Hawaii Four 0 Seasons

Hawaii Four-0 Seasons

In Hawaii when we talk seasons we often identify Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall in a way that is localized to the micro climate where we live. We use indicators like surf conditions (South Swell- Summer, Winter Swell - North Shore), wet or dry (no make salt, make salt), flower blooms for leis (pakalana, pikaki, plumaria perfumes the air…) and fruits in season (can you say mango season!)

Lucky we live Hawaii!

If you have traveled to Hawaii you know that each major island is unique in size and land conditions. All the islands are built upon volcanic terra firma – with rainy sides and dry sides and mountains in the middle. This natural ecology allows for a year round growing season and make for some delicious local eating.

Visiting Hawaii this summer? - Plan to buy LOCAL seasonal fruit…if you can. Shopping in HI supermarkets you might be tempted to pick up a peach but be forewarned; mainland imported produce has spent weeks in transit and just aren’t flavorful by the time they arrive here in the islands.

Living in Hawaii we are always looking for the best local seasonal produce, whether from our yard, fruit stands, farmer’s markets or the grocery stores. The islands are full of farmers markets, some sell ONLY organic produce; others have farmers with specialty items like goat cheese and honey. Don’t be surprised if you see fruit stand along the road with a “honor system” for payment. That’s local style…still.

If you're not local, be aware that farmers markets in Hawaii have serious start-times. Shoppers line up and wait for the opening horn at which point folks run to claim the freshest lettuce and most fragrant pineapple… and this time of year mangos. The “aloha” seems a bit lacking in the “rush for the best” but if you lay back and let the crazy pass you will find a plethora of farm fresh fruits, veggies and local products that will make your experience worth the price.

This year the island of Kauai seems to have had a lot of rain, particularly on the Westside of Kauai where our best mangos grow. Locals say the mango and lychee crops, if any, will be small. Folks start eating mangos green with shoyu and continue on thru the Summer when the ripe, juicy and fragrant fruit is usually abundant.

Along with mango and lychee, breadfruit, starfruit (pictured above), Meyer lemons, seedless limes and logan are the fruits of Summer in the Islands. They are showing up at markets but it’s get em when you can. Some years we have so many mangos that folks can’t give them away…not this year.

Kadomatsu - New Year Tradition in Hawaii

As the New Year approaches a custom that is hanai into our local tradition is placing a kadomatsu at the entry door of the home or business. Originated more than 400 years ago the kadomatsu is no longer a common practice in Japan yet it is devotedly perpetuated here in Hawaii as part of the culture brought to the islands during the “peopling of Hawaii.” Japanese visitors to the islands delight in seeing that we in Hawaii carry on a tradition that many no longer practice in Japan.

Kadomatsu (門松, meaning gate pine), is a symbolic decoration made from bamboo shoots and pine (matsu) tied together with a handmade straw rope. Traditionally the kadomatsu is set on both sides of the entry but many folks in Hawaii display a single one on a front porch or at the front desk in a business to usher in good luck for the New Year!

The natural elements used in making of the kadomatsu all have significance. Bamboo symbolizes strength and growth and is tied together with pine cuttings that symbolize long life. Traditionally the kadomatsu is made from 3 bamboo strains, diagonally cut; around 1 meter (3ft) tall but the size can reflect the entryway. In Hawaii smaller ones are usually seen inside of business.

Similar to the art of ikebana (Japanese flower arrangement), the bamboo shoots are set at three different heights and represent heaven, humanity, and earth with heaven being the highest and earth being the lowest. Depending on tradition some kadomatsu makers tie the humanity and earth shoots at the same height. After binding all the elements of the kadomatsu, it is bound with a newly woven straw rope and mat.

Traditionally kadomatsu are placed in pairs on either side of the entry, representing yin (female) and yang (male) – opposite and equal qualities. Plum (ume) blossoms can also be used in the arrangement, representing new beginnings, purity and sweetness.

Place your kadomatsu at the front door after Christmas and keep until January 7th, to welcome the New Year. It is believed that this brings prosperity and good luck in the next year to the families (or the businesses) protected by kadomatsu.

Xeriscaping - An Innovative Approach to Water Conservation

More than just an industry buzz word, xeriscaping offers an alternative to maintaining the island’s beautiful landscapes with minimal water waste. You can save anywhere from 30%-80% of outdoor water consumption through xeriscaping. If you are interested in turning your landscape into a xeriscape (or a partial xeriscape), there are several guidelines to follow.

The basic premise of xeriscaping is to take advantage of natural climate conditions to make efficient use of irrigation. It’s essential to include plants whose natural requirements are suitable to the local climate. For us in Hawaii, beach naupaka and yellow hibiscus are two examples of indigenous, or native, plants to the islands.

It is equally important to limit and separate grassed areas - that often require the greatest amount of watering - from trees, shrubs and flowering plants. This distinction allows each area to be irrigated individually. You may also consider replacing turf with low water-demanding plants or mulches.

Another fundamental principle of xeriscaping is regular maintenance. Xeriscapes can actually help reduce maintenance costs. By consistently pruning, weeding and properly fertilizing, you can realize even greater water savings. Finally, be sure not to over irrigate; always water according to plant needs.

So, if you’ve heard about xeriscaping, but you thought it meant having a garden full of cacti, you may want to reconsider this creative landscaping approach to conserving water.

A Plumeria By Any Other Name...

Did you know there are more than 300 named varieties of Plumeria? In India, the Plumeria is known as the Fragipani. We often see the Singapore Plumeria adorning Kauai’s landscapes, with it’s beautiful white flower and it’s deliciously fragrant bouquet. This variety is the only Plumeria that is not deciduous - meaning it doesn’t lose all its leaves in the winter - which is why it is so popular among resort landscapes.

While the Singapore Plumeria has become somewhat indigenous to the island, there are many selections that are just as lovely and aromatic. The Yellow Plumeria is another popular Hawaiian selection. It is most commonly used for lei making because it holds up so well and is most fragrant.

During this time of the year, all types of Plumeria are in full bloom, making it a very sensuous time to visit Hawaii. To visit Hawaii and inhale the Plumeria fragrance for the first time, is an experience you can never forget. We encourage all of our clientele to experience Plumeria at its best here on our glorious island.

The Season of Graduation

Graduation season is upon us throughout the Hawaiian islands. From late May through mid- June, commencement exercises will take place all across the State. High School Graduation is especially significant to the Hawaiian culture and preparing for the big event is a family affair, which includes planning and shopping for the graduation after party -- and the perfect flower lei.

Hawaiians have a long standing tradition of giving leis to the graduates to celebrate their accomplishments. Oftentimes, the leis are piled up so high that it can be difficult to distinguish the graduates from each other. While there are hundreds of combinations to choose from, some favorite traditions include maile, orchid and ti-leaf (believed to impart good luck to the recipient).

In addition to a traditional flower lei, some families get creative with other types of leis. Some craft a “money lei“, made up of coins wrapped up in colorful netting or dollar bills folded in the shape of a fan and intertwined with color-coordinated ribbon to match the school colors. Other styles include “candy leis” or handmade ribbon leis, which make for long-lasting, graduation memento. If you are celebrating a graduation this year with a family member or special friend, be sure to recognize it with a commemorative lei.