LĪHU'E, KAUA'I – Let your love blossom this spring by visiting the most romantic island in the U.S. – Kaua'i – as voted by the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine. On Kaua'i, visitors can immerse themselves in the alluring lush natural beauty of an idyllic place that is fondly referred to as the Garden Island. “Kaua'i is the ideal getaway for vacationers seeking an escape from winter and the rejuvenation that comes with spring,” said Sue Kanoho, executive director of the Kaua'i Visitors Bureau. “Whether you are looking for a romantic escape, outdoor adventure, or a memorable family vacation, Kaua'i offers a fascinating diversity of activities spectacular natural setting that makes it enjoyable for everyone.”

The following are updates and information about the newest happenings, specials and events that are “blooming” on the Garden Isle of Kaua'i this spring. 

WHAT'S NEW

Love is All Around on Kaua'i

No island knows romance like the Garden Isle. Readers of Travel + Leisure recently voted Kaua'i as the most romantic island in the U.S. As stated in the magazine, readers chose Kaua'i for its “dramatic scenery – primeval rainforest and photo-ready waterfalls.” The publication also noted that Kaua'i “has enough film credits to rival those of an A-list actor, including The Descendants, Avatar, and the steamy noir Body Heat.”

Kaua'i Museum Presents the Hawaiian Pā'ina Every First Friday and Storytelling

The Kaua'i Museum is proud to present its new Hawaiian Pā'ina every first Friday of the month from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. For just $20 visitors and residents can enjoy live Hawaiian music in the newly renovated courtyard along with the award-winning culinary favorites of Kaua'i's Chef Mark Oyama. The Hawaiian Pā'ina is the perfect nt to the Historic Walking Tour of Līhu'e that also takes place on the first Friday of the month at 10:00 a.m. This spring, the museum will also introduce storytelling events for all ages, from children's authors for the keiki (children) to traditional Hawaiian lore as told by our kupuna (elders). Other new activities offered include a hands-on cultural experiences where everyone can truly share in the Hawaiian culture and become part of Kaua'i by painting with local artists, learning the art of Hawaiian lei making, and participating in Hawaiian ceremonies. www.kauaimuseum.com

 New VIP Ranch Movie Tour

The St. Regis Princeville has partnered with Kipu Kai Ranch to create a VIP movie tour, which offers an intimate, rare glimpse at some of Kaua'i's celebrated movie locations. Developed exclusively for St. Regis Princeville guests, the tour is offered on the lush Kipu Ranch, a working cattle ranch once owned by Hawaiian royalty. Only top guides are selected to lead tours, which include visiting the most scenic areas of the 3,000 acres of Kipu Ranch. Families are taken on a Kawasaki 750 Teryx-4 vehicle, which provides maximum safety, comfort and closeness to nature. www.stregisprinceville.com 

Alaska Airlines Launching San Diego – Līhu'e Service

Alaska Airlines is launching nonstop service between San Diego, California, and Kaua'i in 2013. The new nonstop route will begin on June 7 and will be introduced as a daily flight during peak travel months until August 24. The flight will then operate four times weekly. www.alaskaair.com

The Cliffs at Princeville Completes $5 Million Renovation

The Cliffs at Princeville has completed a $5 million property makeover, including the installation of new hardwood floors, custom-made Polynesian furniture, quilted Hawaiian bedspreads, new Hawaiian artwork, new recreation room, waterfall-fed pools, and keiki playground.

The Cliffs at Princeville will be hosting its first-ever Winemakers Dinner and Private Wine Tasting on May 31 and June 1, featuring Jon Phillips, owner and winemaker of Inspiration Vineyards from the Russian River area of California. www.cliffsatprinceville.com

Beach House Restaurant Completes Renovation

The popular Po'ipū restaurant, the Beach House, recently completed a $500,000 renovation. Along with interior accents and upgrades to the décor and furniture, the bar and kitchen areas were also renovated to create improvements in efficiency and to maximize space. The entire restaurant renovation was heavily focused around energy efficiency and bringing Kaua'i's stunning natural beauty indoors to the dining area. The readers of Travel + Leisure recently voted the Beach House as one of the most romantic restaurants in the U.S. Only 37 restaurants in the nation made the list, and the Beach House was the only one recognized from Hawai'i. www.the-beach-house.com 

Roberts Hawaii Introduces Po'ipū Shuttle Service

Roberts Hawaii has introduced its “Sunny Po'ipū Express Shuttle” to carry visitors between Līhu'e Airport and the Po'ipū Resort area. Guests will be greeted at the airport and presented with shell lei and provided with luggage assistance. The shuttle stops at each of the resorts in Po'ipū and once there, visitors are able to rent hybrid or electric cars by the hour or day through Green Car Hawaii. www.robertshawaii.com/pbra

Nine, Wine and Dine at The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas

Guests at The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas can delight in a refreshing day of golf, wine and island cuisine with the resort's “Nine, Wine and Dine” program. The weekly event invites guests for a special 9-hole outing at the Makai Golf Club, followed by a wine tasting at Nanea Restaurant and Bar. End the evening with a delectable five-course Tasting Journey dinner that highlights local farmers, fishermen and flavors. Cost is $130 per player; call 808-827-8808 for more information and reservations.

Enjoy the View at the Grand Hyatt Kaua'i Resort & Spa

A new webcam has been installed at the Grand Hyatt Kaua'i Resort & Spa, providing a bird's-eye view of the lush grounds, meandering pools and Pacific Ocean. Get a glimpse of the Po'ipū weather in real-time. Whether it's a sun filled day with swaying palm tress or the tropical feel of the warm, tiki torchlights you're wishing to see, click to view. www.grandhyattkauai.com

Kaua'i Beach Resort Expands Naupaka Café and Introduces Oceanfront Massage Cabana

The popular Naupaka Café at the Kaua'i Beach Resort will be relocating and expanding into Shutters Lounge in April. Guests will enjoy an executive lounge ambiance with morning news, sports and weather channels, a selection of newspapers and complimentary WiFi daily. The Café will offer indoor or open-air lanai seating with selections of beverages and convenient grab-and-go breakfast options. The Hawaiian Rainforest Spa at the Kaua'i Beach Resort is pleased to unveil its enchanting Oceanfront Massage Cabana for couples and singles. The private cabana is secluded near the soothing sounds of the ocean and fresh sea air and provides the ultimate backdrop for a relaxing and therapeutic massage treatment. www.kauaibeachresorthawaii.com

The Parrish Collection and The Club at Kukui'ula - A Luxury Partnership in Po'ipū

The Parrish Collection and The Club at Kukui'ula are working together to provide unique 5-Star accommodations and service experience on Kaua'i. The Club at Kukui'ula, is home to a luxurious Plantation House with restaurant, bar, game rooms and series of pools and outdoor activities. In addition, there is a state of the art fitness facility and world-class spa, along with an 18-hole Tom Weiskopf-designed golf course recently named Best New Private Course by Golf Magazine and Best New Golf Course by Robb Report's “Best of the Best” listing. The new Club Cottages at Kukui'ula, which can be rented on a nightly basis through The Parrish Collection, are located within walking distance to the Club and included with the stay is complete access to this private club community and their amenities. www.kukuiula.com

Photo Safari Hawaii Announces New National Tropical Botanical Garden Tour

Photo Safari Hawaii introduces “A Walk in Queen Emma's Garden,” the first private photo ecotour of the Allerton and McBryde National Tropical Botanical Gardens in Lāwa'i Valley. This four-hour tour helps to enhance your photography skills while focusing on landscape design and grants you exclusive access to the McBryde Waterfall. Both gardens showcase the botanical importance of native plants and provide a stunning photography canvas for any skill level. www.photosafarihawaii.com

Outfitters Kaua'i Introduces New Tandem Ziplines

Outfitters Kaua'i is excited to announce the addition of three new tandem ziplines this fall. The new lines will pass over three separate waterfalls on the pristine Kipu Ranch and will range in length between 800 feet and 1,200 feet. Incorporating Outfitters Kaua'i's existing zipline course, these new lines will highlight the spectacular views and thrilling adventure as guests soar over lush valleys side by side. www.outfitterskauai.com

Koloa Zipline, Kaua'i's Newest Zipline Course

Koloa Zipline has debuted with eight ziplines on its course located on the south side of the island. Koloa Zipline's “Waita” line is the longest on the island coming in at 2,500 feet and glides across the Waitā reservoir, which is the largest reservoir in Hawai'i. The entire course is 1.5 miles long and is located on the beautiful Grove Farm land that offers marvelous views of a variety of ecosystems. Koloa Zipline is committed to the preservation of the natural beauty and rich history of the land. www.koloazipline.com