LIHUE — Fall break for public elementary, middle and high school students started Saturday and will continue for a week with students returning to the classroom on Oct. 14.
The Musubi Truck, opening its third location on Tuesday near the shores of Kalapaki Beach, continues with the keiki meal during the fall and winter breaks.
The Musubi Truck’s third location allows the owners of The Musubi Truck to triple the number of keiki that capitalized on the student meal program. Located in the former Noka Grill, the Kalapaki Musubi Truck is close to where surfers play, and the canoe clubs and youth football practice.
“We’ve been going strong with that program and have some great partners, now,” said Kelly Kakalia of The Musubi Truck. “Our partners in the student meal programs include the Keala Foundation, Kauai Skate Ohana, and the Kapaa Elementary School. With the opening of this third location, we are able to reach three times more kids. I would love to be able to hand out as many meals as possible with fall break coming.”
To help The Musubi Truck fulfill this goal, financial contributions can be dropped off at any of its locations — the original Truck in Kapaa, the Koloa location or the Kalapaki location.
Under terms of the student meal program, Kelly said The Musubi Truck has meal cards distributed to its partner organizations and school counselors, who distribute the cards to children.
“Students come and redeem the meal cards at any of our three locations,” Kakalia said. “We’ve had the Keala Foundation come at times and pick up about a hundred meals so they can distribute them into the community.”
Owned by the Kakalia and Aguinaldo families, The Musubi Truck’s location in Nawiliwili is its third following the opening of its Koloa location in April.
“We’re just two local couples who grew up right here on the island. Now from one truck to three locations, we are so honored to be able to take over the iconic spot here in Kalapaki. It’s really surreal. It has been such a blessing for us to be able to work alongside our friends from growing up on this,” Kelly said.
“Our staff is all local,” Kelly said. “We appreciate the support from the community. We couldn’t do it without them. It is hard to make it on this island, and we just want to support other locals and provide jobs that pay well.”
The Kalapaki location is open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
“My favorite is the Lifeguard Bento,” said Braeshon Rapozo from the back of the counter at the Kalapaki location. “But they make a mean Loco Moco, too.”
The Lifeguard Bento is fresh poke over rice, sea salted tater tots and the Musubi Truck’s deep fried musubi.
“Yeah, I like the Lifeguard Bento, too,” said Miranda Rapozo. “But there is the Sooo Tofu Musubi that is the vegan style with baked tofu, fresh cucumbers, carrots, lettuce, cilantro and a side of peanut.”
Additionally, The Musubi Truck offers poke bowls and breakfast specials.
