatt.com, 808-240-6369. Located at 1571 Poipu Road, Koloa, 96756 Photo by Margy Parker.

Evening of Hawaiian entertainment, Grand Hyatt Kaua`i Resort & Spa

6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Leilani Rivera Low (Hawaiian guitarist, singer and legendary hula dancer); 6:30 p.m. Torchlighting Ceremony;  6:45 p.m. to 8 p.m. Hawaiian music soloist, Seaview Terrace

Saturday, March 23
Prince Kuhio Commemorative Ceremonies with the Royal Order of Kamehameha, 10:00 a.m. at Prince Kuhio Park on Lawai Road west of Poipu.

Observe the protocol of honoring Prince Kuhio's birthday with ho`okupu (gifts), hula (dance), and
oli (chant). Ceremonies, song and dance reflect Native Hawaiian traditional cultural practices. Open to the public with some tent seating and lawn seating. Bring sunscreen and hat. Photo courtesy of The Garden Island newspaper.

43rd annual Prince Kuhio Long Distance Canoe Race from Kalapaki Beach to Poipu Beach Park, by the Garden Island Canoe Racing Association. At 8 a.m., the Men's Division will paddle from Kalapaki Beach to Poipu Beach Park.  At 10:30 a.m., the Women's and Mixed Division

Hawaiian Entertainment: Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, 6 p.m., duo musicians - Leilani Rivera Low and Haunani Kaui play and sing Hawaiian melodies; 6:30 p.m., Torchlighting Ceremony; 7 p.m., Keiki (children's) hula.  Seaview Terrace. No charge.
An evening with the legendary Ledward Kaapana and Mike Ka`awa: 8:15 p.m. Hear the extraordinary sounds of these award-winning slack key guitarists who are considered masters of Hawaiian music. No charge. Seaview Terrace (no-host bar available).  For  more information, Stella Burgess, stella.burgess@hyatt.com, 808-240-6369. Located at 1571 Poipu Road, Koloa, 96756. Seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Sunday, March 24
Opening protocol honoring Prince Kuhio, 8:30 a.m.
followed by Taiko drumming at 9 a.m., Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa

Craft Fair/Cultural Demonstrations/Entertainment,
Grand Hyatt Kaua`i Resort & Spa, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hear about many Native Hawaiian cultural and art practices, including weaving, working with kalo (taro), stone-carving, Hawaiian weapons, making drums, making tapa (kapa), creation of kupe`e (bracelets). Learn some of these practices through hands-on teaching sessions. Participate in hula kahiko (ancient hula) lessons at 10 a.m. Enjoy outstanding crafts and local art on display during our cultural craft fair. Silent auction to benefit Pa Hula Na Kane O Keoneloa and our annual HLTA Charity Walk. Lobby,`Ilima and Stevenson's Foyer, Atrium. No charge. For  more information, Stella Burgess, stella.burgess@hyatt.com, 808-240-6369. Located at 1571 Poipu Road, Koloa 96756. Photos by Margy Parker

Tuesday, March 26
Contemporary Hawaiian music and keiki hula halau performance at Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Seaview Terrace. Enjoy music song and dance with special performances in tribute to Prince Kuhio in honor of his birthday (March 26th). 6:00 to 6:30 p.m., contemporary Hawaiian music by Leilani Rivera Low, nominee in a number of categories for the prestigious Na Hoku Hanohano awards. 6:30 p.m., watch a traditional Torchlighting Ceremony signaled by the blowing of the conch shell. 7:00 p.m. to 8 p.m., Leilani Rivera Low's keiki (children's) hula halau will perform a series of contemporary and ancient dances representing the Hawaiian and Polynesian cultures in honor of Kuhio. For more information contact Stella Burgess, stella.burgess@hyatt.com, 808-240-6369. Located at 1571 Poipu Road, Koloa, 96756. Photo by Margy Parker

Thursday, March 28th
"Talk Story" and Hawaiian cultural activities at Kauai Lagoons - Kalanipu`u, 10 a.m., Lobby. See an opening protocol ceremony, followed by "talk story" sessions from our eastside kupuna (knowledgeable ones) who are well-versed in the Native Hawaiian culture. Hear them convey the traditional oral history and stories of Kauai's central and eastside regions  This is another outstanding opportunity to ask questions and hear answers about much of Kauai's history and cultural practices. Hawaiian cultural activities are also planned throughout the day. No charge. For more information, 808-632-8202 (front desk). Located at  3325 Holokawelu Way, Lihue, 96766.

Friday, March 29
Special Prince Kuhio Birthday Celebration Lu'au: Smith's Tropical Paradise, Wailua, 5 p.m.
The Smith Family has been sharing the history and culture of the Wailua River Valley with visitors and kama'aina for more than 60 years.  Kumu Kaha'i Topolinski will showcase photos and stories of Prince Kuhio and his family on the island of Kauai from 5 p.m. until 6 p.m.  Several of Kauai's eastside kupuna will also be on hand to "talk story" about local history and legends. At 6 p.m., learn of the cooking style known as kalua, at the imu ceremony before enjoying a bounty of island food and drinks and experiencing the songs and dances from Hawaii and the Pacific Rim. For more information and reservations, call 808-821-6895 or check Smith's website. Located at 3-5971 Kuhio Highway, Wailua, 96746

Saturday, March 30
3rd Annual Anahola Prince Kuhio Day Celebration: Anahola Beach Park, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Anahola.  Celebrate the late Jennie Loke Perreira (Aunty Loke) for her exceptional contribution and commitment to educational and cultural resources in the Anahola community. Participate in educational, health and wellness exhibits, performances, arts and crafts to honor the past and embrace the future of Prince Kuhio's legacy. Enjoy food booths. No charge to the public. For more information: La Contrades at khpono@gmail.com, 808-639-1754 or Lady Ipo Kahaunaele-Ferreira at kahaunael002@hawaii.rr.com. Located at the end of Anahola Road (turn towards the ocean in Anahola from Hwy 56), Anahola, 96703.

ADA Note:  Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication or a modification of policies and procedures to participate in the event should contact Stella Burgess (808) 240-6369 as soon as possible but no later than five (5) days before the scheduled event.

For more information, contact `Anake (Aunty) Stella Burgess, Director of Hawaiian Culture and Community Affairs, Grand Hyatt Kaua`i Resort & Spa at stella.burgess@hyatt.com or 808-240-6369.

*Events subject to change

These events are partially funded by the Hawai`i Tourism Authority and the County of Kaua`i.