Great Adventures on Horseback

Aloha,

My grandson, Aukai, and I just spent a few days of  fun adventures. We started our summer staycatation with an awesome horseback ride at  Triple L Ranch . We rode down to the ocean in the  backcountry of Ka'naio. These slopes of Haleakala are dotted with kiawe trees and the native Wili-Wili tree.
Our horses were great., and Aukai fell in love with his horse.

  He was very happy and sported a huge smile all day. I think  Surprise probably also enjoyed the light and agile rider she had for the day. She responded so well to Aukai. I was relaxed and comfortable knowing it was a great match.

My horse was named Chewy. I did let him get away with snacking on the run ..I imagine the cowboys don't let them eat as they walk, but, he was just so good at it, not missing a step as he snagged mouthfuls of green tips along the trail.

The ocean beckoned and we were looking forward to chilling out in the water and resting in the shade. The peaceful  bay where we lunched was  a welcome stop. As we were rounding the bend, we caught a wiff of  the world famous and, oh so ono, Bully's Burgers. Aukai and I climbed off our horses with our mouths watering, and lunch did not disappoint. Food always taste better outside for some reason, and these burgers, hot off the grill, were delicious.

Our guide, and cooks,  Saundra, Sheri and Braddah took wonderful care of us.  Saundra handled the horses well and  also shared information about the area.  She was a pleasure to spend the day with, and Sheri and Braddah gave us their all at lunch . An afternoon of relaxing  and talking story in the shade of the kiawi tree after a jump in the ocean, was just what I was hoping for.

Paige De Ponte had promised us a memorable day, and it really was. The Triple L Ranch is one of  the last Hawaiian ranches still raising their own free range cattle. Their horses are free range as well, living the good life. The ride was a  an authentic experience for folks who are looking for the real deal without all the fluff  and frills. Triple L has been a  working ranch for many years. Check out their website for their rich and colorful  history.
They have  been offering trail rides for a year now, and like all new businesses, are growing as they go.

I have to say that being able to canter and gallop back up the mountain was a real highlight for Aukai and I . We headed out across the hills searching for the water trough for the horses and I  loved every minute of the "no trail " cross country experience.   I was very happy that this ride let us experience all the horses could give us.

We had a blast!  If you want to spend a day in the wilds of Ka'naio, and  in the company of some downhome, resourceful folks with a healthy respect and deep love for their land and animals, check out the Triple L Ranch Trail Rides.

I am so glad that  Aukai and I were able to share this experience. I know we will always remember it.

 Heartfelt Mahalo to Paige and the Crew!

With  Much Aloha,
Cherie
www.maui-bed-and-breakfast.com
www.homesalesmaui.com

Free Slack Key Guitar Festival

Aloha Folks,

This event is a wonderful time, some real Hawaiian Music..Ki Ho' alu, Slack Key Guitar.
 Kick back on the lawn and enjoy island food, Hawaiian arts & crafts and a full day of Hawaiian slack key music

Ki Ho‘alu Guitar Festival ~
21st Anniversary on Maui


Sunday, June 24 ~ 1 to 7 pm


Yokouchi Pavilion / A&B Amphitheater: Maui Arts and Cultural

Treat yourselves to the music of :

Nathan Aweau • Brother Noland • Ola Hou with Kevin & Ikaika Brown • Hi‘ikua
Stephen Inglis • Dennis Kamakahi • George Kahumoku, Jr. • George Kuo
Pancho Graham • Keale • Maunalua with Bobby Moderow • LT Smooth
Paul Togioka • Kawika Kahiapo • Makana

Wow, what a line up!!!!!!!!!!

FREE Admission ~ a hui hou!

For more information, call the MACC Box Office at (808) 242-SHOW (7469) or go online to MauiArts.org

Well, if I was not going to Lanai for the day, this is where I would be...It's been a couple of years since I have been to one of these wonderful concerts, but, I always enjoy them.

Aloha for now,
Cherie
~~~

Hui Printmakers

Aloha Folks,

I had the great fortune to attend a three day wood block print making workshop at the wonderful
 Hui Noeau Visual Arts Center in Makawao that just ended today.
The excitement I felt as this class was drawing near, was off the charts. I was jumping out of my skin because my all time favorite teacher, Casey Newman, was returning to Maui from the mainland for a week of workshops. Casey was my first teacher , and I learned so much from her our first time together. This time was alot of refinement and taking it all a few steps further. My friend, Donette Gene did a beautiful piece.

My usual mode is Japanese water color wood block as I am able to work at home in a small space. This workshop we used oil based ink, and , there is a big challenge in cleaning up with this method.
However, the weather on Maui allows one to take their time in running a print once the block is inked. Water color is a bit of a rush, with no real time to daydream once ink is laid down.
Casey gave me some pointers in improving my carving technique, and I am really happy my lines will be sharper now.  I did a marathon carving session on Monday..11 hours,(!!) with a small break to eat..I have to say, that time really does fly when you are having fun. Any artist will agree, that one of the wonders of total immersion is the ability to loose track of time...Being  so focused without alot of distracting thoughts is a thing of real beauty in my book.
The Printmakers community on Maui is a great bunch of folks. Another very special teacher I had the honor to work with was Claudia Coonon. Claudia is no longer with us, but her art lives on and on. She was very much involved with the Maui Crafts Guild.
If you feel something creative calling you, answer the call, pick up the phone, open the door..even if it takes you from the rest of your life for awhile...it is so worth it to rejuvenate yourself and honor your creative impulses.

Life is good.

With Aloha and a Happy Heart,
Cherie

Maui Community Work Day

Aloha,

We all know how great it feels to help put a smile on someone's face, especially a child...
I am happy to work with a company who makes it a point to give back to our community .

The Windermere Foundation was created  to support assistance programs for low-income and homeless families in  communities on the West Coast. In 1989 as a grassroots foundation serving families in need in Washington state, began, and,  has  now grown to ten states, including Hawaii, raising over $23 million for programs and organizations that provide shelter, clothing, children’s programs, emergency assistance and other services .

Here on Maui, our Windermere Valley Isle Properties just finished  Community Work Day. Last year we cleaned and spruced up the Makawao Boys and Girls Club. It was a great day and everyone pitched in to help the good folks in the Boys and Girls Club. This year we worked at the Kihei  Youth Center. It was so satisfying helping them deep clean and organize along with  keiki (kids) from the community .

We are all so busy with our lives, and to take time out to help others is a win/win.   Most of my volunteer efforts have been environmental ,working in tandem with  volunteer-on-vacation-hawaii.com  Somehow, planting trees was always  attractive to me.

I know from my personal experience, that being involved with the children of my community, working to make their lives even just a little bit better is equally rewarding, and I am grateful to Windermere for making it a point to give back.

If you have a chance to volunteer in your community, go for it!  You'll be happy you did.

 With Aloha
Cherie
www.maui-bed-and-breakfast.com
www.homesalesmaui.com


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Makawao Town Parties

Aloha Folks,


Last night was our Third Friday Makawao Town Party. The best part of the event was the fact that a part of Baldwin Ave was closed off to make it safe for all to stroll the street, enjoy music and local grinds from the street vendors. Put it on your calendar.

Music entertained all with the Haiku Hillbillies..they really rocked...Talented musicians, a stage full of them, kept alot folks jumping and swaying.  My favorite piece was called Kahakuloa Sunrise, so sweet and  fine..

It was a nice assortment of folks, free spirits to cowboys..a typical mix in Makawao...gotta love it.
Because the streets were full, I imagine the merchants did not see quite as much action as in the past when sidewalks were crowded and people were popping into the stores for some time out....I know this may be a trade off, but, it sure felt nice to stroll the street without watching out for cars..alot safer for all the keiki, and parents with strollers..

In behalf of all the merchants who also chip in for the event, remember to Shop Local and support our small businesses whenever possible.

Makawao is a wonderful town with rich heritage from all the immigrants who settled this area.  I am so happy and proud to call Makawao my hometown.

 I hope we can one day have a muesum in Makwao to keep that spirit alive and share all the wonderful photos from the past.

Have a wonderful weeked, where ever you are!

With Aloha,
Cherie

Music Lovers..this is for you!

Aloha Jazz and Blues Fans,

True to form, Maui Delivers again..Put these upcoming dates on your calendar.

Iao Theater looks like an all out fest!!

Get out, tap your toes and swing your hips, and enjoy some tunes.

Thats what I like, more and more good music on Maui.

A hui hou..

Cherie

Maui Film Festival

Yippee..it's that time of year again.
The wonderful Maui Film Festival is in full swing.

Enjoy a lovely evening under the stars with friends and sweethearts..bring your blankets and beach chairs and get ready to be entertained.
As the folks from Maui Film Festival say " The One. The Only. Celestial Cinema"  and a great event it is!!!

Our lovely Maui Arts and Cultural Center also shows films for the four days of the festival, if you don't want the outside experience.

Check out the line up and make plans...It's a perfect time of year to go early and enjoy the sunset and a delicious dinner in Wailea. There is also food available at the cinema., and other events for the festival as well. Support the film makers and participate in their Filmaker's Panel on Sat. June 16th.

See you at the movies!
With Aloha,

Cherie

Maui Real Estate on Sale now!

Aloha,


With so many *headlines* concerning Real Estate changes  lately,this should clarify the  Maui News reporting a few days ago.  Record low interest rates and the lowest Median price on Maui in 5 years, makes it a great time to hop off the fence and think more seriously about a Maui Real Estate purchase. This year, your Maui ownership dream can become a reality.


*"Housing Indicators are Up!"
On May 24th several housing indicators came out: apps, prices, sales. And all were up! - Reuters


*"The national median home price rose for the third straight month in April" - HG Housingwire


*"Hawaii ranks #1 in House Price Appreciation"
Federal Housing Finance Administration’s Purchase-Only House Price Index


*"Oahu Home prices near 5-year high!"
Honolulu Star Advertiser 6/8/2012


And yet on June 11, 2012 the Maui News wrote…

*"Single-family homes at ‘sale’ prices on Maui"
Median price hits 5-year low in May

The median price of single-family homes in Maui County dropped last month to its lowest level in at least five years. Coupled with record-low interest rates, real estate professionals say the Maui home market is at one of its most affordable levels in nearly
 a decade.
"It sounds cliche, but Maui's on sale right now," says the president of the Realtors Association of Maui.... Maui's May numbers are the reverse of what the Honolulu market experienced last month. Those in the industry say because Maui has a much smaller inventory of properties than Oahu, a handful of low-priced homes can skew Maui's averages downward and vice versa.

Why are prices going up on Oahu but Maui is 'on sale'? Just a few months ago we wrote that Maui’s real estate market was starting to turn. The above headlines make it clear that this is a fact in Honolulu as well as in other parts of the country. While Maui tends to lag behind Oahu and the mainland, sometimes numbers can be deceiving.

The real estate market on Maui is turning, with different parts of the market behaving differently. In May, 36% of the closings on Maui were short sale or bank owned, and 25%  sold for under $299,999. Also, 13 of these lower priced homes  went into escrow more than 4 months ago. So the numbers would indeed be skewed to reflect this brisk activity in the lower end of the market and cause statistics of the overall median price to decline. But, this end of the market is seeing multiple offers and increasing prices, so don't be deceived by the statistics. When inventory is low and multiple buyers vie for the same properties, prices go up.

An important secondary factor in the market picture on Maui is the low inventory. The number of units on the market is down almost 40% from a "normal" market, and this will impact prices.
Conventional wisdom says.... You will not see a market like this again for at least 12 to 15 years. Maui is indeed “on sale”. And it won't be long before Maui's market catches up to Oahu and the rest of the country.


I look forward to helping you with your Real Estate needs.

With Aloha,

Cherie Attix R(S)
www.homesalesmaui.com
Windermere Valley Isle Properties
Paia, Maui

Ag, Animals Fowl and Farm Maui

Aloha,

This is an unoffical start to Summer weekend with the kick off of Upcountry Ag and Farm Fair.

Two days of food, entertainment (of course, food and music!!!) presentations and a  Maui 4H Livestock show and auction gave the community an event to enjoy together .
I had a guest who flew in from the mainland to judge the  kids's animals for the show. We had an interesting conversation while I was making breakfast. I learned about beef, catagories and sub-catagories of beef, natural, grass fed, organic, conventional...etc. I told my guest that the best beef I have ever eaten was in Argentina.  For the last 30 years I have sampled some of the best beef on the planet..and I have to say that Maui Cattle Company is  ono as well.
This year's Upcountry Ag and Farm Fair is dedicated to the legacy of the Maui Paniolo, Hawaii's beloved cowboys. Alot of talk story going on in the tents that are honoring the resourcefulness of the paniolo.

While my guest was here I showed him what my hens have been giving me with this week, itty bitty eggs, and gigantic eggs, (!) the kind that do not fit into the pukas of the egg carton..I can't close the lid they are so big.
 My knowledgable guest explained the ends of laying cycles for hens and what is produced during these times. I think it's time to explore getting a few more chickens, now that everybody is under control again with ducks and hens all where they belong.

For now, welcome to summer!!!!..beautiful blue skies, nice tradewinds..Always a pleasure, hope we can still get some rain for the garden throughout the summer.
Alot of guests from Texas are showing up now..they tell me it's the time of the year to get the heck outa Texas, pretty hot from what I gather.
Come to Maui, cool off in the blue Pacific ocean, hike in the forest and relax at the end of the day on the back lanai of Hale Ho'okipa Inn.

See ya soon.
With Aloha,
Cherie