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Archive for the ‘Anini / Kilauea’ Category
Fishing On Kaua’i
February 1st, 2009 by Talia
My husband & I visit Kauai every year for it’s natural beauty and fabulous outdoor activities. We usually spend about a month on the island and treat ourselves to the most amazing activities including fishing, snorkeling, hiking, shopping, and zip-lining. In the past we’ve divided our time in Poipu, Sunny south-side and Hanalei, Kauai’s tropical north shore. This year we stayed near the end of the road on the northern end called ‘Haena’. It was absolutely magical in every way possible. One of our most favorites is fishing in Kauai’s tropical seas. Our charter departed out of Anini Beach on the north shore. A beautifully protected large reef which we also enjoyed snorkeling as well. Every year we’ve caught fish. This past year we caught 5 different types of good eating fish. All of which you pay top dollar at the local restaurants. Here are some of the most commonly caught island fish:
Mahimahi – This light pink meat has a slightly sweet and delicate flavor. It can be prepared on the grill, in a fish sandwich or even as fish tacos.
Best months for catching – November to April
Opah (’moonfish’) – Not as commonly found on the menu as ono or ahi, Opah is quite popular with the locals, as it has a rich flavor best experienced in a fine, light sauce. This fish is not so good for the grill because of the delicate nature of the meat’s consistency and flavor.
Striped Marlin (’nairagi’) – Considered the finest for eating of all the varieties in the marlin family, the pinkish orange meat is often prepared the same way as ahi or swordfish. You will see marlin featured in fish and chips entrees and in its smoked state it can be purchased at fish markets by the pound.
Best months for catching – January to June
Ahi (’yellowfin tuna’) – This dark pink, almost red meat is most commonly used as sashimi and is often served raw or seared. You’ll see it prepared as poke with onion or seaweed and can be bought fresh at fish markets. Restaurants frequently feature it as an entree that can be crusted or blackened.
Best months for catching – May & June
Ono (’wahoo’) – Ono means ‘delicious’ and this lean, white meat is delicate and can be found featured at restaurants serving fish sandwiches or other fish entrees. Like ahi, when featured as a main course, it is often crusted, blackened or served with a Pacific Rim inspired sauce.
Best months for catching – May to August
Striped Marlin (’nairagi’) – Considered the finest for eating of all the varieties in the marlin family, the pinkish orange meat is often prepared the same way as ahi or swordfish. You will see marlin featured in fish and chips entrees and in its smoked state it can be purchased at fish markets by the pound.
Best months for catching – January to June
Swordfish – An ideal fish for grilling, swordfish can be skewered or cut into thick steaks. You also may find it featured in raw fish dishes or even served as sashimi much like ahi.
Best months for catching – June & July We always look forward to dining at our favorite restaurants in Poipu and Hanalei and sampling the fresh island ‘catch of the day’.
President Obama’s Hawaii Vacation
January 31st, 2009 by Talia
Barack Obama recently vacationed in Hawaii, just outside the island’s capital of Honolulu. Obama was born on O’ahu and spent the first fourteen years of his life on the island. It was also the home of his late grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, who raised Obama through much of his youth. Dunham passed away only two days before her grandson’s historic election.
Obama and his family enjoyed the beauty of Oahu’s Kailua area, a place well-known for windsurfing and white sand beaches. The small-town feeling of Kailua, with a population of about 50,000 residents, seems a fitting choice for a holiday reprieve for the Obama family after a long campaign in the public eye. With the majority of Hawaiians showing their support for Obama in the presidential election, it may have been difficult for locals to give the family the privacy and space they deserved. However, most residents of this mellow enclave are used to public figures and celebrities coming to Kailua for a little anonymity in paradise. Most likely the greatest attention Obama received from the locals were a few shakas in the aloha spirit.
Only a 20 minute flight from the island of Kauai, known as the ‘Garden Isle’. Kauai, aka the ‘Island of Discovery’ boasts white sand beaches have been voted some of the most beautiful places in the world.
Obama mentions his own past connection with Kailua in his memoir, “Dreams From My Father”, in which he recalls a boyhood spearfishing trip there with his grandfather. Obama continues to foster his relationship to Kailua. Every president has his place of choice for respite from the toughest job in the world. It looks as though this Hawaiian native may choose Kailua as his place to rejuvenate and rest throughout his presidency. Understandably so. Kailua’s beauty is some of the most picturesque in all the islands and the land there holds the history of great chiefs.
Should the nation’s new President continue to return to the Hawaiian Islands for some R&R, Hawaiians would welcome it with plenty of aloha.
Getting Married on Kauai…..
November 26th, 2008 by Talia
Top 8 Reasons to Get Married on Kauai
There are MANY reasons the Garden Island of Kauai is alternately dubbed, “the Wedding Island” and has been the chosen wedding spot for thousands of couples. These are just a few:
1. Unblemished BeachesIf saying “I do” to the sound of the surf is your idea of heaven, you’ve come to the right place. Kauai is home to beautiful, unblemished beaches — many of them quiet, secluded and perfect for an intimate exchange of vows. (Better yet, public beaches and parks are available free of charge — but may require a permit to occupy. Check with the County of Kauai for information.) A few sand-strewn suggestions:• LUMAHAI BEACH — Talk about magical…The musical, “South Pacific,” was filmed along this superb stretch of sand on the North Shore, where Mitzi Gaynor “washed that man right of her hair.” Remember Bali Hai rising in the distance? You’ll find it here, at Kauai’s most photographed beach, just a few minutes’ walk from the highway. The given name of “Bali Hai” is actually Mt. Makana.• MAHAULEPU BEACH — You’re likely to find this romantic beach on the south shore quiet and largely uninhabited. Getting there is a bit of an adventure. A dirt road will take you to a security shack where you’ll be asked to show ID and sign a liability release before continuing on to private property. The payoff? A good possibility of your own private piece of golden beach or sea cliff.• POLIHALE BEACH — This remote expanse of shimmering sand, translated as “home of the spirits” in Hawaiian, is framed by dramatic cliffs. Located on the west end of the famed Na Pali coastline, this state park houses picnic facilities and restrooms.• SHIPWRECK BEACH — Even the name sounds exotic, inspiring images of swashbucklers and buried treasure. Located on Keoneloa Bay, Shipwreck Beach is one of the biggest in Poipu and particularly suited to stunning wedding photos, especially with rocky Makawehi Point in the background. Several beautiful resorts lie conveniently near its sunny shores.• POIPU BEACH — Plenty of sunshine, cool trades and soft white sand make this south shore location a favorite with travelers. Rated a “top beach in America,” this sweep of shimmering shoreline is perfect for pictures, especially at sunset, and is conveniently located near Poipu resorts. The adjacent Poipu Beach Park, also encompassing Brennecke Beach, has an expanse of green lawn, towering palms, and picnic and rest facilities.• LYDGATE BEACH PARK — This beach on Kauai’s Coconut Coast seems to have it all: more than two miles of golden sand, grassy spaces nearby, picnic pavilions, shade trees, rest facilities PLUS a playground! (Keep that young ring bearer or flower girl happy!)• WAIPOULI BEACH or ALA KUKUI POINT — Head to Kauai’s east side for this picturesque garden setting: palm trees, a profusion of flowers, white sand and mountains rising in the background.• KE’E BEACH — Considered “the place” to watch the sun set on Kauai’s North Shore, this stunning beach boasts a lava peak that trails into the sea and emerald mountains beyond the beach. Consider an early, weekday wedding at this popular and often-busy beach.• HANALEI BAY — Situated at the foot of a sheer cliff and bordered by a rocky point, picturesque Hanalei Bay is renowned for its unparalleled natural beauty. The sandy beach wraps around a shoreline at different times of the year calm and surf-strewn, but always lovely. The Pier at Hanalei is another option, promising magnificent memories and photos.• PRINCEVILLE BEACH — This lovely spot on the celebrated North shore offers a white sand beach and Mt. Makana (”Bali Hai”) as a backdrop.
Recycle Kauai!
November 24th, 2008 by Talia
Our landfill is full and we need your help to reduce waste. There are recycling locations located on every side of the island. Please use them!
