 Looking for something to do this weekend? Wanna stay away from the crowds, goblins, zombies and ghouls taking up the streets and crowding your sidewalks? Head to the windward side, where you will enjoy a delightful retreat from the hustle and bustle of town and feel like you're on a stay cation getaway for the hallowed holiday. Dia de los Muertos, aka the “Day of the Dead,” is traditionally a Mexican holiday that coincides with Halloween. Technically, it begins on Nov. 1 and runs through Nov. 2, but it’s often celebrated from Halloween night through the first days of November. Although some may perceive this holiday to be the opportunity for the deceased to revisit the living, often others rejoice, remember and celebrate the dead with parades, festivities and of course, food. We were invited to preview and taste some of the special Day of the Dead-inspired dishes at Cactus, a Kailua restaurant Cactus restaurant, located at 767 Kailua Road, is known for it's latin cuisine while using fresh locally sourced produce, protein from Hawaii farmers and transporting Central and South American flavors to the windward side of Oahu with a Hawaiian flare. After 2 1/2 years since opening the casual yet festive location is getting ready for it's second annual Dia de los Muertos celebrations with a specially made menu. We were invited to get a sneak peek, and taste, of some of the specially crafted, Day of the Dead-inspired dishes that are often associated with this holiday and some are staples in the latin community cooking when honoring loved ones and memories from year's past. The overall theme of Cactus' the special menu (only available from October 31 - November 2) is freshness. The dishes include fresh, handmade Sopes, non-GMO produce, Big Island beef, free range chicken, fresh picked greens and fruits. Combined together these dishes, ranging in price from $12-34 offer a flavorful, refreshing, unique and fulfilling essence of latin cuisine with hints of Hawaii. We sampled the Sopes, Tamale Tasting and Bistecca, were also treated to a very special frozen banana and chocolate dessert that is only available for a limited time, so ask if they have it. Of the 9 menu items getting ready to launch next week Friday (10/31) these were ready to taste and review. Sadly, the special desserts Calabaza en Tracha and freshly made Churros ($10-12) were not available yet. We may have to go back to munch on those delicacies. Once the weekend hits they will also feature live music, Karma tequila and other hand-crafted cocktails. The special menu additions will be available for breakfast, lunch and dinner along with some other surprises, tricks and treats! Check out our sneak peek into Cactus' Dia de los Muertos, Comida: Cactus 767 Kailua Road Kailua, HI 96734 261-1000 *Reservations are suggested Breakfast Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Lunch 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Happy Hour 3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Dinner 5 p.m.-10 p.m. 
Chicharones with citrus and truffle - yes these are amazing!
Fresh handmade masa - light, delightful and topped with cheese to add creamy flavor.
Sopes, topped with fried avocado and pickled mango.
Tamale tasting - featuring short tin tamale and shrimp
Chocolate dipped frozen banana, peanuts and chocolate mousse special dessert
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