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

Mele Kalikimaka

Aloha,

The holidays are snugglin' in closer now.. Families are working their way towards eachother. Bright lights line the roof tops and parties dot the calendar. Our Hawaiian weather has a nice chill in the air, and the north shore winter swell was pumping today. Our seasonal change is subtle, and I love it just the same.
My holiday season starts with day dreaming about the image I will create for my yearly card. This year I decided to holidaze my ducks. I thought it would be fun to carve their images and try to capture their attitudes, dressed up in holiday bling. Each one trying to outdo the other as they often do in the yard.
They are showing their holiday spirit. I am happy to share my woodblock image of my ducks in their finery..
I've named this happy piece" Duckie Kalikimaka."
                                 Wishing one and all Holiday Aloha and a Joyful New Year.

May you be blessed to spend  time this holiday season with those you love. May the world seem just a little bit brighter, and the love we share, stronger, and our memories just that much sweeter. May we give to those who have less than we do, may we be kind to one and all.

Peace and Aloha,
Cherie

Friends of Haleakala Christmas Tree Cutting

Aloha,
High up on the mountain, the Haleakala Ranch land borders  the National Park where an experimental pine forest was planted many years ago. Right outside the  park entrance the hillside is full of  beautiful, but invasive trees. Pine forests of Monterrey Pine and Mexican Weeping Pine threaten the nearby native forest.

Every year  the annual Christmas Tree cutting  at Pu'u Nianiau takes place to help stop the spread of invasive species into the park while also offering a wonderful outdoor experience. Yearly, the wonderful folks of Friends of Haleakala organize a Christmas Tree cutting event that is challenging and  rewarding.

The Boy Scouts  helped out by cutting small and medium sized pines,  leaving them along the trail for folks to gather.  I did not know about the trail gifts until making my way back down the mountain with an arms full of pine boughs loaded with cones for the start of my holiday wreaths. Luckily I brought gloves and my handy little folding saw, both necessary for the task at hand. I did manage to cut a tree, but, I knew it  would not fit for my inside decorated tree. It's a bit of an awkward shape. but will look and smell wonderful  on the lanai. For the first time ever, I have no pangs of guilt for a cut holiday tree. In fact, I experienced a  small sense of accomplishment.

 The work of the wonderful folks from the Friends of Haleakala  is an important addition to securing the future of our sacred mountain.  The Friends of Haleakala are a non-profit organization that is dedicated to assisting Haleakala National Park to achieve the purposes and goals for which it was established. " To preserve Haleakala's  unique eco - systems, scenic character and associated native Hawaiian cultural and spiritual resources so as to leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations." Well, yes, indeed.

I met Mat, a Friends Leader, at the start of the trail when I signed my release forms to go up the mountain. I've been interested in this group and now I have their newsletter and a schedule of their service trips into the crater. Volunteers backpack into the crater to a cabin or campsite to work on maintenance of the cabins , work with native plants or invasive species. If you think you are up to a service trip, check out their web site and see if you can find a good match.  It's challenging work, and ,it will be an experience that you will long remember

My giant Norfolk Pine at Hale Ho'okipa is a living proof how well some introduced species do  in Hawaii. Measuring 18 feet around the base {!) seriously, and approx 160' high it is one of the oldest and largest pine trees on the island of Maui. It's impressive and gives me pause to appreciate it's magnificent presence daily.

The holidays are kicking into gear, and mine have been off to a great start!

With Aloha and Gratitude,
Cherie

Thanksgiving Day Gratitude

Aloha All,

Today was a  mellow Thanksgiving Day with high overcast and light winds. Unwinding at my favorite North Shore beach was a real pleasure.
Two wonderful guests and dear friends, Cyn and Peter, have been here for almost a week and we have been able to spend some special time together with an epic forest hike and Thanksgiving dinner.
So many great people stay here at Hale Ho'okipa, and I am blessed daily by their presence in my home.. Each and every person who comes in my door adds something to my life... . This week has been ten fold enrichment with my Eastcoast friends here..
Tonight, I want to express a heart felt Mahalo to all those who read my blog, readers who respond, guests who visit my home, visitors that think about Hawaii with fondness, and  folks who day dream of one day coming to our shores.
I am grateful to to be able to share Aloha with you.

May this season  bring  everyone a sense of purpose, stronger communities, a renewed awareness of stewardship for our planet,  more  shared love with our families and friends,  and a commitment to being  pono, living  in harmony and balance.

Mahalo and Aloha,
Cherie

Maui Bird Conservation Center

Aloha,

Not very far from Hale Ho'okipa,, high up Olinda Rd is a hidden gem.  
This morning I had the good fortune to take a tour of the Bird Conservation facility and learn  about our Hawaiian endangered birds.Our guide,  Natalie did a wonderful job sharing the obvious passion for their work. I learned that the  main reasons for loss of species in Hawaii are: Habitat Destruction, Competition for Food and Nesting sites, Disease, and Isolated Populations.
Good news, the Hawaiian Nene Goose is doing so well, that they have recently suspended the Nene propagation program , focusing on more severely impacted native birds. From 1997 to 2011, 750 Nene eggs were laid, 396 goslings hatched with a 95% survival rate. The population has increased from 40-50 birds in the 1950's with no Nene on Maui as recent as the 1970's. Now there are more than 2000 birds in Hawaii Nei..How wonderful!

Sadly, the Alala or Hawaiian Crow is now extinct in the wild. The Alala is considered one of the most threatened birds in the entire world. There were an estimated 20 birds in1994, some 56 birds in 2007, and now that number has nearly doubled. The significance of this beautiful bird is two fold. In Hawaiian culture the Alala is considered an Amakua, a family guardian, and this crow plays a critical role in the regeneration of native forests on the Big Island. In the wild the Alala is a busy forager eating insects, mice and native berries. To keep the captive and curious birds from becoming bored, these folks have created an enrichment program creating food challenges for them. The birds that hatch into captivity are surrounded by photos and audio of their own species so they won't imprint on humans.  They hope to release Alala into the wild on the Big Island in 2014. Birds are reintroduced by first releasing them into remote aviaries to acclimate.  

This program is a partnership with the San Diego Zoo , Forestry and Wildlife, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. They can be reached at 808 572-0690.http://malamahawaii.org/blog/malama-events/maui-bird-conservation-center-open-house/  

This link will get you information, their website is mbcc@hawaiiantel.net  ( I had issues with their link.)

If you want to learn and help, I encourage you to check these folks out. I am so happy  to have taken the time to drive up to the cool forests of Olinda this morning. I feel much richer for the experience.
Let's please treat our planet and all the endangered creatures and each other with great appreciation and respect.
For volunteer opportunities, please check out my site at www.volunteer-on-vacation-hawaii.com
I hope to get these folks on the site soon.
Much Aloha on a glorious Maui day..
Cherie

Halloween Paia, Maui

'Twas Halloween Night in ol Paia Town
With Pirates, Ghosts and Witches all  running around.

Ballerinas on point were storming the streets
Pounding the pavement demanding their treats.

Butterflies and Bumblebees flitted through shops
Gathering on street corners eating lollipops.

Costumed children and parents a sight to behold
Making me feel young again and not so old.

With a bowl full of goodies my smile was big
Flooded with memories of being a kid.

May this be a time of Blessings and Bounty
Happy Harvest Moon to All!!

( This lovely mother and daughter rocked my world !)