Local Favorites

Stunning views abound while hiking the east side of Sleeping Giant.

Seated next to an exuberant Chicagoan en route to Kaua’i from Honolulu, I spend the 20-minute flight dictating a list of recommendations.

It happens every time I fly. If I want quiet, I don’t tell visitors I’m from here. On a generous day, properly fueled with coffee, I’ll openly recite some “must sees.”

As the new editor, I invite kama’aina to submit a list. It’ll be an anonymous column so that the writer can share candidly a few of their favorite things. This is a chance for you to plug a talented massage therapist, stylist, clothing designer or even mechanic. It can include an irresistible dessert, pupu or hike. You name it.

Here is what you do: Send a list of 10 items, with a sentence for each, describing what you love about it. Provide good photos, even better. If chosen, you’ll receive a $25 restaurant gift certificate. Email  HYPERLINK “mailto:pam@forkauaionline.com” pam@forkauaionline.com.

1. Sally French: Kaua’i artist

“Sally French is a wacky and brilliant contemporary artist living on the West Side of the island. I love her outrageous sense of humor.” Her work can be seen at Galerie 103, in Kukui’ula Village in Po’ipu.

Galerie103.com/SallyFrenchImages.html or doubledogdarestudio.com

2. Moloa’a Beach

Not your heavily populated summer scene; Moloa’a hidden within a small residential area. Be considerate when choosing where to park.

Located around 5 miles north of Kapa’a. Turn right on Koolau Rd and right again on Moloa’a Rd.

3. Coconut custard cake

The Kalaheo Café and Coffee Company, on the makai side of the highway in Kalaheo, has a full service restaurant. All of the food is freshly prepared . The Coconut Custard Cake is a feather light cake that sings with flavor and a delicate crumb.

2-2560 Kaumuali’i Hwy. Kalaheo; (808) 332-5858; Kalaheo.com

4. Dragon Fruit

It looks like a hot pink artichoke and tastes like a floral flavored ice cream. Keep your eyes out for it at the farmers markets during the summer months and early fall.

5. Beloved mechanic

“For five years I’ve gone to Speedy Lube in Lihu’e because the mechanics are so nice and efficient. Jonathan Green was my favorite.” Recently he left his position to join cadet training for the Kaua’i Police Dept.

3-3155 Kuhio Hwy.; 808-246-9485

6. Sacred Place

Lawai International Center is located off the highway in Lawai Valley. It’s home to 88 child-sized Shingon Buddhist shrines and a Hall of Compassion that is under construction.

Visit lawaicenter.org for tour dates and directions; (808) 639-4300

7. Stunning Views

“The east facing side of Sleeping Giant has beautiful views the whole way up the mountain. You don’t have to hike to the peak to appreciate multiple ocean views.”

East Side, Wailua Houselots; trailhead begins at the top of Haleilo Road near the water pump station; Kauai.com/hikes/nounou-east