LIHUE, Kauai With Aloha! Visit Kauai, members of the Garden Isle’s
tourism, government and business sectors are trying a new way to
boost tourism and to unify their community at the same time.
The group, sponsored by the mayor’s office, County of Kauai,
Kauai Visitors Bureau, Kauai Chamber of Commerce and companies
around the island, is posting activities and events on its new Web
site in hopes of reaching visitors and residents alike.
“We intend to support the businesses, community and county,
while sending a message to the world about the quality of our
island’s activities and attractions,” said Barbara Bennett, a
spokeswoman for the group.
“The goal is to lengthen visitor stays, infuse the economy and
give travelers a deeper, more meaningful and focused visit,” she
said.
Bennett called the program “a powerful synergy of public and
private sectors combining collective resources to achieve mutual
goals.”
Credited as the catalyst and coordinator for the group, Bennett
delivered the program’s draft to a small committee in 2000.
Two more years were spent in creating an annual event, called
Kauaian Days, a nine-day celebration that was launched in 2003.
“Kauaian Days 2003 moved us closer to launching AVK,” said
Bennett. “It was the first time the island had hosted such a
celebration.”
The 2004 Kauaian Days celebration is scheduled Jan. 17-25.
The group’s Web site bills Kauai as the Island of Discovery.
Supporting that statement, themed monthly events are being planned
for Kauai for next year.
By referring to the Web calendar, clients can get help in
choosing which month they want to visit, based on their leisure,
professional or educational interests, highlighting local
activities that they might not have known about without the
calendar.
Month by Month
For instance, January is called the month of aloha. Special
events planned during the month include Kauaian Days and a hula
retreat.
During February, the month of romance, the group’s Web site
encourages couples to visit for weddings, vow renewals and
Valentine’s Day.
March, the month of music, includes a variety of Hawaiian song
and dance programs including a festival and ball honoring Hawaii’s
Prince Kuhio, who was born on Kauai.
April is dubbed the month of healing and wellness, with
activities ranging from a Hawaiian healing arts conference to a
March of Dimes Walk America event.
May, nicknamed the month of nature’s treasures, is timed with
the island’s May Day celebration and activities will focus on
Kauai’s environment.
Families are the focus in June, when special events center on
sports that all ages can enjoy together such as hiking, boating,
tennis, scuba diving, canoeing and golf.
In July, the month of heritage past, clients can attend a
celebration honoring Kauai’s sugar plantation history, take part in
traditional arts and crafts, and witness a Japanese obon festival,
which honors the dead through dance.
August, the month of abundance, promotes the county fair, orchid
show and Polynesian festival, among other events.
Kauaian arts take center stage in September, when visitors can
attend various festivals focusing on the crafts, song, dance and
food of the island.
During October, the month of festivals, clients can listen to
music, enjoy hula, meet Kauai’s entertainers and see international
films.
November, the month of sharing, focuses on such Kauai traditions
as the Veterans Day parade.
December is billed as tropical holidays month, with gatherings
such as the Festival of Lights in Lihue and the Fantasy Faire at
Kilohana Plantation.
Bennett noted that the Aloha! Visit Kauai 2004 calendar is a
work in progress. She urged travel agents to bookmark the Web site
and check it regularly.
To support its efforts, the group has printed 11,000 posters
that are being distributed at conventions and Kauai sales
presentations.
808-742-1050
www.alohavisitkauai.com