Kauai Family Magazine Spring 2026

Special Tribute to Melissa McFerrin-Warrack - Page 12

16 YEARS

KauaiFamilyMagazine.com

2026 HEALTH & WELLNESS GUIDE

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KAUAI POLICE ACTIVITIES LEAGUE (KPAL) Keep an eye out for Pickleball signups coming soon!

JOIN OUR TEAM BECOME BECOME A A GUARDIAN GUARDIAN OF OF YOUR YOUR OHANA! ’OHANA! We at the Kauai Police Department are inviting you to be part of something bigger We at the Kaua’i Police Department are inviting you to be part of something bigger — a community of protectors safeguarding our cherished Ohana. Our officers — a community of protectors safeguarding our cherished ’Ohana. Our officers don’t just uphold the law; they defend our families, ensuring safety and security don’t just uphold the law; they defend our families, ensuring safety and security for all. Now, it’s your turn to join us and become a guardian of your Ohana. for all. Now, it’s your turn to join us and become a guardian of your ’Ohana.

Together, let’s make a difference and protect what matters most.

Together, let’s make a difference and protect what matters most.

OPEN OPEN POSITIONS POSITIONS • Police Evidence Custodian I

• Public Safety Worker • Police Evidence Clerk • Parking Enforcement Worker • Police Services Officer • Emergency Services Dispatcher • Public Safety Worker I • Public Services Officer • Parking Enforcement Worker • Emergency Services Dispatcher I

GREAT BENEFITS GREAT BENEFITS

ALL POSITIONS ALL ARE POSITIONS ON CONTINUOUS ARE ON CONTINUOUS RECRUITMENT RECRUITMENT For additional recruitment info:

joinkauaipd.com (or scan QR code at right)

or reach out to Lt. Matt Tavares mtavares@kauai.gov, 808-241-1647 Spring 2025 2026 Winter

5

2026

THE YEAR OF

THE FIRE HORSE

Welcome to Kaua’i Family Magazine!

The Go-To-Resource for Kaua’i Families

According to traditional Chinese culture, 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse (page 47). With an emphasis on transformation and taking action, 2026 is an excellent time for those who learn to channel their powerful energy wisely. Let’s shed that old snakeskin. And find our horsepower.

Healthy living.

Whether your goals in 2026 center around healthy eating (pages 42,43,78) mental and emotional wellness (page 32), spending more quality time together as a family (pages 22, 58, 68) we’ve got you covered.

Perhaps you’re taking a more holistic approach to upgrading life in 2026, in which case flip to (pages 26, 50) to jumpstart your efforts.

Easter is Sunday, April 5. Check out Kaua’i’s Easter egg hunts on page 25. Have fun looking for the Easter Bunny throughout the island!

A Special Note, I was deeply saddened to learn Kaua’i’s beautiful soul Melissa McFerrin-Warrack unexpectedly passed away November 7th and would like to express my sincere sympathy to Melissa’s ‘Ohana on behalf of Kaua’i Family Magazine and our island community.

A Special Tribute to a unique, ‘One of a Kind’ treasure and a legacy of love. (page 12) _______________________________ We hope this issue helps you make the most of the Year of the Horse.

Chrissy

Chrissy Schechter, Publisher chrissys@KauaiFamilyMagazine.com

6

www.kauaifamilymagazine.com

PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Chrissy Schechter

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Keri Atchley

COPY EDITOR

Noah Schechter PRESIDENT OF SALES

Chrissy Schechter

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Clyner Antalan, M.D. Douglas Elika Ching, M.D. Patrick Ching Monty Downs, M.D. Pam Molnar Leah Ragsac Michael Landon Smith, M.D. Robert Stebbins, D.D.S. ADVERTISING INQUIRIES advertising@kauaifamilymagazine.com KAUA’I OFFICE

808-639-5656 KauaiFamilyMagazine.com info@KauaiFamilyMagazine.com Next Issue: SUMMER 2026 Advertising Deadline: March 15, 2026 Kaua’i Family Magazine is published quarterly as Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter editions.

Copyright © 2026 Kaua’i Family Magazine All rights reserved.

No portion of Kaua’i Family Magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

Kaua’i Family Magazine assumes no financial responsibility for errors in advertisements.

O N T H E C OV E R

Dr. Surachat Chatkupt, M.D. with Sand & Savor Sandblom.

Todd Fuerte Photography

PAGE

HHSC Kaua’i Region Directory of Services

40

SPRING FEATURES

12 SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO

MELISSA MCFERRIN-WARRACK A Unique, “One of a Kind” Treasure

WHAT’S INSIDE 25 KAUA’I KEIKI

Visit the Easter Bunny and Egg Hunts

16 SPRING INTO FUN!

32 KAUA’I KŪPUNA

22 EARTH DAY CELEBRATIONS

68 KAUA’I ’OHANA

Exciting Events for the Whole ‘Ohana Volunteer in a Beach or Park Cleanup

26 CHALLENGE YOURSELF!

Practical Ways to be Healthier in 2026

50 PONO, ALOHA, ’ĀINA, ’OHANA, MANA Five Hawaiian Words to Redefine Health, Happiness and Power in Your Life

32

Stay Independent Longer Fun Over Fitness

76 KAUA’I PETS

Choosing the Right Pet

78 KAUA’I RECIPES

Fruit and Veggie Bugs

12

68

Spring 2026

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State of Hawai‘i - Department of Education State of Hawai‘i - Department of Education

APRIL APRIL 2026 2026

MARCH MARCH FEBRUARY FEBRUARYJANUARY JANUARY 2026 2026 2026 2026 2026 2026

2025-2026 OFFICIAL2025-2026 SCHOOL CALENDAR OFFICIALwww.kauaischools.org SCHOOL CALENDAR

S M T www.kauaischools.org W TH F S S M T W T1H 2F S3 Students' Work Year

4 5 6 7 18 29 10 3 Students' Work Year 2ND SEMESTER 11 17 4 12 5 13 6 14 7 15 8 16 9 10 2ND SEMESTER January 6, 2026 18 19 20 21 15 22 16 23 24 11 12 13 14 17 to January 6, 2026 25 19 26 20 27 21 28 22 29 23 30 24 31 18 May 28, to 2026 25 1 26 2 27 3 28 4 29 5 30 6 31 7 May 28, 2026 3 11 4 12 5 13 6 14 7 81 29 10 New Year’s Day January 1 15 17 18 19 20 21 8 16 9 10 11 12 13 14 New Year’s Day January 1 22 16 23 24 25 19 26 20 27 21 28 15 17 18 Dr. Martin Luther 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 King, Jr. Day Dr. Martin Luther January 19 King, Jr. Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 January 19 3 11 4 12 5 13 6 14 7 81 29 10 Presidents’ Day February 16 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Presidents’ Day February 16 22 16 23 24 25 19 26 20 27 28 15 17 18 21 Spring Break 29 23 30 24 31 25 26 27 28 22 March 16-20 Spring Break 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 March 16-20 Prince Kuhio Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 March 26 Prince Kuhio Day 12 17 18 5 13 6 14 7 15 8 16 9 10 11 March 26 19 20 21 15 22 16 23 24 25 12 13 14 17 18 Good Friday April 3 26 20 27 28 29 23 30 24 25 19 21 22 Good Friday April 3 26 27 28 29 30 1 2

MAY MAY 2026 2026

3 4 5 6 7 18 29 10 5 13 6 14 7 15 8 16 9 4 12 3 11 23 19 20 21 15 22 16 17 18 13 14 11 12 10 24 18 26 20 27 21 28 22 29 23 30 1731 25 19 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Memorial Day May 25 Memorial Day May 25 Last Day for Students May 28 Last Day for Students May 28 Spring 2026

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Kaua’i Family Magazine is able to provide quality local content because of the continued support of our advertisers.

Please support local businesses and tell them you saw them in Kaua’i Family Magazine!

Education

Hawai`i State Dept. of Education..................63 Child & Family Service.................................59 Kaua`i Christian Academy.......................64,65 Hawai`i Children’s Theatre............................71 Līhu`e Baptist Church..................................70 Kaua`i Performing Arts Center....................19 Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kaua`i...........52,53 AG `Ukulele Academy..................................21 Hō`ike Kaua`i Community Media...........20, 73 Patrick Ching Art....................................74, 75

Health & Medical Services

Regency Puakea..........................................29 Ohana Pacific Health...................................31 Garden Isle Rehab & Nursing.......................31 Kaua`i Adult Day Health..............................31 Home Health Kaua`i....................................31 Hale Kūpuna Heritage Home.....................31 Hawai`i Health Systems Corporation...7,39-42 Hawai`i Dental Service..................................67 Punzal Vision...............................................65 Kalāheo Dental Group..................................61 Kaua`i Medical Clinic...................................62 Wilcox Health...............................................80 Jason Blake Health Insurance.....................29 Yael Claussen, Life Insurance....................... 30

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Spring Programs & Events

County of Kaua`i Spring Fun....................... 23 Waimea Town Celebration........................ 21 The Sound of Music...................................19 Forest Akamai Camps...............................70

Community Partners

Kaua`i Complex Area DOE.............................8 Kaua`i Police Department.............................5 County of Kaua`i Office of the Mayor.............4 County of Kaua`i Agency of Elderly Affairs..38 County of Kaua`i Department of Water........45 County of Kaua`i Parks & Recreation......23, 29 County of Kaua`i Waste Management..........44 Gather Federal Credit Union...........3, 52, 53 Kaua`i Island Utility Cooperative...................2 Kukui Grove Center................................14,15 Deja Vu Surf Hawai`i...................................24 Grove Farm...........................................54, 55 Pacific Missile Range Facility.....................60 Leah Ragsac, Realtor...................................46 Kaua`i Bakery..............................................18 Jamba Hawai`i............................................73

Kaua’i Family Magazine wishes our ’ohana of readers & advertisers a wonderful 2026, full of love, joy, health & prosperity!

Why advertise with Kaua’i Family?

With over 16 years of experience, the team at Kaua’i Family knows what works to reach local parents who want the best for their ‘ohana. We’ll help you set and accomplish goals within your budget to engage our active audience.

Contact us today and we’ll get you connected to thousands of KFM islandwide active and engaged parents!

M A G A Z I N E

808-639-5656 info@kauaifamilymagazine.com

Spring 2026

11

Special Tribute to a Unique, ‘One of a Kind’ Treasure.

Melissa McFerrin-Warrack

Whether you knew Melissa personally, are reading about this unique, ‘one of a kind’ beautiful soul for the first time, or were lucky to have been a part of her life, I hope that it will give you pause and some reflection. I hope that it will inspire you to live a life of Aloha and that her shining example of passion and dedication to the well-being of the people in our community will be an inspiration to all of us.

Melissa’s ‘ohana includes her husband, James Warrack, and their son, Finnegan.

Born Jan. 7, 1971, in Framingham, Mass., she grew up with a love of language and theater. A graduate of South High, Class of 1988, she studied English and Spanish at the University of Pennsylvania and spent a semester in Spain — experiences that shaped her both personally and professionally.

After college, her adventurous spirit led her to study Chinese at Harvard in preparation for teaching English at Jiao Tong University in Shanghai. She later worked in the English-language news division at Shanghai Television and at Edelman Public Relations, where she helped introduce ‘Sesame Street’ to China and witnessed addresses by President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton to the Chamber of Commerce.

Melissa made Kaua’i her home for the past 25 years, wholeheartedly embracing the aloha spirit, and became a vibrant force in the island’s cultural and creative community.

12

She founded the Kaua’i Made movement, represented Hawai’i at shows on the East Coast, helped launch farmers markets, and spent many Saturday mornings at the Kaua’i Community College parking lot, the birthplace of The Grove Farm Market that was born following the COVID-19 pandemic. Its sibling markets, a collaborative effort by the Kaua’i County Farm Bureau, are the Pau Hana Market at Kukui Grove, and The Kaua’i Culinary Market at The Shops at Kukui’ula.

Melissa also ran major community events, including the Kaua’i County Farm Bureau Fair, the Garden Fair, and more recently, the Kōloa Plantation Days that celebrates the Sugar Plantation era.

Melissa poured her passion and Aloha into her work at Kukui Grove Shopping Center as their Marketing & Specialty Leasing Manager.

www.kauaifamilymagazine.com

She brought the community together and brought so much life at Kukui Grove through unforgettable events and helped many small local businesses get their start, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who worked with her.

A past president of Women in Theatre, and an occasional performer herself, she devoted countless hours to Hawai’i Children’s Theatre, serving as vice president and supporting productions, young artists and arts education.

She was an enthusiastic supporter of Island School and, with her family, co-owned Aunty Lilikoi Products, nurturing a beloved local business.

Melissa was so many things to so many people: If we had to pick one quality that defined her, it was fierce love. But for all of us here, we know her greatest, most profound role was that of a mother to her amazing boy, Finnegan.

Finnegan, please know that your mother loved you more than words can express.

You were her whole world—her sun, her moon, and all her stars. Every choice she made, every achievement she celebrated, every story she shared, was filtered through the joy of being your mom. She taught you strength, she taught you kindness, and she gave you a foundation built on unconditional love that can never be taken away. She is in your eyes, in your laugh, and in every good thing you will ever do.

Melissa, you were a gift.

Thank you for the light, the loyalty, and the legacy you left behind. We will carry your memory forward, and we will watch your fierce love continue to shine brightly through Finnegan.

Rest in Peace, Dear Melissa.

We Love You.

Spring Spring2026 2026 13 2

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www.kauaifamilymagazine.com

Kaua`i

Spring Family

FUN February Chinese New Year Hearts and Dragons Celebration

Saturday, February 14 Dragon Dance 11am K+ M Market 11am – 4pm Kukui Grove

48th Annual Waimea Town Celebration

February 14 – 22 A 9-day festival of concerts, competitions and cultural events www.WaimeaTownCelebration.com

Girl Scouts World Thinking Day

Monday, February 16, 12pm – 4 pm Kukui Grove

Malasada Day at Kaua’i Bakery

Tuesday, February 17, 6am – 1pm Pre-orders: 808-320-3434 Kukui Grove 16

www.kauaifamilymagazine.com

Hanalei School Drama Club Presents: Disney’s Frozen Jr. Friday, February 27, 6pm Saturday February 28, 6:00pm Hanalei school cafeteria

Ola OlaKa Ka‘Ī‘Ī Kaua‘i Kaua‘i Ni‘ihau Ni‘ihau Hawaiian HawaiianLanguage LanguageCelebration Celebration Saturday, Saturday,February February28, 28,10am 10am––3pm 3pm Kukui KukuiGrove Grove

Kaua’i Kaua’iHealthy HealthyLiving Living Spring SpringCelebration Celebration

Saturday, Saturday,February February28, 28,9am 9am––12 12noon noon Healthy HealthyLiving LivingVendors; Vendors;health healthtips tips from fromaadoctor; doctor;family familyfun, fun,food, food,FREE FREE giveaways, giveaways,entertainment, entertainment,and andmore! more!

Samuel SamuelMahelona MahelonaMemorial Memorial Hospital HospitalCampus Campus

March St. Patrick’s Day Fun

Saturday, March 7, 11am – 1pm Lucky the Leprechaun visits Kukui Grove

Read Across America with Kumu’s Cupboard

Saturday, March 14, 2pm – 6pm Movie at 6:30pm Book sale and reading activities Kukui Grove Food Court

County CountySpring SpringFun FunPrograms Programs March March17 17––21 21 Ages Ages55-11 11 www.kauai.gov/parks www.kauai.gov/parks

Easter EasterBunny BunnyPhotos Photos Fridays-Sundays, Fridays-Sundays, March March20 20 –– April April44 Kukui KukuiGrove Grove

Every Dancer is a Star

Friday, March 27, 6:30pm – 8pm War Memorial Convention Hall GardenIslandDance.org

Kukui Grove Spring Festival Saturday,March 28, 11am – 2pm Center-wide egg hunt and activities Kukui Grove

Easter Egg Hunt with the Easter Bunny

Tuesday, March 31 Toddler Tuesday 11am – 12pm Kukui Grove

May

April

Keiki & Junior Lifeguard Programs

Grove Farm Easter Craft Fair Saturday, April 4, 9:30am Puhi Park Field

The Sound of Music

April 17 – 26 Kaua’i War Memorial Convention Hall KauaiPerformingArts.org

Earth Day in Lydgate Park

Online registration: May 1 Ages: 8 – 11 and 12 – 17 More info visit: kauai.gov/JuniorLifeguardPrograms

Kaua’i Museum Lei Contest

May 1 Royal Sonesta Kaua’i Resort Kauaimuseum.org

Saturday, April 18, 8:30am – 12:30pm Help with various projects to spruce up the park and remove marine debris. Stay for lunch.

Lydgate Beach Park (near the lifeguard tower)

Kalāheo School Drama Club Presents: Finding Nemo Jr.

Sunday, April 19, 11am – 4pm Kukui Grove

Visitor Industry Charity Walk Kaua’i

Kaua’i ‘Ukulele Festival

‘Ohana Earth Day Celebration Wednesday, April 22, 2pm – 5pm FREE FAMILY FUN! Anaina Hou Community Park Hanaleikim@gmail.com

St. Theresa School Carnival Saturday, April 18, 10am – 10pm Kekaha

Kaua’i Parent Child Fair

Saturday, April 25, 10am – 2pm Fun activities and resources for kids 0 – 8 Kukui Grove

Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawai’i Sunday, April 26, 11am – 3pm Kukui Grove

May 1, 2, 8, & 9 Evening performances, 7pm Kalāheo School Cafeteria Contact: Kalāheo School

Saturday, May 2 Walk starts at 7 am Vidinha Stadium Soccer Park https://hltakauai.org/charity-walk/

Waipā ‘Āina Festival

Sunday, May 3 11am – 4pm Music, food vendors, local artisans, & keiki activities Waipafoundation.org

Events are subject to change without notice.

Always call event first to confirm.

Spring 2026

17

Malasada Day

@ Kaua’i Bakery

Tuesday, February 17 6am-1pm

Every day is Malasada Day at Kaua’i Bakery

HOURS:

Tuesday - Thursday: 6am-1pm Friday and Saturday: 6am-2pm Closed: Sunday & Monday

PRE-ORDERS 808-320-3434 Located in Kukui Grove Center

Kaua’i Performing Arts Center of the Department of Education Presents

APRIL th 17 through 26th

2026

(or scan QR code)

$10 per person.

For tickets, visit kauaiperformingarts.org

STUDENTS STUDENTS STUDENTS 1212&12&UP &UP UP

CLASSES CLASSES CLASSES ARE ARE ARE FREE FREE FREE AND AND AND SUBSCRIBE SUBSCRIBE SUBSCRIBE TO TO TO TO OUR OUR TO TO OUR OUR PODCAST OUR OUR PODCAST PODCAST AND AND AND AND AND AND OPEN OPEN OPEN TOTO YOU! TO YOU! YOU! YOUTUBE YOUTUBE YOUTUBE CHANNELS CHANNELS CHANNELS CHANNELS CHANNELS CHANNELS FOR FOR FOR FOR THE THE FOR FOR THE THETHE THE SUBSCRIBE SUBSCRIBE SUBSCRIBE

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Have Have Have fun! fun! fun!

LATEST LATEST LATEST LATEST LATEST LATEST KAUA KAUAʻI KAUA KAUAʻI KAUA KAUAʻI ʻI NEWS NEWS ʻI NEWS NEWS ʻI NEWS NEWS & & EVENTS! EVENTS! & & EVENTS! EVENTS! & & EVENTS! EVENTS!

PODCAST PODCAST PODCAST

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CallCall Us Call Us Us ForFor More For More More Information Information Information 808-246-1556 808-246-1556 808-246-1556 www.Hoike.org www.Hoike.org www.Hoike.org

FEBRUARY 14-22, 2026 When we gather, we celebrate tradition.

49th Annual, 9-Day Festival

SPONSORED BY

For schedule, visit: www.WaimeaTownCelebration.com

Spring 2026

21

E

th r a

ctivities A y a D e Whole Family

Earth Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate our planet and remember that it is the only one we have—

h t r o f

and it needs our help.

Join an

Earth Day Several Earth Day 6 celebrations and related 202

Annualay Earth Dts Even : include

Event

events are planned on Kaua’i.

Earth Day at Lydgate Beach Park:

Saturday, April 18th, 2026, 8:30am-12:30pm • A park-wide community workday and a bicycle tour of Ke Ala Hele Makalae.

• Sign-in at the Main Pavilion. More info: kamalanius.wordpress.com/earth-day-april/

Ohana Earth Day Festival: Wednesday, April 22, 2pm-5pm Anaina Hou Community Park email: hanaleikim@gmail.com

Kaua’i Community College week-long celebration: email: puali@hawaii.edu

Ho’Ho’olaule’a No Ka Honua kauaiforward.com/ hoolaulea-no-ka-honua-2/

Volunteer

While encouraging keiki to spend more time outside enjoying nature, they can also play a role in improving and protecting it through hands-on volunteer projects. Keep natural areas pristine and garbage-free by participating in a trash cleanup at a beach, playground, or other location.

Beach Cleanup Support Ocean Conservation: Saturday at Morgan’s Pond: Spend some time this Earth Day choosing one or more local organizations.

at 8:30am-10:30am

Kaua’i Surfrider:

kamalanius.wordpress.com/ saturday-morning-beach-cleanup/

Ho’omalu Ke Kai:

Weekly Net Patrol:

kauai.surfrider.org

hoomalukekai.com

Kaua’i Ocean Awareness: kauaioceanawareness.org

Reef Guardians: reefguardians.org

1 22

Meet near the lifeguard tower

Every Wednesday 3:30pm-6:00pm

kauai.surfrider.org

Pau Hana Cleanup at Outrigger Kaua’i Beach Resort:

Last Friday of the month, 4:00pm-5:30pm

www.kauaifamilymagazine.com www.kauaifamilymagazine.com

P

Spring Break

POOLOOZA WAIMEA AND KAPA‘A POOLS

March 17 through

March 21

Ages 5 to 11

10:30am to 11:30am

For more information, contact: Kapa‘a Pool: 808-822-3842 abarran@kauai.gov Waimea Pool: 808-338-1271 mwaiamau@kauai.gov

Various activities and prizes Note: all children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian

POP UP & PLAY W/ PARKS & RECREATION Dates

Location

March 18 & March 20

Isenberg Park

Session I 9am - noon

Session II 1pm - 3pm

9-9:55a 10-10:55a 11-11:55a

Pickleball for kids Board/Card Games Arts/Crafts

1-2p 1:30-2:30p 2-3p

Arts/Crafts Basketball for Beginners Board/Giant/Card Games

Sessions for Isenberg location are limited to one session per participant

Dates and Location: To be determined.

Pop Up and Play will also be at Waimea Pool on March 19 & Kapaa Pool on March 2 For more information visit www.kauai.gov or Lihue NC at 808 241-6858

Visit www.Kauai.gov

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

dejavusurf.com

WORD SEARCH

Spring

Basket

Grass

Sunday

Egg Hunt Lily

24

Bunny

Holiday

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KAUA`I’S Kukui Grove Spring Festival

Saturday, March 28, 11am-2pm Center-wide egg hunt and activities Kukui Grove

EVENTS The Great Eggventure Easter Egg Hunt

Hope Collective Church Kaua’i Helicopter Easter Egg Drop

Saturday, April 4, 10am Food vendors, games, prizes, thousands of candy-filled eggs for the keiki!

Kapa’a Beach Park

Kapa’a Missionary Church Glow in the Dark Egg Hunt

Sunday, April 5, 8:15am Real dyed eggs!

Kekaha Basketball Court

Saturday, March 28 Arrival time 9am, Drop at 9:30am Vidinha Soccer Field

Friday, April 3, 6:30-8:30pm Food, prizes, candy and fellowship Kapaamissionary.com

West Kaua’i Lions Club Easter Hunt New Hope Kaua’i

Līhu’e Baptist Church

Sunday, April 5, 10am Easter celebration service, egg hunt & free luau Kaua’i Memorial Convention Hall NHKauai.com

Easter Bunny Photos

‘Ohana Christian Fellowship Day of Hope Celebration

Saturday, April 4, 2pm Egg hunt, lunch and Bible lesson Friday-Sundays, March 20-April 4 Kukui Grove

Kaua’i’s Biggest Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, April 4, 10am 1000’s of candy-filled Easter eggs, the Easter Bunny, and an Easter story for the kids Vidinha Soccer Field Kingskauai.com

Sunday, April 5, 10am-2pm Sunrise Service- 6am Keiki tent, egg hunt, haircuts, medical assistance, giveaways, food bank, hot lunch Kapa’a Beach Park Events are subject to change without notice. Always call event first to confirm.

ALL EVENTS ARE

FREE 4

www.kauaifamilymagazine.com

Spring 2026 25 Spring 2025 21

Challenge Challenge Yourself!

Yourself!

PRACTICAL WAYS

BY PAM BY PAM MOLNAR MOLNAR

PRACTICAL WAYS TO BE HEALTHIER TO BEIN HEALTHIER 2024 IN 2026

Make 2024 the year you prioritize Make 2026 the year you prioritize health –— for for you you and health and your your family. family.

Here are some very doable (and Here are some very doable (and maybe even fun) health “challenges, maybe even fun) health "Challenges," along with withapps appsto tohelp helpyou youtrack trackyour along your progress.

Choose two or progress. Choose two or three, three, or do or doall. them the family whole family them Getall. theGet whole involved! involved!

Improve Sleep.

Sleep.According Accordingto tothe the Improve Sleep Foundation, Foundation,adults adultsshould shouldhave have Sleep at least least seven sevenhours hoursof ofsleep sleepeach each night. For For kids, kids,it’s it’saround around10 10hours, hours, night. dependingon onage age(check (checkhere: here: www. depending sleepfoundation.org/children-andwww.sleepfoundation.org/childrensleep/how-much-sleep-do-kids-need). and-sleep/how-much-sleep-do-kidsneed).

Sleep boost helps boost immunity, Sleep helps immunity, improves improves andhealth mental health cognitive cognitive and mental and and lowers riskserious for serious health lowers risk for health problems problems heart disease. like heart like disease.

If you’re you’re not notgetting gettingseven sevenhours, hours, challenge yourself to challenge yourself toadd add15 15minutes minutes each each night nightuntil untilyou youreach reachthe thegoal. goal.

26

www.kauaifamilymagazine.com

IfIfyou youhave havetrouble troublefalling falling(or (or staying) staying) asleep, avoid caffeine and alcohol asleep, avoid caffeine and alcohol close closetotobedtime, bedtime,disconnect disconnect electronic electronic devices and adjust devices and adjustthe thetemperature temperature totomake makethe theroom roomcooler. cooler.

APPS APPS THAT THAT CAN CAN HELP HELP 10,000Steps.

Steps.Walking Walking10,000 10,000 steps steps 10,000 dailyoffers offersphysical physicaland andmental mental health health daily benefits.ItItcan cansupport supporthealthy healthy weight weight benefits. loss,improve improvejoint jointhealth, health,boost boost mood mood loss, andbrain brainfunction functionand andaid aid recovery. recovery. and you’renot notalready alreadymaking making time time for for IfIfyou’re walks, start with a 20-minute walk and walks, start with a 20-minute walk and expand on it until you get to 10,000. expand on it until you get to 10,000.

APPS APPS THAT THAT CAN MAP MY CAN MY WALK HELP MAP WALK HELP

CHARITY STEP CHARITY MILES MILES STEP

UP UP

Drink (and eat) more water.

According to the Mayo Clinic, eight cups of water a day is a reasonable goal, but the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine suggests that more daily fluid intake is needed for healthy adults. In addition to the daily eight glasses, eat vegetables (celery, cucumber, spinach, zucchini) and fruits (strawberries, watermelon, oranges) with high water content.

19 hours a week (under three hours a day). If that seems like too much, how about an equal number of screen hours to outdoor hours? screen APPS THAT CAN HELP

Nature Dose

Digital Detox Challenge. Americans Americans average more than four hours per day APPS on mobile devices (and seven hours THAT WATER CAN a day on screens in general).

DAILY al).

BALANCE HELP WATER To check your screen time report on t on an iPhone: Open Settings > Screen een Time > See All Activity.an On an Android: Android: Eat 30 plants a week. Eating a variety Open Settings > Digital Wellbeing & of plants creates a more diverse gut Parental Controls. Could you challenge biome, which helps you properly yourself to cut usage infor halfa for a digest food fight and fend off disease. period of time? Consider removing emoving Thirty different plants a week might social media apps from your phone sound impossible. Yes, it is a challenge, to support the cause. but it’s doable. It equates to fewer APPS than five a day. The good news is the THAT plants also include beans, grains, and CAN nuts. To create a diversity in your diet Roots Roots HELP and reap the benefits of this challenge, you can only count each plant once (if you eat carrots three times a week, 30 Days Alcohol-Free. arch Research that counts as one). shows that abstaining from alcohol for APPS 30 days can provide health benefits.

THAT Among the biggest benefits, your CAN FOOD risk of cancer and heart disease may EAT FIVE HELP MONSTER xperience decrease. You may also experience improved sleep quality. Some people Get outside. The 1,000 Hours Outside also lose weight and gain mental clarity.

And think of all the money you’ll save! challenge suggests people spend WATER LLAMA

1,000 hours outside in a year’s time. It was created to counteract screen time because some children spend 1,200 hours a year in front of screens! That’s

APPS THAT CAN HELP Spring 2024 45 Spring 2026 27

kupuna Compassionate care that honors every kūpuna

HAWAI‘I HEALTH SYSTEMS CORPORATION

K A U A‘ I R E G I O N E Pono Mau Loa ~ Always Excellent

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Bringing Independence to Living and Quality to Life.

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Your Health: !

event a Fall

older adult is seen in for a fall-related injury.

Stay safe with these tips!

exercise program. gth, and flexibility. ibility. ncy for on Aging for a friend. ukelike and take a friend.

provider. der ur ling.risk of falling. falls.

edications

ions rmacist. t

ty increasing your risk as 5 prescribed. www.kauaifamilymagazine.com only as

Spring 2026

29

WE ARE

SKILLED NURSING · REHAB · LONG-TERM CARE CARE MANAGEMENT · ADULT DAY HEALTH HOME HEALTH SERVICES

ohanapacific.com/kauai

The ThePower Power of of Small SmallDaily Daily Habits: Habits: Stay Stay Independent Independent Longer Longer

Losing Losingindependence independencedoesn’t doesn’thappen happen all all at at once. once. ItIt slowly slowly slips slips away away when strength, balance, movement, and clear thinking fade.

The when strength, balance, movement, and clear thinking fade. The good goodnews: news:much muchof ofthis thisdecline declinecan can be be prevented. prevented. Research Research shows shows that simple daily habits make a big difference in how long we that simple daily habits make a big difference in how long we stay stay strong, sharp, and able to care for ourselves. strong, sharp, and able to care for ourselves.

Here Hereare areseven seveneasy easyhabits habitsthat thatprotect protect your your independence independence without without fancy equipment or huge effort: fancy equipment or huge effort: 1.

1. Walk Walk20–30 20–30 minutes minutes most most days. days. Just 20 minutes minutesof ofbrisk briskwalking walking can can lower lower the risk of disability disabilityin inolder olderadults. adults. Walking Walking keeps your legs strong, strong,bones boneshealthy, healthy, blood blood flowing, flowing, and joints moving movingsmoothly. smoothly.

2.

2. Stand Standup up every every 30 30 minutes. minutes. Sitting Sitting too long weakens weakensmuscles musclesand and harms harms circulation. circulation. Set a reminder reminderto tostand, stand, stretch, stretch, or or walk walk briefly. This keepsyour yourbody bodyactive active and and makes makes everyday keeps movementseasier easier later later in in life. life. movements

32

3. Eat Eatprotein protein at at every every meal. meal. After After age 40, 3. muscleloss lossspeeds speeds up up ifif protein protein is is low. Aim for muscle 25–30grams gramsat atbreakfast, breakfast, lunch, lunch, and and dinner 25–30 (foodslike likeeggs, eggs,yogurt, yogurt, beans, beans, chicken, chicken, or fish). (foods Proteinhelps helpsyour your muscles muscles stay stay strong strong for daily Protein taskslike likecarrying carryinggroceries groceries or or climbing climbing stairs. tasks

www.kauaifamilymagazine.com

4. Practice balance once a day. Falls are the top reason older adults lose independence. Try standing on one leg while brushing your teeth or walking heel-to-toe down the hall. Even one minute of balance practice each day lowers fall risk.

5. Lift something heavy twice a week. You don’t need a gym. Use water bottles or a backpack with books to do squats, presses, or rows. Strength training is the best way to fight muscle loss as we age.

6. Protect your sleep. Less than 6 hours of sleep a night harms the brain and raises dementia risk. Go to bed at the same time, keep your room dark, and avoid screens before bed. Sleep is when your brain clears waste and stays healthy.

7. Stay socially connected. Loneliness is as harmful as smoking. A quick text, short phone call, or walk with a friend keeps your mind sharp and mood positive. Social ties help with managing daily life and decisions.

None of these habits feel huge in the moment, but over years they add up. A 70-year-old who walks, eats protein, and practices balance often has the strength of someone 15–20 years younger. The secret is consistency, not intensity. Start with one or two habits, make them automatic, then add more.

Independence isn’t just about living longer—it’s about living better. It means opening your own jar, tying your shoes, and staying in your home as long as you choose.

Start small. Stay consistent.

Your future self will thank you.

Aloha, Michael Landon Smith, MD Internal Medicine HHSC Kaua‘i Region LTC Medical Director

By Monty Downs, M.D. Medical Director, Kaua’i Hospice

Scary word.

Loving word.

“Hospice” is a word that many people associate with death — imminent death.

But the reality is, hospice is about LIFE — improving and savoring the remaining time a person has left And that’s a worthy goal for anyone at any stage of life.

34

www.kauaifamilymagazine.com

Having worked as Medical Director of Kaua’i Hospice for four years, I have to remind myself how alarming the word “hospice” is to most people.

Because I now associate the “H” word with the compassionate love and care given to our patients and their families, I have gained a more favorable perspective on this type of healthcare.

It is my hope that by sharing insider secrets about hospice, I am able to clear up some common misconceptions and take the sting out of this word.

To be deemed eligible for what insurance company’s call the “hospice benefit,” a hospice medical director must certify the patient’s life expectancy to be

One recent, very notable example of how the length of hospice care can vary from patient to patient is that of former President Jimmy Carter and his wife of 77 years, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter. Jimmy Carter celebrated his 99th birthday on Oct. 1, 2023, seven months after he entered a Georgia hospice,** whereas Rosalynn Carter passed away Nov. 19, 2023, at the age of 96, just two days after entering hospice.

The former president Jimmy Carter, passed away December 29, 2024 at the age of 100, 22 months after entering home hospice care.

**

MONTHS

OR L E S S

Of the more than

1.5 MILLION people receiving hospice services in the U.S., half die within

18 DAYS of admission, and

1 IN 10

*

die in the first two days.

According to professor Cara Wallace in the 11/30/23 issue of USA Today

What explains these discrepancies among life spans of hospice patients?

For starters, even stage 4 cancers can be more aggressive in some people than others. And people with other hospice diagnoses such as advanced Alzheimer’s dementia, class 3 or 4 heart failure, end-stage lung disease, and ALS, have varying rates of decline. continued on page 36

Spring 2026

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continued from page 35

THE POWER OF TLC

Often, an acute event leads to a sharp decline in a person who has one or more hospice diagnoses. A common example: a fall leads to a hip fracture and surgery, which then leads to a bad pneumonia, urine infection, or Covid.

The patient — who isn’t recovering and even appears to be dying — is referred to a hospice.

But then, sometimes because of the TLC that “the hospice benefit” offers, the person stabilizes, starts eating more, maybe even starts getting up and moving around again.

Two, four, six months pass; the person is still alive and even enjoying this new lease on life.

Dishonest re-certification is held as fraud, with severe penalties involved.

THE RE-CERTIFICATION PROCESS

Often, re-certification is an obvious decision: the terminal condition is still present, and the usual course of the condition means less than six months’ life expectancy.

Every two months, a hospice medical director has to re-certify that the patient’s life expectancy remains at six months or less.

How much does hospice cost?

Once hospice eligibility has been determined, the care is 100% FREE for the patient.

Typically, hospice benefits are paid for by Medicare.

Rarely, in cases with younger patients, a private insurance company covers the costs.

36

By contrast, when the patient recovers so well that the physician can no longer attest to the six-months-or-less life expectancy, the person “graduates” from hospice (with a “safe discharge plan” for continued care in hand).

WHAT IS HOSPICE CARE?

First, I’d like to make clear what hospice care is not: namely, it is not 24/7 care.

Now, here’s a list of what hospice is:

1. 24/7 access to an on-call MD or NP (nurse practitioner), who can prescribe or adjust medications — not only for the patient’s comfort but also for secondary conditions like a urine infection or a pneumonia.

www.kauaifamilymagazine.com

By its very nature, “the usual course” of a disease doesn’t apply to everyone. It is based on statistical averages, which means some people will live longer than average and other people, shorter than average.

Research shows that when you compare patients who use hospice with those who do not, hospice patients live longer!***

2. Regular home visits by a nurse to evaluate and monitor the patient and to educate caregivers on medication administration and other critical aspects of care. These visits are usually weekly, rarely biweekly, and sometimes daily, as needed.

Hospice provides an alternative to spending the remaining days of one’s life going in and out of ERs, hospitals, and ICUs. And, it is, of course, the patient’s choice whether or not to keep seeking maximal curativeoriented treatment which can include challenging side effects such as nausea and vomiting, nerve pain, and others.

3. Evaluation by a social worker, to review relevant community resources and to provide counseling.

Hospice care creates the opportunity and urgency to say goodbyes and even repair damaged relationships.

4. Access to an interfaith chaplain, if desired, and highly recommended.

Their wisdom and kindness does not rest on any formal religious pillar.

They can help tremendously in sorting out things such as funeral arrangements and practices for specific religions and traditions, as an example.

5. Medical equipment such as a hospital bed, bedside commode, wheelchair, walker, and portable oxygen.

6. Regular visits by a CNA (certified nursing assistant), for care such as bathing and wound dressing changes. ***

When matched by demographics such as age, race, gender and diagnosis

Even in the worst-case hospice scenario, hospice can lead to a comfortable and, believe it or not, even a happy ending of life — in a home setting with family at the bedside. I even had a patient once tell me “It’s too bad we have to wait until we’re dying to get all that comes with this hospice benefit.”

What that patient and I both realize, the message that I’m trying to send here is this: Hospice is about Life, it’s about fostering well being even under the most challenging circumstances. Where there is Hospice, there is Love..

Spring 2026

37

Take Control of Your Health:

6 Steps to Prevent a Fall Every 13 seconds, an older adult is seen in an emergency department for a fall-related injury.

Many falls are preventable. Stay safe with these tips!

Find good balance Find aagood balance and and exercise program. exercise program Look to build balance, strength, and flexibility.

Look to build balance, strength, and flexibility.

Contact local AreaonAgency Contact youryour local Area Agency Aging for on Aging for referrals. FindFind a program you like and takelike a friend. referrals. a program you and take a friend.

Talk to your health care provider.

Talk to your health care provider Ask for assessment ofofyour Ask for an an assessment of your risk falling.risk of falling.

Share your history of recent falls.

Share your history of recent falls.

Regularly review medications Regularly review youryour medications with your doctor or pharmacist with your doctor or pharmacist.

Make sure side effects aren’t increasing Make sure side effects aren’t increasing your risk your risk of falling. Take medications only as prescribed. of falling. Take medications only as prescribed.

Get yourvision vision hearing checked Get your andand hearing checked annually and update annually and update your eyeglasses. your eyeglasses Your eyes and ears are key to keeping you Your eyes and ears are key to keeping you on your feet. on your feet.

Keep your home safe.

Keep your home safe Remove tripping hazards,hazards, i ncrease lighting, make lighting, Remove tripping increase stairs safe, and install grab bars in key areas. make stairs safe, and install grab bars in key areas.

Talk to family members Talk toyour your family members.

Enlist their support in taking simple Enlist their support in taking simple steps to steps to stay safe. Falls are not just a seniors’ issue. stay safe.

Falls are not just a seniors’ issue.

FREE Falls Prevention Program • (808) 241-4470 • www.kauaiadrc.org PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY

COUNTY OF KAUA'I AGENCY ON ELDERLY AFFAIRS

30 30 www.kauaifamilymagazine.com 38 www.kauaifamilymagazine.com www.kauaifamilymagazine.com

The new kauai.hhsc.org website

Your HHSC Kaua‘i Region Pull-Out Resource Guide

Discover HHSC Kaua‘i Region Explore. Learn. Connect.

Spring 2026

39

HAWAI‘I HEALTH SYSTEMS CORPORATION

Your HHS

K A U A‘ I R E G I O N E Pono Mau Loa ~ Always Excellent

KAUA‘I VETERANS MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (KVMH) 4643 Waimea Canyon Drive, Waimea, HI 96796 / PO Box 337, Waimea, HI 96796 Phone: (808) 338-9431 Fax: (808) 338-9420 Administration: (808) 338-9422 Billing and Financial Assistance: (808) 320-1928 Diagnostic Laboratory Services: (808) 338-1730 Emergency: (808) 338-9444 Gift Shop: (808) 338-9488 Ho‘ola Lahui Hawai‘i: (808) 240-0130 Imaging Dept.: (808) 338-9435 Intensive Care Unit: (808) 338-9448 Kawaiola Pharmacy: (808) 338-2450 Labor & Delivery Unit: (808) 338-9459 Liberty Dialysis West Kaua‘i: (808) 338-1100

Long-term Care Dept.: (808) 338-928 Medical Surgical Unit: (808) 338-9460 Nutritional Services Dept.: (808) 338Operator / Information: (808) 338-94 Registration: (808) 338-9413 Rehabilitation Services: (808) 338-94 Physical / Occupational / Speech

Respiratory Therapy: (808) 338-9450 Same Day Surgery: (808) 338-9421 The Clinic at Waimea: (808) 338-8311 Pediatric / Family Practice

SAMUEL MAHELONA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (SMMH) 4800 Kawaihau Road, Kapa‘a, HI 96746 Phone: (808) 822-4961 Fax: (808) 823-4100 Administration: (808) 823-4112 Billing and Financial Assistance: (808) 320-1929 Diagnostic Laboratory Services: (808) 822-2324 Emergency: (808) 823-4194 Imaging Dept.: (808) 823-4119 In-Patient Behavioral Health: (808) 822-4961

Information / Operator: (808) 822-49 Long-term Care Dept.: (808) 823-414 Nutritional Services Dept.: (808) 823Rehabilitation Services: (808) 823-41

Physical / Occupational / Speech

The Clinic at Kapa‘a: (808) 823-4157

Urgent Care at Po‘ipū

The Shops at Kukui‘ula, 2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka St., B201, Kōloa, HI 96756 Phone: (808) 742-0999 Open Mon - Fri, 8:30am to 7pm; Sat - Sun, 8:00am to 4:30pm

CALL 911 - EMERGENCY CALLS - FIRE, POLICE, AMBULANCE

SC Kaua‘i Region directory of services, contacts, and 24-hour support resources Care you need when you need it

88 0 -9456 431

HHSC KAUA‘I REGION CLINICS Open M-F 8am - 5pm

The Clinic at Waimea

The Specialty Clinic at Kalāheo

The Clinic at Port Allen

The Clinic at Kapa‘a

4643B Waimea Canyon Dr., Waimea, HI 96796 Phone: (808) 338-8311

2469-C Puu Road, (on Jervis Tract) Kalāheo, HI 96741 Phone: (808) 378-4557

457

Port Allen Marina, 4353 Waialo Rd., 4800 Kawaihau Road, Kapa‘a, HI 96746 ‘Ele‘ele, HI 96705 Phone: (808) 823-4157 Phone: (808) 335-0579

0

The Clinic at Kalāheo

1

961 48 -4173 120

4489 Papalina Road Kalāheo, HI 96741 Phone: (808) 332-8523

The Clinic at Līhu‘e

4463 Pahe‘e Street, Līhu‘e, HI 96766 Hana Kukui Center- Suite 206 (808) 241-5799 After 5pm and weekends by appointment only

24-HR HELP LINES/HOTLINES Ask 2000: (808) 275-2000 Aloha United Way: 2-1-1 Domestic Violence/Sex Assault: (808) 245-6362 Hawai‘i CARES Crisis: (800) 753-6879 Hawai‘i Tobacco Quit Line: (800) 784-8669 Nat’l Suicide Prevention: (808) 273-8255 VA Homeless: (877) 424-3838 VA Suicide: (800) 273-8255 ABUSE(CHILD/ADULT) Adult Protective Services: (808) 241-3337 Child Welfare Services: (808) 274-3320 / (800) 494-3991 Parent & Children Together: (808) 821-0574 Sexual Assault Crisis Line: (808) 245-6362

Spring 2026

41

HAWAI‘I HEALTH SYSTEMS CORPORATION

K A U A‘ I R E G I O N E Pono Mau Loa ~ Always Excellent

Food that Heals, Care that Respects: Serving Kaua‘i’s Seniors At HHSC Kaua‘i Region, we believe food is more than fuel—it’s a way to nourish, connect, and care for our kupuna. In partnership with the County of Kaua‘i's Agency on Elderly Affairs, our Meals on Wheels program and congregate meal sites serve more than 1,500 meals each week, supporting seniors islandwide.

Congregate leaders are seeing more kupuna choosing to attend congregate meal sites because of the quality and care put into the food. Word is spreading that the meals are not only delicious, but tailored to support health, community, and cultural connection—and this has helped increase participation across the island.

In addition, Kingsley delivers quarterly nutrition education programs, customized by our dietitians to better support the health and well-being of our kupuna.

During recent visits to the Kekaha and Kaniko‘o sites, we were reminded of why we do this work.

Kupuna shared their gratitude for the taste, generous portions, and consistency of the meals. Their faces lit up when they learned that To learn more, contact the County of Kaua‘i's diabetic-friendly, vegetarian, and Agency on Elderly Affairs at (808) 241-4470 or other special diets are available, email: elderlyaffairs@kauai.gov. showing us the difference it makes to have their needs heard. At Kaniko‘o, a brief kanikapila by Zabby (HHSC Kaua‘i Region’s Dietary Events Supervisor) filled the room with music and joy, bringing the community together in a special way.

“Our goal is simple,” says Kingsley Simeona, CDM, Regional Director of Nutritional Services at HHSC Kaua‘i Region, “We prepare every meal with intention and heart—using fresh, local ingredients to nourish the body and honor our kupuna.”

FROM NORTH TO WEST: Waipa Farmers Market (Hanalei) Tuesdays 3pm-5pm Hale Halawai Farmers Market (Hanalei) Saturdays 9:30am-Noon Anaina Hou Farmers Market (Kīlauea) Saturdays 9am-Noon Kealia Farm Market (Kealia) Mondays & Fridays 3pm-6pm Coconut Marketplace (Kapa’a) Tuesdays & Thursdays 9am-1pm County Sunshine Market (Kapa’a) Wednesdays 3pm-4:30pm Grove Farm’s Puhi Park Produce (Līhu’e) Saturdays at 9:30am Pau Hana Market Kukui Grove Center (Līhu’e) Mondays 3pm-5:30pm Shops at Kukuiula (Po’ipū) Wednesdays 3:30pm-5:30pm County Sunshine Market (Hanapēpē) Thursdays 3pm-4pm Hale Puna Farmer’s Market (Waimea) Thursdays 3pm-5pm

Spring 2026

43

ElectronicWaste WasteRecycle Recycle Electronic

Open to Businesses and Residents for FREE!*

Open to Businesses and Residents for FREE!* visit www.kauai.gov/eWaste or call 241-

visit www.kauai.gov/eWaste or call 241-

6 Days a Week!

6 Days a Week!

Puhi Metals Recycling Facility, 3951 Puhi Road, Mon-Fri 7:30AM-3:30PM

Puhi Metals Recycling Facility, PuhiSolutions Road, Mon-Fri 7:30AM-3:30PM Operated by Resource3951 Recovery Phone: 808-245-6919 All material is sent to an e-Steward R2 certified recycler Operated

by Resource Recovery Solutions or Phone: 808-245-6919

All material is sent to an e-Steward or R2 certified recycler

*Large eWaste such as commercial printers and industrial electronics

may be subject to packing and handling fee, call 245-6919 for more information

*Large eWaste such as commercial printers and industrial electronics

may be subject to packing and handling fee, callNot 245-6919 for more information Accepted: Accepted: Computer systems and accessories, cellular phones & accessories, office equipment, & audio & video equipment. Small computer Accepted: speakers only.

Non-computer batteries, packaging, contaminated equipment, cracked or broken Not CRT Accepted: screens, smoke detectors, and hazardous or non-eWaste stereoconspeakers.

Non-computer batteries,items, packaging,

Computer systems and accessories, cellular phones & accessories, office equipment, & taminated equipment, cracked or broken audio & video equipment. Small computer CRT screens, smoke detectors, and hazardspeakers only.

Full List available at www.kauai.gov/eWaste ous or non-eWaste items, stereo speakers.

Fall 2025 33

HOW TO REACH YOUR GOAL For Buying a Home With Leah Ragsac, Kaua'i Realty Leah@LeahRagsac.com

Buying a home is more than a financial milestone—it’s a deeply personal goal that represents stability, growth, and a place to build lasting memories. On Kauaʻi, where inventory is limited and competition can be strong, reaching your goal of homeownership requires clarity, preparation, and the right guidance.

The First Step is Defining Your Goal Are you hoping to buy your first home, upgrade for a growing family, or create a multi-generational living situation?

Knowing your “why” helps you stay focused and make confident decisions throughout the process.

Next, Get Financially Prepared

This means reviewing your credit, understanding your monthly budget, and speaking with a trusted local lender early.

Pre-approval not only clarifies your price range but also strengthens your offer when the right home comes along. Remember to plan for upfront costs such as inspections, closing costs, and reserves—especially important in Hawai’i.

Education is Key

Learn about property types common on Kaua’i, such as CPR properties, leasehold vs. fee simple, and zoning considerations.

Got Real Estate Questions?

CONTACT YOUR HOME GIRLS!

Choose an experienced professional who cares for you and our island.

LEAH RAGSAC RB-24509 808-212-4086 TAYLOR NISHEK RS-84781 808-635-3449 Leah@LeahRagsac.com www.LeahRagsac.com

Understanding these details ahead of time helps avoid surprises and empowers you to act quickly when opportunities arise.

Equally Important is Building the Right Team

A knowledgeable local real estate agent can help you navigate market conditions, negotiate effectively, and identify homes that align with both your lifestyle and long-term goals.

Finally, Stay Patient and Persistent

The journey to homeownership may take time, but staying committed, prayerful, and open-minded can make all the difference.

When preparation meets opportunity, your goal becomes reality—and the keys to your new home are closer than you think.

With intention, education, and the right support, buying a home on Kauaʻi is not just possible—it’s achievable!

2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse According to traditional Chinese culture, 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse, starting February 17, 2026, and ending the evening of February 5, 2027.

In the Chinese Zodiac, the Horse is a symbol of courage, movement, transformation, innovation. The next Year of the fire horse will be 60 years from now, in 2086

People born in the Year of the Fire Horse are often described as: Energetic and Enthusiastic: They possess boundless energy and a zest for life, thriving on action and excitement.

Intelligent and Perceptive: They have quick, logical minds and strong problem-solving skills, often relying on sharp intuition.

Charismatic and Social: With outgoing and warm personalities, they are natural entertainers who love to take center stage.

Independent and Freedom-Loving: They value their autonomy highly and resist confinement, preferring to carve their own path.

If you’re expecting a little Fire Horse, congratulations!

2026 is a great year to be born! In the Chinese Zodiac, the Horse is a symbol of courage, movement, transformation, innovation.

As a Fire Horse year, 2026 suggests a year of bold steps and pursuing ambitions With an emphasis on transformation and taking action, 2026 is an excellent time for those who learn to channel their powerful energy wisely.

Spring 2026

47

The

Legacy

Inspired by her adoptive father’s work as a physician and the urgency to address the growing number of Native Hawaiians contracting foreign diseases, Queen Emma and her husband King Kamehameha IV founded the Queen’s Medical Center in 1859. The hospital was originally opened to “protect the Hawaiian race” and offered free health care services to Native Hawaiians who could not afford healthcare. Since its inception, the hospital continues to have a profound impact on the health and well-being of Hawai’i’s people, becoming a world-renowned institution and providing financial resources for Native Hawaiian Health Initiatives.

Queen Emma was struck by tragedy in 1862 when her son Prince Albert Edward Kauikeaouli Leiopapa a Kamehameha died at the tender age of four from Meningitis or what was referred to as “brain fever” at the time.

She became known as Kaleleonālani, meaning “the flight of the heavenly chief” in remembrance of her son.

Queen Emma, represented by Kaulana Mossman, greets Hālau and attendees at the 37th Annual Eo E Emalani Festival in Kōkeʻe.

148 www.kauaifamilymagazine.com www.kauaifamilymagazine.com

Drawing Drawing inspiration inspirationfrom from Queen’s Queen’sEmma’s Emma’s life lifeof ofservice, service, let letit itguide guideour our actions actionstoward toward compassion, compassion, peace, peace,and and sincerity. sincerity.

Photo credits: Mike Teruya

Q

ueen Emma Kalanikaumakaʻamano Kaleleonālani Naʻea Rooke inspired an ideology that expanded well beyond her time and the foresight to advocate for equality and access to health care and education. Despite facing tremendous adversity, she upheld her pledge to the people of Hawaiʻi and dedicated her life to addressing the needs of the Native Hawaiian community. As a sovereign leader and humanitarian, she focused on achieving equality, prosperity, minimizing Hawai’i’s reliance on Western civilization, and a stronger Hawaiian governance and protection.

Public domain: Wikipedia

of Queen Emalani

Hālau ceremoniously awaits the arrival of Queen Emma, Lady in Waiting, and Kaluahi.

Photo credits: Mike Teruya

Her heartbreak did not end there.

The following year in 1863, her husband King Kamehameha IV died at the age of twenty-nine from Asthma - many believe complications related to the grief of losing his son. Grieving the loss of both husband and child, Queen Emma once again changed her name to Kaleleonālani, “the flight of the heavenly chiefs”, to honor both Kamehameha and Albert Edward.

Seeking comfort from the loss of her husband and child, in January 1871, Queen Emma traversed the mountains above Waimea Canyon on horseback accompanied by friends, poets, and dancers.

Queen Emma represented by Kaulana Mossman is escorted by Kaluahi Daniel Kaohelauli’i-Pahulelua and Lady in Waiting Karen Perreira.

Queen Emma understood the importance of a balanced and holistic approach to health, encompassing the mind, body, and spiritual well-being.

Now more than ever, living a life of balance, inner strength, and love for one another is imperative.

Drawing inspiration from Queen’s Emma’s life of service, let it guide our actions toward compassion, peace, and sincerity. When we live a life of service to others, we serve ourselves.

Photo credits: Mike Teruya

On August 14, 1866, she was the honoree of a dinner held by President of the United States Andrew Johnson and First Lady Eliza Johnson at the White House. It was the first time anyone with the title of “Queen” officially visited the presidential residence. Understanding the necessity of quality education for Hawaiian girls, Queen Emma founded the St. Andrew’s Priory School for Girls in 1867.

Throughout her two-day journey she became known as “Kaleleonālani” or traveler of the mountains. Since 1988, a commemoration of this historic journey to Kōke’e is held during the Annual Eo E Emalani Festival. The festival begins when the representative for Queen Emma, her guide Kaluahi, and her attendant arrive on horseback and are greeted by hālau to perform in her honor and engage in traditional Hawaiian ceremonial protocols.

Spring2026 2026 49 2 Spring

Pono Aloha Pono Pono Aloha Aina Aloha Ohana Aina

Hawaii

Aina Mana Ohana Ohana Mana onoMana Mana loha

people surf with aloha, cook with aloha, and even write work emails with aloha. if people in Hawaii are constantly Apply these concepts to your own It’s lifeas and your children’s. surrounded an affirmation or mantra Apply these concepts to your owntolife andbyyour children’s. live life with love.

5 Hawaiian words to redefine health,

Pono translates to righteousness. Aloha When you look up Aloha When you look up Pono translates righteousness. “aloha” inin the Hawaiian dictionary every Living Pono means livingto “with a happiness and power your life

“aloha” the word Hawaiian dictionary Living Pono meanstoliving “with warm and in fuzzy in the English every conscious decision do the righta warm and fuzzy word inaffection, thechildren’s.

English conscious decision to do the right Apply these to your language own life and your pops up: love, thing in terms of self,concepts others, and the language pops up:sympathy, love, affection, thing in termsThe of self, others, and the compassion, mercy, pity, environment.” importance of pono, compassion, mercy,grace, sympathy, pity, environment.” importance ofselfless, pono, kindness, sentiment, charity. or doing what is The morally right and Apply these concepts to Aloha When you up translates to right righteousness. kindness, sentiment, grace, or doing what morally and selfless, Aloha is most often used as look acharity. greeting or isPono even found in is the state’s motto,”Ua “aloha” in the Hawaiian dictionary everyor your life and your children’s.

Living Pono means living “with a Aloha islife mostand often used a greeting is even found theconcepts motto,”Ua to create anas atmosphere Mau ke Ea othese ka in Aina i state’s ka Pono,” or to yourparting Apply ownphrase your children’s. warm and fuzzy word in but the English conscious decision to do rightto parting phrase to love, create an atmosphere Maulife ke of Ea o ka Aina ka the Pono,” orin your own Apply these concepts life and your children’s. of friendliness and the aloha “The the land is iperpetuated language pops up: love, thing terms ofland self, is others, and thein of friendliness love, affection, but aloha “Thein life of the perpetuated spirit is a part of and everything in the Hawaii: righteousness.” compassion, sympathy, environment.”

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Mau keinEa o ka of Aina ka Pono,” orthe language popsword up: love, affection, thing terms self, others, and language up: love, thing in terms ofland self, importance others, and of thepono, ofcompassion, friendliness and but theare aloha It’s pops as if people in affection, Hawaii constantly “The life of the is perpetuated in mercy, sympathy, pity, environment.”

The mercy, sympathy, pity, environment.” importance pono, spirit issurrounded a part of everything incharity.

Hawaii: by an affirmation or mantra righteousness.” kindness, sentiment, grace, or doing whatThe is morally right of and selfless, compassion, kindness, sentiment, grace, charity. orisdoing rightmotto,”Ua and selfless, people surf with aloha, cook with aloha, or in live lifeoften with love.

Alohatois most used as a greeting even what foundisinmorally the state’s means land.

Life in Aloha isAina most often used asanawith greeting orHawaif is Mau evenke found state’s motto,”Ua and even write work emails aloha. parting phrase to create atmosphere Ea oinkathe Aina i ka Pono,” or parting to create an atmosphere Mau kelife Ea of o ka Pono,” or in It’s ifisphrase people in Hawaii are constantly lived outdoors malls, ofas friendliness and love,-but thehomes, aloha officeso “The theAina landi ka is perpetuated of friendliness love, but are the aloha “The life of the land is perpetuated in surrounded byand an affirmation mantra and even the airport built with openr spirit is a part of everything inorHawaii: righteousness.” spirit is air a part everything in Hawaii:or lanais c righteousness.” to live life withoflove. walkways, large windows, (balconies or patios) so you’re never fully indoors. Native Hawaiians see their 50 www.kauaifamilymagazine.com identities and wellbeing entwined with

Aina

hana ono

It’s as if people Hawaii areor constantly surrounded by aninaffirmation mantra an affirmation or mantra tosurrounded live life withby love. to live life with love. people surf with aloha, cook with aloha, and even write work emails with aloha.

It’s as if people in Hawaii are constantly surrounded by an affirmation or mantra topeople live lifesurf with love. with aloha, cook with aloha, people surf write with aloha, cook with and even work emails withaloha, aloha. and write work emailsare with aloha.

It’seven as if people in Hawaii constantly It’ssurrounded as if peoplebyinan Hawaii are constantly affirmation or mantra surrounded by anlove. affirmation or mantra to live life with to live life with love.

meansland. land.

Life Aina means Life inin Hawaii Hawaii is livedmeans outdoors — Life malls, Aina land. in Hawaii is lived outdoors -- malls, homes, offices,

homes, offices, and even homes, the airport is lived -- malls, offices, and evenoutdoors the airport are built with openare built with open-air walkways, large even the airport are built openairand walkways, large windows, or with lanais windows, or lanais or lanais patios) air walkways, large (balconies windows, or (balconies or patios) so you’re never so you’re never fully so indoors.

Native (balconies patios) you’resee never fully indoors.orNative Hawaiians their Hawaiians see their identities and wellAina means land.

Life in Hawaii fully indoors.

Native Hawaiians see their identities and wellbeing entwined with being entwined with theentwined land, so in isidentities lived -malls, homes, offices, and with the land,outdoors and sowellbeing respecting it andand living respecting it and living in it are of the even airport are builtitohana, with openthe land, and so respecting and living itand are of thethe utmost importance.

Simply in Hawaii have a community a in importance.

Simply having air walkways, large windows, or itutmost are of the outside utmost importance.

Simply having lunch or taking a lanais stroll friends ohana, even a work ohana.

One lunch outside or taking ataking stroll Aina means land.

Life instroll Hawaii (balconies or patios) soor you’re never having outside athrough through alunch park can help reconnect you to of the clearest findings from happiness Aina means land.reconnect Life ais park can help reconnect youin toHawaii the aina. fully indoors.

Native Hawaiians see their through a park can help you to lived outdoors -malls, homes, offices, the aina. research is that humans are social and wellbeing entwined with isidentities lived outdoors -- malls, homes, offices, the aina. and even arefeel built with opencreatures --the weairport need to like we’re the land, andairport so respecting andlanais living in and the are builtitwith openair even walkways, large Ohana , aswindows, the movieorLilo & itOhana are of the or utmost importance.

Simply air walkways, large windows, or lanais (balconies patios) so you’re never , as the movie Lilo & Stitch taught us, means family.

The word having lunch outside takingnever a see strolltheir (balconies or patios) you’re fully indoors.

Nativesoor Hawaiians Stitch taught us, means family.

The word comes from oha, which is the highly through a park can help reconnect you fully indoors.

Native Hawaiians see their identities and wellbeing entwined withto comes fromplant, oha, which is the highly revered taro and itentwined signifies that the identities and with theaina. land, andwellbeing so respecting it and living in revered taro plant, and it signifies that all come from the same root.

No in the land, respecting it and living itohana are ofand the so utmost importance.

Simply all ohana come fromancient the same root. No matter how distantly Hawaiians itOhana are of the utmost importance.

Simply having lunch outside or taking aLilo stroll ,recognized as the movie & all matter how distantly ancient Hawaiians were related, theycan that they having lunch outside or taking a stroll through a park help reconnect you to Stitch taught us, means family.

The word werefrom related, they recognized thatwere they all came the same root and thus through a park can help reconnect you to the aina. comes from the oha,same which is the came of from root andhighly thus were all thepart aina. the same family. Ohana is more revered plant, and it signifies that all part taro of the same family.

Ohana is more generally used to describe any group of Ohana asthe the movie LiloNo &of all ohana come from same root. generally used to ,describe any group people with a common bond; people Ohana , means as the movie Lilo matter ancient Hawaiians people withdistantly aus, common bond; people Stitch how taught family.

The&word were related, they recognized that they Stitch taught us, means family.

The word comes from oha, which is the highly in Hawaii have a community ohana, a all came from the same and thus that were comes from oha, which isitthe highly revered taro plant, and signifies friends ohana, even aroot work ohana.

One all of the same family.

Ohana is more revered taro plant, and itfrom signifies that allpart ohana come from the same root.

No of the clearest findings happiness generally used to describe any group all ohana come from the same root. matter how distantly ancient Hawaiians research is that humans are social Noof people with a common bond; matter how distantly ancient were related, they recognized that they all n Hawaii have a --community ohana, apeople creatures we need to feelHawaiians like we’re were related, they recognized that they all ii came the same rootwe and thus were friends ohana, a work ohana.

One part offrom aeven group and that have support came from the same root and thus were all part of the same family.

Ohana is more of findings from how happiness and security.

Imagine differently you s, the clearest allwould part of the family.

Ohana is more generally used describe any group of research is that humans are social feel if same youtoapproached your work ngenerally used describe any people ato common people creatures -- wewith need to feelwere likebond; we’re colleagues like they yourgroup family.of people with a common bond; people

r

Mana translates to mean power,

of the clearest findingsare from happiness research is that humans social research--iswe that humans arelike social creatures need to feel we’re creatures -- we need to feel like we’re in Hawaii have a community ohana, a friends ohana, even a work ohana. One of the clearest findings from happiness research is that humans are social creatures we need to feel like we’rea in Hawaii--have a community ohana, infriends Hawaii ohana, have a even community a workohana, ohana.aOne friends even a work ohana.

One of theohana, clearest findings from happiness ofresearch the clearest findings from is that humans arehappiness social research is that social creatures -- wehumans need toare feel like we’re creatures -- we need to feel like we’re

part of a group and that we have support part of a group and that have support and security.

Imagine how we differently you and security.

Imagine how differently would feel if you approached your workyou would feellike if you approached your work colleagues they were your family. colleagues like they were your family.

Mana to have meansupport power, part of a group translates and that we Mana translates to mean power, but the native Hawaiian concept of power and security. Imagine how differently you but the native Hawaiian power doesn’t equate to materialconcept possessions or would feel if you approached yourofwork doesn’t to material possessions what floorequate your is on.your Mana is a life or colleagues likeoffice they were family. what floor your office is on. isand a life energy that flows through all things part of a group and that weMana have support energy that flows through all things and is highly individual: you have a chance to part a groupImagine and thathow weto have support andofsecurity. differently you Mana translates mean power, is highly individual: you have a you chance to gain or lose mana in everything do. and security.

Imagine how differently you would feel if you approached your work but the native Hawaiian concept of power gain or lose mana in everything you do.

Having meaningful work to do, enjoying would feel if you your work colleagues like approached they were your family. doesn’t to material or Having equate meaningful workwith topossessions do, enjoying harmonious relationships those colleagues like they were your family. what floor your office is on.

Mana is a life harmonious relationships with those around you, and being of service in some Mana translates to mean power, energy that flows through things around you, and being of all service inand some way all help to gather mana.

Perhaps Mana translates to mean power, is highly individual: you have a chance to butofthe native Hawaiian concept of way all help toexamples gather mana.

Perhaps one the best of mana canpower gain or lose mana in everything you do. but the native Hawaiian concept of power doesn’t equate to material possessions one of the best examples of mana can be seen in the late Hawaii Senator Daniel or Having meaningful work to do, enjoying doesn’t equate to material possessions or what floor your office is on.

Mana isDaniel a life be seen inlife theand late Hawaii Senator K. Inouye’s career.

The beloved harmonious relationships those what floor your office is on.with Mana is a life energy that flows through all things and K. Inouye’s life and career.

The beloved Inouye was often described as softaround you, and and being ofhave service inand some energy that flows through all things is highly individual: you chance to Inouye was often described asaintegrity softspoken, modest, a man of way allorhelp to gather mana. is highly individual: you have aPerhaps chance to gain lose mana in everything you do. spoken, modest, athe man of integrity his mana led him toand be second one of lose the best examples ofsecond mana can gain or mana in you do.His Having meaningful work to do, enjoying his mana led him toeverything beinthe longest-serving senator U.S. history. be seen in the late Hawaii Senator Daniel Having meaningful work to do, enjoying harmonious relationships with those longest-serving senator in U.S. history.

His last word was “aloha.

K. Inouye’s life and career.

The beloved harmonious relationships with those around and being of service in some last wordyou, was “aloha.

Inouye was described asPerhaps softaround and being of service in some way allyou, helpoften to gather mana. spoken, modest, and mana. a manofPerhaps ofmana integrity way allofhelp to gather one the best examples can his him to Hawaii be the one of theled best examples ofsecond mana can bemana seen in the late Senator Daniel longest-serving senator inSenator U.S. His be in the late Hawaii Daniel K.seen Inouye’s life and career.

Thehistory. beloved last wordwas was “aloha.

K. Inouye’s lifeoften and career.

Theas beloved Inouye described softInouye wasmodest, often described asof softspoken, and a man integrity spoken, modest, and man integrity his mana led him to abe theof second hislongest-serving mana led him to be theinsecond senator U.S. history. His longest-serving senator in U.S. history. His last word was “aloha. last word was “aloha.

Spring 2026

51

CONNECTING WITH COMMMUNITY

Santa arrived with elves in tow just in time for the 13th Annual Kaua’i’s Breakfast with Santa held at The Plantation House

by Gaylords.

The sold-out event benefiting the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kaua’i’s mentoring programs on Kauaʻi enlisted support of Santa’s helpers.

A heartfelt holiday shout out to the many sponsors and who made this wonderful event a magical success.

The melodious voices of Kapa’a Middle School Choir & Ukulele band filled the air while Keiki participated in crafts, cookie decorating, and took photos with Santa.

Following the tasty breakfast provided by Mark’s Place, the keiki made their way to the Kaua’i Plantation Railway where they enjoyed a train ride with Santa and received their holiday jingle bell necklaces.

52

Gather Federal Credit Union presented a $5,000 check to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kaua’i on Saturday, Dec.13, 2025, at The Plantation House by Gaylords. Gather FCU CEO Tess Shimabukuru (center left) presented the check to BBBS Hawai’i President & CEO Tyler Kurashige.

Kauaʻi Family Magazine expresses heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors: Gather Federal Credit Union, Mark’s Place, The Plantation House

by Gaylords, the Kapa`a Middle School Choir and ‘Ukulele band, Jim Raelson, M.D., DJM Productions, and the numerous volunteers and families who supported and helped make this holiday tradition breakfast a resounding success!

100% of the proceeds go to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kaua’i’s School & Community Based Mentoring Programs which provides one-to-one mentor services. Mahalo for supporting this important mission!

www.kauaifamilymagazine.com

Spring 2026 Spring 2023 538

support multiple aspects161 of everyday lifeG.N. on Kaua‘i.

These lands include miles of Honoring Years of Wilcox’s Legacy residential communities, commercial centers, renewable energy projects, agricultural and open spaces that contribute to the island’s economy and quality of November ovember marks 161plantation-era years since Grove Farm was founded

by George life.

They also contain water infrastructure that continues to playNorto an x. What started in 1864 with 400 acres of sugarcane land and 500 acres o essential role in our daily lives, providing water for consumption, agriculture, and civic uses, fire mitigation, keeping our island green. e grewindustrial, into a prosperous sugar plantationand where communities thrived for 1

Honoring 161 Years of G.N. Wilcox’s

L egacy

years until sugar operations ceased in 1974.

ay, Grove Farm’s staff of 13 stewards more than 37,000 acres of land that ort multiple aspects of everyday life on Kaua‘i. These lands include miles o Honoring 161 Years of centers, G.N. Wilcox’s Legacy energy projects, sidential communities, commercial renewable tural and open spaces that contribute to the island’s economy and quality This marksmarks years since Farm

by George Norton Mr.was Wilcox aat pivotal role This November 161 years Mr.November Wilcox played a161 pivotal role inGrove establishing a founded safeplayed harbor Nāwiliwili. heyWilcox. also contain plantation-era water infrastructure that continues to play a What started in 1864 with 400 acres ofinsugarcane landaand acres of establishing safe500 harbor since Grove Farm was founded The breakwater, constructed in 1921, was largely financed by him, and in sential ential in into ourNorton lives, providing water forcommunities consumption, agriculture, at Nāwiliwili.

The breakwater, pasture grew adaily prosperous sugar plantation where thrived for 110 byrole George Wilcox.

1927, at the ageyears of 88, hesugar oversaw the construction ofinthe seawall.

Today, constructed 1921, was largely until operations ceased in 1974. industrial, ndustrial, and civic uses, fire and keeping our island green.

What started in 1864 with 400mitigation, acres financed byport, him, receiving and in 1927, at Nāwiliwili Harbor continues to serve as Kaua‘i’s main all our of sugarcane land and 500 acres of the age ofcruise 88, heships. oversaw the shipments and providing a port for visitor Today, Grove of 13 stewards pasture grewFarm’s into astaff prosperous sugar more than 37,000 acres of land that

construction of the seawall. plantation where communities thrived support multiple aspects of everyday life on Kaua‘i. These lands include miles of Today, Nāwiliwili Harbor forresidential 110 yearscommunities, until sugar operations commercial centers, renewable energy projects, continues to serve as Kaua‘i’s ceased inand 1974. agricultural open spaces that contribute to the island’s economy and quality of main port, receiving all our Today, Grove Farm’s staff of life.

They also contain plantation-era water infrastructure to aplay an shipmentsthat andcontinues providing port 13 stewards essential rolemore in ourthan daily37,000 lives, providing water consumption, agriculture, forfor visitor cruise ships. acres of land and thatcivic support industrial, uses, fire mitigation, and keeping our island green.

Today, under the ownership of multiple aspects of everyday life Steve Case, whose ties run deep on Kaua‘i. These lands include Mr. Wilcox a pivotal role in establishing a safe harbor at Nāwiliwili. through the halls of Grove Farm, miles ofplayed residential communities, -his grandfather served as Grove The breakwater, constructed in 1921, was largely financed by him, and in commercial centers, renewable Farm’s Treasurer -- we continue to energy projects, agricultural and 927, at the age of 88, he oversaw the construction of the seawall. Today, think of innovative ways to move open spaces that contribute to the āwiliwili Harbor continues to serve as Kaua‘i’s main receiving forward whileport, caring deeply forall our island’s economy and quality of our community. life. They also contain shipments and plantationproviding a port for visitor cruise ships. eraMr. water infrastructure thatrole in establishing a safe harbor at Nāwiliwili.

Wilcox played a pivotal continues to play an essential of Today, under the ownership Case, whose ties run through The breakwater, constructed role in Steve 1921, was largely financed by deep him, and in in our daily lives, providing water 1927, at the age of 88, he oversaw the construction of the seawall.

Today, the halls of Grove Farm, -his grandfather served as Grove Farm’s for consumption, agriculture, Nāwiliwili-Harbor continues to serve as Kaua‘i’s main receiving all our Treasurer wecivic continue think of innovative waysport, to move forward while industrial, and uses, to fire shipments and providing a port for visitor cruise ships. mitigation, and keeping our caring deeply for our community. island green.

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www.kauaifamilymagazine.com

on Supporting of Our Community 110 through Hawai‘i

Foodbank

Grove Farm Foundation recently presented a $5,000 donation to the Hawaiʻi Foodbank Kauaʻi. This donation continues Grove Farm Foundation’s ongoing support with the Foodbank to ensure access to fresh and healthy food across the island. These funds will go toward purchasing nutritious food, including local produce from Kauaʻi farmers, and further strengthen our islandʻs food systems.

In support of Kauaʻi families, Grove Farm Foundation recently of presented a $5,000 donation to the Hawaiʻi Foodbank Kauaʻi.

If you’d like to join in This donation continues Grove Farm y of Foundation’s supporting this important ongoing support with the Each year, the Hawaiʻi Foodbank Kauaʻi center Foodbank distributes more than two Eachdistribution year, the Hawaiʻi Kauaʻi distribution c work, please consider to ensure access to fresh an Foodbank million pounds of food through a network of 40 nonprofit organizations throughout the million pounds of food through a network of 40 nonp and healthy food across the island. volunteering or donating to food island. Their efforts ensure that kūpuna, keiki, and families have access to essential island. Their efforts ensure that kūpuna,Kaua‘i. keiki, and fa These funds will go toward purchasing the Hawai‘i Foodbank resources. The Hawaiʻi Foodbank receives food from a variety of sources, including local resources.Together, The Hawaiʻiwe Foodbank receives food from nutritious food, produce can fight against retailers, theincluding USDA, andlocal also farm bureaus across the nation that supply produce not from Kauaʻi farmers, and further retailers, the hunger USDA, and also farm bureaus across th in our community. grown in large quantities in Hawai‘i, such as potatoes, cabbage, and onions. strengthen our islandʻs food systems. grown in large quantities in Hawai‘i, such as potatoes Each year, the Hawaiʻi Foodbank During our recent visit to the Kauaʻi Foodbank’s distribution center distributes distribution center in During our recent visit to the Foodbank’s distribution center in more than twoGrove million pounds Puhi, our Farm team of food throughthe a network of 40 Puhi, our Grove Farm team witnessed organization’s nonprofit organizations witnessed the organization’s incredible operationsthroughout firsthand. Wes the island.

Their efforts ensure thatincredible operations firsthand. Wes Perreira, Director of Hawaiʻi kūpuna, keiki, and families Foodbank Kaua‘i, sharedhave how the Perreira, Director of Hawaiʻi accessorganization to essential food resources. is preparing for a Foodbank Kaua‘i, shared how the The Hawaiʻi Foodbank receives food growing need for food assistance in from a variety of sources, includingorganization is preparing for a the coming months as the Hawai‘i local retailers, the USDA, and also growing need for food assistance in Foodbank relies on federal fundingthe coming months as the Hawai‘i farm bureaus across the nation for a portion of itsnot employees that supply produce grownas in Foodbank relies on federal funding well, including Supplemental large quantities in Hawai‘i, such as for a portion of its employees as Nutrition Assistance potatoes, cabbage, andProgram onions. well, including Supplemental (SNAP) coordinators.

Nutrition Assistance Program During our recent visit to the Foodbank’s distribution center If you’d like to join in supporting (SNAP) coordinators. in Puhi, our Grove Farm team this important work, please witnessed the volunteering organization’s consider or donating If you’d like to join in supporting incredible operations firsthand. to the Hawai‘i Foodbank Kaua‘i. this important work, please Wes Perreira, Director of Hawaiʻi consider volunteering or donating Together, we can fight against Foodbank Kaua‘i, shared how the to the Hawai‘i Foodbank Kaua‘i. hunger in our community. organization is preparing for a growing need for food assistance inTogether, we can fight against the coming months as the Hawai‘i hunger in our community.

2026 Grove Farm Craft Fair Days Foodbank relies on federal funding for a February portion of its employees 7 |3 April 4 7 | April 4 | June 6 | AugustFebruary 1 | October | December 5 as well, including Supplemental 2026 Grove Farm Craf June 6 | August 1 Nutrition Assistance Program 5 FebruaryOctober 7 | April34| |Decevmber June 6 | August 1 (SNAP) coordinators.

2026 Grove Farm Craft Fair Days

Spring 2026

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EPIC PLAYGROUNDS Enjoy Enjoy Kaua'i’s Kaua'i’s playgrounds playgrounds with with crazy crazy cool cool climbing climbing structures! structures!

These These are are epic epic parks parks to to check check out out with with your your family family this this Spring!

Spring!

Anaina Anaina Hou Hou Playground Playground Anaina Anaina Hou Hou Playground Playground

Kīlauea Kīlauea

Anaina Anaina Hou Hou Community Community Park Park is is located located on on the the North North Shore Shore of of Kaua'i Kaua'i in in Kīlauea.

Kīlauea.

Created Created by by visionaries visionaries Bill Bill and and Joan Joan Porter, Porter, Anaina Anaina Hou Hou Community Community Park Park serves serves as as aa multipurpose multipurpose space space for for Kaua'i Kaua'i residents, residents, include include restrooms, restrooms, and and picnic picnic tables. tables.

With With engaging engaging structures structures that that illustrate illustrate Hawaiian Hawaiian history, history, the the Anaina Anaina Hou Hou Playground Playground will will inspire inspire your your keiki keiki to to tell tell their their own own stories stories as as they they play. play. They’ll They’ll climb, climb, move, move, and and run run on on replicas replicas of of aa volcano, volcano, sailing sailing canoe, canoe, and and aa sugarcane sugarcane train. train.

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DELIVER SPRING

Lydgate Lydgate Park/Kamalani Park/Kamalani Playground Playground Lydgate Lydgate Park/Kamalani Park/Kamalani Playground Playground Līhuʻe Līhuʻe

Considered Considered an an amazing amazing marvel, marvel, Kamalani Kamalani Playground Playground entertains entertains kids kids for for hours. hours. Conceived Conceived and and built built by by the the community community and and Kaua'i Kaua'i County County Parks Parks Department, Department, this this exceptionally exceptionally large large playground playground is is made made up up of of interinterconnecting connecting wood wood structures, structures, filled filled with with nooks nooks and and crannies crannies and and imaginative imaginative places places to to go. go. Surrounded Surrounded by by extensive extensive lawn, lawn, shade shade trees trees and and close close to to aa restroom, restroom, Kamalani Kamalani Playground Playground is is found found at at Lydgate Lydgate Beach Beach Park Park directly directly across across from from the the swimming swimming beach. beach. Further Further west, west, off off of of Nehe Nehe Road Road is is Kamalani Kamalani Kai, Kai, another another delightful delightful area area for for kids kids with with aa wonderful wonderful wood wood structure structure as as well well that that leads leads down down to to the the beach. beach. It’s It’s adjacent adjacent to to the the Lydgate Lydgate public public campground. campground.

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CHILDREN’S AND TEEN PROGRAMS KAUAʻI PUBLIC LIBRARIES

Līhuʻe 808-241-3222

Baby Lapsit Storytime – ages 0-2 First Thursday of the month, 9:30 am Family Movie Night – ages 0-8 Second Wednesday of the month, 4 pm Preschool Storytime – ages 3-5 Second Thursday of the month, 10 am LEGO Club – Gr K-5 Third Wednesday of the month, 4 pm Keiki Afternoon Arts & Crafts – Gr K-5 Last Wednesday of the month, 4 pm Teen Crafts or Games & Puzzles – Gr 6-12 Second and Last Wednesdays, 3:30 pm

Kōloa 808-742-8455 Tunes & Tales Storytime – ages 0-5 Tuesdays, 10 am Game Night – all ages First Wednesday of the month, 5 pm Teen Craft Night – Gr 6-12 Second Wednesday of the month, 5pm Hanapēpē 808-335-8418 Tunes, Tales & Twirls Storytime – ages 2-5 Tuesdays, 11 am Mokihana Berry Read-Aloud Club – Gr K-3 Wednesdays, 2:30 pm Game & Puzzle Night – all ages Last Thursday of the month, 5 pm Waimea 808-338-6848

Playmakers – Gr K-5 Wednesdays, 2:30 pm Storytime – ages 0-5 Thursdays, 10:30 am Family Literacy Night – preschool-Gr 2 Third Monday of the month, 5:30 pm Pokémon Club – ages 6 and up Fourth Friday of the month, 3 pm

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Kapaʻa 808-821-4422

Storytime – ages 2-5 Wednesdays, 10 am Kidsʻ Movie Night– Gr K-5 First Tuesday of the month, 4:30 pm

Princeville

Please see the Kauaʻi-Princeville page on the HSPLS Events Calendar.

Program times are subject to change.

Visit librarieshawaii.org for current event calendar.

For more info about programs, contact the libraries.

STRENGTHENING STRENGTHEN KAUA‘I’S FAMILIES SINCE 1982 FAMILIES SINC

programs are dedicated to caring CFSCFS programs are dedicated to carin for keiki, empowering youth, healing youth, from trauma, and hon fromhealing trauma, and honoring kūpuna.

EARLY HEAD START & HEAD START

KEKAHA 8563 Elepaio Rd. Kekaha, HI 96752

808.245.5914

LIHUE KOLOA 3223 Poipu Rd. Koloa, HI 96756

3343 Kanako

Lihue, HI 967

808.245.5

808.245.5914 NANA’S HOUSE

HALE HO‘OMALU

C

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Fun Facts for Your Third Trimester

By Dr. Clyner Antalan Kaua‘i Medical Clinic OB-GYN

You’re almost ready to welcome your new addition to the family. The third trimester includes the rush to set up the baby room, diaper station and wash tiny new clothes — all in between those alltoo-frequent runs to the restroom.

Amid all the anticipation, Dr. Clyner Antalan, OB-GYN, and the team at Kaua‘i Medical Clinic offer three fun facts about this final trimester, 28 to 40 weeks.

FUN FACT NO. 1:

Your Blood Volume Increases

Not only is your baby growing, but your body has also grown a whole new organ — the placenta.

The placenta is vital in providing oxygen, nutrients and moving waste. Both need support from blood circulation, so blood volume in expectant mothers increases by 50% in the third trimester.

“This adaptation allows you to nourish your baby efficiently,” Dr. Antalan said. “Also, the increased circulation and hormonal shifts, specifically elevated levels of estrogen, create the famous ‘pregnancy glow.’”

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Visit WilcoxHealth.org to learn more.

FUN FACT NO. 2:

Babies Practice Breathing Around week 32, babies start stretching the new lungs by inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid in the womb. The movements prepare the lung for that first breath of air after birth. “Studies show that fetal breathing movements are a good indicator of healthy lung development,” Dr. Antalan said.

FUN FACT NO. 3:

Dreams Get Creative Keep your sleep journal handy because your dreams are about to get amped up, if they haven’t already.

“Throughout the pregnancy, many moms-to-be experience more vivid, creative dreams. Hormonal shifts affect sleep patterns and dream recall, so you may remember those visions more,” Dr. Antalan said.

“Many moms-to-be experience more vivid, creative dreams.”

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Not only that, but “These dreams often reflect your subconscious thoughts and may help process emotions about parenthood.” Your OB-GYN can help you as well, so make sure to share any questions or concerns at your next scheduled appointment.

AWAI‘I STATE DEPARTMENT HAWAIʻI STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION HAWAI‘I STATE DEPARTMENT HAWAI‘I STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

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CHILD FIND CHILD FIND CHILD FIND

ld, birth through age 21, is Ifchild, your child, birth through age 21, is difficulty with things like If your birth through age 21, If your child, birth through ageis21, is having difficulty with things like having difficulty with with things like like earing, seeing, walking, using having difficulty things speaking, hearing, seeing, walking, using speaking, hearing, seeing, walking, usingusing , making friends, or learning, speaking, hearing, seeing, walking, their hands, making friends, or learning, theirtheir hands, making friends, or learning, hands, making friends, or learning, specialists who offer there arecan specialists who can offer there are specialists who can offer there are specialists who can offer support and guidance.

Whether nd guidance.

Whether your support and guidance. Whether your your support andhelp guidance.

Whether your child needs in orofmore childin needs help in oneof or one more theseof these help one or more these child needs help in one or more of areas, not alone.

Fordetails morethese details areas, you’reyou’re not alone.

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FOR CHILDREN 3 THROUGH 21 FOR CHILDREN 3 3 THROUGH 21 FOR CHILDREN THROUGH 21 FOR CHILDREN 3 THROUGH 21

Call the Hawai‘i State Department of Education at Call the Hawai‘i State Department of Education at 1-800-297-2070 the Hawai‘i State Department of Education at Call th 1-800-297-2070

1-800-297-2070

FOR CHILDREN UNDER FOR INDIVIDUALS 22 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER UNDER THEFOR AGECHILDREN OF THREE (3) FOR CHILDREN UNDERContact FOR INDIVIDUALS YEARS FOR INDIVIDUALS YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER the Hawai‘i State 22 Department of22 Human THE AGE OF THREE (3)

Contact the Hawai‘i State Department of Human Services, Vocational Rehabilitation, and Services for the Call the Early Intervention THE AGE OF THREE (3) OF AGE OR OLDER REN UNDER FOR CHILDRE Services, Vocational Rehabilitation, and Services for the Blind Division at AGE FOR INDIVIDUALS 22 YEARS OF OR OLDER Call the Early Intervention Referral Line at Contact the Hawai‘i State F THREE (3) THE AGE OF Call the Early 808-586-5269 Blind Division at 808-594-0066 Referral LineIntervention at

Contact the Hawai‘i State Department of Human Department of Human Services, or 808-586-5269 or 808-594-0066 Referral Line at Services, Vocational Rehabilitation, and Services for the y Intervention Call the Early In the Hawai‘i State Department of Health or Vocational Rehabilitation, and 1-800-235-5477 or 808-594-0066 Case Management and Information Services Branch at Referral L Blind Division at the Hawai‘i State Department of Health l Line at 1-800-235-5477 Services for the Blind Division at or 808-733-9172 Case Management and Information Services Branch at 808-586-5269 94-0066 808-594808-586-5269 1-800-235-547 808-733-9172 or or or or ADDITIONAL RESOURCES the Hawai‘i State Department of Health 235-5477 1-800-23 the Hawai‘i State Department of SPECIAL PARENT INFORMATION NETWORK (SPIN) ADDITIONAL Services RESOURCESBranch at Case Management and Information 808-586-8126 Health Case Management and SCAN FOR MORE SPECIAL PARENT INFORMATION NETWORK (SPIN) 808-733-9172 INFORMATION 808-586-8126 SCAN FOR MORE INFORMATION

Information Services Branch at 808-733-9172

RS 26-0195, August 2025 (Rev. of RS 25-0339A)

FOR MORE RMATION

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES RESOURCES ADDITIONAL RS 26-0195, August 2025 (Rev. of RS 25-0339A SPECIAL PARENT INFORMATION NETWORK (SPIN) SPECIAL PARENT INFORMATION SCAN FOR MORE NETWORK (SPIN) 808-586-8126 SCAN FOR

INFORMATION

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808-586-8126

INFORMA

RS 26-0195, August 2025 (Rev. of RS 25-0339A)

Old is New Again

at Kaua’i Christian Academy “Academically excellent” is a part of our mission statement at Kaua’i Christian Academy, and it’s an element of who we are that we take seriously.

The world of education goes through many fads, but parents should consider: do these fads actually help kids learn? We send children to school so that they can learn basic skills and knowledge that we believe are valuable, if not essential, to be a well-formed, thoughtful, contributing member of society. School must be more than just daycare in order to achieve this purpose.

students can learn how to decode words on their own, including words they have never encountered. This develops strong, confident readers, which is essential to later learning. KCA students begin learning phonics and are in the early stages of reading while still in preschool, and accelerate even further in kindergarten and early elementary.

It’s why our kindergarten students routinely score in the 90th percentile or higher in national standardized testing.

Many schools today use math curriculum which emphasizes math theory and the Sadly, many children come “why” of math rather than emphasizing to KCA from elsewhere far behind the best ways to actually solve problems. in their reading and math skills. The While it might sound reasonable to start reading problems can be avoided with the “why,” it more often confuses with an emphasis on phonics-based students and leads to upper elementary, reading, which is a proven, traditional junior high, and even high school students teaching method which is strangely who struggle with basic math facts. It is de-emphasized in actually best to teach math many schools today. with the traditional emphasis By learning all of the on the “how” first. Kids who “Reading problems complex rules of letter understand how to solve can be avoided sounds and “special problems develop the mental sounds” in the English processes to succeed in with an emphasis language, young higher math later.

on phonics-based reading, which is a proven, traditional teaching method”

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Strong academics in a safe, God-honoring atmosphere is what KCA is all about.

Visit our website at kcaschool.org and give us a call at 808-828-0047 to set up a tour.

Your student can succeed with these tried and true teaching methods too!

Kaua''i Christian Academy www.KCAschool.org

4000 Kīlauea Road | Kīlauea, HI 96754

808-828-0047

Academically Excellent, Christ-Centered Education • Serving PreK-12th grade students from Līhuʻe - Haʻena • Exciting opportunities in fine arts and athletics • Loving teachers in a safe, family-oriented environment •PreK-12th grade fully accredited • Shuttles available from Līhuʻe and Kapaʻa •

Kauai Christian Academy.indd 1

KFM-Fall 2025.indd 19

Fall 2025 19 12/14/25 3:28 AM

7/12/25 6:48 PM

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A Kaua'i Orthopedic Surgeon’s Guide to Preventing Youth Sports Injuries I see many sports injuries in kids across Hawai‘i, and the same ones show up often. Here are four common injuries and simple steps families can take to help prevent them.

Douglas Elika Ching, MD Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon HHSC Kaua‘i Region - The Clinic at Waimea

Baseball: Little Leaguer’s Elbow This injury happens when the growth plate inside the elbow gets stressed from too much pitching or poor throwing form.

Prevention tips: • Follow pitch-count rules • Teach proper throwing technique • Make sure kids get rest days • Avoid pitching all year long

Flag Football: Avoiding Collisions Even though flag football is meant to be non-contact, most injuries come from players bumping into each other.

Prevention tips: • Teach safe flag-pulling and evasive moves • Enforce rules to limit rough play • Keep fields in good condition • Use proper cleats to prevent slipping

Soccer: Overuse Injuries (Knee & Heel Pain) Running, cutting, and kicking can stress growing bones and tendons, leading to knee pain (Osgood-Schlatter) or heel pain (Sever’s).

Prevention tips: • Take breaks between seasons • Include rest days each week • Stretch to stay flexible • Strengthen muscles that support knees and heels

Volleyball: Jumper’s Knee Repeated jumping can strain the tendon under the kneecap, causing pain.

Prevention tips: • Teach safe jumping and landing • Increase training slowly • Strengthen thigh and hip muscles

The Big Picture

As you can see, many of these injuries share a common theme: overuse. Hawai'i's weather lets our keiki play their favorite sport year-round, but taking breaks from a single sport is important— after all, even the pros get an offseason. I hope these tips help keep your children healthy and active. And if injuries do occur, we’re here to help get them safely back in the game.

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Tips a Year Year of of Tips for for a Healthy Smiles Healthy Smiles A little diligence and a strong daily routine

little diligence and aoral strong daily Help routine canAprotect your child’s health! your can protect your child’s oral health! Help your child follow these tips to keep their smile child follow these tips to keep their smile healthy all year long: healthy all year long:

● Brush twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste. ● Brush twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste. ● Floss daily. If your child struggles with standard floss, try ● Floss daily. If your child struggles with standard floss, try

using a water flosser or floss picks. using a water flosser or floss picks. ● Stay hydrated with water to help prevent dry mouth and to ● Stay hydrated with water to help prevent dry mouth and to wash down food or drink that remains in the mouth. wash down food or drink that remains in the mouth. ● Limit salty snacks like pretzels and chips, and sweets like ● Limit salty snacks like pretzels and chips, and sweets like candy and sugary beverages. candy and sugary beverages. ● Maintain a well-rounded diet that includes oral ● Maintain a well-rounded diet that includes oral health-friendly fruits and veggies. health-friendly fruits and veggies. ● Ask your keiki’s dentist about sealants, which help prevent ● Ask your keiki’s dentist about sealants, which help prevent cavities on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. cavities on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. ● Have your keiki wear a mouthguard while playing sports to ● Have your keiki wear a mouthguard while playing sports to protect gums. protecttheir theirjaws, jaws,teeth, teeth, and and gums. ● Visit the dentist regularly so your child’s dentist can look for ● Visit the dentist regularly so your child’s dentist can look for

any issues healthprogress. progress. any issuesand andmonitor monitor their their oral oral health

Formore moresmile smile tips, visit For tips, visit HawaiiDentalService.com.

HawaiiDentalService.com.

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Play is brain building, a central part of healthy child development, a key to executive function skills, and a buffer against the negative impacts of stress. Play builds the bond between parent and child.

— The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

Exercise doesn’t have to be strenuous to positively influence health. Activities like playing outside, running, riding bikes and sports are all beneficial.

Take advantage of Kaua'i sunshine by staying active as a family and creating healthy habits that last all year and carry into your child’s adulthood.

Benefits of physical play include: stress management improved sleep stronger bones increased self-confidence reduced risk of diseases like diabetes and heart disease improved social/emotional skills Here are eight ways to encourage family fitness through playtime:

1 2 3

Focus on fun!

Choose activities your kids already enjoy, such as playing at the park, taking bike rides, riding scooters or playing sports.

Lead by example.

Make exercise (or outdoor play) a priority in your life and let your kids see you enjoying physical activity.

Choose active toys.

Provide bikes, scooters, balls or sand toys that encourage kids to be active —versus electronics, toys or games that can only be used at home.

4 5 6

Get exercise while doing another activity.

Walking around the Ke Ala Hele Makālae Path in Kapa’a is a fun way to take a long walk without a focus on exercise.

Try new activities.

Visit a new park or trail or try a new sport together to increase family bonding.

Create boundaries around screen time.

Screen time is a big reason kids do not get enough physical activity. Use the AAP Family Media Use Plan at healthychildren.org to help your family decide on screen time use.

7 8

Let your kids take turns picking the family activity.

The kids are more likely to participate when involved in scheduling a favorite activity.

Make play a regular part of your routine.

It’s easier to stick to new habits when you attach them to something you already do. For example, a family walk after dinner once a week, a family trip to the park on weekend mornings, or a monthly date to explore a new hiking trail. Even if you only have 10 minutes, it’s worth taking the time to play together, and you’re more likely to follow through if it’s on the schedule.

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Forest Akamai Camps Saturday March 14th thru Wednesday March 18th

Thursday July 9th thru Monday July 13th

Thursday June 18th thru Monday June 22nd Saturday October 3rd thru Wednesday October 7th

Summer SONsation

@ Līhu’e Baptist Church vv

Bible Lesson/Worship Art/Games/Music Missions/Snacks and Ages 3 - Completed 7th Grade Excursions on last week!

ALL FREE!!!

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June 1 -July 3, 2026 (M-F, 8AM-noon) 3223 Elua St., Līhu’e

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Space is limited 808-245-4160 lihuebaptistchurch.com Download registration form and return to church dropbox.

Registration is open now!

Take the Stage This Spring!

Get ready for an exciting season of creativity, collaboration, and live performance with Hawaii Children’s Theatre’s Theatre Academy.

During school breaks, HCT keeps the momentum going with Theatre Intensive Bootcamps, offering immersive, hands-on theatre experiences that keep students learning, creating, and performing.

HCT offers year-round theatre Summer Stars welcomes young programs for students ages 4 and up, designed to build confidence, creativity, performers ages 5–15 for a fun, fastpaced program that builds confidence, and essential performance skills. friendships, memories all culminating in exciting live performances.

This spring, students can take part in our Spring Show, a non-musical Online registration opens March 1. production that gives young Whether your child is stepping on stage performers the opportunity to for the first time or ready to grow as a rehearse, develop characters, performer, HCT’s Theatre Academy is a and work as an ensemble place to find your voice, learn new skills, toward a fully staged play. make friends, and perform.

Enroll now and let the stage be your canvas.

Visit www.HCTKAUAI.org for class details and registration.

SPRING HAWAII CHILDREN’S THEATRE

INTO THEATRE INTRO TO ACTING • THEATER BOOTCAMP • SPRING SHOW • SUMMER STARS

FIND YOUR VOICE • LEARN SKILLS • MAKE FRIENDS • PERFORM HLHDH www.HCTKAUAI.org | 808-246-8985

“Inspiring youth through the study, performance, and appreciation of theatre arts!”

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Congratulations to our

2026 Cover Kids WINNERS

photos credits: Valerie Saiki

Look for them on future covers of Kauaʻi Family Magazine!

Presented by

Mahalo to our 2026 Sponsors!

Spring 2026

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DRAW DRAW DRAW THE KILAUEA THE THE KĪLAUEA KILAUEA LIGHTHOUSE� LIGHTHOUSE� LIGHTHOUSE USING USINGAASIMPLE, SIMPLE,3-STEP 3-STEPPROCESS PROCESS USING A SIMPLE, 3-STEP PROCESS ByByPatrick By Patrick Ching PatrickChing Ching

Scan this OR Scan codethis to OR code to follow along follow along with Patrick Patrick aswith he draws asKilauea he draws the the Kilauea Lighthouse Lighthouse

Nature artist Patrick Ching used to live and work at Kilauea Point Nature artist Patrick Ching used to live and work at Kilauea Point as a ranger for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the 1980s and 90s. as a ranger for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the 1980s and 90s.

Get the 'ohana together and draw. Make art part of your family tradition.

Get the 'ohana together and draw. Make art part of your family tradition.

See Patrick's Lighthouse and wildlife art at www.PatrickChing.com See Patrick's Lighthouse and wildlife art at www.PatrickChing.com

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0

�

-

STEP 1- FORMING

Pressing softly with your pencil, form up the lighthouse. Make the base a rectangle that is slightly larger at the bottom than at the top. Then, put a square where the light casing is and a triangle for the cap.

STEP 2- ADD DETAILS

Add a ball on top of the triangle with a point on it; an oval inside the square for the light; a rectangle door with a triangle top; then windows and railings.

Add anything you want around the lighthouse like the ocean, clouds, birds, and whale. Get creative!

STEP 3 - OUTLINING, SHADING & COLORING

When you are happy with your work, press harder or use a pen to outline your drawing. Determine what direction the sun is shining on the lighthouse; shade it on the other side. Advanced artists can use reflective light on the shaded side.

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-g

BY SCOTT SIMS, D.V.M.

Choosing an appropriate pet doesn't guarantee that you will get the "right" pet, but it certainly increases the odds. It's very important to pick a pet that is appropriate to your household.

Answering these questions will help you decide what kind of pet is best for you and your family.

How much time will I have to spend with my pet? Some pets require a lot more time than others. Border collies are great dogs. They're very smart and loyal dogs, but they are pretty tightly wound and really need to get out and have a job. They don't generally make very good indoor house dogs.

Do I have enough space to keep my pet in a comfortable way for its species? If you live in an apartment, keeping a big, active dog might not

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be such a good idea. Cats are easy to keep in small places. They are inexpensive and quiet. They can be destructive to furniture, but there are ways to reduce the destructive behaviors. If you have a little land, you will have more choices as to the type of pet(s) that you can have. Goats are an often overlooked pet for people with even relatively small yards.

Can I afford to buy and keep it?

Although buying a horse can be very expensive, keeping them is generally much more expensive than buying one. You should absolutely consider this before getting a horse. Exotic birds can be expensive to purchase (a Hyacinth macaw can easily cost $10,000 to $20,000), but they are generally very inexpensive to keep (that same macaw would probably only cost a few dollars a month to keep). Medical care for pets can

It is our responsibility as pet owners to see to it that our pets are kept safe and comfortable.

In return, they give us years of enjoyment, love and affection. That� a pretty awesome deal!

be expensive if your pet gets ill or injured. You should allow for this in your budget.

Am I or someone in my house allergic to the type of pet I'm considering? Cats make great pets.

They're inexpensive and easy to keep.

They can be very affectionate, but they cause allergic reactions in an awful lot of people. In reality, many people who are "allergic to cats" are actually allergic to cat fleas, but the effect is the same.

What about the noise and odors of some pets? Some pets can be noisy.

Dogs that bark a lot may or may not annoy you, but they will probably not endear you with your neighbors.

Some parrot-type birds - even some small ones - can be remarkably loud, as well. It isn't fair to your neighbors to have pets that make a lot of noise.

Will my landlord allow me to keep a pet? And if so, which ones?

Neighbors aren't the only people who can limit your selection.

Landlords often have rules. If you rent, you should check and make sure the kind (and size) of pet you're considering is allowed.

And lastly, what do I like? This is the intangible factor. No one can decide this for you. It's a matter of personal taste and preference.

In general, the most common types of pets - like dogs and cats, horses, some birds and even goats - are popular because they make good companions for people. Dogs, for example, have evolved with us for perhaps as long as 100,000 years (the human species is only about 300,000 years old). Cats have been with us for a long time, too, although not quite as long as dogs.

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IT FRU D AN IE G VEG Creating in the kitchen is a great way for kids to practice fine motor skills, express their creativity, and gain cooking confidence.

Making these fruit and veggie “bugs” shows your kids that food can be DELICIOUS, HEALTHY, AND FUN!

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INGREDIENTS Yogurt, cream cheese and/or peanut butter Celery; grape and/or cherry tomotaoes; cucumbers,sliced sliced tomatoes; cucumbers,

Oranges, apples, strawberries, kiwi and other desired fruit, sliced Blueberries and grapes Various nuts; edible googly eyes (or mini chocolate chips for eyes)

INSTRUCTIONS INSTRUCTIONS 1. Clean all the fruit and veggies.

1. Clean all the fruit and veggies.

2. Using the photos here as inspiration, assemble your “bugs.”

2. Using the photos here as inspiration, assemble your “bugs.”

• Fill celery pieces with yogurt, cream cheese or peanut butter.

• Fill celery pieces with yogurt, cream cheese or peanut butter.

• Add blueberries, grapes or tomatoes for your bug’s back; • Add blueberries, grapes or tomatoes for your bug’s back; strawberries or cucumber slices as the wings; sliced apple, strawberries or cucumber slices as the wings; sliced apple, orange, cucumber, kiwi, etc. as the shell. orange, cucumber, kiwi, etc. as the shell.

• Use a single grape, tomato or nut (e.g., a peanut or cashew) • Use a single grape, tomato or nut (e.g., a peanut or cashew) as the the head. as the head.

• Add googly eyes or use mini chocolate chips as the eyes.

• Add googly eyes or use mini chocolate chips as the eyes.

3. Decorate each bug with a unique ensemble.

3. Decorate each bug with a unique ensemble.

HOW TO CHOOSE RIPE FRUIT & &VEGGIES VEGGIES BLUEBERRIES: The darker they are, the riper they should be.

They shouldn’t be wrinkly, as that indicates that they are too ripe.

STRAWBERRIES: Ripe strawberries are dark red and have a lovely, sweet smell that radiates off them.

GRAPES: Should be plump, firm to the touch, and not wrinkly.

VEGGIES: Find ones that aren’t mushy and are bright in the color that they should be. For example, celery and cucumbers should be a bright green color, while tomatoes should be bright red.

ADDITIONAL TIPS Washing and cutting up the fruit and veggies the day before can be a great way to save time. Whole grapes and tomatoes can be a choking hazard, especially for younger children: slice them in half for children under six. Use various savory spreads like ranch dip, salsa, guacamole or hummus for a change in flavor and added nutrition.

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