Guests are welcome to roam around the gardens and orchards, where 25 different kinds of fruit trees and shrubs flourish, including mango, banana, pineapple, papaya, lychee and avocado. “People from adjoining ahupuaa would meet in between to eat, rest, trade and ‘talk story.’ That’s what’s happening at Kaawa Loa Plantation today, only it’s people from all over the world who are eating, resting and talking story.” “Hawaiians divided land districts from the mountains to the sea so villagers would have access to the riches from both areas - fresh water and plants at higher altitudes and fish and salt from the ocean,” Martinage said. Kaawaloa is also the name of the ahupuaa (ancient land division) just north of the property. The Hawaiian word “loa” means “long,” and “kaawa” refers to the awa (kava) plant, whose roots were used throughout Polynesia to make a narcotic ceremonial drink. Three months later they opened Kaawa Loa Plantation, adhering to a division of duties that continues to this day: Nunn oversees repairs, reservations and housekeeping while Martinage is in charge of breakfast, arrivals and the grounds. Life partners as well as business partners, Martinage went into “farmer mode,” clearing the land and caring for the numerous plants and trees, while Nunn put his handyman and painting skills to good use. The next thing we knew, we had quit our jobs and had one-way tickets to Kona.” “We decided to make an offer on it, and after two months of ups and downs, the planets aligned and we closed the sale in June. “It was in rough shape -the land and the five homes on it - but it had a long, steep driveway that provided a great sense of arrival, a beautiful porte-cochere, a huge living room and a 1,500-square-foot wraparound lanai with an incredible view of the South Kona coastline,” Martinage said. They dreamed of running their own boutique hotel one day, and in April 2006 they saw a 5-acre property for sale above Kailua-Kona and decided to check it out. Martinage owned a destination management company in Lahaina and had experience in special-event planning, and Nunn was director of housekeeping for a large Kaanapali resort. Prior to starting their bed-and-breakfast business, Martinage and Nunn had both worked in the hospitality industry on Maui. “It was a sad trip for them, but it was nice to know they thought of Kaawa Loa as a haven that could help them heal.” “They came back because this is a special place for them, and they wanted to place flowers in their daughter’s memory at Puuhonua o Honaunau, the ancient place of refuge, which is a short drive away,” he said. Recently, a couple from the mainland returned with heavy hearts their 21-year-old daughter had died. Not all of Martinage’s memories are humorous. “She was asking about a refund because he didn’t sleep in his bed!” “As it turned out, they had met at midnight Mass and wound up sleeping together in her room,” he said. > Two Step: a great snorkeling site, 4 milesĪt first Martinage was confused, slowly repeating her words in his mind. Benedict’s Catholic Church: thepainted, 4 miles > Puuhonua o Honaunau: nps.gov/puho, 7 miles > Paleaku Gardens Peace Sanctuary:, 2.5 miles > Kona Coffee Living History Farm: kona, 1.5 miles Kaawa Loa Plantation is close to several popular Hawaii island attractions. The inn is best suited for guests age 7 and older. > Notes: All accommodations are nonsmoking. There are occasional seasonal specials, and kamaaina receive a 10 percent discount. > Nightly rates: The five rooms in the house are $129 to $199 per night, and the nearby Cottage at Kaawa Loa is $159 per night, based on a two-night minimum stay. Address: 82-5990 Napoopoo Road, Captain Cook, Hawaii island
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