What do rainbows and shave ice have in common? They both are vibrant color and can be enjoyed daily on Kauai. Popular among locals and visitors, there are likely thousands of varieties that can be created by mixing flavors and toppings, creating a one-of-a-kind treat that is specifically tailored to your own taste buds.

Compared often to the widely well-known snow cone of the continental US, the difference is that snow cones are made of crushed ice, while shave ice is created by shaving a large block of ice into powdery fragments.

The History of Shave Ice on Kauai

Shave ice is one of the oldest treats known to Kauai locals, dating back to the sugar and pineapple plantation days of the early 1900’s, when Japanese immigrants introduced the cool treats of their distant homelands. Japanese families opened small mom and pop stores where plantation employees could pick up their groceries after a long, strenuous day at work and indulge in a small, cool cup of shave ice topped with a sweet syrup.

Over the last 100 years, shave ice has evolved from a simple treat into a gourmet indulgence, with shave ice mixologists continuously creating new concepts to keep us on our toes and craving more.  While shave ice has evolved over recent years at a paramount pace, the one thing that will always remain constant is cooling off with this flavorful treat on a hot summer day on Kauai is an absolute necessity in any way, shape or form.

Our Favorites

We’ve compiled a list of our favorite shave ice haunts that must be tried when visiting Kauai.

WAIKOMO SHAVE ICE

While the words “healthy” and “dessert” are not usually used in the same sentence, Wakomo Shave Ice takes pride in knowing their delicious concoctions are both healthy(er) and delicious. That’s because Waikomo Shave Ice’s natural fruit syrups are made from organic cane sugar and topped with homemade coconut sauce and fresh fruits. Try the signature Waikomo Shave Ice fresh coconut cup, made from a freshly opened coconut and full of the coconut’s juicy meat. But don’t forget to snap a photo of your bowl of shave ice first, it’s too beautiful not to share with all your friends and family back home.

UNCLE’S SHAVE ICE

Voted “Best Shave Ice on Kauai” for the last five years by Kauai locals, Uncle’s Shave Ice offers two locations on the island, Kukuiula Shopping Center in Poipu and Hokulei Village in Lihue. With over 25 shave ice flavors and combinations, Uncle’s boasts one of the largest shave ice menus on Kauai, meaning you can mix and match just about any flavor. In addition to shave ice, they are known for shave snow, a creamy version of shave ice reminiscent of Taiwanese shave ice. A variety of toppings, from Li Hing Mui powder, haupia cream cap and sour lemon spray give your sweet tooth an extra kick!

THE FRESH SHAVE

What do a barbershop and shave ice have in common? All the flavors at The Fresh Shave are playfully named after nostalgic barbershop mustache styles. Our favorite is The Handle Bar, a pineapple and coconut flavored shave ice topped with fresh pineapple and coconut. Another must try is the Professor, an acai berry shave ice topped with Kauai honey, bananas and shredded coconut. The Fresh Shave can be found in two locations, their original location at Warehouse 3540 in Lawai and their new shop in Waimea Town on the west side. No trip to The Fresh Shave is complete without a quick post of yourself enjoying their delicious shave ice while wearing their mustache sticker, which comes on every straw.

BRENNECKE’S BEACH DELI
It’s okay to be barefoot and sandy when stopping in at Brennecke’s Beach Deli for a bowl of their finely shaved ice. That’s because Brennecke’s is the only restaurant and deli located at Poipu Beach, Kauai’s award-winning beach park with great snorkeling, swimming, surfing and park facilities directly across the street. At Brennecke’s Beach Deli, there are three delicious ways to enjoy your shave ice, without ice cream, with vanilla ice cream, and with mac nut ice cream. We recommend the third option with a snow cap for optimum enjoyment. For a fun twist, they also have all natural fruit flavors, such as guava, mango and pineapple.

WAILUA SHAVE ICE

Photo: Wailua Shave Ice

Wailua Shave Ice is one of the first shave ice spots who can make the claim to using fresh local fruit with no artificial flavors, dyes or high fructose corn syrup in their flavors. What sets Wailua Shave Ice apart from the rest is their creamy coconut foam with a whipped cream-like consistency that sits on top of their shave ice like a light cloud on a sunny day. You just have to try it to see. A crowd favorite is the Lava Flow, made with pineapple juice, coconut foam, strawberry puree, and pineapple and strawberry fruit topping. Don’t love coconut? The Wailua Sunrise is flavored with orange juice, pineapple juice and pineapple orange fruit topping. As a testament to their greatness, Wailua Shave Ice has expanded beyond Kauai in recent years, slinging shave ice and shakas not only in Kapaa but also in Portland, Oregon, and San Diego, California.

Whether you take your shave ice in a freshly opened coconut, a scoop of ice cream on bottom or with a snow cap layer, Kauai offers it all and more.  The hardest decision you’ll have to make is which flavor to choose.

Let’s be real – planning a vacation takes a lot of time and effort.  Alekona Kauai’s private concierge and vacation planning services are exactly what you need for an effortless vacation.  With custom itineraries designed around your interests and desired activity level, your personal vacation planner will listen to your travel aspirations and tailor your trip accordingly.

Alekona Kauai’s concierge works with only the most reputable, professional and skilled vendors, guides and outdoor activity operators on island.  Among the many concierge services are private chefs, car services, and even personal grocery shopping.  We can arrange a wild jungle adventure for unforgettable family memories or a romantic sunset cruise of the 3,000 foot Napali Coast for the honeymooning couple through our reputable contacts.  Individual travelers will relish in morning yoga beach side before retreating to their vacation home for an exotic fruit breakfast of locally grown papayas, starfruit and rambutan.  Whatever your needs are for a dream vacation, Alekona Kauai’s concierge is committed to providing you with impeccable and prompt service.

Here are five reasons why you love a personal concierge with Alekona Kauai:

1. The Internet can put you on information overload.  The good thing about the internet is that any information you need is readily available.  The downside?  Sometimes there’s too much information, making it even more difficult to sift through the options and arrive at the correct decision.  Online review sites such as yelp or tripadvisor may have you questioning every choice you make.  In fact, one negative review among a majority of positive reviews could change your mind entirely.  Working with a personal concierge means that you won’t ever have to question whether that bad review was an accurate representation of a service or company or just someone having a bad day.

2. Maximize your time.  Mapping out the perfect itinerary is a form of art perfected by our concierge.  From knowing when is the best time is to make phone calls for reservations, to booking the best table in a restaurant for viewing a Kauai sunset, your concierge has been there and done that.  Your planner will make sure you are not driving from one end of the island to the other in one day, which is at least two hours from end to end, but will plan all activities and reservations where and when they make the most sense.  With private driving services, you can even just sit back and enjoy Kauai’s lush, garden-like splendor.

3. Local knowledge.  Your personal concierge lives and works on Kauai, which means that Kauai is his or her home.  Their job is to provide their authentic know how into suggesting activities or sightseeing opportunities that you may have overlooked.  They have climbed the same hiking trails that they recommend, dined at the top restaurants and can rattle off house specialties at nearly every restaurant, they can guide you to the right beaches for the activities that you are interested in.  You will discover paradise through their eyes, that in itself is an invaluable service.

4. Personal connections.  On a small island, sometimes it’s all about who you know.  Alekona’s private concierge takes the time to build personal relationships with reputable companies and their employees.  Getting a highly sought treatment in a spa usually booked weeks in advance is as simple as a magician making a body disappear and reappear again.  A private surf instruction from a former pro surfer…done!  They can make the impossible possible.  And usually through a quick phone call or email.  It’s pure magic.

5. Stress free travel.  With a personal vacation planner through Alekona Kauai, you will no longer wonder if you remembered to make that reservation, call for a tee time, or if you’ve picked up everything you need at the grocery store.  All of this and more will be handled on your behalf making your vacation what it should be, stress free.

Allow Alekona Kauai to make your trip the ultimate vacation of a lifetime.  Give us a call at 808.977.7400 or email us at findit@alekonakauai.com

The essence of Hawai‘i can be found in a luxury oceanfront vacation rental on Kauai.  Balmy sea breezes, the smell of refreshing salt air and the sound of waves crashing outside of your bedroom window are only a few of the reasons why an oceanfront vacation home should be your first choice for accommodations. On an island with vastly different weather patterns, there are many options of where to stay to make the most of your vacation.

The Sunny South Side

The town of Poipu on the south side of Kauai is all about the beaches, surf, sand, and clear blue water. Officially a resort destination, visitors flock to Poipu for its great weather, accommodations and variety of activities, such as diving, snorkeling, boating, and zip lining.

Alekona Kauai offers two luxury oceanfront vacation homes in Poipu. The Lani Kai Cottage– a quaint cottage landscaped by the lava rock shoreline and stunning sunset views. Completely modern with a large kitchen and updated appliances and furniture, this home has a charm that is reminiscent of Kauai’s sugar plantation period. Nearly every room in the home has a view of the ocean. Enjoy watching the sunset from your very own lanai and then bathing under the stars in the outdoor shower at night.

The expansive three bedroom and four bathroom Spouting Horn Cottage is perfect for larger families or a couples getaway. A perfectly manicured lawn beckons you to sunbathe in privacy and is perfect for an evening barbeque. Spacious bedrooms, all with ocean views, feel like every room is a master bedroom.

Guests of the Lani Kai Cottage and Spouting Horn Cottage are provided access the exclusive Poipu Beach Athletic Club, which features a swimming pool, daily yoga classes, pickleball and tennis courts, and a weight room plus cardio room to workout.

The Garden-like North Shore

The towns of Princeville, Hanalei, Ha‘ena and Moloa‘a is where luxury and affluence intersect with homes perched on sea cliffs or directly adjoining a secluded beach. North shore has long been the chosen destination for many of the rich and famous, who appreciate its beautiful scenery and small town laid back vibe.  Although mostly noted for grey skies and rainy weather, the North Shore can be a gem when the weather is right.

The Happening East Side

Kauai’s coconut coast of Wailua and Kapaa is sprinkled with eateries and boutiques throughout the heart of town, an eight-mile long bike and walking path, and a long sandy coastline. While there are not many oceanfront vacation rentals in this town, most are condominium style rentals, there is much to do and its central location makes it an ideal place to stay.

The Old Town Charm of the West Side

Rustic charm and seclusion can be found in the town of Waimea and Kekaha on the west side of Kauai. This is for those who want to get away from it all – nightlife is next to nonexistent on this side of the island, with shops closing in the early evening and just a handful of restaurants. Instead, you will find mile after mile of white sand beach for strolling at sunset and glorious starry nights.

One of the many reasons that people come to Kauai are for the white sand beaches with crystal blue warm water. Staying in an oceanfront vacation home will give you lasting memories of the pristine Kauai weather and keep you looking forward to returning again and again to this tropical paradise.

Inquire about our oceanfront vacation rentals: 808.977.7400 or email findit@alekonakauai.com

Kauai’s luxury vacation rentals are a natural complement to the island’s utopic garden-like beauty. Well-appointed, state-of-the-art custom built homes are available from the north to the south shore, all offering a different style of island living. Kauai’s natural topography offers many different types of retreats, from a hidden jungle villa to an estate situated on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Or go for a quick stroll from your front door to the green at one of Kauai’s top golf courses.

For luxury vacation rentals, there are two main visitor destination areas on the island to consider when planning your Kauai vacation. Both the north shore and south shore offer upscale homes and affluence. On the north shore, the towns of Princeville, Hanalei and Haena are all ideal considerations when choosing where to stay. On the south shore, Poipu boasts of modern luxury all within one small town. Each side of Kauai is uniquely different and has something special to offer.

The tropical grandeur of Kauai’s north shore is a magnificent sight of stunning coastal and inland panoramic views, waterfalls cascading down mountainsides, and one-lane bridges that cross small mountain streams and rivers. Hidden among the hills and ocean bluffs are some of Kauai’s most expensive luxury homes, with properties so beautiful, exotic and private that even Hollywood’s rich and famous come here to play.

Kauai’s south shore of Poipu offers world class beaches and some of the finest restaurants on the island. Snorkeling, surfing, shopping, golf and tranquil spa treatments are all available within this small town. Ideally located, Poipu is only an hour away from Kokee State Park and famous Waimea Canyon, 20 minutes from the central town of Lihue, or 40 minutes from Kauai’s coconut coast. All within the beach town are a variety of Poipu luxury vacation rentals, many within walking distance to white sand beaches.

Alekona Kauai brings you the finest in luxury accommodations for a Kauai experience like no other.  Concierge services, private chefs, and personal grocery shopping means that all you have to do is get here, while we will take care of the rest. Most of our well appointed condos and homes are located right on the ocean, with golf courses, tennis, shops nearby. Whether you are on a honeymoon for two or celebrating a special occasion with family, our properties can accommodate you.

We’d love to help you find a luxury vacation rental that suits your needs.  Give us a call at 808.977.7400.

So you want to vacation on Kauai? It’s easy to make a checklist of everything you want to do – snorkel Kauai’s vibrant coral reefs, go for a swim under a cascading waterfall, spend hours engrossed in a delicious novel on a secluded white sand beach, sip fresh coconut water while snacking on locally grown sugarloaf pineapple – the possibilities are endless.

Choosing where to stay is not so easy.

At only 2.5 square miles wide and with access to shopping centers, grocery stores, parks, beaches, and restaurants, Poipu on the sunny south side of Kauai may be just right for you. Poipu’s proximity to the airport and other Kauai attractions make it an easy selection, while its beautiful weather and variety of activities, including golf, scuba diving, zip lining, ATV tours, surfing lessons and more, make it an obvious selection.

The small beach town of Poipu has a population of approximately 1,000 residents that live within Poipu and the neighboring town of Koloa. As one of Kauai’s main visitor destination areas, there are numerous traditional hotels, condominium timeshares, and vacation rentals throughout this area to accommodate visitors.

If privacy, quick in-and-out access, and spacious living quarters is important to you, here are some reasons why you may want to consider a vacation rental in Poipu:

• Vacation rentals are for those who enjoy traveling with the comforts of home, such as families who want to be able to cook rather than spend every meal in a restaurant or honeymooners looking for a secluded getaway.

• Most homes are often equipped with equipment needed for an active vacation such as beach chairs, snorkel gear, and beach towels, without the additional expense of renting.

• Most vacation homes offer full sized appliances, such as washing machines and dryers, meaning you can pack less and travel lighter.

• Vacation homes are often larger than hotel rooms. Sure, you love your family, but it doesn’t mean you want to be in the same room as them for two weeks straight. Having a room to escape will help keep your trip peaceful and stress free.

• Large parties are welcome. Some vacation homes are large enough to accommodate ten or more guests, making traveling with friends or extended family even more convenient. Planning a destination wedding? Imagine getting married on the grounds of a luxurious vacation rental where you and your entire party can stay. It’s as awesome as it sounds!

• Every expense is accounted for up front. Unlike hotels, you won’t surprised by a bunch of resort fees added to your bill and miscellaneous taxes.

• Live like a local.   Staying in a vacation home for an extended period will allow you to fully experience the culture and community that you are visiting. Eat in local restaurants, discover a favorite coffee shop, or shop the farmer’s markets. The possibilities are endless.

Poipu offers a variety of vacation rental options, from luxury homes overlooking the Pacific Ocean to quaint cottages within walking distance to nearby beaches. Alekona Kauai’s exclusive vacation rentals, including condos and homes, mean experiencing the best accommodations Kauai has to offer in lush, tropical and private settings. Find more information on our well appointed vacation rental properties.

Ready to book? Give us a call at 808.977.7400

Every year, thousands of people converge on Kauai to celebrate Koloa Plantation Days, a celebration commemorating the history of the sugar plantation life and its economic and cultural influence.

When Koloa Sugar Plantation began operating in 1835, it was the beginning of an industry that would transform the future of Kauai and the rest of the state. Soon, workers flocked from countries all over the world – Japan, China, Philippines, Portugal, and Germany – in search of a better life and greater opportunity.

Life on the sugar plantations was simple. Workers lived in modest homes in the plantation camp, shopped in family owned general stores for necessities, and became ohana (family) with their new neighbors, all who came from different backgrounds and experiences. Communication was a challenge and the workers in the sugarcane fields soon created a type of broken dialect with words of each culture, which today we call “Pidgin English.” It was the beautiful blending of cultures, traditions, and people that was so influential to the melting pot culture of Hawaii today.

Over time, the ownership of Koloa Sugar Plantation changed many hands. The McBryde family, who owned sugar and pineapple plantations in Eleele, purchased the Old Koloa Mill in 1899. In 1948, McBryde Plantation merged with Grove Farm Company, who continues to own the now historic mill and surrounding area.   When the Koloa sugar mill closed for good in 1996, it was the beginning of the end for sugarcane on Kauai. By 2010, all of the sugar plantations had closed for good.

In 1985, 150 years after Koloa Sugar Plantation first opened on Kauai, a celebratory luau was held in Koloa. Phyllis Kunimura, who was an active community leader and wife of former mayor Tony Kunimura, had a great idea to make it a regular occurrence. This idea turned into an annual event organized by a group of volunteers that honors Kauai’s sugar plantation history with a multitude of activities, canoe races, fun runs, and culminates with a parade through the historic Koloa Town. Thus, the Koloa Plantation Days festival was born.

The Koloa Plantation Days will be held on July 22-31, 2016. There is something for everyone to enjoy, from walking tours, talk story sessions, culinary tastings, music events and more. Families will love watching movies under the stars at Poipu Beach Park, catch-and-release fishing at the privately owned Waita Reservoir (reservations required), participating in traditional Hawaiian games at a Poipu resort, and the family fun run/walk.

Here’s our list of  “must experience” events at this year’s Koloa Plantation Days:

Friday, July 22, 2016

Bull Bash, 5th Annual Music in the County & Food Truck Frenzy, CJM Stables, 5-9 pm. Bring cowboy boots for this exciting event featuring barrel racing, food trucks, and live music.

Saturday, July 23, 2016

Historic Hapa Trail Walk, St. Raphael’s Church, 8 am. Walk the path of the ancient Hawaiians and learn about the area’s history.

17th Annual Plantation Days Rodeo, CJM Stables, 11am-3:30 pm.(July 23rd and 24th). Everyone can appreciate the skill and challenge of cowboys (and cowgirls) steering their horse around the ring to rope a calf at the annual Plantation Days Rodeo.

Keiki Fishing at Waita, check-in at Kauai ATV, 1-4 pm. Reservations are required for this fun catch and release fishing opportunity at the largest privately owned reservoir full of tilapia, big mouthed bass and peacock bass.

Festival Opening & Hoolaulea, Poipu Beach Athletic Club, 5-8:30 pm. Featuring food trucks and live music by Kauai’s top local entertainers.

Sunday, July 24, 2016

Miniature Golf Tournament, ages 13 and under, Lawai Beach Resort, 9:30 am registration, 10am start.

Mixed Plate – Free Live Music, Old Koloa Town Courtyard, 5-8 pm. Kauai born songwriter and entertainer Violet Asuncion and blues/rock band Bluefinger perform in the historic Koloa Town Courtyard.

Monday, July 25, 2016

Plantation Days Exhibit & Historic Film Night, The Shops at Kukuiula, exhibit opens 6 pm, 7:45 pm showing. The exhibit features portraits of plantation life by photographers Tim DeLaVega and Carol Ann Davis, along with a century of archival images and artifacts from the plantation era courtesy of Grove Farm Homestead Museum. At 7:30 pm, a historic documentary will be shown under the stars at the Palm Court.

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Koloa Plantation Days Craft Fair, Grand Hyatt Kauai, 9am-3 pm. Features local craft vendors and demonstrations by Hawaiian practitioners of cultural arts.

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Traditional Hawaiian Games, Kiahuna Plantation Resort Kauai by Outrigger, 10 am-12pm. Children will have a blast trying out Hawaiian games like spear throwing, coconut toss, and 50-yard dash, as well as learn coconut frond weaving and how to throw fishing net.

Plantation Cooking at Kauai Culinary Market, The Shops at Kukuiula, 3:30-6pm. Local chefs show off their talents while featuring the blends of foods and flavors that were once shared on the sugar plantation by the immigrant workers.

Thursday, July 28, 2016

Look Back Through the Sugar Era, Old Koloa Mill, 9-11 am. Walking tour of the Old Koloa Mill and surrounding area with Arryl Kaneshiro, current employee of Grove Farm Company and Earl Smith, a former McBryde Sugar Company employee. In addition to an exterior tour of the Koloa Mill, the tourgoers will visit Waita Reservoir and the Wilcox tunnel.

Friday, July 29, 2016

Flavors of Kukuiula, The Shops at Kukuiula, 5:30-8:30 pm. The catchy rhythm of Puerto Rican kachi kachi music played by Wally Rita and Los Kauaianos will make you move your dancing feet while you shop, dine and sample plantation treats.

Saturday, July 30

Historic Parade, Koloa Town, 10 am, roads close at 9 am. starts at Koloa Elementary School, winds through Koloa Town, and ends at the Koloa Ball Park. Ornately decorated floats designed by businesses and community leaders within the Koloa area all participate in this parade.

Park Celebration, Anne Knudsen (Koloa ) Park, 10 am – 5 pm, $3 admission fee, keiki free.

Nearly all local residents who were born and raised on Kauai are tied to the sugar plantation industry in some way. Although sugarcane is no longer an agricultural industry on Kauai, the Koloa Plantation Days festival is a way to reminisce and honor such an important period of Kauai’s history.

For more information and a complete listing of all events, visit www.koloaplantationdays.com.

A little known secret is that many local products that are used in Kauai’s restaurants can also be found in the grocery stores as well.  Between small mom and pop stores and health food markets offering the latest gourmet, gluten free and organic products, the sunny south shore has you covered. (more…)