LIHU‘E — The rains came and went and the winds were blowing Thursday at Kukui Grove Center, where Sienna Agpaoa of Claire’s was finalizing the placement of Valentine’s Day decorations in the store’s window.
“Do you remember when the act of giving a card meant something?” Melany Theis asked. “That’s what Melissa McFerrin-Warrack wanted to bring back. It’s the thought and love that is behind Valentine’s Day, not how much something costs.”
Theis is the owner of
NegiKauai, one of the vendors setting up for the “Gift from the Heart” pop-up that opens today and continues all weekend at the center’s former Zales Jewelry store.
Highlighting the vendor lineup is a series of make-and-take activities, with a highlight activity each of the three days the love-thoughts marketplace will be at the center.
“It’s about personalization,” Theis said. “Every vendor has something to personalize what is purchased. It’s about the thought behind what is going to be given.”
Today’s highlight craft involves designing a bag tag, spearheaded by NegiKauai, a vendor offering T-shirts, stationary and other small gift items. There will also be a succulent potting station offered by Sweet.Aloha.Succulents.
“There is a wide range of pricing,” Theis said. “We want to appeal to everyone’s budget, keiki to adult.”
Saturday’s activities center around micro terrarium charms created with crystals and sea glass, led by Obessed with Crystals 808. This is a limited-supply event, and is at no charge.
Sunday’s activities center around love potions — room sprays and air freshener, starting at 11 a.m., led by Oil Love Kaua‘i. Additionally, there is a chocolate sugar scrub, mini bouquet, and card that will start at 2 p.m., led by Jen Ortal of Bouquets, Leis, Etc.
The pop-up will be open from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
“The offerings are being added to as we speak,” Theis said. “We’ve already having someone do other activities to what is put on Friday’s schedule. There is something for almost everyone.”
Participating vendors, and this is subject to change as well as vendors being available on all three days, include CnH Jewelry; Bouquets, Leis, Etc.; NegiKauai; Usborne Books; Maddy &Addy’s Animals; Allora Bazaar; The Kokoleka Collective; Oil Love Kaua‘i; Lularo Grace Kim; CocoLove; The ‘Iwa Company; Sweet.Aloha.Succulents; and Obsessed with Crystals 808.
McFerrin-Warrack said the pop-up for Valentine’s Day coincides with the opening of the Third annual Kaua‘i Ocean Fest that gets underway with opening ceremonies today at 5 p.m.
