Bird watching from the LONGHOUSE, on Kaua`i

Our resident HAWAI`I PUEO, photo: Mike Teruya 2013

The Pueo that can often be seen hunting over our pastures is a Short Eared Owl that is endemic to Hawai'i.

The early Hawaiians, arriving on the islands, found the owl already present and considered it sacred as well as a family protector and bringer of good luck. The Pueo appears in many Hawaiian legends and myths.

The island of Kauai is home to a wide variety of endemic (natural to a specific place), indigenous (native to a particular region including Kauai), migratory, and introduced birds. More than 80 species of birds are present on our Garden Island. Whether a casual or expert bird-watcher, you are certain to find Kauai a captivating bird-watching experience and our Longhouse is a wonderful place to do so...

Most of the native forest birds are only found above 3,000 feet of elevation within the native forest habitats of Kokee State Park and the Alakai Wilderness. Apapane, I’iwi, Kauai Amakihi, Anianiau, Elepaio and the Endangered Species–Akikiki, Akeke’e, and Puaiohi. The Pihea and Alakai Swamp trails in Kokee and the Alakai remain the best trails on Kauai to see the ‘I’iwi and other of our endemic native forest birds. The Puaiohi is a difficult bird to view unless you hike deep into the Alakai Swamp. There are experienced bird guides available to assist in finding the native forest birds if you wish.

Hawaii’s State bird, the once endangered Nene (Hawaiian Goose), has become well established on Kauai. It can be seen regularly at the lagoons at the Marriott Hotel in Lihue, near Poipu, and at Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. Kilauea Point is also the best place to view seabirds such as Red-footed Boobies, Great Frigatebirds, Red-tailed Tropicbirds, and Laysan Albatross. Most bookstores and the gift shops including the Kokee Museum and Kilauea Point Refuge carry excellent bird guides and CD’s with the sounds of the birds of Kauai.

Four Kauai indigenous waterbirds, the Hawaiian Duck (Koloa), Hawaiian Moorhen, Hawaiian Coot, and Black-necked Stilt can be seen at the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge on the north side of the island.

For the visiting casual birdwatcher, Kauai has many introduced songbirds from various parts of the world which are found in the island’s lowlands and also in the upland forests. Some examples are the Common Mynah, Northern Cardinal, Japanese White-eye, Melodious Laughing Thrush or Hwamei, Shama* and many others. The sweet-sounding song of the Shama is a lovely treat to all when walking during a quiet morning or evening almost anywhere on Kauai.

Whether you are an expert birdwatcher with a “life list” or someone who just enjoys birds, Kaua`i offers a fascinating array of birds and their sounds in an equally extraordinary setting.

FRESH LOCAL FOOD: Kaua`i Farmer's Markets

SOUTH SHORE

Monday:

Koloa Sunshine Market, Koloa Ball Park (Knudsen) Maluhia Road, noon. Produce only.

Tuesday:

Kalaheo Sunshine Market, Neighborhood Center, 3 to 4 p.m. Produce only.

Wednesday:

Kauai Culinary Market at Kukuiula Shopping Village, 3:30 to 6 p.m. This is a exquisite outdoor market, with vendors spread along the Shops at Kukui`ula. Fresh produce, local honey, coffee, gourmet salt blends,  tropical pies and jams, tropical flowers , soups. Live music, a beer and wine garden, and cooking demonstrations make itespecially fun.    

WESTSIDE

Saturday:

Kekaha Sunshine Market, Neighborhood Center, 9 a.m. Produce only.

EASTSIDE

Monday:

Kukui Grove Shopping Center parking lot by Star Market, 3 p.m

Saturday:

Coconut Market Place, Kapaa, 9 a.m. to noon. Fresh leis, a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, Moloa’a Bay Coffee, anthiriums and cut flowers, coconuts.

Vidinha Stadium parking lot, 3 p.m. Produce only.

Kauai Community Market at Kauai Community College, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Besides fruit and vegetables, this gourmet market features locally made goat and feta cheese, tropical flowers, local honey, coffee, kim chee, tropical pies and jams, and European-style breads. Meals include kalua pig and poi, authentic Thai, Puerto Rican style tacos and sandwiches made to order.

Anahola, all day. This market features huli-huli chicken and grilled pork plate lunch with sides of roasted potatoes and corn on the cob.

NORTH SHORE

Monday:

Westin Princeville, 5 to 6 p.m. This small market provides fresh, organic produce to Westin guests.

Namahana Farmers Market by Banana Joe’s, 4 p.m. to dusk. Strictly local produce as well as a few food artisans.

Tuesday:

Waipa Farmers Market, Waipa Ahupuaa Field, 2 p.m. This market is nestled in a lush valley that is surrounded by towering mountains. Shoppers can buy locally made gourmet goat and feta cheese, chocolate covered frozen bananas, organic produce, coconuts, handmade crafts and clothes.

Saturday:

Namahana Farmers Market in Kilauea by Banana Joe’s. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Strictly local produce as well as a few food artisans.

Hanalei Farmers Market. Market hours are 9:30 a.m. to noon. Produce, food artisans, and handmade crafts.

KAUA`I GREAT OUTDOORS WITH THE COMFORTS AND LUXURIES OF A SPA

To SPA or not to SPA: secluded Kaua`i retreat bridges a gap between his and her vacation dreams combining the great outdoors with the comforts and luxuries of a spa

O'LUINA, Kauai`s most romantic luxury retreat  bridges a gap between his and her vacation dreams combining the great outdoors with the comforts and luxuries of a spa.

Up country Kaua`i is a place of tranquility and extraordinary natural elegance possessed of spectacular mountain and ocean views. Abundant flora and fauna, rare native plants, birds, and butterflies. Rainbows are magnificent, mornings laced with birdsong while only the notes of cricket fill the starry nights.

He likes rugged outdoors, she prefers a luxurious spa.

There are vacation options today that bridge the gap of completely opposite holiday dreams. Organic style The Longhouse at O` Luina, outfitted with all the amenities, fine art and antiques, is designed for those who want to experience the great outdoors in style and comfort.

A trend toward "soft adventure" travel, allows the great open-air experience combined with the luxuries of the most upscale accommodations. Rather than sleeping on hard ground following a day of kayaking beautifully rugged Na Pali coast, why not soak in an enormous crushed stone tub for two, with a view of Kauai's South shore, followed by side-by side massage in the privacy of the beautiful villa? Your adventure seamlessly becomes into a complete spa experience. A chef might stop by and prepare a gourmet feast you can indulge in right there on your lanai, in your bathrobe. No other tourists, eager spa goers, no screaming children.

Great Outdoors -- for Him [ + Her ? ] 

Hike, bike, climb, run, swim, surf, dive, fish, golf, snorkel ...

Great Outdoors -- Her Way

While greeting the morning in an outdoor hot-rain shower, high above the green hills and the azure shades of the Pacific, a pueo (native Hawaiian owl ) might glide by. Even a shy blue dragonfly might make an appearance.

The best part is: here, natural wonders come along with a private, full spa service, a chef, a concierge... A short, scenic drive and a world away from the hustle and bustle of the resorts and hotels is the small town of Kalaheo where quaint, country restaurants abound. Further down the road are the resort towns of Koloa and Poipu, offering spectacular beaches, fine dining, activities and shopping.

She can live with that.

For more information about Ka Hale O Luina, visit the website http://www.oluina.com.

The LONGHOUSE houses our art collection, our art gallery at Kukui`ula combines international artists with the the best of local talent

g a l e r i e   103    R E V I E W S

FODOR'S TRAVEL INTELLIGENCE

This gallery sells art, but the owners want you to experience it as well. Sparse and dramatic, the main room at Galerie 103 consists of concrete floors and walls of featured pieces, from internationally acclaimed artists and local Kauai ones. Most of the artwork is contemporary or modern with a focus on environmental issues.

Contact Information

• Address: 2829 Kalanikaumaka Rd., Koloa, HI 96756 | Map It
• Phone: 808/742-0103
• Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 12--8
• Website: www.galerie103.com
• Location: Kauai

H A U T E L I V I N G . C O M

HAUTE ART, by Margaret Kerns

"When Bruna Stude opened the doors to her galerie 103 on Kauai in 2009 Hawaii’s contemporary art scene was suddenly a lot more exciting, according to world acclaimed – and collected – artist Tom Lieber. Stude, a petite powerhouse whose work hangs in the permanent collections of the Honolulu Academy of Art and the Contemporary Museum of Art on Oahu, is the creative genius and curator of galerie 103’s museum-quality exhibition space.

With a keen eye for significant works of fine art from locations around the globe, including the work of island artists, and a passion for eliminating forever any lingering misconception that Hawaiian art is merely focused on the celebration of natural beauty, Stude brings together a broad cross-section of contemporary and modern artists in the gallery’s rotating exhibits."

B E A T  O F   H A W A I ` I

Poipu’s recently opened Galerie 103 redefines the Hawaii art scene.  Located at the new Kukui’ula Village, its large space reflects both Kauai’s earthiness and sophistication.

The art takes center stage here against an industrial backdrop that features a soothing color palette and a fine museum feel.

Galerie 103 features art within everyone’s budget.

Its 2400 square foot space includes a small annex dedicated to modern and contemporary works on paper, art objects, fiber art and art books, while the main gallery features significant works of fine art.

A modern gallery where art meets issues.

“The art at Galerie 103 knows no boundaries, thereby challenging misconceptions about regionalism and ethnic origin,” according to owner, Bruna Stude.  Featuring artists not only from Hawaii but throughout the world, Galerie 103 is for the adventurous audience.

Selected Exhibitions at 103

“Roadtrip” by Wayne Zebzda, through November 8, 2009

Exhibited at The Contemporary Museum Honolulu Biennial 2008, “Roadtrip” has just returned from a solo show at The Maui Arts & Cultural Center (2009).

“Generations” by Peter Bodnar (age 80), Tom Lieber (60), and Leaf Lieber (10), from October 10 to December 8, 2009

Peter Bodnar, the “patriarch” of this group, has been creating and teaching art for over 60 years. Over the past 35 years, Bodnar’s protégé Tom Lieber has become one of Hawaii’s most important contemporary artists, with an international reputation. Leaf Lieber represents the third generation of this “art family” and is heir to their creative tradition.

“An Affair in the Islands” from December 15 to February 1, 2010

A group exhibit inspired by H.C. Westermann. Opening reception will be held on December 15 from 6 -- 8 p.m.

“A-HA” from February 6 to March 22, 2010

Though it refers to Art by Hawaiian Artists, ” A -- HA ” actually references the surprise and revelation that will be experienced when viewers discover this recent work by contemporary Hawaiian artists. The exhibit title also predicts the sense of triumph felt by art-lovers and island-lovers alike, when confronted with art works that are issue-oriented and conceptual or idea-based, as well as respectful of the influences of the powerful beauty of Hawaii.

Galerie 103 owner Bruna Stude is an artist and acclaimed photographer of the sea.

Originally from Croatia, Bruna has made Kauai her home for the past 7 years.  Her work has been featured at The Contemporary Museum in Honolulu and in many books and publications including National Geographic.

Details:  Galerie 103 is open Tuesday-Saturday from noon  to 8 pm.  Sunday and Monday hours are by appointment.  Please telephone 808-742-0103.

Location: Kukui’ula Village at 2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka, Poipu Beach, Kauai