Skip to primary navigation Skip to content Skip to footer
Back to Blog

Pau Hana Friday for April 18

Kilauea Bakery’s stromboli specials ($13.95) include a blend of house made meats, Manchego cheese, and marinated vegetables. Daniel Lane photo

Kilauea Bakery’s stromboli specials ($13.95) include a blend of house made meats, Manchego cheese, and marinated vegetables. Daniel Lane photo

Tasting Kauai

Happy Aloha Friday! We had an exceptional week and hope you did too. We got back from Colorado late in the afternoon on Monday and hit the ground running Tuesday morning. We interviewed a cacao farmer at 10 a.m. and you can look for their story in our On The Farm column in this Sunday’s paper. Our Tastes of Kauai column, which runs in today’s TGIFriday edition, will share a unique look into a longtime favorite, Kilauea Bakery & Pau Hana Pizza.
Last Sunday, our story Holy Basil ran. I really enjoy tulsi tea and was happy to learn that Kauai Farmacy, a medicinal tea farm on the North Shore, puts it into all of their blends. Owner Doug Wolkon gave us three sprigs when we interviewed them in February and I’ve tucked them into the garden and I’m happy to report that they’re doing nicely!

Sunshine Farmers Market in Kapaa. Daniel Lane photo

Sunshine Farmers Market in Kapaa. Daniel Lane photo

SNAP at Farmers Markets

Malama Kauai, in partnership with the County of Kauai Office of Economic Development, will be provided processing for EBT / SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, at select Kauai farmers markets starting mid-2014. Stay tuned for exact dates.
The initial five markets they’ll be providing services at will be:

  • Koloa Market – Mondays starting at 11:30 a.m.
  • Kapaa Market – Wednesdays starting at 2:30 p.m.
  • Hanapepe Market – Thursday starting at 2:30 p.m.
  • Kilauea Market (new) – Thursday starting at 4 p.m.
  • Lihue Market – Friday starting at 2:30 p.m.

Times listed are 30 minutes prior to the official opening time of the markets. We will start services early to allow for folks to line up with their favorite participating vendors along with others that may be using cash. Having these benefits available at farmers markets will provide access to fresh, healthy and local foods – supporting those that most need them while giving our farmers and local agricultural product producers additional revenue.

Lychee Sangria from Josselin's Tapas Bar & Grill. Daniel Lane photo

Lychee Sangria from Josselin’s Tapas Bar & Grill. Daniel Lane photo

Josselin’s Tapas Bar & Grill

During the week of May 6 through May 11, Josselin’s Tapas Bar & Grill will be showing appreciation to teachers by giving them 50 percent off food purchases. Reservations can be made any day that week from 5:30 to 7 p.m. “We will also be doing drawings for prizes for some lucky teachers,” says Andrew Ha, General Manager and Partner. Prizes include a 2 night stay at the Grand Hyatt, 2 night stay at Koloa Landing Resort and Spa, a Tommy Bahama Silk Shirt for men, Tommy Bahama women’s dress, and more. All you have to do is show your Department of Education I.D. to receive the 50 percent off. For more information or reservations, call 808-742-7117.

Get Kauai Grown seeds from Regenerations Botanical Garden at the Seed Exchange. Daniel Lane photo

Get Kauai Grown seeds from Regenerations Botanical Garden at the Seed Exchange. Daniel Lane photo

Seed and Plant Exchange

If you live on Kauai and you have a garden, check out the free Seed and Plant Exchange that’s happening this Saturday at the Waipa Foundation during the Earth Day Rising festivities. The details are listed under events, but I’ll offer a sneak peek of what will be there. Thursday morning, Dan and I pulled into the gardens of Heaven on Earth Starts as owner Robin Torquati was preparing the moringa seedlings she’s donating . The tree’s leaves are rich in protein, vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C and minerals. One hundred grams of fresh moringa leaves have 8.3 g protein, 434 mg calcium, 404 mg potassium, 738 mg vitamin A, and 164 mg vitamin C. You can catch Robin’s radio show, “In the Garden, Out on the Farm” every Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m. on KKCR.
There will be hundreds of organic, GMO-free and/or heirloom seeds available and lots of plants to choose from. If you haven’t been, my article GMO-free Seeds For Gardeners will give you an idea of how fantastic this free event is. We hope to see you there!

Olana Farm's Spring Onions. Daniel Lane photo

Olana Farm’s Spring Onions. Daniel Lane photo

Olana Organic Farm

Tim O’Connor, owner of Olana Farm says they’ve got a new crop of sweet onions! “It looks to be a good year for our wonderful, onions—bountiful, large, sweet bulbs,” he says.
“We are currently selling large fresh bulbs, bunched with green tops (the bulbs and tops can both be used) and ‘bulbettes’ smaller red and yellow sweet onions with nice green tops. Dried bulb onions will be available in 2-3 weeks and should last through May. They are available at our two weekly farmers markets: 4:30 p.m. on Thursday at Kilauea Community Center and 9 a.m. on Saturday at Namahana Farmers market, next to Kauai Mini Golf in Kilauea.
For more information, visit the Olana Farm website, or check them out Facebook.
Here is the list of other currently available items grown by Olana Organic Farm:
 
 
Vegetables

  • Sweet onion bulbs and bulbettes
  • Ginger root, yellow and white
  • Turmeric root (olena)
  • Kale: curly, dinosaur, red Russian or mixed
  • Swiss chard
  • Pak choi,
  • Bok choy
  • Lettuce
  • Arugula
  • Mustard greens: green, red, frilly or mixed
  • Carrots
  • Beets
  • Turnips: white or red
  • Green onion
  • Fennel
  • Celery
  • Collards
  • Spinach
  • Squash

Herbs

  • Cilantro
  • Sweet basil
  • Thai basil
  • Lemon basil
  • Parsley, Italian flat or curly leaf
  • Chives
  • Rosemary
  • Thyme
  • Marjoram
  • Oregano
  • Kaffir lime leaf
  • Stevia

Coming soon:
Lychee!

Sarah Wooton of Kauai Kunana Dairy. Marta Lane photo

Sarah Wooton of Kauai Kunana Dairy. Marta Lane photo

Kauai Kunana Dairy

Kauai’s only organic goat dairy
is now Animal Welfare Approved for marketing chevon (goat meat). Andrade Slaughterhouse in Kalaheo was audited last year by Animal Welfare Approved and they passed so that we can now open this market. We are really excited about it and can offer 1/4, 1/2, and whole carcasses that are USDA and AWA approved. Ron Miller is featuring it at Hukilau and other restaurants who have served it include Merriman’s, Duke’s, The Garden Cafe, and The Club at Kukuiula.
“I will be doing a goat-keeping workshop with Matt Stevenson on May 3, 2014,” says owner Louisa Wooton. “It is filling up pretty fast, but I hope to get new people to come out this time. We have not done one in a couple of years, but the previous ones were very well attended and fun.
We are trying to turn a bi-product (as Scott Sims, DVM has called the kids) into a primary product and avoiding having to sell them on the hoof where we have no control over the handling and slaughter.”
For more information, call 808-274-3472. For workshop information, see listing under events.

Lisa and Sun work the land by hand. Daniel Lane photo

Lisa and Sun work the land by hand. Daniel Lane photo

One Song Farm

“Aloha, it’s Lisa at One Song Farm. Spring has sprung! And we are moving from our winter crops and varieties to our summer ones in this transition time. In service to others who are wanting to start a garden this year or improve an existing garden, we are offering another Garden Sharing on Sunday, May 25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. I will be facilitating the sharing for beginners or those wanting to know more about bio-intensive gardening techniques. Sun will be facilitating the sharing for more advanced gardener/farmers with information on how to move through the deeper challenges with growing food long term on this island into success. We will also be doing a introduction to fermented/cultured/pickled veggies with tastings. Call for more info or to register.
“We continue to have our main produce outlet at the Namahana Farmers Market on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Kauai Mini Golf area in Kilauea. We’re at the very end of the market so make a beeline to us when you get there and get there on time. We tend to sell out about 11-11:30 and the cabbages, cilantro, beets, and lettuce go fast!
One Song Farm has just become the first retail outlet for a product called the Perfect Pickler, a VERY easy fermenting system that’s all inclusive to start someone off with smaller batches instead of a full crock.
“Thank you to all who support us so consistently. It’s a joy to live this life and offer this bounty.”

Mahalo,
Lisa
One Song Farm
808-635-3020


Rainbeau Jo's Jordan Weaver serves up a Mean Green (left) and a rich, chocolaty mocha made with Ghirardelli chocolate. Daniel Lane photo

Rainbeau Jo’s Jordan Weaver serves up a Mean Green (left) and a rich, chocolaty mocha made with Ghirardelli chocolate. Daniel Lane photo

Rainbeau Jo’s

Rainbeau Jo’s is now proudly serving locally made bagels from Ya Quddus. In honor of their newest addition, they are (for a limited time) running bagel specials with new, house-made cream cheeses.
Cheesy Feta-ish: Three cheese bagel toasted and smothered with house-made garlic-feta-dill cream cheese.
Cinna-Almond-Crunch: Cinnamon Raisin bagel toasted and smothered in house-made vanilla-cinnamon cream cheese and topped with crushed almonds.
“We are also very excited in our possible new menu item that we have on special right now…,” says Jo. “The ARRRRRBJ’s Melt: local arrrrugula, organic granny smith apple and brie cheese grilled on freshly baked French bread!”
This weekend, Beau and Jo will have a wedding to sling at, however the next weekend they will be at Kilauea Art night form 4 to 8 p.m.

Turkey, Avocado and bacon sub at Koloa Deli. Daniel Lane photo

Turkey, Avocado and bacon sub at Koloa Deli. Daniel Lane photo

Koloa Deli

Ron Magrin, owner of Koloa Deli, called to let me know his long awaited grass-fed beef will be on the menu next week. It’s been about one year since I interviewed him for Soup-er South Side Sandwiches. At the time, he told me he was raising cattle at his Lawai Valley Ranch. Ron will use the beef in specials such as beef dip sandwiches, meatball subs and lasagna and will also sell a variety of cuts. Just look for them in the deli’s cooler.
 
 

Kauai Beer Company

Kauai Beer Company‘s Truck Stop Thursday on April 24 will features Little Greek Town, Rainbeau Jo’s and Haole Girl Island Sweets. Check out their new awning, making Rice Street much more user friendly every Thursday.

Verde Healthy Thursday Burrito Bowl. Daniel Lane photo.

Verde Healthy Thursday Burrito Bowl. Daniel Lane photo.

Verde Healthy Thursday

Join Verde in April for Healthy Thursday. This month, it’s a tasty and filling Burrito Bowl. It’s less than 380 calories and made with Makaweli Meat Company’s grass-fed beef, lime rice with Moloaa cilantro, local avocados and cherry tomatoes. Tasting Kauai, Verde and Kauai Athletic Club are working together to promote healthy lifestyle choices. Answer a health related question posted every Thursday on Tasting Kauai’s Facebook page and you could win a $20 gift certificate to Verde.

Sustainable Kauai Meetups

This month, Sustainable Kauai’s Meetups include:

Surfrider Beach Clean up at Donkey Beach

Saturday, April 26, 9 a.m.
Donkey Beach, located 7/10 of a mile north of mile marker 11 on Highway 56.
Kapaa, HI 96746

RumFire

Sheraton Kauai Resort’s “You Dine, We Donate” program continues its mission to raise funds for local charities by naming Kauai Independent Food Bank as its beneficiary in April. All net food and beverage proceeds at RumFire Poipu Beach’s Table #53 will be donated to the The Kauai Independent Food Bank for the month-long fundraiser.
EVENTS:   
Saturday, April 19

19th Annual Garden Fair

9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Kauai Community College, free
Special all day farmers market with all day garden talks, educational demonstrations, government and non-profit resources for your farm or home garden, keiki activities by 4-H and school gardens, ono local foods and plate lunches all day.
On Saturday morning the Kauai Community College front lawn will spring to life with gardeners, suppliers, garden lovers and consumers there to shop the wide variety of plants, landscape products and equipment, and to find out the latest gardening information and tips. Hosted by Kauai County Farm Bureau and University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources (CTAHR), the annual Kauai Garden Fair is one of the largest gatherings of green thumbs on Kauai and a great way to share the bounty of the island firsthand. This event is in its 18th year and continues to grow.
This one-day, free event begins with a “one-stop shop” for the garden, where a wide variety of tropical plants, flowers, produce and seeds will be available for purchase representing farmers, nurseries and organizations from around the island. This is an opportunity to network with organizations that assist gardeners and agriculture, stroll through the many information booths to learn what’s new and swap tips. Or learn about upcoming classes to garden – from novice to expert.

13th Biannual Kauai Community Seed and Plant Exchange

Waipa Foundation, noon to 5 p.m., free
Whether you are a season veteran or brand new, you’re sure to have an enjoyable and rewarding experience. This is truly a community created event, where seeds and plants are donated and volunteers pass out seeds and plants as well as answer questions. Here is the schedule for the day:

  • 10 a.m. to noon ~ Setup and preparation
  • 11 a.m. ~ Volunteer meeting
  • Noon to 2 p.m. ~ Arrival and check-in of seed and plant material. Talk story with other gardeners and farmers
  • 2 p.m. ~ Pule (group blessing)
  • 2 to 3:15 p.m. Seed and Plant Exchange!
  • 3:15 to 4 p.m. Presentations
  • 4 to 5 p.m. ~ Talk story time and begin cleanup
  • 5:30 p.m. ~ Pau (finished)

For more information, visit the Regenerations International Botanical Garden website.

Keoki’s Paradise executive chef. Cory Dotario. Daniel Lane photo

Keoki’s Paradise executive chef. Cory Dotario. Daniel Lane photo


Sunday, April 20 ~ Easter

Keoki’s Paradise

Easter Breakfast Buffet, 7:30 to 11 a.m., $19 adults, $10 children 12 and under

  • Cold Selections: Assorted cereals, fresh fruit salad, baked pastries
  • Hot Items: Scrambled eggs, bacon, link sausage, sweet bread French toast, biscuits and gravy, Portuguese sausage, country style potatoes
  • Omelet Station: Omelets cooked to order with your choice of bacon, ham, tomatoes, onions, mushrooms, spinach and cheese
  • Juice and coffee bar

Reservations recommended, call 808-742-7534
 
 

Easter Brunch at RumFire Poipu Beach

Sheraton Kauai Resort, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., $65 adult, $25 keiki ages 6-12
Dine with loved ones at the south shore’s oceanfront hotspot, RumFire Poipu Beach, for a memorable Easter Brunch. Located in Sheraton Kauai Resort, RumFire’s Easter Brunch  includes corned beef hash benedict and an assortment of poke and miso-glazed pork ribs. View the menu or, for  reservations, contact Sheraton Kauai Resort at 808-742-1661.

Outdoor dining at Nanea is near a waterfall. Daniel Lane photo

Outdoor dining at Nanea is near a waterfall. Daniel Lane photo

Easter Sunday Brunch and 1st Annual Community Easter Egg Hunt

Nanea Restaurant and Bar, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., $65 adults. $30 keiki, 4 to 12 years of age
The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas will offer a delectable Easter Sunday Brunch at Nanea Restaurant and Bar. The resort will also host its 1st Annual Community Easter Egg Hunt from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at its beautiful Main Lawn overlooking inspiring vistas of the Pacific Ocean.
Easter Brunch at Nanea Restaurant and Bar, The Westin Princeville’s signature restaurant, features intimate indoor seating, or open outdoor terrace seating areas with distant ocean views. Choose from a variety of fresh seafood, salads and sides, and carving stations featuring prime rib and baked honey ham. View the menu here.
1st Annual Community Easter Egg Hunt
Hop on over to The Westin Princeville’s Main Lawn for a day of family, friends, fun and candy-filled eggs! “Mr. Hop” will be on hand to kick off the egg hunt and for picture taking. Children must bring their own Easter Baskets. Activity available for keiki ages 2 to 14.
HOURS: 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
PRICING: $5 (cash only) per child
For reservations or more information, call 808-827-8808.
Monday, April 21

Earth Day with Hoouluwehi

Kauai Community College, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This year more than one billion people around the globe will participate in Earth Day. People of all nationalities and backgrounds will voice their appreciation for the planet and demand its protection. Hoouluwehi — The Sustainable Living Institute of Kauai at KCC is sponsoring an Earth Day Celebration which includes:

  • Sustainability and Health Education
  • Cultural Demonstrations and Performances
  • Open Mic Event
  • Musical Entertainment
  • Prize Drawings
  • Food and Craft Vendors

Tuesday, April 22 – Earth Day

Healthy Hut Backyard BBQ

Healthy Hut, Kilauea, 2 to 5 p.m.
Celebrate Earth Day with Healthy Hut and hang in their backyard. Meet local vendors, sample healthy products, free giveaways and more. There will be store-wide sales and raffle for gift baskets. Event will benefit Kilauea Elementary and the family of Keith and Sam Mitzel.
April 18 through April 20

Halulu Fishpond, the site of the 2014 Earth Day Rising. Daniel Lane photo

Halulu Fishpond, the site of the 2014 Earth Day Rising. Daniel Lane photo

EarthDay Rising

Waipa Foundation
For the last three years, Malama Kauai has hosted an event called EarthDay Rising on the beach at Waipa on the weekend closest to Earth Day (April 22). This will be their fourth year, and it will take place from Friday, April 18 through Sunday, April 20th, 2014.
The weekend includes a 3-day campout, a Waipa workday, live music, DJ’s, local food and workshops that build community knowledge exchange around aina stewardship and homesteading techniques. This is an ohana centered event that welcomes and includes children as an integral part of our community.
Any funds not needed for hard costs and expenses will go towards our projects like the Kauai School Garden Network, the Kauai Food Forest, the Kalihiwai Community Garden, the Kilauea Agricultural Park and Hawaiian Charter School Food Program.
There is a cost associated with camping which helps to compensate Malama Kauai and Waipa for the use of toilets, showers and overnight site management. The charge is $50 per adult with children under 12 free. Use the link below to obtain your camping tickets for the weekend. Camping is limited to 100 adults on a first come first get basis. Click here for camping permits.
Sunday workshops include:

  • 9 to 10:30 a.m. ~ Nicoli Barca: Slaughtering/Butchering your own chicken and Paul Massey: Intro to Edible Landscaping on Kauai.
  • 10:45 to 12:15 p.m. ~ Ann Eu and John Parziale: Cheese making and other cow dairy delights and Natalie and Josh: Everything Coconuts!
  • 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. ~ Lunch ~ Homesteaders Open Mic (5 min to share your story!)
  • 1:30 to 3 p.m. ~ Panel on Brewing, Fermenting, and Juicing with Eric Burda, Assistant Brewer, Kauai Beer Company; Nina Krieger, Owner, Nani Moon Meadery; Cas Schwabe, Owner, Akamai Juice; Kristal Muhich, Owner, Kauai Juice Co.

Food vendors include:

  • Lotus Fudge
  • Coconuts, Curry and Green Papaya Salad
  • Akamai Juice Co
  • Bruddah Dave’s Taro Burgers
  • Monkeypod Jam
  • Powerhouse Creamery

For a complete list of events, including music and artists or for more information, call or visit:
Keone Kealoha
808-634-8174
[email protected]
Katie Trussell
808-652-7890
[email protected]
EarthDayRising.org
Wednesday, April 23

Ron and Krissi Miller of Hukilau Lanai. Daniel Lane photo

Executive chef Ron Miller and wife Krissi, owners of Hukilau Lanai. Daniel Lane photo

Earth Dinner

Hukilau Lanai, 6 p.m., $60 (includes tax and tip)
In celebration of Earth Day, Hukilau Lanai will hold their 5th Annual Earth Dinner. It’s a chance for the public to dine with the farmers as Hukilau shows appreciation of their work. The 5-course dinner features local food, music, “Earthy” cocktails and green wines, which are available for purchase. For reservations, call 808-822-0600.
Menu:

  • Hawaiian Taro Dip
  • Charcuterie Plate made with Kaneshiro Pork
  • Citrus Salad with Smoked Shrimp Ceviche
  • Homemade Pasta with West Side Clams & Chorizo
  • Makaweli Beef with
  • Vegetable Gratin
  • Dessert Dim Sum: Kauai coffee mocha almond cake with Koloa Rum dipping sauce, Kumquat Pudding Cake with Yuzu Curd, Mangosteen Sorbet

Lunch is served in the private dining room of Kilohana Plantation. Marta Lane photo

Lunch is served in the private dining room of Kilohana Plantation. Marta Lane photo


UPCOMING:
Saturday, May 3
A Taste of Kilohana
Kilohana Plantation, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., $115
A Taste of Kilohana is an exclusive, guided food tour that offers a seasonal slice of Kilohana Plantation. Our tour includes an off-the-menu, three-course, locally sourced meal that’s served in the Private Dining Room of Wilcox Mansion. Tasting Kauai donates a portion of the proceeds to the Kauai Branch of the Hawaii Food Bank.
Our unique tour begins with a ride in a open-air train through the 105-acre orchard which has more than 50 varieties of exotic fruit trees. Guests disembark and feed wild boar, goats and chickens and stroll through the orchard with Kai, Kilohana’s expert in local agriculture. After picking and eating exotic fruit, sit and relax as Kai demonstrates how to select and prepare tropical fruit, then taste the best of Kilohana in a super-fresh fruit salad.
After a short tour of the historic Manor House, guests learn how to make Gaylord’s signature Mai Tai with fresh-pressed sugarcane and lime juice inside Mahiko Lounge. Meet Gaylord’s executive chef Todd Barrett while he explains the day’s preparations and enjoy a three-course, locally sourced lunch in the Private Dining Room. Proceeds from this tour benefit the Hawaii Food Bank – Kauai Branch, help to restore native plants and preserve and perpetuate Hawaiian culture through education. To make reservations, visit A Taste of  Kilohana. To see previous tours, check out our Facebook photo album. For a complete list of tour dates, check out our Kauai Culinary Tours Calendar.
Kauai Kunana Dairy goat cheese with olive oil and fresh herbs. Daniel Lane photo.

Kauai Kunana Dairy goat cheese with olive oil and fresh herbs. Daniel Lane photo.

Goat Keeping Workshop

Kauai Agricultural Research Center, Wailua, 9 a.m. to noon, $5
A workshop from Kauai Kunana Dairy and the University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension Service Kauai County Livestock & Range Program. Info and Skills for the Beginner and Veteran. Goats provide meat, milk, weed management, manure, fiber, and companionship making them an excellent addition to any farm. Participants will learn about:

  • Animal nutrition
  • Grazing management
  • Parasites
  • Basic health care
  • Breeding and more

Pre-registration is required on a first come first serve basis. Call Matt Stevenson (CTAHR Kauai County) at 808-274-3472 to register. Leave message with name and contact info if no answer.
The University of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. If you require disability accommodations to participate in this program, please contact the Extension Office at 274-3472 one week before the event.
Friday, May 9

Dave Power pours from a mason jar with charred cedarwood, apples and Campari. Daniel Lane photo

Dave Power pours from a mason jar with charred cedarwood, apples and Campari. Daniel Lane photo

A Culinary Romp Through Paradise

Various locations in Kapaa, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., $140
Tasting Kauai’s Culinary Tour offers an intimate glimpse into the Garden Island’s culinary scene. We start with a farm tour and sample exotic fruit grown on Kauai. At the Kauai Marriott Resort, we join executive chef Guy Higa for an outdoor cooking demonstration and gourmet, four-course lunch made with Kauai grown ingredients. This tour ends at The Feral Pig where, Dave Power, co owner and bartender, will make a la minute cocktails. This is a special treat as Dave has been written up as one of Hawaii’s best bartenders and he excels at making drinks customized to individual tastes.
To make reservations, visit A Culinary Romp Through Paradise. To check out previous tours, visit our Facebook photo album. Chef Higa donates proceeds from his portion of the tour to the Salvation Army Soup Kitchen and Tasting Kauai donates proceeds to the Kauai Branch of the Hawaii Food Bank. For a complete list of tour dates, check out our Kauai Culinary Tours Calendar.
 
ONGOING:

Grow Culture's Collin Darrell and chef Barb Ka'auwai at the Kapaa farmers market. Marta Lane photo

Grow Culture’s Collin Darrell and chef Barb Ka’auwai at the Kapaa farmers market. Marta Lane photo

Farmers Market Tour

Wednesdays, 3 to 4 p.m., $30
Meet local farmers, learn how to select perfect produce as well as when it’s in season and how to cook with it during Tasting Kauai’s one-hour farmers market class. Farmers markets are an affordable way to immerse yourself in local culture and the best place to buy produce that’s so fresh, it was harvested that morning. But buying at the farmers market doesn’t always insure that it was grown on Kauai. It happens all over the world. In Hawaii, customers want mangos year-round. In Colorado, they want tomatoes in May. To make that sale, vendors buy imported mangoes or tomatoes and sell them as their own. Becoming familiar with growing  seasons insures your dollars are spent on local produce.
There’s a whole world of delicious produce that many people never try. Let’s face it, some of it looks like it came from another planet. Once unfamiliar produce is demystified and cooking tips are shared, it may become a regular at dinner table. Many factors can make exotic produce expensive and the last thing you want to do is buy a pineapple that isn’t at peak perfection. This class will also teach you how to tell when produce is ripe as well as how to store it for best results. To make reservations, visit our Farmers Market Tour page.

Hanapepe Friday Night Festival and Art Walk

Hanapepe Town, 6 to 9 p.m.
Every Friday evening, Old Town Hanapepe bustles with people. A dozen art galleries stay open late and local crafters sell their wares. There’s also stilt walkers, classics cars, live music and entertainment. The Right Slice sells fresh-baked pie by the slice or whole.  Midnight Bear Breads makes pizza fresh from a wood-burning oven. Aloha Spice Company serves samples of their Hawaiian sea salt and spice blends on grilled chicken. These spices quickly add fantastic flavor without a lot of calories and make wonderful gifts of aloha.
Haole Girl Island Sweets sells a variety of hand-made butter croissants, including grilled chicken and portobello mushroom seasoned with Aloha Spice Company blends. Other croissants are filled with local fruit, nuts, honey or vegetables. Samples are given just outside the parking lot, in front of the darling Aloha Spice Company building. Call 808-335-6469 for more information.

Kapaa Art Walk in Old Town Kapaa. Daniel Lane photo

Kapaa Art Walk in Old Town Kapaa. Daniel Lane photo

Kapaa Art Walk

Old Town Kapaa, 5 to 9 p.m.
On the first Saturday of the month hundreds of people party in Old Town Kapaa. The street is filled with the sounds of laughter and music, smells of delicious local food, and the work of Kauai artists. In front of the Dragon Building, Anni Caporuscio (owner of Small Town Coffee and Blue House Booksellers) sings to a three-piece band which includes a guitar player, drummer and washboard player. Art Cafe Hemingway and Java Kai open a new exhibit and serve food late. The Buttery hosts jewelers and other Kauai Made jewelry is available throughout.
A designated parking area is located at 4451 Lehua St., on a 3-acre spot next to Restore Kauai and Specialty Lumber. Cost to park in the lot is $3.

Kauai Culinary Market at Kukuiula Shopping Village in Poipu. Daniel Lane photo

Kauai Culinary Market at Kukuiula Shopping Village in Poipu. Daniel Lane photo

Art Walk at Kukuiula

The Shops at Kukuiula, 6 to 9 p.m., free
An evening of fine art, fine dining and live music under the stars at The Shops at Kukuiula the second Saturday of each month.
Dining options include Merriman’s Fish House, Josselin’s Tapas Bar & Grill, Tortilla Republic, Dolphin Sushi, Living Foods and Lappert’s Hawaii. Plus, enjoy jazz outdoors by Hank Curtis and Steve Dubey and Latin rhythms by Manuel Mendes and Cary Valentine.
 

Kilauea Art Walk

Stone Building, 5 to 8 p.m.
Join more than 20 artisans on the last Saturday of the month at the Stone Building in Kilauea Town. There’s live music, original art, hand-made apparel, jewelry, photography, custom slippers, painted glass bottles, ice cream and unique creations. Face painting henna tattoos. Stop by Kilauea Fish Market for dinner.

Photos for this blog post were contributed by Daniel Lane of Pono Photo.