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 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

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

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 !)

Stand Up Paddle Happiness

Aloha,

Happiness ...A Day Off, time with friends, ocean, nature..good meals..ahh.
It takes  planning for me to take time off..and it is so worth it when it all works out. Even though we live in one of the most beautiful places on the planet, most of us  work quite a bit to be able to live on Maui.
  Because of my previous love affair with outrigger canoe paddling, and life spent on some sort of surfing device in the waves, I have been wanting to jump into a new sport that fits my life style now .
This new calling is a combination of  paddling and surfing. Stand Up Paddle ( SUP) takes balance, some effort and a willingness to deal with the learning curve.
My dear friends Stacey and Chet who have stayed with me many times throughout the years, had moved down to Wailea after their upcountry hiking days at Hale Ho'okipa Inn.  Stacey and I had talked about Stand Up Paddle for quite some time and this weekend , we made it happen.

Having the right equipment makes all the difference between enjoyment and struggle. I borrowed a board that turned out to be too small.  However, no worries...Wailea Beach has a concession stand with some really sweet and helpful ocean folks called Maui Ocean Activities. The Beach Boys we met were Shaun and Phillip. We were in good hands,  they run a first class activity. You can find them at mauioceanactivities.com
 or 808 357-8989, to arrange your activities.They offer snorkel gear, kayaks, and SUP boards and paddles...What more could anyone want to enjoy a day of ocean fun? Being able to support small locally owned businesses is a great passion of mine. Anyone who reads my blog posts will recognize this.


Contributing to my Happiness Level was one amazing encounter while paddling our way back to shore. We had seen several Honu, turtles, and that is always nice.
However,  when a rare and endangered  Hawaiian Monk graced us with a swim by, my Happiness meter went off the charts...He/She was quite large and just cruised right by us, close and curious. Oh, wow!!!! I managed to stay on the board despite wanting to jump up and down with excitement.

There were some visitors who shared this experience with us and they were a little freaked out. I could not help myself and had to let them know just how blessed they were. I gave them the low down on the rare Monk seal and told them if a seal beaches for a rest, the whole area gets roped off to protect them from being bothered. We are very serious about guarding these magnificent creatures, and I will never forget the sound of that seal breathing as it broke through the water and the curious look in it's eyes.
With Aloha,
Cherie

Life Affirming Design and Decor

Aloha~
Design has been near and dear to me for most of my life.  Personal taste is subjective, and I am hoping to go beyond the surface here and explore emotional response to design and decor.
 My  first memory of self expression in the world of design was my insistence of choosing a new color palette for my own bedroom. I may have been 9 years old, but I knew without a doubt that a lavender hue was what I wanted to wake up to each morning.  Being an artist, my mom was  enthusiastic in her desire to paint and re-paint our walls, so I knew she'd be game. My sense of self was elevated with this lavender bedroom. Being able to effect change in my surroundings set the stage for a life of spirited decor and design. 
Color anchors a room, and it is the least costly way to transform space. Creamy plantation white walls are the calm  negative space that are so vital in successful art. Crown moldings, plate rails and large baseboards of my heritage home are highlighted with tones that I choose to set a mood .
My Kona Wing guests described the two rooms as a "happy" mood....I laughed when I heard that as Victoria had coined it the "Happy" rooms just the day before.

Recently, I took advantage of a quiet week and tiled the shower in the Hibiscus room. My wonderful brother, who has lent a hand many times throughout the years, spent three days in a shower stall to get the job finished for me.While he was setting tile, I got busy making some changes   to this space. Fortunately I have enough inventory to "shop" in my own home.   The simplicity in this room is complemented by the serenity of nature in the decor.
Light is as essential as water and air to an artist. I like to use mirrors to reflect the  natural light from the antique wavy glass windows .It adds sparkle without going overboard.

 Viki and I spin stories as a room is taking shape. The Rose room was next in line for a lift.  It was a true pleasure to develop a scene that spoke of  history, function, and elegance. We combined Plantation era pieces simple in their lines and design, with an ornate carved headboard telling the story of a family treasure surviving a long journey to a remote Hawaiian island. The guest who arrived into the Rose room after this transformation  told me at breakfast that he was very content in the room. He said it conveyed an elevated sense of old Hawaii .I smiled knowing that the honest sincerity of my design and decor offered repose, a  comfortable home away from home. What more could I ask for?

 With Gratitude and Aloha,
Cherie
www.homesalesmaui.com
www.maui-bed-and-breakfast.com

Upcountry Farmer's Market

Aloha,

I finally made it to the Saturday Farmer's Market this last weekend. I've been wanting to go for awhile, but am usually busy making breakfast for my wonderful guests at Hale Ho'okipa Inn.. My morning off happened to be Farmer's Market day, so instead of  sleeping in, I decided to head up to the market early.

What a treat it was, lots of fresh flowers, fruit , vegies , baked goods, raw juices, plants, Indian food, and fresh fish.
I had fun visiting with friends and drinking tea in the early morning sunshine. My bags were stuffed with goodies,  lots of fresh greens, and  huge bouquets of flowers for the b&b and chicken curry for lunch .

This is the best Farmer's Market on the island, in my opinion. These are small kine farmers who grow for the markets and probably Mana Foods in Paia. There are several booths, and a very relaxed atmosphere.

Best to get there early, especially if you want fresh fish...this week there was Mahi-Mahi and Aku.

The parking lot market is located in the Upcountry Longs area, on the Kula Highway, near the Cottages at Kulamalu.. Lots of parking is available and the weather is usually perfect in this area above Pukalani. Pukalani means " hole in the heavens" and this spot is usually clear and sunny with a view of the north shore below.


If you find yourself with some free time on a Saturday morning, head up to the Farmer's Market and "Buy Local." It will put a smile on your face.

With Aloha,
Cherie

Night Blooming Cereus & Dragon Fruit

Aloha All,

This time of year one of my favorite flowers and fruits are gracing us with their beauty and bounty.
The Night Blooming Cereus is a spineless climbing cactus that produces large white blossoms with lush yellow centers. Their fragrance is quite intoxicating and perfumes the night air between mid- summer to early fall. The exotic flowers are short lived, blooming into the night sky and staying open and vibrant long enough for the busy bees of the early morning to collect their pollen and start the mysterious Dragon Fruit on it's path.
I thought one had to hand pollinate these flowers to produce fruit.
My Oahu guest told he as he was handing me arm fulls of this delicious and expensive fruit, that the bees and bugs do the work for him. I went to go check on mine, and low and behold, three little yellow Dragon fruit were growing!!! I was so excited! I just went back to check on them at sunset and noticed there was only one left. :( Maybe the ducks flew up on top of the orchid house and ate them? I don't know, but my excitement was short lived...I might have to bag them to keep them safe.

The meat is delicious, soft and moist a bit like a melon, but, they almost melt in your mouth.
"Broke da mouth" as we say..ono, yum..I'll keep trying to get fruit, and one of these years, I'll get to pick them off the top of my orchid house.

Thanks, Steve, for bringing the bounty from Oahu!
Lucky guests at breakfast these last couple of days.

Enjoy the garden, where ever it might be!

With Aloha,
Cherie
www.maui-bed-and-breakfast.com
www.homesalesmaui.com

East Maui Watershed Wao Akua 2012

Aloha All,

It's been a fun and busy time lately. Last Friday night was Third Friday Makawao Town Party, and the opening of the East Maui Watershed Wao Akua 2012 show. http://hawp.org/malama-wao-akua-2012/

 I am honored to have had two pieces accepted into the show.

I framed my carved wood block after I ran a couple of prints. The  texture of the woodblock along with the inked colors was rather exciting to me. I love to feel the grooves in the wood  when I carve..I find that it starts telling me a story as I slice and peel the wood from the block.

 As far as the print goes, I had not really liked it as a finished piece. So I  figured there was nothing to loose and ended up tearing it  into a collage. What an liberating experience that was!  I have to say that the finished product is rather fun. It's always great to experiment.

My subject was the 'Ohelo Berry, a native shrub that grows  high up in Haleakala Crater and along the  slopes as well. Nene Goose feed on these tart and colorful berries. The varied hues of pink and red against the stark landscape of the lava fields is a stunning contrast.

The East Maui Watershed folks are some of my Maui heros.. The work they do to protect our native species deserves kudos from all. The turn out at the show was huge. The community is in full support of their important work. Part of the proceeds from all works sold at the show are donated to this deserving group of dedicated stewards of the land..

Mahalo to All and Malama Aina,
Cherie
www.maui-bed-and-breakfast.com
http://www.homesalesmaui.com

PoliPoli State Park

Alohaaaaahhh,

Some days I just need to head up to the forest for some peace and quiet in nature. It's a bit of a trek up to PoliPoli state park along a very dusty and bouncy road. I know that a slice of heaven is at the end of the road and well worth the effort it takes to get there.
The forest is in a stage of new growth and recovery after a devestating fire some years ago. The pine and fir trees are over head high now, growing next to the charred remains of huge mountainside fire . It was quite dry today, except for down deep into the forest where the fog rolls in.
This forest was planted by the CCC in the 1930's  as an experimental timber forest. There are pines, fir and redwoods all growing together. The Redwoods  seem to thrive here, now strong and tall. Many of the other trees are uprooting as time goes by. Signs to watch out for falling trees are posted here and there, and they mean it.

The old cabins and large Hydrangeas really capture my creative attention as they adapt to the surrounding forest throughout the years.

Sitting and listening to the forest breath while the fog rolls in and drifts back out was soothing and just what I needed today.
May we all make time to be with nature often. Afterall, it is the best balance  for our busy lives.

With Aloha,
Cherie
www.maui-bed-and-breakfast.com
www.homesalesmaui.com

End O' Summer Annual Sale

Aloha All,

It's that time of year again..perfect weather, quiet north shore beaches, clear days in Haleakala Crater, and the super sale at Hale Ho'okipa Inn Makawao.

I recently posted a $5 off sale, and now because I want to make sure all my guests have the best possible time while on vacation on Maui, I am offering an additional savings for August and Sept.
$10 OFF Per Night!!  Here are a few suggestions of what fun you can have and what ono food you can eat  with that extra money in your pocket.
4 boxes of  delicious Kula strawberries from Pukalani Supperette.
2 pounds of  Hawaii lychee at Mana Foods
2 outrageous  Maui Dragon Fruit at Mana Foods
A tastey salad at Makawao Garden Cafe

Put all your savings together and see what wonderful treasures you can find at Maui Hands or the Sheri Reeves Gallery in Makawao. Both galleries have affordable beautiful island art .
Or, how about an evening of entertainment at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center?...There is always something worthwhile seeing or listening to at the MACC.
You know that you'll need a Haleakala National Park  pass. So,for just $10, a 3 day pass is yours! The pass is good for the summit and the other side of the national park in Hana.

It's endless, all the wonderful food, great events, tours and special gifts that you can enjoy with your savings from staying at the Hale Ho'okipa Inn. It's a win-win for all, and that's what I like!

Hiking up at Haleakala has been fantastic the last few days. I helped my guests get geared up yesterday for their great adventure. They took the 11 mile hike through the crater and said it was an experience of a lifetime . Being from the UK  I don't imagine they get to do alot of volcano hiking.

 This coming weekend is the State Canoe Paddling Races on Oahu. If you get a chance to check it out, don't pass up the opportunity. I miss paddling, but still get to hear all about it from my friends and family. My Big Island family will be working hard and having fun with all the vendors at the races. Look for Moku Nui for some awesome island apparel.

Consider this an offical invitation to come to Maui, enjoy some savings and have a really sweet time.
With lots of Aloha,
Cherie



Organic Maui Fruit

Aloha..
Yes, indeed, I can say this now after seeing many comments on line about my fruit salad, and fresh fruit.  Praises have been sung around the world. Maybe it's not fruit from Heaven, but it is fruit from Maui. Much of it comes from my yard, depending on the season. My passion fruit, lilikoi is just starting to turn yellow and will be falling from the vines in a couple of weeks. My mangos are starting to blush.


Fruit salads are my speciality. I dress the salad with a fresh lilikoi if I have them in the garden. The flavor is tart and a bit peppery with the seeds. It makes a nice compliment to the sweetness of apple bananas, papaya, guava and mango. Some of my favorite repeat guests have mentioned how much they like the lilikoi topping.
Every now and then I have fresh grated coconut as well. I look forward to my own coconut trees producing nuts, love that coconut water and spoon meat.

Last week I was fortunate enough to find white pineapple in Paia. It was perfect because one of my guests normally has a reaction to the acid in a yellow pineapple and she was so pleased and surprised how gentle the white pineapple was.
This is a little sampling of what  guests say about breakfast.    This may be why  people call to ask if they can come over for breakfast. I have to tell them it's only for guests staying of Hale Ho'okipa.
 "Breakfast fruit choices are fantastic: most breakfasts had lilikoi, cheremoya, avocado, rambutan, orange, apple bananas, strawberries."
“The fresh fruit from Cherie's garden was a delicious treat each day.”
"The breakfasts were fantastic - so much fresh fruit, much of it grown right in the yard. It was definitely "fruit heaven."
"This is the best fruit salad I have ever had."


Today was a bit overcast and I worked in the garden. It was nice to take a break from the computer and get my hands in the dirt again. I hope to get my ground turned and ready for fall. Our soil has a bit of clay so I have to work to prepare it. It should be ready to plant this weekend.

It is a great time to visit Maui, the weather is comfortable, hiking is perfect now. It's not high season, there is lots of parking everywhere, and the ocean is so very inviting.

Hope to see you soon.
With Aloha,
Cherie

Hawaiian Monk Seal

Aloha,

I am so excited to share these wonderful photos of a Hawaiian Monk Seal resting on the beach. Years ago I remember seeing one way out by a bouy while fishing in the ocean. Up until that time I had seen very few as they were rarely sighted close to or on the populated islands.
Now, we see them a bit more often, and it is really special. Even so, it is estimated that there are fewer than 1,000  Hawaiian Monk Seals living today. They are endangered and offically became the Hawaii State mammal in 2008.

Most seals prefer colder waters, the Hawaiian Monk seal lives in warm waters in the northern most islands of the Hawiian Island chain. They forage on lobsters, fish and octopus...and are very sleek in the water.

They will haul themselves out onto the sand  to rest in the heat of the day. A seal will often spend the afternoon sunning and napping on a beach. Whenever one is spotted, someone will call a ranger to  come  and rope off the area so the seal will not be disturbed. It is a bit clumsy on land, and could easily be bothered by someone coming too close. Most people who live in Hawaii are very protective of the seal and will make sure that people keep their distance.
This particular  Monk Seal was spotted at Kamakahonu Bay in Kona a few weeks ago. My dear Ilana  Maxwell snapped these wonderful photos. Thanks for sharing your photos, Ilana! She said that beachgoers had drawn a line in the sand around the female seal to give her  space while she lounged on the beach. Look at that face,she looks pretty comfortable.

Consider yourself blessed if you are fortunate enough to see one of these beautiful creatures.

Malama ke kai..take care of the oceans..

With Aloha,
Cherie
www.maui-bed-and-breakfast.com
www.homesalesmaui.com