LIHUE — All good things must come to an end.
And this weekend will be the swansong for the popular Tour of Island Homes, a unique event that provides residents and visitors an opportunity to set foot in some of the island’s most magnificent residences.
“If you ever want to do this, now is the time,” said coordinator Diane Brenden.
The 12th biennial event benefiting Kauai Hospice is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday and showcases 10 extraordinary North Shore properties spanning from Pilaa to Haena. The self-driven tour concludes with a reception from 2 to 5 p.m. behind the Waioli Huii Church in Hanalei, next to the soccer field.
But Brenden said it will be the last year for the tour because she and several other committee members are retiring.
“This is going to be the grand finale for some time,” she said. “We’re going to give it a rest for several years.”
The Kauai Style Tour of Island Homes features island homes that have been carefully chosen for their style, appeal, flair and location, states a release for the event.
Brenden said the homeowners have graciously opened their homes for a good cause, allowing people to go “behind the wall” and inside houses they would otherwise never get to see.
One home, owned by artist Kaye Hurtt, will feature nearly 100 small, original paintings created Hurtt and Brenden. Proceeds from the sales will also benefit Kauai Hospice.
“It’s a marvelous organization and something that touches all of our lives eventually,” Brenden said.
Lori J. Miller, executive director of Kauai Hospice, applauded Brenden for her 16 years of commitment as chair of the Tour of Island Homes committee.
“She has brought steady leadership through her calm presence, attention to detail and understanding of fundraising,” Miller said. “Diane is a bright light on Kauai and I am so grateful she chose to give of her time and resources to Kauai Hospice. Her commitment is so appreciated and her leadership of this event shall be missed.”
Tickets for the event cost $85 and can be purchased online at www.kauaihospice.org, or at Island Ace Hardware (Princeville), Ola’s (Hanalei),Kauai Music & Sound (Kapaa), Overboard Clothing (Poipu), Kong Lung Co. (Kilauea), Pictures Plus (Kukui Grove), Living Foods Market (Kukuiula), Scotty’s Music (Kalaheo) and Obsessions Café (Waimea).
No children under 13 will be allowed on the tour.
Info: Kauai Hospice at 245-7277 or email development@kauaihospice.org.
