Our Holiday Wreaths Featured on Hawaii News Now

“The wreath is so beautiful and representative of Hawaii and The Big Island.” -Kristin Jackson, Emma Spencer Living.  When visiting Volcano Village Lodge, the beauty of the rainforest will immediately capture your attention. The property is lush with exotic flowers, giant tree ferns, and a light mist that slowly rolls through the canopy cover. It’s breathtaking and awe-inspiring. And, like many of our guests, Samuelyn (Sammy) Wakinekona, our housekeeper, finds her inspiration here. As our housekeeper Sammy does more than just clean. She helps create a warm, welcoming atmosphere throughout Volcano Village Lodge by designing and decorating with numerous lovely flower arrangements. This year, she decided to add a festive vibe to the grounds with her stunning and traditional holiday wreaths. Imagine for a minute (those who have been to Volcano will find this easier) the long, towering, misty slopes of Mauna Loa. Then picture a Hawaiian chanting to the rainforest gods and goddesses and asking permission to enter. Imagine that same Hawaiian then carefully hand-picking individual plants for a specific purpose. Keep in mind, though, that the purpose is only known to the person and it’s place in our world is known only to the picker. This scenario is a common Hawaiian belief, and part of the inspiration for Sammy’s rainforest wreath creations. Great care is taken by Sammy to design and craft her wreaths. They are not only beautiful, but culturally significant. The one used for display at Hawaii News Now is simple, yet elegant. While it features only three plants that commonly grow in Volcano, the arrangement’s design is very intricate. The main focus of the wreath is the Liko Lehua (new leaf buds), from the native Ohia tree. Many associate Ohia trees with Pele, the volcano goddess, and Laka, the hula goddess. Around the outside of the wreath is Uki, the native sedge, while the green filler is a Sugi Pine. The hand-picked, hand-made wreath that was featured on Hawaii News Now in Honolulu created a lot of buzz around the news station. Famous Hawaiian musicians Robert Cazimero and Starr Kalahiki even took the time to pose with the wreath. Two of Sammy’s wreaths are on display now at Volcano Village Lodge. They will remain there throughout the holiday season. Our master floral designer is currently taking orders on the Big Island of Hawaii and can be reached at sammy2ke@gmail.com. Congratulations, Sammy, on capturing the essence of the Hawaiian Holiday Season! We couldn’t be more proud!