Traveling in California: The Central Coast – San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo is one of the hidden gems of the California central coast. Located roughly about half way between Los Angeles and San Francisco, San Luis Obispo or SLO sits eleven miles inland from the Pacific and features a cool Mediterranean-like climate. As the home to California Polytechnic State University or Cal-Poly, San Luis Obispo is the local cultural mecca for music, arts and dining.

“Consistently acclaimed as one of the top ten places to live in the United States, visitors will find plenty to do in San Luis Obispo. SLO boasts many excellent golf courses, plenty of vineyards, miles of surfable coast line, low traffic roads or aggressive single track trails for biking, dozens of hiking trails, great ocean and lake fishing, several hot springs and spa choices, incredible dining and lodging options, and thousands of nooks where you can just enjoy nature and leave the daily grind behind.” [1]

Like almost all the major central coast cities, SLO was originally settled by the Chumash over eleven thousand years ago. [2] The modern city was founded in 1772 by Spanish Franciscan Junípero Serra, San Luis Obispo is one of California’s oldest communities. Serra’s original mission was named for the 13th Century saint and bishop Louis of Toulouse and locally referred to as San Luis.

THE MISSION SAN LUIS OBISPO DE TOLOSA

“On September 1, 1772 a cross was erected near San Luis Obispo Creek and Father Junípero Serra celebrated the first mass, marking the site as the destination for the mission San Luis Obispo. The Chumash helped construct wooden palisades, which would serve as temporary buildings for the Mission. However, due to several Indian tribes which were determined to get rid of European settlers, they set these buildings ablaze. Because of this, the Spanish were forced to rebuild the buildings using adobe and tile structures.”

“The mission San Luis Obispo was part of a string of missions in California which were created in order to control the coast so that the ships from Spain would remain safe as well as bring the native people to the Catholic faith. At the missions, the Spaniards introduced native people to the European lifestyle and taught them their religious beliefs as well as Spanish and Latin for services, how to read music, sing as well as how to be skilled weavers, seamstresses, carpenters, tile makers, farmers and cattle herders. The original mission church is still standing and operation. You can visit and see its unusual L-shaped design that is found nowhere else among the California missions.”

THE FESTIVAL OF BEERS

Every year, San Luis Obispo hosts the California Festival of Beers Its one of the largest and is the oldest regional beer festivals in California. Held on Memorial day weekend the festival is celebrating its 31st anniversary this year. The Festival is a benefit event managed and
maintained by Hospice of San Luis Obispo County (Hospice SLO County), a non-profit grief counseling organization, and receives 100% of the proceeds.

The California Festival of Beers brings together live music, local foods, art viewing and a wide selection of beers than ever before. At “Arts and Drafts,” attendees will learn from the beer pairing master Dr. Bill Sysak, beverage coordinator of Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens and a recognized figure of the craft beer community.

“This event has had amazing growth and support over the years and it is a major source of income for Hospice SLO that allows us to continue to provide free services to the community,” said Executive Director Kris Kington-Barker. “We could not manage this without the backing of the brewers, sponsors, vendors and hundreds of volunteers who make this happen every year.”

Over 4,000 attendees each year to California’s Central Coast. Because of the event’s popularity, it sells out each year.  The Festival features over 50 brewers who present their micro brewed creations.  Admission includes a souvenir beer glass, unlimited samples of offerings, and free shuttle service. There’s also live music and a variety of food stands that offer all the delicious food you can think of that goes with beer.

For a truly fun time don’t miss the amazing California Festival of Beers.

SYCAMORE SPRINGS MINERAL RESORT

One of the hidden gems of the California Central Coast is the Sycamore hot springs, which is nestled in the pristine Avila Valley about 7 miles west of San Luis Obispo. The story goes that in 1886 two prospectors were drilling for oil when they hit an artesian well of white hot mineral water. Since then the a popular spa and mineral springs resort has grown around the discovery. Since the late 19^th century, due to the healing powers of the water, a popular spa and mineral springs resort was established. The beginning of the 20th century brought weary travelers from Los Angeles and San Francisco via the Pacific Coast Railway. By the 1930’s, word of the healing waters spread to Hollywood celebrities who would frequent the resort on their way to rub elbows with William Randolph Hearst at his magnificent castle just down the road in San Simeon. Around this time, the increasingly popular retreat was given the name, “Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort.”

Located on over 100 wooded acres, the Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort’s most defining feature is the restorative power of the naturally heated mineral water. The resort has a variety of mineral baths including the unique Oasis Waterfall Lagoon, a scenic hillside hot tub, or a private guest room tub. All of the 72 guest rooms include individual hot mineral spring tubs on private balconies or patios.

There are also 23 open-air naturally heated mineral spring hot tubs open to the public, that line the peaceful tree-canopied hillside. Each hot tub is surrounded by a beautiful rich wood fence with lattice detail to ensure privacy from other guests while still providing majestic views and a serene environment.

Innovative healing arts classes are taught by a selected staff of professional instructors. “Strengthen, stretch, calm, and rejuvenate your way to a better you.” The instructors are dedicated to the art of healing. Their teachings embrace the connection between the mind, body, and spirit and you will find they are genuine extensions of everything they teach. Daily classes feature Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, and more. All classes are open to the public and priced per session, per person. Resort guests receive unlimited complimentary classes. Private instruction available upon request.

The Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort has been voted a top global destination mineral spring resort by Spa and Spa Finder magazines. The spa treatments are designed to enliven your senses while providing you with healing benefits sourced from nature. For example: “The Hot Springs Stone massage blends traditional massage techniques with heated basalt stones to penetrate tension and improve circulation with warmth and comfort to ease your stressed muscles. The White Algae Facial is ideal for sensitive or dry skin and uses calcium rich white algae, white tea, and copper peptides to calm and soothe irritated skin while evening out skin tone. The Sundaria Seaweed Body Scrub detoxifies with a full body dry brush exfoliation and organic bio-scrub blend of seaweed, pumice, acai and guarana to polish skin and purify pores. A marine-based oil filled with sea minerals and antioxidants leaves skin hydrated and repaired. The dry brush is given as a gift so you can continue your detoxifying treatments at home.”

“The highly acclaimed, Gardens of Avila Restaurant is widely known for its seasonal and spontaneous garden cuisine.” The menu includes local seafood like the Morro Bay fish and chips with local rock fish fried in beer batter, French fries, house made coleslaw and lemon aioli; Local Artisan Cheese Plate with Central Coast Creamery‘s sea scape & bishops peak, fiscalini bandage white cheddar, local honey, toasted almonds, local berries and local salami (optional). There are  intimate settings for indoor and outdoor dining. The restaurant features produce harvested on the resort’s one-acre organic Chef’s Garden as well as local farmers markets.

THE SAN LUIS OBISPO WINE CONTRY

“Winemaking is deeply rooted in SLO Wine Country, dating back to the 18th century with the founding of Mission San Luis Obispo by Father Junipero Serra in 1772.” [1] Here, the padres grew grapes and made them into sacramental wines. A century later, commercial wine was produced from grapes grown at Rancho Saucelito in the upper Arroyo Grande Valley. The old Zinfandel vines planted in 1880 by Henry Ditmas were restored by the Greenough family in the 1970s, and remain a cornerstone of Saucelito Canyon Vineyard.

The modern wine industry in the SLO Coast emerged in the 1970s. In 1973, the Goss family had the foresight to plant Chardonnay at Chamisal Vineyard in the Edna Valley. Concurrently, the Niven family planted Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and other varietals at Paragon Vineyard. MacGregor Vineyard was planted in 1976 and is now the home of Wolff Vineyards. The success of these early plantings of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir ignited SLO Wine Country’s reputation as a world-class region for Burgundian varietals.

In 1979, Lawrence Winery was established as the region’s first modern winery, and the property is today home to Center of Effort Winery. Chamisal Vineyard began making its own wine in 1980, and Edna Valley Vineyard followed in 1981 as a partnership between Paragon Vineyard and Chalone Vineyard. Claiborne & Churchill Winery, Maison Deutz (now Laetitia Vineyard & Winery), and Talley Vineyards soon added further momentum to the local winemaking scene. These early wineries paved the way and put SLO Wine Country on the map.

SLO Wine Country includes two small adjoining American Viticultural Areas—the Edna Valley and Arroyo Grande Valley—and other nearby wine growing areas.  Each of these areas shares a unifying proximity to the ocean, as well as to each other.

The Arroyo Grande Valley is a predominantly northeast-southwest oriented coastal valley that is recognized as one of the most temperate viticultural areas in the world.  These ideal conditions result in a long and mild growing season, with bud bread typically occurring in mid-February, flowering in early May and harvest in late September.  Still widely planted to vegetables on the valley floor, wine growing in the valley dates to the 1880’s when Zinfandel was planted in the warmer eastern part of the valley.  The modern era began in the 1980s with plantings of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir on the hillsides of the western end of the valley, closer to the coast.

San Luis Obispo Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort and Spa is centrally located for exploring Edna Valley, Arroyo Grande, Avila Valley, and Paso Robles wine regions. There are numerous excellent wine tours available, with pick-up at our resort. Onsite wine experiences are also available so you don’t have to leave the premises to enjoy award-winning central coast excellence.Whether you are a wine novice or happen to be a sommelier, everyone will enjoy the wine tasting opportunities throughout the Central Coast. In 2013 our area was awarded “World’s Best Wine Region” by Wine Enthusiast magazine.

The philosophy that exceptional wines can be approached by all tasters shines bright in over 450 wineries from Arroyo Grande to Paso Robles. Intimate tasting rooms, beautiful outdoor areas, and laid-back settings invite you to discover your ideal wines.

San Luis Obispo, with its heritage, festivals and points of interest, is a wonderful place to visit. Next time you’re looking for an unusual place to visit, treat yourself and the family to a magical time, bath in the hot springs, visit a winery and enjoy the many picturesque hikes and natural wonders of San Luis Obispo.

Brought to you by Kaz Headrest. Travel in comfort with a Kaz Headrest. Available on

Traveling in California: The Central Coast – Ojai

In our continuing exploration of the California central coast, we take a short trip into the mountains to visit Ojai. Located about 15 miles from the coast and a 90 minute drive from Los Angeles, Ojai is miles away from the fast paced life of its neighbor to the south and has been a retreat for world travelers for over a 100 years. Ojai is situated in a small east-west valley, north of Ventura and east of Santa Barbara at the base of the Topatopa Mountains.

ANCIENT AND OLD TIME OJAI

The Chumash Indians have inhabited the Ojai valley for more than 10,000 years. Ojai derives its name from the Ventureño Chumash word ʼawhaý meaning “moon”. The Chumash believe “that the valley holds mystical powers and that a magnification of energy exists exuding a peaceful sacredness that can be felt. This energy that first drew the Chumash to the valley has been celebrated through the years and many believe today that Ojai is a ‘vortex’ – an unseen force that concentrates energy. Some equate this vortex to the valley’s unusual positioning in the mountain range that runs east to West and that this helps concentrate geological tremors and atmospheric energy. Others point to geology and that the stratified mountain rocks inlaid with quartz can harness energy, transmitting it along the lines of the vortex.” [1]

The area became part of the Rancho Ojai Mexican land grant made to Fernando Tico in 1837, and he established a cattle ranch. Tico sold it in 1853 without much success to prospectors searching for oil. By 1864, the area was settled. [2]

One of the things that make Ojai so charming is that almost all chain stores are restricted in the city. [3] Signage is also regulated. This provides a look of timelessness and serenity that Ojai residents and visitors appreciate. It drives tourism and creates an atmosphere that is becoming unique in our cookie cutter world. If you compare the image below from 1935 to the recent photo of Ojai above, you can detect very little change. Of course the cars are different but the city itself seems frozen in time.

OJAI AND THE HAWAII CONNECTION

Most people associate the great Hawaiian surfing ambassador Duke Kahanamoku exclusively with the islands. However Duke spent a lot of time in Southern California throughout the 1910’s and 1920’s. The Southland was equally charmed with Duke and he made many friends there and was a particular favorite of the movie colony.

In late October of 1922, the prominent Ojai resident Sherman Day Thacher, hosted Duke Kahanamoku at the school that he founded. He had invited Duke to come up from Los Angeles to give a demonstration and swimming instructions to the assembled student body in the Thacher School’s pool. In reality the pool was a crude concrete structure that was used as a fire reservoir. It was filled by a nearby creek and was rather murky and full of algae. Duke braved the elements and put on what I am sure was an amazing exhibition. In the annals of Ojai, Duke’s visit still holds a place of honor. [4] OJAI FARMERS’ MARKET SALAD CRUDO OF PACIFIC YELLOWTAIL BLACK TRUFFLE RISOTTO CABERNET BRAISED SHORT RIB 49 potato fondue, cipollini onion agrodolce, heirloom carrots, black garlic RICOTTA GNOCCHI 20 drake family farms goat cheese, estate lemon, arugula, seasonal vegetables CRUDO OF PACIFIC YELLOWTAIL 21 orange, fennel, hass avocado, california sea salt, extra virgin olive oil

OJAI FESTIVALS

One of the things that makes Ojai so pleasant are the festivals. The Ojai Music Festival (founded in 1947) is an annual festival of performances by some of the world’s top musicians and composers, and occurs on the first weekend after Memorial Day. Notable appearances include Igor Stravinsky, Aaron Copland, Esa-Pekka Salonen and Pierre Boulez, who was festival director in 2003. “Curious audiences gather at the Ojai Music Festival each year for a transcendent musical communing in the beautiful Ojai Valley. Every Festival follows the lead of a new music director, accommodating wildly different styles and approaches.” In 2017, the festival is being conducted by Grammy-nominated composer-pianist Vijay Iyer (pronounced “VID-jay EYE-yer”). He is “one of the most interesting and vital young pianists in jazz today,” and has been voted DownBeat Magazine‘s Artist of the Year three times. He is a professor of the arts in the Department of Music at Harvard University. This should make this year’s festival lively and modern.

Its official, June is lavender month in Ojai and the Ojai Valley Lavender Festival kicks off on the 26th of the month. “Libbey Park will once again fill with mellow crowds who come for the marvelous sights, sounds and soothing aromas of the many varieties and textures of lavender and lavender products. Living lavender plants and fresh bouquets abound and vendors never fail to surprise and delight visitors with new and unique wares. Growers and producers offer talks on all things lavender. Live music, delicious food and the smell of lavender weaves a magical enchantment that will turn your day into an unforgettable experience.”

OJAI VALLEY INN AND SPA

The Ojai Valley Inn & Spa is “The” place to stay while visiting Ojai. The resort has a long and rich history. “In 1923, Edward Drummond Libbey, a wealthy Ohio glass manufacturer and philanthropist, commissioned California architect Wallace Neff to build the Ojai Country Club in the Spanish Colonial architectural style. From its earliest days, guests felt the Inn was an escape, a sequestered yet sophisticated getaway that gave them the sense of being on their own private country estate. And ever since 1937, when Frank Capra used the sweeping mountain vistas of the valley as Shangri-La in his film Lost Horizon, the valley has become synonymous with mystical beauty and hidden enchantment. A different kind of notoriety distinguished the inn in 1942 when it was transformed into Camp Oak for a military training center for the Army, and later for the U.S. Navy, which used the grounds for a rest and recuperation facility.

“Ever since returning to private ownership in 1947, the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa has played host to countless celebrities from nearby Hollywood and an impressive roster of golf pros who return year after year to play the historic course. In 1999, the acclaimed golf course was restored, which included the return of two “lost” signature holes. In 2004, an extensive renovation was completed which upgraded every corner of the resort while maintaining the historical integrity of the property.”

THE SPA

At the Spa Ojai you can have a very unique healing experience developed at the facility called “Kuyam”. Kuyam is a Chumash Native American Indian word that means “a place to rest together”. This is used to describe a spa treatment that “combines the therapeutic effects of self-applied desert clay infused with essential oils, intense dry heat and inhalation therapy. In a sauna-like environment, the journey is guided by a traditional Chumash narrative. This unique detoxifying experience is concluded with a refreshing rinse and presentation of herbal tea while your body core temperature cools.” The spa uses “freshly-harvested, resort-grown produce and blossoming flowers” in many of “Spa Ojai’s sought-after seasonal treatments”. For a truly relaxing and healing experience spend some time treating yourself to one of their custom packages. And of course lavender will be involved.

GOLF

The Ojai Valley Inn & Spa has one of the best golf courses around. “The world-class Ojai Country Club was one of the first great golf courses in Southern California. Designed and originally built in 1923 under the direction of George C. Thomas, Jr. and Billy Bell, the course was hailed as “a marvel of golfing architecture.” Thomas, who also designed courses at the Riviera, Bel-Air and Los Angeles country clubs, had two initial considerations for the Ojai course: “…that the average golfer could enjoy his round without too great a penalty, and that a test must be afforded requiring the low-handicap man to play fine golf in order to secure pars.”

“In its eight decades, the golf course has been made even more famous by the pros and celebrities who have chosen it for exhibition play and competition. Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Will Smith, Kevin Costner, Michael Douglas and a host of Hollywood stars have visited over the years to play the course. The Inn has hosted seven Senior PGA TOUR events that brought legendary superstars such as Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino, Gary Player, Tom Weiskopf, Chi Chi Rodriguez and Ben Crenshaw to the course. Add golf to your activities and experience firsthand one of the world’s championship golf courses. Enjoy a challenging and rewarding golfing experience no matter what your level of play. The Ojai Valley Inn & Spa has been selected for membership in Great Golf Resorts of the World.”

CUISINE

“For more than ninety years, The Ojai Valley Inn & Spa has maintained a connection to locally grown food. Its signature restaurant, Olivella represents the epitome of this sense of place. Olivella’s valley-to-table culinary program is supported by the local Ojai valleys, ranches, orchards, farms and ocean waters. The restaurant embraces the seasonal whims of the region, focusing on the bounty of year-round produce provided by the California Central Coast. Chef Andrea Rodella is proud to present a dining experience featuring the best ingredients of California with dishes and techniques inspired by his Italian heritage.” The menu features such delights as the Ojai Farmers Market Salad; Crudo of Pacific Yellowtail with orange, fennel, Hass avocado, California sea salt and extra virgin olive oil; Cabernet Braised Short Ribs with potato fondue, cipollini onion agrodolce, heirloom carrots and black garlic; Ricotta Gnocchi with Drake Family Farms goat cheese, estate lemon, arugula and seasonal vegetables.  Chef Rodella was born and raised in Guastalla, Italy. He is passionate about cooking with seasonal, market-driven ingredients.Chef Rodella’s interest in cooking started at a young age, when his passion for discovering different cuisines collided with the northern Italian fare he was raised on. He was determined to learn how to cook with fresh ingredients, uniting tradition with innovation.” This provides the traveller with a unique and delicious dining experience.

The Ojai Valley Inn & Spa is a destination resort worth seeing and will make your visit to Ojai something to remember.

THE OJAI SCENE

There are plenty of fun activities around Ojai that make people came back again and again. The Pink Moment, a rare and magical moment that draws thousands of visitors to Ojai every year happens as the fading sunset creates a brilliant shade of pink for several minutes on the Topa Topa bluffs- over 6,000 feet above sea level. Ojai’s culture is heavily focused on ecology, health and organic agriculture, walking/hiking, spirituality, music and local art. Sites to see include the Rose Valley Falls, a magnificent two-tier 300-foot waterfall located on the west end of the Topatopa Mountains in Los Padres National Forest. Rose Valley Falls is the tallest waterfall in the range and while it is an easy hike to the base of the 100-foot tall lower tier of the waterfall (0.8 miles round trip with 150 feet of elevation gain), it is adventure to reach the more impressive upper tier.

Ojai is often seen as a hippie-friendly city, and many New Age shops exist. Whether you believe in this energy or not- there is something about the Ojai Valley that cannot be described – but felt- and the only way to explain it, is to visit for yourself.

U.S. Airlines Throw Comfort Out the Door

Its no surprise to anyone that has ridden on airplane lately, that airlines are packing more and more passengers in tighter spaces. Legroom is being cut and seats have been shrinking. In the 1970s airline seats were 18 inches wide and the reclining pitch was 35 inches. Now the seats are 16 and one half inches wide and the reclining pitch has decreased to 31 inches. This is finally coming to the attention of our legislative representatives. In a recent article on the Huffington Post News Service, the authors blame the lack of competition and the consolidation of the industry as the culprit behind the poor treatment that we are receiving.

“This apparent disregard for customers goes hand in hand with a broader trend in the airline industry toward less competition. In the last decade, the number of big airlines has dropped from nine to four, with the blessing of regulators. If you’re mad about disappearing legroom and want to take your business elsewhere, good luck.”

“The airline industry is hurtling toward monopoly, so there’s not a whole lot of incentive to try to win your business by offering a better product or cheaper prices.”

The following graphic shows exactly what we are facing:

As travelers take advantage of more and more non-stop flight[1] comfort becomes a major factor. On long haul flights over six hours, comfort is the number one concern after flight availability. People are turning to devices like the Kaz Headrest, to rest and relax on their flight.

With the legroom shrinking and the seats getting smaller, passengers are finding it more and more difficult to get comfortable on the flight.

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The Luxurious Kona Coast Part III – Travel First Class

When you travel first class, there are many aspects of the journey that go beyond 600 thread count sheets and Kobe rib eye. Gaining a knowledge of the people and the culture truly sets apart the traveler from the tourist. Thats why we bring you a closer understanding of the local flavor and indigenous roots of the people that you will be visiting.

The “Big Island”of Hawaii is a perfect example of a place where you can explore the vestiges of ancient civilizations and enjoy a five star experience.  In Holualoa, just south of Kona lies the historic Hawaiian village Pu’uhonua or “City of Refuge”.  “Up until the early 19th century, Hawaiians who broke a kapu (one of the ancient laws) could avoid certain death by fleeing to this place of refuge or puʻuhonua. The offender would be absolved by a priest and freed to leave.  Defeated warriors and non-combatants could also find refuge here during times of battle. The grounds just outside the Great Wall that encloses the puʻuhonua were home to several generations of powerful chiefs.”
At Pu’uhonua o Honaunau, a large wall marks the division between the royal grounds or Honaunau and the refuge quarters or Pu’uhonua. The royal grounds of Honaunau descend from the slope of Mauna Loa to the ocean, which provided the 13th century village with optimal land for farming. The location of the royal quarters on Honaunau Bay also gave residents access to fresh drinking water. Servants caught fish from the
royal pond to serve the village ali’i (chiefs). Residents had access to the resources they needed, but travel to and from the island was not possible for villagers who did not belong to the royal court. Chiefs and their attendants were the only inhabitants of Honaunau who could use the canoe landing on the beach. To prevent villagers from using the canoes or leaving Honaunau, Ki’is (wooden images) stood around the temple of Hale o Keawe to caution residents against defying the kapu.” (From the National Parks Site)

Heading back north of Kona we are about to explore a newer “village” with a rich modern history the MaunaKea
resort. In 1960 Hawaii’s Governor William Quinn invited Laurance Rockefeller to visit the Big Island and scout beachfront sites for potential resorts. A noted conservationist and lover of the outdoors, Mr. Rockefeller believed that buildings should conform to, not intrude on, beautiful natural surroundings. As they flew over the white sand crescent of Kauna‘oa Beach, Mr. Rockefeller asked if he could go in for a swim. From the water, he looked upslope at the towering summit of Mauna Kea and was inspired to create a great hotel that reflected the spirit of this special place.”

“The word ‘kauna’oa’ may refer to a few different things, any of which may have been why native Hawaiians named this beach so: the first definition refers to a thin, orange vine with yellow flowers, which is found throughout most Hawai’i (this is the official lei vine of Lanaʻi). However, the second definition refers to a mollusk and a third definition refers to a tough seaweed.”
“When it opened in 1965, The Mauna Kea was the most expensive hotel ever built at the time, at $15 million. Praised by travel writers and critics worldwide, the luxury resort hotel was named one of the “Three greatest hotels in the world” by Esquire magazine, one of “10 best buildings of 1966″ by Fortune, and presented with an honors award by the American Institute of Architects.” “The original concept for The Mauna Kea luxury resort was a cluster of individual cottages along the beach-with no televisions or air-conditioning to interfere with the natural experience. In 1967. The “exorbitant” room rates started at $43, including breakfast and dinner in the Pavilion, which featured rotating menus of international cuisines.”
Times have changed and things are always “improving”. “Following a $150 million renovation, the luxurious Mauna Kea Beach Hotel reopened in December 2008. With a fresh new expression of the unmistakable Mauna Kea style.” Nowhere is the blending of the old and new more visible than when you choose to dine at the Mauna Kea. There are five restaurants ranging from the casual to the fine dining experience. Travel first class and have an amazing grilled bone in, rib eye Paniolo steak with Hamakua Ali`i style mushrooms at the Manta or experience a traditional Hawaiian luau with imu-roasted kālua pig, fresh island fish, laulau pork wrapped in taro leaves, lomi salmon, sashimi and piles of pineapple, papaya, and more. Learn the joy of finger-licking poi, dancing hula to the “Hukilau” or being wowed by the fire dance.”
Of course you will have access to the Mauna Kea Spa which offers a combination of Balinese and Hawaiian-inspired therapies. You can choose from a variety of massage, body treatments, aromatherapy and skincare services. There are  five luxurious treatment rooms including a couples suite with balneotherapy.
You can immerse yourself in traditional Hawaiian activities and learn how to weave lauhala, make a flower lei, dance the hula and fish with hawaiian throw nets. You can also play Paniolo horse shoes and Makahiki games. Paniolo is  the traditional name of the Hawaiian cowboys and Makahiki is the ancient Hawaiian New Year festival, in honor of the god Lono.
Of course Mauna Kea has one of the finest golf courses in the world. “The stunningly beautiful and award-winning Mauna Kea Golf Course, created in 1964 by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. on a previously barren black lava field, remains an all-time favorite in beauty and design. The elevated, undulating greens and prevailing coastal winds demand accuracy. The challenging course offers stellar coastal views as it tumbles across seaside cliffs. Some holes play right alongside the ocean – or across it.”

When you’re visiting the Kona coast you can’t help but travel first class and experience the finest resorts, the most amazing beaches and cultural landmarks that add to your enjoyment and pleasure. Stay tuned for more stories about this wonderful part of the world.

Aloha

 

 

 

 

Brought to you by Kaz Headrest. Travel in comfort with a Kaz Headrest. Available on

The Luxurious Kona Coast Part II – Resorts in Hawaii

_{Continuing our exploration of the  Luxurious Kona Coast, Kaz Headrest presents the second article in the series on resorts in Hawaii. Just north of Kona is the Kohala Coast. So we thought we would feature some of the amazing places in the neighborhood. For thousands of years the Hawaiian people lived and recorded their lives by carving pictures in the rock in the area called Puako.  Ancient Hawaiians called their stone art k’i’i pohaku, or images in stone or as we call them petroglyphs. “The field of petrogylphs can be accessed from the Holoholokai beach park in Mauna Lani Resort to the south of Puako. “The 233-acre Puako Petroglyph Archaeological District. is the largest concentration of petroglyphs in the Pacific .   These Malama Petroglyhs were made thousands of years ago. The field has over 3000 carvings including paddlers, sails, marchers, dancers, and family groups, as well as dogs, chickens, turtles, and deity symbols.” The park can be accessed either by going through the Mauna Lani resort, or via the Puako beachfront southwards from Paniau (utility pole 143) at the south end of Puako road. There are restrooms and shower facilities here. Petroglyphs are very culturally significant to Hawaiian culture. Please visit these with respect.}

Located 23 miles north of the Kona International Airport the Mauna Lani Resort  sits oceanfront on the finest stretch of shoreline on the sunny Kohala Coast and is one of the most amazing resorts in Hawaii. The Mauna Lani features 30 oceanfront acres and three miles of secluded shoreline. The resort has two 18-hole courses, the championship Francis H. I’i Brown North and South. Carved from ancient lava fields, the oceanside golf courses are rated among the most beautiful resort courses in the world. The Mauna Lani also features an amazing spa with nine indoor treatment
rooms, a steam bath and whirlpool, manicure and pedicure facilities, facial rooms, a full-service hair and beauty salon and spa boutique. The land where Mauna Lani Spa sits is known as Kalahuipua’a, a place of spiritual power and energy (mana) where Hawaiian royalty used to escape to rejuvenate their health and spirit. Built among ancient lava, Mauna Lani Spa resembles a peaceful Hawaiian village with outdoor thatched hale (huts) for treatments. A Hawaiian medicinal garden with lemongrass, tea leaves and Kukui nut bring soothing and healing elements to the environment. The elements of Earth, Air, Fire and Water influence the treatments and experiences, such as mud wraps using volcanic ash, hot stone therapies and seaweed wraps and baths. Mauna Lani Spa’s unique open-air Lava Sauna Experience is the perfect way to experience the spiritual powers of the surroundings.” Every month when the full moon rises, Mauna Lani gets ready for an enchanted evening of storytelling and entertainment on the lawn at the oceanfront Eva Parker Woods Cottage. Hotel guests,Hawaii residents, and resort employees and their families are all welcome to join Danny Akaka for “Twilight at Kalahuipua‘a,” a night of storytelling, music and perhaps a little hula.

“Chef Clayton Arakawa’s passion for showcasing local ingredients in bold and innovative ways is evident in each dish he prepares. Born and raised in Hawaii, his personal take on contemporary Hawaii cuisine draws from the Islands’ diverse multicultural population, while emphasizing the distinct flavors that are truly unique to Hawaii. He has held the position of Executive Chef at Mauna Lani since early 2012. He acknowledges great traditions such as roasting Kalua Pig and that being in the center of the Pacific Ocean, you get the freshest fish. Working closely with the farmers and ranchers of Hawaii Island is at the forefront of his culinary creations. Chef Arakawa’s cooking style is simple and unique, creating a harmonious balance of textures and flavors on the plate. In addition to overseeing the entire culinary operations at Mauna Lani Bay, including the famous CanoeHouse restaurant and the popular Bay Terrace restaurant, Chef Arakawa leads signature culinary events for the resort, including the annual Celebrity Chef Tour weekend benefiting the James Beard Foundation each January.”
As one of the premier resorts in Hawaii, the Mauna Lani  features 341 guest rooms and suites each with a tropical ambiance and private lanais. The ocean Bungalows are secluded yet conveniently located within a minute’s walk of the hotel lobby. Each bungalow features 4,000 square feet of living space, including two master bedrooms, three baths, a private swimming pool, whirlpool spa, a spacious lanai and a full kitchen.

Treat yourself to a beautiful experience at the Mauna Lani and satisfy your every whim from the world class golf course, the amazing, relaxing spa and some of the finest cuisine in all the resorts in Hawaii. Get in touch with ancient Hawaii and marvel at the Puako petroglyphs and theTwilight at Kalahuipua‘a, full moon ceremony. Travel in comfort, relax and enjoy life at the Mauna Lani.

Treat yourself to a beautiful experience at the Mauna Lani and satisfy your every whim from the world class golf course, the amazing, relaxing spa and some of the finest cuisine in all the resorts in Hawaii. Get in touch with ancient Hawaii and marvel at the Puako petroglyphs and theTwilight at Kalahuipua‘a, full moon ceremony. Travel in comfort, relax and enjoy life at the Mauna Lani.

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