We are excited you are coming to visit our beautiful community. Hawaii is like another country so we want to make sure you are prepared to have the best experience and interact with the culture the best way possible.
Let’s start with the most important, Aloha.
''Aloha'' is more than a word of greeting or farewell or a salutation. ''Aloha'' means mutual regard and affection and extends warmth in caring with no obligation in return. "Aloha" is the essence of relationships in which each person is important to every other person for collective existence. "Aloha Spirit" is the coordination of mind and heart within each person. It brings each person to the self. Each person must think and emote good feelings to others. In the contemplation and presence of the life force.
The word "aloha" is derived from Proto-Polynesian roots alo, meaning "presence" or "face", and ha, meaning "breath". This literally means "the presence of breath" or "the face of breath". The Aloha Spirit is a Hawaiian philosophy that encompasses the values of community, peace, spiritual truth, and a harmonious future. It's more than just a greeting or farewell, and is about treating everyone with deep care and respect, regardless of differences or disagreements. The Aloha Spirit also includes interconnectedness, gratitude, compassion, and humility.
Appreciate everything.
Pay homage to nature.
Stay rooted in your community.
Be kind.
The term for not having aloha is “haole” or “no breath”. Please try to have breath.
Tips for Aloha on your trip.
DO NOT RUSH. Folks love to “talk story”, talk to people they are lovely.
Driving rules do not apply….people may give you the right of way or take it. DO NOT HONK. Take a deep breath and look at the ocean.
Nothing is fast, food takes forever, things may be closed during the day if there is good surf. Make sure you give yourself time and are flexible.
The word “Kapu” means forbidden….if you see a KAPU sign, have breath DO NOT proceed. It is not for you.
2. At the farm
We have an aerobic sewer system which uses air to feed bacteria to break down waste. Do not flush anything but toilet paper. No bleach, hair color, paint, any chemicals. Anything toxic can kill the bacteria.
We use solar and water catchment which are both renewable resources but also finite in how much we can store. Please be mindful when leaving lights on or showers running.
We are on mile marker 9 out of town. You will need a rental car as driving services are limited. There is no food delivery. The Ohana has a small kitchen for you. There are a few restaurants close but they have short hours.
What’s Shakin’ – Tuesday-Saturday 10am-3pm. Great smoothies and wraps.
Pi’ilani Kitchen – 10-4 every day but Thursday - Great sandwiches and tacos
Big Island Birria Boss – M, T 11-4 Weekend 10-5
Food - all tiny stores have good food made by aunties…try something you have never heard of. Musubi (rice, seaweed and spam usually) Loco Moco…some version of meat with gravy and rice. Sushi/poke is safe to eat anywhere.
3. Ocean, lava, river, jungle, cliff safety
We are lucky to live in one of the most beautiful sections of Hawaii, but you must respect the power of nature. The ocean is wild, please deeply respect it, swim with lifeguards present. The rain makes powerful surges in the rivers, please be aware. The lava is extremely hard, sharp and slippery when wet, be insanely careful. The sun is intense, wear sunscreen and hydrate. It rains a lot here and cliff sides are unstable. Do not go past guard rails or hang out on the edge. If you go to Mauna Kea, the visitor center is lovely to go to. If you want to go to the top go on a tour, do not go by yourself.
We live in the jungle, proceed with caution. That being said there are no snakes or anything poisonous. There are fire ants here, they are microscopic and burn for a min. You will know if you have found some. There is also a parasite “rat lung” so don’t eat anything off the ground or that is not cleaned. You only get it by eating snail droppings…so don’t eat anything a snail might have been munching on. Rinsing will take away the risk.
4. Clothing
Most important: bring shoes that can get wet. If you are walking more comfortable and some traction is good. It will rain, there are rivers and oceans.
Quick dry/polyester clothing is lovely for when you are wet/at the beach but it doesn’t breath well the rest of the time. Cotton/linen etc are best to stay cool in our jungle habitat.
It can be cool at night so a hoodie is a good idea.
If you want to go to Mauna Kea Visitor Center it gets 40-50 degrees. We have large jacket/sweater/pants if that will fit you.
Large brimmed hat to block the sun.
Please only use aina (earth) appropriate sunscreen. There are many labeled “reef friendly” that are not. Basically only Zinc Oxide. No worries if you don’t have any we have many many kinds.
We have a Target if you forget to pack something.
5. Weather
Our weather is 70-80 degrees year round. Very cold is 65 and very hot is 85. It is coolest January-March and hottest August and September. The wet season is November-April (makes things cooler) and the dry season is May-October. That being said the weather all year fluctuates from raining and cool to sunny and hot. So be prepared for both.