“I just got these poles the other day. I hiked up to this special place by O’heo Gorge in the mountains where my dad used to take me as a child, to find just the right pieces of bamboo for this,” says Andrew as he shows off the approximately 10 foot long fishing rods. “My father helped me get them ready. We trimmed the branches and then had to spin them through fire and rub them with heat to help strengthen and straighten them out.”

Andrew goes on to demonstrate how to tie on the 8 lb. fishing line and hook, and carefully attaches a small weight.”The length of the line should be just about the same length as the pole, plus a little. And that’s it, we’re ready to fish!”

Hana Bay, also known to the locals as Kapueokahi, is just a short walk from Travaasa Hana’s property and is teeming with fish. Along the way, Andrew points out a covered hale, perched above the bay with an amazing view of the perfect, crescent beach and shimmering surf. Here the old-timers, or kupuna, spend many hours telling tales and watching for schools of akule (Bigeye Scad). Andrew explains that this tradition helped feed the village: “when the kilo (fish spotter) sees the fish, they call out and everyone comes for the Hukilau (fish gathering).”

He leads his groups down to the water and on to the black lava rocks where the waves are breaking and swirling into small nooks and crannies along the shoreline. After he baits the hooks, he shows the group how to toss it into just the right spot.

Then it’s like a meditation. You feel the breeze against your skin, listen to the rhythm of the waves and watch the line move with the currents. You feel your connection to the pole as it transmits even the smallest sensations of the fish as they nibble on the bait. You focus on just the right moment to yank the pole and catch fish before they make off with the bait.

When fish are hooked, he guides them into a big bucket and carefully removes the hooks while the group gathers around the bucket. He tells the lucky person a little bit about the fish – kupipi, nenue or hinalea among others – and describes with great delight, how they are prepared for eating.

“It is a Hawaiian tradition that your first catch has to go back to the sea for good luck,” he says, grinning and shaking his head. “I still remember the first time I went net fishing with my father and I caught a lot of fish on my very first cast. I was all excited but then he threw them back. It was a lot more casts until I caught my next ones.”

Along with the bamboo pole fishing adventures, Andrew also teaches Throw Net Fishing and Tidal Pool Harvesting classes several times a week for guests. “I love sharing our culture with our guests. I traveled a lot with the military, but never found anywhere else that I loved as much as Hana, and it is great showing my home off to people who come here.”

Staying at Travaasa Austin over the 4th of July? Join the rest of our guests for a July 4th pool party from 1-5pm. Enjoy fun in the sun, complete with pool volleyball, bar service, specialty cocktails (such as the blackberry caipirinha, hana colada), grilling, and live music. Kick back and relax by the pool while enjoying the spectacular views of Lake Travis and the Texas Hill Country.

In the evening from 8-11pm join us back at the pool for cocktails and Star Gazing with our astronomer Eddie Hrncir “for the best time you’ve ever had in the dark.”  With Eddie’s powerful telescope you will be able to see the craters on the moon, the rings of Saturn, Jupiter and the Andromeda galaxy all while enjoying a festive cocktail.

Did we mention we now have a Pool Bar Kiosk where you can enjoy speciality cocktails and fresh foods?

Fitness:

Dive into Pilates for a stronger torso and increased core stability, which creates greater range of motion, stronger, more controlled movement and a leaner, more toned physique.

We are on our feet a lot and most of the time we do not pay attention to it. Learning how to use our feet with proper mechanics is essential for their health and the other joints above, including your back.  Going deeper into our feet, massaging them, learning good mechanics and strengthening them will allow us to stay mobile and afloat, surfing to an overall better posture and healthier lifestyle.

Create some friendly competition as you jump, spike and dive into action with pool volleyball in the infinity pool or cool off with a game of soaker golf. This game uses water blasters and small cups in place of golf balls. The general concept is simple: Launch the cup and have it land in the bucket using as few squirts as possible.

Tai Chi Chuan means Supreme Ultimate Boxing.  Used as an exercise for health—utilizing breathing, visualizations and circular movements to work the entire body at once—it would loosely translate as supreme ultimate skill.  The movements are smooth, continuous, and natural and generate health, longevity and internal strength and power. Tai Chi Dive and Surf is simple yet profound, proposing the idea that everything consists of two opposing forces that harmonize with each other to create a whole.

Culinary: 

Eating raw food and juicing during your vacation is a great way to uphold high energy levels while still enjoying a tasty meal.  Learn how blending raw vegetables and fruits help to make valuable nutrients more readily available to the body. Sample some raw food juices and dive into a healthier lifestyle.

Cultural:

Dive into your past with journaling by reflecting on beach and water holidays from your past, or capture memories from your current Travaasa adventure.

Celebrate:

Kick off the last weekend of summer at Travaassa Hana for the Labor Day Mountain Ball Tournament.  Hana’s traditional end-of-summer event takes place at the Hana Ballpark, which was built in the 1940s to hold the San Francisco Seals summer camp owned by Paul Fagan, who established Travaasa in 1946.  Teams from all over Hawaii travel to Hana for this community event, which includes entertainment and lots of cheering!

Take two or three racks of baby back pork ribs and give them a nice seasoning with Kosher salt and Black Pepper.

With a paring knife, slice between each bone on the back side of the rack to sever the thick connective tissue binding the rack together.

Place in smoker and smoke for about 5 hours (This time may need to be adjusted depending on temperature. The real test is being able to pull the bone away from the rib meat while having the rack remain intact).

The key is to have the smoker going at a slow smolder without flames.

We use Oak to smoke our ribs, but Pecan wood is also a great wood to smoke with.

If you have an infrared thermometer, check to see that your smoke is riding at about 250 degrees.

If no infrared thermometer is available, just make sure there is a nice even heat. If the ribs look like they are charring early, lightly wet the wood to retard the flame and produce more smoke.

The low heat will tenderize and melt away the connective tissue to produce tender “fall of the bone” pork ribs.

Serve with your favorite BBQ sauce.

What makes the Western Sky so amazing?

• The wood that lines the walls is reclaimed Douglas fir from an old elementary school in Texas.
• The wood trim, although plain, is reclaimed loblolly pine from an old library in Texas.
• The fiber optic sky represents a Texas sky, with the constellations Leo, Capricorn, Little Dipper, Sagittarius, and many more.
• The Western Sky has a bar in the room that is stocked with lemon water, and hand blown green glass.
• There is a rawhide chair, faux suede duvet and western flannel throw.
• The carpet  is unique, in that it looks like a cowhide.
• All of the paint used to paint Western Sky is not VOC; the wood was treated with a non toxic soy based finish.
• The electric massage table has 6 Bose speakers built into the table, creating a sound experience that you can really feel.
• The massage table also has an attachment that will allow us to perform manicures. (Based on availability, we are not able to perform pedicures in Western Sky).
• There is a paper dog in the room, made, of course, from recycled paper.
• The wall sconces are steam punk design with magnifying glass and filament light bulbs.

Now, for the magic that happens in the Man Room…

Enjoy the “What Ales You” Package and let your aches and pains melt away like a Texas Sunset. This exclusive men’s package begins with an Energetic Edge 80-minute massage followed by a Peppermint Zenergy Foot Treatment. End your experience with an organic Texas ale.

Each guest that receives a service in Western Sky during Man Month will have a chance to name the dog and enter to win a gift certificate for a 50 minute massage or a shirt from Ryan Michael Collection (style based on availability).

• Avoid compressing the soil by making sure its dry, as damaging the soil could harm the rest of the garden.

• Weeds pop up as fast as the temperature rises, so be sure to tackle those pesky things first.

• Start a garden journal, which includes information on planting dates, seed types, and weather changes.  By drawing where the plants are this year, next year’s harvest will mimic what worked and what didn’t from this year.

• The next time you boil vegetables, save the water.  Use it to water potted patio plants, and don’t be surprised by their response to vegetable soup!

• Use chamomile tea to control fungus, which frequently attacks young seedlings.  Add a tiny bit of tea to the soil around the base of sprouts weekly.

• A quarter of an inch of leftover tea or coffee grounds applied once a month will keep the pH of soil on the acidic side for acid-loving plants such as blueberries, gardenias, azaleas, rhododendrons and camellias.

• Block planting as opposed to planting in rows makes efficient use of land by keeping the spacing between plants tight and removing preventable pathways.

• Pile together pulled plants, leaves, organic materials and mulches to create your own compost, saving you the hassle of buying soil.  Also a bonus: throw in your leftovers from the kitchen!

• Water is a precious resource, so don’t waste it!  Mulches and soaker hoses are extremely helpful for summer crops.  Water in the evening to avoid water from evaporating or blowing away on a gusty day.  Get to know your soil and its ability to hold moisture.  Planting similar plants together—thirsty vs. drought tolerant—prevents them from receiving too little or too much water.  Another great idea: capture water in rain barrels.

1. Juicing is an incredible way to maintain a healthy lifestyle while relaxing on the beach. Travaasa Hana offers Juicing 2.0—an interactive way to gain the skills to juice on your own while incorporating local fruits and vegetables and learning to create a tasty drink that you can integrate into your everyday diet.

2. Accompany your early morning juice with a sunrise hike along the coastline to get ready for the exciting day ahead of you.  Hiking in the element is a great way to soak up vitamin D while firming and waking up the muscles.

3. Lying around the beach people watching is more fun after a little adventure.  Get your adrenaline pumping by taking to the seas with a sea kayak.  Make a splash and test your strength as your paddle out against the waves. You may even come across dolphins or sea turtles.

4. Ease your mind by practicing yoga on the beach. The soothing sound of the ocean is the perfect music for your practice and will allow you to relax while strengthening.

5. Don’t forget to take advantage of the fresh, local fruits, vegetables and of course seafood. Fish boasts those healthy heart and brain omega 3 fatty acids while being an excellent source of protein. You’re sure to have plenty of energy for the rest of your retreat after indulging in local fare.

6. Vacation just wouldn’t be vacation without a little visit to the spa. If you’re visiting Travaasa Hana, try the Hawaiian Lomilomi massage.  Lomilomi is a powerful native Hawaiian healing tradition. Rhythmic strokes, joint movement and deep kneading improve the body and calm the soul.

To tempt your palate…

Delicious Texas BBQ featured from:

• The Salt Lick (Austin)
• The Granary (San Antonio)
• Snow’s BBQ (Lexington)
• Pecan Lodge (Dallas)
• Killen’s BBQ (Houston)

For your drinking pleasure….

• Beer tastings will be provided by:
• Hops & Grain (Austin)
• The Granary (San Antonio)
• Rahr & Sons Brewing Company (Ft. Worth)
• Saint Arnolds Brewing Company (Houston)

Cocktails will be provided by Deep Eddies Ruby Red Vodka

Tickets: http://travaasabbqbash.com/

1. Apply SPF: Make it a morning ritual. Make up and moisturizers containing SPF aren’t enough to get you through the day.  Most make up products don’t contain enough SPF to block harmful UVA rays.  After applying your make up, always include a broad spectrum, lightweight sunscreen like Clinique’s City Block Sheer Oil-Free Daily Face Protector SPF 25.

2. Hydrate your skin with a mask. With about two-and-a-half roses per jar, the Rose Face Mask from Fresh is a great hydrating mask to use after a long day in the sun.  The cooling gel formula includes rose water, rose petals, cucumbers and aloe vera to reduce inflammation and restore radiance.  It also includes green tea extract, which protects and brightens your skin.

3. Maintain hydrated skin throughout the summer to ensure healthy cells and resilience.  Look for products that contain hyaluronic acid for smooth skin that never dries out.  Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring element of connective tissue that gives strength and flexibility to skin and blood vessels.  It also helps keep your skin saturated, supporting a youthful, healthy appearance.  Try Murad’s Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture, an intensely-oxygenating, all-purpose cream, which delivers eight hours of ideal moisture and restores elasticity and tone.

4. Nurture your skin through nutrition. Certain foods containing lycopene boosts your SPF to help prevent sunburns and cellular damage.  Tomatoes, pink grapefruits, guava and watermelons act as a sunscreen from the inside—but do not replace the daily practice of applying lotion!

 5. Introduce Vitamin D into your diet.  While you may be thinking vitamin D is necessary for your body’s function and prevents chronic diseases and cancers, experts say unprotected sun exposure is dangerous.  Try getting your daily intake of vitamin D through vitamins as well foods like milk, salmon and orange juice.

6. Accessorize. Stay covered up this summer with a cute, wide brim, floppy hat, which covers your face and shoulders while still being on-trend.  Try Rachel Zoe’s Straw Brim Hat that goes with everything.

7. Treat yourself to a spa visit. At Travaasa Austin, the 80-minute rejuvenating clay and aloe wrap with unrefined, green clay will hydrate and shield sun-damaged skin with intense stimulation. At Travaasa Hana, the 90-minute, blue lotus pure facial provides essential nutrition and replenishes amino acids to purify your skin as it restores balance.  The rare blue lotus and other therapeutic plants and flowers inspired this healing and recovering treatment.