A Million Little Pieces Of My Mind

Since we had a beach adventure yesterday, and today was cooler and with more frequent showers (always normal on Kaua'i), we decided to visit a local shopping village, what passes for a mall on the island.

The Shops at Kukui'ula, located on the sunny south shore of Kaua'i in Poipu, is a premier shopping and dining destination that showcases a blend of modern amenities and historical charm. The site where The Shops at Kukuiula now stands was once a sugarcane plantation, reflecting the rich agricultural history of the area.

The architectural design of The Shops at Kukui'ula pays homage to Hawaii's plantation past, featuring elements that capture the essence of Kaua'i's natural landscape and heritage. The development includes open gathering spaces, a pedestrian main street, and the Uluwehi Garden, which features tropical plants and water features.

Merriman's Kaua'i, located in The Shops at Kukui'ula, is a well-known restaurant offering a unique dining experience with its Hawaii Regional Cuisine, championed by Chef Peter Merriman. The restaurant embraces the farm-to-table concept, with over 90% of its ingredients sourced locally and sustainably.

The distinctive scuba diver statue in front of Merriman's Kauai adds a unique charm to the restaurant's exterior.

The Uluwehi Garden at The Shops at Kukui'ula is a beautiful and lush verdure that serves as a central feature of the shopping center. It is designed to reflect the natural landscape and heritage of Kaua'i, capturing the essence of the island's agricultural and economic history. The garden integrates tropical plants and a Kapuna Story Hearth, which includes shallow water features and 'ili'ili stones, adding to its serene and picturesque environment.

This is Plumeria, also commonly known as frangipani. Plumerias are known for their beautiful and fragrant flowers which are often used in making leis here in the Islands.

These flowers are Crinum lilies, specifically Crinum augustum or similar species, which are known for their large, fragrant, and showy flowers. They typically have long, strap-like leaves and large clusters of flowers that can be white, pink, or red.

In the upper center right are Spider Lilies, known for their distinctive, long, and narrow petals that give them a spider-like appearance. They are commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions and are admired for their unique and striking floral display.

This flower is a Hibiscus. Hibiscus flowers come in many colors, including yellow, red, pink, and white. They are popular ornamental plants in tropical and subtropical regions.

This is a Red Ginger (Alpinia purpurata). Red Ginger is known for its bright red bracts and is commonly found in tropical gardens.

And here's me with my precious granddaughter, Gianna.

On our return we found big brother Zach enjoying his birthday present at Poipu Beach.