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Explore Kauai
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Find the Best Things to Do in Lihue
By Jade Eckardt
About Lihue
Set on the East Coast, Kauai's county seat is also the island's most prominent town and is the center of local transportation, government, and business. The 19th century settlement was built on the sugar industry, and Lihue still features the island's only active sugar mill. Nearby, Kalapaki Beach accommodates swimmers and sunbathers, and the airport and seaport both cater to business and leisure travelers to the island.
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See & Do
Preserved in the Kauai Museum's collections are the story of Kauai, detailed in artifacts, exhibits, and photographs. Two buildings showcase items from the era preceding Western contact as well as the plantation period. There's a focus on the influx of various ethnic peoples who came to labor in the fields. Royal garments, native handicrafts, exotic shells, model ships, and documentary images are spread throughout the complex, which also offers guided tours, a cafe, and gift shop.
Eat
Luau Kalamaku - an unforgettable experience that is a "must-see" for any visitor to the islands. Your cultural journey begins with craft demonstrations and Hawaiian games followed by the traditional Imu Ceremony. While enjoying your sumptuous buffet, hula dancers and musicians will delight you with an exciting luau show. The skies darken and lights dim as dancers take the stage to share an ancient Hawaiian legend. The legend, Kalamaku, expresses the Polynesians' amazing and dangerous journey from Tahiti to Kauai.
Party
The Nawiliwili Tavern is open late and offers plenty of late-night fun. Dancing, pool, darts, video games, TVs, and a rousing night or two of karaoke can all be found. Of course, sitting back with a cold one or a cocktail and taking it all in is permitted too. Friendly and laid-back, regulars make you feel right at home. Kauai's gay community has made the first Saturday of each month their own with plenty of karaoke and drink specials.
Stay
The exclusive luxury Marriott Kauai Resort & Beach Club is set within 800 lush, tropical acres. The hotel operates a shuttle bus to Lihue/ Kauai airport. This fully air-conditioned hotel comprises a total of 356 rooms on 12 floors. Guests are welcomed at the reception in the inviting lobby, where there is a safe for securely storing valuables, a currency exchange, and a cloakroom, as well as a lift, a shop, and a newspaper stand. Dining options include a cosy bar and 5 elegant, air-conditioned restaurants.
Shop
In its heyday, Kiahuna Plantation, a 1930s-era mansion was the focal point of a successful sugar-cane plantation. Today, the Tudor-style, 16000-square-foot home has been restored to its original glory and houses galleries, boutiques, and the historic train. Visitors may wander its halls with their rich detailing and explore the cottages that lie on the estate's grounds.Local artwork and crafts from on-site shops make ideal souvenirs. You'll also find Kauai's only rum distillery and a ceramics shop where you can make your own pottery to ship home.
