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March has a lot of history, hope and lore associated with it. For some superstitious folks, “Beware the Ides of March,” a quote from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, brings a sense of foreboding. Searching history, you can find yourself going down the rabbit hole seeking where it all started. The Book of Esther refers to the…

A trip to less industrialized tropical and subtropical regions of the world can be very enlightening in some unexpected ways. By visiting these places, we can learn more about what tropical fruits are integral to the colorful cultures of the world. Most may be grown in Hawaii with our varied climate from tropical to temperate….

Embracing Nature, Culture, and Creativity Rain in Kona might not be what you planned for, but it’s an invitation to slow down, connect, and experience the island in a new way. Whether you’re looking for an indoor adventure or a chance to embrace the elements, here are five family-friendly activities to enjoy a rainy day…

Some might disagree, but recent travels in the tropical world to discover a better place has brought me to the conclusion that we are blessed and should appreciate what we have here at home. Foremost is the aloha expressed in the way we treat one another. When it comes to our natural environment, our islands…

Understanding Reforestation What is reforestation? Are there different methods? What costs and benefits are involved? In this blog, we will break it down, share what we have observed and learned, and address some of the most common questions we’ve received over the years. A Legacy of Conservation The Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary was founded in…

By Norman Bezona Professor emeritus, University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources   The dry weather from Thanksgiving to January created conditions for heavy flowering when a rainy spell in mid January stimulated a big flush of flowering shortly thereafter. When Kona has a wet winter and flowering is intermitant, it results…

Mushrooms captivate enthusiasts and foragers with their diversity, beauty, and potential benefits. However, one challenge that often arises is distinguishing between species that look alike but have distinct characteristics. A common case of misidentification involves Turkey Tail mushrooms (Trametes versicolor) and Microporus mushrooms. While they may share some visual similarities, they are separate species with…

Nestled in the heart of Hawaiʻi, the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary is more than just a breathtaking landscape—it’s a thriving ecosystem and a testament to the importance of environmental stewardship. Whether you’re seeking a way to give back, explore your creative side, or simply connect with nature, this sanctuary offers unique opportunities to engage and…

By Norman Bezona Professor emeritus, University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources   It is fun to go native, but you don’t need to strip down when it comes to incorporating native plants into your Hawaiian garden! Next weekend, Feb. 1 will be a great opportunity to get expert advice from nursery…

By Norman C. Bezona Professor emeritus, University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources In Hawaii, growing roses is always a rewarding challenge to the gardener. Roses are cool climate plants that do best at elevations of 1,000 feet or more. At lower elevations, insects and disease problems are aggravated. At best, roses…

We just celebrated Hawaiian Language Month in November, and we wanted to highlight one of our absolute favorites to close out the month: “Hoʻoponopono” Hoʻoponopono is a traditional Hawaiian practice of reconciliation and forgiveness. Rooted deeply in Hawaiian spirituality and culture, the term translates roughly to “make right” or “correct an error.” The word “hoʻo”…

The Hawaiian concept of ‘Āina goes beyond the idea of “land”; it embodies the profound connection between people and the natural world. Giving back to the ‘Āina isn’t just a responsibility—it’s a privilege that enables us to nurture and sustain the beauty that gives so much to us. At the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary (KCFS),…