Lumahai Beach on the North shore. Daniel Lane photo
When I go on vacation, I want to take a piece of that place back home with me. Tucked on a shelf, or hung on a wall, a glance will infuse my heart with the sensations of that region. As a resident, buying Kauai made items to give as gifts, decorate my home, or to round out a delicious meal, gives me the opportunity to support the economy I live in.
Eastside waterfalls after the rain. Daniel Lane photo
The beauty of the Hawaiian Islands is intoxicating, and it’s natural for companies to promote the best side of Hawaiian life. Recently, I was at a restaurant and sat next to some folks who were here on vacation. It rained during their stay, and I was sad for them. They spent thousands of hard-earned dollars to get here, but I tried to be realistic as well. “Well, it is winter,” I said, noting that they were near one of the rainiest spots on earth. “Expecting it not to rain in the winter is like expecting it not to snow in Colorado. You get to see whales and waterfalls!” But they read the local brochures with the glossy images and had their hearts set on blue skies, palm trees, and turquoise oceans with wide sandy beaches.
When I first visited Kauai, I expected Kauai made souvenirs in the tourist shops. It’s dissapointing to turn over a wood bowl and read, “Made in the Philippines.” Hawaiian shirts were made in China, and jewelry was made in Tahiti.
The Big Island is known for it’s rare gourmet Kona Coffee, which is harvested by hand on steep, rocky slopes. Unless you’re paying around $20 a pound for these premium beans, the “Kona” coffee you buy is a blend containing 90 percent Columbian or Brazilian beans.
Kauai Made logo
To insure authenticity of Kauai made products, the county of Kauai has created the Kauai Made program. To use the Kauai Made logo, a business must prove that the product is made on Kauai, by Kauai people, and where possible, using Kauai materials.
In shops and kiosks around the island, look for the purple and green logo with the words “Kauai Made” on the bottom. The logo, wrapped in ti leaves and tied into a package, depicts hookupu, the traditional Hawaiian custom of offering an honored gift.
Moloaa Bay Coffee with the Kauai Made logo. Daniel Lane photo
Kauai Made food and floral products include sea salt and spices, condiments, granola, cookies, pie, chocolates, coffee, goat cheese, rum and mead. Hand-crafted jewelry, crafts, aloha wear, paintings, and ceramics are all handmade here in Kauai.
Kauai Made soap sold at Papaya's. Daniel Lane photo
Health and beauty products include custom blended perfumes, skin and hair care products, and natural moisturizers. Each laced with tropical scents and rich in Kukui, coconut or avocado oil and aloe vera. Bath salts, body scrubs and medicinals made with Hawaiian sea salt, and noni bring Kauai’s fresh scents and nutrients to your skin.
Whether you live here or are visiting, just look for the Kauai Made logo and bring home an authentic piece of Kauai.
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