We definitely cannot leave our upcountry adventures without talking story* about a few Mom and Pop enterprises still thriving today. Some have been here for over 100 years. As Hawai’i became less of a subsistence, agrarian-based society and more westernized, small stores began to pop up. This was long before anything like the “big box”… Read more »
We have chatted often about the remarkable area of Maui known as Upcountry; an area far from town, with a varied and rich history. We told a tale of cowboys, ranching, and an improbable winery, MauiWine located in ‘Ulupalakua. Today, we go off the beaten path, to some more of Maui’s unknown gems hidden away… Read more »
History says that quilting in Hawai’i began in the early 1800s when the first 7 missionaries arrived. Stunning quilts have been made in the unique Hawaiian Style for over 200 years. The quilts that have been made from those early days until now are unlike any quilts you will find anywhere. Quilts tend to bring… Read more »
Also known as ‘Romancing the Lava Tube’ Our story begins more than 25 years ago. A young man who lived in Hana named Chuck Thorne heard about a lava tube located on a property nearby. He eventually went to the owner and asked politely if he could explore this extraordinary site. “Just no get hurt,”… Read more »
The ancient Hawaiians named each place purposefully. This was so that anyone coming to that place would know its story. Knowing the history and intertwining mythology of a place deepens our experience of it and makes being there more meaningful. In the Hawaiian language, a place name evokes the mana or power of that area…. Read more »
During your visit to Hawai’i, there can be days when you prefer to find fun things to do indoors. Perhaps you were overly enthusiastic and got a bit too sunburned the first couple of days of your vacation. Or, maybe, a few too many passing tropical rain showers chased you off the beach and off… Read more »
The fern is symbolic of everlasting youth. Many indigenous people believe that the fern represents new life and new beginnings. In Japan, ferns exemplify family and hope for the future. From the Victorian era, the fern embodied trustworthiness and humility. Often called Living Lace, there are approximately 200 species of ferns in Hawai’i. 65% of… Read more »
If you have been to Maui, you have been to Lāhainā. Lāhainā has been rich, colorful, and vibrant since it was called Lele in ancient times. The town was chosen as the royal capital in 1820 by King Kamehameha the Great. It remained the capital until 1845. People came from all the islands to do… Read more »
When I was growing up, the first three things I remember hearing about Hawai’i were: Maui Wai’ānapanapa (Black Sand Beach) Lāhainā I didn’t know at the time that to see these three things meant I only had to go to one island, the island of Maui. That one island would be enough to fulfill my… Read more »
