KHS Culinary Arts Program Serves the Market

Mākeke Kapolei is proud to partner with the culinary arts program of Kapolei High School.  You might see the students selling “one-bowl” meals at the market for a reasonable price. Led by teacher Cynthia Pratt, the program has had a number of noteworthy successes through cooking competitions (just like “Iron Chef”), as well as producing a cookbook called “From the Heart of Hawaii’s Families” with more than 180 recipes that focus on how Hawaii’s families weather challenging, difficult times and how they celebrate happy times. As of March 2012, over 1,200 cookbooks have been sold with 300 remaining. If you’d like a copy, please pick up a copy at the PCNC office at Kapolei High between 8 am and 4 pm ($15 cash, check or money order accepted) or send a check made out to “From the Heart of Hawaii’s Families” for $18 (book plus $3 postage) and mail to Kapolei High School, 91-5007 Kapolei Parkway, Kapolei, HI. Proceeds benefit Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women & Children to expand/renovate its neonatal facilities.

Makeke Kapolei Grand Opening

GRAND OPENING OCTOBER 20 - 3:00-6:30 PM

Mahalo to all - vendors, entertainers, shoppers, and hard-working staff and volunteers - who came to the Grand Opening of Mākeke Kapolei! It was, indeed, a grand day with more than 800 people attending. The buzz of excitement was in the air, and the sounds of home-grown talent filled our ears.  More than 30 vendors shared their products and keiki participated in fun games as well as pony rides and petting zoos. Pickles the Cow and Smokey Bear also made guest appearances. In one word, WOW!

Auntie Nettie of Lanikuhonua began the afternoon with a Hawaiian blessing, gathering representatives from the three key partners - Kapolei High School, Wai'anae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, and Mālama Learning Center.

We couldn't have asked for a more talented emcee, Georgette Stevens, who serves on the board of Mālama Learning Center, and also sings, plays guitar, and performs with her daughter, Keala'iliahi, a spirited hula dancer. They performed several numbers that set the stage for more to come.

Other performers included students from the Performing Arts Center of Kapolei, American Renaissance Academy, Kapolei High School Polynesian Club, and Halau O Ka'ululau'ae. There was acting, singing, and dancing. It was non-stop, top-rate entertainment right from our own community of Kapolei!

There were many items to shop for, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, pickled vegetables, smoked meat and fish, hand-pounded pa'i'ai (kalo and 'ulu), natural home-made fruit/flower drinks, native plants, house plants, orchids, coconut peanut butter, vermiculture (worm composting) kits, organic coffee, hand-made jewelry, and more. There were also "zero waste" stations promoting the three R's: reduce, reuse, and recycle.  If it didn't get dark, we would've been out there for 3 more hours!

Though we won't be able to put on such an event every week, there will always be great shopping and a chance to meet new friends at Mākeke Kapolei.