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




















Beautiful Day

Aloha..

Today was a beautiful day, after a big rain last night. There is a chill in the air..feels good.

I took alot of pictures in and around the b&b
today for an upcoming magazine article.

I've had many professional photographers shoot the property and historic home throughout the years.
It's always been intersting to see what they would consider photo worthy.
Today, I played photographer and looked at everything through my camera lense ...It was fun, and after I was able to get them all sent off to the magazine, I relaxed and worked on my art..

It was a good day in my artful life ...

Sending Aloha out to one and all..

Cherie

Big Island Beauty





















Aloha,

I wanted to share a special place that my daughter took me to on my Big Island visit.


Iwas delighted with our adventure. This trail runs along the North Kona coast and is well maintained, peaceful, and reminds me of our old days of hiking the South Kohala coastline. The fragrence of native grasses and coastal plants prompted a wave of nostalgia.


It was great to share these memories with my daughter, as she grew up in those coastal areas.


We used to spend alot of time hiking the rugged coast before it was developed. Watching the beautiful blue ocean with sweet waves breaking on the coral reefs, listening to the grouse sharing their song, and exploring all the tide pools, was how we spent our free time.


We would hike to an ancient Hawaiian petroglyph site that was located in the lava fields close by our little beach shack. We were lucky to spend time in this historical place. I believe it is now unavailable to visit due to preservation.


Sometimes we would discover game areas that were similiar to a checker board carved into the tide pool lava .We'd find little black and white lava and coral rocks and create our own games for fun. The kids would also take the snails our of the tide pools and put them on their skinny little shins and have snail races for a few minutes.


I do hope you enjoy the beauty of these photos and get the feeling of Hawaii and the special place it is.

With deep gratitude and much Aloha,

Cherie















Makawao Town Party

Aloha.......

Makawao, Maui, Hawaii - On Friday, November 18, 2011 from 5:00pm to 8;00pm, the upcountry town of Makawao inaugurates the Makawao Friday Town Party.

On the third Friday of each month from 5:00pm until 8:00pm, Makawao's merchants, community groups, and residents welcome the public to stroll the town center to enjoy musical acts, various indoor and outdoor food vendors, activities for children and adults, and a series of "mini-parties" being held in many of the town's shops, salons, and studios that line the streets of the town center.

This month's musical acts include popular local musicians Kepa, Hula Honeys ( ny favorite!) and Lily Meola. In addition to music, activities and vendors along the street sidewalks, each of the participating shopkeepers will offer one-time only discounts, refreshments or special giveaways inside their stores.

Thanks to Melissa from OnCore Studios for sending this newsletter and all her efforts in organizing the first Makawao Town Party.

This event will be a great way to kick off the holiday season.

Hope to see you there, a Makawao fall evening, bring something warm to wear upcountry.

A hui hou,,

Cherie

Malama Wao Akua











Aloha,




Tonight was opening night for the wonderful watershed show. Malama Wao Akua.



This show had a great turn out with well over a 100 entries. Several of my friends had pieces accepted, from printmakers, to photographers, to painters.. all outstanding work! Two entries featured the endangered Hawaiian crow..I want to go back when it's less crowded with more room and better light to see all the wonderful art


My piece "Maui Loulu", a woodcut and water color, depicts the endemic Maui palms on the b&b grounds. I was pleased to see that it sold within a few minutes of the show opening. Wow, that was cool, and a first for me.



Maui art is alive and well... I hope you get a chance to experience it during your visit to Maui...




The island is glowing green after our recent rain..a beautiful time of year to enjoy our paradise.


Aloha, a hui hou..



Cherie





















Upcoming Watershed Art Show



Aloha All,


This is an official invite to the wonderful art show upcoming this Sat at the fabulous Viewpoints Gallery in downtown Makawao.There will be a walk through with the juror at 4pm.

I really love this gallery, one of my favorite places to take guests and show off our talented Maui artists.


My woodblock and watercolor will be in the show! Yippee. I am honored and happy, I worked hard on this piece. I can say for the first time in my life, I have two pieces hanging in two separate shows ...wow...having fun with art, for sure!


The Malama Wao Akua show features native species from Maui Nui..it is a show that promotes a healthy watershed..A very worthy focus, one we all have to pay attention to. I will post more pics of the event, and maybe even a little video when I can get that together.


Aloha for now,



Cherie

Moon light thoughts




Aloha,

The moon and I are up tonight.. It's bright, and my mind is active.
We are expecting some rain in a day or two, and I am thinking about all my returning guests as the high season bookings are rolling in.


Every season has it's special aspects. I'm not big on eating a huge amount of food for Thanksgiving, but, I do look forward to my grandson's birthday in that week.. I am very "thankful" for him. He will be 10 years old, phew!


Peoples's thoughts are turning to the holidays, and, I just recieved a great e-mail suggesting to shop locally this holiday season. This message is a wonderful reminder to folks about supporting our own local economies as we ponder the gifts we want to give to our family and friends.

I know the wonderful folks who run the local art supply place. I can think of a few people who would love to have a gift certificate from this small business, Upcountry Fine Arts.

I, for one, could stand to have my car detailed, and I can think of two local establishments that would do a fine job. Wouldn't that be a fun gift certificate to open up?

Maui Hands is one of the best galleries on the island, and they are only a 10 minute walk from Hale Ho'okipa. Chock full of fine art and crafts, made right here on Maui.

My favorite hair dresser is in our town as well..., and, we have so many massage therapists on Maui, and I imagine your community does as well.


The point here that I want to make, is to have lots of fun thinking about how to gift your loved ones something special from your own community. The e-mail I was talking about suggested to focus on North America as the orgin of your choices in gift giving...I am suggesting to focus on your own community. The folks we know, we reallywant to support. If we all do this, our holiday season may be a little brighter.


My own children will always remember the year that we all painted rocks for our holiday gift giving. This will stick out in my family's thoughts as one of the most memorable...each child in their own corner with their pile of rocks, and paint brushes and paint. It was so much fun for me to see them get into how to decorate the rock that they chose for their sibling.

The memory that I carry to this day, twenty something years later, is a gift that will keep on giving to me.



Well, a few more short hours and it will be time to create one of my special fruit salads for my guests. The winter mangos were a bit early, but sooo delicious, and the liikoi are never ending right now. I'll be up gathering avocados for breakfast at day break. Also, my big white guava is so bountiful, I love the size of the fruit compared to the wild ones growing everywhere. They add a great flavor and color to the fruit salad....Guests love the fresh flavors and wonderful combination..Ono,, as we say.



May your days be filled with joyful moments..Aloha for now ,
Cherie

Shipwreck North Shore







Aloha,


Today I decided it was time for a swim and a walk on the North Shore. I was tempted to go yesterday, but opted for a mountain walk instead. I wish I could get out and walk somewhere wonderful everyday..., but, even life on Maui can get busy.


Sunday, a shipwreck ended up on our sweet Baby Beach reef. Not an ordinary sight to see while strolling down the beach.

The story goes, the "Quantem Leap" (hmm, interesting name....) was left on it's own off the east coast of the Big Island. Two sailors from Portland, Oregon had to be rescued by the Coast Guard.


I really don't know what happened, other than this boat continued on it's journey to by pass Hawaii island and come to rest on my favorite small beach on Maui's North Shore, some 700 miles away. I have to say, that this boat caught a lucky break ending up where it did..
The South shore of Maui could have offered a softer landing in some places..but, it was North Shore bound.



I used to own fishing boats, and seeing any boat in distress still causes my stomach to flip flop.Spotting a boat stranded on a reef is twices as sad....the reef is being damaged, and the boat is often a gonner.

On the Big Island, back in my fishing days, because we were up on the north and west shore, more than once we were called on to look for boats that did not end up where and when they were supposed to.


So, sure hope all is well with these sailors, and hopefully they are happy to learn the fate of the

Quantem Leap.


With all that is happening in our wild, wonderful and wacky world, many times a day, I stop , and look around with a smile, and think, wow...how lucky am I to live where I do, and to meet the great people that I meet every day.


Maui is calling, are you listening?








November Upcoming Events, and October end..

Aloha..Wow, the end of October already!!!!

Life has been busy, real estate and art shows have been adding to my already full and wonderful life.

Hale Ho'okipa Inn has also been steady, and filling up with future bookings. I have had some super fun guests lately ( as usual!!) Our traditionally slower season was not slow at all. I am very happy to see folks traveling again and enjoying the splendor of Maui. If you are looking for a good deal on sweet accommodations, please give me a call.

November looks like it is shaping up quite well with lots to do.

But, before this happens...Halloween will be celebrated in Paia and Lahaina both this year... So, get creative...people tend to go "all out" with costumes. I have no idea, have not worn a costume in years...We'll be handing out goodies in our Windermere office in Paia on Friday night. It will be a Paia celebration evening..Stop by and say hi if you are cruisin Paia.....

Aloha for now,
Cherie


Wailuku First Friday
November 4, 6 – 9 pm
Market Street, Wailuku
Enjoy live entertainment along the street, arts, shopping, a beer garden, food and fun around town.
Info: (808) 878-1888 or www.facebook.com/WailukuFirstFriday

Hawaiian Music Series
November 10, 11 am - 12:30 pm
Baldwin Home Museum, Lahaina
Nā Hōkū Hanohano award winning vocalist Teresa Bright will make a special appearance at this free concert out on the museum lawn.
Info: (808) 661-3262 or www.lahainarestoration.org

I Keia Manawa November 13 – December 23
Schaefer Gallery, Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Kahului
I Keia Manawa (of our time) explores social issues pertaining to Hawaiian culture, the environment and politics by four Native Hawaiian women who are established artists and college professors: Maile Andrade, Kaili Chun, April Dregas and Kapulani Landgraf. Info: (808) 242-7469 or www.mauiarts.org
ONO Series
November 14, 6:30 pm

Iao Theater, Wailuku
Maui OnStage presents a free staged reading of ‘Rock of Ages’ an original radio play by Joel Agnew.
Info: (808) 244-8680 or www.mauionstage.com

Celebrating Native Plants with Songs by Cody Pueo Pata Maui Nui Botanical Gardens, Kahului
November 19, 10 am-12 pm Join Kumu Hula and Nā Hōkū Hanohano award winner, Cody Pueo Pata, for a morning of Hawaiian music as he serenades you with mele (songs) about the inspiring native plants of Hawai'i. Info and reservations: (808) 249-2798 or www.mnbg.org

Kulanihako‘i: Living Waters
November 20, 3 – 4 pm
Koele Lodge, Lanai
Maui Arts & Cultural Center presents excerpts from the original hula drama inspired by Hawaiian myths – Kulanihako'i, about the many facets of water and its relationship to ocean, land and sky.
Info: (808) 242-4283

A Christmas Carol
November 25 - December 11
Iao Theater, Wailuku
Maui OnStage presents Charles Dickens’ classic holiday story ‘A Christmas Carol’ with music adapted by Tom Frey, on Friday and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sunday matinee at 3 pm.
Info: (808) 244-8680 or www.mauionstage.com

Upcountry Art Scene

























Aloha from a cozy Maui evening...




Today was a bit cloudy with a hint of the end of summer in the air.


Makawao was abuzz last night with the Grand Opening of the new Maui Hands. The store, parking lot, and next door gallery were packed with well wishers enjoying themselves in the glitz and glamour of opening night.




Maui Hands in an icon in the art scene on our lovely isle. This is Panna's 7th store in 19 years.She has out done herself with this quality collection. More than 250 artisans and crafters are represented in Maui Hands of Makawao.




The classic upcountry style building, located in the heart of Makawao, was aglow with art, jewelry, wood crafts, photography, and artful clothing. Jewlery ranges from gem stones to sea shells and so much more.

The art scene in Maui is well established, and our art community grows more and more every year. I've said before, the quality of light in our islands is every artists dream. Inspiration is around every corner, and many Maui folks are quite talented and very expressive. One of my favorite artists represented at Maui Hands is Christine Halton. Christine is a fine arts artist whose botanical rendentions on wood are so striking, yet, soft and gentle. I really love Christine's work!


It makes me happy that we keep creating.....expressing beauty, regardless of the challenges we face in the world, is a good thing.



Write, paint, draw, sing, play music, throw pots, turn bowls, sew............

Here's to finding a bit of time as often as possible to feed your creative muse.


Come to Maui for inspiration, bring your tablets and brushes, or shop at the Upcountry Fine Arts...you'll be happy you did.

Much Aloha,

Cherie















Hawaii State Championship Canoe Races







Aloha from the Valley Isle


Yesterday our island home hosted the annual State Championship outrigger canoe races. Even though I have not competed in canoe racing for a few years, I still get very pumped watching the canoes leaping off the start line and working the course to make the turn for a sprint to the finish line.
















Canoe paddling training is relentless, practice is held several times a week, no matter what the conditions on the water. It is a full time committment to paddle.


However, I really loved the paddling community, there is an obvious love for the ocean and all things Hawaii with these folks.

This year had a few special bonus points for me. My family came over from the Big Island to have a booth at the event. Moku Nui, Big Island, was well represtented. They are quite popluar and have a huge following of folks who love their surf wear. It was my first time working a booth with them, and it was lively and fun and quite busy.

The yearly event being on our home island of Maui was also wonderful, and furthermore, my old club, Hawaiian Canoe Club won again!! With 366 points for the day, Hawaiian came out on top, in our home waters and elation was definitely in the air.


The magnificent koa wood canoes are used for the state championship. These canoes are a labor of love from the master canoe builders and the clubs who are priveledged to race them. The koa wood glistens in the sun, the canoes are heavy and solid. It takes more effort to get them up and running.

I was able to see a few of my old paddling buddies . Our bonds will always stay strong. We practiced hard, crossed channels and really depended on eachother in many ways during those times. I never trained so hard as I did to cross those channels in an outrigger canoe. You give it all you have in these crossings, can't hold back.


My dear friend, Susan, who now paddles for Kihei Canoe club, had a fantastic race. The crew photo is posted at the top of the blog. Her crew of Senior Master women had an outstanding race. They shot accross the start line, blasting way ahead of the pack, slowed a little in the turn, but ended with a photo finish in second place.


I finished my day satisfied and sunburned..lots of smiles and great vibes.


As we say here ( and really mean it) "Lucky we live Hawaii!"Hope you folks have a chance soon to come and have a taste of our wonderful life.

Aloha...Cherie
















Leilani Farm Animal Sanctuary


Mehana loved the sweet donkey!

Aukai and Mr. Pig, I forget his name






























Aloha Animals Lovers


Deep in the heart of Haiku, sits a farm with a surprising cast of characters. The 8 acre sanctuary is home to goats, rabbits, donkeys, pea hens, pigs, ducks, deer and chickens. (Hope I did not leave anyone out.)


My grandkids and I recently had an afternoon visit at Leilani Farm Animal Sanctuary. It was great fun, and my grandson Aukai declared that he wanted to have a job at this cool place. He was in charge of brushing everyone who would let him. Audrey the deer followed us on our tour looking for some more love. The blind pig normally does not like to be brushed, but he was quite comfortable with Aukai.


This volunteer, non-profit sanctuary provides care and shelter for unwanted and abused animals, who, I must say, have now hit the jack pot! Our guide and the guardian angel of the animals, Lauralee is dedicated to raising the animals in a peaceful environment.



Tours are open to the public on Tues and Saturdays with a $10 donation requested. I will be posting this fun opportunity on my http://www.volunteer-on-vacation-hawaii/vacation-hawaii/ web site. This will be the first opportunity that is not strictly environmentally based.

So, if you want to have fun, do good, and hang out with some cool critters, hook up with Leilani Farms at info@leilantfarmsanctuary.org. I just had some guests call who are coming out to volunteer in another animal shelter this time. They've had fun in the past at Lelani.



Hope everyone is enjoying July, the weather here was a bit cool and wet, but, now summer is in full swing.




I hope you have an animal friend to love! ( My ducks are on on the loose...need to convince them to stay inside..I was herding one of them up my street yesterday, looking a bit silly)


Aloha,



Cherie








Another 4th of July











Aloha,


Another 4th has come and gone...the year is half over already, how did that happen?!


This year's parade was sweet as usual, with the added bonus that it was NOT an election year. No staggering amounts of politicians to yawn through.


Upcountry enjoyed beautiful horses, elegant riders, great music and the stick horse race to get things going.


My grandson and I braved the chilly evening rain to go and watch the bull riders on Friday night. He said he enjoyed it, but was too cold. I can say that I tried, but, the parade is by far my favorite part of the weekend.


Enjoy the photos that my friend Milo Hillaire took.


Keep on enjoying life, even if the holiday is pau (finished).

Much Aloha,



Cherie










Grand and Beautiful Pa'u Riders

Aloha,

In honor of King Kamehamea, the great Statesman of Hawaii, you are all invited to the Na Kamehameha Commermative Pa'u Parade and Ho'olaule'a this Sat, June 18th.

The colorful parade starts at 9:45 a.m. on Front Street in Lahaina.. All the beautiful pa'u riders will be in their finest traditonal satins draped with colorful and fragrent lei. They are a wonderful sight to behold.

The proud horses will be at their best with braided tails and manes decked with flower lei prancing down Front Street. This is my favorite part of any and all parades. I am always in awe, and wish it lasted longer. It is a grand tradition. Riding a spirited horse is a feat in itself, now, imagine doing it with huge hair, a gracious smile, lots of lei and a fancy satin gown....hmm.

The Hololaule'a starting mid-day, will feature tradtional crafts, ono food, and entertainment all afternoon. Something fun to look forward to. It's a great event to share with family and friends, for visitors and kama'aina alike.

Bring your camera, wear sunscreen, and, see you out there!

We are so blessed to live in a place that keeps important tradition alive in the midst of so much change in the world.

Mahalo to the people of Hawaii.

Aloha, a hui hou...
Cherie

Frist Friday Coming Up!


Aloha,

Wailuku Town's First Friday is almost here again.

I am going to head over to this event for sure.
It's nice to cruise the street, see friends, listen to music, dine and shop.
Maui always has something fun to attend. With all our talented folks who live here,
art openings, music happenings, cultural events, and plays are easy to find.

I do think this is one of the reasons Maui has captured my heart, among many others.

OK, see you on the street!!

Cherie
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Oahu Adventures

Kama'aina (Hawaii residents) like to holo-holo (travel) to outer islands. Island hopping is not what it used to be, especially as far as ticket prices go. I remember $12 inner island tickets! So, now, we plan real vacations instead of jumping over for lunch, or a surf, or to shop. Best to make the most of it.

I had a special occaision with some of my ohana this last weekend. We stayed in Waikiki , that's one busy place! The main event was a fashion show that my grand daughter was in. It was great fun, and I enjoyed seeing all the girls stomping down the cat walk for family and friends.

I introduced my daughter to a very special place called Foster Gardens. The beautiful grounds in the middle of Honolulu can make you forget that you are even in the city. This amazing garden, was planted in the late 1880's, and is still vibrant and healthy today. The wide variety of trees are magnificent, as in HUGE, and still growing. All in all, it was fun to take a break and have a different experience. Each island is has it's own personality.

Here's to stepping out and having some fun. New experiences enrich us for our whole lives. I think my travel bug will never retire......

Much Aloha,
Cherie

Maui in May , Spring Sale at Hale Ho'okipa


Aloha all,

It's mid May, usually a quiet time in the islands. Which means it's a great time for visitors to enjoy our beautiful Maui... The purple Jacaranda trees are starting to bloom, our trade winds are coming back, and we've had some beautiful showers to sweeten everything.

What's more, (even more goodness!) it's Spring Sale time at Hale Ho'okipa Inn! I'm offering a super deal through the rest of the month.
15% off accommodations until June 1 and 5% off future bookings if made before June 1st

This is the time to make your bookings and Makawao, Maui plans. Haleakala beckons the adventure spirit. Pukalani Country Club golf course is courting the budget conscious golfers.
Makawao town is ripe for wonderful pickings and ono restaurants to satisfy your cravings and curiosity.

Love waking up to the early light, a great time of year with all the promise of joy unfolding right now!
Come visit, you'll feel refreshed.

Much Aloha,
Cherie