Ulupalakua on Sunday

Aloha,
I wanted to share one of the most beautiful drives on Maui with you!, and to top it off..a great day with artists and musicians at the Winery in Ulupalakua as well. I may just see you there..love cruisin out this road..

Sunday Drive June 3 - "Ulupalakua Inspires"


Celebrating the beauty that has captivated artists for generations.

• Music at Winery Grounds Stage 11 - 4

•Jeff Kashiwa; one of the most diverse, in demand sax players of contemporary jazz

•The Mitch Kepa Banch

•Fulton Tashombe with Kelly Covington

•Baldwin High School Jazz Band

• Artists

•Randy Jay Braun

•Timothy Garcia

High Winds in Hawaii

Aloha,

Some typical Spring weather has been visiting the islands. Haleakala National Park had high winds up to 60 miles per hour today. Two sets of guests at Hale Ho'okipa Inn braved the elements up on the mountain. Yesterday morning also brought rain and even though the top of the mountain was above the clouds, they said they could hardly stand up and walk at the top. Today's guests did take a full day hike through the crater despite the high winds at the summit. A mile down the Sliding Sands trail the winds calmed down and they were rewarded with a great 11 mile hike.
I love this hike, but have not done it in awhile. I need to build up to it again..Maybe I'll go for it during the summer months. My first over night stay was during the summer several years ago, and it was truly an unforgettable experience.

Here's to hanging on to your hat....welcome to the windy and rainbow!! season in Hawaii..love that fresh air!

A hui hou,

Cherie

Meals for looking and feeling Great

Aloha, Get ready for summer fun and good health.

Learn to prepare healthy meals in a beautiful setting.

Click for larger version.

Meltonia Orchids

Aloha,


I recently had the pleasure of meeting a wonderful orchid grower named Ivan Kamoda. Ivan took over his father's green houses and is growing beautiful orchids  known as the "Pansy Orchids." These happy flowers have really increased in their popularity due to the development of the hybrid methods of producing new color combinations. Ivan has a small lab on his property where he works his magic to create new blossoms. He purchases his mother plants from South America, where this open bloom , flat faced orchid originated.

The fragrence is his green house was intoxicating..not too overwhelming, just the right amount of "mmmmm"
These flowers prefer filted shade, and require watering twice a week in the summer.
I'm very happy to have them in the rooms of Hale Ho'okipa Inn. I know my visitors really enjoy them, and they last for a month. This is the time of year for lots of blooms,Mother's Day was flower heaven on Maui!

 Mahalo Ivan for the tour of your operation, and the best of continued success to you!
Take time and come smell the flowers. I'm happy I did.
With Aloha,
Cherie

Maui Mothers Day

Aloha,

Mother's Day, a joyful day.

Maui's Mother's Day weekend is all about the Seabury Hall Crafts Fair for many island residents and visitors alike. The setting for Seabury Hall is one of the most stunning on the island. It's a private school just
up te street from Hale Ho'okipa. The campus is breathtaking and it makes a perfect backdrop for this well known Mother's Day event.


Hawaii's crafters with lots of fantastic jewlery, photography, wood workers, lotions and potions and fanciful hats are only some of the fare offered at the fair.
It was quite sunny and warm ,and the lavender lemonaide was delicious and refreshing. Cooling off on the grass looking at the distant ocean, visiting with friends and enjoying some hot tunes was a great way to spend Saturday afternoon.
Did I mention shopping? Seems like all the moms were  picking out a little gift for themselves, because, hey, we all  deserve a little bling now and then. I found a beautiful pair of shell carved earings from Tahatti  They are just what I was hoping for.

Who knows what Sunday will bring..I sure wish I could spend Mother's Day with my children, but, not possible this year. I'm looking forward to a little gardening after breakfast, and a hike and a swim sound like a perfect Mother's Day afternoon.

I wanted  to write something nice about mothers to close this post, but, the truth is..it's hard to find words to describe the most rewarding and challening job of a lifetime.
How about, Happy Mother's Day to all, may it be a heart warming time for families everywhere.

With Much Aloha,
Cherie

Ebb & Flow Arts Free Upcoming Music Concerts

Aloha, These folks always produce quality events, please come and support them if you are able.

North South East West Festival 2012


6 EVENTS, 3 ISLANDS
Ebb & Flow Arts presents North South East West Festival 2012 - a wide ranging and captivating series of six concerts from May 20 - July 28, 2012.

All concerts are free admission.

Music spans the early twentieth century to very recent work. It includes 26 works by 23 composers - 9 Hawai’i, and 3 World premieres. Four concerts take place on Maui, one in Honolulu, and one in Hilo.

Featured performers include leading musicians from San Francisco Symphony, Hawai’i Symphony, an improvising virtuoso pianist from Canada, a team of 6 pianists, and E&FA’s Multi media group - dancers, musicians, and visual and performance artists.

“We are thrilled to present our ninth annual, statewide series of concert and multi media events,” says Robert Pollock, Exec. Dir. of E&FA. “Our unswerving commitment to excellence and originality keeps us strong in these hard economic times,” he asserts.

• Sunday, May 20, 5pm - CHAMBER MUSIC FROM SAN FRANCISCO, works by Ravel, Kodaly, Oliver, and Pollock, leading musicians from San Francisco Symphony - Sarn Oliver, Mariko Smiley, violins, David Kim, viola, Peter Wyrick, 'cello. Seabury Hall Performing Arts Studio, 480 Olinda Rd., Makawao, Maui

• Saturday, June 2, 7:30pm - EBB & FLOW ENSEMBLE, works by Schoenberg, Koston, Kurtag, Sydeman, and Pollock - Rachel Schutz, soprano, Iggy Jang and Helen Liu, violins, Ethan Pernela, viola, Joanna Morrison-Pernela, 'cello, The ARTS at Marks Garage, 1159 Nu’uanu Ave., Honolulu, Oahu

• Saturday, June 16, 7:30 - LEE MICHAEL WALCZUK & FRIENDS, multi media performance - music, dance, film, visual art, area artists including Tomas Belsky, works by Cone, Walker, Cowell, East Hawai'i Cultural Center, 141 Kalakaua St., Hilo, Hawai’i

• Saturday, June 23, 7:30 - LEE PUI MING, an evening of improvisation by renowned Canadian pianist. Keawala'i Congregational Church, 5300 Makena Rd., Makena, Maui

• Saturday, July 14, 7:30 - PIANO SYNERGY - works for 4 pianos by Cage, Feldman, Busby, Milhaud, Osborne (world premiere), Debussy, Ravel, others - pianists Beatrice Scorby, Peiling Lin, Lotus Dancer, Anne Ku, Ruth Murata, Robert Pollock, Maui Music Conservatory, Queen Ka’ahumanu Mall, 2nd floor, Kahului, Maui

• Saturday, July 28, 7:30 - MULTI MEDIA ORIGINALS - captivating stage compositions by Peter Swanzy, Tony Walholm, others, area performance artists including Paul Marchetti, Danny M., John Zangrando, musicians, Lisa Buell, dancer, Francis Kane, master puppeteer, Todd van Amburgh, actor and set design, Michael Takemoto, artist, Robert Wehrman, composer.
Seabury Hall Performing Arts Studio, Makawao, Maui

For further information, contact E&FA, Box 1081, Kula HI 96790; reach our website: www.ebbandflowarts.org, or call: (808) 876 1854.

These events are part of E&FA’s annual, multi day, multi site, international
NORTH SOUTH EAST WEST FESTIVAL 2012.
They are produced with support from Aaron Copland Fund for Music, AHS Foundation, Makana Aloha Foundation, Hawai’i Tourism Authority/Maui County OED/CPEP, John R. Halligan Charitable Fund, Hawai’i State Foundation on Culture & Arts, Roger Shapiro Fund for New Music, Edward T. Cone Foundation, BMI Foundation, Fred Baldwin Memorial Foundation, and private contributions.
 Ebb & Flow Arts, Inc. (E&FA) is a non profit presenter of modern music and multi media events. It is the only such presenter in Hawai'i, and was founded in 1999, by composer/pianist Robert Pollock. It aims to build bridges between the arts and connect artistic expressions and cultures. E&FA creates a global sound board and mirror for music and art in Hawai’i. We also teach Maui's children how to read and write music with "Scaling Haleakala," an award winning curriculum.







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Maui Real Estate Hot Picks

Aloha,

April Showers have brought out the May flowers..... The trade winds are scattering  blossoms of the beautiful purple Jacaranda trees and mango flowers are preparing for their winter fruit.
This is the time of year people visit Maui and fall in love. The air is perfumed with Jasmine and Mock Orange flowers, the skies are brilliant blue,   and great entertainment abounds with music and plays island wide. Folks come to experience island life and want to stay.

  If you're  thinking about retirement and are seriously considering calling Maui home, or are day dreaming about  future possibilites,  check out these Maui May Hot Picks  



I'd be  more than happy to answer questions, or make arrangements to visit properties during your next visist to Maui. Cruise Maui listings on my real estate site http://www.homesalesmaui.com/ to see what's new .Let's find the perfect fit for your lifestyle.

It's almost Mother's Day, a special time of year. To all the mothers and aunties out there, may this coming week be a week filled with the love of your family.

Sending Aloha, far and wide. A hui hou, until later.
Cherie

Nature's Colors and Textures

Aloha,

Today I decided it was time to get off my okole and get hiking again. I was sitting at my computer and my little dog Annie jumped up and started batting at my hand with her skinny little legs and cute paws. She would not let up..I got the message, grabbed my shoes and we headed up to the forest.

I chose the watershed forest hike and it was spectacular. Blue sky and bright green colors still moist from the morning rain. The  soft red earth filled with puddles were just starting to dry from the mid-day sun. It was quiet and I was drinking in all the colors and textures of the forest. Annie was following her nose as usual, keeping an eye on me, but really enjoying sniffing here and there, up and down each trail we chose. Sometimes I like to cross country it and cruise off the paths into the deeper forest.

One of the sights that  captivates me is the bark of the multi colored Euculyptis trees. My heart sings when I see these miracles of Nature.
Ahh, the end of a very sweet day...Mahalo ke Akua.
May the rest of the weekend be just as wonderful for one and all.

With Aloha,
Cherie

Great Upcoming Hike, You're Invited

If you are on Maui for this, mark your calendar..a fantastic hike with some great folks. Please click for larger version.

Aloha,
Cherie

Upcoming May Events!

Aloha,,,Check it out, see what's coming up soon..

Wailuku First FridaysMay 4, 6 ‐ 9 pm
Market Street, Wailuku
Enjoy live entertainment, great food, arts & crafts, shop specials, a beer garden, and fun all around town.
Info: (808) 878‐1888 or www.facebook.com/WailukuFirstFriday

Maui Classical Music FestivalMay 4, Makawao
May 7 & 11, Makena
May 9, Hana
The Amernet String Quartet joins other guest musicians at this year’s festival,
in four performances that feature works by Beethoven, Schumann, Brahms,
Gershwin and Dvorak at three historic churches on Maui.
Info & tickets: (808)878‐2312 or http://www.mauiclassicalmusicfestival.org/,

Maui MatsuriMay 11, Family Movie Night, 6:30 pm
May 12, Festival 2 ‐ 9 pm
UH Maui College, Kahului
The annual Japanese cultural celebration offers entertainment, food,
Obon dances, Hanafuda Tournament, exhibits, arts & crafts, along with
Cosplay and keiki activities. Maui Matsuri kicks off May 4, 6:30 pm with a
kimono fashion show, taiko drums and karaoke at Kaahumanu Center stage.
Info: (808) 283‐9999 or http://www.mauimatsuri.com/

Rights of NatureMay 15, 7 pm
McCoy Studio, MACC
Ala Kukui presents the first in a series of conversations on environmental concerns, with Thomas Linzey,
director of the Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund and Kapua Sproat, a Kauai native and Asst.
Professor of Law at UH, addressing the rights of the natural world.
Info: (808)248‐7841 or http://www.alakukui.org/

Fringe FestivalMay 25 – 27
Iao Theater, Wailuku
Maui OnStage presents a weekend lineup of original drama works and
performances pieces in its second Fringe Festival at the historic Iao.
Info & tickets: (808) 244‐8680 or http://www.mauionstage.com/

Classical ConcertMay 26, 5:30 pm
Baldwin Home Museum, Lahaina
Harpist Tatyana Shapiro, the Maui Brass Ensemble, and others will play
favorites from great composers at this free concert.
Info: (808)283‐3576 or http://www.aecg.org/

Hawaiian Music SeriesMay 31, 6 pm
Baldwin Home Museum, Lahaina
Kory Kukahiko performs a free Hawaiian music concert at sunset out on the lawn.
Info: (808) 661‐3262 or http://www.lahainarestoration.org/

Recalling Hawai`iJune 2, 6:30 pm at MACC
This multimedia hula production

Art of Trash and Earth Day

Aloha:

Today was Earth Day. Everyday should be Earth Day.

Community Work Day Program "Facilitating programs that educate, inspire, and empower individuals and communities to beautify and maintain Maui Nui's environement which supports our economy, quality of life and unique Hawaiian culture." http://www.cwdhawaii.org/ Nuff said.

I cruised by one of my favorite art shows yesterday at the Maui Mall. I could not make it to the opening the night before. The Art of Trash is a sweet show where artists use cast off, throw away, re-cycled materials to create unique works of art. It is so creative, so inspiring, even if you don't want a wierd creature sculpture or an amazing huge wooden drum gracing your home. You still have to admire and appreicate the creativity and humour that goes into these pieces. I liked "Our Lady of the Rake" a bit of a spoof on religious art, but thoughtful all the same. The drum was built by Bill Stroud of Haiku, Maui.

We all can do our part in standing for the Earth, if we don't, who will?

With Aloha,

Cherie

Great Weekend

Aloha All,

It's been a relaxing weekend, now moving into the golden glow hours of the afternoon..I feel rejuvinated after a perfect swim and some productive art hours with my friend in her beautiful studio.

Wonderful repeat guests, Cyn and Peter, and their whole family are staying for a week. Love this kind of action. Everybody gets cozy and shares their meals and enjoys the good vibes of this ol house. Hale Ho'okipa is perfect for family renunions.

We had a fun morning, that got our hearts pumping a bit. They helped me herd the ducks, keeping the mom and auntie duck from dive bombing me as I was trying to catch babies to give away. We were a three ringed circus running around the yard..I'm sure it's part of their vacation they won't soon forget.

All in all, it was a nice mix of folks this week, it usually is. An old friend from the Big Island was here doing a demo with his first class honey from over there. The Volcano Island Honey Company produces a pure white honey that is organic, raw and melts in your mouth. These folks have been at this for years, and from start to finish, their social awareness is to be commended. You can find them at http://www.volcanoislandhoney.com/ Some of the most ono honey in the whole world! We learned alot about the plight of the honey bees, I can only hope that humankind wakes up to what we are doing with all the chemicals and pesticides.

I also had guests from Switzerland and spent the week showing property to then. Very sweet folks who are ready for a big change, Maui bound. Will be a great fun to work with them in

their new adventure.I love sharing Aloha, and helping folks with their real estate needs is great way to do so.

Yesterday I made it up to the forest for a great walk in the woods..The light was perfect and the air fresh and clean. It was quiet and my little Annie dog had a blast smelling every possible trail on our walk.

Feel the soft trade winds, smell the fresh air, and use your imagination for the dreamy quality of light right now.

Sending Aloha far and wide,

Cherie

Art Maui 2012

Aloha,

It's Spring and that means Art Maui (among many other wonderful things).

About 500 entries were submitted this year. I don't remember the exact number of selected works, but, less than 1/4 of those were selected.
Mine was not (boo-hoo) Alot of folks were sure it would be, but, alas, it is not hanging on the wall at the Schaffer Gallery. There were really only two pulled prints in the show, so, printmakers did not have good representation. Alot of outstanding photography was chosen this year. I also noticed alot of acrylic work as well. Juried shows are very subjective, and who knows what someone will like..

My good friend, Katherine Ayers, had a small beautiful watercolor chosen.. The show hangs until the end of April, and I think it can be viewed on line as well...check out ArtMaui.com

It's Easter and beautiful, baby ducks are getting bigger and cruisin all around the yard now..the tradewinds are blowing, and the sky is really clear. I had a chance to stop in at the orchid show for Easter and as always, was very impressed by what I saw..

Hope it's a sweet time of year for you, where ever you may be.

Much Aloha,

Cherie

Maui Real Estate

NEWS FLASH!!Early evidence of Maui’s Real Estate Market Turning.
This is the moment everyone has been looking for.
Maui inventory is at an all-time low. Buyers are actively looking. Maui visitor count is up, and so are the inquiries about real estate.
Maui usually has about 1,200 homes and 1,500 condos available for sale at any given time. We currently have about 750 homes and 1,100 condos on the market. This lack of inventory is creating competition among buyers. We are seeing multiple offers in the lower end of the market. Units in the $100,000 to $300,000 range have fierce competition and as a result they are in contract within days, if in reasonable condition and priced right. In numerous instances we are now seeing multiple offers and units close above asking price.
This is a new development. As an example, 4 months ago there were 5 Southpointe condos on the market, now there are none available. 4 months ago a 2 bedroom 1.5 bath Southpointe unit was selling for $125,000 and now they’re going for $135,000. That’s an 11% increase!

In the higher end of the market, things are changing slowly, but they are changing. Sales of homes of a million dollars or more in the first quarter of 2012 are up 20% over the same 3-months last year. However, condo sales in this price range are down. But we can’t expect the change to be apparent in all sectors simultaneously. Inventories have declined nearly 22% over 12 months. The US economy seems to be in a continuing recovery; the National Association of Realtors is predicting existing-home sales will jump 7 to 10 percent nationwide in 2012 to the highest level in five years, based on an "uneven but higher sales pattern" so far this year.

With interest rates still at an all-time low, buyers are ready and excited to purchase on Maui. Maui’s real estate prices are at the level they were in early 2003. With the coming months expect to see further shifts in the market as competition increases and prices will start the upward climb in a new real estate cycle.

Mahalo to Windermere Valley Isle Properties for this newsletter.

If you have thought about a home purchase on Maui, this is a good time to start your search. It may be challenging to find what you want, but, prices are still good and we hope to see an increase in inentory. I am available and ready to assist in finding your Maui home.

With Aloha,
Cherie Attix R(S)
Windermere Valley Isle Properties

Spring is in the air!

Aloha !Happy Spring...Yesterday I worked in the garden for hours on end. The weather was so perfect, brilliant blue skies were inspiring me to plant my greens for the summer, to trim and shape and work on the koi pond.

The koi photo was shot by my guest, Linda Brooks from Richmond, Canada. Linda has captured some wonderful images, and the koi with the towering Norfolk pine branches reflected in the pond is no exception.

Linda also caught a whimsical angle of my large Chinese bananas being propped up by a lawn chair. It's an honest shot and represents the ease in my garden. I've heard my garden compared to a lazy English garden.

My Moscovy ducks gave me a huge surprise as well in the last couple of days. I thought the three females were setting on nests that held eggs that weren't fertile. Surprise, surprise...I guess there was a get together that I was not aware of. I have 10 new baby ducks who are so darn cute.. I'm holding my breath on the other two nests...hoping I don't end up with 20 more baby ducks!

Well..let's see what tomorrow brings..lots of promise and feelings of things anew this spring! Breathe deep and know "good's gonna happen" as my posted reminder tells me.
Much Aloha,

Cherie