hi everyone! i’m not sure who’s going to see this, but i want to share what i’ve been doing w my small business! if you have time, i’d appreciate if you stuck around <3
i’m from o`ahu, hawai`i, and i have a small jewelry business that i operate all on my own. i started off by making chunky jewelry (which i still do sometimes) but i have recently begun to dig deeper into my native culture and make pieces that are inspired by my native kingdom. it is my goal to not only show my culture through my pieces, but to support other small businesses in the process, as well. because of this, i try my best to source whatever materials i can from local businesses on the island.
i’m very passionate about my art, as it’s mainly what’s been keeping me afloat throughout my time at university. i have been working for almost two years at this point, and i’ve faced some brain-altering challenges, whether it be about the business itself or taking month-long hiatuses for my mental health.
despite the challenges i’ve faced, i still continue to produce what i consider to be unique pieces of jewelry that show hawai`i’s culture. a new project i’ve been working on is shell jewelry. i have a friend who goes diving and brings me shells. i then hand-drill holes into my shells and turn them into jewelry. it’s really a big switch-up from anything i’ve made before and i’m really proud of myself!!
i love, love, love to create. i’m a highly creative person. i love being able to share my culture with others, not only through jewelry, but through communicative education. i am an advocate for native hawaiians (in hawaiian, us natives are called kānaka maoli) and i aspire to share the true meanings of my culture with those i meet. although it’s still small, having a platform has given me a space to advocate for my fellow kānaka brothers and sisters.
in light of all of this, it would mean so much to me if you are able to help support my business in any way! my instagram is @beadsbypotter. i am also working on my etsy page at the moment. i strongly encourage you to check it out—it would mean the world to me! if you are able, please consider giving me a follow. it is my goal to get to 500 followers by the end of the year and i intend to host a giveaway for it! thank you so much for taking time of your day to read this. please remember to shop small :)
Nestled deep within the lush, emerald heart of Oahu, Hawaii, lies a staircase to heaven that has captured the imagination of adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike for decades. The Haiku Stairs, also known as the Stairway to Heaven, is a legendary hiking trail that weaves through the breathtaking Ko'olau Mountain Range, offering a glimpse into a world where the sky meets the earth in perfect harmony.
A Staircase to Heaven
The Haiku Stairs consist of a staggering 3,922 steps that ascend to an elevation of approximately 2,800 feet above sea level. The stairway's origin dates back to World War II when it was constructed to provide access to a radio transmission station at the mountain's summit. Over time, this treacherous path has become an iconic hiking trail, drawing intrepid explorers from around the globe.
The Mystery of Access
One of the enduring mysteries surrounding the Haiku Stairs is its accessibility—or rather, its inaccessibility. The staircase was officially closed to the public in 1987 due to safety concerns and damage sustained during a hurricane. Despite the closure, brave hikers continue to risk trespassing for the chance to conquer this legendary ascent. The allure of the forbidden and the breathtaking views from the top make it an irresistible challenge.
A Glimpse of Paradise
Those who dare to venture up the Haiku Stairs are rewarded with unparalleled panoramic views of the island of Oahu. As you ascend, the lush, tropical landscape unfurls below you, with the Pacific Ocean stretching to the horizon. The summit offers a surreal vantage point, where you can watch the sunrise paint the sky with hues of orange, pink, and gold, or witness the sun setting in a blaze of fiery glory.
Environmental Concerns
The controversy surrounding the Haiku Stairs doesn't just revolve around trespassing; it also involves the impact on the fragile ecosystem of the Ko'olau Mountain Range. Hikers trampling off the designated path can cause erosion and harm to the native flora and fauna. Conservationists and local authorities are striving to balance the preservation of this natural wonder with the desire to share its beauty with the world.
A Legal Alternative
For those who want to experience the majesty of the Haiku Stairs without breaking the law, there's good news. Efforts are underway to create a legal hiking trail that would provide access to this iconic location while minimizing the environmental impact. This alternative would allow visitors to safely explore the trail and appreciate the wonder of the Haiku Stairs without compromising the natural environment.
A Symbol of Resilience
The Haiku Stairs, with their stunning views and mystique, have become a symbol of resilience. Despite being closed and off-limits for many years, their magnetic pull persists. They remind us that nature's beauty and human determination can overcome even the most formidable obstacles.
Conclusion
The Haiku Stairs remain an enigmatic and alluring destination for those with a thirst for adventure and a reverence for the natural world. While the legal status and accessibility of the staircase may change in the future, its mystique will continue to beckon travelers, inviting them to uncover the secrets hidden within the folds of the Ko'olau Mountain Range.
Jil ADDIS Ukulele, keys., drums, bass, arrangement and production
Mixed by Umberto Echo & Gilles Geuggis
Mastered by Sam at Precise Uk
Distributed by Evidence MUSIC
Waves scenes by dgphotography (Derek-gomez.com)
"Growing up on the outskirts of Waikiki, Kahanamoku spent much of his youth at the beach, where he developed his surfing and swimming skills. In his youth, Kahanamoku preferred a traditional surf board, which he called his "papa nui", constructed after the fashion of ancient Hawaiian olo boards. Made from the wood of a koa tree, it was 16 feet (4.9 m) long and weighed 114 pounds (52 kg). The board was without a skeg, which had yet to be invented. In his later surfing career, he would often use smaller boards but always preferred those made of wood."