KOLOA — Michael Iwai used to run rampant in this area, said Teddy Blake, leader of of the historic Hapa Trail Walk Saturday. Iwai, who grew up in Koloa town, and other youngsters used the Hapa Trail as their playground,
KOLOA — Michael Iwai used to run rampant in this area, said Teddy Blake, leader of of the historic Hapa Trail Walk Saturday.
Iwai, who grew up in Koloa town, and other youngsters used the Hapa Trail as their playground, Blake said, while explaining how the youngsters used the trail that connects Koloa to the sea.
The folklore-ish nature of the commentary spiced up the more historic archealogical aspects of the area, tying in with the theme of the Koloa Plantation Days.
The Hapa Trail walk, a rodeo, a charity doubles tennis tournament, fishing in the Waita Reservoir (catch and release only) and the Polynesian Revue and Fire Knife dancer at the Poipu Shopping Village highlighted the 10-day celebration over the weekend.
Throughout the week, more activities highlighting the Koloa and Poipu areas are planned, including a craft fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa.
Historical aspects of the area can be found in the week-long exhibit at The Shops at Kukuiula along with the Talk Story sessions about Koloa Before Sugar at the Koloa Union Church at 3 p.m. today and the Look Back Through the Sugar Era hosted by Grove Farm, which includes a walk through the sugar mill at 9 a.m. Thursday.
Reservations for the Look Back Through the Sugar Era is required, but none are required for the Sweet Memories of Old Koloa Friday afternoon at the Koloa Elementary School with Niles Kageyama.
Led by Gail Little, the group walks and talks through the town, which was built around one of the first commercial sugar plantations in Hawaii.
For those looking for activities, the Outrigger Kiahuna hosts traditional Hawaiian games from 10 a.m. until noon Wednesday. A Mahaulepu Coastal hike, hosted by Mala Mahaulepu, leaves the CJM Country Stables at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday and the Plantation Days Putting Contest unfolds from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday at the Poipu Bay Resort Golf Club, the home of the PGA Grand Slam.
The weekly Kauai Culinary Market will flex its schedule to feature plantation-style cooking during its chef’s demo at The Shops at Kukuiula from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday.
A highlight of the week-long celebration is the parade that starts 10 a.m. Saturday, followed by a visit to the Park Celebration at the Anne Knudsen Park.
Sunday wraps up the 10-day celebration with the Family Fun Run and Walk, hosted by the Kukuiula Canoe Club, starting from 7 a.m. at the Poipu Beach Park.
As a family event, runners and walkers can choose from four different course lengths depending on ability, endurance and motivation.
More family fun is on tap at the Keoki’s Ukes in Paradise Keiki Ukulele Competition, which starts at 10 a.m. at the Keoki’s Paradise in the Poipu Shopping Village.
The contest is open to all keiki ukulele players from age 5 and includes lunch and an opportunity to earn prizes. Guests are welcome to enjoy the special lunch as well.
Info: www.koloaplantationdays.com
