LIHU‘E — People wishing to “sail to the Big Island” had another opportunity Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the area fronting the Kaua‘i Ocean Discovery at Kukui Grove Center.
The hands-on activity with maritime educator Steve Soltysik was a popular attraction when doors to the Kaua‘i Ocean Discovery re-opened Saturday following nearly two years of being shut because of the COVID-19 virus.
“We even have a real sea captain, Capt. Geoff Wall, helping the keiki in the water trough,” said Jean Souza, Kaua‘i Ocean Discovery manager. “The beauty of this activity is everyone is doing it as a family.”
The free family activity involved keiki creating wooden replica of Polynesian sailing canoes and having the opportunity to sail the completed craft in a 20-foot trough set up outside the center.
“We couldn’t do this without our volunteers,” Souza said. “These are some of the sanctuary volunteers that are involved in the Sanctuary Ocean Counts.”
The volunteers also determine when the Kaua‘i Ocean Discovery Center will be open to the public.
For now, the Kaua‘i Ocean Discovery is open on Wednesdays and Fridays from 2 to 5 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This coincides with the canoe-making activity that will be taking place until 2 p.m.
“We have tailored our hours to be accessible to students, especially after school on Wednesdays and Fridays,” Souza said. “And I think families will appreciate the midday hours on Saturdays and Sundays when Kukui Grove Center is the busiest. Anyone interested in volunteering can stop in to talk story, too. Volunteers are the key to keeping the center open.”
A few doors down, just a few steps back of the canoe-building activities, Rose Garabilla of Rose’s Pinoy Favorites was adjusting to the new equipment that was just installed following the move from their original location adjacent to Pau Hana Ts.
This is the second site she leased from the KGC, this one adjacent to Small Fry.
“We just got moved in,” she said. “I don’t even have my uniform on. Starting Sunday we will be setting up the clothes and gift items in the former location for Rose’s Beauty and Gifts. And don’t forget to come shop on Mother’s Day. That’s our grand opening for the new store.”
Melissa McFerrin-Warrack of KGC said Kaua‘i Partea and Snacks also opened the doors to a new, expanded offering in the food court across from Fun Factory after securing the proper state Department of Health clearances.
The new location offers expanded options on its boba, tea and bubble waffle offerings, hand-rolled ice cream, to add hot snacks that can be ordered and enjoyed with the boba drinks or bubble waffle snacks.
The expanded options allow the diner to essentially make their own creations by selecting the ingredients, toppings and even drizzle.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
