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Corvallis Christmas Parade

In a distinct seasonal endeavor, the Corvallis Lions Club coordinates the Corvallis Community Christmas Parade, a service project described as “a gift from the Corvallis Lions Club to the people of Corvallis” by Mark Vomocil, the coordinator of the event. This parade, which seemingly brings together a diverse array of community members, is not merely a festive gathering but a reflection of the community spirit and the club’s engagement with the local populace.

The parade, which features a variety of participants, from those attending for the first time to veterans of the event, is a vibrant display of community spirit and creativity. One participant, who has been part of the parade for 28 years, reflects the long-standing tradition and commitment of individuals involved. Another participant, who has adorned their truck and trailer with about “27,000 lights,” mentioned that it takes approximately “three weeks to get this all put up” – a testament to the dedication and preparation invested in the event.

The parade, which also features Santa Claus, is not only a spectacle but also an interactive experience for children and adults alike. When asked about their conduct over the year, responses from participants varied from affirmations of being “nice” to admissions of being “a little bit of both” naughty and nice. The question of what they hoped to receive from Santa elicited a variety of responses, from tangible items like a “new radio” or a “KitchenAid mixer” to intangible desires like having “as much of my family together as I can.”

The Corvallis Community Christmas Parade, while a festive and seemingly joyous occasion, is also a reflection of the Corvallis Lions Club’s engagement with the community. 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 club. The parade, with its lights, floats, and diverse participants, is a manifestation of the community spirit and the club’s commitment to service, embodying the broader mission and values of the Lions Clubs International.

Holiday Parade Website | Facebook | Instagram

Boy Scout Troop 3 / Troop 4003 Tree Lot

Troop 3 Corvallis, a Boy Scout troop with a history dating back to 1930, has long been a staple in its community, embodying the mission and values of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) by providing a program that intertwines educational activities with lifelong values. The troop, which has been “dedicated to shaping boys into men,” is part of a larger network that views aiding youth as a pivotal step towards “building a more conscientious, responsible, and productive society.”

The troop engages in various activities designed to be both educational and enjoyable, ensuring that scouts are learning and developing in a positive environment. However, one of their most notable endeavors, particularly during the holiday season, is their Christmas tree lot, located in Corvallis on Kings and Grant. This lot, as described by a participant, is not merely a fundraiser but a practical application of the skills and values instilled in the scouts.

The tree lot, according to one of the troop leaders, is “our biggest fundraiser of the year” and is singularly significant as it is their “only fundraiser, really.” The proceeds from this initiative are foundational, funding “all of their camping activities, pre-camporee, camporee, fall rendezvous.” In essence, the Christmas tree lot “literally pays for everything for our troop.”

The scouts are actively involved in the operation of the tree lot, from setting up trees on the racks, ensuring they are presentable, to interacting with customers and assisting them in their selection. One scout leader reflected on the value of this experience, stating that she enjoys “seeing the scouts step outside of their comfort zone, talking to adults and talking to families and helping them find a Christmas tree.” This interaction not only provides a service to the community but also serves as a developmental tool for the scouts, encouraging them to navigate social interactions and step “out of their shell.”

The scouts, through their involvement in the tree lot, learn various skills and values that are applicable beyond the confines of the lot. One scout, reflecting on his experiences, highlighted “perseverance, salesmanship” as key learnings, noting that he has learned “how to upsell a tree” and the value of “persistence.” These learnings are not isolated to the practicalities of selling trees but are applicable in various aspects of their development and future endeavors.

Moreover, the tree lot serves as a connection point between the troop and the community. Trees sold at the lot are “all grown locally here in Oregon,” and the troop also donates between “75 and 100 trees to the community” through Vina Moses, which the troop grows themselves. This connection is further solidified through the relationships built with customers, some of whom have been purchasing trees from the lot for decades. One scout shared that there are customers who have been coming “for 20 years to get our trees from you every year,” illustrating a longstanding relationship between the troop and the community.

The tree lot, while a fundraiser, is emblematic of the broader mission and values of Troop 3 Corvallis and the BSA. It is a manifestation of the troop’s commitment to the development of its scouts, providing them with practical experiences that build character, encourage responsible citizenship, and develop personal fitness. Furthermore, it serves as a bridge to the community, fostering relationships and providing a service that has become a tradition for some. Thus, the tree lot is not merely a commercial endeavor but a reflection of the troop’s history, its commitment to the development of its scouts, and its relationship with the community.

Troop 3

Habitat for Humanity ReStore Volunteering

The **Benton Habitat ReStore**, situated on Philomath Boulevard in Corvallis, Oregon, operates as a pivotal entity within the framework of Habitat for Humanity’s mission, which is globally recognized as an organization committed to “provide decent and affordable housing for people in our community.” The ReStore, described as a “used home goods store,” encompasses a broad inventory, including but not limited to furniture, building materials, electrical items, and appliances, all housed within a 15,000 square-foot space.

The ReStore’s inventory is primarily sourced from donations, which, as one regular donor highlighted, is a preferable alternative to seeing “beautiful doors” and other items relegated to the dump. This individual, who visits approximately “once a week,” articulated a sentiment that resonates with various customers who inquire about the destiny of their old items, often hinting towards Habitat for Humanity as a desirable endpoint for their used goods.

The proceeds generated from the ReStore are funneled directly into Habitat for Humanity’s programs within Benton County, underscoring its role as “our biggest fundraiser,” according to a representative. The store, therefore, not only serves as a retail space but also as a financial pillar supporting the broader objectives of Habitat for Humanity.

Volunteers form the backbone of the ReStore’s operations, engaging in various tasks from organizing materials, such as the electrical section, to processing donations. One volunteer, reflecting on the task of organizing, acknowledged the magnitude of the task, stating, “I told the boss that I could spend 120 hours on that.” Yet, despite the seemingly insurmountable challenge, the volunteer’s tone did not waver into negativity, highlighting a commitment that seems to permeate the ethos of those involved with the ReStore.

The ReStore does not merely provide a platform for purchasing and donating items but also fosters a sense of community among its volunteers. One individual, when asked about the impact of volunteering at the ReStore, emphasized its positive influence on mental health, attributing it to “doing positive things for the community” and the dynamic nature of the work, which is “new every day.”

The inclusivity of the ReStore’s volunteer program is notable, with a representative affirming that they “take anybody as they are as they come.” This openness extends to those with disabilities, providing an accessible avenue for various individuals to contribute to the community and the overarching mission of Habitat for Humanity.

Despite the ReStore’s commitment to repurposing and redistributing donated items, there remains the inevitable reality of waste. Items that are “too scratched or damaged” or deemed “unsellable” are, regrettably, destined for the landfill, a practice that is not taken lightly given the associated dumpster fees and the ReStore’s inherent objective to repurpose items when possible.

In synthesizing the above, the Benton Habitat ReStore emerges as a multifaceted entity, intertwining retail, community, and philanthropy, all while navigating the practical and ethical considerations of waste and sustainability. The stories and experiences shared by those involved, from donors to volunteers, weave a narrative that transcends the physical items within the store, reflecting a collective commitment to community and sustainability within the broader mission of Habitat for Humanity.

ReStore Website | Facebook | Instagram

Down to Earth – Waiti Botanicals

Embedded within the lush expanse of Kauai, Hawaii’s North Shore, Wai’iti Botanicals operates on a modest three-acre plot, functioning as an aroma farm while also offering an array of visitor experiences. The farm, taking its name “Wai’iti” – translated to “little water” in Hawaiian, symbolizes collective unity and action, where individual contributions, much like small droplets, collectively cause significant impact. Carmencita Durney, who initiated the project and has been involved with handmade soap production since the 1990s and luffa cultivation since 2010, oversees the operations.

Engaging in the art of handmade soap creation and luffa cultivation, Wai’iti Botanicals highlights the benefits of handmade soap for both the individual and the environment. It underscores a relationship between personal care and environmentally conscious products. As visitors delve into the offerings of the farm, they engage in hands-on activities, crafting botanical skin treats alongside the Wai’iti Botanicals team, allowing the farm to emerge as a tangible, immersive learning experience in the art of handmade soap creation and related products.

An episode of Down-to-Earth Kaua’i TV, hosted by Lyndsey Haraguchi-Nakayama, provided insights into Carmen’s realm where her passion for luffas and the varied uses she finds for them, became palpable. Carmen herself detailed her initial foray into working with loofahs: “I was really into loofahs…I got some seeds, I planted loofahs, and here I am now. These are edible varietals, the big loofahs, and they grow sometimes to eight feet.” Her innovative utilizations of loofahs extend from incorporating them into soaps to using them in footwear as a form of arch support.

Moreover, the farm isn’t only home to luffas. A tour through Wai’iti Botanicals reveals a spectrum of aromatic plants. Carmen expressed her fascination with “the palmarosa grass, which is a type of lemongrass…very strange, but it has a rosy scent.” She also elaborated on her distillation process, saying, “The perfume distillation is amazing because it makes hydrosols, distilled water, or anything that we boil and it comes to steam. This cools it down, and then out comes the essence of the plant.” A diversity, including ginger, turmeric, and patchouli, lends itself to her process, further enhancing the aromatic offerings available.

The establishment, while presenting an enchanting collection of scents, also unveils products with pronounced utility, like the aforementioned salt soap. Carmen highlighted its peculiar but effective functionality: “This is trippy; this is salt soap… if you have oily skin or have acne, a little bit of salt will help balance your skin by sloughing. By doing this, you’re actually allowing your skin to shed a little bit, and you can absorb things better.” It’s created with coffee and cacao, tying into a broader, tactile and olfactory experience that Wai’iti Botanicals promises.

As noted by Carmen, Wai’iti Botanicals also crafts eco-friendly lip balm and offers a unique experience to visitors to “distill your own scent of adventure.” This seems to align with the underlying theme of the botanical endeavor which provides not just a product but an experience, a sentiment that Carmen seems to resonate with: “Our products are made with intention, an alternative to just buying and throwing away plastic.”

Wai’iti Botanicals thus stands not merely as a provider of handcrafted soap and luffa products but also as a repository of experiences, where the line between product and experience is elegantly blurred. This is facilitated by a sense of rootedness in sustainability and a tangible, appreciable relationship with the products that the farm curates and crafts. This relationship is not simply transactional but is interwoven with learnings, experiences, and a gentle nudging towards more mindful consumption.

Waiti Botanicals Website | Facebook | Instagram

Kaua‘i Hikes – Makaleha Falls

Amidst the lush landscapes of Kapaʻa, Kaua’i, Hawaii, the Makaleha Trail quietly unfurls a 5.2-mile route that intertwines the physicality of hiker and the audacious spirit of nature. With a 984-foot elevation gain, this out-and-back trail nonchalantly masks its rigor behind a veil of exquisite scenery and the promise of a waterfall’s visage at its terminus.

Julian Coiner, a seasoned hiker in Kaua’i, ventured into the Makaleha, admitting it’s an environment where “the trail is not well defined” and, on occasion, “the river is the trail.” A profound connection to nature’s unbridled form is palpable here, where terrain oscillates between rocky passages, mud-engulfed paths, and numerous river crossings. This topographical tapestry, at times, melds the path and river into a single entity, where direction and fluidity coalesce in an indistinct union.

Coiner’s insights embellish the exploratory nature of the hike, highlighting an experience where one’s steps are intermittently guided and misdirected by the whims of the terrain and watercourses. His pragmatic advice to those potentially feeling astray echoes: “Just find the river, and you’ll eventually get back on track.” This seemingly fluid navigation through the terrains intertwines with prior visitor notations, which underscore instances of challenging and potentially perplexing moments, owing to a dearth of clear trail markers.

Amongst the myriad of nature’s challenges along the Makaleha Trail, the prospect of “wet feet” prevails as an inevitable accompaniment, given the inherent need to zigzag through and across the river. Hikers, thereby, absorb into their journey a physical interaction with the water, solidifying an intertwining experience between the self and the elemental aspects of the environment.

Despite the trail’s assertive demands, it surreptitiously unfolds a natural spectacle in the form of a waterfall — a culmination that melds the exhaustion and elation into a single moment of reprieve. Coiner encapsulates this duality of experience upon his discovery: “I found a waterfall.” A divergence in the path, as he noted, presents a choice: a shorter route to the right that promises a resplendent view and perhaps an invitation to momentarily become one with the water, suggesting, “Make sure you take a dip when you’re done.”

Amidst the impartiality of its terrestrial and hydrological challenges, the Makaleha Trail, therefore, subtly orchestrates a dialogic relationship between the hiker and the elements. There’s a silent reciprocity present, wherein the challenges proffered by its miles are met with the visceral rewards of its untouched scenic beauty. This dynamic equilibrium between the tangible hardships and ethereal visual solace succinctly embodies the duality of the hiker’s journey, intertwining the corporeal and the intangible within the verdant embrace of Kaua’i.

Makaleha Falls

Down to Earth – Wailuā River Noni

Amidst the verdant expanses of a 312-acre agricultural plot south of the Wailua River, a contemplative and detailed process unfolds under the observant eyes of the monks of Kauai’s Hindu Monastery. Wailua River Noni Juice, a product borne out of meticulous fermenting and processing of noni fruit, symbolizes a connection between natural healing and the serene lifestyle led by the monks who manage its production.

The certified organic noni field, an expanse of eight acres hosting 1,400 trees, stands as a testimony to the monastery’s dedication to purity and unadulterated production methods. As Yogi Jayanatha explained during a special episode of Down-to-Earth Kauai TV hosted by Lyndsey Haraguchi-Nakayama, the noni fruit, recognized for its numerous purported health benefits, is “all hand-picked because you don’t want to damage any of the fruit.” Further emphasizing the care and precision exerted during the harvesting process, he elucidates, “you also have to use discrimination in what fruit you pick.”

In the monastery’s approach to noni production, the monks oversee each stage, ensuring the implementation of a principle that vehemently opposes the use of concentrates or additional flavors in their product. The noni fruit, when deemed “perfectly ripe,” undergoes a natural fermentation process spanning over 60 days after being harvested, washed, and subsequently pressed, filtered, and bottled.

During her visit, Haraguchi-Nakayama actively engaged in discussions about the holistic noni production, offering viewers of Down-to-Earth Kaua‘i TV insights into not only the thorough, methodical processes underpinning its creation but also the intrinsic linkage between the monks’ spiritual and agricultural endeavors. Yogi Jayanatha shared, “Noni was actually one of the original canoe plants of the Hawaiians brought over here. They used it for many medicinal reasons. According to the University of Hawaii, it has a lot of natural health benefits, such as helping with pain, headaches, insomnia, diabetes, and high blood pressure.”

While touring the Noni processing building, the fermenting noni exhibited a “very pungent” aroma, signaling the fermentation’s progression, as Yogi Jayanatha noted. Once the fermentation concludes, the resulting juice bears a clarity and a “mulled wine” like flavor profile, which Yogi Jayanatha identifies as “kind of warming,” later stating it makes “your insides feel comfortable and warm.”

Additionally, the monks utilize the ripe, white noni fruit not just for its juice but acknowledge the plant’s diverse uses, which extend to the edibility of its leaves and the provision of an intense orange dye from its roots. An alignment of the spiritual and agricultural pursuits emerges not just in the product but in the wholehearted engagement in each step, from “hand-picking” to judicious fermentation and bottling.

Wailua River Noni Juice, once bottled, becomes available to a wider audience, as mentioned by Yogi Jayanatha, it is “available online, first of all. You can find it on Amazon; you can find it on eBay. Most local health food stores carry it on the island.” The monks’ focused and methodical approach, seemingly interwoven with their spiritual practices, positions Wailua River Noni Juice as a product emanating from a place where precision, care, and natural processes are held paramount.

Wailuā River Noni Website | Facebook | Instagram

Arigato, Mrs. Roboto – Poʻipū Dolphin

Within the coastal embrace of Poipu, a discreet culinary adventure unfurls at The Dolphin Poipu, characterized by a duality of immersive seafood retail and gastronomic expertise. The establishment extends its acumen in seafood offerings beyond its recognized dinner and sushi menus, carving out a distinct presence in the realms of daytime dining and retail with its Fish Market and midday menu options.

In a casual conversation with Brook Sugahara, the owner of The Dolphin Poipu, the unseen depth of the establishment’s offerings and culinary proficiency is pulled into the limelight. Sugahara shared that although well-regarded for its dinner and nighttime sushi, the establishment maintains an understated facet: its fish market and lunch offerings from “11:00 until 3:00.” The diversity and depth in the selection span from the fish market’s range of poke and sushi to varied lunch dishes, most notably, their fish tacos which employ ahi – preferably kept “on the medium-medium rare side” and tucked into corn tortillas, enlivened by guacamole salsa and a specialty “avocado cream.”

Sugahara also provided insights into the thought and composition behind the poke bowls, particularly a favorite that harmoniously brings together sea asparagus, spicy chili oil, Kukui nuts, and avocados. Similarly, the Dolphin Roll, devoid of any dolphin content and aptly named after the establishment, orchestrates an assembly of sushi rice, tobiko, green onions, avocados, cucumbers, spicy tuna, and “100% real snow crab.” The artful combination serves not just as a testament to culinary ingenuity but also underscores the expertise woven into the offerings.

A visit to the Fish Market – active from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM – transcends mere commerce, as Sugahara points out the pristine freshness of their offerings, explaining the swift transition of fish “from the water right in the back of the truck into our walk-in.” Patrons can opt for either pre-sliced fish or a whole slab, while also accessing guidance from the experienced staff on preparation and pairing – all underscored by an emphasis on preserving the innate quality of the seafood.

Sugahara casually conveyed, “The fish market opens up at 10 o’clock to 7:00, and then our lunch starts from 11:00 till 3:00. Great people, great environment, ocean view.” This establishment, subtly nestled within The Shops at Kukui’ula, cultivates an environment where culinary craftsmanship, guided by an unswerving dedication to quality and fresh sourcing, unobtrusively melds with the tranquil seascape of Poipu, offering patrons not merely meals but nuanced, seafood-driven experiences.

Poʻipū Dolphin Facebook

Corvallis Historic Homes Trolley Tour

The **Historic Homes Trolley Tour** in Corvallis, Oregon, traditionally offered a guided exploration through the city’s architectural past, weaving through various neighborhoods and pausing at 36 different sites to delve into about “20 different styles of architecture.” The tour, which in previous years took place on Saturdays in July and August, was not merely an architectural exposition but also a narrative of the people and families who “built and inhabited those homes and really built the foundation of history here,” as noted by the tour guide.

Ryan Long, exploring the tour, highlighted its capacity to illuminate the stories embedded within the structures of Corvallis. One participant, who tries to attend “every summer I’m in town,” expressed an appreciation for the rich history embedded within the city, acknowledging the tour guide’s proficiency in providing “a good background on each of the different houses.” The tour, therefore, served not only as an architectural journey but also as a conduit through which stories of the past were conveyed, intertwining the physical structures with the lives and narratives of those who once inhabited them.

One notable mention during the tour was the acknowledgment of Pauling, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1954 and later the Nobel Peace Prize in 1962 for his scientific work and peace activism, respectively. Such snippets of information provide a glimpse into the lives of individuals who once resided in Corvallis, offering a human context to the architectural exploration.

The tour also provided insights into specific architectural styles, such as an “airplane-style Craftsman bungalow,” which was said to resemble “the early biplanes of the period.” Such details not only offered a visual context for participants but also highlighted how various influences, perhaps the advent of aviation in this instance, permeated architectural designs.

Participants found value in not only the architectural details but also the stories of people associated with these structures. One participant, reflecting on a particular house, shared, “I had wondered about for years and years and years as a college student and then living here. And then I get to be on this historic homes trolley tour and actually learn about it and talk to other people about it.” This sentiment underscores the tour’s capacity to satiate curiosities and provide answers about the visible, yet often mysterious, historical structures that dot the cityscape.

The tour, which also garnered recommendations from participants for its blend of architectural and human history, was not confined to local residents. One individual, perhaps a visitor, extolled the virtues of the area, citing the “fabulous” climate, low humidity, friendly people, commendable food, and the presence of numerous microbreweries as notable attributes.

While the tour provided a structured journey through Corvallis’s architectural and social history, it also facilitated a communal experience where stories of the past were shared and discussed, fostering a collective appreciation for the city’s historical and architectural landscape. Future attendees, given the popularity of the tour, were advised to seek more information and sign-up details through the official website, ensuring their opportunity to partake in this insightful journey through Corvallis’s historical tapestry.

Corvallis Historic Homes Trolley Tour Website | Facebook

Down to Earth – Kauai Animal Education Center

Kaua’i Animal Education Center (KAEC), located in Kapa’a, Kaua’i, operates as a sanctuary for over 150 animals across more than 15 species, and it also acts as a community resource that merges animal rescue, public education, and community service under one roof. The center, which runs under the guiding principle of Ho’opono – an ethos centered on maintaining a balanced and symbiotic relationship between humans, animals, and nature – opens its doors to various segments of the population, providing educational programs for groups ranging from children to elders.

In a visit documented by Lyndsey Haraguchi-Nakayama, Christy Wong, a representative of KAEC, guides viewers through an environment teeming with various species, from goats and sheep to pigeons and chickens. Wong emphasizes the role of the KAEC as a “farm animal rescue providing services for our community to interact, engage, and learn from these wonderful animals.” Visitors are encouraged to engage with the animals, but with a foundational respect, understanding that “this is the animals’ home, and everyone should feel safe in their own home.”

Wong explains that alongside the core principle of providing a safe home for animals, the center also underscores the importance of establishing trust between humans and animals, stating, “they know that they can trust us” especially when the animals might be injured or in distress. The list of residents includes goats, sheep, pigeons, chickens, ducks, geese, a peacock named Romeo, tortoises, rabbits, guinea pigs, turkeys, pheasants, and pigs. Additionally, some animals, like Bob and Jen (a pair of birds whose individual identities are playfully undetermined), embody a certain communal familiarity, becoming familiar faces to the returning visitors and staff.

Amidst the visits and tours, the animals not only provide interactive experiences for the guests but also become part of an educational framework that extends into practical learning for children. Wong speaks about children taking initiative beyond their experiences at the center: “They even go home and do their own research, which is incredible because they’re taking it upon themselves to find out more, and they’re going above and beyond.” The youngsters participate in diverse activities, learning about responsibilities like feeding the animals, collecting eggs, and shearing sheep, especially during the center’s camp programs.

Tours at KAEC, which must be booked online, offer a moment for visitors to “relax, disconnect to reconnect,” providing a space away from the usual traffic and hustle of daily life. Wong encourages visits during the morning or early evening when the environment is cooler and notes that the animals have “lots of love to give.”

Haraguchi-Nakayama’s exploration of the center does more than just expose the day-to-day interactions between humans and animals at KAEC. It spotlights a model where care, education, and community service converge, as illustrated by Wong’s insight and experiences. The center stands not merely as a shelter but as a vibrant hub where humane education and animal care intertwine, demonstrating a comprehensive and compassionate approach toward fostering mutual relationships between living beings and contributing towards community wellness.

Kaua‘i Animal Education Center Website | Facebook | Instagram

Down to Earth – M.Y.Kauai Honey

Situated among the lush landscapes of Kauai, **MY Kauai Honey**, under the leadership of Michael Yulo, endeavors to explore the multifaceted applications of beekeeping and its by-products across several island locations, offering not only a sweet indulgence but also a foray into skincare and sustainable living.

In a transparent presentation of beekeeping, Mike, who conducts the operation, navigates through not only the production but also various innovative applications of his products. According to the host of a local series, Lyndsey Haraguchi-Nakayama, MY Kauai Honey produces “a lot of wonderful products,” with particular attention paid to beeswax, which has the added benefit of cleaning the air, emitting “the light spectrum the same as the sun.” This is utilized by collaborating with Kilohana’s Clay Works to craft candles from their beeswax.

Their work does not halt at illumination, diving into culinary creations, as illustrated by a “raw jam” made from a simple blend of “mango and honey.” Additionally, Mike reveals a delightful spread reminiscent of a popular hazelnut confectionery, informally termed “Kauai Nutella,” which blends chocolate, macadamia nut, and honey. He claims, “It is delicious,” indicating the casual simplicity behind these honey-infused creations.

While honey can surely be labeled a staple of the company, beeswax and propolis emerge as unsung heroes of MY Kauai Honey’s lineup. In an interview, Mike details, “I make a balm with the beeswax…excellent for sunburn, it’s excellent for minor infections.” Propolis, an amalgamation of bee saliva and sap, possessing “antibacterial and antifungal” properties, is an essential component in the beeswax balm, offering relief from both infections and the mundane annoyance of mosquito bites. The story of this remedy is personal, crafted initially for Mike’s daughter, to mitigate the swelling and irritation resulting from insect bites.

In a testament to the adaptability and timelessness of these bee products, the younger generation of MY Kauai Honey represents sustainability through the production of beeswax wraps. His daughter partakes in the creation of these wraps, which in the 1800s were used to “wrap bread with it to keep it fresh.” These products embody a continuity from past to present, binding historical methods to modern sustainability endeavors.

However, at its core, MY Kauai Honey extends beyond business and production, touching on aspects of devotion and community. Mike considers his endeavor in farming and beekeeping as “a labor of love” and attributes the fruition of MY Kauai Honey to a higher power, noting, “All of this is because of God.”

The serene island of Kauai serves as a backdrop to MY Kauai Honey, where products, derived from the delicate work of bees, amalgamate into a product line that stretches from palate to skin and beyond, threading the practicality of bee derivatives into everyday life. Such endeavors, bridging the sweet and the sustainable, play out under the Hawaiian sun, where honey, beeswax, and propolis intertwine to create not only a product but also a community tethered by the humble bee.

MY Kaua‘i Honey Website | Facebook | Instagram