Springtime On The Garden Isle

After weeks of gray skies and consistent rain, it looks like spring finally may have sprung. Although, by the time this is published, we could be back to another spell of windy, jacket-wearing days. Still, the promise of crisp, comfortable air and vivid colors prevails. The days of throwing on my swimsuit, grabbing an inspiring book and heading to the beach to feel the sand between my toes on a whim are right around the corner …

Also returning is the plethora of fun festivals that mark this time of year, including the Prince Kuhio Celebration, which continues this week. In honor of the prince’s birthday and his life’s efforts to perpetuate Hawaiian culture, the two-week event is a culmination of native activities such as salt-making and poi-pounding. On Thursday (March 27), Kauai kupuna will be at Kauai Marriott Resort in Lihue to talk story about the Eastside. They will convey traditional oral history and stories about the island’s Central and Eastside regions from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Other activities are planned throughout the day, including lei-making and hula lessons. On Saturday (March 29), a cultural festival is planned from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Anahola Beach Park. Visit princekuhio.net for more information …

The Kauai Marathon is having its first friends and family “gear up” promotion through Monday (March 31). Two family members or friends can sign up with registrants for the 2014 Kauai Marathon or Half Marathon and receive a $50 gift certificate for merchandise Aug. 29 and 30 at the Sports and Fitness Expo at Grand Hyatt Resort & Spa. To register, email your name, along with two family members’ or friends’ names, to infothekauaimarathon@yahoo.com …

Kauai United Way and its principal sponsor Personal Financial Consultants host a musical fundraiser, “Classics,” Sunday (March 30) at 3 p.m. at Kauai Beach Resort. The money will help the local nonprofit, which in turn financially assists approximately 30 other nonprofits around the island. World-class performers from the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center will include Jessica Lee on violin, Tara Helen O’Connor on flute, Mark Holloway on viola and Sophie Shao on cello. The event will offer pupu, as well as a drawing and live auction for trips to San Francisco and New York City. Tickets cost $80 and can be purchased at kauaiunitedway.com …

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of riding a motorcycle. You can experience that feeling Saturday (March 29) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Kauai Harley-Davidson‘s Prince Kuhio Open House celebration. Get a free ride on the ride simulator to see what being on a real Harley feels like.

Take advantage of a free bike wash (donations accepted for United Way), receive a 20 percent discount on certain items throughout the store and meet the business’s new general manager Bill Hill. Call 241-7020 for more information …

March is World Kidney Month, and efforts to educate the public about kidney disease are under way across the globe. It is hard to believe that 1 in 3 Americans are at risk for developing kidney disease, and some 30 million U.S. residents and more than 160,000 kamaaina already have chronic kidney disease, which can contribute to heart disease and stroke. Throughout the month, National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii is offering educational opportunities as well as free screening and other activities across the state. Visit kidneyhi.org for more information …

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