Na’alehu Farmer’s Market Revisited

November 6th, 2009

Na’alehu is likely the southernmost community in the US.  It is a former sugar plantation town where the small  Island Market is the supermarket, a few Realtors, a chiropractor, two restaurants ;  Shaka’s and Hana Hou- one who names itself as the ‘southernmost bar and restaurant’ and one who simply is the ‘southernmost restaurant’,  the Punalu’u bakery where sweet bread, pastries and sandwiches are a regular treat for tourists and locals and it too is the “southernmost bakery..  The now closed Na’alehu Theater with its’  need for repair is probably the most prominent structure as you arrive into Na’alehu.  It hard to say, however what this buildings future will be.

On Wednesday and Saturday’s, across the street from the Na’alehu theater on the lawn fronting the Ace Hardware store in this little town, the Na’alehu Farmer’s Market is a delight for its small-town friendliness, with varied offerings like; the resident artists’ own jewelry, art, crafts, local fruit, exceptional vegetables, cookies, clothing, plants, glass, carvings, 100% Ka’u coffee, pastries, medicinal concoctions, Puna goat cheese, locally finished  grass-fed  100% Ka’u beef and more for a relatively small market.

Sokha and Eliis Hestor's produce - delicious, diverse, divine..

Sokha and Eliis Hestor's produce - delicious, diverse, divine..

The Na’alehu Farmer’s Market as is typical of any market is a community event.  People do business, socialize, linger, make connections, and shop for gifts, produce, and look for upcoming events.  It is the place to go to support local products and see what’s happening.

Alison Yahna the "Bee Lady", it's not just about the honey..

Alison Yahna the "Bee Lady", it's not just about the honey..

Hestor Farms' produce has the best tomatoes and seasonal variety.

Hestor Farms' produce has the best tomatoes and seasonal variety.

The Saturday venue brings a select group of other vendors.  Created at home cards;  second-hand  books, unusual produce like fern shoots, pipinola squash, yacon, longan, starfruit, liliko’i, dragonfruit, and fresh flowers like  heliconias, orchids, and anthuriums.  Saturday also brings Paul the bread guy whose english muffins, three seed, macadamia cinnamon, herb, rye, and chapati breads sell out quickly.  Look for Alison Yahna’s honey as well as Scott Bannister’s etchings on slate.        The Na’alehu Farmer’s Market is only on Wednesday and Saturday and it is typically open from 8:00 am to Noon.

Jamie Gilmore's Jewelry and Prints

Jamie Gilmore's Jewelry and Prints

Posted in Things To Do Locally | No Comments »

Kahili Workshop w/ Paulette Kahalepuna

September 29th, 2009

October 29 to November 2, 2009 -  Our second Kahili workshop starts Thursday Oct. 29.  We are expecting a full house – very good news, that  people are excited to work with Paulette Kahalepuna to build two new kahili.  Some of the preliminary steps have been made to expedite the process so we can complete both of them in a weekend -  task that involves many hands and lots of time.

For those of you who may not know – kahili or feather standards were the markers of ali’i (Hawaiian royalty).  These feather standards in large and smaller hand-held versions, led processions, held court,  and reminded the commoners that these were indeed ali’i that needed to be respected.  They were exclusive of the ali’i’s  place in Hawai’i's society and are symbols that deserve  honor and respect.

Auntie Paulette will be making two standard size kahili – as they are usually made in pairs.  They will be on 8′ custom made poles with mallard duck feathers. The workshop will cover the entire process and the hope is that we will be able to photograph, document, and review – how to make a kahili from start to finish.

Auntie Paulette and her late mother Auntie Mary Lou Kekuewa are premiere artists in the art of Hawaiian featherwork and their book on that is a unique resource on feather lei.   This kahili workshop will take that one step further and eventually produce a small book on building feather kahili.

The two kahili that this weekend will produce will be gifted to Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park.  Paulette’s  ‘ohana is from the Honaunau area and it will be an appropriate gift for the park.

A beautiful kahili in the red 'ohi'a blossom color.

A beautiful kahili in the red 'ohi'a blossom color.

A close view of a small kahili lele of rooster hackles

A close view of a small kahili lele of rooster hackles

They will  be showcased during festivals and special events there often.   Look forward to follow-up photos of the new kahili in November along with pictures of them being made.

Posted in Special Events | No Comments »

Kapa Workshop – After the Weekend

August 28th, 2009
Absolutely beautiful!  Awesome!  For a couple of days, the odor of fermenting wauke (paper mulberry) and the tap tapping of hohoa (tapa beaters) combined with the sound of a Dremel carving into bamboo to make  ‘ohe kapala (bamboo stamps) filled Kalaekilohana.  About a dozen people came to spend the weekend with Joni-Mae Makuakane-Jarrell and Micah Kamohoali’i to make kapa (barkcloth).
They worked diligently for three days to make their own piece of kapa from scraping the bark, to stripping the fiber off the wauke, and then soaking, and beating repeatedly to make fine pieces of  cloth.  Most haumana (students) made their own tools and came with a kua, hohoa, and i’e kuku (anvil, primary beater, and finish beater).
Watching the process, it was amzing to watch as the basts of fiber began to breakdown and little by little,  felt together and finely spread longer and wider.  Sometimes, a troublesome spot would need a little extra care as multiple layers would meld as their loving creator would nudge and tap the fiber to a consistent even beautiful piece of kapa.
As they neared something they were happy with, they used their i’e kuku to leave a watermark signature  on their kapa.  After allowing their kapa to dry in the sun, the addition of color using dyes from native plants mixed with a little pa’akai (salt) and alae (clay) from a variety of sources, each chose dye colors they liked and colored their piece.  Some got warm lavendar from ‘olapa, others a subtle green from the endemic ma’o hau hele, and some even tried some of the beet juice from the mornings’ breakfast for a rosy red.

Making kapa using an i'e kuku and a kua

Making kapa using an i'e kuku and a kua

An i'e kuku (left) and a hohoa (right)

An i'e kuku (left) and a hohoa (right)

Posted in Kilohana | No Comments »

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Opens

August 28th, 2009

The excitement is building with the soft opening of the new southern entrance to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Located at Mile Marker 70 on Highway 11, the entrance is open on Saturday and Sunday each week except the first weekend of the month. There are areas set aside for hiking in the native forest and there are areas that vehicles are allowed to access as well. The park is in a testing phase and will be expanding their access in the upcoming months. Until then, this is an amazing opportunity to see the new park before it launches into regular hours of operation.

Posted in Things To Do Locally, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Lauhala Weaving Dec 4-7, 2009

August 12th, 2009

December brings our fourth weaving workshop for 2009.  Slated for December 4th through the 7th, this group will combine the creative and nimble fingers of intermediate and advanced lau hala weavers with beginners.  We will have four kumu (teachers) to support those who need assistance.  They will be available to teach haumana (students) how to prepare the hala – clean, soften, de-thorn, and strip. They will also be on hand for those intermediate and advanced weavers for specific questions or for ideas on how to accomplish a weave-specific idea.

In the spirit of the holidays, we will focus on making Christmas ornaments for the tree or small gifts for giveaway and stocking stuffers.  Some of the things that we will be able to make may include, turtles, fish, Christmas trees, crosses, balls, boxes, reindeers, and angels.

For those who prefer to just share some quality weaving time  with projects of their own, you are very welcome to do so.  After all, all that energy can be contagious.  So feel free to join us just to weave amongst the camaraderie.

Space is limited, and we are a few months away.  A great time is always the primary focus.   We have a few remaining slots we expect to fill easily.  The weaving weekend is based on a per person rate for a three day inclusive stay with shared accommodations.  $333.90 call Kalaekilohana (808) 939-8052 or visit our website at www.kau-hawaii.com

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Ulana Na’auao – Lauhala Retreat for Kumu Sept 10-14, 2009

August 4th, 2009

September brings the lovely ladies (and a couple men) to Kalaekilohana for Ulana Na’auao again.  This time around, the group of kumu have added an additional day to their weekend getaway.  Instead of three days, they decided their time at Kalaekilohana was too short and extended it to four days.  That means their will be more time to share fellowshop, complete more projects, and perhaps get a facial or a lomilomi (massage) from Michelle Wall-O’Conner or Tami Patton.

It has been happening every six months when the (mostly) ladies descend upon Kalaekilohana and simply, relax and weave.  The weekend getaways are now in their third year and have continued to be popular.  There is a “list” of those who have made it to Ka’u nearly every time but there has also been enough new faces to the group to keep the mix fresh.   There are visits too from family and friends and lots of camaraderie in the evenings.  Some head to Naalehu on Saturday mornings to the Farmer’s Market and some choose to do very little.  It’s all good!

Accommodations are shared typically 3 – 5 in our spacious suites and at times take on an air of girls night out and there is far too-much laughter going on.

All interested kumu (teachers) are expected to come prepared with projects to work on independently.  This retreat started as a way to allow kumu the time to share with each other and relax.  It is a great weekend to weave amongst peers.   Occasionally, weeks later, a strip of dried lau hala is found under a seat cushion – a pleasant reminder of the fun had by everyone.

September 10-14, 2009

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Mi’s Italian Bistro

August 4th, 2009

We have been hearing a lot about Mi’s Italian Bistro located in Kealakekua for quite some time now, perhaps about a year.  The opportunity to go came a couple of days ago for my own birthday celebration.  What a great choice that turned out to be.

We did a little research to see what people had been saying and found several rave reviews on tripadvisor.com.   Everyone complemented the home-made pasta and bread and the local fresh ingredients. It seemed ready to impress without a lot of  expectations and it really did not disappoint.

It is located in an odd location a couple doors down from a mini-mart but the room is homey, comfortable and tasteful.  Chef Morgan Starr’s wife Ingrid is your server and they bring their  little girl Yi with them in a sling.  The service was cordial and unhurried but the food was absolutely delicious.

I ordered the special Ono with eggplant risotto and my partner had the rigatoni with bolognese saugauge.  We also ordered the blue crab with mushroom and cheese served with italian bread and shared a caesar salad.

The Caesar is made to order – how a great Caesar should be and the blue crab w/ mushrooms were hot,  fresh, and soothing.  The entrees were as described, all fresh ingredients and  incredible home made pasta.  The Ono was not overdone and the eggplant was not the least bit soggy.  The risotto was full of fresh asparagus spears, tomatoes, and herbs.   The rigatoni tasted of that just-made-today goodness.  I’m glad we checked this place out.

At first it seemed, a little too far from where we are located, but at about an hour’s drive, it’s a good place to eat before heading back to the inn after time spent snorkeling at South Kona’s beaches or Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park.

Mi’s opens about 4:30pm  and stays open till 8:30pm Tues – Sun.  It is great for lunch or  that in-between time before dinner as well.   They offer the entire menu for take-out  and the attire is typically very casual.  They have a wine and beer menu.

Mi’s Island Bistro is located at 81-6372 Mamalahoa Hwy Suite 103in Kealakekua  (808)-323-3880

Tags:
Posted in Restaurants | No Comments »

Kahili Workshop Oct 29-Nov 2, 2009 Update

August 4th, 2009

Aunty Paulette Kahalepuna’s Kahili workshop is fast approaching in a few more months.  Her goals are to make two new 8′ kahili.  For those who know, many hands will help to  get the job done.  These new kahili will be made using mallard duck feathers.

Aunty’s goals include photographing the process of preparing the staffs for the feathers, taking video for a  DVD, and compiling a booklet of instructions.  The workshop involves  sauntering hardware frames  to create fingers that bundled feathers are then tied to.  Each piece (or finger) would need to be secured in a hole drilled in the staff and then wrapped with cordage to it.  She hopes to later publish a small booklet of complete instructions on “how to” make a kahili.

Stay over guests at Kalaekilohana are limited to 16 people.  There are currently 4 spaces available for those who choose to stay on the property.  The cost for stay over guests is $396 plus taxes.  We are looking for an additional dozen or so day students who may live on island or belong to a group from an organization, halau, or group affiliation that has interest in building a kahili for their group to participate in the process.  Day participants should be available Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  They may come when they are able whether it be one day or all three days.  The workshop fee for all participants, both day and stay over,  is $55, which helps Aunty with supplies and for her time.  Call Kalaekilohana at 808-939-8052 or send us an email at kk@kau-hawaii.com.   This is a great way to work together with a common goal, the result of which is a standard of strength and unity.

Posted in Calendar Event | No Comments »

100% Ka’u Coffee

July 15th, 2009

There’s a buzz from caffeine brewed in Ka’u here on Hawai’i's Big Island.  Some of the farmers are former sugar plantation workers that invested in leases on small 5-15 acre parcels.  The plantation closed in 1996 and they have formed a group and managed to get some support from some noted coffee experts. The result has been the production of some great coffee.  They learned how to prune,  when to fertilize, educated themselves on soil quality, and then took on the coffee harvest, processing, and roasting. By any measure, they have accomplished a great deal in ten years.

It is exciting to watch this new coffee district make leaps and bounds in coffee circles.   As they have grown, individual farmers are going out to cuppings and competitions and winning recognition.

The Rising Sun from Will and Grace Tabios’ farm ranked #6 internationally in their first cupping competition.  That same year Amelia Biason at Aroma Farms ranked 9th. Their coffees were picked up by Alan Wong’s Restaurant in Honolulu for their coffee menu.  Alan Wong also included Lorie Obra’s Rusty’s Hawaiian Coffee that same year.  Will and Grace’s coffee, as we fondly call it is robust and rich, while Lorie’s Rusty’s is a smooth even flavor great for after dinner.   Lorie also received the #1 rating for best Bourbon variety of coffee, out scoring 12 others of this Kenyan variety.

Fast forward to 2009 and  we (Ka’u) get Jamie and Bull Kailiawa’s  Kailiawa Coffee winning #7 in Atlanta in April.  Now the Ka’u coffee is really getting noticed!  Bull and Jamie’s coffee is clean. crisp, solid, and bold.

In July, the Hawaii Coffee Association held their first competition on Maui and three Ka’u coffees make it in the top 15.  Bung and Gloria Camba’s  Ka’u Royal scores 4th and Pavaraga gets 5th.    Another Ka`u coffee ranks 13th.

It is exciting to watch these farmers nurture their new business and to succeed with such excellent results.   We believe supporting these coffee farmers is a win win situation for everyone. We now carry 7 estate coffees, each a distictly wonderful cup of coffee.

Posted in Recommendations | No Comments »

Kapa Workshop

June 23rd, 2009

Update – August 4, 2009

Hawai’i Volanoes National Park held a Kapa Implements Workshop in July at their Education Center.  Ben Heloca led a group of thirty haumana (students) to fashion their own kapa tools.  The haumana started by making a shark-tooth knife to score beaters with.  The ‘oki niho mano (shark knife) was then used to score a hohoa (beater). The hohoa is used for the initial beating of wauke to spread it’s fiber into individual strips.  Haumana were also given a second beater called an i’e kuku that is used for the second phase of beating.  The i’e kuku helps spread the fiber further with it’s parallel grooves.  Haumana were also provided with a kua, or a kapa anvil which is used to beat the kapa.

We are pleased that many of the haumana at the Kapa Implements Workshop will join Joni-Mae Makuakane-Jarrell at Kalaekilohana for the Kapa Workshop August 21-23.  It will be an opportunity for those who made tools in Volcano to use them for the first time.

Previously:

Coming up August 21, 22, and 23, 2009 Kalaekilohana hosts a kapa workshop with Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Education Specialist Joni-Mae Makuakane-Jarrell.

Scheduled for Friday evening is a presentation of wauke, one of the plants used to make Hawaiian kapa (barkcloth).  The presentation will include info about tools, method, dyes, dye plants, cultivation and such.

Cutting, scraping, and separating fiber will begin on Saturday and resume on Sunday.  Tools will be provided for those who need them.  Class size is very limited.

August 21-23, 2009  $50 for entire workshop.  808-939-8052 or email at: kk@kau-hawaii.com with questions.  Kalaekilohana is offering a workshop package for those who choose to spend the entire weekend.

Tags:
Posted in Calendar Event | No Comments »

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »