Hawaii - Kohala Coast properties

Mauna Loa Eruption

December 1, 2022/0 Comments/in Hawaii, Things to do, Vacation Rentals/by Alice Hughes

“This is a wonderful eruption. … This is more than a spectacle; to many people of Hawaii, this is a sacred event.”

As you probably heard, Mauna Loa, the largest active volcano in the world located on the Big Island of Hawaii, began erupting late Sunday night. The U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported lava was inside Moku’aweoweo, the volcano’s summit caldera, at about 11:30 p.m.

The volcano, which stands about 13,680 feet above sea level on the island of Hawaii, last erupted in 1984. Including Monday’s eruption, Mauna Loa has now erupted 34 times since 1843.

All of Mauna Loa’s eruptions have commenced at the summit. This eruption was not an exception.

According to witnesses, a half-hour after the eruption began, the glow from the summit crater appeared to grow brighter. Then, around 5:30 a.m., lava channels or “fingers” started forming on Mauna Loa’s northeastern flank. By 5:45 a.m., the channels of lava flowing downslope were clearly visible as the sky began to lighten in the morning hours.

Around 6:30 a.m. Monday, the U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory confirmed that lava flows had broken out of three fissures that formed on the volcano’s northeastern flank. As of 1:30 p.m. Monday, there was no more active lava within the caldera, and only the lowest altitude of the three fissures produced lava. That fissure — named Fissure 3 — produced a lava flow moving parallel with the Northeast Rift Zone.

Residents of Waikoloa, Puako, and other South Kohala areas could see the glow and flows of lava from their homes and capture this unforgettable event.

As of writing this blog, the Mauna Loa eruption has slowed as lava from fissure 3 has reached the flats below the volcano. Scientists are still determining at this point which direction the lava flow will take from there.

So far, the eruption has been minimally disruptive and does not present any threat to Big Island communities. During a press conference on Monday, HVO Scientist In Charge Ken Ho said Mauna Loa eruptions are historically most energetic within the initial week or two and “calm down” afterward. He added that he is not expecting it to last as long as the 2018 Kilauea eruption, which went on for four months and destroyed nearly 700 homes.

Mauna Loa’s new eruption brings the number of volcanoes actively emitting lava on the Big Island to two; Kilauea Volcano has been erupting since Sept. 29, 2021, with lava confined to the summit lava lake.

For many people, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see both volcanoes in action. If you wish to witness it for yourself, you can head east on Saddle Road; however, you cannot park along the highway from mile marker 16 to mile marker 31. But, according to Big Island’s Mayor Mitch Roth, there are ample places for those wishing to view the eruption. He also said Gil Kahele state recreation area would be open 24 hours, providing parking there, and parking spots along the highway at trailheads would be available.

Roth and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park officials see the eruption more as a blessing than a curse, at least for now. Both the Kilauea and the Mauna Loa volcanic activity are visible from the national park in Volcano, said spokeswoman Jessica Ferracane.

The park is open 24 hours, and the best times for viewing while avoiding the growing crowds are before 9 a.m., and after 9 p.m., she said. Ferracane estimated several thousand people visited the park Monday, and the number was expected to be higher Tuesday, when a cruise ship was expected to arrive in Hilo.

“The park is open, and viewing has been spectacular,” Ferracane said. “This is a wonderful eruption. … This is more than a spectacle; to many people of Hawaii, this is a sacred event.”

If you venture out to see the eruption, check the latest updates to see if the area is safe. According to the authorities and HVO scientists, there is no imminent danger, but it is better to be safe than sorry. You can check for updates on the Hawaii County Civil Defense website or USGS’s website.

Save on your Hawaii vacation rental

Remember, you can always save 10% on your vacation rental when you book direct with us and mention “Aloha escape” in your reservation.

We hope to see you soon – a hui hou!

Understanding Aloha Aina

November 18, 2022/0 Comments/in Hawaii, Things to do, Vacation Rentals/by Alice Hughes

What is Aloha Aina?

Aloha “Aina in Hawaiian means “love of the land” and is central to Native Hawaiian thought and culture. Aloha ʻāina brings a perspective that permeates many aspects of life. Its ecological and cultural orientations are founded upon a sense of being connected to all living things. This mutuality between all things exists on many levels: spiritual, social, and scientific.

Aloha ʻĀina also means Hawaiian patriotism, love for the land and its people. It is an in-depth relationship between the places and communities that hold significance to the individual. As such, it is an ethic that includes striving to improve the well-being of Hawaii and engaging in experiences that foster aloha for and life-long allegiance to the land and people of Hawaii.

Since their conception time, the Hawaiian people have always been deeply connected to the land and the spirit of the land. They consider the spirit and land itself to be one and the same. One seen and one unseen. For Hawaiians, “We are the land, and the land is us.”

In Hawaii, the land is considered the mother of all people and the provider and sustainer of life. Before the arrival of white men, there was no concept of land ownership in Hawaii. Having the land was a natural birthright of people. Every family was given a strip of aina extending from the hilltops down to the ocean, thus providing access to all habitats and areas needed for survival. Caring for the land is a way of giving back for its prosperity and abundance, and these principles are practiced in Hawaii to this day.

Principles of Aloha ‘Aina

Malama

Malama means to care for, nurture, and steward. To live aloha ‘aina as a pillar of your spiritual foundation, malama is at the core. To embody malama as a daily practice means to care for your land with a heart-centered love and to respect all parts of the environment. Because the land, ocean, winds, rains, mountains, and valleys all have significance on this planet, aloha ‘aina is to exhibit reverence and honor for these facets of creation. When someone embodies malama, people around feel safe, cared for, and honored. When malama is missing, negligence and abuse take place.

To malama is to nurture with an intention of maintaining life.

You can practice malama ‘aina by:

1. Picking up trash when you notice it on the ground.

2. Maintaining a clean environment where you live, work, and enjoy leisure.

3. Encouraging others to malama their land as you malama yours.

Mahi

Mahi means to cultivate and develop. To apply aloha ‘aina as a lifestyle, mahi is a fundamental principle. In other words, it is to take time to germinate internal potential intentionally. Every seed, taro stem, or tree cutting has the mana (life force) potential to become its fullest version that can provide nourishment. This process of cultivation is often an arduous one. The struggles, triumphs, and lessons are all a part of the developmental process. Understanding this, you can find a relation between how the land cultivates itself to how you can cultivate your greatest potential in your life.

To mahi is to cultivate with the intention of producing life.

You can practice mahi ‘aina by:

1. Starting a mini garden in your yard to grow produce for your family.

2. Cultivating a healing space where friends and family can rejuvenate.

3. Volunteering at your nearest community farm to connect to the land deeper.

‘Ulu

‘Ulu means to grow, prosper, flourish. ‘Ulu also means breadfruit and represents prosperity. Living aloha ‘aina is not a fruitless life but rather a fruitful and abundant one. Our connection, care, and cultivating spirit of the land, as well as growing our own mana (life force), leads to experiencing that same prosperity within our own life’s path.

To ‘ulu is to prosper with the intention of giving life.

You can practice ulu ‘aina by:

1. Understanding your nearby ecosystems to support the total life cycle.

2. Finding ways to create community awareness on issues affecting water, land use, and ecosystem balance.

3. Connecting to the ‘aina as an extension of your very life. You are the land, and the land is you.

In a broader sense, this human-to-earth connection is not limited to Hawaii. We are all children of this planet, and it is our collective responsibility to care for our land and all the life on it. We are the land, and the land is us.

Save on your Hawaii vacation rental

Remember, you can always save 10% on your vacation rental when you book direct with us and mention “Aloha escape” in your reservation.

We hope to see you soon – a hui hou!

How to Save Money on Your Hawaiian Vacation

November 4, 2022/0 Comments/in Hawaii, Things to do, Vacation Rentals/by Alice Hughes

Hawaii can be the vacation destination of a lifetime. Yet airfare, tour expenses, inter-island travel costs, and food and lodging costs may financially put a trip to the Aloha State out of reach, especially during inflation. However, with careful planning and money-saving tips, you can save hundreds of dollars per person, and your dream vacation can be within your grasp.

Here are seven practical tips for saving money on your Hawaii vacation while still enjoying yourself.

Plan Ahead

The cheapest airfares are usually the first to sell out, so the closer to vacation time you buy your tickets, the more you spend. Give yourself a lead time of several months to allow you to research and reserve the best deals. Planning your vacation for Hawaii’s off-peak seasons – mid-April to mid-June and September to mid-December – saves money and allows you to take advantage of Hawaii’s best weather. Flying on non-weekend days (Monday through Thursday) typically saves you money wherever your destination is.

Stay in a Vacation Rental

Vacation rentals can be an affordable option for those looking to save on their vacations.

In a vacation rental condo with a kitchen, you can cook some of your own meals. Not only is this a great way to save money, but it’s also a fantastic option for those with dietary restrictions.

Vacation rental condos often have “extras” such as toiletries, beach gear, everyday kitchen items, and more. Many vacation rentals also have a washer and dryer, saving money since you don’t have to pack as much. Less luggage = fewer bag fees!

Of course, there are vacation rentals for every budget, but it’s possible to stay in a nice vacation rental in a resort for less than a hotel at the same resort. For example, most of our vacation rentals are located within the best Kohala Coast resorts, just minutes from the beach and all the luxury resorts’ amenities.

Get a Rental Car

It might seem counterproductive to say to spend more money upfront by getting a car, but you really need a rental car in Hawaii, especially on the Big Island. Most of Hawaii does not have good public transportation, so getting around by Uber or Lyft (if available) will add up. You can do so much more on your own (and avoid expensive tours) if you have a rental car.

You can rent a car at the same time when booking your flight to save on a bundle or check out car rental apps like Turo.

Go to the Beach

Paying for tours every day of your vacation adds up fast and can make you feel harried and rushed. Instead, save money and slow the pace by taking a day or two to hang out at the beach. Every one of Hawaii’s beaches is free and open to the public. Snorkeling equipment is available to rent for much less than a boat tour. You can also rent surfboards and boogie boards or purchase an inexpensive raft. Add a beach umbrella, sunscreen, and a sandcastle, and you have the makings of an inexpensive, relaxing day on the seashore.

Plan Your Splurges

You are going to spend money on a Hawaii vacation; there is no way around it. One way to ensure you stay within budget is to plan your splurges.

Want to take a helicopter tour? Have a beach day before or after (free or cheap!) to make up for the difference. Want to plan a dinner at a nice restaurant? Do your research first because not all pricey restaurants are worth it. When you do find the perfect restaurant to splurge, cook the rest of your meals for the day yourself or book a tour for the day that includes food so that you don’t have to worry about the rest of your meals.

Take Advantage of Happy Hour

You can save quite a bit by finding the best happy hours in town! Not only will you save on drinks, but you can often get appetizers and even meals during happy hour at a reduced rate. Many resort restaurants and bars offer happy hours, and you can find some of them here.

Shop where locals shop

When buying groceries, don’t go to the resort groceries store. They are usually the most expensive on the island. Find out where locals shop and go there. If you plan on staying in one of the Kohala Coast resorts, the best option for groceries is KTA Superstore in Waikoloa Village. It is only a few minutes drive up the hill from Waikoloa Beach Resort, but the trip will be worth your time. There is also Costco in Kona, not far from the airport, so you can stock up on groceries when you arrive. Here is when the rental car and a vacation rental come in handy with a kitchen and full-size refrigerator.

There are also a few good farmers’ markets on the island where you can get fresh produce, breads, and local artisan goods at affordable prices.

Take advantage of the free activities

Often, local shopping centers hold free entertainment and cultural events to bring in the public. You can check their websites under the events schedule to see what is coming up and if that would be something you would like to see. Here are some suggestions:

Kings’ Shops
Queen’s Marketplace
The Shops at Mauna Lani

We hope you enjoyed these tips on how to save money on your next Hawaii vacation. If you have anything to share, please add it in the comments below!

Save on your Hawaii vacation rental

Remember, you can always save 10% on your vacation rental when you book direct with us and mention “Aloha escape” in your reservation.

We hope to see you soon – a hui hou!

How to Cope with Shorter Days and Lack of Sunlight

October 21, 2022/0 Comments/in Hawaii, Vacation Rentals/by Alice Hughes

If you live on the mainland and your mood, sleep quality, and energy levels dip along with the temperature, you are not alone. Many people feel extra cranky and sluggish around this time of the year. Our days become shorter and darker when the Earth’s northern hemisphere is tilted away from the sun. This lack of sunlight can mess with our circadian rhythms and throw our bodies out of whack.

While you can’t change the Earth’s tilt, there are plenty of things you can do to cope with the shorter, darker days ahead. Read on for a few helpful strategies to keep your spirits up during the fall and winter months.

Maintain good sleep hygiene

Fewer hours of daylight in the fall and winter can wreak havoc on your body’s sleep-wake cycle. That is because the sky darkens earlier in the fall and winter, which triggers the production of melatonin and makes you feel more tired and groggy than usual.

To counteract these symptoms, focus on maintaining good sleep hygiene with these simple tips:
– Keep a consistent bedtime.
– Stop using your electronics at least one hour before bedtime.
– Make your bedroom pitch black by using blackout blinds or wearing a weighted eye mask to bed.
– Avoid taking long naps (i.e., more than 30 minutes).

Exercise

Between the darkness and the cold weather, finding the motivation to stay active can be extra challenging around this time of year. Pumping yourself up for a run in the rain or snow may be difficult, but getting regular exercise is vital in the autumn and winter — especially if you struggle with the “winter blues.” Working out for just 35 minutes a day can significantly reduce your odds of depression, even if you’re genetically predisposed to the condition.

The key to staying active in the fall and winter is finding an activity that excites you to get moving. Consider taking up a seasonal activity like hiking, strapping on a pair of snowshoes, or going sledding with the family.

Get more light exposure

The type and amount of lighting we get in the colder months can hugely impact our mood, sleep, appetite, concentration, and many other facets of our daily lives. A lack of light can cause an overproduction of melatonin and serotonin, causing a chemical imbalance that makes you feel low and lethargic.

Fortunately, research has shown that exposing yourself to early morning light can go a long way in helping reduce depressive symptoms. So to sneak more sunlight into your day, open your blinds first thing in the morning and take a midday stroll on your lunch break.

Consider light therapy if you live in an area with little to no sunlight in the winter. These days, many inexpensive light therapy boxes are designed to mimic outdoor light and give your body the light it craves.

Balance social time with alone time

Spending time with friends and family is a tried-and-true way of lifting your spirits during the colder, darker months. So schedule time with the people you love and nurture your relationships. You will feel much better about it!

On the other hand, the cold season also coincides with the holidays, which can be a stressful time due to increased family obligations and holiday activities. Set aside some “alone time” for yourself if you’re stressed. Alone time gives you a much-needed opportunity to recharge your depleted batteries so that you can look at things from a more positive perspective.

Train yourself to think positively

Speaking of positive mindsets, training your brain to think positively during the cold months is key to staying sane in the fall and winter. Research shows that positive thinking can provide myriad mental and physical health benefits, including lower stress and better immune responses.

Here are a few ways you can train your brain to look on the bright side:
– Keep a gratitude journal.
– Try to find the good in adverse situations.
– Practice reframing (e.g., instead of stressing about the cold weather keeping you inside all season long, think about how cozy your movie nights will be).
– Take action and learn how to move forward from adverse events.

Eat the right foods

Once summer ends, many of us start reaching for carb-heavy foods such as pasta, mashed potatoes, and dessert breads. Unfortunately, as delicious as these comfort foods may be, they are often loaded with sugar, fat, and refined carbohydrates that can cause your blood sugar to spike, negatively impacting your mood and energy levels.

The good news is that there are plenty of comfort foods that can satisfy your cold-weather cravings without derailing your diet. For example, a winter stew that’s light on meat and potatoes and heavy on vegetables and beans can be a healthy way to warm up on a cold day.

Take a Hawaiian Vacation

The ultimate fix for lack of sunlight is to go where the sun shines year-round. And what better place can you find for it than Hawaii? Due to its location close to the Equator, the difference between the longest and the shortest days in Hawaii is only 2 hours and 36 minutes.

Hawaii’s longest and shortest days are about 13 1/2 hours and 11 hours. Uniform day lengths result in minor seasonal variations in incoming solar radiation and temperature. Living here, you almost don’t notice that the days are shorter in the wintertime. Perfect climate, plenty of sunshine, and warm ocean are the best cure for seasonal depression and recharging your batteries.

Save on your Hawaii vacation rental

Remember, you can always save 10% on your vacation rental when you book direct with us and mention “Aloha escape” in your reservation.

We hope to see you soon – a hui hou!

All About Kona Coffee and Why You Should Try It

October 7, 2022/0 Comments/in Hawaii, Things to do, Vacation Rentals/by Alice Hughes

Even if you have never been to Kona, chances are you have heard about Kona Coffee. Being cultivated for over 200 years, Kona coffee became a world-famous coffee variety recognized for its rich, fresh, and mild taste.

The island’s fertile, volcanic soil and mountain slopes proved an ideal climate for coffee growing. At its peak, in the early 1900s, the industry encompassed 6,000 acres. Today there are approximately 650 farms cultivating coffee in the Kona district (some who’ve been in the business for five generations), covering roughly 3,500 acres with annual production valued at $14 million.

About Kona Coffee

Coffee trees thrive on the cool slopes of the Hualalai and Mauna Loa Mountains in rich volcanic soil and afternoon cloud cover. This unique environment gives Kona coffee a distinct advantage over coffee varieties grown in other parts of the world. Coffee trees typically bloom after Kona’s dry winters and are harvested in autumn. Coffee cultivated in the North and South districts of Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii is the only coffee that can genuinely be called Kona Coffee.

Before being graded, Kona coffee is hand-picked, pulped, dried, and hulled. Machinery at the coffee mill sorts the beans into different grades by size and shape. Peaberry is top of the line. A peaberry bean is formed when one side of the flower fuses with the other leaving only one bean in the coffee cherry. This gives the peaberry a more concentrated flavor and makes up only about 5% to 10% of the total Kona Coffee harvest. Top grades include extra fancy, fancy, No.1, and prime.

Kona Coffee is sun-dried, then custom roasted depending on desired results and differences in the beans’ moisture. A good roasting process (and processor) can make a world of difference. Roasting is referred to as an “art form” by many in the trade. Dark roasts are typically called French Roasts, Italian or Espresso. Medium roasts include Full-City and Vienna. Flavored coffee is sprayed or powdered immediately after roasting for the best absorption of the added flavor. Just after roasting, the oxidation process begins, and coffee is at its freshest. Growers suggest buying whole bean form and grinding it just before brewing each pot.

To purchase 100% pure Kona Coffee, check the label. KONA BLEND means it may only contain 10% Kona beans. These are usually mixed with lower-grade beans from Brazil, Central America, Africa, and Indonesia. If you’re coming to the Big Island of Hawaii and the Kona Coast, check out the numerous farms and coffee mills in the Kona Coffee Belt. Many offer farm tours and amazing product tastings.

Kona Coffee History

First Coffee in Kona

Missionary Samuel Ruggles planted the first coffee in Kona in 1828 or 1829. These first arabica trees were taken from cuttings planted on Oahu a few years earlier. Coffee and Kona were a perfect match – Kona with its rich volcanic soil, hard-working family farmers, and ideal climatic conditions. Taste Kona’s coffee, and you’ll sense its strength, the hand-picked quality that sets it apart.

Kona: Perfect for Coffee Cultivation

The first written mention of coffee in Kona was noted in 1840. Coffee was planted in several Big Island locations but is best suited to the Kona district. A few coffee fields are now in production outside Kona, but the vast majority of coffee is grown here.

Hand-Cultivated Quality

Working these tropical coffee fields has always been laborious because everything – from planting to picking – is done by hand. Native Hawaiians and Chinese laborers first worked the large coffee plantations owned by Caucasians in the mid-to-late-1800s. Then, during the 1880s and early 1890s, Japanese immigrants began their coffee legacy in these same Kona fields.

Turn-of-the-Century Shift in Coffee Production

When the world coffee market crashed in 1899, the large plantations shifted to small Japanese-owned family farms. As the plantations gave up, the land was divided into small 3- to 5-acre parcels and leased to the laborers. The cost of these early leases was one-half the crop; by 1910, only Japanese coffee farms survived. The first Filipinos arrived to work the coffee farms in about 1920, picking coffee during the season and returning to the sugar fields in the spring.

Kona Coffee Legacy and Heritage

Today many Kona farmers can lay claim to being fifth-generation coffee farmers. Coffee is an economic mainstay of Kona, where farmers continue the tradition and honor their heritage with every harvest.

Kona Coffee Cultural Festival

The best way to experience Kona coffee in all its varieties and flavors is to visit the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival held each November in Kona, on the Big Island of Hawaii. November is the time of the coffee harvest that has sustained Kona’s agricultural community for nearly 200 years. This year, this award-winning Festival will celebrate over 50 years of its rich cultural history.

Organizers of the first Festival, held over a single weekend, wanted to help put Kona coffee in the international spotlight and increase the island’s visibility as a destination. Now, the Festival spans over ten days and includes nearly 20 events, including farm tours, barista training, a recipe contest, coffee-themed art exhibitions, a community festival, and a high-stakes cupping competition. This year we will be hosting events both virtually and live in person!

The Festival starts brewing November 4th through 13th with ten days of events promoting Hawaii’s unique culture and diversity and supporting the Festival’s mission to preserve, perpetuate and promote Kona’s unique coffee heritage. Everyone is invited to come together and visit Kona during the coffee harvest season and celebrate the culture behind the cup.

Throughout the 10-day Festival, celebrate the harvest as Kona coffee farms offer a firsthand look at growing this world-famous crop, the coffee art scene fills with inspiration, and music and dance enrich cultural exchanges. Kona coffee and food events offer tastings, and hands-on cultural events help tell the story of Kona’s rich coffee history.

To learn more about the Festival’s events, visit their website.

Why Try Kona Coffee

Coffee has many health benefits, but not all varieties are created equal. Many variables contribute to its taste and quality, including soil and climate conditions and how it is cultivated. Most of the coffee producers in Kona are small, family-owned farms that take great pride and care in what they do. The coffee is hand-picked, carefully, and masterfully dried and roasted, ensuring the best quality and taste. You won’t find a mass production here, but rather a collection of artisan coffee growers putting love and Aloha into everything they do.

The varieties of Kona coffee are multiple, and every one has its own taste. It is usually quite rich yet mild, so you will most likely enjoy the Kona coffee even if you are not a coffee lover. It does not knock you off your feet, even if it is a dark Espresso roast, but delivers a smooth and velvety experience delicately growing on you as you sip it. As mentioned above, trying 100% Kona coffee is key and will give you the best-tasting experience. Try it for yourself, and let us know what you think!

Save on your Hawaii vacation rental

Remember, you can always save 10% on your vacation rental when you book direct with us and mention “Aloha escape” in your reservation.

We hope to see you soon – a hui hou!