Bruce Smalling

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

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.

All Red Eye

All Red Eye Hawaii operates in the apparel and accessories domain, merging its commercial pursuits with a discernible connection to Hawaiian culture and ethos. Their product line encompasses varied items such as clothing and jewelry, with an ostensible emphasis on igniting and sustaining passion and motivation among its clientele. A notable feature of their business model is the provision of a Gold Membership, priced at $9.99 per month, which offers members a cascade of benefits including, but not limited to, a 15% discount on products, complimentary monthly items, privileged participation in focus groups, early access to new products, exclusive email offers, and free shipping. Although not explicitly delineated, a probable mission statement, derived from the available content and their succinct motto “Dream. Pursue. Succeed.”, could be framed as: Enabling individuals to navigate the path from dreams to success while embodying and perpetuating the intrinsic values and culture of Hawaii. All Red Eye Hawaii extends its societal contributions beyond commercial activities, actively participating in Maui relief initiatives, thereby exhibiting an embedded commitment to the welfare and sustenance of the wider Hawaiian community.

In a video featuring All Red Eye, viewers traverse through an inspirational journey enunciated by the brand, which is cemented in Kauai and amplifies a message of motivation intertwined with its range of hats and clothing. The brand not merely positions its offerings as mere apparel but as a tangible extension of one’s passions and pursuits, be it in surfing, academia, or nocturnal recording sessions in a studio. The brand philosophically associates itself with the organic exhilaration derived from the relentless pursuit of one’s passions, inviting its audience to drape themselves in All Red Eye apparel as a testament to their commitment to their endeavors, thereby becoming a part of a larger, like-minded movement. The tapestry of the brand, woven with threads of motivation, passion, and cultural rootedness, is conspicuously showcased as not only a commercial entity but also as a symbolic conduit guiding pursuits and illuminating passions.

All Red Eye Website | Facebook | Instagram

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

Commercial – Island Soap and Candle Works

Island Soap & Candle Works, situated in Hawaii, dedicates its craft to the manufacture of handcrafted soaps, lotions, candles, and other relatable products, each item intricately intertwined with the aura and sensibilities of the Hawaiian Islands. The business seeks to encapsulate the vibrancy and exclusive scents of Hawaii, employing top-tier ingredients and age-old techniques in the production line. Adhering to a mission that encompasses the distillation of the Hawaiian Islands’ spirit into their creations, the company emphasizes the production of premium quality, handcrafted items, in which each piece serves as a Hawaiian relic, offered to clientele worldwide. Their product suite, rich and varied, includes handmade soaps, formulated from a symphony of botanicals and essential oils, and candles, each bearing a unique, tropical fragrance reminiscent of the islands. Furthermore, their offerings extend to skincare items, rooted in nourishing components and island-esque fragrances, and meticulously curated gift sets, providing a wholesome, sensory island experience.

Operational across multiple retail locations in Hawaii, including Kauai, Oahu, and Maui, Island Soap & Candle Works also extends an invitation to visitors to explore their array of products firsthand and submerge themselves into the brand’s aromatic and visual aura. Additional engagement is facilitated through factory tours, providing spectators with a firsthand view of the traditional soap and candle crafting procedures, offering insight into the artistic and dedicated spirit infused into each item. Despite absent specifics regarding partnerships and collaborations, the company evidently weaves a deep-seated connection within the Hawaiian local community and environment, possibly engaging with local vendors and craftsmen to authenticate and qualify their products. For global customers, the online shopping and shipping options tender a slice of Hawaii to international doorsteps, establishing a worldwide connection to the island’s natural allure.

The video introduces viewers to a new store located in Kilauea and unfolds the diverse selection of Island Soap & Candle Works, namely, homemade soaps, tropical candles, and varied skincare products. Established in 1984 on Kauai, the business continues to produce all items on the island, with the “Surfer Salve” notably emerging as a favorite among employees and patrons. Positioned en route to the lighthouse at the Ahuimanu Shopping Center, and flanked by the Kai bar and Wyland Art Gallery, the store offers a special incentive: a mention of viewing the business on Kauai TV secures a complimentary bar of soap with a purchase. For those engaging with the business digitally, utilizing the code “Kauai TV” during online shopping unlocks a distinct discount, affording a broader audience the opportunity to bask in the finely crafted soaps and candles that embody the essence of the island.

Island Soap and Candleworks Website | Facebook | Instagram