Hawaii Inside/Out May-June 2016

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c1 INSIDEOUTHAWAII.COM | MARCH+APRIL 2016 ©ASDFULLA FEUISMO DIGNIAM THE RESOURCE GUIDE TO OUR ISLAND MAY + JUNE 2016 InsideOu InsideOu 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 TOES IN THE SAND Lava Lava Beach Club opens at Kaua‘i Shores AGRITOURISM Maui farmers open their verdant fields to visitors

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Transcript of Hawaii Inside/Out May-June 2016

  • c1 INSIDEOUTHAWAII.COM | MARCH+APRIL 2016

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    T H E R E S O U R C E G U I D E T O O U R I S L A N D

    M A Y + J U N E 2 0 1 6

    InsideOuInsideOuO A H UT H E R E S O U R C E G U I D E T O O U R I S L A N D

    M A Y + J U N E 2 0 1 6

    InsideOuInsideOuInsideOuInsideOuInsideOuInsideOuInsideOuInsideOuInsideOuInsideOuInsideOuInsideOuInsideOuInsideOuInsideOuInsideOuInsideOuInsideOuInsideOuInsideOuInsideOuO A H UInsideOuInsideOuInsideOu

    Rock Stars Erin Smith and band members knock it out with a new CD

    ON SACRED GROUNDLearn about an ancient

    fi shing village at Keauhou

    TOES IN THE SAND Lava Lava Beach Club opens at Kauai Shores

    AGRITOURISMMaui farmers open their verdant fi elds to visitors

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    Contents

    ISLAND LIFE6 the Royal cloakBernice Pauahi Bishop Museum features a sacred piece of Hawaiian history.

    MorSELS8 Hot PotBellies will be full this summer as the Asian foodie craze welcomes all those who are hungry.

    MUSINGS12 center stageSongstress Erin Smith receives rave reviews for her latest American Boy CD.

    oUT AND ABoUT14 events and celebrationsMark your calendars to help Make-A-Wish or join the fun at a concert on a lawn.

    MAUKA To MAKAI28 Farm FoodMauis collection of farm tours in the laid-back town of Kula attracts an abundance of agritourism.

    INS AND oUTS32 not to missFrom mini airplanes to a harvesting session with the community, its all about festivities for the months of May and June.

    16 On sacred GroundGuests who stay at the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay are in for a treat as they learn about the history of Hawaii Islands ancient ahupuaa. by Simplicio Paragas

    22 toes in the sandThe newly renovated Kauai Shores features a remodeled lobby, courtyard and the islands only toes-in-the-sand dining experience. by Simplicio Paragas

    Departments

    Features

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    MVP | HAWAII | ADVERTISING& CIRCULATION

    Kathleen PahinuiPUBLISHER

    [email protected]

    Karen RodriguezREGION PRESIDENT

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    955.2378 Miao WooBUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR

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    Sidney LouieCIRCULATION & MARKETING DIRECTOR

    [email protected]

    Brittany L. KevanPRODUCTION MANAGER

    [email protected]

    MVP | EDITORIAL

    Simplicio ParagasSENIOR EDITOR

    [email protected]

    Kristen NemotoEDITOR

    [email protected]

    Rizza CosioEDITOR-AT-LARGE

    [email protected]

    MVP | CREATIVE

    Haines WilkersonCHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER

    Teri A. SamuelsART DIRECTOR

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    Cher WheelerPRODUCT MANAGER

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    William S. Morris IIICHAIRMAN

    William S. Morris IVCEO AND PRESIDENT

    Follow us on:

    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: [email protected]. Copyright 2016. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the whole or any part of content prohibited without written permission. InsideOut Hawaii will not accept responsibility for submitted materials that are lost or stolen.

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    Island Hopping

    editors letter

    On Hawaii 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 Kauai 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 Hawaii Island.

    Also making a debut is a new exhibit at the Bishop Museum called He Nae kea: Bound Together. After 237 years, two treasured artifacts have returned to Oahu: the ahu ula (feathered cloak) and mahiole (feathered helmet), which were gifted to British Captain James Cook by the then-chief of Hawaii Island, Kalanipuu.

    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.

    With its miles of

    rolling hills and

    fertile soil, Upcoun-

    try Maui is the site

    of several farms that

    provide agritours to

    visitors and island

    residents alike.

    Simplicio Paragassenior editor

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

    on the covererin smith and fellow band members knock it out with their new Cd American Boy. Johan Persson

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    After 237 years, two treasured artifacts have returned to their proper place: Hawaii. In 1779, the chief of Hawaii Island, Kalanipuu, who traced his regal line to the great chief Lloa of Waipio, greeted an English captain named James Cook after his ship made port in Kealakekua Bay. As a dem-onstration of his goodwill, Kalanipuu gifted the ahu ula (feathered cloak) and mahiole (feathered helmet) he was wearing to Cook.

    At a formal unveil-ing ceremony in March, Hawaiis top chanters,

    He Nae keaTranslating to

    Bound Together,

    the new exhibit will

    feature the ahu ula

    and mahiole, which

    were gifted to Brit-

    ish Captain James

    Cook in 1779.

    In a partnership among OHA, The National Muse-um of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa and Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, the ahu ula and mahiole of Kalanipuu are now part of an exhibit called He Nae kea: Bound Together.

    This reflects the con-nection of Kalanipuu 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 Cooks 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 predeces-sor of Te Papa Tongarewa. The cloak and helmet have been in the national collec-tion ever since.

    In the museum world you rarely get to have long- term loans, Collis said, and even rarer to contem-plate the idea of having them gifted, and thats whats happening here.

    island life

    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) Kamanaopono Crabbe. Im grateful to witness the return of these cultural heirlooms. The return of the ahu ula and mahiole to Hawaii is a cause for celebration and it will be a source of inspiration, reflection and discussion among Native Hawaiians, Hawaii residents and visitors alike.

    Treasured ArtifactsFeathered cloak and helmet safely return to Hawaii. by simplicio Paragas

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    MORSELS

    Who would have thought that customers would line out of a door of a restau-rant to cook their own food in a steel pot filled with boiling broth? Its a complete backwards ap-proach to the luxury of go-ing out to a restaurant, but the popularity of the Asian foodie craze is a rising

    concept thats 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, youre forced to put your phone down. You talk more with your friends

    and family at the table. Its a great experience for everyone to enjoy.

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

    There are so many hot pot restaurants in

    Vietnam, Nguyen laughs. Wed go after a long day of work. Its very comfort-ing food and fills you up without being too greasy.

    It was that inspira-tion that motivated her to bring it back to Oahu. Although her friends and family called her crazy,

    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

    Hot-Pot Spots

    Continued on page 10

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  • 10 InsIdeOutHawaII.cOm | MAy+june 2016

    many many times prior to opening her first restau-rant 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 Mc-Cully Shopping Center.

    With a second location now at the Pearl Kai Shop-ping 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 through-out the year including an annual Thanksgiving meal for the homeless.

    Its a good feeling knowing that your busi-ness 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.

    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, heres a list of some of our other favorite hot pot restaurants:

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

    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 cus-tard, lychee, tapioca pearls and jellies (which change frequently) over a mound of flavored shave ice. 2334 S. King St., 808.947.3707.

    Little sheep mongolian Hot PotWith more than 50 loca-tions throughout the U.S., Canada, China and Japan, Little Sheep Mongolian Hot Pot may have some-thing to brag about. Its sig-nature 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 scal-lions. Ward Center, 1200 Ala Moana Blvd., second floor, 808.593.0055. www.littlesheephotpot.com

    Ichiriki Japanese nabe RestaurantAlthough 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 trans-lates 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 Piikoi 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 shabuThis 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 sea-weed. 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

    MORSELS

    Continued from page 8

  • HOT POT HEAVEN

    McCully shopping center1960 Kapiolani Blvd (808) 941-1115

    Pearl Kai shopping center98-199 Kamehameha Hwy (808) 485-8502

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    Rock Stars

    Singing a couple of bars of Alicia Keys hit If I Aint Got You, Erin Smith dem-onstrates her vocal boom, breathing deep into her dia-phragm and belting out the lyric Some people want it all. For the 39-year-old artist, the philosophy is go big or go home.

    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.

    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

    musings

    Raised in a small town on the north shore of Lake Erie in Ontario, Canada, Smith has been perform-ing since she was 4 years old, initially for family and friends, and later for audi-ences at NXNE (North by Northeast), the Cana-dian version of SXSW

    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 Hol-lingsworth, forming the band The Throwdowns, which was nominated for three N Hk Hanoha-no Awards. But with four different schedules and as many varying musical directions, the group amicably split.

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

    With an ebullient stage presence, Smith has been compared to Gwen Ste-fani, 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. Its strange, though, be-

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    cause I dont get nervous when I perform in front of 10,000 people but I get stage fright when its in front of small groups of like 16 people.

    Backed by Matt McPherson on gui-tar, Cassie Fillhart on keyboards, Josh Guerra on drums and Gunso Kawai on bass, Smiths new single, Love Long Distance, has been added to the full rotation at Star 101.9, the first ever for a local artist. The stations program direc-tor, Jamie Hyatt, calls her CD a definitive smash and believes the tracks 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 stu-dents and now huge fans range in age from 3 to 65 years old. Smiths ultimate goal is to ex-pand 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

    Open for lunch on Wednesdays through Fridays during the Fall and Spring semsters.

    Leeward Community College

    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

    Mele Meimay-June

    now in its sixth

    year, Mele Mei cel-

    ebrates hawaiis

    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 hike lanakila a new concert series taking place in

    japan from june 20-26.

    www.melemei.com

    Concert on the Lawn June-august As the waikk Aquariums

    biggest fundraiser, the summer ke

    kani o ke kai concert series is held on

    alternating thursday evenings from mid-

    june 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

    Solemn Messagesmay 30 this Memorial

    Day, thousands of

    loved ones will be

    honored as shinnyo-en

    hawaii hosts its

    annual lantern floating

    ceremony at Ala Moana

    Beach Park. lantern-

    floatinghawaii.com

    Wish Upon a Starmay 14 A deserving keikis wish will be

    granted during Make-A-wish hawaiis

    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

    [email protected].

    www.hawaii.wish.org

    CinCo de mayomay 5

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

    Filipino Fiestamay 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 ConCertJune 4 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.

    Theres a lot to see and hear this summer, from a colorful parade during the Pan-Pacific Festival to Mele Meis lineup of exciting Hawaiian music. Heres a quick glance at events and shows during May and June.

    out and about

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    On Sacred GroundGuests learn a little history about the ancient ahupuaa of Keauhou.

    by simplicio Paragas

  • MAy+june 2016 | InsIdeOutHawaII.cOm 17

    On Sacred GroundGuests learn a little history about the ancient ahupuaa of Keauhou.

    by simplicio Paragas

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    Keauhou Bay,

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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 casu-ally talked story as she led us down to an ancient fishing village on the edge of the water. The Hawaii Island native has con-ducted 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.

    Standing in the middle of what was once a fishing village 400 years ago, Kupihe brought to life the areas rich history, describing a sustainable lifestyle that we ironically strive for today. She also points to the slopes of Keauhou, explain-ing that hee hlua (sledding) competitions once took place there.

    The tradition of moolelo [storytell-ing] is important, Kupihe noted. It keeps our history alive and I think its our kuleana to share these stories so they are never forgotten.

    Kupihe gained her knowledge from Lily Dudoit, Sheratons alakai hooluana, director of cultural and leisure activities. Thanks to Dudoits 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.

    Theyre both living treasures, Kupihe praised. Their knowledge of Keauhou is deep and Im still learning from them.

    As we descended closer to the shore-line, 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 days 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 p, rubbing her stomach as a visual cue to the translation of the Hawaiian term. And as we neared the conclusion

    StAR-StRucK fANS were enthralled to see teams uSA and Poland tennis 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.

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    In the 70s, Auntie Lily Kongs niece got married here

    and in one of the photographs, a small gure was captured peeking around the tree.

    NANI KUPIHE

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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 Kongs 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: Kupihes hauntingly beautiful oli of giving thanks and aloha. You have to re-spect 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 thats 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 thats simple but detailed.

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

    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 appe-tizer 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 barbe-cue 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 thats 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.

    lOcatIOn, lOcatIOn:

    Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay78-128 Ehukai St., Kailua-Kona808.930.4900 | 888.488.3535 sheratonkona.com

    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.

    .

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  • 22 InsIdeOutHawaII.cOm | MAy+june 2016

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    may+jUne 2016 | InsIdeOutHawaII.cOm 23

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    Toes in the Sand

    lava lava Beach Club offers oceanfront dining at the newly

    renovated Kauai shores.by simplicio Paragas

    The party revved up as popular local musician, Henry Kapono, did his rendition of Leon Russells classic Back to the Island. For invitees to the grand opening of the Lava Lava Beach Club at the Kauai 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, Kauai Sands has been rebranded as Kauai 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 des-perately needed remodeling but feared that the property would lose its old-Hawaii charm and room rates would soar.

    Neither happened.

  • 24 InsIdeOutHawaII.cOm | MAy+june 2016

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    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. Its an island romanticism that most Hawaii vacationers anticipate and its one that can be found about 20 minutes south of Lhue Airport.

    Ive been coming here for the past 10 years and I always ask for either room 203 or 205, says Gary Coffman of Chico, Calif. Im 100 feet away from the beach and I can hear the surf from my room. And its affordable.

    When the late Richard Kimi opened Kauai Sands in the mid-60s, the intent was to offer an oceanside retreat that em-bodied the spirit of aloha and at a price that families could afford. I remember him telling us that hed 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 re-vealed. Thats 10 people returning versus one person who probably wont be back.

    During the five years that the prop-erty 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 Kauai na-tive who has been behind the front desk for the past 22 years. Some of us didnt

    (Previous spread)

    The newly

    renovated Kauai

    Shores features

    Kauais only

    toes-in-the-

    sand dining

    experience.

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    think wed still be here. It was so hard to come to work and keep a positive atti-tude while seeing the property fall apart. Weve 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 Kauai County Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho, Jr. who shared his memories of the prop-erty 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 con-nected 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 Kauai Shores, we balanced the old with the new, says designer Kory Wong Oglesby in a released state-

    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 hes glad the rates havent increased. This is a place for guys like me who want to come to Hawaii but cant afford the big resorts, he says. Gesturing toward the ocean, he adds, I can play in that all day and its within feet of my room. You cant 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. Its now modern and new, and everything works again but the renovations have kept the integrity of the structure and the old Hawaii feel. I now like to say I can finally see the stars shining again. This is a new ship and were sailing to new horizons.

    Extensive

    renovations

    include a newly

    built lobby and

    porte cochre,

    as well as the

    addition of a

    courtyard that

    surrounds the

    pool area.

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  • 28 InsIdeOutHawaII.cOm | MAy+june 2016

    fresh from the farmIgnorance can no

    longer be bliss

    when it comes to

    sustainability.

    Today, travelers

    are actively seeking

    agritourism options

    that correlate with

    their own values.

    Farm to Table

    mauka to makai

    Visitors reap the benefits when taking an agritour on Maui. Photos and text by Kristen nemoto

    (this page and opposite, bottom) O`o Farms creates

    healthy meals from its seasonal

    harvests.

  • MAy+june 2016 | InsIdeOutHawaII.cOm 29

    orchard manager and tour guide of Oo 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 its like we bring the table right on the farm to eat and enjoy its harvests.

    Created by the propri-etors of Mauis PacificO

    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 sustain-able plan to live and thrive once again off the ina. 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:

    Oo FarmsPerched within the forest of Waipoli in Upcountry, Maui, Oo Farm welcomes those willing to open their minds and hearts to a new concept in the farm-to-table movement.

    We like to think of Oo Farm as more of a table-to-farm place, says

    restaurant, Louis Cou-lombe and Stephan Bel-Robert purchased the 8.5- acre 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 PacificO 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, Oo Farm creates an in-teractive 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. Oo Farm recommends visitors to wear comfortable walking

    shoes, sunscreen and a light jacket. Youre 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 FarmsGone are the days of bruised, battered and mushy strawberries at local grocery stores in Maui; today theres Kula Country Farms. Visitors and locals now reap from the results and dont have to resort to sifting and sorting through contain-ers of soggy strawber-ries that have traveled thousands of miles to arrive here. Thanks to fourth generation farmer

  • 30 InsIdeOutHawaII.cOm | MAy+june 2016

    Chauncy Monden and his wife Teena, Kula Country Farms has transformed into a communal hub, attracting many looking to gather some fresh produce, includ-ing 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

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

    afternoon. Visitors come to Alii Kula Lavender Farm to experience its acres of fragrant herb, and to bask in optional guided walking or cart tours, a treasure hunt, craft mak-ing classes or a gourmet

    mauka to makai

    picnic lunch. Open every day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. General admission is $3. Kamaaina, military and senior discounts apply. 1100 Waipoli Road, 808.878.3004, www.aklmaui.com

    ali`i Kula Lavender Farm is home to

    more than 55,000 fragrant plants.

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  • 32 InsIdeOutHawaII.cOm | MAy+june 2016

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    Not to MissA 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 lovers paradise and a Pacific-Rim feast for the senses.

    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

    Biggest Little Air ShowJune 4-5 visitors will make their way to ford island to experience more than 100 1/5th-

    scaled warbirds, jets and helicopters. this years event will commemorate the Battle of

    Midway, a four-day sea-and-air battle during wwii. www.pacificaviationmuseum.org

    Pan-Pacific FestivalJune 10-12 this three-day event is a celebration of hawaiis cultural traditions from the pacific rim. enjoy live entrain-ment, food booths and a lively parade. www.pan-pacific-festival.com

    coming soon

    inDEPEnDEncE DAY 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 July 16-17 the 39th Annual prince lot hula festival is the largest non-compet-itive hula event in hawaii. check out performances from various halau across the state.

    LocALs onLY august 19-21 the 22nd Annual Made in hawaii festival will showcase special-ized food products, gifts, apparel, books, jewelry, and arts and crafts. Guest chefs will also conduct cooking demonstrations.

    Something BlueJune 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 enter-

    tainment and ocean education booths. proceeds from

    the north shore ocean fest t-shirts will benefit the

    north shore ocean education coalition.

    ins and outs

  • 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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