Blog
5 Healing Lessons from Nature for Earth Month
People protect what they feel connected to, and part of what we do in the forest is remind people how
CELEBRATE EASTER WITH A GIFT OF LIFE
Easter reminds us that life is a cycle of what appears to be death and rebirth. In cooler climates, it
Movement & Dance As A Path to Healing
In a world where we’re confined by routines, there is something deeply liberating about moving our bodies freely in nature.
HAWAII WITHOUT PALMS WOULD BE POOR INDEED
This weekend is Palm Sunday and commemorates Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. According to the Gospels, it was a week
5 Easy Sustainability Swaps for Earth Month (That Actually Make a Difference)
At Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary, we believe Earth Month is about reconnecting—with nature, with the ʻāina, and with the small
LEGAL MOOD ENHANCERS LIKE CHOCOLATE NOTHING NEW IN HAWAII
Mark your calendar for the Big Island Chocolate Festival April 10th to the 12th and learn everything from growing to
3 Soul Grounding Earthing Practices to Reconnect
In a world of screens, schedules, and noise, the simplest way to find balance is by stepping outside and tuning
Nature invites us to remember who we are -Whole, Connected, and Deeply Alive!
March 28, 2025 By: Diane McWhirter Bringing people back to nature! Raised in Hawai‘i, I’m a family steward of a
432Hz Sound Healing: The Science Behind Nature’s Frequency
Imagine stepping into a quiet space where a single note from a sound bowl sings, its vibrations washing over you
A Perfect Lawn Can Be Challenging
If you are maintaining turf on a golf course, it has to be almost perfect. However most folks aren’t held
Mulches Help To Build Soils And Conserve Water
After 45 years of living in the cool mountain mists of Kaloko Mauka’s Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary, we have decided
Simple Yoga Poses for Restful Sleep
Having trouble sleeping? Is your mind feeling anxious or overwhelmed from the day? Yoga is an incredibly effective way to
Tropical Gardening: March comes like a lion, and leaves like a lamb
The old saying that March comes like a lion and leaves like a lamb usually holds true, but this year,
3 Magical Nature Activities to Get Kids Exploring Outdoors
There’s something about the great outdoors that sparks a child’s imagination like nothing else. Sticks become magic wands, rocks turn
Here’s our TOP 5 FAVORITE Photoshoot Spots on Big Island!
These spots capture the uniqueness of Hawai’i Island and provide a variety of stunning images. Perfect for every occasion, whether
Tropical Gardening: Fertilizer
March has a lot of history, hope and lore associated with it. For some superstitious folks, “Beware the Ides of
Tropical Gardening: The world calls with tropical fruits
A trip to less industrialized tropical and subtropical regions of the world can be very enlightening in some unexpected ways.
5 Family Friendly Rainy Day Adventures in Kona
Embracing Nature, Culture, and Creativity Rain in Kona might not be what you planned for, but it’s an invitation to
Tropical Gardening: Hawaii almost perfect, and the DOA wants to keep it that way
Some might disagree, but recent travels in the tropical world to discover a better place has brought me to the
Hybrid Reforestation In Hawai’i: What We’ve Observed
Understanding Reforestation What is reforestation? Are there different methods? What costs and benefits are involved? In this blog, we will
Tropical Gardening: Coffee flowering now means abundant harvests coming this fall
By Norman Bezona Professor emeritus, University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources The dry weather from Thanksgiving
Understanding the Differences Between Turkey Tail and Microporus Mushrooms
Mushrooms captivate enthusiasts and foragers with their diversity, beauty, and potential benefits. However, one challenge that often arises is distinguishing
Discover the Spirit of Mālama ‘Āina at Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary
Nestled in the heart of Hawaiʻi, the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary is more than just a breathtaking landscape—it’s a thriving
Tropical Gardening: Go native in your garden
By Norman Bezona Professor emeritus, University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources It is fun to go
Tropical Gardening: For you, a rose in Hawaii grows
By Norman C. Bezona Professor emeritus, University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources In Hawaii, growing roses
THE POWER OF PRAYER: REMEMBERING HOʻOPONOPONO
We just celebrated Hawaiian Language Month in November, and we wanted to highlight one of our absolute favorites to close
Giving Back to the ‘Āina: Small Acts, Big Impact
The Hawaiian concept of ‘Āina goes beyond the idea of “land”; it embodies the profound connection between people and the
Pacific19: A Traveler’s Perfect Stay in the Heart of Kona
Our Staycation at Pacific19: A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Kona If you’re looking for a place that feels
Rooted in Gratitude for the Silent Giving of Plants and Trees
Imagine a world without forests. The air we breathe, the water we drink, and even the stability of our planet
Mind, Body, and Nature: Discover Wellness at Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary
October 10 is recognized globally as World Mental Health Day, a time dedicated to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and fostering
Balancing Self-Care and Emotional Responsibility: The Key to Well-Being
Taking care of your physical and mental health is essential for living a fulfilling life, but it’s not just about
Guardians of the ‘Āina: Why We Appreciate Hawaii’s Sustainability Educators
Hawaii is more than just a paradise of sandy beaches and lush landscapes. It’s a unique ecosystem, home to diverse
Teaching with Heart: Recognizing the Passion and Commitment of Our Educators
Teaching is far more than just a job—it’s a calling. It requires an emotional and intellectual investment that goes beyond
The Art of Observation: How to Deepen Your Understanding of the Natural World
In today’s fast-paced world, many of us have lost touch with nature. We rush through life, barely noticing the environment
Tropical Gardening: Fences are used for many purposes
This will be my last column until sometime in November. We will be traveling in Europe and maybe North Africa
Teachers of Hawaiian Culture: Nurturing Our Keiki and Preserving Our Heritage
Hawaiian culture is a rich tapestry of history, traditions, and values that have been passed down for generations. At the
Tropical Gardening: Palms grace Italy and even Switzerland
Today’s column comes to you as we head for Italy. We are already missing the tropical ambiance of Hawaii Island
Moss in Medicine: Discover Ancient Healing Traditions
Understanding the Role of Moss in Traditional Medicine Mosses, small and often overlooked plants, have played a significant role in
Tropical Gardening: Manures and other nutrient sources to enrich our young volcanic soils
Our young volcanic soils are often in need of organic matter and nutrients. Where animal manures are available they are
Health Boosting with Pine Needle Tea
Pine needle tea, a natural remedy with a rich history, is gaining popularity for its numerous health benefits. Made from
Tropical Gardening: Color to brighten fall gardening with flowering plants and trees
Temperatures remain warm but things are about to change. Fall will officially arrive Sept. 22 in the northern hemisphere since
Kick Off Your Shoes: The Joys of Walking Barefoot in Nature
Walking barefoot in nature is a simple yet profound experience that has captivated humans for centuries. There’s something undeniably refreshing
Tropical Gardening: When is a weed not a weed?
Is it a weed? A weed may be defined as any plant growing in the wrong place. Some folks even
Blue Lotus: Ancient Egyptian Healing Flower
Imagine a flower so revered that it was depicted on the walls of ancient tombs, celebrated in religious rituals, and
Tropical Gardening: Consider source when using mulch and compost to improve soils
Many folks are now improving new and established gardens with mulch, but be wary of where you get it. It
Tropical Gardening: Deforestation affects more than just trees
We recently returned from a family wedding at Lake Chelan in Eastern Washington. What was most notable was the region
The Significance of Koa Wood to the Ancient Hawaiians
Koa wood, known for its rich color and striking grain, has long held a special place in Hawaiian culture. For
Tropical Gardening: East meets West in Hawaii gardens
In Hawaii, China and Japan, rock and water are used to add interest to the garden. The stone water basins
The Importance of the Kukui Nut Tree (Canoe Plant): Discover It at the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary
The Kukui nut tree, also known as the Candlenut tree, holds a special place in Hawaiian culture and history. Known
Tropical Gardening: The macadamia tree comes from the land down under
Like many other trees from Australia, the macadamia thrives in Hawaii. Others suited to the Islands are many grevillea, melaleuca,