Hawaii
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.
Sustainable You Hawaii – Kaua‘i Gourmet Nuts
Kauai Gourmet Nuts, nestled in Kauai, Hawaii, articulates a commitment to the nuanced and careful creation of diverse nut products. The business emphasizes the incorporation of local ingredients to forge a distinct snacking option for both residents and visitors alike. Originating from a series of flavored macadamia nuts, mixed nuts, and nut butters, the company intertwines traditional and innovative culinary methodologies, with locally-sourced ingredients such as Kauai honey marking a pronounced presence in their offerings.
Billy Carter, the founder and nut roaster at Kauai Gourmet Nuts, conveyed a fragment of his journey and process in nut roasting during a conversation with Amanda Smith from Sustainable You Hawaii, stating, “I’ve been doing nut roasting for about seven years, and three years ago, I decided it was time to start my own company.” Carter’s approach involves a conscientious relationship with local farms, as he mentioned, “I try as hard as I can to get all Kauai-grown macadamias,” revealing a dedication to local produce and businesses. In a notable example of the company’s product, the Salted Toffee Macadamias were described as “really delicious” by Carter, who perceives them as the brand’s flagship nut product.
An element of technical specificity emerges in the nut preparation process, considering the macadamia’s distinctive characteristic as the hardest shell in the world, requiring “400 pounds of pressure per square inch to crack,” as Carter explained. The intricacies of the roasting process involve utilizing a Bavarian nut glazer, colloquially referred to by Carter as “Mandelprofi,” which not only glazes the nuts but also serves as an olfactory signal to the locality. Carter shares, “When I cook the nuts and put the steam in at the end, that smoke will go out into the neighborhood, and we’ll just draw customers in.” The machine and its aromas become an inadvertent marketing tool, coaxing potential patrons with the wafting scents of the roasting process.
In dialogue about their butterscotch usage, Carter shared a preference for a known brand, saying, “There’s a name brand one I love using, Werther’s Originals. It just has a great flavor.” Such a choice outlines an inclination towards utilizing recognized brands, potentially speaking to an adherence to quality and a known flavor profile within their products. Furthermore, the experience at Kauai Gourmet Nuts is not merely transactional. Carter described an inviting environment where customers can sample products, stating, “We have a display table with all of our nuts, and if something looks good, you just come ask us for a sample, and we’ll give it to you for free.”
Moreover, the company explores innovations within their product range. For instance, the confectionary nut butters are described by Smith as having a “gingery” taste, and they are seen to be like “a peanut butter but sweetened.” The diversification of products and flavors, from the Salted Toffee Macadamias to a pecan and macadamia blend labeled “coconut coffee,” illustrates an explorative approach to culinary creation.
In this way, Kauai Gourmet Nuts establishes itself as a business that, while rooted in traditional and localized ingredient sourcing, ventures into innovative culinary realms, weaving a narrative that melds the local Kauai flavors with Carter’s seven-year exploration into the art and science of nut roasting.
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.
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.
Sustainable You Hawaii – Taco Libre
Taco Libre, nestled in Old Koloa Town, Hawaii, endeavors to create a culinary amalgamation by infusing Mexican and Hawaiian flavors, offering items that resonate with the appetites of both locals and tourists. Owners Alea and Christian introduce not only meals but also an exploration of a synergized cultural culinary experience, aiming to transcend the conventional and create something genuinely innovative.
An episode on the Sustainable You Hawaii YouTube channel, hosted by Amanda Smith, explores the fusion cuisine provided by Taco Libre. The owners, through their culinary creations, showcase how two distinct culinary cultures, Hawaiian and Mexican, can be melded into unique dishes.
In a notable dish called the Mexi Moco, Alea described the integration of cultures as such: “If you’re growing up here in Hawaii, you know about a traditional loco moco, and I was like, what a great way to combine both of our cultures into one.” This dish intertwines crispy tortillas with beans, cheese, rice, and specially prepared meats – al pastor and carne asada, offering a layered experience that represents not just a meal, but a harmonious marriage of two culinary worlds.
A noteworthy point of their cooking method involves the way the meat is cooked. Alea highlighted, “So over there in Mexico, they do serve the meat on a rotisserie spit. They use a ceramic tile; that’s what ignites and keeps the meat cooking. We wanted to bring everything together with me and Christian. So we got this Mexican ceramic towel on the bottom and then the lava rock up top to keep the heat going.” This symbiotic relationship of the Mexican ceramic and the Hawaiian lava rock, according to Alea, serves as a representation of their fusion concept.
In another experiment of flavors, Taco Libre ventures into the slow-cooking method for preparing beef. The surprising elements of cinnamon and ginger are blended with chocolate to create a meat dish that was begun at 3:30 in the morning, indicating a dedication to a slow and meticulous cooking process. “This started cooking at 3:30 in the morning today. One of the key ingredients that might surprise you is cinnamon. Cinnamon, cinnamon, and ginger, chocolate, cinnamon, and ginger,” Alea notes during the preparation of the dish.
Taco Libre also offers a quesadilla, described as akin to a taco, but differentiated by the soft slow-cooked beef and the incorporation of cheese. A sampling of this during the Sustainable You Hawaii episode rendered Amanda Smith praising the dish, albeit in a casual, conversational manner quite distinct from the neutral tone sought for this description.
An important element of this establishment is not merely the production of food but also a commitment to offering a divergent, innovative culinary experience that seeks to intertwine two cultures harmoniously. Through Taco Libre’s gastronomic endeavors, one can witness an attempt to create a symbiotic relationship between Hawaiian and Mexican culinary practices, offering patrons not just a meal, but a tangible representation of culinary fusion. And it is here, in Old Kōloa Town, that these culinary adventures unfold, under the auspices of Alea and Christian, who continue to explore and experiment within their vibrant, mobile kitchen.
Taco Libre Facebook
Ruffin’ It – Pedal N Paddle
Pedal ‘N Paddle, a long-standing establishment situated in Hanalei, Hawaii, amidst the locale of Ching Young Village, has since 1981 operated as a focal point for those inclined toward adventure and those seeking leisurely pursuits alike. Offering a comprehensive selection of rental options and merchandise, the store provides equipment and gear conducive to navigating the multifaceted natural landscapes of the island, from the crystalline waters of the Pacific to the trails interspersed throughout the land. Customers have at their disposal an extensive array of items, including snorkel gear, soft-top surfboards, bicycles, and kayaks, along with a notably vast selection of hats—over 150 styles and designs, in fact—through Hanalei Hat Co.
A customer-oriented approach becomes evident in the context of a video featuring Olivia Ruff. Olivia, embarking on an adventure in Hanalei, turned to Pedal ‘N Paddle, stating, “I want to go on an adventure, I need to rent some stuff,” thereby highlighting an array of available items, “so you can rent bikes, kayaks, paddleboards, snorkel gear, boogie boards, chairs, camping gear…” This establishment, ensuring accessibility of equipment and protective gear for a diverse range of individuals and activities, provides not only the materials but also guidance on their usage and transportation. Olivia reveals an interaction wherein logistical support is provided for kayak transportation: “We have them, so we show you how to load it on your car, we’ve got the pads that we put down to protect the car, straps to hold it down…” This pragmatic support extends to other rental items as well, facilitating the enhancement of experiences within the natural settings of Hanalei.
Furthermore, the available gear seemingly caters to a myriad of sizes and preferences, with the staff assuring, “Definitely okay,” in response to a query regarding the fitting of snorkel fins for larger feet. However, while snorkel gear is available without a reservation, the recommendation for securing bicycles—both cruiser bikes for local Hanalei excursions and hybrid road bikes for extended adventures—is a reservation, which can be initiated through a simple phone call, according to an employee who clarified the reservation process to Olivia: “You can give us a call at 808-826-9069.”
Despite its broad offerings and proactive approach towards customer service, the operation of Pedal ‘N Paddle veers from the explicitness of a manifest mission statement, instead silently embodying a dedication to enhancing exploratory and recreational experiences across Hanalei. This implicit commitment materializes through an array of products and services tailored to facilitate and amplify interactions with the island’s abundant natural bounties. Olivia Ruff succinctly encapsulated her interaction and experiences with the establishment, expressing her gratitude and hinting at the satisfaction derived from their offerings: “Thank you so much. You’re welcome. Have a great day.”
Thus, Pedal ‘N Paddle stands as a notable entity within Hanalei, steadfast in its provision of gear, rentals, and guidance to those desiring to weave themselves into the tapestry of experiences offered by the island’s diverse terrains and seascapes, underlined by a subtle, yet palpable, ethos of facilitating memorable, uncomplicated adventures.
Down to Earth – The Farm at Hōkūala
Nestled in Hawai’i, a once-abandoned golf course has evolved over the past three years into a 16.5-acre expanse known as The Farm at Hōkūala, flourishing under the cultivation of crops that carry profound cultural and practical significance. The transformation, as recounted by Farmer Cody to Lyndsey Haraguchi-Nakayama in a segment of “Down to Earth Kauai TV,” was initiated in 2018. “It used to be a golf course about 10 years ago, and since then, it was conservation land,” he explained, describing the space as previously “wild, full of weeds, full of feral pigs, and chickens.” His vision: to “revitalize the landscape into a food forest.”
The nascent farm, now a vibrant food forest, is notable for its meticulous nurturing of 12 species of “canoe plants,” those species brought over by ancient Polynesians. Farmer Cody emphasized the importance of one such plant, the coconut, as a “tree of life.” He highlighted, “Hawaiians allowed them to make hats, the papale. You can make fibers with it, different kinds of clothing.” The rationale behind the meticulous choice of plants is interwoven with a fervent dedication to preserve and perpetuate traditional Hawaiian practices and legacies through agriculture.
Engaging not just in cultivation but also in the conservation of indigenous crops, The Farm at Hōkūala seeks to perpetuate a living history and has entwined itself with the local community. About the canoe crops, Farmer Cody elaborated, “We grow all the canoe crops, from the olonā to the mai‘a, and we also conserve them to maintain their legacy here.” The farm’s intertwining with the culinary tapestry of the region is palpable; it sends approximately “40 different ingredients, fresh crops, to the kitchen at Hualani’s Kitchen at Timbers Resorts,” according to Farmer Cody.
Moreover, the cultivated crops venture beyond mere sustenance, weaving their way into various aspects of daily and cultural life, providing materials for clothing and other practical uses. Particularly, the farm boasts an impressive variety of avocados — over a dozen of the 200 types found in Hawai’i — each bringing a unique taste and texture to the table. The goal is for guests to “try the different tastes,” exploring a multitude of flavors that range from buttery to starchy, Cody said.
This agricultural endeavor does more than simply serve the immediate community and visitors. An integral part of its mission entails fostering a sustainable, local food network, which is crucial in a state where, as Farmer Cody noted, “90 percent of food in Hawaii is imported.” His stated goal as a farmer is “to decrease that by one, two, three percent,” a task he believes is achievable, in part, by “educating our children, our keiki, on how to grow food on this beautiful island because it tastes better, it’s even more nutritious for you too if you grow it yourself.”
One remarkable aspect of the farm’s operations is the rapid journey from harvest to table at Hualani’s Kitchen. Farmer Cody detailed this swift transition, stating that after a dishwashing process, they “go out with our wagons and our kids, and we harvest the following morning for him [the chef].” Within mere hours, the freshly-harvested produce is served, embodying the essence of freshness and local consumption.
Furthermore, The Farm at Hōkūala also assumes a philanthropic role in its operations. “Over 10 percent of all the produce growing at the farm goes to schools, it goes to the food bank, it goes to many non-profits, the 4-H clubs,” Cody shared. By involving itself actively in community outreach and seeking to educate the younger generation on the vitality of local farming, the farm sows seeds for a future where the island might be less dependent on imported food, thereby becoming more self-sustaining and environmentally responsible. This initiative provides not merely physical nourishment but also nurtures a sense of connectedness and continuity among the islanders, forging a path towards a future that honors the rich, agrarian history of Hawai’i.
Thus, The Farm at Hōkūala extends beyond an agricultural endeavor, intertwining historical preservation, community service, and environmental sustainability within its operational philosophy, thereby embedding itself as a vital entity within the intricate socio-cultural and economic fabric of Hawai’i.