Category: “The Road less Taken”

Warehouse 3540

When you are driving on Koloa Road coming from or heading to Koloa, have you ever wondered why all those cars are parked on the side of the road for? From passing, it looks like there are some food trucks and some people eating shave ice. But why are there are a lot of people walking in and out of the warehouse? What exactly is going on there? The answer is Warehouse 3540. A hidden gem on the Southside of Kauai, Warehouse 3540 is a creative community marketplace where there are great gifts and products made by locals on the island. It is a great stop for shopping and a great place to get those one of a kind gifts from local vendors. At Warehouse 3540 get a special gift for yourself or for the special people back home. Warehouse 3540 is a must see on the Southside of Kauai.


Don’t Judge the Book by it’s Cover: A Creative Space Indeed

It was a surprise going into the warehouse as I never knew that the Warehouse was transformed. Yeah I heard stories about how cool and hip this place was, but I didn’t realize how cool it was until actually going in.  As a local, my first thought was that it was an abandon space and people were going to be selling stuff, like a garage sale or something.  Not only was I caught by surprise with the numerous pop up shops and variety, I was astounded by the mix of artists, designers and up and coming entrepreneurs here on the island. One of the things that surprised me the most was the functionality of space of the warehouse and what they had done to this building that was once falling a part.  The layout of the warehouse made total sense and the marketplace theme fits perfectly into our LOCAL culture. The open floor plan of the warehouse allows for vendors to sell their local products in a casual atmosphere. Shopping here was quite peaceful and the vendors were very friendly and willing to talk story. There was a lot of space to walk around and there was a lot of items to see. It was definitely a “don’t judge a book by it’s cover” experience.


Location and Parking

Located on 3540 Koloa Road, near the intersection of Koloa Road and Iwipoo Road.  For Safe Parking for the keiki, it is recommended that you find parking in the back or directly in front of the warehouse.


Friendly and Passionate Local Vendors

I found that the vendors were very passionate about their products and were willing to share their stories of how they came up with the products they are selling and there inspirations.   There was no pressure to buy products and the vendors looked very happy to be there, engaging everyone with a smile and even posing for pictures when asked. Warehouse 3540 is definitely L.O.C.A.L (Loving Our Community And Lifestyle) and a recommendation for all visiting Kauai.






What You will Find at Warehouse 3540

Reva Canali Baby: Handmade Baby Products

Live Hawaii Gallery: Oceanic Fine Arts and Prints

Aphrodite’s Treasures: All kinds of goodies and souvenirs

West Kauai Farms

Janath Collections Kauai: Vintage Kimono Handbags, etc.

Kahanananea: Soaps and Local handmade products

Workshop: Artist studio and Storefront featuring Machine Machine, Naisish Handmade and Goofy Foot Press

IVY & CO.: Mixes Retro Hawaiana with Hip Accents

Navy Dylan: Slinging Art, Home Decor and Unique Gifts with a Purpose

Lily Koi: Exclusively Designed Pearls and Jewelry

Robin McCoy’s Fine Arts

Ocean Paper: Beautiful artwork that represent our island and lifestyle

Dark Roost Coffee: Coffee, Latte, Cappuccino, Americano, Espresso, Chai, Tea

Tommy’s Sharpening Service: Tom Renaltner has Knives and will sharpen cleavers, serrated knives, food processor blades, etc.










Looking for Something to Eat?

Not only is Warehouse 3540 a great stop for shopping, it is a one stop shop where you can get something to eat.  While there, you can get some food from Kickshaw’s and Kauai Poke Co.  Kickshaw’s is a family favorite which we feel everything on the menu is worth a try (The Awesome Burger is 100% Awesome). Even if just wanting to stop by for some food, these two food trucks are worth the stop at Warehouse 3540.  Not that hungry…cool off with some shave ice.





Warehouse 3540 Hours

Mondays 10:00-3:00

Tuesdays 10:00-3:00 (Storytime for Keiki 9:15am)

Wednesdays 10:00-3:00

Thursdays 10:00-3:00

Fridays 10:00-3:00 (Friday Farmers Market 10:00-2:00)

Saturdays 11:00-3:00

Sundays Closed



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Glass Beach

Glass Beach: Port Allen

Glass Beach is located on the West Side of Kauai and can be found near Port Allen.  Off the beaten path, Glass Beach is near other west side attractions. Furthermore, when visiting Glass Beach take the opportunity to visit the Kauai Coffee Visitors Center, Hanapepe Swinging Bridge and Salt Pond Beach. 

Glass Beach offers children an opportunity to explore. In addition, children become fascinated with the glass pebbles and washed up remnants from the Pacific Ocean.  An old dumping site, Glass Beach is off the beaten path but is visited by many L.O.C.A.L fishermen and families.  Therefore, families visit Glass Beach to collect the glass for making art or for use decorations. Moreover, some people find glass at Glass Beach and sell it. 

Types of Glass found at Glass Beach




Smooth rocks and other materials are found in the sand. These treasures are smoothed and weathered by the ocean and other natural elements.


Different variations of sea glass have been created by broken bottles and other materials that are churning in the sand.  Created by the movement of the waves over a long period of time, the glass pebbles are left on the beach and mixed into the sand.  Therefore, the glass pieces are fine and can be as small as a grain of sand. In addition, other pieces are large and smoothed out from the ocean. The weathering of the glass gives it a unique look.  Additionally, different colors can be found as you sift through the sand.


Stacked Rocks: Cairns

Rocks (or cairns) that are stacked up can be found towards the western end of the Glass Beach. A cairn is a human-made pile (or stack) of stones.  Made for a variety of purposes from prehistoric times to the present, many stacks can be found on this little beach. A popular activity among tourists, these cairns can be found all over the island.  When you visit Glass Beach, many cairns can be found. Therefore, our boys decided to build their own. Additionally, this made searching and exploring the beach for flat rocks a great activity.



Glass Beach Lookout

Driving up the red dirt road past the main beach area will take you up the hill to a cemetery and lookout of Glass Beach.  The lookout will provide views of the Pacific Ocean, Salt Pond and the refineries. In addition, there is also a small blowhole that erupts when swells are large. However it is not as magnificent as the Spouting Horn Blowhole on the South side.  On the shelf below, car parts and other items can be found. However, it is rather dangerous to go down with your keiki as large crashing waves can sweep you out to sea.  Besides that, there isn’t much for kids to see.



Not a Great Place for Swimming

Glass beach is off the beaten path.  In addition, Glass Beach is not a kid friendly beach to swim at. Glass Beach is more for exploring the little reef ponds and for searching for glass. Moreover, Glass Beach is a perfect hideaway beach day for a picnic. At Glass beach keiki can climb up the rocks and there is a good amount of space to run around. However it you are looking for a safe place to swim, Salt Pond is right down the road.

When we we visited glass beach the past two times, it was a surprise to see other visitors there. Glass Beach is not usually a recommended beach for hotel guests or first time vacationers. However, there was still plenty of space to enjoy a secluded beach in paradise.


Save Glass Beach for our Keiki

One of the concerns is that the glass at Glass Beach is beginning to disappear.  When visiting Glass beach as a keiki, I remember that the beach was covered with glass and different colors of the weathered gems.  However, the glass has disappeared and the blue and green colors of glass that used to cover the beach, is now hard to find. Whether it be locals or visitors taking the glass as a souvenir or for personal use.  It is concerning because if all the glass is being taken from Glass beach, then Glass Beach will no longer exist. Therefore, please be mindful about taking glass and leaving glass there for future generations coming to visit this extraordinary beach. Furthermore, remember that pictures of the glass that you find can capture the moment just as well.

Directions to Glass Beach

If driving west on Highway 50 drive towards Port Allen.

Turn left on Waialo Road towards Port Allen where you will see a McDonalds

Turn left of Aka Ula road (road just before reaching the ocean)

Drive down the road which looks like you are in an industrial area

Aka Ula will turn into a dirt road

Continue driving and make a right turn on the next dirt road

Glass beach will be just ahead




Beach Safety

Remember to follow the beach safety guidelines, check surf and weather reports for current conditions, and observe posted signage.  Keep a constant watch on keiki who are playing in or around the water.  Never leave children unattended.  Small children should wear safety floatation devices unless they are avid swimmers and are being closely supervised.  

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Fuji Beach; East side’s Baby Beach

Located in Kapaa, Fuji beach is a favorite local beach for bringing your keiki when on the east side of Kauai.  Fuji Beach is also known as Baby Beach in Kapaa. This beach has a protective limestone shelf that provides a pond like shallow pool for your little ones to play in.


Furthermore,, this wading pool is perfect for those who like to bask in the sun and stay cool on a hot sunny day.  The shallow water provide Keiki with an opportunity to explore the pools for little fish and other ocean creatures. 



In addition, you may even get to spot a Hawaiian monk seal if you are lucky.  Remember that the Hawaiian monk seal is an endangered species and is protected by state law.  Please keep your distance and respect the posted signs and roped off areas when viewing.


Although Fuji beach is a great place for keiki, it is also popular for shoreline and torch fishing for locals.  It is said that the beach got its name from a kind Doctor that used to live in the area in the 1950’s. Delivering over 2,000 babies during his practice he got to know many of the locals and community members.  Hence, the beach was named after his popularity.

Although Fuji beach is not a lifeguarded beach, it is relatively safe for all ages when the tide is low.  There are restrooms and picnic tables nearby at Waipouli Beach Park.


To get to Fuji beach, take a right before the Texaco service station and drive towards the ocean.  There you will find a one way road that will lead you to the beach area. The beach is located on Moanakai Road in Kapaa.  You can also access the beach between Panihi Road and Makana Road. Parking can be found on the side of the road near the iron wood trees to your right.  Parking is limited and is on a first come first serve basis.

Once you find your parking, get your spot on the beach and enjoy. Throughout the day your keiki will see many visitors and locals. It’s a great way to meet new people and for your keiki to meet some new friends. Please respect the area by picking up your rubbish and cleaning the beach used.


In conclusion bring something to eat, some drinks and some sand toys while enjoying a nice relaxing day with your keiki.

Beach Safety

Remember to follow the beach safety guidelines, check surf and weather reports for current conditions, and observe posted signage.  Keep a constant watch on keiki who are playing in or around the water.  Never leave children unattended.  Small children should wear safety floatation devices unless they are avid swimmers and are being closely supervised.  

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Ninini Lighthouse

Ninini Lighthouse

Ninini Lighthouse is an 86 foot tall lighthouse that overlooks Nawiliwili Bay. Off the beaten path, Ninini Lighthouse provides breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Waves crashing against the cliffs, wildlife, and mountain views are part of the scenic visit.  Furthermore, this lighthouse is often secluded with very few visitor.



The Ninini Lighthouse was built in 1906 and was automated in 1953.  It is one of the first things you see when landing on the island of Kauai by airplane.  The lighthouse looks over Nawiliwili Harbor and Kalapaki Bay.  Moreover, this vantage point provides views of the northern entrance of Nawiliwili Bay.  


You may be able to see the barges that come into the harbor. Consequently, Nawiliwili Harbor provides almost all of Kauai’s imported goods.  When visiting Kauai, it is likely that you will use an item or two that came from these docks.


Ninini Lighthouse is located near the Marriott Resort and Hokuala Resort.  If you are heading to the lighthouse take the opportunity to check out the Marriott Beach Resort grounds as well as the Hokuala Resort grounds.  Many walk able paths are open to the public.  It is a great way to get some exercise and to enjoy the beautiful scenery.  If you want to go for a swim in the area, Kalapaki Beach is nearby.  Check out Kalapaki Beach on Things to Do: East side.


Ninini Lighthouse is great to visit in the late afternoon or if needing to kill some time before a flight.  Furthermore the area is great to watch airplanes descending onto the runway.  Airplanes fly low over the Ninini Lighthouse making it a great vantage point for airplane lovers.  See the image below of an airplane flying right over us!


The Ninini Lighthouse is free of charge and is accessible any time during the day. Access the lighthouse by driving through the Marriott and Hokuala Resort. After passing the Hokuala Golf Course Clubhouse, drive over the bridge.  Look for the Shoreline Access sign and turn left before the second bridge.  This will bring you to a road through the golf course to the accessible Shoreline Access.  Keep driving until you see the next posted sign that directs you to Ninini Lighthouse.  A short drive down the dirt road will take you to the lighthouse. In addition, you could also park at the Kalanipu’u resort and walk to Ninini Lighthouse. Google Maps offline mode will also get you to Ninini Lighthouse.








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Menehune Ditch and Waimea Swinging Bridge

Waimea Valley, Kauai

The Historic Menehune Ditch and Swinging Bridge are found in Waimea Valley.  A part of Waimea’s History for years, these two attractions are located off the beaten path.   As a result, the bridge and ditch have received less attention because many do not know about these historical landmarks.  Furthermore, many people who are aware of these attractions may be discouraged from visiting because of misleading information.  Therefore, it is not  a must-see compared to other attractions such as the Waimea Canyon. However, reconsider the trip and visit to this area if you are into history and culture.  Explore a part of Kauai’s history while in Waimea.

Menehune Ditch or Peekauai Ditch

The Menehune Ditch is on the list of National Register of Historic Places since 1984.  It is said that the Menehune built the ditch.  It is believed that these mystical little people  gathered stones from miles away to construct the ditch.  In addition, Legend says that it took the Menehune only one night to build.  The main purpose of the ditch was for irrigating nearby farmlands.  

Mysterious Tunnel


The ditch leads to a small tunnel, only about two to three feet high.  This makes a case for believing that the Menehune did indeed build this ditch.  Furthermore, when looking inside the tunnel, it looks like it was carved by hand.  

Information is given on the plaque near the tunnel.

Waimea Swinging Bridge

The Waimea Swinging Bridge is across from the Menehune Ditch.  The bridge spans over the Waimea River. Most noteworthy, the bridge served as a crossing for plantation workers and children.   The original bridge was destroyed during Hurricane Iniki, and was rebuilt in 1996.

Waimea River is 12 miles in length


Consequently, rainy days make it  difficult for those who live on the east side of the river to drive across.  Therefore, the bridge continues to be a crossing for those who live on the other side.  Please respect the No Trespassing signs.  A farming camp is set up on the other side of the river.

While standing on the bridge, you can take pictures of the lush Waimea Valley, cliffs and river itself.  The Waimea River’s depth changes depending on the amount of rainfall. As a result, when the river is high  jumping off a rope into the river, launching  down the river in a tube or on a small craft is something to do.  However, the river is much lower than in years past.

Directions

Find the Menehune ditch and Waimea Swinging bridge by taking Menehune Road. Remember to drive with Aloha in the residential areas. Due to many kids playing along the road, as well as dogs, cats, chickens and even horses roaming about. Drive through the residential area for about a mile and a half. Your destination cannot be missed. There are only a few parking spaces.  Walk a short distance to the ditch and bridge.  

Getting Back on Track

In Conclusion, if you are leaving and need to turn around.  Keep driving past the bridge a until you see a Dead End sign.  As a result, you will get to an area to turnaround right past the sign.




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