Robin Bonaccorsi

Ruffin It – Line Dancing

Positioned amidst the lush surroundings of Kauai, the Kauai Line Dance Group, connected to the Hawaii Line Dance Festival, establishes a venue for individuals united by an ardor for line dancing. The group, circulating through varied locations such as Kauai Bowl and Kenji Burger Koloa, coordinates activities from dance sessions and workshops to participation in competitive events.

Within the contextual framework of a video featuring host Olivia Ruff, an exploration of this line-dancing milieu unfolds. Through interaction with VanNghi, perceived as the “master line dancer of the island,” Olivia navigates the social and procedural facets of the group’s dancing sessions. VanNghi elucidates, “Line dancing is meant for everybody of all ages,” emphasizing the inclusive nature of the activity. Further, she notes the forgiving structure of line dancing, where “if you mess it up the first or second or third time, there are multiple opportunities to get it right.”

In a subsequent explanation about the format of the classes, VanNghi highlights the consistent addition and repetition of learned dances: “Tonight, we’ll just learn one dance, and then in the subsequent classes, what we’ll do is we’ll practice what we learned in the past, and then we’ll learn one new song every time.”

Exploring the geographical expanse of the group’s influence, VanNghi illustrates that the spheres of the North Shore, East Side, and the South Side are “all learning a lot of the same dances.” With an aspiration to perhaps congregate these spatially varied participants into a united event, she shares, “The goal is to eventually throw some kind of honky-tonk, maybe in like April or May.”

Providing a peek into the unexpected cultural convergence in Hawaii, VanNghi mentions, “People don’t really know when they come visit Hawaii; they get surprised by how much country is being played.” She communicates the existence of a mutual space where people from various geographical locations like “Alabama, Texas, and Indiana,” find common ground in the familiar rhythms and practices of line dancing, where they “can all come together and be doing the same thing.”

Engaging in a conversation regarding the interaction of locals and visitors, VanNghi reflects on the amalgamation of energies within the dancing space, stating, “It’s a great place to come meet some locals, stretch your legs, do something that you maybe wouldn’t have expected yourself to be doing here on Kauai.” This sentiment underscores the group’s receptiveness towards visitors and the collective creation of memories through a shared, kinetic experience.

In the concluding remarks, the emotion from the class is summarized as “so much fun” and “a kicking good time,” with an encouragement for those in Kauai to “put your hair down and have a good time and not worry about anything and just move to the music.” Through the weaving of procedural and emotional aspects, the Kauai Line Dance Group appears as a structured yet energetically vibrant and welcoming community, offering an unexpected but genuine slice of cultural activity on the island of Kauai.

LIne Dancing Facebook

Ruffin It – Princeville Makai Golf

In the scenic expanse of Princeville, Hawaii, the Princeville Makai Golf Club positions itself not only as a notable destination for golf enthusiasts but also as an attraction offering varied experiences for visitors with divergent interests. While the club’s Makai Course, “a Robert Trent Jones Jr. design,” is emblematic for its six oceanfront holes and status garnered through commendation in publications like Golf Digest, it also seeks to present more than a typical golfing experience, extending into offerings like disc golf, tennis, and more elusive activities like sunset golf cart tours and yoga sessions. The latter, naturally meshing into the golfing realm as one of the golf instructors, Andrew Schmidt, quips that “golf is yoga with a golf club,” further integrating an element of mindfulness into the experience.

The ethos and the landscape of Princeville Makai Golf Club are enveloped by its breathtaking vistas, to the point where National Geographic once recognized it “as one of the most scenic golf courses in the world,” choosing it to represent all of North America in a global selection. Olivia Ruff, exploring the club for her audience, brought forward not just the beauty but also the varied experiences one might partake in during a visit. The availability of “Makai Grill,” for instance, which provides “food made ready to order for breakfast and lunch,” is cited as a part of the broader experiences the club intends to provide to its visitors.

A distinct offering by the golf club is the sundown cart tour which, unlike many traditional golfing activities, doesn’t necessitate golfing proficiency. As a guide at the club detailed, it’s “a guided tour, and we stop at the most scenic stops on the course.” This tour seems particularly geared towards imbibing the natural spectacles the location has to offer, with the winter months presenting views of “the humpback whales and the Laysan albatrosses,” while summer evenings offer the enchanting sight of the “sun burn[ing] right into the ocean.”

When considering the golfing experience itself, Schmidt, who brings over “20 years” of teaching expertise, introduces novices to the nuances of the sport, elucidating aspects from initial stance to the final follow-through of a swing. Visitors seeking to learn are instructed to “aim the club where you want it to go first, then build your stance, and then put your weight forward, hands slightly forward, and then turn back, turn through.”

A further exploration into their other offerings reveals an effort to broaden the appeal beyond the conventional clientele of a golf club. For example, the “brand new disc golf course,” as well as tennis courts and associated memberships, make it evident that there’s a conscientious attempt to diversify the experiential offerings, thereby appealing to a larger demographic.

Conclusively, the Princeville Makai Golf Club, while anchored firmly in its acclaim as a top golfing destination, aspires to curate a selection of experiences that transcend the golfing niche, welcoming a range of visitors to explore the natural spectacle of its locale while potentially engaging in an array of activities. Whether engaging in a leisurely round of golf, embarking on a scenic sunset tour, or partaking in a meal at the Makai Grill, visitors are immersed in an environment where the luxuriance of nature commingles with recreational offerings.

For those interested in engaging with the offerings of the Princeville Makai Golf Club, reservations and further exploration of their offerings can be facilitated through their official website.

Princeville Makai Golf Website | Facebook | Instagram

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.

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 |

Commercial – Kayak Hanalei

Kayak Hanalei, a business settled in the scenery of Hanalei River and Bay in Kauai, Hawaii, offers a particular form of environmentally aware exploration, melding sightseeing and information dissemination related to the locale’s vivid history, legends, and tales. Disallowing commercial motorized boats in the Hanalei River, the company aligns with a vision that leans towards preserving the tranquility and untarnished state of the environment. Their offerings are not merely focused on the picturesque views but hold an intrinsic value with regard to the dissemination of cultural and historical knowledge. The various tour options available offer different experiences, durations, and pricing, all the while adhering to a foundation that intertwines natural admiration with a measure of ecological conservation.

Goldie and Captain Dave, owners of Kayak Hanalei and Hanalei Wave Riders, provide a broad overview of the services and experiences offered by their establishment. Captain Dave emphasizes the distinctive quality of their location, noting, “Look behind me, you can see we have our own private river access, our own little dock,” which serves as the origin point for their kayak tours and also functions as the departure location for their available kayak rentals, which include “singles, doubles, triples.” The kayak tours don’t merely traverse the serene waters but paddle onward to a secluded beach, which becomes a hub for snorkeling activities. The narrative holds a tacit commitment to offering a unique, eco-conscious adventure that spans “3 miles of beautiful Hanalei River,” which Captain Dave describes as a “heritage River” that remains “quiet and pristine.”

Goldie further elaborates on the assortment of services, from “surf lessons” and “stand-up paddle lessons” to rentals of surfboards and stand-up paddleboards, all while directing attention to their “island wear and gift shops located upstairs.” This Hawaiian owned and operated business invites participants to not only engage in water-based activities but to also explore the offerings within their premises, which extend to curated items likely in line with the aesthetic and utilitarian needs of adventurers and explorers.

Despite the undeniably beautiful environment, the owners remain firmly grounded in providing a spectrum of activities that accommodate varying interests, from tranquil paddles along the river to a more active engagement with the bay’s waves through surf lessons. The calls to “join our Hawaiian family for a fun-filled day in the sun and the water,” while wholesome and inviting, embody more than a mere invitation but stand as a testament to the business’s welcoming and inclusive ethos, allowing visitors to momentarily become part of a local entity that thrives at the intersection of tourism and authentic cultural experience.

In encapsulating the essence of Kayak Hanalei, the narrative extends beyond the mere service provision to underscore a commitment to environmental preservation, cultural perpetuation, and genuine aloha spirit. The available activities, from kayak tours and rentals to surf and paddle lessons, are not presented merely as commercial offerings but as conduits through which participants can engage with and appreciate the natural and cultural richness of Hanalei, Hawaii.

Kayak Hanalei Website | Facebook | Instagram