While the familiar Mainland cues that Thanksgiving is approaching — fall leaves turning rich shades of red and orange, crisp fall weather — are conspicuously absent on the Garden Isle, that doesn’t mean Kaua‘i is short on appeal for the
While the familiar Mainland cues that Thanksgiving is approaching — fall leaves turning rich shades of red and orange, crisp fall weather — are conspicuously absent on the Garden Isle, that doesn’t mean Kaua‘i is short on appeal for the holidays.
Hawai‘i across the board is a favorite spot for the non-traditional holiday away from home. And in recent years, Kaua‘i’s has been listed as one of the top 10 destinations for Thanksgiving on Web sites such as MSN Travel. Kauai Visitors Bureau Executive Director Sue Kanoho said that despite the season, visitors choose Kaua‘i for the same reasons: its slow pace, rural setting and diversity of activities. Those qualities seem to have an added appeal during the holidays, however, as Thanksgiving serves to kick off an influx of out-of-towners that doesn’t subside until after New Year’s.
“People are always looking for a holiday getaway,” she said.
According to Hawaiian Airlines spokesman Patrick Dugan, there are no surprises when it comes to Thanksgiving air traffic this year: Lihu‘e Airport promises to be bustling with holiday business.
“It’s extremely busy this weekend,” Dugan said, noting an even distribution of interisland and transpacific flights. A scattering of seats are still available at this late hour, but by and large they are going to be costly.
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa spokeswoman Diann Hartman says the holiday season overall is hands-down the busiest time of the year for the Hyatt and almost always booked solid.
So what’s the draw?
According to Hartman, a visit to Kaua‘i is an escape from the work of orchestrating a family get-together. And anyone who’s planned a homemade turkey dinner for the relatives knows it’s no easy task — and preparations often begin days, if not weeks, in advance with the RSVPs, menu, shopping and cooking. The warm weather is also a popular reason to celebrate the holidays away from home, but even Islanders who are accostomed to life in paradise can elect to island-hop and take advantage of the kama‘aina rates.
“It gives people … an option to have a holiday during the holiday,” Hartman said.
