Ryan Pointer

Ruffin’ It – Pedal N Paddle

Pedal ‘N Paddle, a long-standing establishment situated in Hanalei, Hawaii, amidst the locale of Ching Young Village, has since 1981 operated as a focal point for those inclined toward adventure and those seeking leisurely pursuits alike. Offering a comprehensive selection of rental options and merchandise, the store provides equipment and gear conducive to navigating the multifaceted natural landscapes of the island, from the crystalline waters of the Pacific to the trails interspersed throughout the land. Customers have at their disposal an extensive array of items, including snorkel gear, soft-top surfboards, bicycles, and kayaks, along with a notably vast selection of hats—over 150 styles and designs, in fact—through Hanalei Hat Co.

A customer-oriented approach becomes evident in the context of a video featuring Olivia Ruff. Olivia, embarking on an adventure in Hanalei, turned to Pedal ‘N Paddle, stating, “I want to go on an adventure, I need to rent some stuff,” thereby highlighting an array of available items, “so you can rent bikes, kayaks, paddleboards, snorkel gear, boogie boards, chairs, camping gear…” This establishment, ensuring accessibility of equipment and protective gear for a diverse range of individuals and activities, provides not only the materials but also guidance on their usage and transportation. Olivia reveals an interaction wherein logistical support is provided for kayak transportation: “We have them, so we show you how to load it on your car, we’ve got the pads that we put down to protect the car, straps to hold it down…” This pragmatic support extends to other rental items as well, facilitating the enhancement of experiences within the natural settings of Hanalei.

Furthermore, the available gear seemingly caters to a myriad of sizes and preferences, with the staff assuring, “Definitely okay,” in response to a query regarding the fitting of snorkel fins for larger feet. However, while snorkel gear is available without a reservation, the recommendation for securing bicycles—both cruiser bikes for local Hanalei excursions and hybrid road bikes for extended adventures—is a reservation, which can be initiated through a simple phone call, according to an employee who clarified the reservation process to Olivia: “You can give us a call at 808-826-9069.”

Despite its broad offerings and proactive approach towards customer service, the operation of Pedal ‘N Paddle veers from the explicitness of a manifest mission statement, instead silently embodying a dedication to enhancing exploratory and recreational experiences across Hanalei. This implicit commitment materializes through an array of products and services tailored to facilitate and amplify interactions with the island’s abundant natural bounties. Olivia Ruff succinctly encapsulated her interaction and experiences with the establishment, expressing her gratitude and hinting at the satisfaction derived from their offerings: “Thank you so much. You’re welcome. Have a great day.”

Thus, Pedal ‘N Paddle stands as a notable entity within Hanalei, steadfast in its provision of gear, rentals, and guidance to those desiring to weave themselves into the tapestry of experiences offered by the island’s diverse terrains and seascapes, underlined by a subtle, yet palpable, ethos of facilitating memorable, uncomplicated adventures.

Pedal N Paddle Website | Facebook | Instagram

Down to Earth – Hawaii Peeps

Nestled amidst the vibrant and diverse ecology of Hawaii, Hawaii Peeps has woven a unique narrative in the skincare industry, innovatively blending expertise in various disciplines including herbalism and nutrition. The journey, as illuminated through a detailed exchange between Wilkie, the founder of Hawaii Peeps, and Lyndsey Haraguchi-Nakayama in a “Down to Earth” segment, reveals a brand that emerged from both necessity and expertise. Wilkie articulately recounted, “Not being able to find products, even in a health food store, that didn’t irritate my skin,” unveiling the personal struggles that germinated the seeds of the brand.

A highlight from their offerings is the “Bug Off” spray, a product designed amidst the mosquito-dense jungles of Puna over two decades ago. Wilkie shared a serendipitous incident, recounting, “I accidentally spilled a bottle of cedarwood oil on myself and watched the mosquitoes bounce off an invisible force field.” This unexpected event led to the birth of a product, formulated with a blend of essential oils, including the pivotal cedarwood, to provide a pleasantly aromatic yet efficient barrier against mosquitoes.

An underlying philosophy driving the brand places an intertwined relationship between body care and healthcare at its core, highlighting the notion that what is applied to the skin ought to be inherently pure and harmonious with human physiology and the environment. Notably, this perspective is clearly reflected in their products, which eschew irritating compounds even from health food store offerings. The brand claims a unique stance in the market, aiming to curate products that neither irritate the skin nor compromise on efficacy, while concurrently embracing a symbiotic relationship with the Hawaiian environment and local botanicals.

Sun protection is presented as another pivotal concern for the brand, especially in the harsh Hawaiian sun. A narrative concerning sunscreen—its efficiency, usability, and comfort—is uncovered in the dialogue between Lyndsey and Wilkie, elucidating the creation of a product that could “[handle] three hours midday summer surfing, picnics,” and more, without causing discomfort or clogging pores. Wilkie emphasized a product that you can “put it on your eyelids; it’s not gonna move a millimeter on your skin.”

In an effort to extend skincare beyond mere protection, products such as their After Sun lotion play a pivotal role in skin hydration post sun exposure. Wilkie provided a thorough guideline on maintaining healthy skin cells, suggesting, “Hydrate them internally, hydrate them with like a hydrosol or something, or just out of the shower, you know when you’re wet and plump, then you apply an emollient.”

Their hydrosols range, a collection formulated from locally foraged ingredients spanning from “plumerias, puakenikeni, tulsi, [to] olena,” further embeds Hawaii Peeps into the local ecological and botanical context, revealing a steadfast dedication to utilizing native resources. Wilkie, while discussing the sourcing, mentioned, “We’re always reaching out to all of our friends who grow; otherwise, I just grab my chicken, Sleepyhead, and we go run around and collect whatever we can find.”

The brand, which exudes an intimate blend of professional formulation and familial, locally-rooted operation, transcends mere commerce, acting as a conduit through which the Hawaiian environment and mana (spiritual energy) are distilled into every bottle. Wilkie also shared the variety in their product range, stating, “We use dragon fruit, lilikoi, pomegranate, coconut, vanilla, cacao, coffee, and mango ginger,” portraying a vibrant palette of ingredients in their lip balm offerings.

With availability “in a lot of surf shops, boutiques” and through their online portal, Hawaii Peeps quietly weaves a story of skincare that is as rich and diverse as the Hawaiian ecology from which it draws its inspiration. While the brand continues to expand, “adding stores every single week,” it retains a strong bond with the locale, preserving a balance between growth and adherence to foundational philosophies of pure, effective, and environmentally consonant skincare.

This narrative paints a vivid picture of a brand that, through expert blending of local botanicals, personal experiences, and innovative formulations, has crafted a line of skincare products deeply rooted in the environmental and cultural tapestry of Hawaii, bridging the archipelago’s abundant natural resources with holistic skincare.

Hawaii Peeps Website | Facebook | Instagram

Down to Earth – Kūpaoa

The musical duo Kūpaoa, consisting of Līhau and Kellen Paik, maintains a vibrant presence in the sphere of Hawaiian music, as characterized by their 18-year collaboration and supported by their discography of 8 albums. The pair focuses on creating a musical experience that is rooted deeply in traditional Hawaiian music, as Līhau stated, “we play primarily traditional Hawaiian music.” Through the lens of their journey, an insight into the musical realm that envelopes the cultural and environmental nuances of Hawaii becomes discernible.

Kūpaoa’s commitment to the Hawaiian language and culture is embedded not only in their music but also in their pursuit of capturing and conserving the beauty and depth of Hawaii’s linguistic and cultural heritage. Their music often involves original compositions, as well as new compositions from friends, all with a deliberate inclination toward acoustic arrangements. Kellen elaborates on their efforts to craft a full sound despite their small ensemble size, stating, “We try to make the arrangements sound nice and full, even though it’s just the two of us.”

Kūpaoa’s inception was somewhat serendipitous; what began as a simple invitation by Līhau to Kellen to perform at a wedding evolved unexpectedly into a professional journey. Līhau shared, “After that wedding, we got booked for another gig a couple of weeks later, and it just rolled into 17 years later. Here we are, and it’s become our profession.” Their path was unanticipated, yet, as they recall, resulted in a professional trajectory that integrated them firmly into the industry, receiving 7 Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards, one of which notably was the “Most Promising Artists of the Year” for their first album. The duo recognizes their journey as one of blessing and support, acknowledging those that paved the way: “We’ve had the support of so many people who’ve come before us and really paved the way for us in the industry.”

Their music, much of it centered on Kauai, is a testament to their deep-rooted connection with their home and surroundings, “We do a lot of music about Kauai, of course, because we’re inspired by our beautiful surroundings,” shares Kellen. Furthermore, Kūpaoa’s work transcends mere musical creation. It envelops narratives, often chronicling personal and community experiences, intertwining them with the rich tapestry of Hawaiian tradition. This affinity to their environment is apparent in their music and methodologies, as they negotiate their roles not just as musicians but as members of the community.

In a realm where music is intricately intertwined with cultural expression, the duo’s adherence to traditional Hawaiian music and their sustained commitment to community well-being propels their narrative forward. Their journey, demarcated by unexpected opportunities, community involvement, and the overarching ebb and flow of the music industry, casts a subtle yet persistent imprint on the Hawaiian music landscape, crafting a story that seemingly merges personal narrative, community heritage, and a genuine love for the musical art form.

Kūpaoa Website | Facebook | Instagram