Hanalei

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

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

Kaua‘i Island Tour – North Shore

Embarking upon the North Shore of Kaua’i, one is greeted with an assemblage of natural elements, amalgamating beaches, mountains, and waterfalls into a cohesive panorama renowned on a global stage.

At the northern apex of the Hawaiian Islands, the Kilauea Lighthouse stands as a beacon atop the scenic coastline, concurrently housing the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, which offers over 200 acres of rehabilitated habitat to indigenous plants and migratory birds. This refuge, curated for preservation and educational outreach, intertwines with the narrative of the Kilauea town, as it is studded with structures reflective of its historical journey.

Just shy of the Princeville town, Anini Beach proffers a blend of tranquility and utility, known amongst locals and travelers alike for its calm waters and comprehensive facilities. Onward to Princeville, it curates an amalgamation of luxury and verdant nature, blending affluent resorts and manicured neighborhoods with the lushness of cascading waterfalls, mountains, and taro fields, providing an interface where human development and nature converse.

Segueing to the Hanalei Valley Lookout, observers are graced with an expansive view of the richly vegetated Hanalei, where taro fields, pivotal to the island’s agricultural and cultural heritage, reside. The Hanalei village maintains a quaint disposition, where local businesses dot the town against the extensive backdrop of Hanalei Bay. The bay, foundational to the town’s identity and functionality, presents a two-mile stretch of sand, edged with verdant mountains and opening arms to the Hanalei Pier.

The Hanalei River, gently caressing the terrain from Mount Waialeale, negotiates its path through the locale, while the White Olilohe’e Church stands as a cultural and historical landmark, echoing traditional services and Hawaiian hymns within its walls each Sunday.

Traveling further north, the road yields to a path that is delineated by six bridges, folding through the communities of Wainiha and Ha’ena, and navigating through a lush, untamed jungle, reflecting the unbridled nature of Hawaii’s northern territories. Ha’ena Beach Park, alongside its neighbor Tunnels, furnishes a canvas for various activities such as beachcombing, shelling, swimming, and snorkeling, particularly during the summer months.

The North Shore further opens the realm of subterranean exploration at Maniniholo Dry Cave, before guiding travelers towards the Majuli Valley and stream, where the footprints of the original Native Hawaiians are imprinted upon the land. Adjacently, Ke’e Beach denotes both the terminal point of the North Shore’s road and the inception of the formidable Na Pali coastline, also acting as a gateway to the Kalalau Trail.

The Napali Coast, renowned for elevations reaching 4,000 feet above sea level, extends from Ke’e Beach in the north to Polihale in the west, offering a spectacle of unmatched natural beauty, accessible through various touristic modalities, including boat and helicopter tours.

Kaua’i’s North Shore, interweaving historical remnants, geological wonders, and culturally steeped locales, provides a nuanced exploration, where the primal beauty of nature intersects with the enduring touch of Hawaiian heritage and contemporary presence.

Wai Koa Loop Trail