Makauwahi Cave Reserve

On a property that belongs to Grove Farm Company, you will find a park that was created by Dr. David and Lida Pigott Burney.  This 17 acre park is open for free guided tours daily from 10:00 am -2:00 pm and on Sundays from 10:00 am- 4:00 pm. Led by Reserve Caretaker Joe Kanahele tour guides Linda Kosen, Deborah Flynn, Jerry Keesee, Keakalina Lindsay and with the aid of hundreds of volunteers, the Makauwahi Cave Preserve invites visitors to learn about Hawaii’s rarest creatures, extinct creatures, lost landscapes and ancient Hawaiian culture.  It has been voted one of the 20 best caves in the U.S.

Walk on the sediments that spanned over 10,000 years  ago and learn about the many changes that this area has gone through over time.  The fossil-bearing layers record floods, droughts, a tsunami, hurricanes, and the living and dying of a host of island plant and and animal species in the area. The cave is a huge fossil formed over 400,000 years. The once ancient sand dune turned into stone is a world class site for studying changes in past environments. Created by wind, natural water flowing and condensation over thousands of years, the cave showcases remarkable formations on the ceilings and walls.

In the low maze like passages of the cave where there is total darkness, many rare creatures such as blind invertebrates, pale amphipods and isopods, and eyeless cave spiders make their home.  Many of the areas are off limits to the public out of respect for Hawaiian traditions and to avoid stepping on the rare blind cave organisms that live there.

A freshwater lake can be found in this limestone cave. In this ancient lake preserved fossils tell us a lot about the past and provide an insight to the changes that happened over the years to the prehistoric landscape.

High cave ceilings with limestone stalactites and a natural archway lead to the green interior of a huge sinkhole.  The sinkhole is a natural amphitheatre carved by groundwater and eroded by the elements.

In 1999 Restoration efforts of Makauwahi Cave Reserve began to bring back native plants to the area.  Since that time, nearly 5,000 native and Polynesian plants have been reintroduced to this landscape by using the fossil record as a guide to plant choices. With the help of volunteers, students and staff, many of the scarce species of plants have been planted here and the seeds and cuttings are also used for other native plant restorations around the island.  Through generous donations and efforts to protect and restore this special place, the Makauwahi Cave Reserve is a must see for visitors of all ages when on the island of Kauai.

All information in this post comes from the brochures and website provided by Makauwahi Cave Reserve.    The information being shared is being used to highlight one of Kauai’s exclusive Visitors Attraction for kids to Learn and Discover Kauai’s Past and Present.   For more detailed information visit www.cavereserve.org 

We encourage visitors to donate to the Makauwahi Cave Reserve and their restoration efforts.


Note: Maha’ulepu Road is closed and parking is at the CJM Stables where it is a ten minute walk to your destination.




Makauwahi Cave Trail

When visiting Makauwahi Cave Trail there are 19 posts along the trail

  1. Makauwahi Cave Reserve
  2. Pila’s Point
  3. Offshore Excitement
  4. On top of the Cave
  5. Native “Rock Garden” Plants
  6. Rare Dry Forest Habitat
  7. Rim Trail
  8. View From Cliff
  9. Haole Koa and other invaders
  10. Hawane or Loulu Palm
  11. Restoration History
  12. Sinkhole Overlook
  13. “Soft” Restoration
  14. Trail Junction
  15. North Cave Entrance
  16. Milo Patch
  17. Estuary
  18. View of Haupu Ridge
  19. Lida’s Field of Dreams


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Farmer’s Markets/Mom and Pop Stores on Kauai

EAT L.O.C.A.L

Many Hotels and Resorts provide food service and there are many restaurants nearby, however you don’t want to blow your whole budget on just food especially when prices are pretty steep. When visiting Kauai, many people are not familiar with the island, it’s culture, it’s people and where people shop for food. Whether you are visiting or a L.O.C.A.L on Kauai, eating out can be quite costly.  Therefore, many opt to cook their own meals and find ways to manage their budget by looking for cheap eats. Kauai has Supermarkets such as Safeway, Foodland, Big Save and Costco.  But what other options are there that many of the Locals choose besides these big box stores? What can you do for food options that support L.O.C.A.L farmers and families? Where can you go to find unique Local cuisine, tropical fruits of the island and fresh vegetables?   The answer is Farmer’s Markets and Local Mom and Pop Stores. On Kauai, you can find a Farmer’s Market  everyday of the week. In addition, you can find many of the Local Favorites at Mom and Pop Stores across the island.  Checking these places out and choosing to Eat L.O.C.A.L will definitely enhance your experience while visiting Kauai!

Farmer’s Markets on Kauai

Hanapepe Park (Hanapepe) Westside

> Thursday at 3:00 pm

Kekaha Neighborhood Center (Kekaha) Westside

> Saturday at 9:00 am

Koloa/ Knudsen Ball Park (Koloa) Southside

> Mondays at Noon-1:30 pm

Kalaheo Neighborhood Center (Kalaheo) Southside

> Tuesday at 3:00 pm

Southside Visitors Center,Poipu (NTBG)

>Thursday 10:00am-2:00pm

The Shops at Kukuiula (Poipu) Southside

> Wednesday at 3:30 pm

Kauai Community College Farmers Market (Lihue) Eastside

> Saturdays from 9:30 am – 1:00 pm

Lihue Historic County Building (Front Lawn Area off Rice Street)

> 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Kukui Grove Shopping Center Farmers Market (Lihue) Eastside

> Monday at 3:00 pm

Vidhina Stadium (Lihue) Eastside

> Friday at 3:00 pm

Kapaa New Town Park (Kapaa) Eastside

> Wednesday at 3:00 pm- 5:00 pm

Kealia Farmers Market (Kapaa) Eastside

> Monday from 3:00 pm-7:00 pm

Kilauea Neighborhood Center (Kilauea) Northside

>Thursday at 3:30 pm

Kilauea Agricultural Center (Lighthouse Road) Northside

>Thursday at 3:30 pm-5:00 pm

Hanalei Farmers Market (Hanalei)Northside

>Saturday at 9:30 am

Waipa Farmers Market

>Tuesday at 1:30 pm

Mom and Pop Stores

The list of stores are places where many Locals can find quick snacks such as musubi, plate lunches and refreshments. We like to stop at these places before heading to the beach or when cruising around these parts of the island.  Some of these places are favorites for Locals to get specialty items such as raw fish (poke) as well as poi, taro or island grown beef, pork and chicken as well as fresh fish.  

Ishihara Market (Waimea) Westside

> Local Favorite

Thrifty Mart (Kekaha) Westside

Thrifty Mart (Kaumakani) Westside

Menehune Food Mart (Kekaha) Westside

Whalers General Store (Poipu) Southside

Koloa Fish Market (Koloa) Southside

> Local Favorite

Sueoka Market (Koloa) Southside

> Local Favorite

Kukuiula Market (Poipu) Southside

> Local Favorite

Pono Market (Kapaa) Eastside

> Local Favorite

Whalers General Store (Anahola) Northside

Whole Food Stores and Natural Markets

Organic and Whole Foods Stores (LOCAL grown products)

Living Foods (Koloa) Southside

Hoku Food Natural Market (Kapaa) Eastside

Papaya’s Natural Foods (Kapaa) Eastside

Healthy Hut Market (Kilauea) Northside

Harvest Market Hanalei (Hanalei) Northside


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December 2018 Events for Kids and Family on Kauai

Hanapepe Friday Night Art Night

Every Friday, the Historic Hanapepe Town turns into one of the most vibrant places to be on Kauai.  Artists showcase their work throughout the galleries and entertainment can be found throughout the historic main street. A popular food truck post on a Friday night, you can find the best Food Trucks staking there spot here.  With restaurants and food trucks lining the streets there are lots of food choices to satisfy anyone’s palette. It is definitely a great place to come if you are looking for a bite to eat. Furthermore, there are many pop up shops, galleries and stores that is a great way to find local made gifts for the family back home.  The Art Night has been growing significantly over the years and is a must do when visiting Kauai. A one stop shop for food, fun and gift finding. It’s fun for the whole family to enjoy!

Where: Historic Hanapepe Town (Main Street)

When: Fridays from 6:00-9:00 pm

This is a FREE event.

Kukui Grove 25th Annual Christmas Parade

Where: Kukui Grove Center

When: November 24 from 4:00-6:00 PM

This is a FREE event.

Waimea Tree Lighting

Where: C.B Hofgaard Park right in the center of Waimea Town

When: December 1 at 6:00 PM

Mayor Bernard Carvalho will light the Community Christmas Tree in the park.  Keiki activities will be provided. This is a FREE event.

Kukui Grove’s “Holiday Light Specatacular”

Where: Kukui Grove

When: Starts December 1 and runs each Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening at 7:00 PM

This is a FREE event.

The Kauai Coffee Holiday Open House

Where: Kauai Coffee Visitors Center

When: December 8 from 10:00 AM- 2:00 PM

Fun for the whole family, this event will have bounce houses, entertainment, farm tours and Santa for the keiki.  This is a FREE event.

Jazz Ensemble and Wind Symphony

Where: KCC Performing Arts Center

When: December 14 at 7:00 PM

This is a FREE event.

Annual Waimea Lighted Christmas Parade

Where: Waimea Town; Entertainment at Hofgaard Park

When: December 15 from 6:15 until pau

Fun for the whole family, this event will have community organizations, families and schools lighting up Waimea town with their unique custom made floats.  To kickoff the festivities

Fire engines take the lead of this Lighted parade.  There will be live entertainment at Hofgaard Park and many will be out celebrating their Christmas cheer on the main street of Waimea Town.  It is one of the biggest events on the Westside that you surely can’t miss! This is a FREE event.

New Year’s Eve Celebration

Where: Poipu Beach Park

When: December 31 from 5:00-9:00 PM

Fun for the whole family, this event will have food trucks, live entertainment, movie in the park and activities for the keiki.  Rounding out the celebration will be a spectacular fireworks display. This is a FREE event.






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October Events for Kids and Family on Kauai

Hanapepe Friday Night Art Night

Every Friday, the Historic Hanapepe Town turns into one of the most vibrant places to be on Kauai.  Artists showcase their work throughout the galleries and entertainment can be found throughout the historic main street. A popular food truck post on a Friday night, you can find the best Food Trucks staking there spot here.  With restaurants and food trucks lining the streets there are lots of food choices to satisfy anyone’s palette. It is definitely a great place to come if you are looking for a bite to ear. Furthermore, there are many pop up shops, galleries and stores that is a great way to find local made gifts for the family back home.  The Art Night has been growing significantly over the years and is a must do when visiting Kauai. A one stop shop for food, fun and shopping. It’s fun for the whole family to enjoy!

Where: Historic Hanapepe Town (Main Street)

When: Fridays from 6:00-9:00 pm from October 5-27

Kukui Grove Center Haunted House and Freaky Fridays

Where: Kukui Grove Center

When: Fridays from 5:00-9:00 pm from October 5-27

On October 27, Kukui Grove also has its Halloween Festival where keiki can trick or treat around the center, enter a costume contest and win prizes.

Emalani Festival Kauai: Eo e Emalani i Alakai

Celebrate Emalani and step back in time to 1871 through song and pageantry in the uplands of Kokee.  There will be food, exhibits, entertainment and a silent auction. Bring your own chairs or blankets.

Where: Kokee State Park (Kanaloahuluhulu Meadow)

When: October 13 from 9:00 am -4:00 pm

Queen Emma rides on horseback and enters meadow at 11:00 am

Kauai Chocolate and Coffee Festival

Where: Historic Hanapepe Town

When: October 19 and October 20 from 5:00-9:00 pm

Movie Night at the Gardens

COCO will be playing.  Movie starts shortly after sunset.

Where: South Side Visitors Center

When: October 20 at 5:00 pm

5th Annual Kauai Harvest Ag Festival

Ono food supporting local non-profits, live music and entertainment, FREE rides, FREE games, FREE waterslides, FREE pumpkins and more.  

Where: Waimea Canyon Park, Waimea

When: October 21 from 11:00 am-5:00pm

Nightmare in Waimea Haunted Village

An annual tradition on the Westside, a Nightmare in Waimea provides a maze of scary ghouls and Halloween decor that is fun for the whole family.  Suited for the younger keiki, the non-scary maze allows the younger children to experience a haunted house without the spooks and scares that the scary maze offers later in the night. There are also movies on the lawn after sunset on October 26 and October 27.

Where: Waimea Canyon Park, Waimea

When: October 25-27

Non-Scary Maze from 5:30-7:30 pm

Scary Maze from 7:30-11:00 pm

 

Ohana Movie Night: Disney Pixar’s “COCO”

Where: The Shops at Kuku’iula

When: October 26 at 6:30 pm

 

National Make A Difference Day at Lydgate Park

This is a family workday suited to all ages.  Help contribute and make a difference to one of Kauai’s favorite parks.  Bring water bottle, work gloves, sun protection and shoes.

Where: Lydgate Park

When: October 27 at 7:30 am – 12:00 pm

 

Fast and Furriest Festival 2018

FREE Family Fun Event with Food Trucks, Vendors, Pet Products, Games, Contests and Face Painting

Where: Kauai Humane Society’s Freddies Dog Park

When: October 27 from 10:00 am-2:00 pm

 

St. Theresa School Annual Trunk or Treat

Wear your best costume! There will be Games, contests, food and prizes during an annual event where keiki can go around and trick or treat out of themed decorated vehicle trunks. The themed areas are decorated by students and family of St. Theresa School and is an annual family event that always kickstarts the Halloween spirit!  A movie will be shown on the lawn following the Trunk-or Treat and a concession of food, drinks and popcorn will be available to purchase. Also happening on the school grounds is the annual Book Fair in the school library.

Where: St. Theresa Catholic School and Parish Grounds

When: October 27 from 6:00-7:45 pm

Kauai Christian Academy 18th Annual Fall Festival

At the ending of October anyone who lives on the North Shore of Kauai happens to know about the KCA Fall Festival.  An annual event that is lots of fun for all keiki and keiki at heart,this fall themed carnival event offers bounce houses, pony rides, pumpkin patches, games,ono food and entertainment.  

Where: Kauai Christian Academy campus near the Kilauea Lighthouse.

When: Friday and Saturday October 26 and October 27 from 4:00-9:00 p.m.

For more information visit: www.kcaschool.org

 

Glow Show and Trunk or Treat

Where: King’s Chapel Eleele

When: October 28 at 6:30 pm

Wilcox Health Halloween Babies Parade

Where: Wilcox Medical Center

When: October 31 from 12:00-1:00 pm

 

Ghoulish Golf Halloween

Dress in costume and enjoy a free round of mini golf.

Where: Anaina Hou Community Park

When: October 31 during hours of operation 9:00 am-6:00 pm



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The Hungry Menehune Food Truck

About The Hungry Menuhune

Aloha! The Hungry Menehune is a Food Truck that is locally owned.  The owner grew up in Waimea Valley and is a proud alumni of the Waimea High School Menehunes.  Growing up in Hawaii he has experienced a diverse array of cooking styles and had the chance to taste a lot of amazing foods from different cultures. He uses the dishes and ingredients from the different ethnicities to create his own versions of fusion foods.  The fusion food creations at the Hungry Menehune is “local food” created by the owner and hopes all enjoy the unique tastes.

The owner of The Hungry Menehune’s goal is to give a little something back to the island that was so good to his upbringing and to support as many local businesses as he can to prepare his own dishes.  The fish served at The Hungry Menehune Food Truck comes from local Kauai and neighbor island fishermen. He does not use previously frozen fish or fish from other countries.

Open Wednesday-Friday from 11:00 am- 3:00 pm @ Kekaha Boat Harbor

Phone orders 808-661-7676

Something to Taco bout (Choice of Corn or Flour Tortilla for Tacos)

Brunch Taco…$4.50

Soft scrambled eggs with chorizo sausage, topped with mexican cheese blend and sriracha-cream sauce

Fresh Fish Taco… $4.75

Grilled fresh catch seasoned with salt and pepper. Served with shredded cabbage mix and garlic-lime-cilantro cream sauce.


Kalua Pork Tacos… $4.50

Shredded Kalua Pork topped with pineapple coleslaw and fresh cilantro.  Served with Garlic-lime-cilantro cream sauce.

Bahn Mi Style Taco… $4.75

Crispy Pork Belly Chopped and served with fresh cilantro and pickled asian style veggies with hoisin drizzle.

Lighter Choices

The Healthy Menehune…$12.00

Furikake crusted fresh catch pane seared and placed on top of soba noodles and mixed greens.  Garnished with edamame, cucumbers, green onions and shredded carrots. Dressings: Sweet Wasabi soy or Menehune special sweet onion.

The “Faceless” Option…$9.00

The “Healthy Menehune” but with firm tofu instead of fish.  Dressings: Sweet Wasabi soy or Menehune special sweet onion.

 

Fresh Caught Ahi Poke Bowls… $12.00

(Served with choice of sushi rice, hot rice or mixed greens)

  1. “Karai” (Spicy)- mixed with cucumber, tobiko and green onions.
  2. “Hawaiian”- Hawaiian salt, green onions, limu kohu (red sesame) and inamona (roasted kukui nut), tossed in sesame oil.

 

Menehune Fish Pond (Build Your Own Poke Bowl)…$14.00

(Served with choice of sushi rice, hot rice or mixed greens)

Pick one sauce and any four toppings. ($0.50 each additional topping)

Add Side Kalua Pig for $2.00

 

Choice of Sauces:

Spicy

Sweet Soy

Sesame Oil

Creamy Wasabi

 

Choice of Toppings:

Sweet onion, Green onion, Hawaiian Salt, inamona, limu kohu, furikake flakes, edamame, pickled ginger, cucumbers, kimchi, potato crab mac, tofu, tobiko, seaweed salad or imitation crab salad

Da Plate Lunches

Hawaiian Chili-Pepper Chicken…$12.00

Boneless chicken thighs deep fried and tossed in a secret chili pepper sauce.  Sweet, Spicy and Savory! (Choice of White rice, mixed greens, or potato mac and crab salad included in plate lunch.)

Deep Fried Pork Belly…$13.00

Dry Brined, Braised and finished off in the deep fryer.  Served with Hoisin dipping sauce or soy vinegar sauce with fresh tomato, onion and garlic. (Choice of White rice, mixed greens, or potato mac and crab salad included in plate lunch.)

Grilled “Fresh Catch of the Day”…$14.00

Grilled fresh catch seasoned with salt and pepper, served with house tartar sauce and a lemon wedge. (Choice of White rice, mixed greens, or potato mac and crab salad included in plate lunch.)

Hawaiian Style Kalua Pig…$11.00

Pork seasoned with Hawaiian sea salt and slowly braised. (Choice of White rice, mixed greens, or potato mac and crab salad included in plate lunch.)

For the “Mini-Hunes”…$8.50

Mini portion plate lunch and choice of any two sides. (White rice, mixed greens, or potato mac and crab salad)

Side Orders:

Garlic Pork belly fried rice…$2.00

Scoop of any style poke…$3.00



Da Menehune Moco…$13.50

Kalua Pig piled on 2 scoops of our garlic pork belly fried rice.  Topped with 2 eggs, sauteed onions and brown gravy. Choice of mac salad or mixed greens on side.

Don’t Forget to ask for special “Ahi Assassins Fish Dip”.

Open Wednesday-Friday from 11:00 am- 3:00 pm @ Kekaha Boat Harbor

Phone orders 808-661-7676



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