Holualoa Inn

Waiki‘i Music Festival Returns to Big Island

noreply@blogger.com (Holualoa Inn) — Thu, 31 May 2012 01:04:00 +0000

After a long hiatus, the popular weekend-long Waiki‘i Music Festival returns to Waiki‘i Ranch on June 16 and 17, featuring a host of acclaimed Hawaiian music artists including Grammy Award-winning Cyril Pahinui, Amy Hanaiali‘i, John Cruz, Paula Fuga, Makana and Willie K.

A "unique celebration of paniolo, Hawaiian and country music," the event also features country music star Ricky Scaggs and the Kentucky Thunder.

Located off the Saddle Road near Waimea, Waiki‘i Ranch showcases rolling green pastureland and majestic views of Mauna Kea in the enclave of an upscale subdivision. First held in 1990, the festival has always attracted thousands of attendees, before being halted by the homeowner's association in 2005 due to new home building and parking controversies. When Waiki‘i Ranch resident Tim Bostock decided to revive the event, the homeowners came back on board.

Tickets cost $40 per adult and $15 per child per day, if purchased prior to June 1. After June 1, tickets cost $50 per adult and $20 per child, with children under 6 free. Two-day passes are also available only through June 1. You can purchase tickets by phone at 808-885-6868 or in person at Kahili Theatre in Waimea.

Our Kona Hawai‘i bed and breakfast offers a relaxing retreat on 30 lush acres. Holualoa In n make a great home base for exploring the Island's sites, including making a day trip to the Waiki‘i Music Festival. If you're interested in seeing some of Hawai‘i's best performers assembled in one place, you won't want to miss the Waiki‘i Music Festival!

Innkeeper Holualoa Inn

Free Things to Do in Kona

noreply@blogger.com (Holualoa Inn) — Tue, 22 May 2012 22:18:00 +0000

Whether attending a Polynesian luau, riding a helicopter to the Volcano or booking a snorkel cruise, activities during a typical Hawai‘i vacation can really add up. Fortunately, if you plan ahead, you can find plenty of things to do in Kona that are free, or almost free.

Instead of paying for a night dive out of Honokohau Harbor, head to the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort on any given evening to see the manta rays in action. The Manta Viewing Area is located adjacent to the Manta Ray Bar & Grill, and features large spotlights that shine directly on the water below, affording excellent views of the mantas as they swim below the lanai each night, feeding on the plankton.

For other marine life encounters, you might have more luck spotting spinner dolphins on your own than by booking an expensive cruise. Dolphins frequent areas like Kealakekua Bay and "Two Steps" at Honaunau, just down the road, where you can easily get in the water and possibly swim near pods of dolphins. To see the green sea turtles, take a short trek to Ke‘ei Beach, which is also near Kealakekua Bay.

To soak up some Hawaiian culture, Historic Kailua Village offers several landmarks that are free to visitors. Ahu‘ena Heiau, located near the pier, is a centuries-old sacred site where King Kamehameha I conducted his affairs of government after uniting the Hawaiian Islands in the early 1800s. There's also Mokuaikaua Church, the oldest Christian church in the state of Hawai‘i, and Hulihe‘e Palace directly across the street, which offers tours for a nominal fee.

Farther up the highway in Kealakekua, Kona Historical Society is a wonderful destination for visitors that includes a general store museum, coffee tours and a Portuguese stone oven, where old-fashioned bread baking takes place every Thursday morning. And speaking of coffee tours, there are plenty of coffee farm throughout the Kona Coffee Belt that offer free tours and tastings.

Here at Holualoa Inn, we look forward to helping you make the most of your Kona Hawai‘i vacation. Our Big Island bed and breakfast is perfectly situated for proximity to all the best that Kona has to offer.

Innkeeper Holualoa Inn

National Parks of Hawai‘i Island

noreply@blogger.com (Holualoa Inn) — Wed, 09 May 2012 17:28:00 +0000

If you're planning a vacation to Hawai‘i's Big Island, make sure the beautiful National Parks are part of your itinerary. There are four national parks on the island, and each one is unique.

Home of the fire goddess Pele, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is a must-see destination on the southeast side of the island. Encompassing the volcano of Kilauea and portions of the Mauna Loa, the park is open year-round, 24/7. Plan your trip so that you'll still be in the park at dusk and witness the orange glow of Halemau‘uma‘a Crater as the lava lake brews close to the surface. Other sites include the steam vents, sulfur banks, Thurston Lava Tube, Kilauea Iki Trail and plenty of breathtaking natural scenery.

Pu‘uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park

Closer to Kailua-Kona, Pu‘uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park is considered sacred ground in Hawaiian culture. For centuries, this beautiful sanctuary served as a place of refuge for warriors, kapu breakers and other seeking to escape death or punishment. The park includes the reconstructed ancient temple known as Hale O Keawe, as well as royal fish ponds, coconut groves, self-guided trails and incredible marine life such as green sea turtles, spinner dolphins and humpback whales offshore.

Pu‘ukohola Heiau

Another park in Kona, Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park is located just a few mile south of the airport. The site of an ancient Hawaiian settlement, the park features enormous fishponds created by seawalls built of lava rock. Visitors can hike, fish, swim, picnic and snorkel here. Farther to the north in Kawaihae past the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Pu‘ukohola Heiau National Historic Site showcases the the great temple built by Kamehameha the Great prior to his unification of the Hawaiian Islands.

Centrally located, Holualoa Inn offers our guests great proximity to the best sites on the islands. Our akamai (knowledgeable) innkeepers are happy to provide you with all the insider tips and travel information to help you make the most of your romantic vacation in Hawai‘i Island.

Innkeeper Holualoa Inn

Places to Eat in Kona, Part II

noreply@blogger.com (Holualoa Inn) — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 04:21:00 +0000

The best place in Kona to be for breakfast is, of course, Holualoa Inn, where our own Chef Brian prepares tantalizing dishes laden with fresh fruit and produce from our gardens, not to mention newly laid eggs from the hen house and fresh-squeezed juice from our orchard.

The Fish Hopper restaurant

For lunch and dinner, guests of Holualoa Inn have many options of places to eat in town. On the waterfront on Ali‘i Drive, The Fish Hopper restaurant serves up fresh catch of the day, delectable clam chowder made daily and a roster of excellent entrees, salads and desserts. The open-air restaurant showcases great views of Kailua Bay, and is within walking distance of historic attractions like Hulihe‘e Palace and Mokuaikaua Church.

Another good oceanfront find is Don the Beachcomber, located near the lobby of the Royal Kona Resort. A throwback to the Trader Vic tiki era, the venue offers the best view of Kailua Bay, bar none. And speaking of bars, if you want to go out for a sunset cocktail, Don the Beachcomber is the place to go for a lovely night out on the town.

Sam Choy's Kai Lanai

For thai food with a view, we recommend Thai Rin restaurant, also located near the waterfront on Ali‘i Drive. The food here is reasonably priced, the service quick and the cooking, divine. And if you still have room for dessert, don't miss the mango ice cream with sweet sticky rice. Fresh fish, Hawaiian style, can be found at Da Poke Shack, a roadside attraction near Banyans surf spot that prepares traditional poke (raw fish diced into cubes). A visit to the newly opened Sam Choy's Kai Lanai at the Keauhou Shopping Center should also be on your Kona Coast culinary itinerary.

Innkeeper Holualoa Inn

Merrie Monarch Festival in Full Swing

noreply@blogger.com (Holualoa Inn) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 20:27:00 +0000

This year's 49th annual Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo brings together the worldwide hula community for the most prestigious event in hula. Taking place April 8 through 14, the festival showcases a variety of activities proceeding the main events on Friday and Saturday, where halau (clubs) from Hawai‘i and the mainland compete in kahiko (traditional) and ‘auana (modern) styles of dance.

One of the highlights of the week is the Arts and Crafts Fair at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium, Wednesday through Saturday. Some of the finest local artists and crafters present their wares, ranging from woven lauhala items, feather art, carvings, tapa, lei and more. Last night, the annual Miss Aloha Hula took place at Edith Kanaka‘ole Stadium, to be followed tonight and Saturday by the group hula competitions. If you didn't get your tickets for the headlining events, you can always attend the Merrie Monarch Royal Parade on Saturday beginning at 10:30 a.m. Featuring beautiful pa‘u riders on horseback, the parade winds through downtown Hilo along Kilauea and Kamehameha avenues. If you're not in town to see all the festivities first hand, you can watch on KFVE-TV here in Hawai‘i, or online at the station's live stream.

The Merrie Monarch Festival began in 1964 to perpetuate, preserve and promote the art of hula and the Hawaiian culture in general. The festival gets its name from King David Kalakaua, who during his reign in the late 1800s, helped restore Hawaiian cultural traditions that had been suppressed by missionary teachings. He was known affectionately as the "Merrie Monarch." In 1971, the festival opened became competitive, and by 1976, men were also competing at the event.

During your stay at Holualoa Inn, you can book a private hula lesson with an authentic hula dancer, who will teach you basic moves and give you a complimentary music CD as a memento of your lesson. As you plan your next romantic Hawaiian vacation, your Holualoa Inn ohana invites you to make our Kona bed and breakfast your home base during Merrie Monarch week.

Innkeeper Holualoa Inn

Big Island Woodworkers

noreply@blogger.com (Holualoa Inn) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 20:48:00 +0000

Best of Show by Marcus Castaing

This year's annual Hawai‘i Woodshow produced six winners from the Big Island, highlighted by Best of Show award-winner Marcus Castaing, whose gorgeous koa cabinet features the artful use of the wood's natural curl. The 20th annual event, which is sponsored by the Hawai‘i Forest Industry Association, took place in Honolulu on March 30, 2012.

Marcus is among the many fine woodworkers here on Hawai‘i Island who craft incredible pieces of local hardwoods such as mango, monkeypod, cook pine, ohia, milo and more. The pieces featured in the show were predominately crafted of Hawai‘i-grown woods, part of the organization's effort to encourage appreciation for sustainable forestry through the planting of native species. In addition to its annual woodworking exhibition, Hawai‘i Forest Industry Association manages several community forests and serves as an advocate for Hawai‘i's diverse forest industry.

Holualoa gallery owner, Cliff Johns

Our village of Holualoa boasts some of the finest woodworkers in the state, like Tai Lake, whose amazing koa furniture pieces are sought by collectors from around the world. Just around the corner from Holualoa Inn, the Cliff Johns Gallery unveils an outstanding array of works by local woodturners, wood sculptors and furniture makers, including pieces by award winners in this year's show, including John Mydock and J Kelly Dunn. A few doors down from Cliff's, Dovetail Gallery features fine-art woodworking by Gerald Ben, while Holualoa Ukulele Gallery is a must-see for those who appreciate beautiful, custom-made instruments.

Guests of Holualoa Inn are within walking distance of a plethora of fine-art galleries, where the Big Island's unique natural resources are showcased in many different genres, from sculpture and mixed media to photography and woodworking. Our Kona Hawai‘i bed and breakfast puts you right in the heart of the historic artists' village of Holualoa.

Innkeeper Holualoa Inn

Kona's Ranching Tradition

noreply@blogger.com (Holualoa Inn) — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 22:15:00 +0000

Although Parker Ranch in South Kohala is most associated with Hawai‘i's rich paniolo heritage, the Kona district is actually the birthplace of ranching in the Hawaiian Islands.

It all began in 1793 when Captain George Vancouver presented Kamehameha the Great with four cows in Kealakekua Bay. Soon thereafter, the king commissioned the construction of an enormous cattle pen, "Pa Nui," made of dry-stacked lava rock. Eight to nine feet high in some places, the pen encompassed nearly 480 acres and is still standing on private ranchlands near Honalo. Eventually, some of the herd escaped and began spreading across the island.

Kona paniolo load cattle in Kailua Bay

In the 1800s and through much of the last century, Kona's ranching industry thrived. In 1850, Henry Nicholas Greenwell arrived on the island and became one of the largest landholders and ranchers in the state. His ranches totaled tens of thousands of acres, and were subsequently divided between his three eldest sons, resulting in W.H. Greenwell Ranch, Kealakekua Ranch and Palani Ranch. According to local historians, Hawaiian royalty fully embraced the cattle industry, with Kamehameha V serving as president of the Royal Agricultural Society. Hawaiians became very skilled as ranchers and equestrians. Known as the paniolo, these Hawaiian cowboys developed their own unique saddle, called the Hawaiian tree saddle.

Hawaiian tree saddle

To learn more about Kona's ranching history, be sure to visit Kona Historical Society in Kealakekua, just a few short miles south of Holualoa Inn. The museum includes the old general store, a Portuguese stone oven and the impending renovation of a historic ranch home that has been dismantled and donated to the historical society. When you book a stay at our Big Island bed and breakfast, you'll find yourself in the heart of Kona's historic ranching district.

Innkeeper Holualoa Inn

Samoan Fireknife Dancers

noreply@blogger.com (Holualoa Inn) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 21:15:00 +0000

The grand finale of many Polynesian revues and luaus, the thrilling fireknife dancer astounds audiences with dazzling displays of athleticism, fire and danger. Taking his inspiration from the Samoan warrior, the fireknife dancer takes center stage at the luau, twirling, tossing, catching and throwing a flaming machete at breathtaking speeds.

Resembling a baton, the fireknife itself, called "nifo oti," replicates an ancient Samoan weapon that features a 14-inch blade with a hook on the end. To add fire, both ends are wrapped with Kevlar or a cotton towel tied with wire, then soaked in camp kerosene (white gas), which burns cleanly and vaporizes quickly. Before the addition of fire, the traditional Samoan knife dancer portrayed the movements of the warrior at battle. The custom eventually evolved into performance art, with the dancer slicing objects in mid-air.

Believe it or not, the idea of adding fire happened in 1946 in San Francisco. A young Samoan named Freddie Letuili was performing a traditional knife dance at a Shriners' convention in Golden Gate Park. While there, he observed a young girl twirling a baton with light bulbs attached at each end. He also saw a Hindu performer eating fire. Thus the idea for adding a little sizzle to his performance was born. Today, only a few brave and talented men take on the tradition of the fireknife dance, which involves truly perilous moves like eating the fire, holding the fire to your feet, or catching the fireknife behind the back. In addition to possibly getting burned, the performer is also at risk for fainting because the fire sucks up all the oxygen around him.

Here in Kona, you can see fireknife dancers at the three different luaus held at resorts in Kailua-Kona. Our Holualoa Inn ohana will assist you in recommending a host of visitor activities during your Hawai‘i Big Island vacation, including "sharing sparks" with the incredible fireknife dancers of Samoa.

Innkeeper Holualoa Inn

King Kamehameha III -- Born on the Big Island

noreply@blogger.com (Holualoa Inn) — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 07:20:00 +0000

Take a drive through the Keauhou area of Kona and you might notice the name of King Kamehameha III on street signs and bronze plaques. That's because this second son of Kamehameha the Great was born right here in Kona at Keauhou Bay.

After he rose to the throne following his brother's death, Kamehameha III (1913 - 1854) became the longest reigning monarch in the Hawaiian Islands, ruling for 30 years. Notable accomplishments included introducing the first written constitution to the kingdom, and signing the Great Mahele law that redistributed lands between the government, king, ali‘i and commoners. He also uttered a phrase that today, is Hawai‘i's state moto: "Ua mau ke ea o ka aina i ka pono," which means, "The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness."

Each year in March, the Kona community celebrates the birthday of this beloved ruler. This year's lineup of events includes a Daughters of Hawai‘i tribute at his birth site at Keauhou Bay on March 16, followed by a cultural lecture at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa. On Saturday, March 17, the 12th annual Kamehameha III "Lani Kauikeaouli" concert will take place on the grounds of the resort, featuring hula and live music by Ho‘okena and other favorite local artists. And don't miss Sam Choy's Keauhou Poke Contest at the resort on Sunday, where you can sample some amazing variations on this Hawaiian pupu (appetizer) made with raw fish.

When you book a stay at our Big Island bed and breakfast, you'll receive the royal treatment from the moment you enter our 30-acre coffee estate overlooking the Kona coast. We promise to treat you like a king (or queen)!!!

Innkeeper Holualoa Inn

Living Sustainably in Hawai‘i

noreply@blogger.com (Holualoa Inn) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 20:52:00 +0000

Because of its year-round perfect climate and lush growing conditions, Hawai‘i is one of the best places in the United States to live a sustainable lifestyle —particularly on the Big Island, which is considered the "bread basket" of the state's agricultural sector. Our island's many diverse micro-climates provide the ideal locations for everything from coffee and macadamia nuts to avocados, citrus, mushrooms, vanilla and even chocolate. Fruits and vegetables thrive here all year long.

Here at Holualoa Inn, we believe in creating the most sustainable environment possible. Most everything we serve for breakfast comes from our bountiful gardens and coffee farm, and Chef Brian Conaway makes good use of all our products. When he's not fixing up specialty omelettes made with fresh arugula or gluten-free eggs Benedict layered with sauteed squash, he's busy in the kitchen creating homemade juice, jellies and jams from the guava, lilikoi and figs that grow on the property. For home-cooked waffles and pancakes, Brian's delicious lilikoi syrup is one of the most popular additions to our breakfast table. Our 30-acre coffee farm provides award-winning Kona roast served round the clock at the Inn. Guests can also enjoy organic eggs fresh from our coop.

In recent months, we've added to our bounty of edibles by planting a new orchard brimming with exotic fruits like jaboticaba, mangosteen and starfruit, or favorites like oranges, grapefruits, tangerines and mangoes for every season. If you're in the neighborhood, our Holualoa Inn ohana would be delighted to take you on a tour of our inn and grounds. Or better yet, book a stay with us for your next romantic Hawai‘i vacation.

Innkeeper Holualoa Inn

History of the Holua Slide

noreply@blogger.com (Holualoa Inn) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 19:31:00 +0000

In Hawaiian, the word "holualoa" means "long slide." And here in the village of Holualoa, the origin of the name comes from an actual holua slide that traverses downslope through the area, passing thorough our property at Holualoa Inn.

Well-preserved slide in Keauhou

Constructed by Hawaiians of yesteryear, holua slides were the equivalent of a toboggan course, some stretching more than 4,000 feet in length from mountain to the sea. Reserved for royalty, the sport of holua sledding was extremely dangerous. To make the lava-rock course extra slick, Hawaiians covered the slide with dirt, thatched mats and wet pili grass.

The sled itself, called "papa holua," was made of naive hardwoods like kauila, uhiuhi or mamane. The crosspieces, runners and rails were affixed with sennit cord fashioned out of coconut fiber. The rails were wrapped in kapa cloth, while the frame was covered in lauhala matting.

Guests of Holualoa Inn can walk our historic grounds, where the remnants of an ancient holua slide can be seen in our botanical gardens. Our 30-acre coffee estate also features an historic coffee trail that passes alongside the Inn. When you stay at our Hawai‘i Big Island bed and breakfast, you'll surely feel the spirit of ancient Hawai‘i and the ali‘i (royalty) who once traveled at breakneck speed down the steep and thrilling holua slides.

Innkeeper Holualoa Inn

It's Whale-Watching Season on the Big Island

noreply@blogger.com (Holualoa Inn) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:25:00 +0000

Every winter, pods of graceful humpback whales migrate from Alaska to the warmer waters of the Hawaiian Islands chain. The whales begin appearing in December, and by February, the season is in full swing! Right now, thousands of whales are "on vacation" in Hawai‘i, where they've come to breed, give birth and frolic close to shore.

Humpback whales can easily be viewed from land or sea anywhere along the coast of West Hawai‘i. This year, vast numbers of whale sightings are being reported everywhere from Kailua Village and Napo‘opo‘o, to the Kohala Coast and Kawaihae. It's easy to spot a humpback whale: the humpback whale's "blow" can reach 15 feet in height. They spout, spy hop, breach, pec slap, leap out of the water or slap their fluke on the surface of the water. Mother whales and their calves are often accompanied by a male escort. After a calf is born, the mother usually stays close to shore, resting and nursing the newborn.

Our friend Dan McSweeney runs a popular whale-watching tour out of Honokohau Harbor, and there are plenty of other ocean-faring tours that offer whale-watching and snorkel adventures, as well. But you don't have to be on a boat to see a fantastic show. Just find a spot along the coast, or head out for a sunset cocktail somewhere in town, and chances are you'll see a humpback whale swim by.

Panoramic views of the Kona Coast prevail from Holualoa Inn, where our friendly ohana will help you plan your Kona whale-watching adventure. Our romantic Kona bed and breakfast inn is the place to be during humpback whale season in Hawai‘i.

Innkeeper Holualoa Inn

Mauna Loa--Hawai‘i's "other" Volcano

noreply@blogger.com (Holualoa Inn) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:44:00 +0000

With its fiery flow of lava continuously pouring from Pu‘u O‘o Vent since 1983, Kilauea Volcano captures all the headlines. But did you know that Mauna Loa is equally amazing in its sheer size, geological features and potential for eruption?

An active shield volcano, Mauna Loa covers more than 50 percent of the Big Island. It stretches from the Hilo side to South Point, through the district of Ka‘u, into areas of Kona, around Hualalai and even into parts of Puako in South Kohala. Considering that the Big Island is the size of Connecticut, Mauna Loa is one huge land mass!

Mauna Loa is also one of the most active volcanoes on earth, erupting 33 times since 1843. Amazingly, it hasn't erupted since 1984, and fortunately, scientists don't expect it to erupt anytime soon. At Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Loa is continuously monitored for long periods of seismic activity that foretell a potential eruption. So far, the sleeping giant is sleeping soundly. If breakout flows do occur, scientists predict that the Ocean View area in Ka‘u might be vulnerable.

On Wednesday evening, February 8, Frank Trusdell, a volcanologist/geologist from the U.S. Geological Survey at Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory, will be the guest speaker at Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park in Kona. Free and open to the public, the program will take place in the park's amphitheater, where Frank will talk about Mauna Loa, its history and its current status.

Holualoa Inn occupies a 30-acre estate on the slopes of Hualalai. When you book a stay at our Kona bed and breakfast, you are well positioned to make a day trip to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, as well as visit the many fascinating places on Mauna Loa, including the Kona Coffee Belt and Pu‘uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park. But not to worry. Our volcanoes are very friendly, we guarantee it!

Innkeeper Holualoa Inn

Fruits and Produce of the Big Island

noreply@blogger.com (Holualoa Inn) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 05:04:00 +0000

When you think of Hawaiian fruits and produce, popular favorites like pineapple, papaya, mango, guava and bananas come to mind. But did you know that the Big Island is a cornucopia of many other edible delights — everything from avocado, tomatoes, mushrooms and mountain apples, to starfruit, figs, oranges, lemons and more?

Avocados grow at Holualoa Inn

For example, here in Kona, there are dozens of varieties of avocado that grow well because of the shallow, rocky soil. The rich, buttery qualities of these gargantuan varieties are far superior to the typical avocado grown in California. Many local avocados are named after hard-working Kona farmers such as Yamagata and Ota.

Another product you'll see in great supply on the Big Island are island-grown tomatoes. Most of the area's fanciest resort restaurants serve succulent, sweet tomatoes grown in Waimea by Honda Farms and other renowned producers. In Laupahoehoe near Hilo, Hamakua Mushrooms Company cultivates many species of mushrooms that exude exceptional taste and quality. Exotic fruits grown on the Big Island are also very popular, including lychee, rambutan, longan and jaboticaba.

Arugula in our nursery

Here at Holualoa Inn, our guests enjoy farm-to-plate breakfasts served with produce harvested on our 30-acre property. We have mangoes for every season, plus 14 different varieties of avocado on site. There's also a bounty of figs, plentiful Kabocha squash and bok choy, lilikoi, guava, pineapples, bananas, and even delicious Healani tomatoes which are now thriving in the nursery. Chef Brian Conway finds a way to utilize everything we harvest, preparing gourmet selections such as omelettes made with our fresh arugula, or fresh preserves made with our very own figs. We've also recently planted a new fruit orchard and our trees are already producing oranges, grapefruit, tangerines. In the near future, we expect to harvest abundant starfruit, mangosteen, Brazilian plum and loquat, to name a few.

Holualoa Inn's newly planted orchard

When you stay at our romantic Hawai‘i bed and breakfast, you can stroll the grounds and see the amazing variety of products grown on site, including thousands of coffee trees that produce our 100-percent Kona coffee. Our Holualoa Inn ohana will be delighted to take you on a tour of the entire property, which features botanical walkways, ancient trails, and our new orchard and nursery.

Innkeeper Holualoa Inn

Remembering Hula Legend Iolani Luahine

noreply@blogger.com (Holualoa Inn) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 03:52:00 +0000

Considered the "high priestess" of hula, she became the most esteemed hula dancer in the state of Hawai‘i. The legendary Iolani Luahine (1915-1978) was instrumental in perpetuating the traditional hula kahiko, the ancient style of dance passed on through generations of native Hawaiians. Born in Kona, she learned the art of hula from her aunt Keahi, who was one of the royal dancers in the courts of King Kalakaua and Queen Lili‘uokalani.

When Iolani danced and chanted, she conveyed a mystical connection to the spiritual world. There are countless stories about her psychic powers in which she'd ask the wind to stop, the rain to cease and animals to do her bidding. Named a "Living Treasure" in 1972, she was invited on three occasions to perform at the National Folk Festival at Wolf Trap in Virginia. After she passed away in 1978, the Honolulu Star-Bulletin called her "easily one of Hawaii's greatest dancers, if not the greatest."

To honor this great artist, the annual Iolani Luahine Hula Festival will take place this January 26 - 28 at Keauhou Beach Resort. Attracting those who knew her and those who are inspired by her, the event will feature hula workshops and presentations, musical entertainment and a visit to Iolani's birthplace in Napo‘opo‘o Village at Kealakekua Bay.

As you plan your 2012 romantic Hawaiian vacation, your Holualoa Inn ohana invite you to enjoy our Kona bed and breakfast, savor delicious foods grown on the property, and experience the many activities and adventures available here on the Big Island. You may even connect with the ancient spirits that inspired Iolani Luahine in her enchanted song and dance.

Innkeeper Holualoa Inn

Places to Surf in Kona

noreply@blogger.com (Holualoa Inn) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 06:22:00 +0000

Okay, it's not the North Shore of O‘ahu, or even Waikiki for that matter. But Kona does offer a few nice surf spots for beginners and advanced wave riders. What's more, most of the destinations are just a short drive down the hill from Holualoa Inn.

The best place to learn how to surf is Kahalu‘u Beach Park in Keauhou —there are several surf schools in the vicinity that offer private and group lessons, as well as board rentals. Kahalu‘u features easily manageable conditions on the inside, where beginners can get their first taste of standing up on a board or riding the white water. Right and left reef breaks can reach six feet, appealing to both shortboarders and longboarders.

Lymans, also known as Kamoa Point

Down the road on Ali‘i Drive, two popular surf spots attract intermediate and advanced surfers. A favorite of longboarders, Lymans needs a good-sized swell in order to break. In the winter, the best swells move westerly and hit Kona straight on. Overhead conditions are rare during the summer months anywhere in Kona, but there's always the exception.

Surfer enters the water at Banyans.

Just north of Lymans, Banyans offers fast waves for advanced surfers only. Showcasing right and left breaks over shallow reefs, Banyans is great for shortboard riding; catching a barrel is not out of the realm of possibility. Longboard surfing is also possible on small days.

From our vantage point above Kailua-Kona, Holualoa Inn offers sweeping vistas of the Kona coastline. You can even check out the surf breaks from our lanai. When you book a stay at our Kona Hawaii bed-and-breakfast inn, our friendly ohana can steer you in the right direction for your surfing safari.

Innkeeper Holualoa Inn

Day Trip to Ahualoa

noreply@blogger.com (Holualoa Inn) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 01:51:00 +0000

It rhymes with Holualoa, but it's world's away from our artists' village here in Kona. Located on the Hamakua Coast 13 miles from Waimea, the rural area of Ahualoa offer visitors a unique destination that's decidedly off the beaten track.

With towering eucalyptus trees that shade the long, windy road mauka of Honoka‘a Town, Ahualoa was originally settled by Portuguese ranchers and Japanese farmers who served the old sugar plantations in the area. Today, Ahualoa has become a quiet haven for small farms and specialty operations that produce everything from rare white honey to beef jerky, coffee, eggs and goat cheese. Some farms even offer tours, like Richard Speigel's Volcano Island Honey Company, where he cultivates a prized honey that originates from the kiawe trees in coastal Puako. Richard's rare Hawaiian Organic White Honey features a delicate tropical flavor, buttery-smooth texture and pearlescent white color favored by resort chefs and foodies.

If you happen to make the trip to Ahualoa, you might also want to explore the neighboring area of Paauilo, home of Hawaiian Vanilla Company. The only commercial grower of vanilla in the United States, Hawaiian Vanilla Company is owned and operated by the Reddekopp family, who welcomes visitors to tour their farm for a behind-the-scenes look at the vanilla-growing process. They also serve up a great lunch and afternoon teas at their little cafe, with a gourmet menu that focuses on all things vanilla. Plus there's a gallery and gift shop where you can buy extract, salad dressings, spices, rubs and vanilla beans.

Here at Holualoa Inn, we grow our own coffee, citrus, fruits and more, serving our guests a bounty of tropical ingredients. We even gather our own eggs, fresh from the chicken coop. In the coming years, our new orchard will be producing even more fruits and produce. When you stay at our Kona bed-and-breakfast inn, you'll enjoy gourmet breakfasts that are truly "farm to plate."

Innkeeper Holualoa Inn

Holiday Traditions in Hawai‘i

noreply@blogger.com (Holualoa Inn) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 04:48:00 +0000

"Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say on a bright, Hawaiian Christmas day." Those are the lyrics of a famous song heard throughout the Islands during the holidays. As the song proclaims, if you want to wish somebody a Merry Christmas in Hawaiian, just say: "Mele Kalikimaka!"

Christmas traditions in Kona are decidedly "island style." One of the ways kamaainas (residents) usher in the holidays is to make wreaths, leis and floral arrangements from natural flora that grows on the Big Island — everything from lehua blossoms, coconut husk and orchids to norfolk pine, Christmas berry, hibiscus, palapalai ferns, protea, ti leaves and more. Last year at Holualoa Inn, our Christmas tree was decorated entirely in white orchids with elegant simplicity.

Holiday foods in Hawai‘i reflect the cultural and ethnic diversity of the Islands. Festive Christmas pies can be made of red ohelo berries that grow in higher elevations like Volcano. Resembling cranberries, the slightly tart berries are favored by native Nene geese. For Christmas dinner in Hawai‘i, many residents serve up a plate of ahi sashimi for appetizers, followed by a turkey or kalua pig cooked in an underground oven (imu). With New Year's Eve around the corner, local folks get out the mochi pounder to make delicious rice cake, a Japanese tradition.

Holualoa Inn rings in the holidays in style. Our Kona bed-and-breakfast inn offers a cozy, elegant setting for experiencing the season. You can even hang your stockings on our fireplace!

Mele Kalikimaka!

Innkeeper Holualoa Inn

Christmas Comes to Holualoa

noreply@blogger.com (Holualoa Inn) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 02:54:00 +0000

One of the most anticipated holiday events in Kona, the Holualoa Village Christmas and Light Festival is an annual tradition that attracts hundreds of residents and community members to the streets of our close-knit village. Now in its 15th year, the event is hosted by Holualoa Inn and Kona Blue Sky Coffee.

Festivities get underway from 5:30 to 8:30 pm on Saturday, December 3, with the lighting of the town Christmas tree at dusk. That's also when the village lights come on, transforming the town into a twinkling, Hawai‘i-style wonderland. Gallery owners open their doors and and serve up complimentary pupus and beverages, plus holiday treats, apple cider and 100-percent Kona coffee. There's also live music, including performances this year by renowned slack-key musician, John Keawe. But the best part of the evening is the chance to run into friends and auld acquaintances, and to meet new friends or put names to familiar faces.

During the holidays, Holualoa Inn decks the halls with tropical flowers and amazing floral arrangements made of botanicals from our property. Last year, we decorated our Christmas tree with beautiful, white orchids. The wood-burning fireplace in our living area casts a warm holiday glow to the premises, and the scent of fresh-baked cookies wafts throughout the Inn during the day. When you book a stay at our Kona Hawaii bed and breakfast during the holiday season, you're sure to experience a Christmas to remember.

Innkeeper Holualoa Inn

Kona Coffee Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Holualoa Inn) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 20:15:00 +0000

Coffee cupping competition

Here in Kona coffee country, the annual Kona Coffee Festival has been in full swing all week, featuring events, workshops, tours, competitions, and even a parade, to celebrate all things coffee. And at today's prestigious cupping competition, our own Brazen Hazen coffee was among the select finalists for the coveted award and industry recognition.

For 41 consecutive years, the Kona Coffee Festival has honored the cultural heritage and history of America's finest coffee. Thousands of residents, visitors, media and international coffee aficionados converge on Kailua-Kona to support the accomplishments of our local coffee industry. In Holualoa, the annual Village Coffee & Art Stroll is always one of the most popular events of the 10-day festival. Guests of Holualoa Inn got a front-row seat to the action, experiencing our town's close-knit ohana of artists, merchants and coffee farmers. The street was overflowing with visitors who came to explore art galleries, sample some great local food and sip on 100-percent Kona coffee. More than two dozen estate Kona coffee farms provided endless samples of their best brew.

National Barista champion, Pete Licata, mentors a student.

Meanwhile, down the hill in Keauhou, 2011 National Barista Champion, Pete Licata, has been on hand to help aspiring competitors learn the fine points of making latte, espresso and more. In addition to his impressive first-place win in the nationals, he was also the runner-up at this year's World Barista Championships in Bogota, Colombia. His win and place showings were achieved using Kona coffee grown right here in Holualoa!!

Holualoa Inn's coffee was on display.

Holualoa Inn occupies a 30-acre coffee estate located in the heart of the Big Island's famous Kona coffee-growing region. We serve our own Holualoa Inn 100-percent Kona coffee at the Inn, and guests can tour our coffee farm, orchards, gardens and historic trails.

Innkeeper Holualoa Inn

Art Auction at Holualoa Inn

noreply@blogger.com (Holualoa Inn) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 07:10:00 +0000

Renowned artists from Hawai‘i Island will be gathering at Holualoa Inn for an exciting art auction on November 19 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The pieces up for bid originate from the recent Hawai‘i Collaboration project spearheaded by Holualoa woodworker, Tai Lake, known internationally for his exquisite koa furniture.

Last month, Tai brought together more than 25 artists from Hawai‘i, plus a few artists from Canada and the mainland, to "cross-pollinate" their various, respective mediums and styles. The three-day gathering was hosted by Tai at his home in Holualoa, just a few blocks away from the Inn. He says the idea behind the collaboration was to inspire artists to venture outside of their traditional mediums. The result: an array of eclectic, borderline "crazy" art created spontaneously with found materials.

Woodworker Tai Lake, of Holualoa

Painters had the opportunity to collaborate with metal workers, for example, while ceramicists added their expertise to pieces created by woodworkers or drum makers. Currently on display at The Holualoa Gallery and Cliff John's Gallery in Holualoa, the finished pieces represent multiple contributions by a variety of artists. All proceeds from the auction will benefit future art collaborations and also help provide scholarships for young artists.

Artists gather for Hawaii Collaboration in October.

Holualoa Inn is located just steps away from the artists' village of Holualoa, where shops and galleries showcase local talent. If you're planning a stay at our romantic Hawai‘i bed-and-breakfast inn, you'll enjoy the many offerings our close-knit arts community has to offer.

Innkeeper Holualoa Inn

2011 Standup Paddling Awards

noreply@blogger.com (Holualoa Inn) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 17:23:00 +0000

Jenny Kalmbach: 2011 Female Paddler of the Year

Standup Paddling (SUP) is a relatively new sport that's really taken off in Hawai‘i and around the world. Here at Holualoa Inn, our very own Jenny Kalmbach was recently crowned the world's top female paddler at the 2011 SUP Awards held in California last month.

If you happen to be staying at the Inn, you can easily recognize Jenny by her broad, strong shoulders — no surprise since Jenny is one of the most accomplished long-distance paddlers in the world. Last April, Jenny paddled across all of the major channels in the Hawaiian Islands, charting 300 total miles. Her amazing 82-mile trek from O‘ahu to Kauai took a grueling 16 hours to complete.

One of 15 wahine paddlers nominated for Female Paddler of the Year, Jenny said the award took her by surprise. "It was very exciting and very much of a shock. I just want to be a positive role model in the community and represent the sport of standup paddling the way it should be represented."

Jenny surfs Pavones in Costa Rica.

Jenny has traveled to places like Holland, Germany and Costa Rica to compete in SUP events. Her next adventure takes her to Canada, where she will paddle through a proposed tanker route while raising awareness against a pipeline slated to be installed in British Columbia. You can keep track of Jenny's SUP activities on her website: jennykalmbach.com. She's also on Facebook at facebook.com/jennykalmbachSUP

Beach clean-up

Active in environmental issues, Jenny says standup paddling offer participants a whole new perspective about the ocean. She thinks it's awesome that so many people are trying the sport. "The more time people spend on the water, the more they want to protect what they see."

Kona offers excellent places for beginners to learn standup paddling. Jenny recommends the pier area in Kailua Village, where Kona Boys provides boards and paddles for rent. Our Holualoa Inn ohana will also give you tips and advice on other great places to visit during your stay at our romantic Kona Hawaii inn.

Innkeeper Holualoa Inn

Artists of Holualoa

noreply@blogger.com (Holualoa Inn) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 19:51:00 +0000

The historic village of Holualoa is also a vibrant arts town, home to many of the Big Island's most acclaimed artists. Located within walking distance of Holualoa Inn, a wonderful array of art galleries and studios beckon visitors to experience the creative energy of Holualoa.

Just around the corner from the Inn, Woodworker Cliff John's gallery showcases fantastic pieces by woodturners, sculptors, painters, photographers, Hawaiian drum makers and furniture makers. In fact, it's one of the only galleries on the Big Island that displays the work of woodworker Holualoa's own Tai Lake, whose famous koa furniture is collected worldwide. On any given day, you might find Cliff demonstrating woodturning or painting on the front porch, or chatting with fellow artists who've dropped by to say hello.

Across the street, the Shelley Maudsley White Gallery features this Holualoa-based artists' wonderful watercolors that depict everything from vibrant florals and native birds to barnyard animals like chickens and roosters. For the last 35 years, Shelley has created a name for herself on the Islands, creating iconic images known throughout Hawai‘i.

Fine furniture-maker Gerald Ben owns Dovetail Gallery and Design, which also features contemporary and abstract art, wood works and jewelry from a variety of local artists. For handcrafted ukuleles, Holualoa Ukulele Gallery presents beautiful koa instruments, and offers classes in ukulele making. A little way up the road, the Ipu Hale Gallery unveils amazing designs on gourds decorated in the traditional Ni‘ihau style.

Sunny Pau‘ole conducts art workshops at the Inn.

Guests of Holualoa Inn can book an art lesson in painting or drawing with artist Sunny Pau‘ole, who has been a familiar face in Holualoa for many years as a gallery owner. Ask our Holualoa Inn ohana for details about the workshops, which take place at the Inn and incorporate beautiful botanicals from our gardens. A small portfolio or canvas is yours to keep.

Innkeeper Holualoa Inn

Tips for Watching Ironman

noreply@blogger.com (Holualoa Inn) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 20:58:00 +0000

Each year in October, Kona is transformed by the arrival of elite athletes from around the world. The prestigious Ford Ironman World Championship takes place this coming Saturday, October 8, providing the biggest forum for professional and amateur triathletes to compete on the world stage.

If you are visiting Kona during Ironman, there are many ways to enjoy the event. Some visitors volunteer to become part of a "Kokua Crew," working at aid stations along the route that provide water, hydrating sponges, or in the case of late-night finishers, glow sticks for safety after dark.

The race starts at Kailua Pier at 6:30 in the morning with the 2.4-mile swim that spans to the Royal Kona Resort and back. Arrive early in Kailua Town to find a place to park. Easy parking can be found up Palani Road near Hilo Hatties, or up Walua Road near Royal Kona Resort. The swim is one of the most exciting occasions in sports, with 1,800 competitors in the water vying for position. Spectators can get a good vantage of the swim anywhere along the seawall in downtown Kailua.

Once they complete their swim, competitors return to the pier to commence the bike portion of the event, a 112-mile trek from Kailua-Kona to Hawi and back. After most of the field is gone on their bikes, things become a lot more low-key in town. This is a good time to grab a bite to eat at any number of great restaurants, such as Thai Rin, Splashers, The Fish Hopper or Lava Java.

Starting around noon, the top of the field begin returning to the pier on their bikes, where the transition to the run portion of the event takes place. The 26.2-mile run begins at the bike transition at pier and heads south along Ali‘i Drive to Keauhou and back down Ali‘i Drive to Palani Road, up to the Highway to the Natural Energy Lab by the airport and back to town. Now is the time for spectators to find a spot anywhere along Ali‘i Drive, settle back in your beach chair with umbrella, and enjoy cold beverages and snacks while watching the runners go by. Helicopters track the top male and female runners. When you see a helicopter approaching, you know that one of the leaders is fast approaching. As 2 p.m. approaches, you might want to head back to the pier for the exciting result of the first-place finishers. Town is packed with cheering people from around the world waving flags, clanging bells and slapping inflatable cheersticks and other types of noisemakers.

Even after the top athletes have finished, there's still plenty of Ironman action to enjoy, as amateur competitors continue pour into town up until midnight. Some of the most emotional Ironman moments can be witnessed long after the top winners have been determined. Wheelchair athletes, competitors with disabilities, older competitors and local favorites all have personal stories that inspire.

Located just a five-minute drive from downtown Kailua-Kona, Holualoa Inn is the ideal place to stay during Ironman. Our Big Island bed-and-breakfast inn provides a relaxing setting on a 30-acre coffee estate overlooking the Kona Coast. Ask our friendly ohana for more tips on watching Ironman, or how to avoid the crowds if you have another itinerary in mind.

Innkeeper Holualoa Inn

Portuguese Cultural Festival, Saturday, October 1

noreply@blogger.com (Holualoa Inn) — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 04:35:00 +0000

Hawai‘i's history would not be the same without the contributions of the Portuguese. Immigrating here in the late 1800s, the Portuguese brought with them myriad skills and traditions that have helped to shape the local culture through the decades — everything from cattle ranching, dairy farming and rock-wall building to stone ovens, sweet bread, the ukulele and steel guitar!

On Saturday, October 1, the Kona Historical Society will host its annual Portuguese Cultural Festival in Kealakekua. The all-day event celebrates the Portuguese contributions to Hawai‘i's ranching heritage, as well as all things Portuguese. Hawaiian saddle makers will be on hand to demonstrate their leather art, while lauhala weavers will show off their creations, and "real McCoy" Portuguese singers, dancers and speakers will entertain in the native tongue. Bring the keiki (kids) and enjoy pony rides from 11 a.m to 1 p.m. Noted pa‘u riders will conduct a lei-making workshop highlighting native and indigenous flowers traditionally used by pa‘u equestrian units in floral parades. Free tours of the historic H.N. Greenwell Store and Museum will also be featured.

Additionally, local-style kau kau (food) will showcase a bounty of Portuguese cuisine including homemade sweet bread baked in an authentic Portuguese stone oven. Once a mainstay in every Portuguese community throughout the Islands, the Portuguese oven, or "Forno," resembles an igloo. The Kona Historical Society built its own stone oven on site, where staff members bake bread every Thursday and sell it to the public for fund-raising purposes. Portuguese sweet bread, so popular today, evolved from rustic breads baked by the early immigrants. The Portuguese introduced milk and butter to the Hawaiians, and today, their specialty food has become a major component of Hawai‘i's regional cuisine. Other favorite Portuguese food items include pickled onions, sausage, malasadas and Portuguese bean soup.

Located about 15 minutes from Holualoa Inn, Kona Historical Society is a must-see destination when you are visiting the Big Island. Our Big Island bed and breakfast is located on an historic 30-acre property that features many intriguing sites including ancient holua slides and old coffee trails. Our chef bakes delicious goodies, breads and desserts each day at the Inn. For authentic Portuguese sweet bread fresh out of the stone oven, our ohana recommends the Kona Historical Society's weekly bread-baking event, held every Thursday, or better yet, the annual Portuguese Festival, coming October 1.

Innkeeper Holualoa Inn