Experience Big Island, Hawai’i
The Big Island of Hawai'i is a paradise of unparalleled natural beauty and unique experiences. From breathtaking landscapes to cultural gems, this island offers a wealth of adventures for every traveler. Among these, one standout experience is the luxury picnic, but let's explore all five of the best things to savor on the Big Island! Don’t forget to always make it a point to learn about the culture and show respect to the land.
Volcano National Park: Witness the raw power of nature at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Explore the Kīlauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes, where you can sometimes witness lava flows, and even visit the fascinating Thurston Lava Tube.
Stargazing at Mauna Kea: Atop Mauna Kea, the world's tallest mountain when measured from its base below sea level, lies a world-renowned stargazing site. Enjoy the awe-inspiring view of the night sky at the Mauna Kea Observatories for an unforgettable celestial experience. This is a very sacred place so please only go with respect and aloha.
Snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay: Dive into the crystal-clear waters of Kealakekua Bay, a marine sanctuary teeming with colorful fish and vibrant coral reefs. Snorkeling here is like entering a different world, with the added bonus of spotting spinner dolphins.
Hawaiian Cultural Experience: Immerse yourself in the island's rich cultural heritage at the Pu'uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park. Explore the ancient Hawaiian temple grounds, royal fishponds, and authentic thatched huts, gaining insight into the island's history and traditions.
Unique Luxury Picnic Experience: Elevate your visit with a unique luxury picnic on the Big Island with Mālama Luxury Picnics. Choose a secluded beach, black sand beach, or a scenic overlook, and indulge in a custom spread prepared just for you. This personalized experience offers the ultimate in relaxation and culinary delight, with stunning views as your backdrop.
Whether you're drawn to the fiery allure of volcanoes, the mysteries of the cosmos, the underwater wonders, the island's rich heritage, or the luxury of a private picnic, the Big Island of Hawai'i has something extraordinary for every traveler. Make your visit unforgettable by immersing yourself in these five must-experience delights.
A Taste of Heaven
Heavenly Hawaiian Coffee Farm is a local coffee company based on the Big Island of Hawai'i that is dedicated to producing high-quality, sustainably-grown coffee. They have partnered with Mālama Luxury Picnics to offer unique coffee farm picnics and tours for their guests.
The coffee farm picnics are a perfect way for visitors to learn about the coffee-making process and to experience the beauty of the farm firsthand. Guests can enjoy a delicious picnic lunch surrounded by the lush greenery of the coffee plants, while learning about the history and cultivation of coffee in Hawai'i. Not the mention, there is a beautiful pool near the gift shop that overlooks the coffee fields. Have you ever seen a luxury picnic in the middle of a pool? And don’t be surprised if one of the many friendly farm cats stops to give you a cuddle before you embark on a tour.
The coffee farm tours offer a more in-depth look at the coffee-making process. Guests can tour the farm with a fun, knowledgeable guide, learn about the different stages of coffee production, and even participate in some hands-on activities. Both the picnics and tours are a great way for visitors to learn about and appreciate the hard work that goes into producing delicious, high-quality coffee. In addition, the staff at the farm are incredibly welcoming and eager to receive guests.
Overall, the partnership between Heavenly Hawaiian Coffee and Mālama Luxury Picnics is a perfect match, offering guests a unique and educational way to experience the beauty and culture of the Big Island of Hawai'i. Don’t forget to stop by the farm on your next visit to the island!
Global Tropical Stays Pt. 1
It all begins with an idea.
Introducing: Mauna Lani Resort - Auberge Resorts Collection
If you have seen the renowned TV show, The White Lotus, featuring talented Hawaiian actor, Kekoa Kekumano, (fair warning, episode 3 is where things get a bit, well, revealed) then you can get a glimpse into life at a Hawaiian resort. However dramatic the show may be though, the Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collections boasts an even more spectacular setting for your own unique story.
The Mauna Lani asserts it’s position as one of the top-rated resorts on the Big Island through their beachside paradise, impeccable attention to preservation of culture, exceptional culinary adventures, and newly renovated, refined guest rooms.
Bask in the tropical sun rays or explore the lavish grounds of this prestigious resort. Enjoy laid-back talks with Uncle George as he weaves cultural Lauhala Baskets or learn about the unforgettable Mālama Honu Program to protect endangered sea turtles.
Did I mention the lovable, resort Golden Lab, Mika, who is available to further enhance the guest experience?! Safe to say, I fell in love. And then I had to make the hard decision of talking story with the trainer by the dog’s side or lounging by the 3,900 square foot pool with a custom cocktail. (p.s. I picked Mika). You can’t help but call this distinguished property a home-away-from-home.
But the best part about this pristine resort, is their un-denying commitment to preserving the Hawaiian culture and ‘Aina (land). You can truly feel the Aloha spirit in your interactions with the staff and how it is woven seamlessly into the decor. Be sure to adopt that same spirit during your stay on island through your interactions with other, how you respect the culture, and take care of the land.
For social media enthusiasts, every spot on this resort is just picture perfect. Celebrity stylist, Micaela Erlanger, took advantage of the property’s luxurious setting and documented every moment of her glorious Bachelorette weekend at the Mauna Lani. One of the most memorable moments she highlighted was a luxury picnic her sweet friends surprised her with; styled and set up by yours truly; Malama Luxury Picnics. The stunning bride-to-be recounts “you literally made the day! Just beyond!!!” While it was an honor to create a luxury picnic against the backdrop of a Hawaiian sunset, the true honor was being a part of her memories that will last a lifetime.
Tans may fade, but memories last forever and the Mauna Lani makes it their mission to send you home with incredible stories to tell.
A trip to the Mauna Lani will change your life.
Welcome to "The Good Life”
a luxury blog focusing on unique experiences, resorts, travel, and lifestyle.
Have you heard of the phrase “Pura Vida?” Locals in Costa Rica use this saying to fondly describe their way of life. It goes beyond the literal translation of “pure life” and serves to highlight the rich culture, people, and landscape of Costa Rica. Pura Vida embodies living the good life in all aspects of the phrase; from being with loved ones to a sense of cultural pride or belonging. It is happiness, an attitude: something that you have to feel and not just speak out loud.
It has been tattooed on my arm in tiny script for the past 6 years to serve as a daily reminder to live life to the absolute fullest, to dream big, and to soak in every moment that this world has to offer.
Many of you might be more familiar with the Hawaiian phrase “Aloha”. As a resident of the Big Island of Hawai’i, I have come to learn about the power (mana) in this seemingly simple word. The literal translation means “the breath of life.” To have the true spirit of Aloha can mean to be kind, harmonious, agreeable, walk with humility, exemplify perseverance, and to respect people. It means to care for others and the land without expecting anything in return.
“Aloha is to learn what is not said, to see what cannot be seen, and to know the unknowable” - words from Queen Lil’uokalani.
While the spirt of Aloha is unique to Hawai’i, it is something that should be carried and shared with others, no matter where you go in the world.
As I continue to grow a flourishing luxury event planning business in Hawai’i, I have felt compelled to start a luxury blog focusing on unique experiences, resorts, travel, and lifestyle.
In a world where we get caught in the highs and lows of this dizzying roller coaster we call life, don’t forget to pause and look a little deeper. This blog will serve the purpose of highlighting the beauty in life, from stunning tropical resorts, to unique experiences, to memorable stories from everyday humans around the world. This is not just for luxury consumers, expert travelers, or avid lifestyle gurus, this is for the souls who are struggling to find their purpose, for the lonely parents, the broke students, the dreamers, and the restless wanderers…this is for all of you.
Welcome to The Good Life.
xx Olivia