Island Activities — August 2015

Menehune Crafts Fair

At the Menehune Products Fair in Waimea, Arlene Maurice, of Kekaha, operates the senior booth. The fair, held Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., is a good opportunity for crafters and vendors to sell their handmade creations. At the senior citizen booth, all crafts are made by the elderly in the community and sold on Thursdays. Stop by to meet local crafters and enjoy a unique shopping experience. Hawaiian food, such as barbeque chicken is sold daily, and there is regular live music and entertainment.

The Sheraton Caverns is a popular dive spot in Po‘ipu. Audrey Iglay, 10, flips backwards into the water just before a morning dive at this South Shore dive spot. It is usually a sure thing to see sea turtles, sea creatures and reef fish while diving there. Divers can swim in an out of the many caverns.

A Hawaiian green sea turtle

A friendly Hawaiian green sea turtle enjoys a relaxing break on the shore at Po‘ipu Beach Park. The slight detour from its regular swimming activities in the Pacific Ocean was a nice change of pace for this sea turtle. Also known by its Hawaiian name, honu, Hawaiian green sea turtles are loved by locals for their gentle spirit. Honu are protected by the federal Endangered Species Act, so observe these wonderful creatures from afar to avoid potential hefty fines.

The Na Pali Coast trail is an 11-mile footpath that leads from Ke’e Beach on the North Shore all the way to Kalalau Beach. The only land access to the rugged Na Pali Coast, this is a hike not to miss. There are beautiful beaches and waterfalls along the way. Hanakapi‘ai Beach, two miles into the trail, is as beautiful as it is dangerous, so swimming is not advised. Hiking another two miles toward the mountains, starting at Hanakapi‘ai, leads to a breathtaking waterfall. Camping at Kalalau is allowed, but permits must be obtained in advance.