Wild Maui Weather

Aloha,

It's been an interesting mix of weather in the last couple of weeks.

Maui caught alot of rain, inches, maybe even feet(!) .... the tropical downpours were punctuated with very loud thunder and bright lightening as well.

My main reason for posting this blog is that I have some really amazing photos to share that a friend shot during the aftermath of the last storm.

Mt. Haleakala has very deep gorges carved in the flanks from top to bottom. I always love flying over the side flanks of this 10,000 ft mountain in the small planes. The views down into these gorges are magnificent.

During different times of the day, the shadows cast inside the deep gullies look like veins on the mountain.

On this calm and clearing morning after buckets and buckets of rain, the gulches filled with water were silver ribbons rolling down the mountain. It was as if the demi-god, Maui, flung sparkling ribbons off the top of the summit towards the ocean. This was a sight to behold, and I was so lucky to see it. I have not seen that many dry stream beds all overflowing with water at the same time.

My friend Aki'Ra Yashiro lives in upper Kula so it was easy for him to get up on the mountain to take pictures while the water was still flowing from the previous night. I was so excited to see his photos and wanted to thank him again for spending the effort to get these rare shots.

I was told that Haleakala Park was closed today. There may have been some necessary clean up after this last round of storms. A day prior the high winds reached up to nearly 100 mph up at the summit.

This winter has been good for the previously parched islands. The rolling hills are emerald green and a welcome sight to behold.

From what I hear, it sounds like many places in the world are experiencing major weather. I hope everyone stays safe, warm and dry. If you find yourself wanting a get away, give me a call. I do still have some openings in the b&b.

Mahalo and Aloha,
Cherie

Seeds and Stuff

Papaya Seeds+ Soil+Water= Papaya Seedlings



Aloha Cherie, Thank you again for the seeds. I am just not sure which kind of papaya seeds are which but I do have sprouts (^o^). Some of the first ones have six leaves; so exciting. I hope they will continue to grow happily so I can plant them at a few houses to see what kind of fruit I may get. Here is a picture so far. ~Corey
Ahh, this makes me very , very happy. Corey was a guest who visited from Oahu and had an unusual request at breakfast. He asked if I would save him some papaya seeds as I was scooping and slicing the papayas. He said that his family was having a difficult time getting any papayas to sprout. This was disturbing news to me. I guess they were purchasing GMO papaya. Tthe GMO "food" is designed to either produce no seeds or seeds that don't sprout. If you ask me, there is some very scary stuff going on with this technology.
I usually take a stance about being "pro" vs "anti". As far as food goes, I am pro: healthy, good, fresh, "ono" (delicious) and organic and natural food. GMO does not fit into any of those categories in my book. I am also pro : seeds, soil, water, sunlight...etc...everything needed to have abundance in your garden. My garden is abundant, and I strive to make it even more so.

The papaya tree picture I posted is round three of papayas on this same tree. This particular tree has been producing papayas for three years . It always has fruit. The first two harvests were the biggest. But, just keeping it watered, has kept it going and growing.

Next week on Maui is a program I am considering attending , at least for part of it . I did attend one a few years back and really learned quite a bit. This year I am interested in learning about growing green tea. Since I consume a fair amount, I thought I should grow some. My daughter gave me some locally grown green tea from the Big Island for Christmas. It was a thoughtful and tasty gift, and actually inspired me to grow my own.
To quote a local paper about the upcoming event::
"Since 2001, Maui Aloha ‘Aina Association, with support from the County of Maui Office of Economic Development, has hosted this annual “educational and experiential” conference to “honor their body’s well being and the soil’s vitality as a living organism, while producing nutrient rich food for the community.”

For more information about the 2011 Mind, Body & Soil Conference, visit http://www.mauiweekly.com/page/content.detail/id/502511/%3Ca%20href='>http://www.mauigrown.com/

Spreading good seeds is spreading Aloha. From my garden to yours!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Come visit, see you soon!

Aloha,
Cherie

Hau'oli Makahiki Hou

Aloha,

A most Happy New Year to one and all. !1/1/11 ( wow, we are all One, as a friend just reminded me!)

Such a beautiful time of year, a time of letting go of the past and welcoming the future. People tend to set new personal goals at the first of the year. I like to think about what is within my reach that I can re-commit to, and maybe stretch myself a bit as well.

All across the world people celebrate this day with traditions all their own. I saw a Brazilian friend at the beach today. She was practicing her traditional Brazilian ritual of releasing flowers in the ocean for the goddess Yemanja on the first of the year.. (1/1/11) once again!

Much like the tradition in Brazil, local folks in Hawaii also enjoy their fireworks on New Years. Many neighborhoods across our islands spend a few hours on the night of the 31st with all shapes and sizes of rockets, bombs, firecrackers and sparklers.. On the island of Oahu this was the last year for fireworks .Since health and safety issues have been connected with the fireworks free- for- all, there is now a ban in 2011.

Daylight today, Jan 1st, came with clean air and a beautiful pink sunrise. My tradition of a New Year's Day beach walk was as delightful as always. I usually spend the whole day relaxing and swimming, but I made it a short walk instead. Tomorrow I will be going out kayaking with friends to view the humpback whales. A full day out in the water is alot of sun for one weekend. Hopefully we are able to hear their haunting songs and watch their playful antics.

So, Hawaii calls.....it is beautiful, rain or shine.

May your coming year be filled with joy and happiness. May you stretch to reach your own personal goals , may we all respect the earth, and take good care of eachother. Remember, we are all One.

Warmest Alohas,
Cherie

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

Big Island Giving Thanks

Aloha,

Ahhh, home from my own personal Thanksgiving, a week early. My grandson, Aukai, just turned 9 years old, and we had a great weekend celebration. This is my Thanksgiving, and on this particular weekend, I have alot to give thanks for.

Aukai turned 9 with several classmates in attendance. We had a water slide castle set up with "No More Tears" shampoo making it extra fun, a giant bubble bath and water slide. The boys got pretty wild and had a grand time.

Kona on the Big Island often has to contend with vog, which is volcanic smog from the active volcano down south. This weekend was clear, and that alone is reason to celebrate. Check out the nearly full moon rising over Hualalai at the end of my first day. This happens to be one of my favorite views, a super special sight since it is often covered in clouds by the afternoon.

In the morning we went for an early hike up this beautiful mountain that towers above the coastal town of Kailua Kona. The native forest of ohia lehua and koa trees are always so comforting . Each old twisted silver tree trunk supoorting deep red blossoms always leaves me smiling and reaching for my camera. We hiked to the peak where we could see my home island of Maui just across the Alenuehaha Channel.

The weekend was not complete without our customary beach day. The weather was absolutely perfect, clear, light breeze and beautiful little waves. Main bonus, for some reason the weatherman reported no swell, and the beach was quiet without competition for the waves. Yipee! I was even enticed to go out.

I used to charge the waves quite a bit in my younger years. Now I have a bit of an inner ear issue due to a surfing mishap many years ago that keeps me from anything but mellow waves. The first fifteen minutes in the water were spent helping out a certain 9 year old who had a wipe out and lost his boogie board and his brand new surf trunks as well. Classic.

Family, freinds and nature at it's finest, I have much to be grateful for. Each and every day and night I give thanks for my sweet life. ....life is good.

With great wishes for a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday week spent with loved ones, I send Aloha out far and wide, and an invitation to come visit Maui and give thanks as well!

Mahalo for everything wonderful!

Cherie

Designing Life in Hawaii

Aloha E Komo mai!

I am in an inspired mood right now. Usually a woodblock or watercolor image is sifting to the top of my thoughts with creativity calling for my attention. For many years my creative focus was a very large canvas called the " Old House." This wonderful old house was my subject matter, my inspiration, my muse, my headache and my challenge. Having little prior experience and a tiny budget, it became clear that my project was going to be "on going," forever it seemed.

The design and decor aspect of the bed and breakfast has been great fun. However, the sanding and scraping, roof repair, plumbing and dirty work, not so much fun.

My eclectic style was born from my Bay Area roots. I grew up around arts and crafts, and still hold it dear. I've never been drawn to the overwhelming bright tropical look that many Hawaii condos sport. Too much fluff, and not enough soul. Antique dealing was a passion for many years, and I still dabble on occasion. Great vintage items, that are good deals, always find their way to my door. Recently, I've been helping a friend with her Hawaiiana search, and her home shows the fruits of our labor. Our love of all things old Hawaiiana began with her purchase of my antique koa dining set, and has grown from there.

Today's design excitement was prompted by a visit from a guest and her daughter this last weekend. Cara Greenberg and Zoe spent a couple of days upcountry Maui at Hale Ho'okipa Inn. Cara's wonderful blog, "CasaCara Old Homes for Fun and Profit" brought her to my hale which she thoroughly enjoyed. In her words on her last post, MAUI Upcountry Ramble, the "homey hilltop b&b" was a perfect home base for their Haleakala explorations.

My heart started beating faster reading her posts--from salon style picture hanging to beach cottages. Cara is my kinda woman, one who enjoys punching out holes in walls to make a room more airy and pleasant. I always think like that when showing homes to prospective buyers, how to open up a space and add more light. In Hawaii, it is all about inviting the outdoors in!

OK, I've got my creative energy flowing, now to put it to work today, hmm, garden? My fall fruit and flowers are really coming on now that we've had some rain.

If you are thinking about a little time off to regenerate and relax, and maybe looking for some inspiration for your art or life, this is a beautiful time of year to visit the islands. I always say, in Hawaii, inspiration abounds!

Hele mai, come on, give me a call. I look forward to it!

Aloha,
Cherie

Dine Out for Hospice Maui

Help raise money for Hospice Maui.
Click this image for the large version.

Maui Photographer Tom Mckinlay

Aloha Folks,

Today is a photo tribute to a great friend and a creative artist/ writer/ photographer.

Tom Mckinlay: Rest in Peace, brother.

Tom 's motto in his photography and in his life was simply:

Observe

Appreciate

Celebrate

I am happy to share some of Tom's work, and I will add what he told me when I first asked about posting his work...His message was : Enjoy!


Aloha to a good person. We had some fun outdoors in our kayaks and hikes..

In recognition of Maui's talented artists and craftspeople, I want to post this link..check it out. The Maui Crafts Guild is in Paia, and always worth a visit.

Cherie

North Shore Clean Up: Success!

Aloha,

A wonderful event took place on the North Shore of Maui yesterday, and we are all the better for it.
+H2O of Maui organized a massive clean up of Maui's North Shore Beaches and Beyond. These awesome folks partnered with Community Work Days and Maui Chapter of Surfriders Foundation and other local folks to clean up the shoreline and raise money for their Water Charities Fund.

+H2O''s founder Levi Silver is passionate water man who walks his talk by raising more than awareness of our precious resource. Please check out their site and donate if you can to help create clean water sources for impoverished areas.

The community really pitched in with hauling truck loads of trash off the shoreline and pulling abandoned cars from the cane field surround the shoreline. It is hard to believe how disrespectful some folks can be their own opala (trash)......! I have been eyeing one of our upcountry streets to walk and clean up, gonna happen soon. I don't understand why we see more trash on the side of the roads lately...But, the good news is, the community is coming together for these sorts of wonderful events with the common cause to make a difference.

Come and visit and volunteer on Maui, check out my volunteer-on-vacation-hawaii.com for a great experience during your island time. More of my guests are enjoying these benefits, discounted stay with me (!) and an opportunity of a life time, to give back, usually in some of the most beautiful places on the planet.

Do Good, Feel Good! Simple formula for a Happy Life.

Aloha,
Cherie

Sea Surprises

Aloha,

It's been awhile since I have posted, and I have to say that I miss talking story and posting great pics for folks to share some Maui time. It's been a busy fall, and our visitor season has not really kicked into full gear yet. A few months to go until whale season when everyone wants to come to Hawaii!

If I have a chance to take an early morning walk on the beach, I always run into the" seaweed pickers". These folks are at the beach every morning with their laundry baskets floating down the shoreline collecting a variety of seaweeds. The beach strolls reveal at least four spectacular and varied types of seaweeds.

There is a beautiful pink lacy one, a dark green thick branchy one (my favorite to eat), a lime green flat variety and brownish one. I know they have names, and specific functions, and different flavors, but, I don't know them. The pickers separate the seaweeds looking for their favorites and usually leave the beach with full baskets. I always wonder where they go from there........

My friend Mike Eliers, sent me some new dive photos last week and I love sharing his pics. He has a way of getting in close and personal with the subjects of his amazing shots. Mike happened upon a Moray eel coming out of it's hole to investigate like Morays do. These rather aggressive and dangerous creatures are discreet and usually remain hidden in holes and crevices and rocky ledges. They have a keen sense of smell and poor eyesight. Their teeth are razor sharp and concave.

People sometimes try to feed these eels, and it is not a very smart thing to do. They are quick and, if somebody is accidentally bitten by a Moray eel, it can cause a serious injury. However, the Moray only attacks if it feels threatened. The "Puhi" Hawaiian word for eel, has smooth skin, a snake like body and supports small shrimp and wrasses who are "cleaners" feeding off of parasites and small scraps of food from it's mouth. The beauty of this relationship is in it's necessity.

If you are thinking about learning how to dive or getting certified , come to Maui. It's fun and exciting and a great experience....come and discover the amazing world of underwater.

Aloha......see you soon,

Cherie

Pukalani Golf and Maui Fun!

Aloha Folks,

Last week was a great week, one that I had been looking forward to for a year. My brother and sister -in -law, Don and Karen, came to the B&B with some of their California friends for a play week. Their focus was golf, and they definitely fulfilled their quota. The beautiful Pukalani Golf Course, just 5 minutes away, was the main event. The course offers a weekly package with a further discount for staying at Hale Ho'okipa Inn. I also offer a discount for guests who are golfing upcountry at this wonderful course. All in all, the golfers felt challenged and happy with the course. I heard about it every night as they tallied up their scores and chatted over a glass of wine.

I am not a golfer, however I still love an adventure, and I was able to add to the week's excitement taking my friends and family on a "comando hike." We worked at clearing one of my favorite trails, and then were rewarded with a relax in an ocean pool at the end of the job. I think the gang had a gas, and were also rather surprised at our "hike", even though I warned them about the intensity ,"Black Diamond", "Level 5"...however you want to label it...it was fun, and challenging, and the trail is passable once again.

If golf is not your thing, you will be able to find lots to do while other folks are on the green. One of my guests discovered the nearby botanical gardens called the Enchanting Floral Gardens and the Kula Botanical Gardens. She borrowed one of my many plant books and had a great time.

A couple of folks also hiked the Haleakala National Park, a hike for prepared and fit hikers. They were rewarded with mostly sunshine and some rain at the end of the trail.

I have a b-b-q in the yard, and wow, did we ever eat some yummy dinners! Lots of local and organic greens created our delicious nightly salad, and fresh fish for the barbie... ono!... everyone ended their day fully satisfied.

So, gather up your possey, and make plans for a super Stay and Play golf vacation in Upcountry Maui.

Write me for rates and availability, I'll be happy to help make your trip a memorable one.

Here's to family and friends, life is good!

Maui Real Estate

Aloha,

Being able to call Maui "Home" is a dream come true. Every day I get to experience my guest's excitment and awe of our island's natural beauty. Honestly, I have seen more amazing photos than most folks. Evenings and early mornings often find guests pouring over their shots at the table.

I enjoy sharing Aloha and my life in the islands . Because of my deep respect for the aina (land), I feel privileged to be a guide to my guests. When I used to fish on the Big Island, the greatest joy I experienced was when we had guests on board that had never seen the ocean before their trip to Hawaii.

The visitor industry in Hawaii has been my focus for 25 years, and now this focus has progressed it's natural course to helping folks find their new homes on Maui. I am now a licensed Realtor (S) in the state of Hawaii. I am a member of RAM, the Real Estate Association of Maui, and NAR, the National Association of Reators.

Many guests at Hale Ho'okipa Inn are staying with me while they are searching for their next big adventure, a lifestyle change, a move to the lovely island of Maui. I have often answered questions about schools, cultural experiences, and climates in different areas of the island. People are curious about building restrictions and requirements, and I refer them to our Maui County Building Depts, and Maui County website for property tax info, etc.

I spend time at breakfast with guests setting out for their day's adventures, be it a trip up the spectacular Haleakala Crater, a road trip out to Hana, or a snorkel or golf adventure.

Even folks with their island maps looking at different areas that may suit their needs, or searching for a realtor. Because of the personal attention that I give to guests, I realised that this is a relationship being built on trust. I trust guests in my home, and they in turn trust me to take good care of them while they are here.

Having owned a number of properties on Maui and the Big Island , my focus has been on restoration of heritage homes. Two of my homes were built in 1924, and 1939, and have been a rewarding challenge to restore them to their former charm. The complex history of the islands fascinates me, and restoring an older homes opens a window to this rich history.

The quality of light in the islands is so special, many artists reside here with inspiration all around. Maui has a growing reputation as an international art mecca. My own art forms are watercolor and woodblock. I always look to enhance the light and allow ways for the outdoors to flow inside.

Hawaii has been my home for over thirty-five years, Upcountry Maui is where I live, garden, work and play.....with regular walks and swims along the beautiful, windswept North Shore. The rolling pasture lands, and breath taking vistas from the slopes of Haleakala are awe inspiring.. Maui is a place of spectacular views, lush gardens, friendly people, great resturaunts, organic gardens, cultural events, art galas, walks on the beach, swims, surfs, and paddles in the ocean.

Maui truly is "no ka oi", the best.....and I am so very pleased to share my home with you, and to help you find yours.

With warmest Aloha,

Cherie

Best Hotels of Makawao, Maui, Hawaii

Quick note about another award for the Hale Hookipa, this time from UpTake.com!

Dear Hale Ho'okipa Inn,

We are pleased to inform you that Hale Ho'okipa Inn has been identified as "Best of Hotels Makawao Hawaii", by UpTake.com. UpTake.com awards are based on a careful analysis of customer reviews and expert ratings from across the web collected from over 5000 different websites and millions of customer opinions.

This award has been posted to UpTake.com's page for Hale Ho'okipa Inn, and is visible to all UpTake users.

Makawao

Congratulations, Cherie!