Makawao History Project, A Village and 15 Days

A wonderful new addition has come to Makawao Town. It took A Village and 15 days to create the Makwao History Project.

We got the keys to the space on Nov 1st, spent a full day of cleaning, and went to work painting the space the next day with a hard working core group of volunteers . We were ready to begin the creation, gathering, and installation of the new museum on the 3rd of Nov.

I had the privilege of doing the installation with Darrell Orwig. Darrell was the Gallery Director of the Schaefer  Gallery at Maui Arts and Cultural Center for many years. In the art community of Maui, Darrell is held in highest regard. 

I laid out what I thought to be the most important areas to consider for the history of our community. The sections I wanted to see highlighted were, Makawao Town, Schools and Churches, Island Cultures, Pineapple and Plantations, Paniolo and Ranching. Darrell had the great idea to designate areas with graphic silhouettes which he drew and painted. He and I worked well together, and I felt so privileged to work with such an artistic ,creative , funny and experienced person. I made a friend for life. 

We also asked local artist Debrya Fair  to create vintage signs for each area.

Then, I spent a few days gathering memorabilia from the A and B Sugar Museum, my own home, Hale Ho'okipa Inn Makawao, and other private lenders.
 Eddie Flotte, my favorite Maui water color artist donated a series of his renditions of the old buildings of Makawao.  We also counted on the community coming forward with their treasures, and they did. Once we had the goods, we had one whole week to design and install!!! Others were busy planning the opening party,sending out invitations and researching all the memorabilia and donated photos.

Someone asked me why I was committing my time and energy to this project. I had some vague notions, but, it became crystal clear on our Grand Opening night.

An older gentleman was one of hundreds who came to our Grand Opening. I was touring a friend around and we were in the Schools and Churches section.  This elder  fellow was taking digital photos of a very old Makawao School pamphlet.  I asked him if those were his classmates, and he quietly replied, "No, it's my Sister." Tears sprung to my eyes and I felt humbled and satisfied .I instantly knew why I had invested so much in this project.

Our own Cowgirl Hall of Fame resident came into the History project  a few times with her treasures. They included a photo of her beloved husband, his bio and his well worn cowboy hat. Other elders have stopped by with their family and friends to hang out and talk story, and share their memories. One woman had tears in her eyes, she was sad that so much had changed, but she was delighted to visit the  Makawao History Project to see old photos and old friends.

There are still so many untold stories. Our Living Treasures will not be around forever, and they have so much to share. We have enough funding to stay open until Dec 31st. I hope we can make it through our busy season until the end of Feb, so that many of our Upcountry visitors are also able to enjoy the museum. If anyone wants to make a donation, please let me know, and I will happily give further details. We are staffed by volunteers, but, we need more rent $ and other expenses to keep our doors open. Lots more photos are available on our Makawao History Project Facebook page, and a website is also being created now. For those who read the Maui news online, more info is available in this article.
Check out our new video that is on Maui Akaku community television :video  It's a great video with interviews and our Grand Opening.

To give back to your community is a great joy. I am so very honored to have been a part of this Village, Makawao Town, my town.

With Aloha,
Cherie

Pi'iholo Adventures

Aloha,

My grandson recently came over from Big Island for a visit and we shared some great Upcountry adventures.
Aukai really likes to ride horses so we set up a ride with Pi'iholo Ranch on a beautiful sunny morning. I really enjoy Pi'iholo, they are first rate, take great care of guests, and the location is very close to Makawao.

Our horses  were sweet, Aukai really loved his friend, Buddy. We rode through pasture with amazing views, and  upcountry rainforests on the large ranch. Our wranglers, Tara and Meagan, took us by guava patches and my horse loved the guavas that Aukai  fed him. At one point, we had a cattle round up and Aukai  charged into the herd to get them back into the proper pasture and  behind closed gates. That was a highlight of our ride. It felt like we were working the ranch for a little while. This makes the third ranch ride we have taken together in lovely Upcountry.
                                                                                                          

The Pi'iholo Ranch is owned by the Baldwin family, a long time Panilolo and ranching family who have lived on Maui for many generations. Peter Baldwin founded the Pi'iholo Ranch with the help of his three sons.

We also had an exciting adventure on the Pi'iholo Ranch Zipline. Our friends, Jo and Olivier joined us for the day. Jo and Aukai were pretty brave, always jumping to the front of the line ready to zip away.
It was a short but beautiful walk in between zip lines. There are several lines, with the last one being really long, and very high. This was my favorite line as I was able to have a few of upper Makawao that I don't often get to see. 

 Our guides were fun, caring and very professional. I had been looking forward to the zip experience for a few years while waiting for my grandson to be the required 75lbs. It was worth the wait, and we all had a great time.
Pi'iholo Adventures did not disappoint. I am very happy to be able to recommend either one of these fun adventures to my guests.
Whooo..check out Aukai flying down the zip!
Have fun... Aloha..Cherie   

Malama Wao Akua 2013

Aloha,

One of my favorite art shows of the year opened Friday night at Viewponts Gallery in Makawao.
Malama Wao Akua 2013 is a juried art exhibition where Maui's artists help raise awareness  about Maui's native species. Elementary and High School artists gain a greater appreciation and more knowledge about the Natives as they research and create their art project for the show. We know the value in engaging our children in important matters to their communities, environment, and cultural heritage.
Many children of Hawaii have been learning hula since they were very young, while others are new to the art. Hula takes commitment, and these lovely girls delighted guests with their performance.

My entry, " Vintage Lauhala Hat with Lehua Lei'po'o" ,was selected for the show.  I had a great time creating my first copper plate etching, and was pleased with the outcome. Being selected for the show was super. I look forward to this event every year, and my art has been selected  for the last four years that I've entered. The collection in the area of the gallery where my piece was displayed was an interesting mix  depicting  native species in clothing and jewelery.These pieces were "out of the box"  yet still met the requirement of showcasing native species.

  Many artists chose to highlight our popular native birds, the red feathered Apapane being a favorite. An informative display was available for anyone interested in learning more.
Malama ( To Protect and Preserve) East Maui's Native Hawaiian Forested Watershed 's rainforest and primary water source, has been the mission of East Maui Watershed Partnership. This partnership , created in 1991, is a combined effort between federal, state and private land owners with the common goals of controlling invasive species and animals, and education through outreach. Lands are being preserved ad protected, and the staff who build fences and pull invasive species are hard working and dedicated folks.

Combining art and the protection of our environment, how lucky are we!
Here's to doing what we love to do.
 Our home in Hawaii and our planet need our attention, before many things are gone forever.

With Aloha,
Cherie

Maui Hiking

Aloha,

A special week has come to a close. Last week was spent hitting the trails on Maui with my active family visiting from the mainland.
After a couple of years of swimming for my main excersise, I have made a switch back to hiking and walking, and am very happy for it.  So is my dog, Annie, as she  loves  running and sniffing and meeting other dogs  on the trail.

Our first hike was one I call the  Bushwhack Hike. This hike is challenging because it's an old fisherman's trail that is often overgrown and difficult to find. Without a machete or a sickle it's impossible to navigate when in the overgrown state. One needs to really remember the topography and landmarks when hiking this area. Someone has put a few markers on the trees recently and that helps when standing in deep brush. The trail finally opens up to a cliff requiring some careful maneuvering to get to the beach. This hike will whoop even the hardiest of hikers. We all survived, a bit scratched up, and I ended up carrying little Annie for a good portion as the underbrush was so thick and overgrown with vines. Floating in the pools at the ocean after all the work of getting there, is a wonderful reward.

After a day of beach time rest and recovery, we were ready for a Haleakala National Park hike. The young folks in my family took off for a little beach retreat while us older members laced up our boots and headed up the mountain. I did not have a full 11 mile crater hike in me, so we went for a stroll down switchbacks, Halemau'u trail at 8,000ft level . This really is an amazing hike that leads down to the Holua cabins. I would recommend good hiking shoes or boots as the rocks on the trail are uneven at best. It was mostly clear when we started, and then clouded up on the way back . It can get a bit damp  because of the usual cloud cover. A rain jacket has come in handy here more than once. This trail is a mystical experience, native plants line the rocky path, and the vistas are  definitely other worldly.

If you are not ready for a challenging hike, Haleakala National Park has many other options available. The trail walk at Hosmers Grove usually is dotted with birds for the bird watching folks. The top of Sliding Sands Trail will give you a magnificent view into the crater and walking a short ways down the trail still can be a bit challenging  due to the altitude at the top. I happily share my knowledge and experience of Maui trails with my guests at Hale Ho'okipa Inn..
Maui offers many, many opportunities to enjoy nature on the trail, easy, or rugged. If I could hand everyone a script for a healthy, happy life, it would read :
" Walk Every Day that You Can"
Hope to see you Walking Maui, soon. With much Aloha,
Cherie

Hana Real Estate Talk Story

Aloha,

Recently, I took a day trip to Hana to preview property for a client. The back road is the only way I go to Hana. It's one of my favorite roads on all of Maui. Usually the drive is mellow, with very little car traffic, mostly local folks who live in the area and the occasional  cattle wandering the countryside.
 The sloping desert is  home to the native Wiliwili tree and is quite rugged, cut deep with gorges running down the mountain side. The view of Kaupo Gap from the backside of Haleakala is one of the most impressive sites on our island.

My mission for this adventure was to preview two beautiful East Maui properties for sale of large acreage in the Makalae area of East Maui. One of the 11 acre parcels is a  former flower farm filled with many varieties of ginger, and fruit trees, with a seasonal stream and dipping pool . The adjoining 11 acres, being located above the flower farm, has a wide panoramic  view of the ocean with the waves crashing against the shoreline below. The upper property borders state land, and the privacy of these two properties make them both very desirable.

Hana has a special slow pace. Ruled by nature, sleepy, remote, lush and tropical, it is  dotted with  organic farms. Growing fruit, flowers and vegies in Hana is easy considering the daily rain squalls that come in off the ocean and the showers from the upper slopes. Many people have water catchment tanks on their properties to supply their needs.  The average rainfall of Hana is around 400 inches per year, compared to the less than 10" per year in the central valley of Maui. More than 70 miles of water canals built in the late 1800's  bring water from Hana to the center of Maui for the sugar cane.
Some years back, Hawaiians from Hana challenged this age old practice of water being taken from Hana stating they needed the water from the streams to grow wetland Taro. The Hawaiian word for fresh water is Waiwai, which also indicates wealth. The population of Native Hawaiian people is larger in Hana than in any other district of Maui.

I could not pass up the roadside stands selling Plumeria lei. This was one of the sweetest sights of my day. I stopped the car, took a photo and dropped some money in the can for a fragrant lei.
Many people visit Oheo Gulch located in Haleakala National Park and pass by these and other interesting stands and vendors along the way.
Overnight accommodations are available in Hana for guests wanting to unwind for a few days. If you are game to make it out and back in one day, stay at Hale Ho'okipa with me. We'll get you on the road  after a great breakfast.  It's a long day, but, well worth the effort. Stop often, smell the flowers, pull over to take in the views, eat the fruit, chat with the folks of the area. It's is an adventure to remember.

Hana is a beautiful place, and a relaxed state of mind.

A hui hou,

Cherie

Maui Outrigger Canoe Championships

Aloha,

This past weekend was the Maui island canoe championship races at Kahului Harbor.  Na Kai Ewalu Canoe Club hosted the 2013 MCHCA Championships.  At the end of Regatta season, all the clubs on each island have their island wide championships to compete  for the State races.  It was a hot, hot day with little wind, normally the trades blow at the harbor.
Championships are  fun times of tough competition,  and alot of Aloha spirit.  Folks gather early for morning blessings  to start the races. The lanes are set in the harbor and the canoes line up waiting for the green flag. What a rush it is!! I used to paddle for Hawaiian Canoe Club and my seat was the Stroker of the boat. The person who sits in seat #1  sets the pace for the race. Getting a 400# canoe  going from a dead stop to flying across the water takes alot of strength, team effort, and  proper technique .

My guests at Hale Ho'okipa Inn   Olivier and Jo Mischon, came to the races, helped out,and took photos. Mahalo Oli, I am happy to post these great shots.

 The Koa Canoe of Hawaiian Canoe Club is important to the ohana (family). Koa canoes are a work of love, taking many months and many hands  to complete. Sitting in a Koa canoe at the race start line always made me feel emotions way beyond race jitters... a bit awestruck and very blessed.

We were working at this race. My daughter from the Big Island brought her goods over to set up a booth . Moku Nui has beautiful parreo, t-shirts, hats and paddle gear. A sweet model showing off her new hat posed for us. Island clothing made for island life style with Polynesian print is quite popular . Moku Nui means, Big Island. Endless Summer Surf Shop in Honokahau Harbor is just opening and will be carrying Moku Nui gear. Check em out if you are in Kona. The shop is shaping up to have all sorts of great goods, and, you can look into some dives with Sunlight on Water while you are there. That will be another post  soon, as their photos and snorkel trips are amazing!

All in all, it was a great day, and wonderful to be with family and friends, enjoy the races, sell some gear and feel grateful for all the wonders, natural beauty and good folks of Hawaii.

Aloha,
Cherie

Silversword of Haleakala

Aloha,
High atop Mount Haleakala a  plant grows that is unique to this moonscape environment.  The Silversword only grows on Haleakala in volcanic cinder,  subject to freezing cold and high winds.The skin and hairs are strong enough to resist the wind  and protect the plant.The succulent leaves of the Silversword are covered with silver hairs reflecting the bright sunlight on the rocky slopes . In the leaves  a gel like substance attracts and stores water for dryer seasons.
 Blooming usually occurs from July through October.. The flower stalk can reach up to 6.ft.  in height covered in  sticky hairs to prevent crawling insects from creating damage.. The life span of a Silversword ranges from five to fifteen years.  After flowering the plant will die. 
 It's summer, and I am due for a trip up to Haleakala to look for  blooming plants to photograph. This photo I took a few years ago, and it's still one of my favorite images.

 In the 1920', visitors to the summit  uprooted  silversword plants to roll down the jagged lava slopes, also picking them  as souvenirs  These practices brought the Silversword close to extinction . The shallow root structure is very delicate and can be crushed by walking  around the plant. I was once lucky enough to smell the exotic fragrance by leaning in towards the blooming stock without stepping off the trail..
 Feeding by goats also severely damaged  plants. Goats and pigs are  fenced out of the crater area and since 1992, the Silversword is legally protected from damage by humans.
The protection of our  eco system is important in so many ways. We have lost so much that was unique to the Hawaiian islands. 
Enjoy and visit the House of the Sun, and please be very sensitive when visiting the treasure that is Haleakala.

With Aloha,
Cherie

Windermere Community Work Day at Maui Farm

Aloha,

Every year , all across the country, Windermere closes its offices for one day to make a positive difference in their local communities. Two years ago we deeply cleaned the Makawao Boys and Girls club, and last year we worked on the Kihei Youth Center. This year was the most rewarding experience for me. On June 21st Windermere Valley Isle Properties closed all three of our offices on Maui and spent a beautiful morning in upcountry Makawao working with the families at the Maui Farm,  gardening, pulling weeds, organizing and cleaning the nursery.  Our Windermere ohana (family) working toward a common goal of helping our community is one the yearly highlights.

I wanted to share the Mission statement of the chosen community service project this year:
"The Maui Farm provides farm-based, family-centered programs that teach essential life skills for self-sufficient living. We offer services in a safe neighborhood setting where individuals and families are nurtured to their full potential."

 Pulling weeds and talking story with resident moms and their kids was a special experience. This safe environment they call home, allowed them to open and share their stories as we worked.  Moms  receive guidance on parenting, develop a strong supportive community, and work towards personal and achievable goals. Their quality of life is greatly improved  thereby encouraging these families to grow in  independence, while at the same time forming bonds with other women of similar circumstances.  
The Maui Farm is available for volunteer opportunities, and I hope to post their contact on my www.volunteer-on-vacation-hawaii.com site soon. Please visit their site and look for ways to share your mana ( energy) and good fortune with these deserving folks.

Mahalo for all you do for your community.

With Aloha,
Cherie

Tripadvisor , the New Guidebook

Aloha,

Hale Ho'okipa Inn opened  in 1996 .As I look around in 2013, with the birds singing and wind chimes clanking, I realize what fullness feels like. My goal from the start has always been to provide guests with a true taste of Aloha in  the comfort of a restored historic home, honoring a bit of old Hawaii.
Even though, I like to write and design,  the art of hosting and helping people is my  main focus.

Taking a beaten down old home and breathing life back into it has certainly had it's fair share of challenges. Besides sanding floors and such, there was a business to create.

  I had one of the first web sites for bed and breakfasts on Maui...www.maui-bed-and-breakfast.com was a combined effort between myself and my web master, Scott Supak.  At first I thought I needed to learn html, and was relieved  when I realized not so..  I only needed to write content and provide photos. Scott did the rest.

Years ago, the promoters of our industry were the guide books, Frommers and Fodors, Moon books, booking agencies and the scouts who stopped by for tea and visits.

This bed and breakfast had been an adventure of historic proportions from Day One It takes a lot of  continued dedication, hard work, commitment and time to "get things right."

Throughout the years, travel dialogue has developed into sharing sites, with Tripadvisor being the front runner. This site posts reviews from guests and that goes for rants as well as raves. Personally,  I would prefer to deal with an issue while it is happening, instead of waiting to read about it on Tripadvisor. That being said, I have learned to check in regularly  with guests to make sure people are comfortable. We all have become more diligent with the knowledge that a guest's comments will directly affect our business and reputation. Business owners or managers are given an opportunity to respond to reviews.  Responding to all reviews honestly and graciously  seems to be the best approach.  Many say that people are able to take all that they read with the understanding that you cannot please everyone, even if you try.

 In June, 2013, I was honored with two different awards from TripAdvisor.. A Certificate of Excellence, 2013 based on ratings and reviews by guests. I was also honored with a Tripadvisor  Green Leader, 2013 Gold status for my green practices at Hale Ho'okipa. Usually Hale Ho'okipa is ranked #1 of two bed and breakfasts's in our area, and I notice that changes occasionally.  If people leave Maui a bit happier,  more relaxed, informed and rejuvenated from their time here, we have done our job.

If you are ready for some Upcountry Historic Hospitality, I look forward to sharing a bit of Maui No Ka Oi with you.

Maui the Best.

With Aloha,
Cherie

June Celebrations and Savings

Aloha All...

  This is a celebration time for many families. Graduation has just finished and here in Hawaii it's a really BIG deal, especially for high school. Seeing your kids and grandkids covered in lei, with huge smiles is one of life's greatest pleasures.  Two of my grandchildren graduated, Aukai from 5th grade. to middle school, and Raven from high school. My other granddaughter, Mehana, was the emcee at Raven's graduation, and my, oh my, what a happy and proud Tutu, I was :).


 Hale Ho'okipa Inn Makawao  is also celebrating an award...Tripadvisor. grants an Award of Excellence yearly, and Hale Ho'okipa is the recipient once again. It makes me very happy to know that guests who visit and stay at Hale Ho'okipa really enjoy our Historic Hospitality.

2013 Award of Excellence

In honor of this award, I have just posted a special called the "June Juggle" offering an $8 savings off the room rate per day for the rest of the month of June. Below are some tips of what an $8 dollars  a day in your pocket  can do to make your vacation even more wonderful:

1 pound of ripe delicious Lychee from Mana Foods ( the best food store in all of Hawaii)
4  boxes of local ono strawberries at Pukalani Superette
2 nights of discount will satisfy your appetite at the popular Paia Fish Market (best fish burgers around) 
2 nights discount will get you into the amazing Haleakala National Park, good for three days!

If you have the Spirit of Adventure, come to Maui. Please always treat the Kai ( Ocean) and Aina (Land) with  respect. One of the reasons that I love my guests so much, they usually arrive with the clear understanding that Maui is a very special place. 
If you live here, you know that a swim in the ocean will change the rest of your day for the better, a dip in a mountain stream when it's safe, is worth the effort of getting there.
A glorious sunset  on the beach won't cost you anything. Cooling off in a tradewind breeze is yours for the receiving..

It is possible to enjoy Maui for the budget conscious. Our local Saturday Farmer's market is a great place to shop locally for great produce and great prices .

 Come,relax and enjoy the  breeze on the lanai under the branches of the majestic Norfolk Pine.
Here's to the Good Life, a life with purpose and full of gratitude, lived with respect.

A hui hou,
Cherie

Haiku Ho'olaule'a & Flower Festial 2013

Aloha.

It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon for a Ho'olaule'a ( Hawaiian celebration). Our skies were clear and blue, a perfect contrast to all the bright colors of cut flowers in buckets, stunning tropical flower arrangements,   healthy plants and orchids on display.

This was the 20th year celebration of the Ha 'iku Flower Festival at PeaceLoveHaiku  Ho'olaule'a 2013..The festival first began as a fund raiser for  the Haiku School PTA with the goal to define Ha'iku by sponsoring a floral event.  The first flower festival was attended by only one plant grower, some entertainment,  few crafters and, of course, food. It has turned into a destination event with over fifty booths of  quality arts, crafts, silent auction,  book exchange, ono grinds to eat, and lots of  healthy plants.

This handsome young man is pounding taro for Poi. Most cultural events now include a booth with someone pounding taro root to share  how poi is made.


At the Flower Festival, I found my favorite Ti plant, the Ruby Sister...a glowing red Ti with long sword shaped leaves, at one of the vendor's stall. This richly colored Ti  makes such a statement on the grounds of Hale Ho'okipa Inn. 
I also purchased some very sweet shell earings, love all the beach inspired jewelry locally crafted and for sale at the craft's fairs. From beach glass to puka shells and carved hooks, island jewelry can be posh or rustic, and is always attractive. 

The huge and healthy vegie garden at Hai'iku School really surprised and impressed me . Seems that so many of our island schools these days have great gardens that the kids do work in and eat from. Lucky kids that are now being introduced to and involved  in healthy living through their school gardens.

Being a warm and sunny day, I stayed long enough to visit the history section of the festival ( one of my favorite areas) and to load up on Ti plants and a few other goodies.
 A swim at the ocean seemed like a perfect way to top off a great morning.

Supporting our local farmers, crafters, and island neighbors is one of my passions. It's  lots of fun, and we all benefit.


Pitch in for your community, whenever you have a chance.
With Aloha,
Cherie

Glorious Humpbacks

Aloha,

We are feeling the first hints of spring and  winter whale season is slowly winding down. This is the time of year when the Humpback calves  are practicing jumping, tail slapping, head pops, as well as nursing to grow stronger.  The whales are enjoying the  friendly waters of the Hawaiian islands for another month or so before they start their arduousness journey , 3000 miles north to Alaska. 
Last week, Kekoa, Virginia and I, paddled out in the 6 man Outrigger Canoe celebrating my birthday, quietly watching and enjoying the morning light. A mom and calf pair circled us for 2 hours nursing and resting, while we drifted. It was such a treat... very peaceful with with no other boats around.
I used to  train and race with Hawaiian Canoe Club,and being in an outrigger canoe connecting to the ocean was pure birthday bliss,..
 We could see breaching males  further out in the channel competing for the females. With the  ratio being two males to one female, it can get rather competitive as they vie for a female's attention in the hopes of mating at the end of their Hawaiian "vacation".
Kekoa Cramer, a Maui waterman, from the Wailea Canoe Club ,had been on the water the week before with some visitors when they experienced the surprise of their lives.  South Maui had alot of rain the evening prior so the ocean was quite murky. A Go Pro was mounted on the canoe to catch this extraordinary footage. This photo was taken by Laurent Lebihan and it's one of the most spectacular close encounter shots that I have ever seen.

 Check out Kekoa flying in the air off of his seat in the canoe..It looks as if the adolescent whale came in close enough to be surprised as well. Thankfully,  everyone was fine.. This link to Youtube is on the way to a million views...So, check it out, and enjoy.
http://youtu.be/rYQrI7X4mPk 
Humpback Whale Love Taps Canoe. Indeed.

Looking forward to the next paddle out in a few days...keeping it real !
With lots of Aloha, Cherie

Maui Real Estate Year in Review

Maui Real Estate Year in Review

Aloha,

Many folks like to talk, and dream about living in paradise..Keeping the dream alive, I wanted to share some information to give a snapshot of our Maui Real Estate market now, and what has changed in the last year.  Maui real estate turned in 2010 in terms of sales, and finally turned in 2012 in terms of sales price.

Condo sales are up 3%  with median price gain of 16%, sales of  Single Family Homesare up 4% with a median price gain of 9% and vacant land sales are up 29% with median prices up 13%.

 I just recently closed on large acreage in Upcountry Kula, a magnificent spot high up on the mountain with  breath taking views  Large land parcels are limited and attracting buyers now.

The bottom of the market is behind us. But the curve of the increase is slow and gradual, and national predictions are suggesting a 4%-6% gain this year. That is a reasonable pace and Maui seems to be matching it.

 The current market picture is a reflection of the  low inventory that we continue to experience. Real estate inventory is down almost 50% in Single Family Homes and 40% in condos as compared to 3-5 years ago. With fewer homes or condos on the market, prices are driven up and sales are down because buyers are competing  on well priced property .

Wish you could live on Maui? Ready to downsize? Your dream may be closer than you think . It continues to be a great time to purchase a home with historically low interest rates.  With limited inventory  below $1million , it’s an excellent time to list a home and sell in an environment with little competition. If you'd like more information, please contact me.
With Aloha,
Cherie

Feb. Great Events on Maui

mauionstage.com
mauiarts.org

mauiopenstudios.com

These are a few of the hotlinks because it's either too big to post or too small to read...Great events!

Cherimoya

Aloha,

Winter is Cherimoya season in my backyard. About a week before Christmas this remarkable and delicious fruit is ready  to pick . I get my really long  fruit picker and look up into the tree tops  for sagging branches   The normal basket size of a picker is barely large enough for some of the giant delicious fruit from my tree .They blend in well , often covered by a tangle of branches and leaves. If I miss them today, I will find them in the driveway tomorrow. Splat,what a waste !

This  creamy white fruit is sweet with about 15% sugar content . My guests  are in awe and get their fill  during breakfast.
The Cherimoya fruit is native to the Andes in Equador, Colombia and Bolivia. The name is a Quechua word meaning "cold seed" as it tolerates colder temperatures and prefers higher altitudes. Makawao is a perfect place with all the right ingredients . Cherimoya was first introduced to Hawaii by Don Fransico Paulo Marin in the late 1700's. The USDA imported seeds from Maderia Portugal in the late 1800.s The immigrants who built my home, Hale Ho'okipa, were from Maderia.  They brought the Isabel grape stock that still grows here, and likely the  Cherimoya seeds . When I first met this tree, I did not understand why it was all scarred up, and learned it was common to shock the tree into bearing fruit..Not my style..I trim the branches constantly, but that is the only hacking that happens under my care.
The blossom has a heavenly fragrance, a bit like apple and pear..shaped like a little downy covered helicopters. When they float to the ground, the air is perfumed. The blossom does a magical pollination ( wind I think) as the flower is both male and female during it's cycle
With the many different varieties that now grow around the world, I think I have identified mine as the Booth with the Impressa fingertip sized depressions in the skin. The seeds are poisonous if crushed and ingested.
This ice creamy yummy fruit that comes from my  tree is another blessing from this season.

May you be able to enjoy fresh food, and remember to support your local growers wherever you are.

A hui hou,
Cherie