Kalaheo, Kauai County, Hawaii
As exquisitely embodied by colorful Hawaiian leis, the Aloha State bursts with extraordinary vibrancy and zest. Composed of eight magnificent major islands, including The Big Island, Maui, and Kauai, Hawaii is a lush tropical haven for tourists. Hawaii, with its distinct laid-back aura and myriad destination spots, attracts many tourists and guests from all corners of the vast world.
The rustic Kalaheo town, perfectly situated on the southern part of Kauai island, is a breath of fresh air for tourists who are sick and tired of the toxic life in the metropolis. In contrast to the busy streets and roads of a deadline-oriented city, the quaint and tranquil Kalaheo town makes one realize the need to savor the every precious moment. For sure, all 3,913 residents (as of 2000 demographics data) of this town know the value of each waking hour.
With a total land area of 2.9 square miles and 700-feet elevation, Kalaheo is such a delicate beauty to behold. Native Hawaiian make up only 3.9% of the entire population while almost 70% of the residents are non-Hispanic whites and multi-racial people. Asians also make their presence felt in this town since almost 28% of the entire population are either Japanese, Filipino, or Korean. Furthermore, the population density of this town is pegged at 512.1 per square kilometer or 1,328.5 per square mile. With 1,428 households, majority of the town residents are either married or cohabitating (57.8%). The average age of the residents is 40 and there are slightly more men than women in this portion of the Kauai island.
Kalaheo's History
The discussion on the lush history of Kalaheo is never thorough without elaborating the coffee bean industry. This commodity plays an indispensable role in shaping the future of Kalaheo town. Home of the celebrated Kalaheo Cafe and Coffee Company, which produces majority of Hawaiian coffee exported in other places, Kalaheo proudly bears the distinction of being the growers of high-quality coffee beans. History itself serves as a witness to the fact that Kauai, including Kalaheo, had been involved with the beginnings of the coffee industry in the 1800s.
Kona coffee, the specific variety grown in the Aloha state's Kona districts, went through a series of trial and error before it was finally developed. As early as 1813, expat farmer Don Francisco de Paula Marin attempted to plant coffee. Since it was an unsuccessful first try, Marin planted coffee in Manoa Valley under the order of Governor Boki. The plantation worked out the second time around, in 1825 to be exact, and that became the start of coffee cultivation in some parts of Hawaii. Kauai served as a trial ground for the plantation of different coffee varieties but like the first try, it didn't work out. After a while, coffee farmers tried their luck in the abundant land of Kona and the rest, as they say, is history.
Though the first attempt to cultivate coffee in Kauai was a flop, the place eventually became a choice location for coffee plantation. Through the aid of technology and extensive research, farmers devised a method that can make coffee thrive in the grounds of Kalaheo. Kaua, including Kalaheo, may only be second to Kona; in terms of history, this place was able to prove its vital role in keeping Hawaii's historic coffee industry thriving.
Kalaheo's Attractions
Boasting a wide array of tourist destinations, Kalaheo never fails to attract and amaze first-time visitors. There's so much to do and see in this place that tourists must be prepared to spend a tiring yet ultimately fulfilling days, combing the ins and outs of Kalaheo. For that luxurious feast for the senses, tourists should flock the Olu Pua Gardens and Plantations. Literally standing for "at peace among the flowers," Olu Pua is a paradise/sanctuary for those who seek a time off from strenuous activities. This twelve-acre spot showcases the best of Kauai's, and Hawaii's, in general, world-renowned flora species. One can go ahead and indulge in the therapeutic scents of eye-candy blooms. Olu Pua features vast rainforest tropical jungle and botanical gardens -- truly a relaxing experience.
Inuoloue Reservoir and Alexanders Lake, only a few blocks away from Kalaheo, offers adventure packages for families and couples on honeymoon. From snorkeling, surfing, fishing, biking to plain swimming (and sun bathing), tourists can flock this natural hub. A visit to this place is not only an enjoyable treat but also good for one's physical health. Then there's also the nearby Kaukiuki Falls. Nothing compares to the simple soothing effect of listening to the sweet harmony of tropical birds and the gushing of the falls. It's a luxury no money can ever buy. One can almost feel himself being transported to an altogether different place, somewhere away from the pressures and demands of the city. Kalaheo can somehow subtly change a visitor's perception of a good destination spot, which doesn't have to be grand or extravagant to be enjoyed and cherished.
Kalaheo's Economy
As the abode of the Kalaheo Coffee Company, Kalaheo's primary agricultural product is coffee. This commodity is exported in the different states in America and also in far corners of the entire world. Coffee industry in Kauai, most especially in Kalaheo, has been profitable since the 1970s, when it was first marketed and exported abroad. Even if prices of commodities have gone up in the recent years, the coffee industry in this side of Hawaii remains stable as it already gained loyal clients in and out of the Aloha state.
Even though coffee industry is continuously flourishing, it is interesting to note that only 1.4% of the total employee population works in farms, fishery and forestry. This could be a result of another booming industry, tourism to be exact, which employs majority of residents nowadays. The tourism industry provides numerous job opportunities. In fact, 35.6% of Kalaheo residents are working as employees in a management-related field. While 20.6% of the working population has a job in line with personal care and service. At present, construction is in full swing in the commercial areas of Kalaheo since the blossoming tourism industry entails more and more establishments of restaurants, boutiques, and recreational centers.
Based on the 2000 data, the household income in Kalaheo is fairly good with $62,146, much higher than national figure of $44,684. So far, Kalaheo is among the very few towns and cities in Hawaii that has a per capita income ($25,262), slightly higher than the national figure across the United States, which is $24,020.
Kalaheo Statistics:
Population: 3,913Households: 1,428
Median resident age: 40.2 years
Median household income: $57,813
Median house value: $230,700
Land area: 2.9 square miles
Elevation: 700 feet
Latitude: 21°55'N
Longitude: 159°31'W
Zip code: 96741
County: Kauai
