Haiku Flower Festival

Spring Season Maui

Aloha,

It has been  a  very wet and windy winter and spring  this year on Maui. The mountain grasses are taller than I have seen  in many years. My yard and fruit trees are flowering and getting ready for a bumper yield.  All the avocado trees Upcountry are completely covered in blossoms and my mangoes are growing larger by the week.
We are so fortunate that our reservoirs are now full to the top. Regardless of the extra work and hassles of rain and mud, there is something very reassuring about the abundance of water. I keep envisioning the aquafir  increasing the fresh water level as all this sweet rain filters through the porous lava rock.

I don't know if there is a more beautiful time of year to visit Hawaii.  The glorious Jacaranda trees are starting to bloom. The  harbinger of Spring, one very large purple blossom covered tree, is now in it's full glory. This particular tree on the Lower Kula Highway, is larger than most, blooms earlier than all, and stays in bloom longer as well. The purple highway is still a few weeks away from wowing all those who are lucky enough to drive our beautiful stretch of upcountry Maui. Before long, the road will be lined with blooming Jacaranda. Even our local residents like to roll Upcountry this time of year for a view of the emerald green pastures dotted with bright purple trees.

This weekend was one of my favorite events in Haiku, the 21st Annual Haiku Ho'olaule'a Flower Festival.This is a very well attended event with visitors and kama'aina  happy to spend a day with ohana and friends sharing some good outdoor fun.
 Despite the occasional showers, everyone was enjoying the Keiki performances and foot stomping local bands. Home style nurseries,  flower and vegies growers displayed their wares in attractive booths. Today I purchased a few unusual Antherium blossoms, hand painted greeting cards, and some unique, affordable locally made jewelery
If you want to experience the lushness of nature , the sweet scent of flowers and some locally grown ono food, come visit Maui during our quiet season. Off season travel is so relaxing. It's easy to park in town and at the beach, the sunsets are vibrant and our island home is a happy place to be.
Aloha, 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 earrings, 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 veggie garden at Haiku 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