Shows

Sustainable You Hawaii – JJ’s Cold Brew

JJ’s Cold Brew, nestled in Princeville, Hawaii, carves a niche in the community with its unique, meticulously prepared cold brew coffee. While JJ’s Cold Brew has made strides in hosting tastings and pop-up events, such as those at Timbers Kauai, and aligns itself with nonprofits like Kauaifoodhub, its tangible customer experiences and explicit feedback remain slightly obscured, requiring an in-depth probe into their actual offerings and on-site customer interactions.

In a detailed exploration presented by Amanda Smith on Kaua‘i TV, Jenny and James of JJ’s Cold Brew unravel the careful artistry behind their recognized cold brew coffee. “Cold brew is basically a process where you steep the grounds and brew it like tea for 12 hours, and we do it at room temperature,” Jenny explains, emphasizing the deliberate, slow brewing process aimed at reducing acidity, a characteristic the company esteems. This detailed method results in a coffee described as “extremely smooth” and that is notably “better for your stomach.”

Their collaboration with Outpost Coffee not only brings forth a blend of Kona and Peru but also taps into a network of global farmers with an affinity for “mostly organic and fair trade” practices. Their commitment to ethical sourcing is palpable as they ally with suppliers who adhere to transparent and conscientious sourcing norms.

Moreover, the introduction of their signature blend, specifically Tamarind Cane Sugar Cacao Dipped with Coconut, into the market pivots around a refreshing blend that navigates between the rich, smooth taste of their cold brew and the exotic, flavorful notes of other ingredients. As Smith remarked during the tasting, “It’s nice because you have that tamarind flavor and coconut. It’s almost like a Mexican cocktail but with no alcohol, of course.”

Their delivery in large growlers not only supports prolonged enjoyment throughout the day but also offers a versatile option for entertaining guests, as James revealed: “People come back all the time like, ‘Wow, that was really good.’ So we’re super excited about this direction moving forward. We might have more surprises to come.”

While JJ’s Cold Brew looks toward future expansion and refinements in their offerings, their present positioning offers a singular coffee experience that melds smoothness with sustainability, robust flavor with refreshing, exotic infusions, and deliberate craft with a connection to global, ethical sourcing practices. Furthermore, their trajectory indicates a potential unfolding of further innovative and pleasurable coffee experiences, which have been received with positive responses, albeit rooted in conscientious and sustainable practices.

JJ’s Cold Brew Facebook

Down to Earth – Chocolat Hanalei

In Wainiha, Hawaii, situated on a lush plot of nearly six acres, lies Chocolat Hanalei, a chocolate business with its roots deeply embedded in family and meticulous craftsmanship. Guided by the hands and expertise of Irmgard Mitchell, the entity, notable for its handcrafted gourmet chocolate, intertwines the complexity of chocolate-making with the simplicity and authenticity of familial ties and traditional flavors.

As a child in Germany, Irmgard fostered an appreciation for quality chocolate. She recounted, “As kids, when we got sweets or candies, it was mostly chocolate because it’s healthier for you than all sugar candies. So, I grew up with good chocolate.” This early exposure has, undeniably, cast a lasting influence on her professional journey, with the tangible fruits of such influences being seen and tasted in the wide array of products available at Chocolat Hanalei.

One might assume that such an intricate and labor-intensive process of transforming cacao from tree to treat would require an arsenal of specialized machinery. However, Irmgard and her family’s approach leans into manual methods. Through a lens provided by Lyndsey Haraguchi-Nakayama on an episode of “Down to Earth Kauai TV”, it was revealed that the creation of these chocolates is, impressively, “all by hand.”

Notably, the chocolate’s richness and intensity are not only resultant from the cacao but are also profoundly impacted by the inclusion of local Hawaiian flavors, providing a unique sensory experience. Irmgard stated, “We try to have a lot of tropicals in it because we’re in Hawaii. So we have the lilikoi, the coconut, or the coffee. It all grows here.” This reflects a conscious and intentional effort to infuse the products not just with generic flavors, but with a taste that authentically represents the region and its abundant resources.

Moreover, the chocolate-making process and the resultant products at Chocolat Hanalei are perhaps equally as intricate as wine production, where the percentage of cacao plays a pivotal role in flavor, sweetness, and consumer preference. Irmgard explained the dynamic, saying, “If it is an eighty percent chocolate, there is eighty percent cacao ingredients and twenty percent sugar. If it’s a sixty, there is sixty percent cacao and forty percent sugar.” In essence, this variation allows for a wide spectrum of flavors and intensities, providing options that can cater to varying customer preferences, much akin to acquiring a palate for varied intensities and flavors in wine.

It’s also worth noting that this family operation not only crafts chocolates but cultivates and transforms the cacao beans into the final product. From nurturing the cacao trees to methodically crafting the chocolate by hand, each step is diligently overseen and executed by Irmgard and her family members, embodying a full-circle process that is as laborious as it is passion-filled.

This close-knit collaboration among family members—each person wielding distinct, invaluable roles—has allowed for a seamless intertwining of traditional and artisan chocolate-making methods. For visitors and consumers, this ensures that each product not only stands as a testament to meticulous craftsmanship but also as a personal creation from the Mitchells, fostering a deeper connection between the creator, the product, and the consumer.

In summary, Chocolat Hanalei emerges as a testament to meticulous craftsmanship, tradition, and the intertwining of professional and personal worlds, curated through the lens of family and authentic Hawaiian flavors.

Chocolat Hanalei Website | Facebook | Instagram

Sustainable You Hawaii – Saenz ʻOhana Breakfast

Nestled in Princeville, Kauai, Hawaii, Saenz Ohana Breakfast & Catering Trailer has garnered attention not only as a breakfast locale but also as a symbol of community and culinary authenticity. Operated by Chef Juan Saenz and his wife Noelle, this mobile culinary venture prioritizes both community welfare and genuine, fresh, culinary creations.

Chef Juan Saenz, whose background involves “a rich culinary history in various notable Kauai restaurants,” embarked on a journey from being employed in kitchens to spearheading his own venture. Saenz confided that “every day is busy, but we love it.” Within the framework of his trailer, there exists a dedicated approach to crafting breakfast items where every component, from the basic ingredients to the final presentation, is manipulated with meticulous precision and attention to detail.

One dish that stands out from Saenz Ohana’s menu is the Eggs Benedict with Kalua Pig. Chef Saenz articulates, “We do everything from scratch on that – the muffin, the sauce.” Moreover, patrons and visitors have complimented the dish, reaffirming that it is “one of the best-tasting Benedicts around” and vocalizing the joy it brings them, something that Saenz noted was “so awesome” to hear. Such acknowledgments align with the deliberate and careful methodology inherent in the preparation of each menu item, illustrating an adherence to culinary excellence.

Another distinct offering is their French Toast, crafted with purple taro bread and seasoned with a special blend of spices. Saenz expounded on the bread used, remarking that it is made by Deli & Bread and combines a sweet bread with taro, resulting in its unique purple hue. Additionally, the seasoning involves “cinnamon and five Chinese [spices]” along with vanilla, producing a nuanced flavor profile that’s been deemed “explosive” by those who’ve indulged in it.

Beyond the culinary aspect, Saenz Ohana has instilled a unique initiative that allows patrons to interweave their dining experience with community support. Named the “Pay It Forward” board, this initiative, as Saenz detailed, provides customers with the ability to “leave a ticket not just for a specific person but for anybody and anyone.” The ticket, which can be redeemed for any item on their menu, embodies a tangential gesture of kindness and community support, allowing individuals in need to access a meal with “no questions asked.”

Reactions from those who have dined at Saenz Ohana reflect an appreciation that extends beyond monetary gratuity. Saenz conveyed that receiving messages from people post-visit “means so much to me more than any tip would do,” indicating an emotional and communal connection established through their culinary offerings and communal initiatives.

Thankfulness was a recurrent theme in Saenz’s dialogue, from appreciating his wife to expressing gratitude towards visitors and locals alike. His parting words in the provided transcript were no exception: “Thank you to my wife, thank you Littles for joining us, thank you guys for coming, yeah, and we hope to see everybody out here. Saenz ʻOhana, thank you guys. Aloha, have a great day.”

Despite its physical transience as a mobile catering trailer, Saenz Ohana asserts a firm presence in Princeville, curating not only a menu of meticulously crafted breakfast items but also fostering a spirit of community and shared experience among its patrons, local residents, and visitors alike. This dual embodiment of culinary and communal dedication propels Saenz Ohana into a unique realm where dining transcends a mere transaction and instead, coalesces into an act that nurtures both physical and communal well-being.

Saenz ʻOhana Breakfast Website | Facebook | Instagram

Sustainable You Hawaii – Tiny Isles

Situated on the lush landscape of Kaua‘i, Hawaii, Tiny Isle has carved a space for itself in the market of sweet products, with a particular emphasis on fudges, truffles, and macadamia nut butters. Originating with a focus on fudge, Roland from Tiny Isle shared, “It all started with the fudge that spun off to what we call truffles. It’s a chocolate confection,” going on to explain that local ingredients are utilized to flavor these creations.

A notable example of their product is the vanilla mochaccino, which melds coffee-infused chocolate with white chocolate, underpinned by their in-house vanilla. Roland provides a succinct overview: “It’s called vanilla mochaccino, and it’s coffee-flavored chocolate and white chocolate vanilla on the top, using our own vanilla, of course.” The host of the video, Amanda Smith, responds positively to the taste, noting the evident layers of flavors: “Ooh, definitely tastes like chocolate and coffee, and at the end, I get a little hint of that vanilla.”

The business also takes particular pride in their macadamia nut butter. Detailing the production process, Roland explains, “We take locally grown macadamia nuts, grind that into a paste.” Delving further into the manufacturing details, he introduces viewers to the “steel plate grinding” technique which distinguishes Tiny Isle’s macadamia nut butter. Roland outlines the approach as one in which “two steel plates [are] right next to each other, and one of them is spinning,” identifying it as an optimal method to ensure “a low-temperature, high-speed grind.”

A variety of iterations of the nut butter are available, including raw, raw with Kaua‘i honey, toasted, chocolate, and honey vanilla. Describing the honey vanilla variant, Roland elucidates it has “a lot less honey in it, so it’s really nutty. So you got a little bit of honey and then the vanilla which smooths it all out.” Similarly, the chocolate version is described as “toasted mac nut butter with chocolate and agave nectar,” providing a “sweet” tasting profile, according to Amanda.

Moreover, the business demonstrates a notable commitment to utilizing local ingredients in their products, bolstering the community and indigenous agricultural pursuits. This adherence to locally-sourced ingredients not only underscores a commitment to quality but also weaves a narrative of community support and sustainability.

In sum, Tiny Isle emerges not merely as a confectionary business but as an entity that intertwines local agriculture, specific and careful crafting processes, and the innovative use of indigenous ingredients to forge its products. Roland encapsulates this ethos toward the end of the conversation with Amanda, affirming the distinctive and high-quality nature of their offerings: “It’s just really beautiful products, right?”

It’s evident that Tiny Isle, through the mindful melding of local resources and a meticulous crafting process, is not merely curating a range of sweet products but also embedding within them a taste of Kaua‘i’s unique landscape and community spirit.

Tiny Isle Website | Facebook | Instagram

Down to Earth – The Vanillery

Vanillery of Kauai, rooted in the verdant landscapes of Hawaii, opens its gates to not only cultivate the enigmatic vanilla orchid but also to unveil the meticulous processes of vanilla production to the wider public. With no explicit mission statement presented, the operational and ethical underpinnings of the organization reflect a commitment to sustainable and organic farming practices, shedding light on a multifaceted journey from the delicate orchid blooms to the aromatic beans that enchant the global culinary scene. Engaging in each stage of production, the organization ensures each vanilla bean is nurtured with profound care, reflecting the high-quality, flavorful profile that distinguishes Kauai vanilla. Their offerings extend beyond the physical product, presenting an immersive educational experience through farm tours that delve into each phase of vanilla’s growth, hand-pollination, and the meticulous curing and drying processes. A range of products, including beans, extract, and vanilla caviar, are accessible both on-site and online, with each item encapsulating the rich, authentic experience of Kauai vanilla.

Vanillery of Kauai intertwines with a community that prioritizes sustainable and organic farming, likely collaborating with entities within the culinary and agricultural sectors. Through their blog and various educational resources available on the website, they share more than a product; they share knowledge, understanding, and a passion for the enigmatic world of vanilla cultivation and production. In this nexus between product and educational experience, Vanillery of Kauai emerges not merely as a producer but as a curator of the vanilla experience, intertwining the sensory allure of this beloved flavor with an unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship.

In the video, Lyndsey Haraguchi-Nakayama, one of the hosts, guides viewers through the lush, verdant landscape of Vanillery of Kauai. The content unveils a comprehensive tour, highlighting both the physical beauty of the environment and the complex, nuanced processes behind vanilla cultivation. The narratives of individuals dedicating their lives to vanilla cultivation, punctuated by their trials and triumphs, imbue the content with a rich, authentic depth. Viewers gain insights into the delicate art of hand-pollination and the detailed, careful process of curing and fermenting the beans, with the serene backdrop of Kauai amplifying the allure of these processes. Beyond mere cultivation, the video explores the various vanilla-infused products offered by the plantation, with a subtle spotlight on their adherence to sustainable practices. It becomes not merely a window into a physical location but a lens through which the dedication, art, and precision of vanilla cultivation are celebrated and shared.

The Vanillery Website | Facebook | Instagram

Ruffin’ It – Playground 808

Playground 808, situated in Kapaa, Hawaii, coalesces around the joint venture of Ashley Parducci and Rebecca McMahon, both with varied expertise in the fitness realm. The entity, conceived in 2019, operates beyond the conventional parameters of a fitness studio, with an embedded ideology to “empower a healthier you” through a confluence of daily movement, healthy practices, and community engagement.

Through a spectrum of fitness classes – Sculpt, Bounce, Barre, and Slide Board – the establishment endeavors to meet disparate fitness goals while integrating a palpable vitality and collective ethos into its offerings. Sculpt, for instance, navigates through low-impact strength training, while Bounce ventures into a cardio session that merges elements of “strength, stability, endurance, and coordination,” each catering to the multifaceted fitness objectives of their clientele.

In a transparent window into the establishment via a video, host Olivia Ruff, alongside founders Rebecca and Ashley, peruses the physical and immaterial domains of The Playground. The tangibles, as noted by Rebecca and Ashley, are the varied equipment: “Bosu balls, which we’ll use usually with strength training or our sculpt classes,” “slide boards, which are really great for lateral training,” and “rebounders, which are mini trampolines, so lots of cardio.” Meanwhile, the intangibles emerge through a distinctive ethos that underpins the space, one that mimics the unfettered and collective spirit of a childhood playground. This is clarified in their slogan and ensuing explanation: “Meet us at the playground. That’s our biggest one because being a kid, that was the best part, was having the time at the playground with your friends. So we wanted the community to come together here and have that fun energy.”

The inclusivity and accessibility of the classes, which are formulated to accommodate a broad spectrum of fitness levels while prioritizing “safety and individual pacing,” are also underscored. They facilitate various participation modes, including “members,” “drop-ins,” and options for visitors such as a week’s attendance, with additional pragmaticities like pre-registration through Mindbody being recommended due to the limited capacity of the studio. “We always recommend signing up through Mindbody because we are a small studio, we do fill up, so we do recommend signing up to save your spot,” emphasizes the pragmatic operation of the space.

In an understated reflection following her workout, Ruff appends a personal note of ease and enjoyment, “I did great, and some of you may think it might be really tough, but I didn’t even sweat at all. So, yeah, good times. It’s refreshing, right?” subtly nodding towards the unimposing yet engaging nature of the workout experience at The Playground.

Through this blend of structured fitness programs and an affable, community-centric spirit, The Playground positions itself not just as a locus for physical transformation but equally as a space where community and enjoyment are integral to its functional and philosophical framework.

Playground 808 Website | Facebook | Instagram

Down to Earth – Candice B.

Candice B, a versatile musician with roots in Kaua’i, has sculpted a distinctive path within the realms of rock, soul, and various other genres through her ensemble, Candice & Co. Her expansive musical journey, which she elaborated on in a conversation with Lyndsey Haraguchi-Nakayama, commenced at a tender age and has seen her oscillate between genres, geographic locales, and even the manner in which her music is produced and distributed.

“I first started in a children’s choir at the age of seven,” she shared, noting a familial influence on her early musical inclinations, as her mother held roles as both her first choir conductor and a music teacher. Pivotal, too, was her mother’s involvement in their church’s musical activities, which frequently saw a young Candice perform before its congregation: “My mother was also our church organ player and pianist, so naturally, I was in front of the congregation almost every Sunday.”

Her trajectory in the musical sphere continued to be as vibrant as it was varied. As Candice articulated, “At 18, I started to dabble in some classic rock with my uncle’s band. Then I moved here to Kauai and got into reggae music. I released the reggae album with my friend Jason Flegel.”

After a stint in Seattle, where she joined a Motown band, and subsequent R&B explorations which saw her album nominated for a Na Hoku Hanohano Award — considered to be Hawaii’s equivalent to the Grammys — in 2015, she made a pivotal decision. “But after that, I decided to just do my own thing, so I started my own band, Candice and Company. Since 2014, I’ve been performing as Candice B, the frontman, and songwriter for Candice and Company.”

A recent solo venture saw her release a single titled “Sweet Hawaii,” a product of her exploration into independent artistry, absent the traditional label oversight. She describes this process as somewhat of an experiment, stating, “This was kind of like my testing the waters to see if I could do it on my own, without a label, without somebody backing me, without somebody telling me how to do it and what to do.” Her independent endeavors don’t stop at production; she’s also involved in the upcoming release of a music video for the single, in which she’s worked with others such as Tyus of Stunna Media, slated for a late fall release.

Her work, particularly “Sweet Hawaii,” comes from a place of deep respect and love for her home, wanting to convey a broader, deeper understanding of its value beyond the typical perception of a vacation haven. She expressed a desire to “change the perception of how people look at Hawaii,” emphasizing its importance as a sacred place for locals, one that symbolizes a model of sustainable living among a diverse population.

Amidst the struggles brought on by the pandemic, which impacted various sectors, including musicians, Candice remains dedicated to her artistry, performing live and continuing to create. “So every penny helps,” she remarks, noting the importance of support, whether through purchasing her single or contributing at live performances, to her continued ability to produce and share her music.

Navigating through diverse musical landscapes, from classic rock to contemporary Hawaiian music, Candice B continues to perform, create, and produce, merging nostalgic melodies with a freshness rooted in her personal and musical journey — a journey that weaves through not just varied musical genres, but also through the intricate tapestry of experiences and locales that have shaped her as an artist.

Candice B.

Ruffin’ It – Pali Climbing Wall

Kauai Team Challenge Inc., situated in Kapaa, Hawaii, stands as a distinct entity in outdoor adventure-oriented therapy programs, with a pronounced focus on rock climbing activities. The Pali Rock Climbing Wall, a 30-foot portable structure with capabilities to host climbers of varying expertise across different age brackets, plays a pivotal role in the operation. The five climbing bays it features cater to a gamut of climbing competencies, from novice to expert, and its usage spans assorted community events and fundraising activities.

Mason, the owner, shared that the wall was acquired “in response to the pandemic so that our kids on Kauai could have something fun to do that was outdoors.” It demands merely a “flat surface and about 20 feet in diameter” for setup, ensuring a degree of mobility that permits it to operate variably across Kauai. This mobility isn’t only physical but extends into the varied experiences and purposes it serves within the community, oscillating between recreational, therapeutic, and skill-building domains.

The services extend beyond mere recreation, providing a “safe way for our youth to challenge themselves, take risks, and even make mistakes but then get back up and climb again,” as Mason elucidates. Although oriented notably towards children’s activities, it isn’t age-restrictive, offering a supportive environment where adults can similarly engage in confidence-building exercises. An underlying message appears to permeate the offering: “If you’re scared of heights, just push yourself as far as you can go because it’s really, really rewarding, and it feels really good when you get to the top.”

The wall has amalgamated itself into the community, not merely as a recreational facility but as a conduit for gatherings and events. Mason shared that the climbing wall is “available to anyone who is interested in having a party, gathering, event,” and specified that on free climb days, it can be found at varied locations across the island, presenting itself as an accessible activity to diverse community segments.

Furthermore, the absence of an age limit enhances its inclusivity, ensuring that the emotional and physical rewards, as well as the challenges it presents, are accessible to a wide demographic: “And if I’m an adult that needs to build my confidence, I can absolutely do it. There’s no age limit, right?” Olivia Ruff, the video host, affirms through her experience that irrespective of potential fear, the achievement of reaching the top is “really, really rewarding.”

This component, in particular, amplifies the therapeutic aspect of the climbing wall, where the physically challenging activity intersects with psychological and emotional development and resilience. Through these frameworks, the Pali Climbing Wall navigates beyond a mere recreational entity, weaving itself into the fabric of the community as a space where physical activity, mental fortitude, and social interactions seamlessly converge, notably against a backdrop of pandemic-induced restrictions and challenges. Thus, the mobile wall does not only offer an alternative outdoor activity but serves as a multifaceted platform for personal development and social interaction amid the complexities of contemporary societal challenges.

Pali Climbing Wall Website |

Sustainable You Hawaii – Kaua‘i Humane Society Field-Trip Program

The Kauai Humane Society (KHS), located in Lihue, Hawaii, undertakes a multitude of initiatives aimed at fostering ethical treatment and well-being of animals. Not confined solely to advocacy, the society extends its reach through services and programs such as sheltering, adoption, educational endeavors, and advocating for policies conducive to animal welfare. Their field services involve rescuing animals in distress, conducting cruelty investigations, and enforcing animal-related laws, among other activities.

In a segment featured on Kaua‘i TV, Amanda Smith, engages with Nicole Schaefer Crane, the Executive Director of KHS, providing a lens into the day-to-day operations and several pivotal programs of the society. Schaefer Crane conveys, “We promote adoptions and transfers and foster programs, but beyond that, we also offer quite a few community services.” One such community service that has garnered attention is the Field Trip Program.

Elaborating on the Field Trip Program, Schaefer Crane explains, “You can call or go onto our website and arrange to have an animal for the day. So you’ll pick up between probably 10 and noon, and as long as you return them by five, you can have them for that whole time frame.” The program allows individuals to spend a day with a shelter dog, offering both canine and human a respite and a day of varied activities. Winchester, an eight-year-old dog available for adoption at the time of filming, is showcased during a hiking trip with Smith, illustrating a tangible depiction of the program in action.

In the realm of exploring safe locations for these field trips with the dogs, several options are presented: “There’s hiking in Sleeping Giant, there’s doing the bike pathway which goes all along the coast, which is absolutely beautiful. There’s Shipwrecks, which is really nice,” informs Schaefer Crane. Importantly, while engaging in these activities, the dogs wear a distinct vest, signaling to the public that they are available for adoption, as Schaefer Crane outlines: “…they have a great little vest that they wear that lets people know that they are available for adoption while they’re out roaming the island with you.”

The sustenance of such programs and the overall functioning of KHS is significantly tethered to community and external support. Various avenues for support and donation are available, one of which Schaefer Crane explicates as follows: “There’s lots of ways that you can give, and a big one that I really like is the sponsor kennel. So that dog that you just spent the whole day with, you can sponsor his kennel while it’s here until the point where he gets adopted, and we’ll send you updates to let you know how they’re doing and let you know about their happy ending when they find their forever home.”

This snapshot into the operational and engagement aspects of KHS, through the lens of a television segment, illuminates the society’s multifaceted approach towards animal welfare and community involvement. Integrating programs such as the Field Trip Program with avenues for tangible support, KHS situates itself as a pivotal entity in navigating the intersection of animal welfare, community engagement, and advocacy within its locale.

Kaua‘i Humane Society Website | Facebook | Instagram