KAPAA — Frank and Pam Kasper of Chicago were going coconuts over the Coconut Festival Saturday. “We have been coming to this for nine years,” Frank said. “We have seen some top headliner entertainers, made friends with Kap Teo Tafiti,
KAPAA — Frank and Pam Kasper of Chicago were going coconuts over the Coconut Festival Saturday.
“We have been coming to this for nine years,” Frank said. “We have seen some top headliner entertainers, made friends with Kap Teo Tafiti, and just love this event. The first year, it was Dickie Chang, and we became famous as he put us up on the visitors’ channel and people saw us on TV.”
The Kaspers were just part of the steady stream of people who flowed through the gates of the Kapaa Beach Park as the festival hosted by the Kapaa Business Association opened for a two-day run.
“This is the first time we’ve been to Hawaii,” said Rachael Redford of California. “This has been really fun. We’ve got new jewelry, dresses, necklaces — and even a cold coconut to share.”
Sova Musika and his family have been selling cold coconuts at the festival since it started 19 years ago. They were busy quenching thirsts Saturday.
“Paul Vilja just celebrated his 87th birthday,” said Richard Sibthorpe, a vendor at the craft tent. “Paul has been carving these coconut faces for at least 13 years. He ‘roughs’ the faces in one day, then finishes them with details on the next day.”
Kap Teo Tafiti of Honolulu has also been working the coconuts since the festival started in Kapaa, this time taking time to extend his visit with outreach to schools in Kapaa as well as the Elsie Wilcox Elementary School in Lihue. He also did a special Friday night performance for the Courtyard by Marriott at the Coconut Beach.
Tafiti is scheduled to perform today at 10 a.m. on the Keiki Stage, and at 11:30 a.m. on the main stage as the Coconut Festival continues with gates opening at 10 a.m. and running throughout the day.
Judy Capertina of Island Girl Sweets will be the featured coconut demonstrator with her Coconut Macaroons. Other treats include a cooking contest featuring ready-to-eat entries, a coconut pie eating contest, and Raiatea Helm taking the stage starting at 1:30 p.m.
Other entertainers include Ori Uvira dancers greeting people at 10 a.m. followed by Malani Bilyeu. The Kapaa Middle School Chorus and Ukulele ensemble and Julia Makepa will keep the Keiki Stage lively.
Admission is $5 for adults and free for those 12 years and younger.
