An informative e-Zine brought to you by Hideaway Cove Villas
2307 & 2315 Nalo Road, Poipu, HI 96756
Toll Free: 866-849-2426; www.hideawaycove.com
Volume Two
Issue Ten
December, 2002
 
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HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
In This Issue:
  • Around the Island
  • In the News Recently
  • Upcoming Island Events
  • What's Happening at Hideaway Cove?
  • A Little Bit of Laughter
  • Real Estate Corner
  • Year Round Things To Do
  • And the Winner Is...

  • Special Holiday Issue

    We wish you and your family the very best this holiday season.  With the new year just around the corner we hope everyone had a wonderful 2002 and that 2003 will be even better.  Judging from advance bookings, it looks like next year will be a banner year for Hideaway Cove.  So, if you're planning to visit next year, please make your reservations early.  Mahalo




    One Million Plus, Again!

    For the sixth year in a row, visitor numbers to Kauai are expected to top one million.  Although the actual numbers won't be published until the end of January, Kauai has averaged over 79,000 visitors each December for the past five years and needs only a little over 78,000 to hit the million mark once again.  Domestic visitors continue to be Kauai's bread and butter, staying an average of 6.73 days compared to just 3.84 days for international visitors.  Kauai and Maui are along among the islands in recording positive numbers of domestic visitors for both the month of November and the first 11 months of 2002, in terms of both total domestic visitors and visitors choosing to stay only on Kauai or Maui.

    Second Best In The World

    Although we would rather have been first, second place is nothing to sneeze at.   When Conde Nast Traveler recently completed their annual readers survey of their favorite tropical island, Kauai came out number two.  And who could have possibly been better in those readers minds?  Well at least it was another Hawaiian Island, Maui.  Third place went to Fraser Island in Australia, Bora Bora was number 4 and Bali took 5th place.  The Big Island here in Hawaii was 6th and Oahu was 9th.  Among top Pacific Rim Resorts, Hyatt Regency Kauai placed fifth and for best value as an alternative to the Hyatt, Hideaway Cove was number one (just kidding).  However, if there were an award like that, I'm sure we would win it.

    Annual Whale Count

    What would January and February be without counting those ‘ol humpbacks swimming in our waters?  January 25th and February 22nd are the annual Whale Count days here on Kauai, a project sponsored by the NOAA.  Trained volunteers will be stationed at 14-16 coastal locations with binoculars glued to their eyes.  They will be recording the whale census and behavior, along with mapping sightings.  Training will take place on January 11th in the morning.  For more information, call Jean “Souza at 808-246-2860.

    Airline News

    United is still flying directly to Kauai from San Francisco and Los Angeles (YEA!!)  Pleasant Hawaiian announced they will re-launch direct air service from both San Francisco and Los Angeles on a weekly basis starting April 12.  The San Fran service will continue through August 30th, with L.A. keeps going until October 25th.

    First Annual Kauai Music Festival

    This new event is going to be held at the Hyatt Regency Kauai and the date right now is set for May 31st through June 6th.  Several nationally known musicians are already signed up to participate in workshops and entertainment.  More details will be forthcoming in early 2003.  Organizers of the Festival said they planned the event to coincide with the Value Season at Hideaway Cove, just in case someone wanted to attend and didn’t want to pay nose bleed prices at the Hyatt.



    COMING EVENTS IN JANUARY/FEBRUARY

    January 11, 2003
    TAKACS QUARTET IN CONCERT
    Recognized as one of the world's greatest string quartets, this group will appear in concert in the Kauai Community College Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. Admission is $25. Sponsored by the Kauai Concert Association. Please call (808) 245-SING for further information.

    Date to be announced
    E PILI KAKOU
    Time: 8:00 a.m. registration on both days
    Place: Kauai Marriott
    A non-competitive forum where one can experience the full force of the spirit of hula. Classes in hula from the best instructors in Hawaii. Visits to cultural hula sites. 8 a.m. registration on both days at Kauai Marriott. Must sign up. All day with night entertainment. Call (808) 821-2424 for more information.

    Date to be announced
    2ND ANNUAL KAUAI WRITERS CONFERENCE
    Discover the arts of screenwriting and writing fiction in five days in Paradise. Lew Hunter, screenwriting and Michael Levin, fiction writing, are two of the world's most renowned writing teachers. Only here can you enjoy intimate, exciting classes with both Hunter and Levin. If you are serious about writing, this is a conference you must attend. Call: Kauai Writers Conference 1-800-637-6856.

    February 2, 2003
    ST. LAWRENCE QUARTET CONCERT
    The ensemble which "plays with energy and fearless adventurousness" will appear in the Kauai Community College Performing Arts Center at 5 p.m. Admission is $20. Call Kauai Concert Association at 245-SING for more information.

    February 21, 2003
    TERRANCE SIMIEN AND THE MALLET PLAYBOYS IN CONCERT
    The zydeco master and his band incorporate many genres and influences into their unique fusion. Presented by the Kauai Concert Association in the Kauai Community Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. Admission is $20. For information call (808) 245-SING.
     
     

    DATES OF EVENTS BELOW TO BE ANNOUNCED.
    PLEASE CALL PHONE NUMBERS FOR SPECIFICS.  THANKS. 

    HULA HOIKE 2002
    Halau Hula o Leilani and kumu hula Leilani Rivera Bond will present their annual recital of hula and Tahitian dances at Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall in Lihue at 7:00 p.m. About 100 keiki and adult students will present hula kahiko and auana and Tahitian dances, including hula that won awards at the Hula Oni E competition in Honolulu. Other popular guest musicians will compliment the evening's entertainment with their Hawaiian and contemporary music. Tickets are available from halau members and at ticket outlets on Kaua'i; $15 for adults, $8 for keiki 4-15 yrs. For further information, call Leilani Bond, 808-823-0501; email:leilani7@bellsouth.net

    "EAT DESSERT FIRST" FUNDRAISER
    This fun filled annual event will feature lots of delicious homemade desserts, fresh fruits and beverages. There will be entertainment, and a silent auction with LOTS of great Valentine gift items. Tickets for this Zonta Club fundraiser are just $10.00. 5PM to 7:30PM. Kauai Lagoons Resort Terrace Restaurant. Call Kim Kalaiwaa 808-826-6161 E-mail: mgrshse@aloha.net

    WAIMEA TOWN CELEBRATION 2002 
    Free entertainment and events including canoe race, cowboy fun, ukulele contest, Captain Cook Caper Fun Run, Lappert's ice cream eating contest, hat lei contest and more. Food and game booths all on the outskirts of Waimea Town. One of Kauai's largest festivals. For information call Chris Faye 335-2824.

    ANNUAL UKULELE CONTEST
    Amateurs and professionals show their stuff with Hawaii's favorite string instrument. Starts at 12:45pm. Children & Adult Categories. Prizes. Sign up until noon at the information booth. Waimea Town Celebration Event. Old Waimea Mill, Waimea Town Celebration Stage. Call Chris Faye 808-335-2824; toursgnr@aloha.net.

    KILOHANA LONG DISTANCE CANOE RACE
    First event of the Kauai canoe racing season. Start times are 9 a.m. for the women, 10:30 a.m. for the men. Awa ceremony is at 8 a.m. at the Waimea Pier. Part of the Waimea Town Celebration. For more information call (808) 335-2824.

    PANIOLO CHALLENGE
    Cowboys compete in Horse & Mule Barrels, Dummy Roping, Relays, Flag Race, Pony Express. 11am-3pm. Great fun for the family. Free for spectators. Waimea Town Celebration Event. Field 14 in Waimea, Kauai. Call Chris Faye 808-335-2824 E-mail: toursgnr@aloha.net.

    ANNUAL CAPTAIN COOK CAPER FUN RUN
    2, 5, & 10k Run. Start time 7:00am, Saturday. Shuttle service to start lines at Waimea Plantation Cottages. Last bus leaves at 6:40. Entry Fee includes event t-shirt. Signature event of the Waimea Town Celebration. Call Dave Walker 808-338-1475 dpwalker@aloha.net.



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    We are finally finished with construction for a few months.  The air conditioning installation is complete and the systems are operating in the 2007 building.  Now all of our Villas are air conditioned—WHEW!  The Royal Palm and Beachcomber Villas are completed remodeled.  The Oceanview and Aloha Villas have been painted inside and the kitchens remodeled.  New art work and mirrors are on the walls and they look terrific.  This leaves only the bathrooms to be completed next year some time.  We tried to get everything done, however there is currently a building boom going on (see Real Estate) and it has been next to impossible to schedule workmen for a smaller project such as this one.  We are hoping the combine the bath remodeling with the addition of another studio Villa sometime next year.  We’ll keep you posted.



    Confucius say:  Man who want pretty nurse, must be patient.

    Three Wishes

    One day, down in the mystical forest, a magical frog was hopping towards a water hole. The forest was so enormous that the frog had never laid eyes on another animal before. But today, by chance a bear was chasing after a rabbit to have for dinner.

    The frog called for the two to stop and said, "Because you are the only two animals I have seen, I will grant both of you three wishes. Bear, you can go first." The bear thought for a moment, and being the male he was, said, "I wish for all the bears in this forest, apart from me, to be female."

    For his wish, the rabbit asked for a crash helmet, and immediately put it on. The bear was amazed at the stupidity of the rabbit, wasting his wish like that.

    It was the bear's second turn for a wish. "Well, I wish that all the bears in the next forest were female as well."

    The rabbit asked for a motorcycle and immediately hopped on it and roared the engine. The bear was shocked that the rabbit was asking for such idiotic items, because after all, he could have asked for money and bought the bike.

    For the last wish the bear thought for a while and then said, "I wish that all the bears in the world, apart from me, were female."

    The rabbit grinned, roared the engine, and said, "I wish that this bear was gay." And off he roared on his motorcycle.

    A True Story

    A friend of mine was a frequent user of a pay telephone at a popular truck stop, and was greatly inconvenienced when the phone went out of commission.

    Repeated requests for repair brought only promises.

    After several days, the phone company was again contacted and told that there was no longer a rush.

    The phone was now working fine--except that all money was being returned upon completion of each call.

    A repairman arrived within the hour!

    What Did You Say?

    Morris realized he needed to purchase a hearing aid, but he felt unwilling to spend much money. "How much do they cost?" he asked the salesperson.

    "That depends," he said. "They run from $2.00 to $2,000."

    "Let's see the $2.00 model," said Morris the miser.

    The salesperson put the device around Morris' neck. "You just stick this button in your ear and run this little string down to your pocket," he instructed.

    "How does it work?" , asked Morris.

    "For $2.00 it doesn't work," the salesperson replied. "But when people see it on you, they'll talk louder."

    The Dog, The Monkey and The Leopard

    A wealthy man and his dog were on Safari when one day the dog starts chasing butterflies and gets lost. Wandering about, the dog notices a leopard sprinting towards him, with the intention of having him for lunch.

    The dog thinks, "Boy, I'm in deep doo doo now." But out of the corner of his eye he notices some bones on the ground and immediately turns his back towards the cat and starts chewing them.

    As the leopard is about to leap on him, the dog exclaims loudly, "Man, that was one delicious leopard. I wonder if there are any more around here?"

    The leopard halts his attack in mid stride, as a look of terror comes over him, and slinks away into the trees. "Whew, that was a close call. The dog nearly had me!" says the leopard.

    Meanwhile, on a nearby tree a monkey had watched this scene and figured he could put his knowledge to use in exchange for protection from the leopard.  As he heads off, the dog notices the monkey running after the leopard at great speed and figures something is up.

    Catching up with the leopard, the monkey tells all and strikes a deal. The cat is furious at being made a fool of and says, "Here monkey, hop on my back and see what will happen to that canine!"

    The dog sees monkey and leopard approaching and thinks, "What will I do now?" But, instead of running, the dog sits down with his back facing the attackers and pretends he hasn't seen them. Just when they get close enough to hear, the dog says, "Now where is that monkey?  I just can’t trust him.  I sent him off half an hour ago to bring me another leopard, and he's still not back!"

    Where have you been?

    One day a man decided that he was sick and tired of going home every payday and giving his check to his wife. So the next payday he cashed his check and went out partying all weekend. When he finally decided to come home, there was his wife waiting for him on the front porch.

    As soon as he she sees him she starts in ....where have you been, why haven't you called, where is your paycheck? She stops, noticing that he appears not to be listening at all. She then grabs his face and states very harshly "How would you like it if you didn't see me for a couple days?" The man thinks a little and he says with a half smirk "I think that I would like that a lot!"

    A day goes by and he doesn't see her...2 days go by and he still hadn't seen her...3 days go by and the swelling had gone down just enough that he could see her through the corner of his left eye.

    Actual Radio Conversion

    This was a conversation between a US naval ship and Canadian authorities off the coast of  Newfoundland in late 1995.

    Canadians: Please divert your course 15 degrees to the south to avoid a collision.

    Americans: Recommend you divert your course 15 degrees to the north to avoid a collision.

    Canadians: Negative. You will have to divert your course 15 degrees to the south to avoid a collision.

    Americans: This is the captain of a US Navy ship. I say again, divert YOUR course.

    Canadians: No, I say again, you divert YOUR course.

    Americans: This is the Aircraft Carrier USS LINCOLN, the second largest ship in the United States Atlantic Fleet. We are accompanied with three Destroyers, three Cruisers and numerous support vessels. I DEMAND that you change your course 15 degrees north. I say again, that's one-five degrees north, or counter-measures will be undertaken to ensure the safety of this ship.

    Canadians: This is a lighthouse. Your call.



    The market continues to be red hot.  If priced at or near the market, new listings are being sold in days, sometimes even before the listings are published.  The strength in the market cuts across all segments including resort properties, resale and new homes, raw land, condos as well as agricultural land and commercial real estate.

    Hawaii as a state is also doing extremely well.  In the third quarter the state posted the largest increase in the number of sales, 20.3%, of any state in the country.  And all this is going on in a state that has seen a robust market for over three years now.

    Some buyers and investors may be concerned that, in an active market like this one, they will be buying in at the “top of the market”.  The November issue of Consumer Reports addresses that very concern by naming various prominent “bubble" markets where properties may be selling for 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% over historical values based on a ratio of current housing prices to incomes in each area.  Hawaii was not named as being in this type of market.

    This month we’re going to take a look at a smattering of what’s available in raw land in the South Shore area.  So that you can compare lots listed in square footage which those listed in acres, just figure that an acre is around 42,000 square feet, and a half acre 21,000 or so.  How’s that for exact measurement?

    Our first property is an acre and a half listed for $158,000 (fee simple).  It is located in Kalaheo (where yours truly also lives) and has an ocean view.  The building site has septic in place, which saves several thousand dollars for the new buyer.  The site has been graded and was done with the proper grading permits.  Custom house plans with a building permit may be negotiated separately.

    In the community of Lawai, which is just a hop skip and a jump from Kalaheo, lies a 18,000 square foot lot listed for $165,000 (fee simple).  It is level, has been graded and is located on a cul-de-sac.

    A 10,800 square foot lot is listed in Kalaheo for $170,000 (fee simple).  The lot is in a subdivision called Kakela Makai that Gale and I pass by on our morning walks.  It is very nicely done with underground utilities and wide paved streets.  There will be about 160 lots in the subdivision when it is completely sold out.

    Right down in Poipu is a 10,000 square foot lot listed for $325,000 (fee simple).  It has ocean and mountain views and is adjacent to the Embassy Suites fronting Pee Road in Poipu.

    A terrific view looking down the Poipu Beach coastline is available from this mountain top building site. Four and a half acres in Koloa are offered for $359,000 (fee simple).  This would be perfect for constructing an estate home and would allow for a private driveway to the future homesite.

    In an area called the Kalaheo Homesteads, you can purchase 25 acres for $895,000 (fee simple).  Views and sloping terrain add to the character of this land.  Although there is certainly no guarantee with the Planning Commission, parcels of this size, that were at one time zoned agricultural, have been subdivided into 5 parcels of five acres each with one home allowed on each parcel.

    However, if it Poipu you want, here is an oceanfront piece just under 20,000 square feet for $998,000 (fee simple).  Well, actually there is a road running in front before you get to the ocean and this location is not the most prestigious.  However it is still in Poipu and the ocean is right there in front of you.  A parcel of the same size and adjacent to this one is also for sale for the same price.  That would give you almost an acre for a little less than two million.  Such a deal.

    In a better location and naturally more expensive, this Poipu property of 30,000 square feet is listed for $2,295,000 (fee simple).  It’s located above the rim of Poipu Beach crater and has a spectacular view up the Poipu Beach coastline.  It would be a superb site for an estate home or could also be subdivided.




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    Every Friday night from 5 - 9 p.m. is Hanapepe Art Night and is unique. Participating galleries take turns being the weekly host gallery, offering original performances or demonstrations which become the theme for that art night. All the galleries are lit up and decked out, giving the town a special atmosphere. Enjoy a stroll down the streets of quaint, historic Hanapepe Town and meet the local artists.  This is also the only night the Hanapepe Café is open (it’s otherwise open for breakfast and lunch) and it is a wonderful restaurant serving vegetarian fare. For Art Night info, call Lew or Annette Shortridge at (808) 335-0343. 


    Enjoy free hula shows at the following locations:

    Seaview Terrace at Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa, Poipu, 6:00 - 8:00 PM.  Be sure and call (808) 742-1234 to double check the type of performance.  Some nights there is guitar music, others keiki hula with young children performing.  If you’ve never seen 3-9 years olds doing the hula, you should go.  It’s really a joy to watch.
    Kukui's Restaurant at Kauai Marriott Resort & Beach Club, Lihue (on Kalapaki Bay), Wednesday & Saturday shows, 6:30 PM and 8:00 PM 
    Call (808) 245-5050
    Coconut Marketplace, Kapaa, 5:00 PM daily (programs vary) 
    Call (808) 822-3641
    Happy Talk Lounge at Hanalei Bay Resort, Princeville, Tuesdays 6:30 - 9:30 PM - call (808) 826-6522.  Also enjoy live jazz here on Sunday afternoons.


    The free Tiare Tahiti Dance Show takes place Monday & Thursday evenings at 5:00 PM, in the courtyard of Poipu Shopping Village.  Call 808-742-2831.

    Watch Hawaiian crafts being created at the Hui Aloha (friendly get-together) in the Sheraton Garden Court Lobby in Poipu from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. This daily display features everything from coconut hats to Niihau shell leis, lauhala baskets and more.  Call (808) 742-1661 for further information.

    Monday through Thursday go on Crater Hill Hikes.  From the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge Visitor’s Center, you can join this 2 to 2-1/2 hour hike. Guides discuss the geology of the island and Crater Hill, seabirds and migratory birds, native plants, and marine wildlife that visit Kilauea Point. Spectacular setting including historic Kilauea Point Lighthouse, visitor's center, and grounds open all day. Free with paid entry fee of $3 to the Wildlife Refuge. Call (808) 828-0168 for reservations.

    Monday through Friday take a Gay & Robinson Tour. See Makaweli's sugar irrigation systems Mon - Fri, 8 - 4 p.m. Exhibits show the 17.5 mile Koula Ditch, 13 mile Olokele Ditch, and history of Gay & Robinson, Olokele and Hawaiian Sugar Co. plantations. Free. Call (808) 335-2824.

    Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays go for a Kapaa History Tour.  Take walking tours through Kapaa town.  Meet at Pono Kai Resort lobby at 10 am. Call (808) 245-3373 for reservations. 

    Tuesdays through Saturdays take the kids to the Kauai Children’s Discovery Museum.
    "Deep Sea Giants" is an amazing interactive exhibit of robotic ocean creatures. Permanent exhibits include multi-cultural keiki village, coral reef at night, virtual reality stations, magic tree house library and more. Admission is $4.50/$3.50. Located at Kauai Village Shopping Center in Kapaa. Daily summer camp is offered weekdays. For more information call (808) 823-8222.

    Mondays are reserved for the Historic Waimea Walking Tour. This 90 minute tour offers a glimpse of historic Waimea town Mondays at 9:30 a.m. Call (808)338-1332.

    Mondays through Fridays enjoy a Sugar Mill Tour.  This two-hour field and factory tour is given twice daily at 9 a.m. and at 1 p.m. There is an admission charge for the tour, but admission to the Visitor Center is free and is open 8 - 4. Kaumakani Ave. Call (808)335-2824 for reservations. 

    Mondays through Fridays take advantage of any one of a number of Garden Tours.
    North shore Limahuli Garden: Restored ancient taro fields, rare species, and spectacular views. (808) 826-1053. 
    Kalaheo Allerton Garden: Exquisite statuary and reflecting pools plus amazing flora. (808) 742-2623. 
    Na Aina Kai: Contemporary sculptures and wonderful grounds.  (808) 828-1525. 

    Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays stroll back in time with a Walking Tour of Old Waimea Sugar Plantation and Cottages.  The tour meets at 9:00 a.m. and lasts approximately 90 minutes.  Volunteers lead you through Waimea Plantation Cottages, a vacation resort of restored plantation houses, and the neighboring Waimea Sugar Company "camp" of houses dating to the turn of the century. Tours are limited to 12 people. For reservations please call (808) 335-2824.

    Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays take a Kauai Museum Tour.
    Free tours at 10 am with admission. Docents provide interpretation of Kauai and Niihau culture as they lead tours through the Museum's galleries. Call (808) 245-6931 for more information.

    Fridays and Sundays perk up your ears for Hawaiian Slack Key Music Concerts.
    Enjoy a delightful afternoon of live slack key guitar and ukulele with stories of the history of the music, Kauai, endangered species, and more. Free gift drawing! Tickets $10 ($8 keiki/kupuna). Hanalei Community Center - Fridays at 4 p.m., Sundays at 3 p.m. For more information call (808) 826-1469.



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    Congratulations to Alan and Geraldine Lynagh from Westminster, England for winning a $300 credit toward a future stay at Hideaway Cove.  Good luck to everyone for our next drawing.  The winner will be announced in our next issue.



    If you would like to subscribe to a great newsletter about the Hawaiian Islands, Lisa Weber produces one you will find interesting and informative.
    Subscribe to andHawaii Travel Ezine:




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     HIDEAWAY COVE VILLAS  at Poipu Beach
    "Your Home Away From Home"
    2315 Nalo Road
    Koloa, Kauai, HI 96756
    Call Us TOLL FREE at 866-849-2426
    Web Site: http://www.hideawaycove.com
    E-Mail: herblee@hideawaycove.com