PO‘IPU — “This is unbe-weavable,” said Ku‘ulei Keapuni Waiohu of Lawai Sunday. “There was a pretty good crowd when we opened in the morning.” Keapuni Waiohu was joined by her husband, William, in hosting a coconut frond weaving station at
PO‘IPU — “This is unbe-weavable,” said Ku‘ulei Keapuni Waiohu of Lawai Sunday. “There was a pretty good crowd when we opened in the morning.”
Keapuni Waiohu was joined by her husband, William, in hosting a coconut frond weaving station at the National Tropical Botanical Gardens ‘Ohana Day at the South Shore visitors center.
“I’m from here and Maui,” Ku‘ulei said, her deft fingers flicking the coconut fronds as a basket took shape. “William is from Maui, but he now lives here.”
In addition to providing patrons to the botanical garden’s visitor center a hands-on experience with creating a variety of projects, the couple had a split coconut available for sampling.
The event also coincided with the weekly appearance of Dr. Bob Nyvall, affectionately known as the “Plant Doctor,” from 2 to 4 p.m. through April 14.
People are able to bring samples of their plant ailments and have a free discussion about the ailment with Nyvall, in many cases receiving suggestions on how to cure the plant ailment.
“This is just a sample of what ‘Ohana Day is about,” said Gwen Silva, manager of the NTBG gift shop located inside the historic building housing the reservations for the garden tours. “Today, we’re starting the new shave ice service, and ‘Ohana Day is also good for people to come visit our remodeled gift shop where we have specials.”
Taylor Savage of Kaua‘i Shave Ice was there to quench people’s thirst for the cool local favorite as the sun beat down in the Po‘ipu afternoon.
“We’re going to be here six days a week, Sundays through Fridays from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.,” Savage said. “We’re not here on Saturdays. People can always tell when we’re here because I have my truck with a big banner parked on the road near the Spouting Horn lookout.”
Silva chuckled as Savage made his announcement, noting there were visitors milling about the truck, wondering where the shave ice was.
“We’re connected with the Kaua‘i Food Truck,” Savage said. “The name is Kaua‘i Shave Ice.”
Located at 4425 Lawa‘i Road in Po‘ipu, the NTBG Visitor Center is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
There is no charge for admission. Visit www.ntbg.org or call 742-2433 for more information.
