The unexpected beauty of ‘your Hawaiian retreat’

LAST MONTH, I HAD the pleasure of visiting a friend and Taoist teacher. At the end of my visit, I had scheduled an extra few days to explore the surrounding area. I had already booked a couch via Couchsurfing, and so was surprised when my host dropped out.

Unperturbed, I asked the Universe to find me a new couch… which basically meant I forgot to do anything about it until I received a message from another couchsurfing member who offered a spot on a local Hawaiian retreat property.

The property is owned by organic ginger farmer Hugh Johnson and his wife Elvira. They were kind enough to allow me to stay with them (in the aptly named Redneck Trailer).

The experience was a treat, all the more pleasurable because it relied on the good ol’ fashioned kindness of strangers. In the midst of all the spiritual guides and gurus, it’s a reminder that spirituality is as simple as welcoming in an other.

Road along the beach

The road along the beach is periodically enveloped in foliage.

Ginger fields

Hugh Johnson, owner of Biker Dude Organic Ginger, pauses to smile and survey the ginger fields. Photo: Christian Bonanno

Digging for ginger

A worker unearths the ginger. Photo: Christian Bonanno

Roots

Examining the roots. Photo: Christian Bonanno

Ginger

A worker carries the ginger to the loading truck. Photo: Christian Bonanno

Delivery

Hugh secures the truck for delivery to the local markets. Photo: Christian Bonanno

Music

The nearby beach offers moments of music and joy for the locals and tourists. Photo: Christian Bonanno

Fiddlehead

A lone fiddlehead spins in the sunshine. Photo: Christian Bonanno

Lizard

A lizard basks in the warmth on the screen. Photo: Christian Bonanno

At the retreat

Back on the retreat property, the Ohana House offers a peaceful space.

Oranges

Oranges cling plump from the trees, ready to be eaten.

Goat

A goat eyes intently from the pen. Fresh goat's milk is always within an arm's reach. Photo: Christian Bonanno

Bathe outdoors

An outdoor bath is a change from the everyday. Photo: Christian Bonanno

Buddha

A buddha sits outside the entrance to Ohana House. Photo: Christian Bonanno

Tire swing

A tire swing hangs lazily in the fading sunlight.

Out the window

A view of the coast ends the afternoon. Photo: Christian Bonanno

Over the sea

Sunset over the property and the seas beyond. Photo: Christian Bonanno