The Aloha Spirit
Bev enjoying the sunset at Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, Maui. © Carl Amoth
Although this is the season of traditions, I’m going to break with tradition by writing the closing post for this trip. (Bev deserves the day off. Maybe she’ll take the photographs for a future post.)
Reflections:
So how do you describe the ineffable? If you’ve been to the Hawaiian Islands you’re certain to grasp my dilemma, and my challenge in writing this post. This visit is my second trip, and Bev’s tenth. We’ve been to Maui, Kauai, Oahu, and Hawaii—aka The Big Island. These islands possess the unique quality to touch all of the senses in a most sublime way. But there’s something more… it’s deeper… it exalts your heart, your soul. Perhaps Serge Kahili King helps to elucidate this “something more” in his booklet, “The Aloha Spirit.”
“The Aloha Spirit is a well known reference to the attitude of friendly acceptance for which the Hawaiian Islands are so famous. However, it also refers to a powerful way to resolve any problem, accomplish any goal, and to achieve any state of mind or body that you desire.
In the Hawaiian language, aloha stands for much more than just “hello” or “goodbye” or “love.” Its deeper meaning is “the joyful (oha) sharing (alo) of life energy (ha) in the present (alo).”
As you share this energy you become attuned to the Universal Power that the Hawaiians call mana. And the loving use of this incredible Power is the secret for attaining true health, happiness, prosperity and success.”
I believe the essence of Aloha can also be experienced through the music of the late/great Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo’ole. Here’s a sample of the man and his music on YouTube:
Bev & I experienced The Aloha Spirit throughout our visits to the islands. The Hawaiians we met exuded warmth and authenticity; they also shared a deep, intrinsic connection with nature, which really resonated with me. What follows are but a few of the many examples of the wonderful hospitably demonstrated to Bev & me during our visit.
Douglas, our Waipi’o Valley guide… and new friend.
Douglas, our Hawaiian guide to the Waipi’o Valley, invited us to share a picnic with his family on the beautiful black-sand beach of this sacred and protected valley on our next visit. He even gave us his personal phone number.
Our dear Hawaiian friends, Daerick and Neddra Lanakila, graciously invited us to stay at their home in the rainforest near Volcanoes National Park. We had such a wonderful time with them while visiting Hawaii.
I dropped by the Maui Oma Coffee Company to purchase some of the most incredible coffee I’ve ever tasted. Just as they were about to close, the roast master was kind enough to take time to share a wealth of interesting information about the roasting process and various methods of coffee preparation. Then his apprentice, Kahea (who referred to himself as Mark’s “grasshopper”) offered to show me their roasting room, which was very impressive. I asked Kahea what other popular coffees they sell, and he told me their Maui Peaberry is another sought-after coffee. He said he recently “f–ked” up a batch by over-roasting the beans into a dark—rather than a medium—roast. However the “f-up” was a surprise success. It turned out to be exceptionally palatable; his friends and family love it. So I bought a pound, and asked Kahea if he would label it for me. He did. Cool guys. Great visit. Aloha spirit? Clearly!
Maui Oma Coffee Roasting Company. Mark and Kahea.
Attention coffee lovers! We discovered Maui Oma Mokka at Longhi's in Wailea—hands down, the best coffee we've ever tasted. Grown in West Maui's volcanic soil, this tiny-bean varietal boasts an incredible dark-chocolate flavor, all natural with no additives. A must-try for any serious coffee enthusiast!
Our last 48 hours on this tropical paradise were packed with unforgettable experiences. From stunning sunsets to hidden local gems, the following photos capture some more of Maui's magic and our bittersweet farewell. Join us as we share these final, cherished moments of our Hawaiian adventure.
Enjoying the Maui sunset aboard the Alii Nui, a 65′ sailing catamaran.
The crew of the Alii Nui hoisting the mainsail. Bev & I enjoyed a fantastic food & wine sunset cruise aboard this wonderful 65′ catamaran. BTW, Alii Nui is Hawaiian, and means “Of Highest Royalty”–perfect sailing vessel for “Princess Bev.”
Surfer at Honolua Bay, Maui
Surfer at Honolua Bay, Maui
Appetizers at Mama's Fish House, our top pick in Hawaii. Oceanfront dining with salt air, gentle breezes, and crashing waves create a multi-sensory paradise. Stellar food and service make this North Shore gem a must-visit in Maui.
Until next time…
Mahalo nui loa,
Carl
