Kukuiula is happy to welcome our new General Manager, Paul Horner, to our ‘ohana. With years of previous experience in his field in California and on Lana’i, Paul is sure to bring our growing community to new heights. He comes with great aloha for this island we call home, and a dedication to the future of Kukuiula as a beautiful place that will continue to reflect the virtues of Kauai.

How long have you lived on Kauai?

I lived here for 2 years in 1981-1983 and moved back 2.5 months ago.

What first drew you to the position at Kukuiula?

I was actually very interested in the original position 6 years ago when I first applied.  I have family and many friends here.   I’ve always loved this island and the people of Kaua’i.

What is your vision for Kukuiula?

To create a thriving community that will provide a transformational experience for our members and local community alike while sharing our culture using Hawaiian values.

How do you see Kukui’ula over the next 5 years and 10 years in terms of development and participation in the community?

I think there is a cautious optimism about the next 5-10 years related to development in Hawaii.  I see us growing at a very comfortable pace.
We will continue to participate in the success of our community because the health of our community will relate directly to our health as an organization.

What do you think is the most attractive aspect of Kukuiula?

Looking south out over Kukuiula Harbor is one of the most beautiful sights in the world.  The mist from Spouting Horn being back-lit by the sunset!

Do you see it as a family-oriented community?

‘Ohana is the Hawaiian word for family that we use to describe our relationship with everyone that we hold dear in this community.  Our family includes everyone that we have known as our family, surrounding us with love from the time of our birth.  It also includes those we choose to call our family for the connection we share with them enriches our life.

Is this your first time working to build a community?

I’ve been blessed to have worked in some special places like Lana’i and Carneros in Napa, California where we faced many of the same challenges.

Which projects are currently in the works?

We are currently working on expanding our lodging units called the Club Cottages.  We have completed 6 thus far with 4 more in the works.  There are also quite a few new custom homes going up in our Mauka neighborhood as well.

What do you think residents and potential residents would like most about owning property in Kukuiula?

I think the most important aspect of purchasing a property here at Kukuiula is that you are actually purchasing a piece of Kaua’i.  All of our members have access to everything Kaua’i has to offer.

What can the community and the world expect from Kukuiula this coming year?

We’re hoping to continue to expand our lodging experience so we can create more activity on property and attract more guests that would like to call the Island of Kaua’i home.  They will have access to all the The Club at Kukuiula has to offer including world-class golf, an unmatched Spa experience, world-class dining, activities and adventure from one end of the island to the other.

Hawaiian culture and tradition pays reverence to the aina (land) and their ancestors through a traditional Hawaiian Blessing.  This spiritual ceremony brings all working parties together, on Kaua’i’s rich red soil, in partnership to build a home that will become a family legacy.  This ceremony reminds us that the land was here before us, and will be here long after we are gone, presenting us with the opportunity to be respectful stewards.

Mauka Lot #8 – Peter Vincent

The moving Hawaiian Blessing of Kukui’ula’s Mauka Lot 8, that will feature a custom home designed by Peter Vincent and built by Armstrong Builders, brought together leadership from each entity creating an “ohana” to ensure this dream comes to life.  This 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath home will boast 3,949 square feet of exquisite living area, complemented by an infinity edge pool and integrated spa & wet deck lounge.  Perfectly conducive to the invigorating lifestyle of the islands.

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Baby Beach #2 – Construction Completed

Kukui‘ula has just celebrated cottage and land closings the past two Fridays, expanding the Club at Kukui’ula’s membership with families that will soon call Kaua’i home.  The construction within the community is booming as well, with a recently completed Makai Lot 2 stunning 2,229 square-foot “Baby Beach” cottage and guest cottage.  The cedar shake roof and the plantation style board and batten siding on this 3 bedroom-3 bath cottage makes it the ideal Kauaʻi summer retreat and features a custom in-ground spa, fire pit, and breath-taking ocean views.

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Mauka Lot #11 – Shay Zak Architects

In the Mauka neighborhood on Lot 11, celebrated architect Shay Zak has teamed up with Greenwood Homes to create a 5 bedroom, 5.5 bath retreat with panoramic ocean views and 5,743 square feet of contemporary living area. With outdoor living amenities including outdoor shower gardens, fire pit, pool and spa, this estate will redefine your best notions of luxurious Hawaiian living.

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Mauka Lot #46 – Hawaii Resort Builders

Hawaii Resort Builders has begun a custom home on Mauka Lot 46,“Hale Mahana,” a 4 bedroom, 4.5 bath home with 3,897 square feet of living area. Featuring dual master suites with stone flooring in the bathroom and an attached Ohana Suite, this home will also feature an infinity edge pool and in-ground spa overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
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Makai Lot #59- Hawaii Resort Builders

In addition, Hawaii Resort Builders has begun “Hale Hokuloa” in the Makai neighborhood on Lot 59.   This 2,927 square-foot, with 3 bedrooms and 3 baths home offers an attached Ohana suite, Thermador appliances, in-ground spa and sprawling courtyard.
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The Club Cottages

The Club Cottage at Kukui’ula continue to provide an ideal option for island living and are just steps away from the Club.  Only 15 will be built, and half are sold or under contact, so now is the time to see how this 2,224 square-foot main cottage and 496 square-foot guest cottage can provide the perfect place for your island experience.  The Club Cottages have quickly become a favorite place to stay for Club members and guests drawn to south shore luxury living.

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Plantation Cottage

At the entrance to Club Drive is the Plantation Cottage, boasting ocean views from the spacious great room, lanai and master bedroom suite.  This three-bedroom, three-bath home will be fully furnished in a contemporary spa theme by the same designer that created the interiors for the Club at Kukui’ula, Merrill & Associates.  This cottage is a short walk from the Club and offers 2,392 square feet of total living area.  This is the first home by CSE Hawaii Development at Kukui’ula and will be completed in July, just in time for a long summer stay.

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To arrange your private tour of these amazing new homes at Kukui‘ula, call us today at 808-742-0234 to arrange your visit, or email us at info@kukuiula.com

The Club at Kuku`ula is proud to have members of our `ohana participating in the 2013 Merrie Monarch Festival. Hula Halau Ka Lei Mokihana `O Leina`ala is participating for the second year in a row. Tammy Pu`u, who graciously welcomes our members as they drive up to the motorcourt, danced last year.  Tammy’s daughter, Gabrielle, will be dancing this year, and Tammy will be a big part of the activities helping the girls with  makeup, hair and costumes and, of course, and helping to direct all of them as you know that only Tammy can do.

The live broadcast airing April 4, 5, and 6 can be viewed on KFVE, and a live stream can be seen online at www.kfve.com.

For more information on the Merrie Monarch Festival, including the schedule, click on www.merriemonarch.com.

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It’s the oldest of Hawaii’s eight main islands—and arguably the most dramatic, with scenery that ranges from wind-eroded mountains and red-walled canyons to primeval rainforest and photo-ready waterfalls.

http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/worlds-most-romantic-islands/5

Mandy moved to Kauai in 1999. She studied massage in Kauai, and is well versed in deep tissue and relaxation techniques, as well as the traditional Hawaiian system of lomilomi. She left Kauai for several years to study Chinese Medicine in San Diego, and then thankfully returned to the island with her newfound knowledge and set up shop in the Kukui‘ula Spa. Mandy is a natural and versatile healer, and is thrilled to have some of the best therapeutic tools at her disposal at Kukui‘ula, including the hydro tub, which marries the benefits of water and massage together and is particularly helpful for people with injuries. Mandy is also proficient in body scrubs, wraps and facials, and enjoys incorporating essential oils and aromatherapy into her sessions to deepen the experience. Your visit to Mandy begins with a relaxing foot scrub. While her capable hands begin to knead the tension out or your extremities, she opens up a dialogue to discover exactly what you need the most.  Her gentle manor creates a safe environment that allows you to relax and open yourself up to receive. Each treatment is completely customized, as she carefully draws from her extensive skill set to create a healing experience especially for you. All of her talents aside, it’s really Mandy’s commitment to, and love of, her work that sets her apart from the myriad of body workers on Kauai and beyond, “We all have a set of tools to choose from,” she says, “and you use your intuition to connect with the person you’re working on to customize a treatment based on what their body tells you it needs. Essentially it becomes a dance between the two of you, and when you can become fully present and focused, shut off your ego and do your thing, the healing work is a joy that comes from your heart. That’s what makes a great therapist.”

Not one to rest on her laurels, Mandy plans to further her education by delving more deeply into craniosacral work. A visit to the Kukui‘ula Spa to see Mandy is beneficially for everyone. You can be certain that you are in the best, most caring hands possible, and that she will employ all of her many skills and talents to create a personalized experience that gently addresses your particular needs with the grace and wisdom of a true healer.

There are countless activities and adventures to explore on the Garden Island. In fact, one of the toughest challenges you’ll face on Kauai is trying to decide which activities to sample while you’re here. Thankfully, Kukui’ula has Robert Miguel at Island Pursuits to help you make your decision. Born and raised on Kauai’s west side, Robert has had ample opportunity to explore Kauai from top to bottom, mountains to sea, and has done just about everything a person can do on Kauai. He describes his job as an amalgam of all his favorite hobbies, and he loves sharing his island home’s many delights with people from all over the world. Infused with a deep love for Kauai and enthusiasm for his work, Robert is always happy to share his insights and expertise.

What is your favorite Kauai activity?

RM: I am a water person through and through, so I love standup paddle boarding, spear fishing, kayak fishing, sailing, surfing and snorkeling. The one activity I probably enjoy the most is standup paddleboard surfing. There are an endless number of breaks around the island perfectly suited for SUP.

What activity best captures the unique feel of Kauai?

RM: Hiking…hands down. It gives you the best feel for the many microclimates, contrasting terrain, mountain-to-ocean views, waterfalls and secluded spots around the island. While the hikes may challenge you, the island will reward your hard work with spectacular views and unforgettable memories.

What’s the best activity for families with small children?

RM: The activity we suggest for most families is a custom beach day. We select the beach that best suits what the family wants to do, given weather and ocean conditions, and then we bring and set up all the tents, food, drinks and toys, including body boards, surfboards, SUP boards and snorkel gear. All the guests have to do is show up and have a good time. We’ve even had our culinary team join us to prepare special meals our guest requested right there on the beach.

What’s the best adventure for thrill seekers?

RM: All of our activities can be customized to provide our more adventurous guests with the thrills they seek. The island offers as much adventure as someone would like to have, and we will create a personalized adventure based on what a particular person is looking for.

What’s your favorite part of your job?

RM: I grew up on Kauai with a fondness for all activities from the mountain to the sea. Everything we do at Island Pursuits is what I grew up doing for fun on the weekends with my family and friends, so I know the areas and activities by heart. My job is a collection of all the things I love about Kauai, and in addition, I am always looking for something new to add to the repertoire. Based on that, I’d say that every single part of my job is my favorite!

Let Robert, with his deep love and limitless knowledge of Kauai, be your local guide and steer you towards the amazing and fun-filled activities that will make your time here extraordinary and unforgettable.

Last week Robert took some members Kayak fishing and this was their haul.  They then brought their catch to the clubhouse where Chef Ben cooked up the fish and they feasted like kings!

December is a very exciting time. It brings the holidays and all the excitement of the season, New Year’s Eve and the promise of a fresh start, and here on Kauai, it brings the whales. Thousands of kohola, Hawaiian Humpback Whales, make the long, slow journey from Alaska to Hawaii every winter.

North Pacific Humpback Whales spend the summer months feasting in the cold waters of Alaska, building up their fat stores. Then, at a time designated by thousands of years of instinct, they begin the long, arduous migration south. The journey to Hawaii takes an average of 30-40 days. The whales travel alone or in small groups and arrive in a trickle, with the juveniles coming first, followed by mature males, then mature females, and expectant mothers bringing up the rear. The warmer waters of Hawaii are conducive to mating, and the ideal place for calves to begin life. Baby humpbacks are born without protective layers of blubber, and many scientists believe that they would not survive the early stages of life in the colder waters to the north. Their doting mothers spend weeks fattening them up and teaching them how to jump, play and breach before heading north again with their little ones in tow. Adult whales eat little or nothing while they are here, and will shed several tons during the Hawaiian winter. Nursing mothers may drop as much as a third of their weight. In fact, the whales may be the only ones who actually lose weight while they’re on vacation. By April or May, the last of the whales begin the return trip to their frigid feeding grounds.

Humpback whales are still officially on the endangered species list, which affords them legal protection, and much of the ocean throughout the Hawaii Chain is designated as a whale sanctuary. The advent of the steamship just prior to 1800 led to the widespread slaughter of thousands and thousands of humpbacks. It is estimated that at one point the North Pacific Humpback Whale population dwindled to as few as 1,000 whales. In 1973, Humpback Whales were officially registered as an endangered species, and there are now record numbers of these peaceful creatures flourishing in our seas. They do still fall prey to man-made dangers on their annual migration, often getting tangled in fishing lines, struck by vessels or injured due to environmental pollutants, but once they reach Hawaii’s protected waters they are free to play, mate and bare their young in the warm shallows of the tropics.

In the winter months, these majestic beasts can be spotted offshore around Kauai. Kukui’ula is a perfect spot to sit patiently, gaze out to sea, and enjoy the whale show. It is not uncommon to see them gently lifting their newborn calves to the surface, spouting, waving their fins and hurling the entirety of their massive bodies up and out of the water and landing with an enormous splash as they breach. It’s been suggested that this behavior is pure joyful play. It is certainly awesome to behold. Kohola seem to be especially prolific on Kauai’s south and west sides, and a boat tour is recommended for anyone hoping to get a closer look. Humpbacks are notoriously curious about boats and often come in quite close to investigate. Of course it is important to remember that we should never approach a whale.

If you are fortunate enough to be on Kauai in the winter, our beautiful visiting whales will help make your time here unforgettable. If you’d like to help protect these amazing animals, you can sign up for the annual Sanctuary Ocean Count Project, where volunteers are posted in various spots around the island to watch for whales and count how many they see.

Every winter, revelers from across the globe journey to Kauai to celebrate the holidays, island-style. Kauai is the perfect spot to step outside of the rigors of day-to-day life and connect with your loved ones in the spirit of love, gratitude and togetherness that defines the holiday season. Things move more slowly here, and the holidays on Kauai have all of the usual festive fanfare and very little of the frazzled, frantic feeling that taints the season in other locales. The laid-back style that defines the islands enhances holiday celebrations by allowing everyone to truly relax and enjoy one another, the gentle climate and the breathtaking beauty of paradise.

While Kauai will never have a white Christmas, several annual events are designed to infuse residents and visitors with holiday cheer. Waimea Town holds its annual Christmas tree lighting on December 1^st.  The residents of this little cowboy town go wild with the lights, and you’ll definitely want to drive through before the season is out. Instead of fighting your way through a crowded mall, do your holiday shopping at  “Christmas in the Garden” from 9:30-3:30 on Sunday, December 2^nd. Located in Poipu at the National Tropical Botanical Garden visitor center, this free event features Kauai-made products, jewelry, local food and live music set among 10 acres of lush tropical flowers, plants and trees. On December 7^th the annual Lights on Rice parade begins at 6:00pm in Lihue. The parade features lighted floats and local bands. It culminates in a performance of holiday songs by the Kauai Chorale, and the official countdown to Lihue’s Festival of Lights. A true Kauai tradition, the Festival of Lights began some 50 years ago when local folk artist Auntie Josie Chansky began creating one-of-a-kind holiday decorations from simple materials. Friends and neighbors began visiting her house every year to view her magnificent creations. In 1997 her displays were moved to the Kauai County Building, and the Festival of Lights has become a local holiday tradition. Auntie Josie passed away in 2009, but her lovingly crafted works of art are still proudly on display, along with many island-themed pieces created by talented volunteers. In Kauai, we celebrate with hula, and two holiday hula extravaganzas will ring in the season this year. December 9^th’s Holiday Hula Celebration at the Grand Hyatt Resort will feature over 150 dancers and musicians. The Kauai Christmas Hula Concert on December 17^th at the Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall will showcase the talents of 75-plus adult and keiki dancers, with local crafts and food available in the lobby.  The Waimea Lighted Christmas Parade begins at 6:00 on December 18^th.  The parade route ends at Hofgaard Park near the center of town where the fun will continue with live music and free beverages, baked goods and treats.

Thanksgiving and Christmas day find most local businesses closed, aside from the activity companies and resorts. A typical Kauai holiday might begin with a morning adventure, perhaps a boat tour to snorkel and look for whales, an invigorating hike or a peaceful kayak up a slow-moving river. Afterwards, bit of beach time is in order, and it is always fun to make your holiday calls to the mainland from the sundrenched sand. Finally, gather the family together for a decadent holiday meal, either in the comfort of your home, at an elegant resort buffet, or island-style on the beach. The beauty and serenity of Kauai mixes perfectly with the spirit of the season to create holiday memories you will cherish forever.

Our technological infrastructure also delivers lighting-fast Internet service, and allows access to multiple Speed Zone wi-fi locations located throughout the property. You can gaze out at the sea from the comfort of the club or lounge by the pool with your smart phone, tablet or laptop and tap into the fastest Internet service available. Surf the web, email clients or Skype with jealous friends from the mainland, confident you’re receiving the very best services on the market today.

These same services are woven into club operations, helping us to continually raise the bar on premium customer service for our members and guests. New technological advances are in place at the Kukui‘ula Farm as well, where an extensive wireless network coordinates the irrigation and security systems.

Oceanic Time Warner offers Kukui‘ula residents a full menu of home entertainment options including basic and premium cable channels, HDTV, Pay-Per-View and On Demand programming, and DVR (Digital Video Recorders) so you’ll never have to miss a thing. You’ll cherish the time spent tucked into your personal home theater with your loved ones after a fun-filled day on Kauai, and you can rest assured that everything will function as intended. Many of these new Hi-Def cable services extend to the bar and fitness center of the Plantation Club as well, providing the same amazing picture and sound quality you’ll find at home. As long as you are on the Kukui‘ula property, you will never have to watch, old, outdated standard-definition television again.

Kukui‘ula approaches excellence from all angles. Our sweeping ocean views, elegant properties, world-class golf course, heavenly spa, inviting club, impeccable services and inspired attention to detail set a new standard in the private luxury community market. We strive to continuously exceed expectations, and by providing our members with the best and brightest innovations in technology, we’re not just keeping the pace, we’re leading the charge into the future.