Hawai'i Island Aloha

A big warm Hawai'i Island Aloha from the turquoise shores of Kailua Kona’s western side coral reefs and lava rock paths to the sacred Valley of the Kings into a tropical jungle of majestic waterfalls and celestial view of Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano - the tallest mountain on Earth measured from base to summit.

Literally in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, the Hawaiian Island chain is located about 2,000 miles from California, 4,000 miles from Japan, and about 4,600 miles from New Zealand. Hawaii Island is the largest island and the youngest in the Hawaiian chain as well as the most southeastern and is approximately the size of the state of Connecticut (about 4,050 sq. miles). Hawai'i Island continues to grow daily thanks to Kilauea Volcano on its eastern coast and while the islands of Hawaii are constantly moving (scientists estimate about two to four inches every year) the Big Island, as it has been called, is located on a tectonic hotspot that is prone to volcanic activity and unlike the other islands, it is immune to the movement shifts. So over millennia, it will likely remain where it is while the rest of the islands move further away.

Karte Blanche & Co Living Well Luxury, Travel and Lifestyle August 2024 issue Hawaii Island Aloha

MAUNA KEA

Origin Spot or Piko

where life begins...

photo from truthout.org

The beauty and grandiosity of the White Mountain - Mauna Kea, towers 13,803 feet above sea level and can be seen from shore to shore encompassing roughly 23% of the Big Island’s landmass. Though its last eruption occurred an estimated 4,500 years ago, the power of the dormant volcano is still perceptible.

Mauna Kea, the White Mountain also known as Mauna a Wakea - or Mountain of the Sky Father, named after Wakea - the Polynesian god of the sky. Legend tells that Wakea married Papahanaumoku - Earth Mother, and together they are the parents from whom the ruling chiefs of Hawaii are thought to have descended. Because of this connection between heaven and earth, Mauna Kea is also seen as a place of great spiritual power that bridges the two realms. In ancient times, only chiefs and priests of the highest status were permitted to visit the summit of the sky father and it was kapu (forbidden) to all others. Only under special circumstances, Hawaiian Ali’i (royalty) were sometimes allowed to make the trek to the top. Queen Emma was the last to visit the sacred Lake Waiau in 1881. When the snow falls (yes, it snows) on the mountain, it’s said that Poli’ahu, the beautiful snow goddess of Mauna Kea, descends to sit on the cliffs overlooking Hamakua Coast. She is sister and rival to Pele, the goddess of volcanoes, who resides on Mauna Loa and Kilauea. Both display their power throughout the year - Pele offering fire and lava and Poli’ahu giving snow and ice in the distance. Hawaiian people hold sacred a deep understanding of the geological, meteorological, and the hydrological forces that have shaped their islands and their ecology, through the ka‘ao and mo‘olelo (legends and myths) romantic stories that can be as beautiful, nurturing, unforgiving, and deadly as nature - encoding lessons & warnings as part of their culture and connection. Visiting guests are encouraged to respect the ancient relationship between the island’s original residents and the symbol of power that still holds importance to Hawaiian’s today. There are several locations on Mauna Kea of lele, stone and wooden altars - Hawaiian cultural practitioners continue use of the altars to show reverence and to honour the mountain’s spiritual significance. There are also several historic burial sites, a stone quarry and sacred Lake Waiau - that are the most sensitive cultural sites on the mountain.

SUITCASE STYLE

Hawai'i Island Aloha

MISHA HAWAII - JENNIFER ROPE STRAND made in Hawai'i. 74 natural Tahitian Pearls semi-baroque and circle shape 9.5-11mm - 38 inches long with 14kt Gold filled ball clasp knotted with silk thread. Comes with a beautiful jewelry box $2195.

MANAOLA Hawaii - WAIMEA MARKET BAG a circle Uwila in natural/white (in ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i, “manaola” means “life force.” -the designer represents the ‘ūwila, or lightning bolt, as a physical representation of this life force, embodying the strength and raw power of nature). Jute fabric light weight market bag - handmade, sustainable and compostable $58.

NADINA'S CREMES TROPICAL PLEASURE (Limited Edition) - Hawaiian Lei floral plumeria scent in handmade ceramic glazed jar. Nadina’s Cremes devoted to social change in partnership with Providence Center to employ developmentally challenged to produce the handmade jars along with local Hawaiian potters. Cremes are ethically, consciously made with environmentally sound ingredients and production methods that support environmental causes such as The Hawaiian Reforestation Program and The Old-Growth Forest Network. Made from a pure base of coconut oil, almond oil, beeswax and Aloe Vera with no artificial colours nor preservatives and zero animal testing. Hawaiian Ceramic Jar size 2.0 oz $57.

Kūlua STUDIO SHOP - LAUHALA BANGLE handwoven lauhala bangles of high quality 12-gauge 14K Gold-filled wire made by Kuʻulei and John of Kanilehua Enterprises from Maui $75.

ACACIA - NOAH MINI crochet made of 100% recycled cotton knit in licorice colour. Bikini overlay dress from Designer Naomi Acacia Newirth, who creates sophisticated and sustainable swimwear with a deep admiration for nature, heritage and femininity. Flagship store is located in Paia, Hawaii available at HIDEAWAY HILO on Hawai'i Island $198.

JULES + GEM - ORGANIC PERFUMES made from witch hazel & phthalate-free fragrance oils (natural oil of floral lei scents). Pakalana, Pikake, Puakenikeni, Guava Nectar, Passion Fruit + Mint, Gardenia & Mango Coconut. 10ML roller ball $24. each

Karte Blanche & Co Suitcase August 2024 issue Hawai'i Island Aloha

SLOWTIDE Keith Haring - THE GROOVE QUICK-DRY TOWEL absorbs 4X its weight in water. Dries 2x faster than standard cotton towel with a drawcord loop for easy drying. Made from 100% post-consumer waste, primarily plastic water bottles. Available at HIDEAWAY HILO on Hawai'i Island - 30 x 60 in. | 76.2 x 152.4 cm $45.

ISLAND SNOW Hawaii - IS Ko'olau TEE is a comfort premium heavyweight tee from James Kodama, who grew up in Kailua. His dream was to own a business one day that would be a fun gathering place for friends and ohana (family) that would spread the “Aloha spirit”, a feeling that is so unique to Hawaii. In 1979, Island Snow was born, offering combined authentic Hawaiian shave ice with a premium locally made clothing line. Through these quality products, Island Snow embraces its Hawaiian roots and perpetuates Kodama’s dream. Tee available in bone w/blue, white w/red or B&W $45.

ROBERTA OAKS - MODERN ALOHA SHIRT made by hand in Honolulu by the brand known for its sharp fit, unique colour and print combos and the occasional release in hard-to-find vintage textiles. Back by popular demand, the Bird of Paradise print in pale yellow luxe cotton with real coconut buttons and clean finish French seams with button-down collar $135.

KUKUI HAWAIIAN BAMBOO CHARCOAL KUKUI OIL SOAP - Fragrance-free Bamboo Charcoal Bar Soap for face & body enriched with Kukui Oil from Hawaii, renowned for its moisturizing and skin-protective properties and activated bamboo charcoal known for its detoxifying properties. 100% VEGAN AND FREE FROM PHTHALATES: Crafted with a commitment to animal welfare and environmental sustainability - 5% net profits given to save Hawaii's endangered species $9.

SIG ZANE DESIGNS - Haʻaheo TOTE BAG from the Hawaiian clothing brand that has been around for over 30 years inspired by the natural beauty of Hawaii. Each piece is designed in-house and handcrafted with care, featuring bright colors and bold patterns that capture the essence of Hawaii’s flora and fauna. 100% cotton, zippered bag in Naupaka- Navy $195.

MĀMALU - NATURAL SUNSCREEN SPF 30 LILIKO'I handmade natural sunscreen that is REEF SAFE - protecting both the ocean and the skin with all natural ingredients - organic Kaua'i beeswax and essential oils handmade on the Big Island. Sustainable packaging in recyclable metal tins and shipped in compostable bubble wrapping $28.

HAWAI'I ISLAND ALOHA

FORC Restaurant - Hawaiian Regional flavours from Chef Allen Hess, award-winning culinary master who is redefining local land and sea offerings with creativity and commitment to showcasing the diverse flavours of the Big Island. Chef Allen Hess is known among locals, chefs, and celebrities in the industry as an innovative spirit with a passion for his family and the ‘Aina (“land”) he calls home, modernizing Hawai’i Regional cuisine and preserving its local sources.

MOON AND TURTLE Restaurant - has been revered as “the best restaurant on the Big Island!”. Hidden down an unassuming street in Hilo with an intimate interior of seating for about 40 plus the bar area. Moon and Turtle features an exquisite menu using farm fresh ingredients from some of the island's best dairy, cattle, pork, produce farms & seafood markets plus crafted cocktails of fresh hand-squeezed juices.

DA POKE SHACK take-out style shop specializing in poke bowls and plates, featuring a variety of poke made with locally caught ahi, shrimp, tako and taegu. They also offer a vegetarian poke bowl and gluten free options with all poke plates and bowls served up with locally inspired side dishes and rice.

MERRIMAN'S - an island treasure located in picturesque upcountry just outside Waimea. For over 20 years this has been Chef Peter Merriman’s flagship restaurant, whom many regard as the man who helped put Hawaii's regional cuisine on the world map. His award-winning dishes continue to reveal imagination and an understanding of local ingredients that tantalizes even the most discerning diners.

TWO LADIES KITCHEN a hole in the wall landmark in Hilo is a local Japanese confectionery that makes fresh mochi and manju. Best known for their fresh whole strawberry stuffed mochi made daily. The shop opens at 10am, but its best to be in line at least half an hour before to try to avoid the long wait times.

GREEN FLASH COFFEE & CAFE - locally owned and operated quaint cafe that prides itself on offering quality drinks and tasty dishes with a small-town warm and friendly atmosphere. Known for their incredible drinks, smoothies (try the papaya mint smoothie made with fresh fruit) and the best 100% Kona coffee drinks like the Mauna Kea latte and the haupia latte, which is a delicious coconut latte.

HOLUAKOA GARDENS RESTAURANT AND CAFÉ in the heart of Holualoa village is a "Slow Food" establishment committed to the principles of high quality and taste, environmental sustainability and social justice—in essence, a food system that is good, clean and fair,” reads the restaurant’s mission statement. True to the tenets of the Slow Food movement, owners Chef Wilson Read, who studied cooking at the French Culinary Institute in New York City and partner Barb Gerrits get their food from Holualoa sources and as close as possible. Named for its upstairs holua sled made by esteemed Hawaiian artisan Herb Kane, with cozy seating in little nooks and crannies around a garden and koi pond.

TEX DRIVE IN located in beautiful Honoka'a, once was a thriving sugar plantation on the Hamakua Coast. Tex Drive In continues to serve up "Ono Kine" (local Hawaiian food) since 1969 including their world-famous Malasadas that you can watch being hand made from the viewing window in their bakery.

TAKENOKO SUSHI in Hilo is a small intimate sushi restaurant by reservation only. With seating for only 8 people - it can take up to one year to get in. Reservations are staggered so that Master Sushi Chef, Mr. Kobayashi's art of sushi creation can be served to you in full attention to detail without any distractions.

HAWAI'I ISLAND ALOHA

from Rosewood Resorts

The iconic Kona Village Resort originally opened in 1966 and for decades it was a Hollywood-favourite institution on Hawaii’s Big Island. In 2011, severe damages from a tsunami forced the property to shutter and it remained closed until 2023, when on July 1st Rosewood Hotels & Resorts officially reopened the well-loved property as a modernized resort in the same spirit as the original. The new Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort is on 81 acres, combining modern luxuries with aspects of its legacy lodging (including some of the same layout, as well as its beloved beach bar where Jim Morrison once set a record drinking 21 mai tais). The Kona Village Resort prioritizes sustainability and environmental responsibility and is the only hotel property on the island that has guest accommodations in the form of individual hale (houses), 150 small buildings with several preserved in the original footprint - the same footprint as the actual ancient fishing village that existed on the site. Rosewood has taken extra care to preserve the cultural and environmental sites all throughout the property making use of sustainable and local materials as much as possible - recycled plastic for thatching reinforced with natural woods from the island and operating mostly on solar power while still preserving the look from the past, so you feel like you are immersed in a real village. Your stay is an outdoor experience, interacting seamlessly with the natural environment and the abundance of native plants. You just come out to your stairs, and you have the beach right there with the waves crashing to lull you to sleep. Guest accommodations still lack TVs and cell phones are to be left in the room. Through the years, the resort developed a star-studded following due to its privacy - one of the places that people could come to escape the world with a signal do-not-disturb coconut outside the door. Documented to be a hideaway of choice for George Clooney and Jeff Bridges to Goldie Hawn and Whitney Houston - as well as the vacation destination for Steve Jobs, who famously spoke about it as THE most special, sacred place. The beloved Shipwreck Bar was made from the boat of property founders Johnno and Helen Jackson, when in the 1960s they were sailing their boat New Moon, looking for a place to settle in - and ended up establishing a bed and breakfast on site. Later when their boat sank, they dragged it up onto the beach, gave it a paint job, and served mai tais from the deck. After the 2011 tsunami, Shipwreck Bar was rebuilt from its scraps and placed back on the original beachside space - positioned intentionally to frame the sunset. Signature mai tai cocktails are available everywhere with varying versions - the Shipwreck Bar's is named for the resort's OG bartender - Conrad (a nearly lethal original recipe) which today is served by his successor - Marlin Hunter, named after a giant marlin that his father caught on the very same beach. The main dining room Moana serves the Hawaiian malasada donuts at breakfast and their mai tai is a packed punch with an amaro floater. In front of Moana is Talk Story Bar and Kahuwai Cookhouse & Market offers wellness shots and coffee from Greenwell Farms while a daily 3pm cart brimming with complimentary bright green drinking coconuts makes its way around the pools. There are many activities at Kilo Kai, the hotel's ocean adventure hub for guests to enjoy - from rental kayaks, paddleboards and snorkeling equipment to guided ocean outrigger canoeing -sailing sessions. The onsite Asaya Spa's treatment rooms are suspended over undulating black lava waves spilled from Hualalai's 1805 eruption. There are 50 Hawaiian artists on display at the resort and hale decor is authentic Hawaiian not themed, exposed Douglas fir shiplap and functional items - fans, paddles, hats and kapa-printed pillows mostly made by Hawaiian artists. End your stay with an alfresco "imu" dinner - traditional cooking of food in an underground oven of heated rocks lined with banana and tea leaves - a communal dining experience served at a long table beneath fairy-lit tangled trees. Then make your way back to your hale and do-not-disturb coconut - a grand Hawai'i Island Aloha experience.