Kokua is why William Porter is building Anaina Hou, an 18-hole miniature golf course in Kilauea to “give back” to the community, and offer our island youth more recreational outlets.

It’s why a lifeguard, a doctor, and the Kauai Rotary have privately funded and installed more than 65 “rescue tubes” at un-lifeguarded beaches around Kauai –tubes that have been responsible for numerous lives being saved.

It’s why volunteers help maintain the Kalalau Trail on the beautiful NaPali Coast, supplementing the efforts of State agencies—and why a group of local residents banded together last year to repair a washed-out road access to Polihale Beach – an estimated $4M job for free – rather than waiting for a public agency to do it.

It’s why two Hawaii-born women, Patti Chang and Denise Albano, started the “Feed the Hunger” foundation, to provide small business micro-loans to “unbankable” people who have good character but lack collateral. When one of their Hawaiian elders heard about their work, she said it could be summed up with one word: kokua. “Traditionally, it’s where those who have give to those who don’t—and when those people have, they in turn give back,” she said.

Kokua. An endless cycle of good. Another reason we’re lucky to live in Hawaii.

For all of your that are fortunate to be on the island during the amazing month of September (one of my favorite months… weather cools off just a touch, little waves start crawling along the shore and frequent rainbows are there to greet us in the morning hours… ahhh, paradise!) we would like to inform you about all of the wonderful events scheduled.

KAUAI EVENT LINK: September 2010 | Kauai Festivals and Events

The Kauai Events & Festivals are fun-filled and a great way to mix with the Hawaiian culture through history, Hawaiian language, life values, music, hula arts and so much more… Get Involved & Enjoy!

With floor-to-ceiling glass walls overlooking the Prince Course, the Pacific, and Bali Hai, time on the treadmill just flies by at the Princeville Health Club & Spa, which has to be one of the most beautiful “gyms” in the world.

Open everyday, the Club features over thirty classes a week, from “Dance It Off Cardio” to Tai Chi, Yoga and Mat Pilates. (For a real “butt burner” don’t miss Melody James’ “Body Lift Express” Tuesday and Friday mornings!)

The 25-meter pool is the spot for five weekly Aquacize classes, and the gym is fully equipped with free weights, Cybex, Lifesteps, Lifecycles, Elliptical Cross Trainers, treadmills, a Gravitron—and personal trainers.

Of course there’s no better way to reward yourself after a hard workout than a whirlpool, a steam or sauna, and a luxurious massage. The Club offers Aveda facials and body treatments too—like the “Hawaiian Salt Glow” and the “Hanalei Tropical Body Wrap” with mango, cocoa and aloe.

Downstairs there’s a golf shop (and check in for the Prince Course) and a soon-to-be-open new restaurant by the king of Hawaiian fusion cuisine, chef Roy Yamaguchi (can’t wait!).

Finally a date bar that surpasses the ones my Grandmother used to make… Thank you so much Rhonda for sharing this incredible recipe with us!  I have tested, tried and devoured my fair share of date bars over the years (since they are my top pick for any sweet treats) and this recipe I must say takes the cake… My entire family enjoyed them so much, fighting for every last crumb.  Thanks to Rhonda I know what I will be making for my son’s potluck at school on Friday …. Yummmmmy!!!

Be sure to visit the Hawaiian Style Cooking website to find more free Hawaiian recipes and to order the cookbook.

Pineapple Date Bars

Ingredients:
1 cube butter
4 eggs, beaten
1 cup chopped macadamia nuts
1 1/2 cup flour
1 tsp. salt
2 cup sugar
1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1 pkg. dates, cut fine
1/2 tsp. baking soda

Instructions:
Combine butter, sugar and mix well. Add beaten eggs, mix until blended, add crushed pineapple, nuts and dates. Sift flour, baking soda and salt and add to first mixture. Pour into baking pan lined with wax paper. Bake in 350° oven for 50 to 55 minutes. Slice warm, roll in sugar.

Enjoy…..

Any surfer will tell you they ride with the wave (nalu)…  they go with the situation, not against it.  It is important to remember that with each new situation life brings, the nalu is different.  You will not always know what is coming, as with waves when they swell up behind you, so you must position your board as best you can… wait… then be ready to surf the nalu!

HE KA ‘E’A PULU ‘OLE NO KA HE’E NALU… An expert on the surfboard who does not get wet.

The owners gave a lot of thought to this house, and it shows: white board and batten walls evoke the old plantation style, but it has all the modern conveniences: including a fabulous gourmet kitchen and a whole house surround stereo system.

I love the louver doors, four-poster beds, paddle fans in the ceiling, and the gorgeous forest green countertops in the master bath. The great thing about its Hanalei location (well, what isn’t great about Hanalei?) is that it’s not only across the street from one of the top-rated, MOST beautiful beaches in the world—but you’re also close to all the fun restaurants and shops of Hanalei town. There’s great steak and fresh fish at the Dolphin Restaurant (where I worked in high school!), wonderful sushi at Bouchons, and yummy tapas at Bar Acuda.

Check out Ola’s for one of-a-kind gifts, Yellowfish Trading for cute Hawaiian “kitsch,” and Sand People for beachy clothing and décor. (Love their soy-based candles scented with Island fragrances like plumeria and ginger.)

And don’t forget to stroll out to the end of Hanalei Pier for one of Kauai’s amazing sunsets.

Summertime is Snorkelin’ Time… winter swells are months away, and calm waters rule the day.  Three of the ten best places to snorkel in Hawaii are right here on Kauai:  Ke’e, Anini, and Poipu Beach.

Ke’e Beach is at the very end of the road in Haena, at the gateway to the NaPali Coast. Get there early to get a parking space, and if you see a couple of guys selling coconuts out of the back of a pick-up, slake your thirst with a “cold one.” Drink the juice through a straw (more electrolytes than Gatorade) and then eat the meat (young green coconuts are like pudding inside… yum).

Anini Beach, just minutes from the Princeville Resort, is protected by the longest reef in the Hawaiian Islands so it’s calm year round. It’s also great for windsurfing, kite boarding, and kayaking.

“Sunny Poipu” is located on the hotter, drier south side of Kauai (it’s where we escape when the north shore is socked in), and the Poipu Beach Park is a great spot for babies and small children.

When snorkeling anywhere on Kauai, please don’t feed the fish, and try to keep your feet off the reef. Not only does walking on the coral damage it, but the reef is also home to spiky urchins (ouch!) that you do not want to disturb – trust me!

P.S.  If you need to rent equipment, I highly recommend Snorkel Bob’s.