MAUI VIEWS KOHALA GUEST HOUSE

ABOUT THIS BLOG

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Aloha and welcome to our blog. Here you will find more photos of Maui Views Kohala Guest House, as well as photos and commentary about our community. Plus you will find many links to various activities, as well as travel guides and tips. Simply scroll over the images to find what you're looking for!

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WHAT'S IN A NAME?

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When we decided to open our guest house, the name Maui Views Kohala came naturally. The amazing views drew us in, despite the work that needed to be done on the property. Also the historical significance of the place: the award-winning Solomon/Beamer hula halau had its first home here. This hula school has either won or placed highly in most Merrie Monarch Festivals. When we saw this property, we felt a strong calling to malama the aina - to care for the land and to restore the buildings - also, to share with others its mana or magical sense of place.

The preceding photos demonstrate the amazing beauty of what you will see out of your window when you stay with us.

DOWNSTAIRS ROOM

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Vintage bamboo armoire, containing small LCD-TV, DVD player and miscellaneous bedding items.

New double futon sofa/sleeper, great for sitting or

extra sleeping area.

Your seating area overlooking Maui and the ocean, on a bright and sunny day!

Entry into dining room

Comfy bed tucked into its own nook

Downstairs private bathroom

Our super-clean ocean view downstairs room is ready for you! This is a well apportioned space that sleeps two on a very comfortable "queen-sized" innerspring futon with memory foam topper (we'd say it's a generous full-size). Additional guests or two travelers wanting to sleep separately now have a sofa futon that converts nicely into another bed.

Like the upstairs suite, this lovely room is full of touches the traveler will appreciate. You have peace and quiet for starters, a well appointed custom shared kitchen with its own dining area, shared outdoor deck and a private bath with deep Kohler tub/shower combo.

Kona coffee, a variety of teas, and breakfast items are provided for you - including oatmeal, eggs, juice, breads and spreads, not to mention a selection of fresh organic fruit. An assortment of spices, cooking oil and other amenities are stocked as well.

In your room is an IPod dock, small LCD-TV with DVD player and a nice selection of DVD's. A diverse and interesting library along with a selection of games and puzzles rounds out the fun. Of course the best feature is still the panoramic view of fields, ocean and Maui floating in the distance!

**All this for $595/wk!**

Email or phone us if you'd like to make reservations!

Entry from dining room/kitchen to your room

UPSTAIRS SUITE

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Shared downstairs dining room photos ...

Private seating area in its own nook with distant ocean view - dine privately here or downstairs in the dining room.

Ambiance in the lovely bedroom area with queen memory foam bed (master bath is behind the door).

Comfy living room area overlooking fields, ocean, Maui.

Reception table with guest book and notebook with tips and other goodies.

Our lovely, clean and spacious upstairs suite of 800 square feet is available for rent by the week or month, as is the entire Guest House (contact us for pricing on entire house, please).

Overlooking the fields of Kokoiki, Kohala - birthplace of King Kamehameha the Great - and the Alanuihaha Channel and island of Maui - you feel like you are "on the top of the world," in the words of a guest!

** Rates $750 weekly! **

All areas of your suite have expansive, unobstructed ocean views with vaulted ceilings and an open floor plan. A queen size bed with memory foam mattress awaits the traveler's weary bones, along with a panorama of fields, ocean and Maui. In the living room are double and single comfy foam futons which can be used for seating or sleeping. Bathroom has a large tiled shower with a nice high shower head. There is also a nook for dining privately if you wish (bring your tray upstairs), or dine downstairs in the shared dining room/kitchen area. You are of course welcome to use this lovely, well-appointed custom kitchen. Kona coffee, assorted teas and various breakfast items are provided, including oatmeal, organic eggs, breads and spreads and fresh organic fruit. An assortment of spices, cooking oil and other amenities are stocked for you. There is also a lovely deck outside with an ocean view and seating, along with small tables for alfresco dining.

Inside your comfortable suite is a large variety of interesting books, DVDs, games, puzzles and a variety of oracle cards. Inside the cabinet pictured above are a LCD-TV and DVD player. A small IPod dock/radio are beside your bed. Mahalo for your consideration in staying with us!

Email or phone us if you'd like to make reservations!

These are older photos showing expansive size of suite...

... with bedroom looking into small private dining area

... and bedroom looking into living room ...

Shared downstairs kitchen

Make yourself at home, here at Maui Views Kohala Guest House!

ACCOMMODATIONS

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Dine al fresco or sit for coffee, watching the sun flood fields and ocean...

Spectacular views of ocean and Maui in the distance

(unfortunately my camera can't do close and far away

at the same time very well! See our post WHAT'S IN A NAME for the real deal!)

This corner contains a small Foreman grill for guest use

Shared deck for guests of Maui Views Kohala

If you are seeking a getaway with a real feeling of retreat, look no further. Peace and quiet are yours here - there is space and energy for gathering of inner resources. A perfect place to write, contemplate or simply kick back and luxuriate in doing nothing at all.

Kohala is rich in historical importance and rich in natural resources. Geologists have proven that it once was a separate island, joined by lava flowing from Mauna Loa, thousands of years ago. It is a fertile and rich area - many organic farms lie in this region, along with a windmill farm, abundant fish and clear, clean waters and open spaces.

We can now boast Hawaii's first solar powered "green" library in our community!

http://www.librarieshawaii.org/pdf/49.pdf

and soon we will have her first lovely wildlife center which, among other things, will rehab indigenous creatures from all the Hawaiian islands:

http://www.hawaiiwildlifecenter.org/

The book Kohala Aina by Sophie Switzer details much of this region's past, along with providing beautiful photographs of days gone by. Kohala is a safe and diverse community, full of Aloha spirit. We also have some of the most talented musicians on these islands. Many of them play at local venues such as The Bamboo Restaurant and Luke's Place (see Blog Archive post "Restaurants of Note"), as well as seasonal festivals and events.

Maui Views Kohala Guest House is on the site of a former hula school and is located directly mauka from the birthplace of King Kamehameha the first and Upolu Point, the northernmost tip of the Big Island. We are a 10 minute drive from the original King Kamehameha statue and a 20 minute drive to the stunningly beautiful Pololu Valley with its black sand beach (and zipline adventures, back in the valleys - see Blog Archive post "Activities in Kohala"). And although Hawi seems to have a magic all its own, you are less than a 1/2 hour drive from some of the best resorts and white sand beaches on the island (Mauna Kea, Hapuna State Beach).

COMMUNITY PHOTOS

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HAWI HALE - HAWI

Home to renowned Sushi Rock; Zest restaurant and a local artists' cooperative.

TAKATA STORE - HAWI

Not pretty, but this unassuming building houses the greatest market any community could want. From produce to island beef and quality pet food - many residents find they never have to go to Waimea or Kona for food - Takata has all they need!

SHIGE'S GAS STATION

On the corner of Hawi Rd. and Akoni Pule Highway, Shige's gas is reasonable and discounted 6 cents/gallon on Tuesdays and Fridays! FULL service with plenty of pumps.

HAWI POST OFFICE

Home to our little post office, this building also houses Surety Corporation (if you need permits to access their lands) and Nakahara General Store.

HAWI POST OFFICE

Pictured is Hoku our postmaster, whose pleasant face greets you weekdays between 8-10:30 and sometimes on Saturday between 8-10 when you come to the Farmers Market.

GALLERIES AND GIFT SHOPS

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THE BAMBOO RESTAURANT - HAWI

Described in RESTAURANTS (CONTINUED), the gift shop here is nice, as is the gallery upstairs. 889-5555.

PURA VIDA - KAPA'AU

Now this is really upscale. Beautiful items, reasonably priced, carefully cultivated inventory - much of which is crafted by local island artists. Dine at the Nanbu Courtyard right next door, and browse away! 889-0562.

ELEMENTS - HAWI

This gallery, once located in Kapa'au, is one of our favorites. Quality merchandise, good variety of items/prices. 889-0760.

MORE NOTABLE RESTAURANTS

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LIGHTHOUSE LIQUORS and LIGHTHOUSE DELI

Located across the street from the coffee mill, both are a class act where you can find a wonderful assortment of wines and local and imported beers - as well as nostalgic items such as Mary Janes and Blackjack Gum and decent chocolates. And they deliver!

Call 889-0505 or visit their website:

http://www.lighthouseliquorshi.com/LightHouseLiquors.html

Fast becoming one of Hawi's most popular choices for lunch or an early dinner, New York-style LIGHTHOUSE DELI is the only one of its kind on the Big Island. We have friends who regularly drive up from Kealakekua just to buy their meats and cheeses. Of course she's a former restaurant owner and Italian to boot, so she will travel for good quality such as this. We are thrilled to have this business in town. Their menu is diverse and you can also pick up and take out, including freshly baked breads and high quality condiments. Shouldn't be missed! Also open for brunch on Sundays - eggs benedit! mmmmm....

Call 889-5757 - eat in or take out

THE BAMBOO RESTAURANT

The Bamboo (photos placed elsewhere in blog) is what brings many people to Hawi. And it's worth the experience for either lunch or dinner - the building is historic and beautifully done with many touches throughout. The gift shop and upstairs gallery are wonderful if expensive. Meals are good, prices range from high to low and there are enough items on the menu to please most diners. No espresso, sadly - but there is great local entertainment Friday and Saturday nights. And now they offer special prices on pupus and drinks from 4-6 p.m. midweek - call for details.

Dinner reservations preferred. 889-5555.

LUKE'S PLACE - HAWI

Great building - nice renovation, inside and out! The food is basic, not great. There are better places to eat in town, then come have a drink at the lovely bar while listening and dancing to some fabulous local entertainment! 889-1155. Now owned by the Big Island Eco Adventures folks, your zipline tour will meet and leave from here as well.

KOHALA COFFEE MILL AND KAVA KAFFE - HAWI

Owned and operated by two different people, both businesses are great for mixing with local folks. Staff people are friendly, atmosphere fun. Food is good, espresso the same. Kava is some of the best on the island. Fun gift items in the Mill. Free wireless/both.

Coffee Mill for lunch or early morning coffee and muffin. Sunday mornings usually features wonderful local entertainment.

889-5577

No listing for Kava Kaffe, which now serves a tasty vegan dinner Friday evenings. I believe they are now open Saturdays evenings as well, but best to check first.

RESTAURANTS OF NOTE

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SUSHI ROCK - HAWI

Really some of the most creative/best sushi and creative food we've ever had. Award-winning and time-tested, we have never heard anything but rave reviews from our guests. Menu items from appetizers to entrees and desserts are top-notch, and there's plenty for non-sushi eaters to choose from (as well as vegetarians). Good atmosphere, fabulous, happy staff. Owner Peter Pomeranze pays enduring attention to detail and is a gracious host. They also sell fresh fish, if you're interested in cooking at home. Lunch, dinner.

889-5900

ZEST

Newly opened next door to Sushi Rock. Mediterranean style foods, many locally sourced and/or organically grown. Mixed guest reviews.
They advertise being open every night, but you might want to check before driving too far.

889-1188

THE COURTYARD AT NANBU

You get to eat in these lovely surroundings - some under cover in case of rain.

THE NANBU COURTYARD - KAPA'AU

Great location with backyard garden seating. Great espresso, good food. Their Reuben, Rachel (Reuben w/turkey) and/or bison burger are featured, along with vegetarian dishes as well. Lunches only, takeout available. Open Saturdays as well as weekdays - until 2 pm.

889-5546

GILL'S LANAI - KAPA'AU

This is the old Pico's Bistro, now a grill featuring freshly caught fish and fruit smoothies - other stuff too. Looks good, but we haven't tasted the food yet. Open for lunch and until 5:00.

MINNIE'S - KAPA'AU

Good local food courtesy of Kohala's Lim family. Affordable prices, nice folks. Open most days for lunch or dinner. Eating inside our out, takeout available.

KING'S VIEW CAFE

I don't have a photo of this little place and have been remiss leaving it out up 'til now. It's located directly across from the statue of King Kamehameha, and next door to Ackerman's Gallery. Their food is lunch-style (sandwiches and such), but good, and ample portions to split if desired! Fresh baked cookies and other desserts are reasonably priced. Very popular pizza joint - known by locals for quality, though we've never eaten it (we can't get past the sandwiches!). Open most days for lunch or dinner - eat in or outside - takeout of course.

APPROACHING KOHALA

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SAUSAGE TREE BLOSSOMS

(this tree blooms at night, drops its stunning blossoms by morning!)

SAUSAGE TREES

SACRED HEART CHURCH

(next door to the Hawi Jodo Mission)

THE HAWI JODO MISSION

(where, a few times yearly, one can participate in/observe the Bon Dance)

THE OLD MOVIE THEATRE

(When I first came to town, I pined to own and restore this landmark building, though it seems it won't be for sale for a long time ...)

COMMUNITY

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Historic Bamboo Restaurant

WELCOME TO HISTORIC KOHALA!

These words grace a sign posted at the entrance to Hawi’s downtown area. And though the town has changed a bit since the sugar plantation days, several old buildings have been carefully restored, giving the town its historic feel.

In this grouping of posts, I will give you what we consider the highlights of our community. If you don’t see a business featured that you have read about in a guide book for example, it may simply be because it no longer exists (the bookstore, the surf shop) or because it is not recommended (tourist rip-off, unclean premises, etc.).

Hawi has all the conveniences you are used to – a post office, general store, gas station, Paradise Postal where you can send UPS and FEDEX as well as access wireless internet, a wonderful and diverse “super” market just outside of town, a farmers’ market on Saturday mornings under the giant banyan trees located across from the post office, and several restaurants and gift shops - a few of them quite good. The difference you will find here is that these businesses each have a charm all their own and help you to remember that you are actually in Hawaii, not a polished up resort with national high-end retailers and restaurants. This certainly does not mean our community lacks quality – quite the contrary! Some of the best handcrafted works can be found right here. Kohala has long attracted artists and musicians whether native or relocated, and continues to offer some of the best local entertainment around.

The aloha spirit is alive and well in this slow-paced, safe and comfortable community. Watch your driving speed and treat people with the same dignity you wish to have offered to you, and you will feel as close to the spirit of Hawaii as a person is able.

ACTIVITIES, TRAVEL TIPS, GUIDEBOOKS

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Zipline tour photos

Whether you want to be active or passive on your Hawaii vacation, there are many things to do here in historic Kohala!

Kohala is rich in historical importance and rich in natural resources. Geologists have proven that it once was a separate island, joined by lava flowing from Mauna Loa thousands of years ago. It is a fertile and rich area - many organic farms lie in this region, along with a windmill farm, abundant fish and clear, clean waters and open spaces.

We now have Hawaii's first solar powered "green" library!

http://www.librarieshawaii.org/pdf/49.pdf

And her first wildlife center is almost ready to open its lovely facility. It will, among other things, rehab indigenous creatures from all over these Hawaiian islands:

http://www.hawaiiwildlifecenter.org/

The book Kohala Aina by Sophie Switzer details much of this region's past, along with providing beautiful photographs of days gone by.

AND NOW, FOR THE ACTIVITIES!

20 minutes to our southwest lies Mauna Kea Resort, with one of the most beautiful beaches on the islands. If parking is full, there's always Hapuna State Beach, a five minute drive from there, with full facilities including a nice little snack bar. On your way, pick up beach and snorkeling rental equipment in Kawaihae. Kayak rentals are also available in this harbor town.

20 minutes to our east lies Pololu Valley. You may bring your lunch and hike down to this black sand beach, but swimming or surfing is usually reserved for the very experienced. Strong currents, amazing views. Bring plenty of water, as the hike out is straight out! But well worth it! Or you can simply sit at the overlook and gasp in awe.

Zipline tours above the Pololu valley -amazing!
Kohala's newest zipline tour with Hawaii Forest & Trail

See Kohala's beautiful countryside from an ATV
Kayak an old irrigation ditch with its source in a lovely forest paradise

(this is run by the same folks as the ATV adventures, and they give discounts if you do both the ATV as well as the ditch tour. Check 'em out!)

Nighttime manta ray dive in Kona

Check out Farmers Markets near and far on the island

Hawi has their own farmers market Saturday mornings from 8-noon, and now Tuesdays as well - under the giant banyan trees next to the (big yellow) post office. Talk story with the locals, have breakfast and/or pick up lunch (tamales, plate lunch, poi, Thai, more!). Also yummy produce from Kohala's organic farmers. And you might just find a treasure to take home as well, as there are often flea market items available. Plants, food, baked goods, variety.

Check out Mo'okini Heiau, a 10 minute drive from here. You'll need 4WD or a strong desire to hike along some beautiful but hot coastline.

Visit King Kamehameha's birthplace along this same trail.

Visit King Kamehameha statue in the nearby town of Kapa'au - about 8 minutes from Maui Views Kohala Guest House. While you're at it, have lunch at the Nanbu Courtyard or Pico's Bistro (sold and reopening soon - it will be a surprise to all of us!). Minnie's has good local style food.

Check out local galleries while you're at it. Ackerman's is very touristy and high priced. Pura Vida, next door to Nanbu Courtyard, has high quality locally made arts and crafts and you might like it better. More on galleries in another posting.

If you arrive during the week, check out the old Bond Estate. You'll need a day permit to hike the grounds, but the landscape is beautiful and well worth stopping into Iole's office to sign a permit. You may have to pay a small fee to hike the trails, but it will be well worth it. They also have a gift shop with cold drinks and local handcrafts.

A bit far of a drive (1 hour), but worth mentioning is the Honoka'a People's Theater. You never know what is going on here, so check it out. At least you can see a movie in this beautifully restored, neoclassical building. Local filmmakers are also featured.

If you happen to be here during a full moon, you must check out the full moon talk story at the Mauna Lani hotel. This talk story and musical event is free to the public, set along the ocean's shore, and hosted by Senator Daniel Akaka's son, Danny Kaniela Akaka. You'll see some fine talent, no doubt.

Check out these GUIDE BOOKS for more information on our area. Some of these are provided for you at Maui Views Guest House:

Hawaii the Big Island Revealed: The Ultimate Guidebook by Andrew Doughty

No Worries Hawaii: A Vacation Planning Guide for Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island by Jerry Sprout and Janine Sprout

Hawaii The Big Island Trailblazer: Where to hike, snorkel, surf, bike, drive by Jerry Sprout and Janine Sprout

Map of Hawaii: The Big Island : Reference Maps of the Islands of Hawaii (Reference Maps of the Islands of Hawai'i) by James Allen Bier

Snorkel Hawaii: The Big Island Guide to the Beaches and Snorkeling of Hawaii, 3rd Edition by Judy Malinowski and Mel Malinowski

Moon Handbooks Big Island of Hawaii: Including Hawaii Volcanoes National Park by Robert Nilsen

Beaches of the Big Island (A Kolowalu Book) by John R. K. Clark

Hawaii Trails: Walks Strolls and Treks on the Big Island (Hawaii Trails: Walks, Strolls & Treks on the Big Island) by Kathy Morey

Check out the RESTAURANTS Blog Archive posts (RESTAURANTS, GIFTS SHOPS, COMMUNITY; RESTAURANTS OF NOTE; RESTAURANTS, CONTINUED) for nightly entertainment as well as good eats.

Check out the GALLERIES AND GIFT SHOPS Blog Archive post for a more detailed listing of local art works.

TRAVEL TIPS:

If you can, fly Hawaiian Airlines http://www.hawaiianair.com/Pages/Index.aspx. I promise they don't pay me to say this. But a) they have amazing specials to and from the west coast if you're on the mainland US, and b) they feed you a real meal! You will have seats that fit most of us and a nice spirit of Aloha. Plus the films they show get you pumped for island exploring!

If Hawaiian Airlines is not an option and/or to check for specials, be sure and visit:

http://www.hotwire.com/, http://www.priceline.com,

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Cheap_Vacations-g28932-Hawaii.html, http://www.travelzoo.com, http://www.expedia.com, http://www.cheapflights.com,

to name a few.

For discount car rentals, try: http://www.discounthawaiicarrental.com, though most of the major carriers are represented here and have ongoing specials if you ask for them - don't forget your auto club discounts as well as AARP or Costco memberships as well. Another site that might be worth checking out: http://www.carrentalhawaii.com

And last but not least, if you are coming to stay with us here in magical North Kohala, your quickest route would be to land in Kailua-Kona (KOA airport) instead of Hilo. Kona is about an hour's drive, where Hilo is double that. But if you get a special going into Hilo, just plan for the extra time driving. It will be a lovely drive up the Hamakua coast, through three major gulches, with stunning ocean views.The other alternative is the mostly-newly-paved Saddle Road, taking you past the base of Mauna Kea and Pohakuloa Military Training grounds through its starkly beautiful lava landscape.

The Kona drive first takes you through a moonscape of old lava beds with a turquoise ocean view the entire way, replete with some of Hawaii's most exclusive resort communities. Once you come through the port town of Kawaihae and turn onto the Hawi ocean road, you will be close to the ocean the entire way. And during whale season you will almost feel compelled to stop along the way to watch whales jumping for most of the journey.

Oh and don't worry about stocking up on groceries - we have a wonderfully complete and reasonably priced community market, Takata's, less than 10 minutes away, with local produce and a vast array of groceries including a well stocked health food section and great ice creams! And if you arrive late, we provide breakfast foods for your enjoyment the next morning.