PO‘IPU — The people were there, Wednesday, during The Farmers Market at The Shops at Kukui‘ula.
“This is the busiest I’ve seen it in the last three weeks,” said Jei Anna Iguchi who was manning a table offering free keiki premiums for He Lei Piko, a service of Keiki O Ka ‘Aina Family Learning Centers. “We started coming three weeks ago, and the crowd has steadily been growing. Today is the busiest I’ve seen in a long time.”
He Lei Piko is a state and federally funded program that partners with families from pregnancy until keiki enter kindergarten. Located in the Rainbow Plaza in Kalaheo, He Lei Piko is a service of Keiki O Ka ‘Aina Family Learning Centers in partnership with the State of Hawai‘i Your ‘Ohana Network funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
“We have the only diaper pantry program on Kaua‘i that is open to anyone who needs diapers and baby wipes,” Iguchi said of the program that enables family opportunities to grow in positive parenting practices, their child’s development, and create loving relationships between parent and child.
Alexander &Baldwin, the owner of The Shops at Kukui‘ula, also announced two new businesses — Cariloha Kaua‘i, and the Ha‘upu Outpost Kaua‘i — that joined the ‘ohana of retailers, services, and eateries taking care of the community.
“The Shops at Kukui‘ula is thrilled to be Cariloha’s partner on the South Shore of Kaua‘i,” said Stacie Chiba-Miguel, the regional manager at A&B. “Their new showroom brings an incredible selection of earth-friendly products to our customers and complements the unique shops and boutiques, award-winning restaurants, and contemporary art galleries at The Shops.”
Cariloha offers an exclusive collection of naturally luxurious soft bedding, apparel and bath goods created from comfortable, sustainable bamboo at the fourth store to open on Kaua‘i. Inspired by the essence and energy of the Islands, Cariloha blends the Style of the Caribbean with the Spirit of Aloha to provide tranquil days in paradise through soft and comfortable fabrics.
“We are excited to be a part of The Shops at Kukui‘ula ‘ohana,” said Tyler McFall, the regional sales director of Cariloha Kaua‘i. “We can’t wait to share our vision of sustainability throughout products as well as deliver an inspirational shopping experience to our guests.”
Shoppers are able to help celebrate the opening of Cariloha and the Ha‘upu Outpost Kaua‘i during the Father’s Day weekend when Cariloa will be offering a 20% discount on all Cariloha-brand sustainable selections of ultra-soft bedding and apparel.
“Cariloha opened on June 5,” said Pillare Mukai of The Shops at Kukui‘ula. “But they’ll join the Father’s Day excitement when Ha‘upu Outpost celebrates its grand opening with an adventure giveaway, and Da Pali will be here for the Rock Climbing Fundraiser to benefit the 42nd Annual Kaua‘i Charity Walk.”
Billy Grace, who runs the busy shop with wife Nicole and new son Wilder, of the Ha‘upu Outpost was non-stop busy, helping customers with a range of items from footwear to backpacks, and everything in between.
“We are Kaua‘i’s only complete outdoor shop,” Billy said between customers. “We offer everything for the outdoors from footwear to the more exotic things like the adaptable mud grips for athletic shoes, and even a line of products that convert the cooking fire into storable energy.”
Most of the retailers in The Shops at Kukui‘ula follow the current hours of operation that include opening at 11 a.m. and remaining until 6 p.m., seven days a week.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
