Kauai’s iconic Kilauea Lighthouse wins Hampton Hotel’s Save-a-Landmark support in 2011

Passing along some great news for Kauai …

One of the most historic and identifiable landmarks on the beautiful Garden Isle of Kauai – Kilauea Lighthouse – has received an early present for the holidays as a winner of Hampton Hotel’s Save-A-Landmark contest for 2011.

Kilauea Lighthouse is one of five landmarks nationwide and the only one in Hawaii to win the annual contest conducted by Hampton Hotels that invited people to vote for a favorite landmark and earn a monetary gift from Hampton for its preservation in 2011. Votes were cast online at http://www.hamptonlandmarks.com from October 25 to November 30, 2010.

Mike McCartney, president and CEO of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, commented, “Hawaii’s historic and cultural sites are an important part of who we are as a destination and community. And we want to thank Hampton Hotels and their customers for their recognition of the Kilauea Lighthouse as an important landmark. The lighthouse was also designated as a Hawaii Heritage Site by the Hawaii Tourism Authority, and, on behalf of the State of Hawaii, we want to thank Hampton Hotels for their generous gift which will help preserve the lighthouse for generations to come.”

Built in 1913 with the purpose of serving as a beacon for ships traveling between Hawaii and the Orient, Kilauea Lighthouse is one of Kauai’s most recognized and popular historical attractions. The lighthouse stands majestically at Kauai’s northernmost location at Kilauea Point and is visited by more than 500,000 people annually.

Adding to the appeal of visiting Kilauea Lighthouse is seeing the many seabirds that have made the ocean cliffs and grassy slopes of Kilauea Point their habitat, including Laysan albatrosses, wedge-tailed shearwaters, and red-footed boobies. The Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1985 to protect these valuable breeding grounds.

“Kilauea Lighthouse is one of Kauai’s treasured icons and a must-see stopping point whenever visitors drive up to the north shore,” said Sue Kanoho, executive director for the Kauai Visitors Bureau. “The entire area is beautiful, the ocean views are spectacular, and people enjoy seeing such an important part of Kauai’s history, along with all the seabirds that have made Kilauea Point their home.”

Jane Hoffman, executive director of the Kilauea Point Natural History Association, said the support from Hampton Hotels comes at a perfect time, as Kilauea Lighthouse is undergoing restoration work that began in summer to preserve it for future generations. The association’s target completion date is May 4, 2013, the 100th anniversary of Kilauea Lighthouse, and, to date, $870,000 has been raised towards the $1 million goal.

“We are absolutely thrilled about this gift from Hampton Hotels and grateful to all those people around the world who cast their vote for Kilauea Lighthouse,” said Hoffman. “This is a century-old landmark that is being well-cared for by the people of Kauai. This gift from Hampton Hotels will contribute to the continued restoration of Kilauea Lighthouse for the future enjoyment of island residents and visitors who come to Kauai.”

Established in 2000, Hampton Hotels’ Save-A-Landmark program has contributed more than $2.5 million and thousands of hours toward the research and preservation of roadside landmarks. Since the program’s launch, Hampton Hotels has helped preserve 55 historical landmarks in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. In 2006, Hampton Hotels was honored with the Preserve America Presidential Award for its Save-A-Landmark program, making it the first hotel chain ever recognized by a U.S. president for its preservation efforts.

The Kauai Visitors Bureau is a division of the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, which is contracted by the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA), the State of Hawaii’s tourism agency, for marketing management services in North America. The HTA was established in 1998 to ensure a successful visitor industry well into the future. Its mission is to strategically manage Hawaii tourism in a sustainable manner consistent with the state of Hawaii’s economic goals, cultural values, preservation of natural resources, community desires, and visitor industry needs.

For more information about Kauai – Hawaii’s Island of Discovery – please visit http://www.kauaidiscovery.com or call the Kauai Visitors Bureau toll-free at (800) 262-1400. Follow Kauai via Twitter (@kauaidiscovery) and as a fan on Facebook (Kauai Visitors Bureau).

Kauai Beach Resort offers kamaaina great fall specials

Kauai Beach Resort offers kamaaina great fall specials … including one for golfers

Kamaaina rates at Outrigger Kiahuna Plantation for Kauai Marathon Participants and Spectators

The Kauai Marathon returns to Poipu on Sunday, September 5, 2010–Labor Day Weekend– and Outrigger Kiahuna Plantation is  offering great rates for kamaaina guests and spectators. With rates starting at just $150 per night for a one-bedroom condominium, participants and friends will be sprinting to reserve their spacious condo unit.

Note:  the start and finish lines located right in front of the property

The beachfront Outrigger Kiahuna Plantation’s fully-equipped kitchens are perfect for preparing pre and post-race meals. Offering one- and two- bedroom condominiums, the spacious units allow groups of all sizes to stay together comfortably and save money over multiple hotel rooms. Larger units can sleep up to six people; the roomy living areas and separate bedrooms allow each guest a feeling of space and freedom.

Conveniently located across the street from the shops and restaurants of Poipu Shopping Village, and just a few minutes from historic Koloa Town, guests can also explore more of Kauai with a scenic drive west to Waimea or east to Lihue, the Wailua River, Kapaa Town, and Hanalei on the north shore.

The Kauai Marathon and Half Marathon are scheduled for September 5, 2010. Participants for both distances will run the first 11 miles together through a winding tour of lush Kauai, then split for the home stretch or another scenic loop. The course follows the contour of the beautiful coastline with picturesque beaches, rugged volcanic peaks and green tropical rain forests.

For more information or reservations, call your preferred travel professional or Outrigger Hotels & Resorts toll-free at 1-800-OUTRIGGER (688-7444) within the U.S., Guam and Canada. Elsewhere call (303) 369-7777 (long distance charges apply). For online information or reservations, please visit www.outriggerkiahunaplantation.com.