Hawaii Inside/Out May-June 2016

InsideOu

THE RESOURCE GUIDE TO OUR ISLAND

OAHU

Rock Stars

Erin Smith and band members knock it out with a new CD ON SACRED GROUND Learn about an ancient fishing village at Keauhou

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TOES IN THE SAND

Lava Lava Beach Club opens at Kaua‘i Shores

MA RC H+AP RIL 2016

AGRITOURISM

Maui farmers open their verdant fields to visitors

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Contents D e pa rt m e n ts ISLAND LIFE

6 The Royal Cloak Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum features a sacred piece of Hawaiian history.

Mo rsels

MU S I N G S

12 Center Stage Songstress Erin Smith receives rave reviews for her latest “American Boy” CD.

28 MA U K A T O MA K A I

28 Farm Food Maui’s collection of farm tours in the laid-back town of Kula attracts an abundance of agritourism.

INS AND OUTS

O U T A N D A BO U T

14 Events and Celebrations Mark your calendars to help Make-A-Wish or join the fun at a concert on a lawn.

22 F e at u r e s 16 On Sacred Ground Guests who stay at the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay are in for a treat as they learn about the history of Hawai‘i Island’s ancient ahupua‘a. by Simplicio Paragas 22 Toes in the Sand The newly renovated Kaua‘i Shores features a remodeled lobby, courtyard and the island’s only “toes-in-the-sand” dining experience. by Simplicio Paragas 2

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32 Not to Miss From mini airplanes to a harvesting session with the community, it’s all about festivities for the months of May and June.

(clockwise from top left) Courtesy Kauai shores; ©Kristen Nemoto; courtesy pan pacific festival

8 Hot Pot Bellies will be full this summer as the Asian foodie craze welcomes all those who are hungry.

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MVP | HAWAII | ADVERTISING & CIRCULATION Kathleen Pahinui PUBLISHER

kathleen@insideouthawaii.com Karen Rodriguez REGION PRESIDENT

Bob Kowal, Donna Kowalczyk, Chris Snipes ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES 955.2378

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miao@insideouthawaii.com Sidney Louie CIRCULATION & MARKETING DIRECTOR

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MVP | EDITORIAL Simplicio Paragas SENIOR EDITOR

simplicio@insideouthawaii.com Kristen Nemoto EDITOR

kristen@insideouthawaii.com Rizza Cosio EDITOR-AT-LARGE

rizza@insideouthawaii.com

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MORRIS COMMUNICATIONS William S. Morris III CHAIRMAN

William S. Morris IV

InsideOut Magazine (ISSN 2158-494X) is produced by Morris Visitor Publications (MVP), a division of Morris Communications Co., LLC, 725 Broad St. Augusta, GA 30901. Annual subscription rate is $18 or $32 for two years. To subscribe, email: miao@insideouthawaii.com. Copyright 2016. All rights reserved.

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ŠKRISTEN NEMOTO

CEO AND PRESIDENT

ed itor’s l etter

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Island Hopping

©KRISTEN NEMOTO

Visits to our Neighbor Islands prove that we truly are lucky to live in this diverse and beautiful state.

On Hawai‘i Island, not only did we get to see teams USA and Poland compete in the prestigious Fed Cup tennis tournament, we also learned a little history about an ancient fishing village and a “menehune” tree on the grounds of the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay. On Maui, our editor Kristen Nemoto checked out various farm tours, which are now becoming an integral part of our tourism industry. It turns out that island residents and visitors alike are wanting more than just fun under the sun; they want fresh healthy food, too.

Along with extensive renovations at the Kaua‘i Shores hotel, the property now has the only “toes-in-the-sand” restaurant with the grand opening of the Lava Lava Beach Club, which also has an original location on Hawai‘i Island.

With its miles of rolling hills and fertile soil, Upcountry Maui is the site of several farms that provide agritours to visitors and island residents alike.

Also making a debut is a new exhibit at the Bishop Museum called “He Nae Ākea: Bound Together.” After 237 years, two treasured artifacts have returned to O‘ahu: the ‘ahu ‘ula (feathered cloak) and mahiole (feathered helmet), which were gifted to British Captain James Cook by the then-chief of Hawai‘i Island, Kalani‘ōpu‘u.

Offering her own gift to local music fans is Erin Smith, an energetic performer who released her CD “American Boy” in late 2015. The Canadian-born chanteuse not only rocks the stage but she also shares her musical talents by teaching vocal classes at Kailua Music School, where her students — and now huge fans — range in age from 3 to 65 years old.

on the cover Erin Smith and fellow band members knock it out with their new CD “American Boy.” ©Johan Persson

Simplicio Paragas senior editor M AY+ J U NE 2 0 1 6

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Treasured Artifacts Feathered cloak and helmet safely return to Hawai‘i.

by Simplicio Paragas

After 237 years, two treasured artifacts have returned to their proper place: Hawai‘i. In 1779, the chief of Hawai‘i Island, Kalani‘ōpu‘u, who traced his regal line to the great chief Līloa of Waipi‘o, greeted an English captain named James Cook after his ship made port in Kealakekua Bay. As a demonstration of his goodwill, Kalani‘ōpu‘u gifted the ‘ahu ‘ula (feathered cloak) and mahiole (feathered helmet) he was wearing to Cook.

At a formal unveiling ceremony in March, Hawai‘i’s top chanters,

He Nae Ākea Translating to Bound Together, the new exhibit will feature the ‘ahu ‘ula and mahiole, which were gifted to British Captain James Cook in 1779.

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orators and hula troupes performed traditional dances that date back hundreds of years.

“It demonstrated that the legacy of our ancestors continues to thrive and persevere,” said Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) Kamana‘opono Crabbe.

“I’m grateful to witness the return of these cultural heirlooms. The return of the ‘ahu ‘ula and mahiole to Hawai‘i is a cause for celebration and it will be a source of inspiration, reflection and discussion among Native Hawaiians, Hawai‘i residents and visitors alike.”

In a partnership among OHA, The National Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa and Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, the ‘ahu ‘ula and mahiole of Kalani‘ōpu‘u are now part of an exhibit called ‘He Nae Ākea: Bound Together.’

“This reflects the connection of Kalani‘ōpu‘u to his land and people, as well as the connection [among] the three institutions directly involved in this loan,” said Bishop Museum president and CEO Blair D. Collis in a prepared statement. “It is only as a result of all of these ties that we have arrived where we are today.”

After the ‘ahu ‘ula and mahiole left on Cook’s ship, both were taken to England and passed through the hands of various museum owners and collectors. They eventually came under the care of Lord St Oswald, who unexpectedly presented his entire collection in 1912 to the Dominion Museum in New Zealand, the predecessor of Te Papa Tongarewa.

The cloak and helmet have been in the national collection ever since.

“In the museum world you rarely get to have longterm loans,” Collis said, “and even rarer to contemplate the idea of having them gifted, and that’s what’s happening here.” ✽

Courtesy Te Papa Tongarewa

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M O R SE L S

Hot-Pot Spots Loyal hot-pot followers will sweat out the summer heat wave with bowls of steaming broth and good company.

Photos and text by Kristen Nemoto

Who would have thought that customers would line out of a door of a restaurant to cook their own food in a steel pot filled with boiling broth? It’s a complete backwards approach to the luxury of going out to a restaurant, but the popularity of the Asian foodie craze is a rising 8

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concept that’s proven to be more than just a trend.

“People love to be interactive with each other,” says Kim-Dung Nguyen, co-owner of the popular Hot Pot Heaven restaurant.

“By cooking your own food, you’re forced to put your phone down. You talk more with your friends |

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and family at the table.

It’s a great experience for everyone to enjoy.”

Six years ago, Nguyen, along with her husband Jimmy Tran, started Hot Pot Heaven after she returned from a mission trip to Vietnam.

“There are so many hot pot restaurants in

Vietnam,” Nguyen laughs.

“We’d go after a long day of work. It’s very comforting food and fills you up without being too greasy.”

It was that inspiration that motivated her to bring it back to O‘ahu.

Although her friends and family called her “crazy, Continued on page 10

B e yo n d S e a f o o d Indulge more than your taste buds at an elegant retreat on the sands of Waikiki Beach.

Where the glittering backdrop of Diamond Head and near-distant applause of the rolling surf engage all senses.

OCEANFRONT AT THE ROYAL HAWAIIAN, A LUXURY COLLECTION RESORT, WAIKI- KIRESERVATIONS: 921-4600 AZUREWAIKIKI.COM

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M O R SE L S

thinly sliced meats, and dozens upon dozens of such refrigerated options as tofu, bamboo shoots, shrimp balls, vegetables and noodles. The end of the meal comes with a dessert bowl filled with almond tofu, coffee custard, lychee, tapioca pearls and jellies (which change frequently) over a mound of flavored shave ice. 2334 S. King St., 808.947.3707.

Continued from page 8 many many times” prior to opening her first restaurant — she was pre-med at the time, while her husband worked (and still works) as a full-time accountant — she went ahead and opened Hot Pot Heaven at the McCully Shopping Center.

With a second location now at the Pearl Kai Shopping Center, Nguyen is in awe of the success that she has created for herself, her family and the community.

Hot Pot Heaven sponsors many charities throughout the year including an annual Thanksgiving meal for the homeless.

“It’s a good feeling knowing that your business is helping people come together,” Nguyen smiles. “We do what we can to make that happen.”

McCully Shopping Center, 1960 Kapiolani Blvd., 808.941.1115.

Open daily from 11 a.m.

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Little Sheep Mongolian Hot Pot

to 2 p.m. and 5 to 10 p.m.

Pearl Kai Shopping Center, 98-199 Kamehameha Hwy., 808.485.8502. Open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

In addition to Hot Pot Heaven, here’s a list of some of our other favorite hot pot restaurants: Sweet Home Café

The time limit is strictly 90 minutes and for good reason. During any day of the week, lines snake outside the door at Sweet Home Café. Opened in 2007 by Susend Chang, Sweet Home Café attracts a legion of loyal customers who appreciate the 14 different broth options, |

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With more than 50 locations throughout the U.S., Canada, China and Japan, Little Sheep Mongolian Hot Pot may have something to brag about. Its signature “Yin and Yang” pot consists of a base of milky white broth made from beef and chicken bones, and another that throws in a kick of herbs and spices, such as black and white cardamom, dried longan, red dates, garlic and scallions. Ward Center, 1200 Ala Moana Blvd., second floor, 808.593.0055. www. littlesheephotpot.com Ichiriki Japanese Nabe Restaurant

Although the “hot pot” style of cooking has been in existence throughout parts of Asia for over 1,000 years, you can start to notice the difference when you

venture from one regional Asian cuisine to the next.

Japanese cuisine refers one version of the “hot pot” as “nabemono,” which translates to “cooking things in a pot.” Ichiriki specializes in this style of cooking, offering flavored stocks that range from yuzu (a citrus/ soy sauce base), miso and tomato. 510 Pi‘ikoi St., 808.589.2299; 98-150 Kaonohi St., #C-216, 808.484.2222; 46-047 Kamehameha Hwy., #14 & 15, 808.236.2299. www.ichirikinabe.com Asuka Nabe + Shabu Shabu

This specialized nabe restaurant is inspired by the Asuka period of Japan (year 538 – 794).

The dish was said to have been made by a monk who used milk, honey and miso as the broth base.

Chef Hitoshi “Kenny” Ikeguchi has created a modern version of the broth by incorporating chicken and kombu seaweed. Customers can also try shabu shabu, which is similar to nabe cooking except patrons cook the raw items in boiling water (piece by piece) followed by a hefty dip into an assortment of flavored sauces. 3620 Waialae Ave., 808.735.6666. www. asukanabe.com ✽

HOT POT HEAVEN

McCully shopping center 1960 Kapiolani Blvd • (808) 941-1115

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Pearl Kai shopping center 98-199 Kamehameha Hwy • (808) 485-8502

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m u si ng s

Rock Stars

Erin Smith and fellow musicians have performed at various venues around the country, opening for such national acts as Train, Panic at the Disco and Jack Johnson. by Simplicio Paragas Singing a couple of bars of Alicia Key’s hit “If I Ain’t Got You,” Erin Smith demonstrates her vocal boom, breathing deep into her diaphragm and belting out the lyric “Some people want it all.” For the 39-year-old artist, the philosophy is go big or go home.

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Raised in a small town on the north shore of Lake Erie in Ontario, Canada, Smith has been performing since she was 4 years old, initially for family and friends, and later for audiences at NXNE (North by Northeast), the Canadian version of SXSW |

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Music Festival. In a sense, though, her fate into the music industry was sealed hours before she even entered this world.

“My dad had to have me induced so he could promote a concert,” Smith laughs. “I was literally born into a musical family.”

After graduating from York University with a degree in theatre and art history, Smith followed her sister to Maui in 2005 where she did acoustic gigs and sold her painting at local art galleries. She would eventually meet fellow musicians Ola Shaw, Kimo Clark and Ian Hollingsworth, forming the band The Throwdowns, which was nominated for three Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards. But with four different schedules and as many varying musical directions, the group amicably split.

“I’m a rocker and I want to blaze my own path,” says Smith, who released her CD “American Boy” in late 2015. “In some ways I’m a big kid who’s a ball of energy with tons of ideas. My biggest challenge is to organize my ideas, narrow the scope and look at the big picture.”

With an ebullient stage presence, Smith has been compared to Gwen Stefani, Adele and Florence and the Machine, to name but a few. She likes to rock the crowd and describes her on-stage persona as someone who “walks out like they own the joint.”

“My band members say I flip a switch,” Smith says.

“It’s strange, though, be-

©johan persson

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cause I don’t get nervous when I perform in front of 10,000 people but I get stage fright when it’s in front of small groups of like 16 people.”

Backed by Matt McPherson on guitar, Cassie Fillhart on keyboards, Josh Guerra on drums and Gunso Kawai on bass, Smith’s new single, “Love Long Distance,” has been added to the full rotation at Star 101.9, the first ever for a local artist. The station’s program director, Jamie Hyatt, calls her CD a “definitive smash and believes the track’s truly unique sound has what it takes to travel far across the Pacific and become a national hit at Alternative.”

When not writing songs, rehearsing and strumming her guitar, Smith teaches vocal classes at Kailua Music School, where her students — and now huge fans — range in age from 3 to 65 years old. Smith’s ultimate goal is to expand her vocal coaching online via Skype.

“I also write about fashion and would like to put out my own fashion line one day,” Smith says.

“Of course, I would also like to get another CD out there.”✽

unexpected elegance Leeward Community College Open for lunch on Wednesdays through Fridays during the Fall and Spring semsters.

For reservations, please call 455-0475

Where do you want to go?

Find the best of the city

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Events and Celebrations

There’s a lot to see and hear this summer, from a colorful parade during the Pan-Pacific Festival to Mele Mei’s lineup of exciting Hawaiian music.

Here’s a quick glance at events and shows during May and June.

Mele Mei

May-June Now in its sixth year, Mele Mei celebrates Hawai‘i’s music, language and culture.

Throughout the month, events will take place at various venues, including Halekulani, Hilton Hawaiian Village and Outrigger Resorts.

Translating to “May Hawaiian Music Month,” Mele Mei will extend to June for the very first time with Hō‘ike Lanakila — a new concert series taking place in Japan from June 20-26. www.melemei.com

This downtown block party features Honolulu’s connection to all the cuisine, arts, music and folklore of Mexico.

Filipino Fiesta May 14

Enjoy all things Pinoy during the 24th Annual Filipino Fiesta and Flores de Mayo Parade. The one-day event will be held at Kapiolani Park.

Benefit luau and concert June 4

Concert on the Lawn

Henry Kapono will headline this benefit fundraiser for Habilitat at Kualoa Ranch.

The luau feast will include kalua pig, long rice, beef stew, squid luau, lomi salmon, poi and haupia.

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June-August As the Waikīkī Aquarium’s biggest fundraiser, the summer Ke Kani O Ke Kai concert series is held on alternating Thursday evenings from midJune through early August. Hawaiian for the sound of the ocean, Ke Kani O Ke Kai offers attendees the opportunity to enjoy an intimate concert with a limited number of tickets up for sale for each show. Bring a beach towel or lawn chair. www.waikikiaquarium.org |

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Wish Upon a Star

May 14 A deserving keiki’s wish will be granted during Make-A-Wish Hawai‘i’s fifth annual signature event “Once Upon a WISH!” Attendees are always encouraged to dress in white, adding to the magical atmosphere. Tables and sponsorships are available by calling 537.3118 or by email to jchandler@hawaii.wish.org. www.hawaii.wish.org

Solemn Messages May 30 This Memorial Day, thousands of loved ones will be honored as Shinnyo-en Hawai‘i hosts its annual Lantern Floating ceremony at Ala Moana Beach Park. lanternfloatinghawaii.com

(clockwise from left) courtesy mele mei; courtesy make-a-wish hawaii; ©shinnyo-en; courtesy waikiki aquarium

Cinco de mayo May 5

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On Sacred Ground Guests learn a little history about the ancient ahupua’a of Keauhou.

by Simplicio Paragas

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Star-struck fans were enthralled to see teams USA and Poland tennis

Perched above Keauhou Bay, the 22-acre ocean resort offers guests a historical perspective of the area. Nani Kupihe, pictured, leads cultural tours of an ancient fishing village that’s located along the southern coastline.

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And as thrilling as it was to see Venus Williams and Sloane Stephens win their respective matches, my own highlight reels focus more on dinners at Rays on the Bay and a cultural tour that had the guide and a fellow attendee teary-eyed after a haunting ‘oli.

Greeting us with an infectious smile and gentle embrace, Nani Kupihe casually talked story as she led us down to an ancient fishing village on the edge of the water. The Hawai‘i Island native has conducted these tours since 2012, teaching guests about the history of the area and its significance in Hawaiian narrative.

“I grew up in Kona and my parents used to bring us here when we were kids,” said Kupihe, gesturing with her hands where she and her siblings used to play. “Keauhou means new era and it was here where Kamehameha III was born.”

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Standing in the middle of what was once a fishing village 400 years ago, Kupihe brought to life the area’s rich history, describing a sustainable lifestyle that we ironically strive for today. She also points to the slopes of Keauhou, explaining that he‘e hōlua (sledding) competitions once took place there.

“The tradition of mo‘olelo [storytelling] is important,” Kupihe noted. “It keeps our history alive and I think it’s our kuleana to share these stories so they are never forgotten.”

Kupihe gained her knowledge from Lily Dudoit, Sheraton’s alaka‘i ho‘oluana, director of cultural and leisure activities.

Thanks to Dudoit’s efforts and years of research, this cultural tour came to be.

Dudoit also enlisted the help of Auntie Lily Kong, a respected kupuna and a Hawaiian cultural resource who has lived in Keauhou her entire 90 years.

“They’re both living treasures,” Kupihe praised. “Their knowledge of Keauhou is deep and I’m still learning from them.”

As we descended closer to the shoreline, Kupihe pointed out such relics as a bell stone, sounded by villagers to signal important news, and a stone altar, where they prayed and gave thanks for the day’s bounty of fish. She continued with descriptions of a cookhouse, cattle pen, a canoe shed, the Lekeleke burial grounds and the Kaukulaelae heiau, built to ensure a successful day at sea.

Pretending to cast a fish net into the ocean, Kupihe said villagers would catch such reef fish as akule and it would fill the ‘ōpū, rubbing her stomach as a visual cue to the translation of the Hawaiian term. And as we neared the conclusion

(this page, inset, and opposite page) courtesy starwood hotels & resorts; ©simplicio paragas

players strolling the grounds of the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay, which was the host hotel for the prestigious Fed Cup in February.

(THIS PAGE, INSET, AND OPPOSITE PAGE) COURTESY STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS; ©SIMPLICIO PARAGAS

“In the ’70s, Auntie Lily Kong’s niece got married here and in one of the photographs, a small figure was captured peeking around the tree.”

– N A N I K UPI H E

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of our tour, Kupihe shared one final story about the “Menehune Tree.”

“The large lumps on the tree look like the muscular build of the Menehune,” Kupihe recounts. “In the ’70s, Auntie Lily Kong’s niece got married here and in one of the photographs, a small figure was captured peeking around the tree.”

It was a chicken-skin moment but pale compared to what would ensue: Kupihe’s hauntingly beautiful ‘oli of giving thanks and aloha. “You have to respect this place,” asserts Kupihe, her eyes welling with tears. “The energy here is powerful and peaceful at the same time.”

An equally vibrant vibe is felt at Rays on the Bay. On a Friday night, the atmosphere hummed with the sound of laughter and satisfied oohs. Locals and visitors alike crowded the room; some were seated in front of expansive ocean views while others were content to stand next to highboy tables. And everyone was visibly having a good time.

“Most chefs are already doing the farm-to-table concept so that’s a given here,” said Rays on the Bay general manager Keith Mallini, a well-known, longtime figure in the local restaurant industry. “Right now what we want to do is have more approachable food that’s simple but detailed.”

Respect for the ‘āina extends to the kitchen where veteran executive chef George Gomes turns locally sourced

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location, location:

Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay 78-128 Ehukai St., Kailua-Kona 808.930.4900 | 888.488.3535 sheratonkona.com

courtesy starwood hotels & resorts

A popular gathering place among residents and visitors alike, Rays on the Bay offers a casual atmosphere with an oceanfront view. A must-try is the signature sweetbread pudding made with Kona gold mango and haupia sauce. .

ingredients into edible wonders. The “Roll your Way” is appetite-rewarding, even if you do have to create your own handrolls, which are composed of fresh ahi, smoked salmon, catch of the day, blue lump crab and shrimp tempura.

Those preferring a ready-to-eat appetizer should try the guava-glazed barbecue ribs, fall-off-the-bone meat contains the right amount of sweetness countered by a bit of tartness with a splash of local Meyer lemon vinaigrette. Another option — and an addictive one — is the chipotle barbecue chicken flatbread, made of chunks of smoky chicken, Hamakua mushrooms, and bits of sweet onions and scallions.

The back-to-basics philosophy is further reflected in the selection of entrees that run the gamut from seafood and steaks to burgers and pasta. The 12-ounce New York steak is an example of simplicity but executed to perfection.

Grilled pulehu-style to a medium-rare temperature, the tender beef is rubbed with a house seasoning and accompanied by garlic mustard puree. Another house specialty is the grilled mahimahi that’s perfumed with a warm vinaigrette of Kamuela tomatoes and shallots.

High marks also for the wine list, which Mallini has personally curated.

A great way to experience his picks is to attend wine-tasting sessions that begin nightly at 5:30 for only $5 per person.

Each guest receives two 2-ounce pours.

And about the Fed Cup … Team USA won.✽

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©asdfUlla feuismo digniam

©asdfUlla feuismo digniam

Toes in the Sand Lava Lava Beach Club offers oceanfront dining at the newly renovated Kaua‘i Shores.

©asdfUlla feuismo digniam

©asdfUlla feuismo digniam

by Simplicio Paragas The party revved up as popular local musician, Henry Kapono, did his rendition of Leon Russell’s classic “Back to the Island.”

For invitees to the grand opening of the Lava Lava Beach Club at the Kaua‘i Shores, the evening marked two milestones: the debut of the first — and only — “toes-in-the-sand” restaurant on the island and a peek at the newly renovated hotel.

Once dated and in disrepair, Kaua‘i Sands has been rebranded as Kaua‘i Shores, an Aqua hotel, featuring a whimsical pastel color palette, a new lobby, and updates to guest rooms, corridors and common areas. Loyal guests acknowledged that the hotel desperately needed remodeling but feared that the property would lose its old-Hawai‘i charm and room rates would soar.

Neither happened.

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When the late Richard Kimi opened Kaua‘i Sands in the mid-’60s, the intent was to offer an oceanside retreat that embodied the spirit of aloha and at a price that families could afford. “I remember him telling us that he’d rather sell 10 rooms for $1 than one room for $10,” recalls Clarissa P., a front desk attendant who asked that her last name not be revealed. “That’s 10 people returning versus one person who probably won’t be back.”

During the five years that the property languished in bankruptcy, Clarissa and fellow employees remained positive, despite the “doom and gloom” of the dilapidated rooms and facilities. “There are a lot of us old timers here; our office manager has been here for 30 years, our maintenance supervisor has been here 25 years, this is ohana,” says the Kaua‘i native who has been behind the front desk for the past 22 years. “Some of us didn’t

(previous spread and this page) courtesy kauai shores

(Previous spread) The newly renovated Kaua‘i Shores features Kaua‘i’s only “toes-in-thesand” dining experience.

The collective maze of two-story buildings surrounds a swimming pool, which now becomes the centerpiece of the property. The grounds’ schematic is reminiscent of a bygone era when smaller motel-like structures dotted the islands and the sound of the surf beckoned nearby. Luckily, this still exists here. With glass louvers open, the lapping waves gently lull guests to sleep while warm tradewinds blow the scent of the ocean into the room. It’s an island romanticism that most Hawai‘i vacationers anticipate and it’s one that can be found about 20 minutes south of Līhu‘e Airport.

“I’ve been coming here for the past 10 years and I always ask for either room 203 or 205,” says Gary Coffman of Chico, Calif. “I’m 100 feet away from the beach and I can hear the surf from my room. And it’s affordable.”

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think we’d still be here. It was so hard to come to work and keep a positive attitude while seeing the property fall apart.

We’ve gone through a lot together but we also had each other for moral support.”

And they were again together at the grand opening, which was attended by local dignitaries, including Kaua‘i County Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho, Jr. who shared his memories of the property as a kid growing up on the Garden Isle. “I remember running around and playing here with my family,” he told attendees. “This place has always connected with the community.”

Guest rooms now feature a sleek, retro-modern design with vibrant island colors in lime green, aqua and orange.

Designers restored the original blue entry tile and balanced it with the addition of a brightly colored accent wall that visually infuses energy into the space.

“With Kaua‘i Shores, we balanced the old with the new,” says designer Kory Wong Oglesby in a released state-

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ment, “so that we could retain some of the original early Hawaiian character while creating spaces that are lively, fun and styled for modern vacationing.”

Coffman sees the renovations as positive and he’s glad the rates haven’t increased. “This is a place for guys like me who want to come to Hawai‘i but can’t afford the big resorts,” he says.

Gesturing toward the ocean, he adds, “I can play in that all day and it’s within feet of my room. You can’t beat that.”

Asked what she likes best about the renovations, Clarissa responds, “the cheerfulness, and the fun and festive atmosphere.” “This property has such amazing reach and depth,” she says. “It touches people in different ways. It’s now modern and new, and everything works again but the renovations have kept the integrity of the structure and the old Hawai‘i feel. I now like to say ‘I can finally see the stars shining again.

This is a new ship and we’re sailing to new horizons.’”✽

courtesy kauai shores

Extensive renovations include a newly built lobby and porte cochère, as well as the addition of a courtyard that surrounds the pool area.

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m a u k a t o m ak ai

Farm to Table

Visitors reap the benefits when taking an agritour on Maui.

Photos and text by Kristen Nemoto

fresh from the farm Ignorance can no longer be bliss when it comes to sustainability.

Today, travelers are actively seeking agritourism options that correlate with their own values.

(This page and opposite, bottom) O`o Farms creates healthy meals from its seasonal harvests.

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A consistent trend among culinary diets seems to lead our taste buds back to one common goal: the quest for healthy and fresh ingredients. There has been a handful of local farm advocates who have vowed to create a sustainable plan to live and thrive once again off the ‘āina. Farm tours in Maui have grown exponentially, as food and nature lovers want to learn more about the land and the people who take care of it. Here are our top favorite farm tours on Maui: O‘o Farms

Perched within the forest of Waipoli in Upcountry, Maui, O‘o Farm welcomes those willing to open their minds and hearts to a new concept in the farm-totable movement.

“We like to think of O‘o Farm as more of a table-to-farm place,” says

orchard manager and tour guide of O‘o Farm Ancil Clancy, as he addresses a group of farm visitors.

“Our food is literally picked right here by all who come for the lunch tours, so it’s like we bring the table right on the farm to eat and enjoy its harvests.”

Created by the proprietors of Maui’s Pacific’O

restaurant, Louis Coulombe and Stephan BelRobert purchased the 8.5acre upcountry land with a few coffee trees, and a citrus and stone fruit orchard. Today, the farm has yielded 60 different crop items every year for Pacific’O and for its own agritourism operation since April 2007. From green leafy vegetables of spicy arugula and colorful rainbow chard to fresh herbs, fruits and coffee, O‘o Farm creates an interactive and memorable experience of the farm as you end with a sit-down gourmet lunch prepared with fresh ingredients that you just harvested.

For reservations call 808.667.4341. O‘o Farm recommends visitors to wear comfortable walking M Ay+ j u ne 2 0 1 6

shoes, sunscreen and a light jacket. You’re also welcome to bring your favorite bottle of wine to enjoy with your meal.

Gourmet lunch and farm tours run Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. www.oofarm.com Kula Country Farms

Gone are the days of bruised, battered and mushy strawberries at local grocery stores in Maui; today there’s Kula Country Farms. Visitors and locals now reap from the results and don’t have to resort to sifting and sorting through containers of soggy strawberries that have traveled thousands of miles to arrive here. Thanks to fourth generation farmer |

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Chauncy Monden and his wife Teena, Kula Country Farms has transformed into a communal hub, attracting many looking to gather some fresh produce, including green beans, sweet onions, cabbage, zucchini and broccoli. Get your fill of their strawberry-picking season from February through early summer. The shelves are also stocked with Kula Onion BBQ Sauce and, of course, the original Kula Strawberry Jam and Syrup. Located on Kula Highway across from Rice Park. 808.878.8381, www.kulacountryfarm.com 30

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Ali‘i Kula Lavender Farm

In 2001, a lavender plant was given as a gift to the late agricultural artist and horticultural master, Ali‘i Chang. With previous experience in farming, Chang decided to take on the venture of the fragrant herb and soon developed and grew it into Ali‘i Kula Lavender Farm. As it turned out, lavender thrived on the chronic drought conditions of Kula, sipping mostly from the sprinkled mist that settled along the mountainside in the late |

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Ali`i Kula Lavender Farm is home to more than 55,000 fragrant plants.

afternoon. Visitors come to Ali‘i Kula Lavender Farm to experience its acres of fragrant herb, and to bask in optional guided walking or cart tours, a treasure hunt, craft making classes or a gourmet

picnic lunch. Open every day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

General admission is $3.

Kama‘aina, military and senior discounts apply.

1100 Waipoli Road, 808.878.3004, www. aklmaui.com✽

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Not to Miss

A quick glance at events and celebrations during May and June.

Mark your calendars and attend a harvest event, a mini-me airplane show, an ocean lover’s paradise and a Pacific-Rim feast for the senses.

coming soon

July 4 Patriotic Kailua residents will get their grills going once again as the annual Fourth of July parade marches down Kainalu Drive.

LOVELY HULA

Biggest Little Air Show

July 16-17 The 39th Annual Prince Lot Hula Festival is the largest non-competitive hula event in Hawai‘i. Check out performances from various halau across the state.

June 4-5 Visitors will make their way to Ford Island to experience more than 100 1/5thscaled warbirds, jets and helicopters. This year’s event will commemorate the Battle of Midway, a four-day sea-and-air battle during WWII. www.pacificaviationmuseum.org

2016 Daikon Festival

May 14 This popular turnip will be the center of attention as the Honbushin International Center will feature a fun-filled day of cooking demonstrations, live entertainment, and local arts and crafts.

Family and friends are encouraged to partake in a special harvesting experience. Sunscreen, gloves, hats and appropriate footwear are recommended. www.honbushin.us

LOCALS ONLY August 19-21 The 22nd Annual Made in Hawai‘i Festival will showcase specialized food products, gifts, apparel, books, jewelry, and arts and crafts. Guest chefs will also conduct cooking demonstrations.

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Something Blue June 4 Help celebrate World Ocean Day at an all-day family festival at Turtle Bay Resort. This free annual fundraiser will feature family games, food, live entertainment and ocean education booths. Proceeds from the North Shore Ocean Fest T-shirts will benefit the North Shore Ocean Education Coalition.

Pan-Pacific Festival

June 10-12 This threeday event is a celebration of Hawai‘i’s cultural traditions from the Pacific Rim. Enjoy live entrainment, food booths and a lively parade. www.panpacific-festival.com

(clockwise from top) ©linny morris; courtesy pan pacific festival; hawaii tourism authority (HTA)/tor johnson

InDEPENDeNCE DAY

oahu • waikiki I ala moana center I kahala mall I downtown big island • queens’ marketplace I mauna lani kauai • kukui ‘ula

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