It’s All About Mom!

Everyone strives to make the most important woman in their life feel extra special on Mother’s Day. Whether it is breakfast in bed, a spectacular brunch, a picnic at the beach, a simple scoop of ice cream, or a gorgeous botanical walk, Poipu is the place to be this Sunday, May 10th. Celebrate your mom Kauai style with a number of fabulous options!

Brunch in Poipu

Ilima Terrace at the Grand Hyatt Kauai

Enjoy a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean as you are treated to a culinary feast at Ilima Terrace at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa. Begin with seasonal tropical fruits and berries, farmstead and artisanal cheeses or smoked salmon followed by Alii Kula Lavender rubbed prime rib, local Mahi Mahi stuffed with crab or agnolotti pasta! Reservations are highly recommended.

808-742-1234
www.grandhyattkauai.com
12-4pm
Adults $60, Keiki $28

Tortilla Republic

Sunday brunch with a twist is what your mom will experience at Tortilla Republic! She can choose from their award-winning menu, or try one of their Mother’s Day chef’s specials that include crust less chorizo and jack quiche, fresh catch fajita benedict or the chile verde skillet. They will also feature their bottomless Mimosas for a mom who likes her bubbles!

808-742-8884
www.tortillarepublic.com
9am-3pm

Brennecke’s

Join the ‘ohana at Brennecke’s for Mother’s Day Lunch featuring lump crab cake salad on Kauai organic arugula, fresh beets and blood oranges with white balsamic vinaigrette. For Dinner they will feature pan seared shrimp and crab stuffed Mahi Mahi, kabocha pumpkin and pancetta risotto. Mom can top it off with chocolate mouse, haupia tart and fresh strawberries!

808-742-7588
www.brenneckes.com
Lunch Special $22.99
Dinner Special $31.99
Dessert Special $9.99

Keoki’s Paradise

Keoki’s Paradise would love to host your mom to a beautiful breakfast buffet that includes an omelet station, juice and coffee bar, French toast, assorted meats, biscuits and gravy, a cereal bar, as well as a tropical fruit station.

808-742-7534
www.keokisparadise.com
7:30-11am
Adults $19
Keiki $10

For Moms With a Sweet Tooth

Papalani Gelato

Mixing old-word Italian recipes with the unique flavors of Hawaii make Papalani Gelato the perfect frozen delight for your mom on her special day. The best part is she will get a free gelato with any gelato or chocolate purchase on Mother’s Day!

808-742-2663
www.papalanigelato.com

Lappert’s Ice Cream

Lappert’s is known for their deliciously exquisite ice creams and sorbets like Kauai Pie, Caramel Cashew Turtle Cluster and Coconut Macadamia Nut Fudge to name a few. This Sunday, Lappert’s is pleased to treat all moms to a single scoop of ice cream at all island locations, all day long. No proof of motherhood required!

808-742-1272
www.lappertshawaii.com

Uncle’s Shave Ice

Who wouldn’t want to try a shave ice mixed with Banana Birthday Cake, Pink Lemonade, Li Hing Mui or Red Velvet Cake! Purchase a sweet tooth lei made of crackers or dried plums and Uncle’s will add a gift card for Honey Toast, Shave Ice, Shave Snow, Caramel Apple or a Frozen Chocolate Banana. Prices range from $7-$10.

808-742-2364
www.uncleskauai.com

For the Botanical Mom

National Tropical Botanical Gardens

This Mother’s Day, the National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG) invites moms and their families to an open house in McBryde Garden for a day of flowers, fun, music, and food. Entrance is free for mothers and children under five with a suggested donation of $10 for all others to support NTBG’s research, conservation, and education efforts.

Meet at the Visitors Center – 4425 Lawai Road, Poipu 96756

(808) 742-2623
www.ntbg.org

For the adventurous Mom

Skyline EcoAdventures – 50% off

Celebrate Mom this Mother’s day with Skyline EcoAdventures! Kids and Teens 17 and under Zip for 50% off and Mom receives a complimentary GoPro rental or Skyline logo ladies t-shirt.
Valid for tours April 27th – May 10th, 2015. Book today by calling 808-495-0823

Make Kauai memories with mom this Sunday with one of these amazing offers. Happy Mother’s Day from the Poipu Beach Resort Association!

Are you traveling to Kauai sometime soon? Nervous about the gluten-free options? Don’t be, we’ve got you covered.  With more and more wheat sensitivities and Celiac diagnoses popping up every day, it’s no wonder we’re seeing a major shift in menus across the mainland and here on Kauai.  Lucky for us, most delicious Hawaiian staples are naturally gluten-free (think taro, pineapple, mango, coconuts, lau lau, rice).

Here’s a collection of our favorite gluten-free friendly restaurants in Poipu, Kauai.

Gluten-Free Hotel Restaurants:

As one of the most popular sides of the island (we can’t help where the sun goes, but if it happens to shine on us, so be it!), there are several beautiful hotels and resorts to be found here. Below is a list of restaurants with gluten-free items:

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa (all menus clearly marked gluten-free*)

Dondero’s – Fresh, delicious and seasonal dishes, Dondero’s offers a wide selection of gluten-free dishes. From gluten-free pasta (wild mushroom alfredo, shrimp scampi, lobster & crab, bolognese) and mushroom potato gratin, to fresh cioppino (lobster, scallops, fish, clams and crab) and gluten-free black forest tiramisu, you’re sure to find something to satiate your appetite.

Ilima Terrace – Surrounded by cascading waterfalls and koi-ponds, Ilima Terrace is a breath of fresh air. Offering breakfast and lunch daily, this open-air restaurant features a carefully marked gluten-free dinner menu with dishes like prosciutto wrapped wasabi prawns, personalized salads and gf pasta primavera with seared tofu, seasonal vegetables and a light chardonnay lemon sauce.

Tidepools –
An experience unlike any other, Tidepools showcases contemporary Hawaiian cuisine in a unique, romantic atmosphere. Thatched-roof bungalows float above a koi-filled lagoon at the base of a waterfall. Yes, it’s just that dreamy. Try their Ono ceviche (fresh lime juice, local cucumber, cilantro, coconut milk, ale sea salt), butter poached lobster on coconut rice or organic roast chicken.

Poipu

Beach House Restaurant: This waterfront establishment is one of the south side’s real gems. Come for lunch or an early dinner and enjoy a front row view of the sunset. Beach House offers a designated gluten-free menu for both lunch and dinner (also printable online). Options range from starters, salads, sandwiches and “Big Grinds” (catch of the day) to dinner entrees hot off the grill. Try their Beach House Ceviche with citrus and lilikoi juice, fresh island fish, scallops, tiger prawns, avocado, tomatoes cucumber and cilantro. Or their Kauai Grown Beet Salad with guava smoked alaea salt, gorgonzola, micro basil and truffle oil. OR you can enjoy a Chinese 5-Spice Dusted Lamb Sirloin served with truffle risotto, grilled asparagus, roasted black garlic confit, and port wine demi. It’s too hard to choose…so why not try one of each?

Old Koloa Town:

Koloa Fish Market – Try some seared sesame ahi or an avocado poke bowl on a bed of warm rice and discover what you’ve been missing. Koloa Fish Market is a true taste of Kauai, with its fresh and tender ahi in a variety of mouth-watering flavors. If you weren’t a fish fan before, you’re sure to become a convert! A reminder, not all sauces are gluten-free. Always check to see which are safe beforehand.

Koloa Deli:  A few storefronts down from Koloa Fish Market is this fun little deli with outdoor seating. Enjoy a cold drink, clam chowder, and gluten-free bread with any of the sandwich options. Offering an array of meats, cheeses and vegetables, there’s something for everybody.

Pizzetta – Offers gluten-free pizza crust as well as gluten-free pasta. Fun, lively atmosphere and knowledgeable staff who take special care to prevent cross contamination. Options range from brown rice penne cecca (with fresh basil, roasted garlic, sautéed grape tomatoes, spinach and parmesan cheese) to freshly chopped salads and specialty gluten-free pizzas.

The Wine shop – Offering an impressive selection of wine (naturally gluten-free), pass through or join the club! Not only do they have vino, but also spirits, gift baskets, artisan chocolate and even gluten-free beer. Fantastic!

The Shops at Kukuiula:

Tortilla Republic Grill and Margarita Bar – Upstairs you will find TR’s upscale grill, downstairs you can enjoy the bustling margarita bar. Come for happy hour and enjoy a Hydration Margarita (made with fresh lime and coconut water) alongside some nachos, jalapeno croquetas (charred jalapeno folded with potatoes, monterey jack cheese and cilantro crema – all gluten-free) or head upstairs for an almost entirely gluten-free menu of varying appetizers and entrees.

Shop Gluten-Free:

Living Foods Cafe & Market – A beautiful little cafe and market, Living Foods has an entire gluten-free designated selection of goods. Including baking supplies, cookies, crackers, pasta, sauces, gluten-free beer, wine, bulk items and more. They also serve gluten-free crepes and deli sandwiches (hot or cold). Call ahead of time and they can put together a special picnic basket for you.

Buy Local Gluten-Free – Farmer’s Markets:

The Culinary Market at The Shops at Kukuiula – Every Wednesday afternoon from 3:30pm to 6:00pm. The best part about farmer’s markets is that most of Mother Nature’s items are naturally gluten-free. Fresh mangoes, star fruit, papayas, kale and passion fruit are just a few things you’ll find here. Some vendors have “upped the ante” and even offer gluten-free soups and breads / pastries. Of course the impressive selection of sangria, margarita and wine gardens are all gluten-free as well. We’ll cheers to that!

The Koloa Sunshine Farmer’s market – Held in the Koloa Ball Park Mondays at noon. This weekly market is also known for it’s wide spread of locally grown produce. You’ve never tasted an apple-banana as sweet, a pineapple so juicy or have seen a bundle of greens so vibrant.

Remember that gluten can hide in many unexpected things (from sauces to salads), so always be sure to let your server or chef know you are gluten-free beforehand. They are happy to help you navigate the gluten-free waters here on Kauai!

Along with some of the most picturesque scenery in the world, Kauai has rich, fertile soil that is perfect for growing exotic and unique fruits. Some are well known, and others are new to even the seasoned traveler. You can find an array of fruit at roadside stands, the local market or at any of the many Farmer’s markets around Kauai. Here are 10 Kauai fruits that we think you will enjoy!

Mango

Mangoes are a June through October seasonal specialty on Kauai and when available, burst with flavor, nutrients and vitamins.  Hayden mangoes are the colorful popular variety that arguably are the sweetest.  Their long season provides people with heavenly treats that are often added to salads, salsas, tropical drinks and are attributed to the overall happiness of Kauai

Lychee

Lychee is an extremely popular fruit in Hawaii.  Harvested from May through August, this translucent white juicy delicacy is sweet with a firm texture.  It also has been known to double your friend count when your tree is in bloom.  Best served cold and with a side of sangria.

Rambutan

One of the more unusual looking fruits on Kauai, rambutans (aka the hairy lychee) are refreshingly sweet and a great source of vitamin C and calcium. You can typically find Kauai-grown rambutan from September to March.

Lilikoi (Passion Fruit)

The fragrant lilikoi (passion fruit) is known for being extremely tart, yet incredibly sweet and are easily found around the island all year long. The juice is often used for mix in tropical drinks, ice cream, preserves, syrups and baked goodies.  Like the lemon, they also make for great photo ops when people try them for the first time.

Breadfruit

Otherwise known as Ulu, breadfruit is a gorgeous tree that can reach up to forty feet high with a twenty to thirty foot spread. There are four varieties of breadfruit that are abundant on Kauai including Ma’afala, Otea, Piipiia and Ulu Fiti. These starchy fruits are culinary treats that are often baked, boiled, steamed or fried.

Dragon Fruit

Dragon fruit is known as one the best “super fruits” available on the market today. Besides being low in cholesterol, high in fiber and full of active antioxidants, this fascinating fruit is also known to fight diabetes, reduce signs of aging, as well as suppress pain from arthritis. Flowering on Kauai begins in June with fruit production in late summer to fall.

Star Fruit

Probably one of the coolest looking fruits on the market, the star fruit is translucent yellow in color and has a sweet, citrusy taste. They have several growing seasons, however their best production is in the fall.

Sugar Loaf Pineapples

While it looks similar to the traditional yellow/gold pineapple, the sugar loaf pineapple is sweeter and not as acidic and you can even eat the core! You will find these savory tourist favorites in abundance during the summer months, but some Kauai farmers are able to produce all year long.

Cool fact: A new pineapple shoot takes about two years from planting to get to the flowering stage. After the shoot reaches maturity,you’ll know it’s ready to flower when the base of the leaves turn a beautiful pink/red.

Papaya

Papaya is a delicious and sweet flavored fruit that is nutrient rich and great for digestion.  Commonly eaten with Papaya season is year around on Kauai making these delightful fruits easy to find.

Take advantage of Kauai’s seasonal exotic fruit options and experience something scrumptious to remember the islands!  Find a farmer’s market on Kauai here.

There is a farmer’s market on Kauai almost every day of the week.  Find your fresh fruits, veggies and tropical flowers at one of the many locations around the island.  Each market has its own personality so come for the produce, stay for the entertainment!  Here is our list of where to find each farmer’s market:

Monday

Location: Koloa Ball Park, Southside
Time: 12 noon
Why you’ll love it: Attendees are not allowed in until the market actually starts so everyone lines up and it’s a mad dash to the best vendors when the rope drops.  It’s shopping and entertainment in one!

Tuesday

Location: Kalaheo Neighborhood Center (on Papalina Road just off Kaumualii Hwy.)
Time: 3pm

Wednesday

Location: The Shops at Kukuiula Farmer’s Market, Poipu
Time: 3pm
Why you’ll love it: With a live Chef’s demonstration and live hawaiian music, plan on spending a few hours at this market.  Held in the middle of the shopping center, you will find not only fresh fruit and produce, but freshly made soups, bakery items, lasagna, the pie lady, and grab and go food from the various restaurants.  It’s not to be missed!

Location: Kapaa Ball Park
Time: 3pm
Why you’ll love it: Being one of the more populated towns on Kauai, this market draws a great crowd.  From fresh cut coconuts to kauai-made goods, there is something for everyone.

Thursday

Location: Kilauea Neighborhood Center – Keneke Rd off Kilauea Lighthouse Road
Time: 4:30 pm

Friday

Location: Vidinha Stadium
Time: 4:30 pm

Saturday

Location: Kauai Community College, Puhi
Time: 9:30 am
Why you’ll love it: Stop by and grab fresh juices, tacos, coconuts, and anything from the delicious Hanalei Taro cart.  And, of course, all the fresh fruits and veggies you can carry.

Location: Hanalei Community Center, Hanalei Town
Time: 9:30 am

Location: Coconut Market Place, Kapaa
Time: 12:00 pm

Location: Kekaha Neighborhood Center – Elepaio Road
Time: 9:00 am

Location: Kilauea Mini Golf, 5-2723 Kuhio Hwy, Kilauea
Time: 9:00 am

Bounty of fruit from Kauai farmer’s markets:

Kauai papaya