PUHI — The stucco beat of Tahitian drums seemed out of place as the Kilohana Plantation transformed from the setting of a Hawaiian lu‘au extravaganza to one of healing and cultural healing arts, Saturday. Tahitian drums, situated outside the pavilion
PUHI — The stucco beat of Tahitian drums seemed out of place as the Kilohana Plantation transformed from the setting of a Hawaiian lu‘au extravaganza to one of healing and cultural healing arts, Saturday.
Tahitian drums, situated outside the pavilion area, melded the garden setting of the Kilohana Estate with the offerings of more than 50 vendors providing information, products and demonstrations in sustainable living and the arts of cultural healing, health and wellness.
Among the presentations that took center stage, a juijutsu martial arts demonstration focused on “taking falls lightly,” centering around senior health focus because falls are the No. 1 source of injury for seniors.
Lei Lani Magee and Carolyn Lum brought the sport of tennis indoors, just for a bit, before resuming the day-long hands-on demonstration of lawn tennis — this year, the program received a big boost from Hawaiian Isles Tennis.
A slam poetry and eco-fashion show rounded out the stage during the expo for the Kaua‘i festival that runs through Thursday.
Guest speakers touched on healing herbs of the Philippines, plants used in traditional medicine of Hawai‘i, herbs of the Amazon, and closed off with tasting of Nani Moon Mead, or honey wine that is created on Kaua‘i utilizing locally produced honey and produce from local farms.
Akin to a three-ring circus, a separate area presented “Undress Your Salad,” “All Local Meal Contest and Tasting,” “Know Your Nori” and “Chocolate Farming on Kaua‘i.”
Garden Island Chocolate Co., one of the expo vendors, said it currently offers four of its Kaua‘i-produced chocolate bars that have started appearing in retail stores.
Jessie Schwartz, one of the chocolate company’s principals, said they grow their own vanilla and cacao, and are working to expand. A sample of bacon-chocolate was made available to patrons at the expo.
Following the day-long expo, the Kaua‘i Festivals offers workshops and tours, Monday through Thursday before adjourning.
For a complete schedule visit the Hawai‘i Healing Garden Web site at www.HawaiiHealingGarden.com.
