Bruce Smalling

Down to Earth – Moloaa Bay Coffee

In the lush landscape of Kaua‘i, Hawaii, Moloa’a Bay Coffee, established in 1998 by John, Daphne, and Amber McClure, functions on a 15-acre plot, home to approximately 4,000 arabica coffee trees and an array of fruit trees. This family-run operation not only propounds a source of coffee but also adheres to a meticulous approach to production, encompassing hand-picking, on-site drying, roasting, and packaging in their Kapa’a facility. The plot, historically utilized for sugar/pineapple plantations and papaya farms, currently cultivates a blend of cacao and coffee, becoming particularly notable for its expansive product range which has come to include various cacao and chocolate products since the introduction of cacao trees in 2005.

The business operation and its multifaceted agricultural process, as elucidated by John McClure in a video interaction, stem from a foundational learning and development in both coffee and cacao production: “When we started, there was no one doing coffee in a big-time except Kauai Coffee, so we ended up having to do everything as an estate, which meant we had to learn from the ground up – first how to grow the coffee, how to process it, and roast it and package it. Then we started to branch out into cacao. It was the same thing; we had to learn from the very beginning how to do the whole process.” The synthesis of these two elements is not merely commercial but also procedural, as some processing methodologies utilized for coffee found applications in cacao production. Moreover, the farm employs a “custom coffee and cacao roaster.”

A secondary yet significant facet of the cacao production pertains to its health implications. Amber highlights the nutritional merits, particularly within their 70% dark chocolate: “Antioxidants – you read a lot about dark chocolate being good for you, and it’s actually true.” This chocolate variant is crafted purely from their cacao nibs and sugar, offering consumers an antioxidant-rich option. An alternative 60% chocolate integrates self-made cocoa butter and sugar, described as “very high-quality pure chocolate” with a notably rich profile. This punctilious approach to creating chocolate and coffee products typifies Moloa’a Bay Coffee’s dedication to providing quality, which seems to navigate beyond mere production, serving as an amalgamation of carefully honed practices and a robust understanding of agricultural procedures.

From harvesting and fermentation to meticulous crafting processes, Moloa’a Bay Coffee encapsulates a confluence of learned agricultural practices, nutritional mindfulness, and a methodical journey from raw materials to final products. This embodiment of dedication to quality and procedural meticulousness underscores the business’s integrity and the McClure family’s adherence to providing products that are not just consumable but embed a piece of the agricultural and familial ethos intrinsic to Moloa’a Bay Coffee.

Moloa‘a Bay Coffee Website | Facebook | Instagram

Secret Shopper – Crystal & Gems Gallery

Crystals & Gems Gallery, situated in Hanalei, Kaua’i, has been a cornerstone for crystal enthusiasts since 1999. As one of Hawaii’s most extensive crystals and minerals stores, the gallery offers a diverse collection, ranging from small tumbled stones to towering amethyst geodes.

The gallery’s founder, Tanize Weck Kotsol, has a rich background that intertwines her passion for the mineral kingdom with her professional journey. Initially pursuing Psychiatry in Brazil, her move to Kauai in 1994 marked a shift towards exploring the therapeutic power of crystals. Under the guidance of Katrina Raphaell at the Crystal Academy of Advanced Healing Arts in Kauai, Tanize delved deep into the world of crystal healing. This exploration culminated in the establishment of the Crystals & Gems Gallery in 1999.

The gallery’s collection is a testament to Tanize’s extensive travels and her dedication to sourcing the best specimens. “I’ve been traveling around the world for 25 years collecting all different crystals and gems and bringing the best specimens to Kaua’i,” she shared. Her commitment extends to offering custom service shopping for clients, ensuring they receive pieces tailored to their preferences.

The gallery’s offerings are not just limited to crystals. Jewelry, much of which is crafted by Tanize herself, is another highlight. “I make a lot of the jewelry in this town,” she mentioned, pointing out pieces made from freshwater pearls and Larimar, a stone reminiscent of the ocean and only found in the Caribbean Sea.

The therapeutic potential of the crystals is a recurring theme. For instance, amethyst, with its calming properties, is described as a stone for “calming, relaxing, [and] tranquility.” Another notable mention is citrine, known as the “good luck stone,” believed to bring prosperity and success.

In conclusion, Crystals & Gems Gallery stands as a unique destination in Hanalei, Kaua’i, offering visitors an opportunity to explore the world of crystals and their therapeutic properties. With its vast collection, custom shopping services, and handcrafted jewelry, the gallery remains a testament to Tanize Weck Kotsol’s dedication and passion for the mineral kingdom.

Crystal & Gems Gallery

Down to Earth – Makanalani

Makanalani Kids, a non-profit originating in Hawaii, dedicates itself to facilitating cost-free camps to children, especially focusing on those who might otherwise be financially excluded from such opportunities. The organizational ethos is seemingly rooted in offering potentially transformative experiences within a calm and picturesque setting, with a mission outlined as providing these camps, framed by an uplifting environmental backdrop, without financial obligation to youth.

A large portion of the experience occurs on Makanalani Farm on Kauai, which encompasses 130 acres with an additional leased parcel of a hundred acres, crafted to present the attendees with lasting memories, particularly underprivileged children. The farm is more than a venue for exploring nature and interacting with animals; it emerges as a platform aimed at transformation, engaging youth in activities ranging from fruit-picking to exploring nature. The farm is inhabited by various animals, notably Katahdin sheep and dairy cows, and employs sustainable practices.

In the words of a representative from the farm in the video segment hosted by Lyndsey Haraguchi-Nakayama, “Our whole purpose for building was to bring kids on the property and to give them an opportunity to experience 130 acres with animals and being able to pick through, being able to just walk around nature, and also to just have a time out, time to be with friends, time to be with counselors.” Not only does the farm curate experiences with nature, but it also introduces children to a variety of animals. Katahdin sheep, described as being bred to be “Hardy for this kind of climate,” and “hair sheep” with “very mild meat,” coexist with around 20 dairy cows which “need to be milked every single day.”

The existence of mini donkeys on the farm is highlighted, described as a “highlight for the kids” due to being “less intimidating than the larger animals” and possessing an amicable and friendly demeanor. The animal encounters seem to be structured to both enlighten and entertain, providing an informal yet educational overview of farm life and animal care.

Beyond the enchanting surroundings and activities, the underpinnings of Makanalani Kids pivot on what are identified as four crucial pillars: collaboration, formative experiences, place, and familiarity, intending to create a “home” in Makanalani for every attendee. The non-profit is operated on the principle that 100% of donations are channeled directly into maintaining the camp and addressing its operational costs.

Further revealing the pragmatics behind sustaining such a venture, the representative shares, “You cannot really do what we’re doing with just farming. We bring the kids here; they essentially get a free holiday. So we have to support that somehow. We’ve started some small businesses specifically to contribute to the kids’ program here in Makanalani.” This includes varied enterprises such as Jojo shave ice, a motorcycle rental business, and Makanalani Herbal Teas, from which proceeds are directed to finance the children’s programs.

Even with these endeavors to support the non-profit financially, there emanates a commitment to its foundational tenets, perhaps best summarized in the statement: “God has been good to us, and that’s what we like to give forward. We like to bless others and hope that they will continue.” While the future is inherently uncertain, the intention appears clear: to ensure that Makanalani Kids continues to facilitate transformative experiences for youth, indelibly connecting them with the land, the animals, and potentially, a different perspective on life.

Makanalani Website | Facebook | Instagram

Down to Earth – Kaua‘i Farmacy

Kauai Farmacy, nestled in Kilauea, Hawaii, delineates itself through a distinct approach to herbal cultivation and product formulation, demonstrating a tangible reverence for the 70-plus medicinal herbs grown across its four-acre terrain. As disclosed in an interaction during a video tour, “We ship tea as well as sell tea at farmers’ markets,” introducing viewers to a snippet of their distribution methodology and indicating a presence in local commerce.

Kauai Farmacy’s meticulously formulated blends serve a multitude of purposes, one of which, as highlighted by a resident expert on the farm, is that the “powders and blends are comprised of protein and herbs for cleansing, as well as herbs that help support digestion, like turmeric for anti-inflammation.” Their commitment to preserving the integrity of their herbs is manifested in their curing process which, as explained during the video walkthrough, is performed at “low temperatures,” a method crucial “to keeping the plant integrity.” This notion accentuates a tangible emphasis on ensuring that the beneficial properties of the plants are meticulously preserved.

Lavender, specifically from Kauai, is underscored as a substantial component in the farm’s repertoire, heralded not only for its aromatic and gustatory pleasures but also for its calming impact on “the digestion and respiratory system,” which is particularly appreciated when consumed “right before bed.” Such informative insights into the attributes of particular herbs foster a nuanced understanding of the meticulous crafting behind the farm’s offerings.

The exploration of ingredients and their respective attributes is particularly notable in the discussion regarding their Love Potion tea, described as being “packed with a lot of antioxidants” and purported to be “good for the heart and the liver.” Specifically, cacao, recognized for its simultaneously sweet and bitter profile, is identified as a pivotal ingredient in the blend. The owner shares that, “The outside is sweet, but the inside is very bitter,” offering a brief dive into the contrasting flavors inherent in their products.

Conversations within the video also shed light on the actualization of Kauai Farmacy’s ethos, which involves a synergy of traditional herbal knowledge with a discernable respect for the inherent properties of each plant. Notably, comments such as “Everything was made with super fresh ingredients” and a declaration that everything in the gardens was there “less than two weeks ago,” imply a certain freshness and quality standard, hinting at a business model that intertwines immediacy with quality.

Their offering, dubbed the “Medicinal Herb Garden Experience,” grants an immersive opportunity for visitors to explore and taste their various offerings, as well as gain insights into the cultivation and formulation practices utilized within the farm. Furthermore, their Tea Lanai provides a space where visitors may intimately engage with their products during weekdays, providing a tangible connection between the consumer and the product.

Kaua‘i Farmacy Website | Facebook | Instagram

Secret Shopper – Havaiki

Havaiki Oceanic and Tribal Art, situated in the picturesque town of Hanalei on Kaua’i, is more than just an art gallery. Specializing in art from the vast Oceania region, which includes around 20,000 Pacific islands and nearly 1,800 cultures and languages, the gallery offers a unique blend of history, culture, and craftsmanship.

The gallery’s collection, which spans art from Hawaii to Indonesia, is deeply rooted in the traditions and spiritual beliefs of the Oceania region. The art pieces are not merely decorative but often serve religious, ceremonial, or practical purposes.

The gallery’s origins are as intriguing as its collection. The owners, who lived on two sailboats, embarked on voyages across the Oceania region, collecting artwork from remote islands. “We lived on two sailboats; we’re permanently on the first boat for five and a half years,” one of the owners shared. The gallery’s collection includes bowls from Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia. Some of these bowls were finished on the day of a child’s birth, symbolizing that the child would never go hungry.

The craftsmanship behind the pieces is evident. Many of the items, such as the handcrafted bowls, are made using traditional tools like chisels and hammers. “They’re basically using chisels and hammers to create most of these pieces,” the owner explained.

The gallery also houses contemporary replicas of traditional designs, some of which use specialized materials like Mastodon because traditional materials like whale bone are becoming scarce. One of the standout pieces is a chunk of rosemary with intricate inlay work. “Each piece is individually called. Something like this might have 300 or 500 individual pieces of inlay, and each one is hand-tacked,” the owner described.

The gallery’s collection isn’t limited to decorative pieces. It also includes traditional weapons and tools, such as the ‘M’ from the Marquesas, known as a neckbreaker, and octopus lures made with tiger cowrie shells.

The gallery’s commitment to authenticity and tradition is evident in every piece. “When you get a real close-up and you look at these pieces, you can see it’s not stamped out; it’s not machined,” the owner emphasized.

In conclusion, Havaiki Oceanic and Tribal Art offers visitors a glimpse into the rich and diverse art and culture of the Oceania region. With its vast collection, knowledgeable staff, and commitment to authenticity, the gallery stands as a testament to the beauty and depth of Oceanic art.

Havaiki

Secret Shopper – Hanalei Boutique

In the heart of Kaua’i, nestled in the Hanalei Center, lies the Hanalei Boutique, a shop that offers a diverse range of products from beachwear to jewelry. Eden Hazelip, the host of the video series “Secret Shopper,” recently took viewers on a tour of this establishment.

Upon entering the boutique, visitors are greeted with a warm welcome. The store boasts a vast collection of beachwear, including dresses, halter tops, surf shorts, and more. One of the standout items is a sarong, which can be styled in various ways, making it a versatile addition to any wardrobe.

Beyond clothing, the boutique offers an array of accessories. Beach blankets, which the host admits to being fond of, are prominently displayed. The store also carries natural soaps, adding to its diverse product range.

Jewelry is another highlight of Hanalei Boutique. The collection includes bracelets and earrings, with a notable mention of black pearls. The boutique hosts trunk shows monthly, showcasing different jewelry pieces.

The dresses at Hanalei Boutique cater to various occasions. From gala nights to casual brunches, the selection is vast. Some dresses, described as bohemian, are hand-crocheted, emphasizing the attention to detail and craftsmanship.

The Hanalei Boutique is open from Monday to Saturday, from 10 am to 2:45 pm. Located a short distance from Bar Acuda in the Hanalei Center, the store is known for its quality products, extensive selection, reasonable prices, and friendly staff.

In conclusion, the Hanalei Boutique offers a unique shopping experience for those visiting Kaua’i, with a wide range of products that cater to different tastes and preferences.

Hanalei Boutique