Shows

Down to Earth – Princeville Botanical Gardens

The Princeville Botanical Gardens, situated within the lush confines of Princeville on Kauai’s North Shore, originally sprouted from the personal hobby of Bill and Lucinda Robertson, burgeoning into a notable point of interest following their full-time move to Kauai in 2004. Transitioning land, previously designated for cattle and overrun by invasive species, into a botanical spectacle, the Robertsons, alongside a team of enthusiastic gardeners and collaborators, utilized organic fertilizers, self-made compost, and sustainable practices to cultivate this garden sanctuary. With a botanical repertoire that includes native and “canoe” plants, potent medicinals, and globally-sourced useful economic plants, the garden doesn’t merely stand as a testament to botanical beauty but doubles as a protective enclave for a diverse range of plant species. Inaugurated to the public in August of 2010, the garden extends its arms to visitors through intimate, guided tours, offering a rare lens into a family-operated botanical enterprise, replete with a mosaic of exotic flowers, delectable fruit trees, and authentic, homegrown chocolate. Moreover, the garden produces and shares its organic chocolate and honey, which visitors can savor during the tours, highlighting their commitment not only to botanical preservation but also to sustainable food production practices. The team, including the Robertsons, Jason Robertson, Michael Wise, and an assortment of tour guides, manage and maintain the garden’s flourishing expanse, while also spearheading educational efforts through their guided tours and experiences.

In a serene escapade through Princeville Botanical Gardens, the visitors are afforded a detailed guided tour, unraveling the intricate tapestry of the garden’s diverse botanical collection and the underlying stories of various plant species. Here, the rich diverseness of tropical plants and exotic flora is not merely exhibited but intricately detailed by knowledgeable guides, who delve into the unique history, cultural connotations, and medicinal applications of the foliage that envelopes visitors on their journey through the garden. Engaging in a multisensory experience, visitors bask in the fragrant blooms and ambient natural sounds, while also having opportunities to engage in experiential learning through activities such as lei making and sampling of exotic fruits and homegrown chocolate. This is not merely a journey through lush greenery but a deep dive into the heart of Hawaiian culture, environmental preservation, and sustainable practices, encapsulated within the verdant expanses of Princeville Botanical Gardens. The gardens stand not just as a beacon of serene natural beauty but as an embodiment of conservation and sustainable practices, intertwining visitor experiences with a deeper understanding and connection to the environmental and cultural tapestry of Hawaii.

Princeville Botanical Gardens Website | Facebook | Instagram

Ruffin’ It – Hanalei Surf School

The serene waves of Hanalei Bay, Kaua’i provide a dynamic canvas for Hanalei Surf School, an entity ingrained in the local surfing culture and familiar to many who seek to learn the art and sport of surfing. Rooted in the community and the larger surfing world, the school, known for its association with pro surfer Evan Valiere, navigates through the challenges and joys of instructing novices and experienced surfers alike, amidst the bay’s picturesque backdrop.

In a conversation with the owner, Evan Valiere, Olivia Ruff inquires about the school’s framework and functioning. Valiere’s narrative reveals a personal and generational connection to the surf and the locale: “I grew up surfing right here next to the pier. This is where I first learned how to surf when I was a kid. I’ve been teaching surfing here in Hanalei for almost 20 years now.” The surf school demonstrates a notable commitment to safety and expertise, underscored by Valiere’s assertion that the institution is “totally certified, and all our instructors are lifeguard-approved.”

A core philosophy of inclusivity permeates through Hanalei Surf School, offering lessons that cater to a spectrum of proficiency. Valiere explains, “We see students who are very beginner surfers who have never set foot on a surfboard or even in the ocean sometimes, and we can get them up and going pretty much in their first session.” The school’s capacity to facilitate various skill levels extends to providing “beginner surfboards, intermediate surfboards, and advanced boards,” ensuring adaptability to individual student needs and progression levels.

The 90-minute surfing lessons are meticulously structured, inclusive of requisite equipment such as a soft surfboard, rash guard, and leash, and balance safety with a tangible learning experience. Valiere elucidates on a few salient surfing tips during the session, including maintaining an adequate distance between surfers to avoid collisions and the importance of vision while riding a wave: “When you’re surfing, keep an eye on where you want to go. If you look down, you’re going to fall.”

In an era where ecological consciousness is pivotal, the school also places emphasis on the use of reef-friendly sunscreen, advocating for a symbiotic relationship with the environment whilst engaging in aquatic activities.

The school, conspicuously nestled in the heart of Hanalei town, not only assumes the role of an instructional entity but also emerges as a platform that potentially bridges the vibrant, often challenging, world of surfing with those intrigued and enchanted by its allure. Through a myriad of offerings that span from initial instruction to independent skill honing via post-lesson rentals, Hanalei Surf School endeavors to be a comprehensive portal into the surfing world for individuals across various skill strata.

It’s worth noting that while the surfing journey commences amidst the enveloping waves, the essence of surfing at Hanalei encapsulates more than merely riding the waves – it pivots around immersion, learning, and a quiet camaraderie with both the ocean and the community that holds it dear, subtly echoed in Ruff’s appreciative farewell: “Thank you so much for pushing me into those waves and teaching me way more about surfing.”

The narrative does not simply document a transaction of services but quietly invites a gaze into the pulsating heart of a community where surfing isn’t merely a sport but is seamlessly woven into the tapestry of local culture and individual lives, revealing itself to be, in Ruff’s succinct terms, “the bomb.”

Hanalei Surf School Website | Facebook | Instagram

Ruffin’ It – Kayak Kauai

Kayak Kaua‘i, positioned amid the varied terrains of Kaua‘i, offers a selection of outdoor experiences with safety, environmental, and cultural respect woven into its operational fabric. Their services span the quiet of river kayaking to the more daring sea kayaking tours, accommodating assorted preferences and skill levels. A notable expedition, which can be opted for, involves a trip through the Wailua River, culminating in an encounter with Uluwehi, or Sacred Falls, a location of both visual and cultural significance in Hawaiian context.

In the words of the host, Olivia Ruff, during a five-hour tour approximately, “An hour and a half, two hours to the waterfall,” the Wailua River adventure with Kayak Kaua‘i incorporates “roughly two miles” of kayaking and slightly over a mile of hiking to reach the Uluwehi Falls. Olivia provides practical advice for potential adventurers: “pace yourself because it’s a pretty long paddle.” Additionally, she lists essentials for the journey: “Hat, sunglasses, sun protection, quick-drying bathing suit or shorts.”

The journey, segmented into kayaking and hiking, traverses varied landscapes. An initial hike “through the tall grass” precedes the transition onto a boardwalk. The boardwalk, as per the guide, is introduced not just for the safety of the travelers, but also as a conservation measure for the trail itself: “There’s a beautiful boardwalk on it now, it’s good for you guys hiking on it for safety reasons, and it’s good for the trail. We’re not eroding the hillside.”

Upon arrival at Uluwehi Falls, described by a guide as “roughly about 120 feet or so,” and known for its sacredness for Hawaiians, participants can immerse themselves in waters that reach “about five feet deep.” Olivia, the video host, affirms, “You can swim in there,” while also indicating that despite the “cold” waters, the beauty of the locale is sufficiently distracting.

The sojourn at the falls, during which adventurers can engage in “lunch, swim, [and] play in the waterfall,” spans approximately an hour, after which the return journey mirrors the initial course of travel. This particular experience, recommended by Olivia as “One of the best ways to spend your day on this island,” commences at the Wailua River Marina. The marina facilitates logistical needs by providing amenities such as parking, bathrooms, and showers, ensuring that transitions to and from the adventure are accommodated for. Notably, her endorsement of the guide, Tyler, was palpable: “Tyler was our guide, and he was very, very amazing, very knowledgeable.”

In summary, Kayak Kaua‘i crafts its experiences to expose participants to the lush and culturally rich landscapes of Kaua‘i, endeavoring to do so with a mindfulness toward safety, conservation, and cultural reverence, whether it be through the implementation of boardwalks or the conveyance of the cultural significance of locations like the Uluwehi Falls.

Kayak Kaua‘i Website | Facebook | Instagram

Down to Earth – Kaua‘i Nectar

Nestled in Kauai, Hawaii, Kauai Nectar Co. champions an ethically grounded and environmentally conscious approach to beekeeping and honey production. The organization stands out for allowing honeybees to forage naturally on indigenous wildflowers, sidestepping the stresses typical to commercial beekeeping, such as translocation for monocrop pollination and artificial feeding practices. The bees, thriving in a varroa mite-free environment, access a smorgasbord of tropical flowers, yielding nectar not only sufficient for their sustenance but also producing a surplus, harvested for human consumption. Moreover, the absence of varroa mites eradicates the necessity for chemical interventions. 

The operation comprises seven apiaries, spanning from Kalihiwai in the North to Kalaheo in the South, utilizing hives robust enough to generate their own queens. These queens, mating in the wild, safeguard a rich, diverse gene pool, starkly contrasting the narrowed genetic focus on Italian queen bees prevalent in mainstream commercial beekeeping. The resilient bees of Kauai are celebrated for their robust genetics, vigorous vitality, and the pristine environment in which they thrive.

Kauai Nectar Co. underscores the significance of not merely preserving the bees but safeguarding the beekeepers too, custodians of generations of vital knowledge essential for future bee adaptation and survival in an evolving world. The diminishing global beekeeper population is a point of concern. Employing a diversely skilled team, the company extends opportunities to individuals from varied backgrounds and life stories. Products developed, such as “Honey Infused Garlic & Ginger” and “Pure Raw Honey,” are pivotal, serving as the primary financial backbone, facilitating the ongoing integrity-rich beekeeping and ensuring the sustenance and propagation of healthy, wild bee populations into the future.

In a visit to Kauai Nectar Co., host Lyndsey Haraguchi-Nakayama navigates through the meticulous and nuanced world of sustainable beekeeping. Viewers are offered an insightful look into the day-to-day operations, witnessing first-hand the careful and considered approach taken by the beekeepers to ensure both the welfare of the bees and the purity of the honey produced. The video serves as both an educational and experiential journey through the lush, flower-laden landscapes of Kauai, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between the bees and their environment. Beekeepers, embracing their roles as stewards of these vital pollinators, guide viewers through processes from hive management to honey extraction, revealing the delicate balance maintained to protect the bees, preserve their environment, and produce high-quality honey products, all while underscoring the pivotal role bees play in our ecosystems and our responsibility towards their conservation.

Kaua‘i Nectar   Website  |  Facebook  |  Instagram

Kaua‘i Hikes – Alakai Swamp

In the realm of Koke’e State Park, Kaua’i, Hawaii, the Alaka’i Swamp Trail artfully delineates a 7.0-mile journey, subtly merging varied terrains and ecosystems into a coherent yet demanding exploratory experience. Julian Coiner, an aficionado of Kaua’i’s trails, refers to it as “a moderate trail, difficult if it’s muddy,” setting a clear, authentic narrative about the prospective experiences along the route.

The commencement of the trail on “mountaintops” swiftly introduces hikers to breathtaking expanses of the surrounding landscape, as described in preliminary details, and corroborated by Coiner when noting “the view is amazing” barely a mile in. This transitional nature of the trail guides hikers from prominent altitudes to a conspicuously contrasting environment – the swamp. As per the description, upon entering the Alaka’i Swamp, hikers embark on a passage through what Coiner identifies as “the world’s highest rainforest and swampland.”

Meticulously laid boardwalks ostensibly characterize the path through the swamp, yet Coiner emphasizes the extant disparity in their condition, stating, “some of this boardwalk is in disrepair.” A condition that seems to mirror previous hikers’ experiences, which varied from acknowledging its rewarding nature to expressing the need for enhanced trail conditions. Amidst the contrasts of topographical and ecological elements, it is said to encompass “radically different” terrain from other regions on the island, resonating with initial assertions of its unique and diverse nature, thus making it a recommended experience at least once for “all Kauai hikers,” in Coiner’s words.

A point of convergence between the experiential and anticipated arises with the presentation of the Kilohana overlook as the trail’s termination point. Here, hikers might find themselves gazing down on Hanalei Bay, contingent, of course, upon the whims of the weather. Coiner’s real-time account candidly portrays this unpredictability, stating, “sometimes you’re not rewarded with the most amazing view.” This nuanced encapsulation of expectation and reality subtly underscores the variable nature of the Alaka’i Swamp Trail experience, where the melding of disparate ecosystems, fluctuating trail conditions, and the capriciousness of climatic influences amalgamate into a multifaceted hiking endeavor.

In this textured narrative of the Alaka’i Swamp Trail, the intertwining of varied terrains, from striking mountainous vistas to the peculiar tranquility of the swamp, constructs an immersive trek, where the antithesis of ecological and physical domains unassumingly crafts an intricate linkage between the hiker and the vibrant tapestry of Kaua’i’s natural world.

Alakai Swamp

Down to Earth – Wooten Farm

Wootens Produce of Kauai, tucked within the verdant landscape of Anahola, Hawaii, operates under a distinct philosophy that mingles organic farming and a distinct way of living, supplying both locals and tourists with a varied selection of fresh produce. John and Nandi Wooten, active participants in its functioning, do not merely cultivate their crops but also perpetuate a spirit of unity and the “aloha spirit.”

As highlighted by the conversation between John, Nandi, and Lindsay Haraguchi-Nakayama from the episode of Down-to-Earth Kauai TV, the crops are plentiful and diverse. “Lemons, bananas, oranges, avocados, soursop, jackfruit,” John and Nandi Wooten enumerate as part of their regular offerings. They also spotlight “some nice eggplant, lettuce, Thai bok choy, celery, green onions, and real yellow cilantro.” And the abundance extends beyond, reaching into the realms of cabbage, dandelion, parsley, lettuce, cauliflower, kale, and varied dandelions utilized by Akamai Juice for some of their cleansing juice blends. The informative dialogue further extends to highlight Thai basil, which John points out is “good for cooking, but it’s a little bit strong for people to eat raw or in pesto.” Moreover, a version with the “milder taste of the Italian basil but the disease resistance of the Thai basil” is offered as an alternative.

A pivotal part of the Wootens’ farming practices revolves around sustainability, as observed through their use of “Crotalaria Sunhemp.” John Wooten elaborates on its functionality: “Look at those little white balls on there. That’s just like pure nitrogen gathered from the atmosphere. It’s supplying that nitrogen to the root systems and the soil without any chemical fertilizer.”

A commitment to providing fresh produce extends to Wooten’s Produce’s operational methodology, which is succinctly described by Nandi Wooten: “We have Monday and Thursday home orders. Give us a call before 9:00 a.m., we’ll take your order over the phone, and it’ll be ready for you in the late afternoon.” This personalized service deviates from a conventional CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) model. As Nandi underscores, it’s not a matter of customers receiving what’s available; instead, “you get things because you want it.”

The offerings at Wootens are not confined to commonplace vegetables and fruits. A notable moment within the video showcased “ulu” or breadfruit, which is traditionally considered a valuable food source during famines. Its culinary adaptability is notable, being comparable to a potato in that you can “steam it, boil it, make hash browns, potato patties, or potato salad.”

A distinct fruit highlighted in the tour was the eggfruit, described to have “a thick peanut butter” like texture but with a sweet flavor profile and with a ripe fruit that visually resembles “a hard-boiled egg yolk.”

John and Nandi Wooten extended their gratitude to Lindsay at the close of the tour, expressing, “Mahalo. Thank you so much for having us here. It’s such a wonderful experience.”

Engaging with Wootens Produce provides a lens through which one can observe an agricultural endeavor that not only champions the availability of standard and exotic produce but also embeds sustainable practices into its operational ethos, all while fostering a spirit of community, delivered through their produce and into the daily lives of those who partake.

Wooten Farm Facebook

Pastega Christmas Light Display

The Pastega Christmas Light Display, a seasonal spectacle in Corvallis, Oregon, has illuminated the local community since its inception in 1981. Initially situated at the Pepsi plant when owned by the Pastega family, the display has since transitioned to the Benton County fairgrounds on 53rd St., following the sale of the business and a community effort to preserve and relocate the cherished pieces.

The tradition began when Mario Pastega commissioned the creation of Christmas scenes, which were placed in the field surrounding the PepsiCola Bottling plant. Over the years, new scenes and characters were added, with community members also contributing their displays. After Mario Pastega’s passing and the subsequent sale of the firm, the Pastega family decided to continue the Christmas display tradition. Community outreach led to individuals or families adopting the weather-beaten pieces, which were then refurbished and relocated to the display’s new home at the Benton County fairgrounds on 53rd St.

Ryan Long, with the Sue Long Realty Group at Keller Williams, shared insights into the history and evolution of the display. When Mario decided to sell the business, the community was called upon to “adopt the pieces.” Remarkably, all pieces had been adopted, refurbished, and subsequently returned in September, ensuring the continuity of the display. The Pastega family, through a foundation, continues to fund the display annually.

Alma Pastega, described as the artist behind the original pieces, would design and paint them, sometimes incorporating movement through mechanisms created by a gentleman named Olli Brendsdal. Alma would convey her vision to Olli, who would invariably respond with, “No problem,” and find a way to bring her ideas to life. Some of these original displays, with motorized swings and rocking horses, are still part of the exhibition today.

In recent years, the design process has involved collaboration with local high schools and their art clubs. Cutouts are delivered to the schools, where they are painted by the students. The display pieces have also expanded to include contemporary and popular culture references, such as Harry Potter and unicorns, often inspired by the interests of younger family members.

The display, which has grown to approximately 195 pieces, with eight added this year, has not been without its peculiar stories. One notable tale involves Dopey, one of the Seven Dwarves, who went missing but was eventually discovered in the basement of a fraternity and returned to the display, just as a replacement was being prepared.

The Pastega Christmas Light Display, while a festive and seemingly joyous occasion, is also a reflection of the community spirit and the Pastega family’s engagement with the local populace. It is an event that not only brings together various elements of the community but also serves as a platform for interaction, sharing, and celebration amidst the broader services provided by the family and the foundation. The emphasis on community involvement and giving back, as seen with the canned food donations, showcases the spirit of the event.

Volunteers, crucial to the setup and takedown of the display, are coordinated through the website, pastegachristmasdisplay.com, using a Sign-Up Genius link. The setup typically begins on November 1st and has been completed in as little as two weekends, while takedown has varied from five days to two weeks, depending on the number of volunteers.

The display, free and non-commercial, encourages visitors to donate canned food to support local communities, embodying a philosophy of community support and engagement. The Pastega Christmas Light Display, with its rich history, community involvement, and the stories that have unfolded over its many years, remains a cherished tradition in Corvallis, bringing light, joy, and a sense of unity to the community it brightens.

Pastega Website | Facebook