Na Lima Hana Festival Kaua`i on October 26th – 29th adds Native American Workshops

The Na Lima Hana (many hands working) Festival, which combines Hawaiiana (Hawaiian cultural traditions) and Malama Ola (health and wellness practices) will bring a series of interactive educational events and entertainment to the Grand Hyatt Kaua`i Resort and Spa, October 26 – 29, 2011. Many of these events are free of charge to the public. As part of the series of events (http://nalimahana.net), there will be a three-day intensive workshop on how to write grants for funding from the American Native Administration, an organization devoted to Native American programs and enhancements including those for Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. In addition the Hawai`i Lodging and Tourism Association Kaua`i (HLTA-Kaua`i) will host their annual conference surrounding Hawaiian culture on October 28th, providing a morning of Hawaiian cultural teaching sessions.

All of the different events throughout the Na Lima Hana Festival are organized to perpetuate Hawai`i’s cultural traditions and health practices. Hawaiian arts, native customs, cultural health practices and time-honored traditions are demonstrated in an inter-active learning environment. Participants are taught the essentials via hands-on learning experiences. Hawaiian foods, crafts and entertainment are also included in the line-up of activities. This festival is the last in a series of events grouped within the Kaua`i Aloha Festivals (http://kauaialohafestvals.net).

The Na Lima Hana Festival, 2011, is dedicated to the late Charles Ka`upu, Kumu Hula for Pa Hula Na Kane o Keoneloa, a male hula halau that has revived ancient hula of Kaua`i. Ka`upu, who resided on Maui, passed away in mid-July. He was a highly respected cultural expert, master chanter and kumu of hula kahiko as well as a recording artist. He was well known throughout the islands and in foreign countries for his extraordinary approach to teaching and interpreting the Native Hawaiian culture. Ka`upu became kumu to Pa Hula Na Kane o Keoneloa three years ago. The halau is comprised primarily of men who reside on Kaua`i’s south shore.

These events are sponsored, in part, by the Hawai`i Tourism Authority and Kaua`i County. For more information contact Aunty Stella Burgess, director of Hawaiian culture and community affairs at the Grand Hyatt Kaua`i Resort and Spa, 808-240-6360 or stella.burgess@hyatt.com.

Russell Siu to kick off new signature series at Kaua‘i Beach Resort on April 9

Kaua’i Beach Resort is unveiling a new signature event that pays tribute to Hawaii’s unique regional cuisine, Hawai’i’s Culinary Masters Dinner.  The first in this planned series takes place on Saturday, April 9 with Russell Siu, Executive Chef and Co-Owner of O‘ahu’s popular restaurant, 3660 on the Rise.

• 4 pm:  Interactive and educational cooking demonstration at Shutters Lounge featuring Russell Siu and his award-winning Lacquered Salmon with Pickled Maui Onions and Yuzu Butter Sauce.  $45 per person plus tax and gratuity.

• 6:30 pm:  Four-course private dinner with wine pairings in the Plumeria Room, $75 plus tax and gratuity per person.  The menu includes:
  • Seafood Ravioli with Yuzu Butter Sauce and Kabayaki Sauce Drizzle
  • Slow-Roasted Filet of Wild Salmon, Fennel Purée and Olive Oil Emulsion
  • Fire-Roasted Apple Smoked Bacon-Wrapped Filet of Beef Tenderloin, Seared Foie Gras and Caramelized Shallot Sauce
  • Liliko‘i Panna Cotta with Fresh Raspberries and Citrus-Honey Consommé

• Guest sommelier – Alan Suzuki

• Valet parking is complimentary for event attendees

“We are very excited to have celebrated Hawai‘i Chef Russell Siu join us as we launch this new signature series at the resort,” said Matthew Pickett, Resort Manager. “Russell will be presenting a number of excellent dishes that will definitely tantalize everyone.”

Executive Chef and co-owner of 3660 on the Rise, Russell Siu directs financial operations and creates the restaurant’s distinctive Euro-Island cuisine, a blend of East-West heritage

with signature use of seasonal products from Hawai‘i’s oceans and farms. His recent culinary awards include 1^st Place wins for Pacific Rim Food, Dessert and Martini from Star Advertiser 2010 Hawai‘i’s Best and the Hale ‘Āina Bronze for Best O‘ahu Restaurant.

Hawai‘i’s Culinary Masters Dinner will become part of a series of signature dining events featuring a variety of culinary happenings including guest chefs, winemaker dinners and more.

A kama‘āina room special is also available at Kaua‘i Beach Resort for event-goers and Hawai‘i residents wanting to spend a few days at the ocean-front property. Rates start at $129 per night, plus taxes, for travel April 1 through April 30.  Hawai‘i ID is required at check-in.

For reservations for the signature events and room special, call Kaua‘i Beach Resort direct at 808-245-1955.

Kaua‘i Beach Resort features award-winning local artist Helen Turner on March 3 – Honolulu Affordable Travel | Examiner.com

Kaua‘i Beach Resort features award-winning local artist Helen Turner on March 3 – Honolulu Affordable Travel | Examiner.com.