Underwater Paradise

by Dodie MacArthur, R(B) CEO and Owner on January 10, 2012

Humuhumunukunukuapua'a Photo By Michel Johnson

The state fish of Hawaii is the Humuhumunukunukuapua’a.  Try saying that three times in a row: humu humu nuku nuku apua a.  It’s one of the many indigenous fish and marine animals that live around the Hawaiian Islands and can be seen while diving or snorkeling.

When people think of Hawaii they picture the white sand beaches lined with palm trees, but the real paradise is a few feet away under the sea.  Volcanic activity continues to expand the Big Island, adding new pieces to the coral gardens every year.  Divers and snorkelers can see thousands of different types of marine animals while exploring.  Everything from sponges to turtles make the coral reef their home.

Kapoho Tide Pools Photo By Mike McGrath

On the Kona side there are a variety of good locations to choose from.  Kailua Bay is a great snorkeling area.  The shallow reef has lots of fish and if your lucky you might see a moray eel.  Kahaluu Beach Park, one of the most popular, is fed by a fresh water spring.  Lots of colorful fish and coral to explore.  On the Hilo side of the island there are a few good spots, although most agree the water is clear on the Kona side.  Leleiwi Beach Park is a good location to see Hawaiian Sea turtles and it’s not far from Hilo.  Kapoho Tide Pools has very calm surf and is a nice place for children.  Bring a picnic and spend the whole day probing through the water and sunbathing on the lava rocks.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your aquatic adventure today. You can easily book one of our vacation rentals online at, www.letsgohawaii.com.  If you need to get in touch with us feel free to contact us at MacArthur and Company / Sotheby’s International Realty.

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Dancing With Ancestors

by Dodie MacArthur, R(B) CEO and Owner on February 4, 2012

Hula Performance Kailua-Kona, Big Island

On the Big Island there are quite a few festivals that mix traditions that go back hundreds of years with contemporary social activities.  One of the best examples is a dance.  While many of styles and movements come from the past, people still go to socialize and meet new friends.

Hula was first danced by the Polynesians on the Hawaiian Islands and since then it has grown so popular that people dance different forms of it all over the world.  Still, there is nothing quite like seeing a performance in Hawaii.  During the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival, which takes place in the spring, Hilo becomes packed with visitors who come to honor the last of the Hawaiian Kings, King David Kalakaua, and see the world renowned hula competition.

Bon Dance Hawaii

Obon festival season, which runs from June through August, spotlights a different form of dance. Bon dancing was brought to the islands by Japanese immigrants and is performed to celebrate the souls of departed ancestors. On the Big Island, you can expect to see people dressed in traditional kimonos circling around a high wooden scaffold while flutes and taiko drums play.

The Kalani Performing Arts Festival offers both classes and free public performances in various art forms.  During July you may want to stop by Pahoa to take part in some of the activities.  Classes include modern dance, aerial, hula, and theater.  Each evening there are performances showcasing both the students and renowned faculty.

If you are coming to the Big Island during one of these spectacular festivals and need a place to stay, have a look at our vacation rentals.  Our website now has an easy to navigate area featuring beautiful rentals.  Have a look at, www.letsgohawaii.com

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Big Island Jazz and Blues Society Presents Maria Muldaur

by Dodie MacArthur, R(B) CEO and Owner on February 1, 2012

Maria Muldaur Photo By Michael Dougan

Remember that 70s hit Midnight at the Oasis?  It was made famous by Maria Mulder.  And guess what?  She’s coming to the Big Island.  On Saturday, February 4th, Maria Mulder will be preforming at the Hilo Elks Lodge at 6:30 PM.  It’s one of the many events the Big Island Jazz and Blues Society is presenting in 2012.

What’s Maria been doing since Midnight at the Oasis? Well, for the last thirty-eight years she’s toured all over the world, recorded thirty-nine albums, and become one of the leading voices in American roots music.  In 2001 her album, Richland Woman Blues, was nominated for a Grammy.  In 2005 Sweet Lovin’ Ol’ Soul was nominated for the W.C. Handy Award.  And she still hasn’t slowed down.  She’s been nominated for six Grammy awards and toured from San Francisco to Scotland to Mexico, and now here.

Lark Theater Photo By Michael Dougan

For this special Hilo performance Maria is teaming up with drummer Bruce David, pianist Jon Close, bassist Frank Musacchio, and guitarist Wesley Matsuda.  Besides Jon, the whole band calls the Big Island home and each of them has a long history of playing local venues.  Tickets will be available at the door and will be offered at a discount to members of the Big Island Jazz & Blues Society.

The BIJBS was started by David Watson and Fung Irvine in the fall of 2010.  They wanted to create programs and special events for children and adults that were fun and nurtured cultural exchange.  Over the last year the society’s membership has grown significantly and now includes musicians and music lovers.  If you’d like to become a member or would like more information about the BIJBS, have a look at their website, www.bigislandjazz.com.

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2011 Hawaii Paniolo Hall of Fame

by Dodie MacArthur, R(B) CEO and Owner on January 30, 2012

Bull Riding Molokai, Hawaii Photo By Kate Gardiner

In 2011 ten cowboys were inducted into the Paniolo Hall of Fame. The ceremony took place at the at the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council Annual Convention on Saturday, November 19, 2011. The honorees included: Louis von Tempsky, A. Hartwell Carter, Clarence Medeiros Sr, Donald G. DeSilva, Dee B. Gibson, Peter Kama Sr., Naluahine Kaopua, Richard K. P. Smart Clarence Medeiros Sr., Gary J. Rapozo, and Harry “Pono” von Holt.

Hawaii has a long tradition of cowboys and cattle ranching. In 1932 several Mexican vaqueros were invited to the islands to teach locals how to rope and ride. They arrived with boots and saddles and were called “paniolo” by the Hawaiians. The skills taught by the vaqueros were passed down through the generations and became deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture.

Today, the Paniolo Heritage Center at Pukalani Stables (located in Waimea) is the home of the Paniolo Hall of Fame. Inductees to the hall of fame are Hawaiian cowboys who have made a significant contribution to cattle ranching on the islands. Since 1998, 116 members, both living and deceased, have had the honor of being inducted into the Paniolo Hall of Fame.

The Paniolo Heritage Center can be visited on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Admission is free but donations are appreciated and go directly to preserving Hawaii’s ranching heritage.  For more information visit their website, www.paniolopreservation.org

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Hawaiian Honeymoon

by Dodie MacArthur, R(B) CEO and Owner on January 27, 2012

Beach at Mauna Lani

When you’re planning your honeymoon you hope that everything will go right. You don’t want to spend thirteen hours in an airport because of a delayed flight. You don’t want to get some strange disease from the local cuisine. And you definitely don’t want to check into your hotel and find a twenty foot python wrapped around the bedpost. Couples talk about going to distant countries like Thailand or Tanzania, but they usually change their mind after they realize it will be a twenty-three hour plane ride. Add in mosquito swarms and shady rickshaw drivers and the trip doesn’t sound romantic or relaxing at all.

Akaka Falls, Big Island

A honeymoon in Hawaii offers all the exotic picturesque scenery without the need for a visa. Plus the flight is about a quarter of the time it takes to get to other tropical destinations. But where do you stay when you get here? The Kona side of the Big Island offers some of the best beaches and resorts including the Four Seasons Hualalai, Mauna Lani Bay, and The Fairmont Orchid. On the Hilo side you’ll find small B&Bs between lush foliage. Of course if a resort is not your thing and you want something more private and secluded we have a variety of vacation rentals that might fit your needs, www.letsgohawaii.com.

The Big Island offers an assortment of outdoor activities. Explore the lava tubes of the Volcanoes National Park or take a hike up to the Akaka Falls. Stroll through the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden or charter a boat and set out to swim with the dolphins. In the evening choose from some of the most exquisite restaurants on the islands where you are sure to see the moon casting its brilliance across the Pacific. Whatever you decide you’ll have a memorable honeymoon experience here on the Big Island.

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Repairing Ahu’ena Heiau

by Dodie MacArthur, R(B) CEO and Owner on January 24, 2012

Restoring Ahu'ena Heiau

Last March the earthquake in Japan triggered a tsunami that swept in and hit the Kona coast. The King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel and the Ahu‘ena Heiau, which is on the hotel grounds, both suffered damage. Now, almost a year later, the historical site has been almost completely restored by volunteers from Ahuena Heiau Inc., a nonprofit organization.

In the Hawaiian language heiau means temple and Ahu‘ena Heiau was King Kamehameha’s personal place of worship. It was reconstructed between1812-1813 and dedicated to Lono, the god of prosperity and peace. As the King’s son, Liholilo, grew up the temple also became his training ground. Here under the yellow or brown ti leaf roof Liholilo was taught how to be a leader by the high ranking officials of the court and his father. If you visit the site it is not hard to picture a young prince sitting on a soft mate next to an open fireplace listening to the wisdom of his elders.

Lu'au at King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel

Ahu‘ena Heiau Inc. has served as volunteer caretakers of the heiau since 1993. From last March until now they have spent over 3,000 hours restoring the historical site. 100,000 ti leaves were gathered and donated by the community and the Hawaii Tourism Authority supplied the much needed funds. After many months of volunteer labor the Ahu‘ena Heiau is almost ready to be reopened to the public.

This National Historic Landmark is visited by over 100,000 people a year from all over the world. If you are coming to the Big Island, you shouldn’t miss wandering through this historical site. Admission is free and guided tours are available from 9 AM to 4 PM daily.

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Whale Watching Season 2012

by Dodie MacArthur, R(B) CEO and Owner on January 22, 2012

Humback Whale near Oahu, Hawaii Photo By NOAA's National Ocean Service

Are you going to be on the Big Island between December and April? If so, you’re in luck. Humpback whales make Hawaii their winter home as well. In fact they travel 3,000 miles from Alaska to Hawaii every year. Of course a flight from Anchorage to Honolulu only takes a little over six hours while the whales have to swim for two months.

Viewing a humpback whale is a spectacular sight. The forty-five foot long sea creature will often shoot up over the ocean surface like a slow moving spinner dolphin. There’s nothing quite like seeing an animal that weighs over 40 tones propelling itself through the air. If you happen to be snorkeling within twelve miles of a male humpback, you’ll hear their underwater song .

Humpback Whale and Calf, Hawaii

Hawaiians call the humpback kohola and many believed the whale is a family guardian. The whales are also considered kamaaina or native Hawaiians because the calves are born in the warm shallow water near the islands. In the last ten years Hawaii’s whale population has doubled and it is estimated that 6,000 to 8,000 call the islands their winter home.

So, how do you see one of these monstrous fellows?

You can hire a guide and charter a boat in Kona. Boats are prohibited from going within 100 yards of the whales, but that is still close enough to get a good view. You can also spot them from the beach. The Kohala Coast has some great locations for viewing and the Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site is a particularly good place to see them. On the east side of the Big Island whales can be seen from Hilo Bay.

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South Kona Coffee Plantation

by Dodie MacArthur, R(B) CEO and Owner on January 20, 2012

84-5095 Mamalahoa Hwy in South Kona

Have you ever thought about owning your own coffee plantation? Imagine waking up in the morning and brewing your own Kona coffee from cherries that were picked only a few feet from your doorstep. While you’re thinking about it picture yourself holding a steaming mug on your back deck as the sun rises over Kealakekua Bay while a flock of nene call in the distance and the cool ocean breeze sweeps across your face.

Owning a Kona orchard isn’t for everyone and shouldn’t be taken on without some thought. Harvesting coffee cherries is a meticulous process that takes a lot of time and effort. Add on the business side of things and you are talking about a full-time job. However, if you visit some of the Kona farms on the Big Island you may decide owning a plantation is just the thing for you. Maintaining a Kona orchard is more than having a couple of pretty plants; it’s being part of a long tradition that is deeply imbedded in the Hawaiian cultural.

Coffee Trees at 84-5095 Mamalahoa Hwy

At the moment we have a beautiful coffee plantation at 84-5095 Mamalahoa Hwy in South Kona. This 6.31 acre property is at an elevation (1,050 ft.) ideal for growing coffee and other fruit trees. Three structures are included: main house, guest house, and coffee shack. The three bedroom/ two bath main house was remodeled in 1992 and now has double wall construction, new laminate flooring, and a new roof. The guest cottage has one bedroom and one bath, perfect for out of town visitors. The 584 sq. ft. coffee shack can be used as a workers quarters or a storage shed. Approximately 3,000 coffee trees have been planted as well as many other fruit trees including lychee, avocado, cherimoya, tangerine, and many more.

If you are interested in 84-5095 Mamalahoa Hwy, or would like information about one of our other listings, please get in touch with us at MacArthur and Company / Sotheby’s International Realty.

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Paul Mitchell’s Property Donated to Nature Conservancy

by Dodie MacArthur, R(B) CEO and Owner on January 18, 2012

Curlew at Kiholo Bay

Paul Mitchell was best known for his hairstyling and hair care products, but he was also a long-time resident of the Big Island and loved the tranquility and beauty of the North Kona Coast. Recently his son, Angus Mitchell, donated seven acres of his late father’s land, valued at $6.5 million, to The Nature Conservancy, an organization that helps protect land in over thirty countries.

Kiholo Bay, located between Waikoloa and Hualalai resorts, truly is paradise. King Kamehameha had the bay built in 1920 to use as a fishing pond, but lava flow from Mauna Loa destroyed most of it in 1859. What is left is a perfect mix of ancient ponds, lava formations, and wildlife. According to Angus his father thought of the area as his Eden and it’s easy to see why. Swaying palm trees line the black pebble beaches. On a clear day the ocean sparkles with various shades of blue and sea turtles can be found sunbathing on the rocks.

Green Sea Turtle, Kiholo Bay

Angus Mitchell donated the land to The Nature Conservancy as a way to honor his father and give back to the inhabitants of the Big Island. The Hawaii Nature Conservancy executive director, Suzanne Case, called the property, “a rare treasure,” and indicated they planned to work with local nonprofit group Hui Aloha Kiholo and the state to develop a stewardship plan.

Since Kiholo Bay is largely uninhabited and near the Kiholo State Park, lots of wildlife and migratory birds make this area their home. With two freshwater springs on the property feeding into the bay the marine life is unique. It’s lucky for the Big Island that people like Angus Mitchell and his late father want to protect the area.

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Orchid Isle

by Dodie MacArthur, R(B) CEO and Owner on January 15, 2012

Tropical Botanical Garden, Big Island

The Island of Hawaii has a couple of nicknames. It’s often referred to as the Big Island because it is the largest Hawaiian island. But it is also known as the Orchid Isle because of the commercial orchid industry that took hold of Hawaii in the 1940s.

Every year more than a hundred thousand plants are exported from Hawaii and many of those are orchids. Ironically there are only three types of orchids native to Hawaii and they aren’t the silky pink and white ones like you’d think. They are ground growing orchids with very small flowers. Outside of a serious orchid collector not many people would buy them in a shop. They are rare and hard to spot, but two of these varieties can be found on the Big Island in Volcanoes National Park.

Don’t start worrying. The Big Island is still one of the best places in the world to see orchids. Besides the many varieties growing in public places like the Hilo Airport you can find many orchid farms around the island where you can see species from Asia, Africa, and America all growing under the same roof. There are also three varieties of Asian orchids that have naturalized to the island and grow in the wild. You can find them in many areas including the Kopua Farmlots and Hawaiian Acres.

Orchid Garden Near Hilo

If you are interested in the history of orchids you may want to tour the W. H. Shipman House in Hilo. Herbert Shipman is believed to have brought the first orchids to the Big Island and there is a cutting of the original orchid, a fragrant vanda, on the property.

During the summer there are three large orchid shows on the Big Island. In May you can wander around viewing world class orchid displays at the Kona Orchid Club Show and Sale. The Daifukuji Orchid Club Show and Sale, also in Kona, happens in July. They offer complimentary orchid corsages at the door. August brings the Hilo Orchid Society Annual Show and Sale to the Edith Kanaka’ole Stadium.  Besides horticulture demonstrations you can also purchase many different varieties of orchids.

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Hawaii’s Environmentalist Jack Johnson

by Dodie MacArthur, R(B) CEO and Owner on January 13, 2012

Jack Johnson in Japan

Jack Johnson is more than just a folk/ rock superstar.  He’s more than an internationally acclaimed singer-song writer.  He’s an environmentalist whose making real strides to change the way people think and go about their daily life.  The National Geographic Society recently took notice and honored him with the “Arts Ambassador for the Environment” award at their “Evening of Exploration” gala event.

Jack was born on Oahu on the North Shore and later graduated from Kahuku High School.  His big break came a couple of years later, in 1999, when he sang on G. Love’s Philadelphonic album.  Five albums and many radio hits later and he’s become a household name.  With a voice known the world over he’s started speaking to stadiums about issues close to his heart and setting up charity organizations.

Jack Johnson in Concert

In 2003 Johnson founded the Kokua Hawaii Foundation and Kokua Festival a program that educates Hawaii’s schools and communities in environmental issues. The Johnson Ohana Charitable Foundation was set up in 2005 to support environmental, art, and music education of children worldwide. While on tour Johnson encourages concert-goers to reuse their water bottles and fill them up at free water stations throughout the venue.  He also works with over 220 community groups that focus on such issues as sustainable local food systems, tree planting, plastic-free initiatives, and many many more.

Since 2001, Johnson’s tours and charitable activities have resulted in raising over $25 million that has been donated to charity.

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