As a child, I learned from my grandma and my parents how to work the salt beds (flats) of which my Uncle and his family continue to preserve today. It is located in the western side of Kauai in an area called Salt Pond Beach Park, named for the traditional Hawaiian sea salt produced in salt flats near the beach.
Rights to process the salt are handed down each generation and sometimes families can be seen working their salt beds, preserving this great piece of Hawaiian culture. The salt patch is made out of 17 different families. Each family has their own section within the patch. You must stay within the area assigned to you as this area was passed down from generation to generation. You are not allowed to farm salt in someone else’s area without permission from the Hui nor can you start your own section without permission.
Season begins when summer starts and ends when the rains come. During a good season you can start around May and finish in September. The amount of salt you can harvest from one season really depends on everything nature provides sun, clay, ocean salt, brine shrimp, and ocean tides.
Hawaiian Salt or Paa Kai is used for seasoning, preserving food and often used as a gift from one family or friend to another.
While vacationing on Kauai, it is a must to see the Salt beds (flats) in Hanapepe, located on the West Side. Want to stay on the West Side, please visit our luxury rentals and enjoy this quiet, rural beach community at its best.