Mid-Century Poly-Scandi Architecture and 5 Giant Coconuts.

Our home base this week is the Treadwell house, named for a prominent west coast physician who purchased a number of lots here in the 1930s and 40s. The design of the home is what I refer to as mid-century Poly-Scandi, having both Polynesian open-air living concepts and Scandinavian simplicity. It consists of 3 separate raised structures connected by decks, and has a large living room and lanai that faces the beach. Mature Kiawe trees surround the property, framing views of the ocean, dappling the sunlight, and creating habitat for many species of birds. It is one of the few large vacation homes with direct beach access on the Big Island, and makes a perfect platform for SwimVacation.

Clare mixed up a batch of her home grown, home made Citrus Immunity Tonic delivered in perfect little jars - a healthy zingy start to our afternoon activities.

Our crew got to work early this morning, Heather, Ryan, Kekau, and I set up all the things required to run a trip here: setting up baskets for caps and goggles and sunscreen, blowing up safe swim floats, hanging the daily schedule, placing name signs on bedroom doors, and dozens of other little things. Clare soon arrived with a lot of supplies to haul into the house - food and drink, bar supplies, that kind of thing. By 10am things looked pretty good, and it was time to start picking up the guests. 

We are privileged this week to have a small group of 5 female guests, all of whom have names that end with the EE sound. Kathy, Katie, Jenny, Tenley, and Nancy. They had arrived at various times and were scattered around the coast and at the airport, so we split up for pickups. We try to make it special right off the bat, placing locally made (by Ryan’s Auntie) leis around their necks, and offering oshibori (Japanese moist towels) and chilled Perrier. 

We get the EEs settled into their rooms, and give our usual SwimVacation talk about what to expect for the week, and to expect some unexpected things, too. They’re ready for a swim, so we jumped into the bay, which was typically choppy at this time of day. This group didn’t mind at all, and stroked into the sun and wind to a reef at the mouth of the bay. We took several breaks to orient ourselves, noting landmarks for navigation. 

Back at the house, Clare had set up the bar with all the stuff I needed to make Mai Tais, and Kekau opened some coconuts that he had harvested himself right here on the property. Chef Dan served his famous “fish in a bag” that is a lot more fancy than it sounds. It’s Heather’s birthday, so dessert was chocolate Guinness cake and ice cream. We all stayed up later than usual for the first night, talking story, as they say in Hawaii. Happy Birthday, Heather!

Hopper

Kekau climbed one of our coconut trees and harvested 5 winners! He expertly cracked them, added umbrellas and straws. Pro Hawaiian stuff here.

Sunset didn’t disappoint, and as an added charming surprise, our beach had an amazing pro-level sandcastle for all to enjoy! Someone must have worked on this all day!!

Chef Dan wowed us all with his exquisite salad dressing, followed by a meal that knocked our socks off. Thank you for the yummy chocolate cake, Clare! And to my O’hana (Hawaiian family), my Hawaiian birthday has been an island dream. - HP XO