Mele Kalikimaka

Aloha

Happy Holidays! and as we say in Hawaii "Mele Kalikimaka."


It's been a wild and wet Christmas week. I arrived in Kona and swam across the tarmac to a soggy Big Island holiday. Many inches of rain blessed the islands during our holiday week. Despite the downpours, spirits were high with lots of ono food, holiday music, hula performance and the usual hustle and bustle of the season.

For me the sweetest part of the holiday season is spending time with my loved ones. I did miss my children that are not in Hawaii. Sharing the love with my grand children, grown children and old friends was so sweet and fulfilling. I arrived back home feeling all filled up, content and happy.

May the love of family and friends warm your hearts as we move towards the New Year.

Much Aloha,

Cherie

Small Business "Good on Ya" Award

Aloha

Just today I was chatting with someone about small businesses on Maui. We have a new administration about to take office in Maui county. Our conversation was focused on the hopes that maybe now there would be less hurdles to becoming a successful small business . The large resort have been the dominating presence in the islands for many years. We also have alot of big box stores and mainland chains that now compete with small businesses. My blogs have often focused on the wonderful small businesses for some extra pr. I always say, "It takes all of us to keep it going."

In 1996, I stepped out on a limb and thought, hmm, maybe people want another choice for their accommodations while visiting our island. It was a risk, but, it is paying off . I believe that these "vanity awards" are really just a ploy to get small business owners to buy the bling. I don't plan on purchasing the plaque they want to sell to me, but, I am happy that Hale Ho'okipa Inn is still hanging in, has staying power, and continues to attract the Cream of the Crop Visitors to Maui.

A Big Mahalo to all Supporters of Small Business Everywhere! ,

Cherie

p.s. I sifted through the "award" to post the main theme..

Hale Hookipa Inn Receives 2010 Best of Makawao Award

-- Hale Hookipa Inn has been selected for the 2010 Best of Makawao Award in the Bed & Breakfast Inns category by" -------------".
These local companies enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community. (This part I like)

So, even if this is a "I Wish" award, I still say "Congratulations to all Small Businesses" I am officially honoring us with the "Good on Ya" Award!

Much Aloha,
Cherie

Holiday Season Aloha

Aloha,

Today was a lovely start to our Holiday Aloha Season. We have been having gorgeous weather with colorful sunsets, cool and crisp all week. I just love this time of year!

My holiday fun started at the 25th Annual Haleakala Waldorf School Christmas Fair. I enjoy visiting the Waldorf School because it is a fairy tale come true. All the handmade toys, the rolled bees wax candles, and little gnome villages the children make are so sweet.

Today there was also an abundance of shell and beach glass jewelery amongst the crafters for sale. The fair had a great turn out, and hopefully the artists and crafts folks were well supported. I saw some of my guests up at this event enjoying themselves and shopping a bit as well.

My next stop was the Hui Noe Au Visual Arts Center to visit "Christmas House". Another striking sight , super blue sky behind the magnificent historic home. Our art center is a joy to the community, a place for classes and shows. I did a little shopping at the Hui and the fair, aiming to support the arts whenever possible.

Then to Makawao for town festivities. My Maui real estate office, Equity One in Makawao, has some awesome carolers, and they delighted the town with Christmas favorites. Dressed in holiday finery they strolled up and down the historic storefronts entertaining all the shoppers and shopkeepers. I wandered behind them taking pictures and enjoying the show.

Makawao town has a large Norfolk Pine tree, almost the same size as the giant growing on the grounds of Hale Ho'okipa. Part of the Christmas tradition is the lighting of the star. Auntie Rose, a Cowgirl Hall of Fame local horsewoman, always does her duty riding into town to light the tree. Some years I fire up the star at the top of my tree as well.

I am still offering a pre-holiday special as I have some openings at the Hale Hookipa Inn the week before Christmas.

If you feel like gifting yourself some time in a wonderful b&b in beautiful upcountry, Ho-Ho-Ho, give me a call, I'll give you a great deal!!

Warmest Alohas,

Cherie