Ono Giant Mangos!

How do your like these mangos!!?? Holy Cow, some of the biggest and sweetest ever!
I want to find out the name of this variety and plant a tree here. I have Golden Globe and Keete mangos, and they are close to this size, but, wow..I am dazzled..
Come eat!!
Aloha,
Cherie

Maui Real Estate

Aloha,

I just spent a lovely day showing property in Upcountry Maui. The sun was shining, light trade winds, and everything was sparkling clear. Wow, great day to be a Realtor. This was really a great line up as I was able to show some spectacular properties

One of my favorites was Casa Blanca Upcountry, in Kula. This is an elegant home reminiscent of Old Hawaii. It's an old property that was built on in the 1920's and the house was replaced in the 1990's. It has high ceilings, fireplaces for the chilly upcountry evenings, and an incredible bi-coastal view. It also had such a sweet courtyard area with a spectacular view of Haleakala and old trees.

We also visited a lovely home built in 1939 up on Olinda Rd with a saline swimming pool, a lovely lanai and all the character of time gone by. This home was remodeled and features a bright and open kitchen. It's just a short drive up the hill from Makawao town.

I could go on and on because I was in my element, the lovely older homes that make you just want to stay home and enjoy.

If you have any interest in purchasing a home on Maui, your timing could not be better. Inventory is moving now, and we are back to 2003 prices. Please contact me for any further information. You can cruise some listings from my website @ http://cherieattix.withwre.com/

My page at http://www.homesalesmaui.com/ will also give you a bit of information about Maui Real Estate.http://www.homesalesmaui.com/

Aloha for now, off for an afternoon swim!

Cherie

Kona Snow = Coffee Blossoms

Aloha,

I just returned from a sweet little vacation on the Big Island for my birthday. It was wonderful in every way. The weather was mostly sunny while the rest of the state was being flooded by a large storm. We had a couple of days of beach time, I got to see old friends, watch my granddaughter's water polo game and plain ol relax.

While in KonaI was rewarded with the site of "Kona Snow" The white blossoms covered the small coffee trees. These flowers will develope into the coffee cherries which will be hand picked between August and January.

Eighteen pounds of cherries will be dried and processed into 2 pounds of Kona Coffee. The slopes of Hualalai and Mauna Loa are cultivated in small coffee farms. There are an estimated 800 coffee farms in the Kona area. It's a labor intensive product, hence the high price it commands at market.

In 1828, coffee cuttings were brought in from Brazil and later in the 1800's an English merchant named Henry Greenwell established the coffee trade.

Maui coffee has been up and coming in these last years with with small boutique farms. Sometimes I wish I was a coffee drinker with all the lovely smells in the early morning as I am preparing breakfast.. My last batch of guests were serious about their love for my Maui coffee, we went through 3 pots by 8 am.

So, come on over to Maui, so you can really "wake up ,smell and drink our coffee!!"

With Aloha,

Cherie

Ono Fresh Food Maui Style

Aloha~

Spring is here and the delicious, fresh, juicy, organic food that is harvested on Maui these days is something to write home about..(seriously..post cards leave Hale Ho'okipa raving about breakfast) People take photos of my breakfast all the time..I guess it's astounding to some the size of the avocados, the taste of the mangos, the color of the papayas, the amount of juice in the tangelos..I could go on and on..

There is something special about going out and picking fruit early in the morning before serving it for breakfast..Sometimes the eggs are still warm when I bring them into the house..

I've also been getting into my salads big time again..Always feels so good to eat fresh daily.

The little Farmers Market in Makawao is a delight on Wed. My friend, Barbara, went early last week and brought me back a bouquet! Wow..everyone loved it, and I just had to snap a pic before I ate it..Look how beautiful!..it was yummy as well.

Maui is one of the best places in the world to eat well..Hawaii has really grown into the fresh and organic food priority in the last decade or so..Such a pleasure to get past macaroni salad smothered in mayo ( old school fare)..

Hope to see you soon..we are getting some Spring rain..yippee
With Aloha,
Cherie

Volunteer on Vacation in a Special Place

Aloha,

Today I had a reminder from the oh, so special, Flemming Arboretum about their volunteer program. I wanted to post their information for anybody considering a fun volunteer experience. Truely, a once in a lifetime experience , to get to see some rare species of native plants of Hawaii and to help to keep them thriving!!

D.T. FLEMING ARBORETUM AT PU‘U MAHOE
Events 2012-2013

Pu’u Mahoe Cinder Cone, Ulupalakua, Maui
FOR COMMUNITY GROUPS AND INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS.
Sponsored by Friends of D.T. Fleming Arboretum [FOFA]

VOLUNTEER WORKDAYS: The first Saturday of each month.8:00 AM to noon followed by a picnic lunch.Light work under professional instruction.Lunch & Refreshments provided. ARBORETUM TOURS: The last Saturday of each month.10:00 AM to noon followed by a BYO picnic lunch.Refreshments provided.

The Fleming Arboretum hosts special scheduled events on request throughout the month available to youth, school, church and community groups (8 years old to seniors).

For more information visit http://www.flemingarboretum.orgfor/ reservations call #808-572-1097 or email info@flemingarboretum.org

Check them out, hope I can get out there again soon..it's been too long. It's an experience and memory to cherish..

With Aloha,
Cherie

Maui Real Estate Overview

Aloha,

I have been quite busy with Maui Real Estate lately, working in the Upcountry Maui area as well as the other parts of the island.
Our Broker recently sent an eblast with stats for the agents to use. Click on the map for a larger version.

"At the end of 2011, the real estate market on Maui was fully poised to shift and it’s doing just that. When comparing last year statistics to
the prior year, sales are up, home prices are still declining (though going up in some pocket areas), and inventory is down significantly. These are all the signs of a market in transition. Buyers are realizing that Maui prices are at 2003 levels, and they won’t remain there for long.


Here is an overview of how sales and prices for SFR's (single family residence), condos and land have changed:

2011 vs 2010
SFR’s Condo Land
Total Sales +10% +1% +5%
Prices -6% -18% -23%


The number of homes sold that were bank-owned increased by over
50% last year to a whopping 25% of total sales, dramatically impacting
prices. The inventory of properties in all categories available for sale or
pending declined by 17%.

But of course, the median aggregate of a market tells only one story.
There is a more complex story as we look at the various areas and neighborhoods.

Sales volume declined only in three areas, but prices declined in 9. You can see in the illustration that some key pockets of Maui have already turned and are on the increase.

The past few months show an even stronger indication of a changing market. Inventory has continued to decline and when there aren’t enough properties to choose from, prices start going up. REO or Bank-owned inventory appears to be declining, probably due to recent Hawaii foreclosure law changes, and that will slow the trend of declining prices. We are now experiencing multiple offers on lower-end homes and well-priced properties and many of these are going into escrow very quickly and above asking price. These are strong indicators that Maui’s real estate will increase both in price and in total sales in 2012."

Please feel free to let me know if you would like more information.

Here's to hoping that things are looking up for all, and retired folks will continue to enjoy their retirement years.
Come to Maui to visit, and if you fall in love, (our island is one of the most wonderful places in the world to live) I'd be more than happy to help you in the search for your new home.

Aloha, a hui hou,
Cherie Attix R(S)
Windermere Valley Isle Properties

Kutoa Community Impact Award 2012

Aloha...cool, the word is out about http://www.volunteer-on-vacatioion-hawaii.com/

Nice to see people interested in Travel with Awareness..(like my new catchy phrase:)

Kutoa is a world wide organization that recognizes tour companies and properites that are socially green. Hale Ho'okipa was chosen as "Best in Inspiring Guests to Volunteer" Sweet.

Mahalo to them, and mahalo to all my wonderful guests who want to share their time and Aloha...!!

Maui is beyond beautiful right now...and I have to say that we are very busy. High season is back in full swing...if we are an indication of how the economy is recovering, right on! If you don't have reservations for Feb, hmm..not sure what to say, other than. best not to arrive without lodging already in place..it's packed.......

March is also busy, but a bit quieter than Feb......

Spring is already in full bloom here...the sky is brilliantly blue, and the honey bees are at work with all our flowers in early spring blossoms.

"Life is good, so share the Aloha!" That's my motto.

A hui hou..

Cherie

Green Magazine Hawaii

Green Magazine Hawaii

Aloha,

Green Magazine Hawaii just featured Hale Ho'okipa Inn for restoration efforts and green living practices..print is a nice way to share with folks who can't be here..

Hmm, pretty cool to have some kudos lately..

Maui County Council also recently acknowledged my preservation work on my 1926 heritage home. Now, that was a milestone!

Another recent edition in print is the "Hawaii "magazine. The latest issue features Upcountry Maui, focusing on our ono food..My breakfast's were mentioned in their photo journey and enduring essay about Upcountry community.. I was leafing through the magazine with a nice smile recognizing all the hard working folks, and then I saw a familiar kitchen..hmm, took a second before I recognized the country kitchen of Hale Ho'okipa Inn. I am only in here 7 days a week (!) cutting and preparing fruit that I've have just picked from the garden, or purchased from our local market, and other growers. The posted pic today features fresh lilikoi, (passion fruit),apple bananas, papayas, limes, avocados, star fruit and cheremoya all from my garden. Rambuton, local strawberries, and local organic citrus added to the bountiful feast this morning....

I am dreaming up an art project that shows how to eat our local fruit so I can display it at breakfast! That could be fun..

OK, hope you work up an appetite, and find your way upcountry Maui, you'll be really happy that you did.

Look forward to seeing you soon!, and come hungry.......

Aloha,

Cherie

A Zen Celebration

Aloha,

Today I was invited to attend a Japanese Tea Ceremony, the first of the New Year. The day was spectacular, calm and clear..with a North Shore swell lighting up the coast.

My friend from Japan, Reiku invited me to the Zen Temple in Paia to celebrate the first tea ceremony of the year.

The Japanese Tea Ceremony is a ritual of preparing tea for guests. It is very specific, quiet and traditional.

They served tasty little sweets made from bean paste. The tea is Matcha, a thick green tea that is prepared with a bamboo whisk. I like the taste of green tea, in fact, I drnk green tea most every day. This drink was frothy, almost like green soup instead of tea, but quite ono. (delicious)

It was a sweet stop, a time to reflect on the beauty of simple pleasures, in my rather busy, and very full days .

Here's to taking time out to be good to ourselves.

Hauoli Makahiki Hou

Aloha

Jan 31, 2011 on the North Shore of Maui...what a great way to spend the last day of the year...THIS is what I mean, whenI say, "Maui No Ka Oi"

Maui is the Best.

E komo mai...welcome 2012

May all the love going around the world, double and then some..in this New Year.

Aloha,

Cherie

Sustainable Contentment :)

Aloha,

Today I'm posting a little snippet of an on-line article by renowed author C.J. Good.

"Some local innkeepers on the island are so compassionate and effective at nurturing their guests, they become essentially servants of the collective highest good. They exude a kind of integrity that is almost three-dimensional.
What is contentment? According to Cherie Attix, Innkeeper of the Hale Ho'Okipa Inn Makawao, a bed and breakfast property in Maui, Hawaii, it is: "Knowing that I am living my life to the best of my ability I have a very strong spiritual foundation. I need to feel connected. I do art, I meditate, and I eat well."
Cherie continues, "I've been an innkeeper for 16 years, and have dealt with a lot of people. Inn keeping has taught me how to be open to see what someone has to offer. I don't label people. I am very open. I stay present with them."
Some people may not be aware that travel can transform their life, for it is in discovering new places that we perceive ideas and imagery that aids us in comprehending and interpreting our environment. When we cross the waters to a tropical land, we can temporarily leave behind our identities and relationships of the past, and can ponder on a future we might want to imagine for ourselves. It is irrefutable that in taking a getaway to Maui we will become much richer for it - for the adventure will breathe creative and intelligent new concepts into the conversation of our lives."...........



C.J. Good - About the Author:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: C.J. Good is a freelance writer, keynote guest speaker, and author of two books about finding and cultivating contentment. "Little Gifts of Sustainable Contentment" (Reviews 4.5 Stars, Look Inside) is available on Amazon. C.J. Good speaks and gives keynotes on travel topics, health issues, the generation x/y marketplace, sales and marketing. Her purpose is to write quality books that will make a difference in reader's lives. C.J. Good is a successful sales and marketing executive and worked in the travel industry for 17 years. ~ http://www.sustainablecontentment.com/

Stary, stary Night

Aloha,

If it was possible to convey this post in a whisper, that's what I'd be doing...

The stars are a brilliant blanket accross the early morning sky. I was just outside breathing in the night air...it's super quiet, and very sweet. The little sliver of a moon has already set...

It's been wild ,windy and wet quite a bit this winter, and to see the promise of yet another crisp, clear and beautiful day coming makes me quite happy. I'll be taking my little Annie down to the north shore today...I have not been to the beach in awhile, and we are both due.

As we roll towards the New Year, my thoughts are filled with gratitude. My dear Kansas brothers who spend their Chritmas with me, are back. Last night we went to dinner at the fab Hailemaile General Store and then took in a fun film at the Maui Film Festival . What's not to smile about?

All is well as we prepare to slip into 2012....maybe I am up savoring the quiet...because...that will change into the normal festive free- for- all with fireworks to boot in a couple of days. .........

For now........ahh......back to star gazing and drinking in the quiet..

May these special days and nights bring peace and joy, and lots to smile about...

Aloha for now,
Cherie

Mele Kalikimaka

Aloha

Mele Kalikimaka

Sending Upcountry Holiday Aloha out far and wide..

May you feel the joy of the season, spend time with loved ones and count all your blessings.

December Doings

Aloha...

Well, this was an unusual morning..starting at 3 am. I decided to go up to Haleakala to view the total lunar eclipse of the beautiful full moon. I picked up Laine at 3:30, and we headed up the mountain. It was really pouring in Makawao, kinda wild driving into the night in a huge downpour....But, half way up the mountain, the copper moon showed itself in wonderous splendor...The heavens were blanketed in zillions of shining stars with the orange ring hanging out over the ocean . WOW. My photo does not do it justice, but, I will post it anyway.

Then home to make breakfast for my guests from Sweden who decided not to brave the elements this morning.

Leaving the b&b after breakfast, we were driving towards a bright morning rainbow. Time to go pick out a Christmas tree up at the Kula Botanical Garden. It's fun to feel a chill in the air, with the scent of pines while picking out the perfect little tree..

Yes, Maui is a beautiful place to be, rain or shine, wind or calm...it's all good.

Sending out holiday Aloha to one and all...

Cherie

Holidays Fares and Fairs

Aloha..

Hmm, that time of year again. I spent a bit of yesterday visiting the Haleakala Waldorf School holiday faire, and the Hui Noeau Visual Arts Center, Hui Holidays celebration. The Waldorf school fair is well attended, with many crafters, entertainment, holiday wreathes , fun for the keiki (children) and ono grinds .

My posts are often art oriented, and usually small business supportive. Yesterday my scores at the crafts's fairs were a kids's book by a local author, Queen Bee skin products made in Pukalani with local honey, a jar of delicious kiawae honey from Kihei, and some sweet earings made by an upcountry artist. (oops , those were for me).

Now that my grandkids are getting older, Christmas shopping is not as fun as it used to be...wow!, I said it. It seems that the focus of the average tween and teen has to do with all things electronic. I'm not big into electronics, would have no idea what to buy anyway. So, I just get to be very creative in my search for little gifts that will be meaningful to them.....

December days are ending early,it's dark by 6pm. The weather has been a bit muggy and overcast , which made for a really amazing sunset tonight. The sky was colored a brilliant red with streaks of gold. Gorgeous.I am taking a day off tomorrow, a swim is in order, it's been awhile...yippee, some beach time! My little dog will also be thrilled to run on the beach.

OK, Here's to hoping December is finding one and all in anticipation of wonderful family time, great holiday cheer, and cheaper airline tickets...

Much Aloha,

Cherie