Videos

Down to Earth – Kūpaoa

The musical duo Kūpaoa, consisting of Līhau and Kellen Paik, maintains a vibrant presence in the sphere of Hawaiian music, as characterized by their 18-year collaboration and supported by their discography of 8 albums. The pair focuses on creating a musical experience that is rooted deeply in traditional Hawaiian music, as Līhau stated, “we play primarily traditional Hawaiian music.” Through the lens of their journey, an insight into the musical realm that envelopes the cultural and environmental nuances of Hawaii becomes discernible.

Kūpaoa’s commitment to the Hawaiian language and culture is embedded not only in their music but also in their pursuit of capturing and conserving the beauty and depth of Hawaii’s linguistic and cultural heritage. Their music often involves original compositions, as well as new compositions from friends, all with a deliberate inclination toward acoustic arrangements. Kellen elaborates on their efforts to craft a full sound despite their small ensemble size, stating, “We try to make the arrangements sound nice and full, even though it’s just the two of us.”

Kūpaoa’s inception was somewhat serendipitous; what began as a simple invitation by Līhau to Kellen to perform at a wedding evolved unexpectedly into a professional journey. Līhau shared, “After that wedding, we got booked for another gig a couple of weeks later, and it just rolled into 17 years later. Here we are, and it’s become our profession.” Their path was unanticipated, yet, as they recall, resulted in a professional trajectory that integrated them firmly into the industry, receiving 7 Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards, one of which notably was the “Most Promising Artists of the Year” for their first album. The duo recognizes their journey as one of blessing and support, acknowledging those that paved the way: “We’ve had the support of so many people who’ve come before us and really paved the way for us in the industry.”

Their music, much of it centered on Kauai, is a testament to their deep-rooted connection with their home and surroundings, “We do a lot of music about Kauai, of course, because we’re inspired by our beautiful surroundings,” shares Kellen. Furthermore, Kūpaoa’s work transcends mere musical creation. It envelops narratives, often chronicling personal and community experiences, intertwining them with the rich tapestry of Hawaiian tradition. This affinity to their environment is apparent in their music and methodologies, as they negotiate their roles not just as musicians but as members of the community.

In a realm where music is intricately intertwined with cultural expression, the duo’s adherence to traditional Hawaiian music and their sustained commitment to community well-being propels their narrative forward. Their journey, demarcated by unexpected opportunities, community involvement, and the overarching ebb and flow of the music industry, casts a subtle yet persistent imprint on the Hawaiian music landscape, crafting a story that seemingly merges personal narrative, community heritage, and a genuine love for the musical art form.

Kūpaoa Website | Facebook | Instagram

Ruffin’ It – Silver Falls Ranch

Situated in Kilauea, Kauai, Hawaii, Silver Falls Ranch offers visitors a venture through the island’s lush landscapes atop well-trained horses, weaving a distinctive experience that transcends a conventional ride. The ranch, noted for its scenic waterfall tours that envelop a waterfall swim and a picnic lunch, steers a commitment towards not merely furnishing a ride, but a traverse through Kauai’s serene environment.

In a visual exploration facilitated by Olivia Ruff, the 300-acre breadth of Silver Falls Ranch is delineated, with its panoramic vistas and Mount Namahana forming a tranquil backdrop. Three divergent tours are proffered by the ranch, each formulated to adhere to varying preferences and simultaneously display the endemic flora and serene waterfalls of the locale. “We do three different tours,” outlines a guide during the video exploration, elucidating further, “We do an hour and a half of straight trail riding; they will ride past the waterfall to check it out. But our other two tours, we actually dismount and give you time to hang out at the waterfall, go swim, have some snacks.”

Silver Falls Ranch, operational for 25 years, is positioned as the nearest property within the old volcano, Mount Namahana, a formidable entity that sculpted the north shore. According to a guide, once visitors reach deeper into the backcountry, they are introduced to a more profound experience of native flora, including “all three species of koa; you’ll see ohia, all of our native ferns and wild orchids, and all that.”

A distinguishing factor elucidated by the ranch is their inclusivity in accommodating riders up to 300 pounds and welcoming children as young as five years on the trail rides. “One thing that really sets us apart is we’ll take riders up to 300 pounds,” states a representative of the ranch. The horses, exemplified by Akamai and Alika, are celebrated for their patience and propensity for seeking sustenance, all while handling riders adeptly through the trails.

A commendable practice employed by the ranch to maintain the welfare of the horses involves interspersing their work periods with substantial breaks. “For these horses, they do work really hard for us, and we do like to reward them to give them some time off, so we actually send them out on vacation. They’ll work for a month or two, and we’ll give them a couple of weeks off,” shares an employee during the video, illustrating a humane approach towards the creatures that significantly contribute to the experiences curated by the ranch.

While a sense of serenity and immersion in nature is provided by Silver Falls Ranch, the facilitators insist that their offerings are embedded in the primal joy of being amidst nature. “I think the best thing we have to offer here at the ranch is just being out in nature, being close to the mountain, being surrounded by a bunch of fresh water,” one states, subtly underlining the tranquil encounters the ranch offers without overshadowing the intrinsic value of the landscapes themselves.

Positioned on the north shore just outside of Kilauea town up Kalihiwai Ridge, Silver Falls Ranch extends beyond an equestrian venture, offering an intersection with nature, nestled amidst freshwater and the enveloping proximity of a mountain, presenting a method through which the interior of Kauai can be explored and appreciated.

Silver Falls Ranch Facebook | Instagram

Down to Earth – Princeville Botanical Gardens

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

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

Princeville Botanical Gardens Website | Facebook | Instagram

Ruffin’ It – Hanalei Surf School

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hanalei Surf School Website | Facebook | Instagram

Ruffin’ It – Kayak Kauai

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kayak Kaua‘i Website | Facebook | Instagram