Hawaiian Ohia Tea and Tikis

Discover the vibrant world of Hawaiian Ohia tea and traditional tiki carving. Ohia trees, revered in local folklore, provide the basis for a celebrated, antioxidant-rich tea. Visitors to these interactive workshops don’t just learn about harvesting and preparation – they also craft their own tikis, connecting to the island’s rich artistic heritage. This immersive experience offers a unique glimpse into Hawaii’s natural beauty and sustainable living practices. What more can these workshops reveal about the cultural significance of Ohia and tikis?

Key Points

• The cultural experience includes demonstrations of wood carving to create personal tikis and learning about ancient rock chiseling techniques.
• Participants can enjoy Ohia tea, which is made from the leaves of the vibrant red-blooming Ohia tree, known for its unique properties and role in Hawaiian folklore.
• The activity takes place in an authentic jungle setting on the Big Island of Hawaii, near iconic landmarks like Hirano Store and a long wooden fence with tikis.
• Accommodation is available in a cozy, off-grid cabin called "The Okina," providing an immersive experience surrounded by lush vegetation and jungle sounds.
• The Ohia tea offers health benefits, including high antioxidant content, and is paired with local tropical fruits and other natural ingredients.

Location and Meeting Point

The activity takes place on the Big Island of Hawaii, USA.

Travelers meet at Jungle King Avenue, Fern Forest, HI 96778, located near the Hirano Store and a long wooden fence with tikis. This is the designated meeting point for the "Hawaiian Ohia Tea and Tikis" experience.

The location provides an authentic jungle setting, setting the stage for the immersive cultural activity.

Participants should look for the iconic landmarks to find the meeting spot and prepare for an engaging hands-on experience exploring local traditions and craftsmanship.

Tour Details and Pricing

From $35.00 per person, the "Hawaiian Ohia Tea and Tikis" activity offers an immersive cultural experience for up to 10 travelers.

Though the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, service animals are welcome, and public transportation is nearby. Guests receive confirmation at the time of booking and can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

The activity includes coffee or tea and interactive demonstrations of wood carving and rock chiseling, focusing on living off the grid and local plant education.

It’s an authentic, family-friendly opportunity to explore Hawaiian traditions.

Accessibility and Confirmation

Though the "Hawaiian Ohia Tea and Tikis" activity isn’t wheelchair accessible, service animals are allowed, and public transportation is available nearby.

Upon booking, travelers receive confirmation of their reservation. The activity has a maximum capacity of 10 participants.

The cancellation policy offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts. This allows for flexibility in planning.

Experience Highlights

Visitors can expect an immersive experience, as the "Hawaiian Ohia Tea and Tikis" activity includes coffee or tea, interactive wood carving and rock chiseling, and a focus on living off the grid and local plant education. The authentic, family-friendly experience features enthusiastic hosts Jason and Nikki, who share their knowledge of Hawaiian culture and sustainable living. Highlights of the tour include:

Experience	Highlights
Coffee or Tea	Served during the activity
Wood Carving	Opportunity to create your own tiki
Rock Chiseling	Learn to carve stone like the ancients
Plant Education	Discover local flora and their uses
Off-Grid Living	Insight into sustainable lifestyles

Review Highlights

One reviewer highlighted the "Hawaiian Ohia Tea and Tikis" experience as the highlight of their trip, describing it as educational and engaging for children.

The enthusiastic hosts, Jason and Nikki, were praised for their expertise and passion, which brought the experience to life.

The reviewer noted several key highlights:

• The interactive wood carving and rock chiseling activities
• The focus on living off the grid and local plant education
• The authentic, family-friendly atmosphere of the tour
• The unique opportunity to take in the jungle setting

Accommodation Options

For travelers seeking a more immersive jungle experience, a cozy cabin called "The Okina" is available through AirBNB.

Located right near the meeting point in Fern Forest, the cabin offers an authentic taste of living off the grid. Guests can enjoy the surrounding lush vegetation and fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle.

The accommodations are basic yet comfortable, providing a unique opportunity to fully take in the Hawaiian landscape before or after the Hawaiian Ohia Tea and Tikis experience.

Ohia Tea and Local Plants

Although the Hawaiian Ohia tree is known for its vibrant red blooms, its leaves also possess remarkable properties. The Ohia leaf is the star of the tour, as it’s used to craft a unique, local tea.

Participants learn about:

• The Ohia tree’s role in Hawaiian folklore and mythology
• The traditional methods of harvesting and preparing the Ohia tea leaves
• The tea’s health benefits, including its high antioxidant content
• How the tea pairs with local tropical fruits and other natural ingredients

This interactive experience offers a glimpse into Hawaii’s rich botanical heritage and sustainable living.

Tiki Carving and Chiseling

Alongside the Ohia tea, the Hawaiian Ohia Tea and Tikis tour showcases the art of tiki carving and chiseling.

Visitors can learn traditional techniques from the knowledgeable hosts, Jason and Nikki. Using basic wood-carving tools, you will chisel and shape local wood into their own miniature tiki figurines.

The process allows guests to connect with the island’s rich cultural heritage and traditions. Producing these small works of art is a hands-on, interactive experience that immerses travelers in the local craft.

Whether beginner or experienced, everyone can tap into their creative side and carve a unique souvenir to take home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Cultural Significance of the Tikis?

Tikis are sacred sculptures in Polynesian cultures, representing spiritual deities or ancestors. They symbolize the connection between the physical and supernatural worlds, and are often used in cultural ceremonies and rituals.

How Is the Ohia Tea Harvested and Prepared?

The ohia tea is harvested from the ohia tree, a native Hawaiian plant. The leaves are dried and crushed to make a flavorful tea. The preparation process involves carefully selecting the best leaves and ensuring the proper drying and crushing techniques.

What Other Local Traditional Crafts Are Demonstrated?

The tour also includes demonstrations of traditional Hawaiian woodcarving and rock chiseling. Guests can interactively participate in crafting their own small tiki or other souvenir under the guidance of the enthusiastic hosts.

Are There Any Hiking Trails or Natural Sights Nearby?

The experience does not include hiking trails or natural sights, as it’s focused on the interactive wood carving and rock chiseling activities. However, the Jungle King Avenue location offers a lush, immersive forest setting for the authentic family-friendly experience.

Can Participants Bring Home Any Souvenirs or Carvings?

Participants can typically bring home small wood carvings or rock chiseled souvenirs they make during the interactive experience. The tour includes the materials and guidance to create personalized keepsakes to commemorate their visit.

Sum Up

The Hawaiian Ohia tea experience offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the island’s rich cultural heritage. Participants learn about the significance of the Ohia tree, discover traditional tea preparation methods, and engage in the art of tiki carving, all while connecting with the island’s sustainable living practices. This multifaceted experience provides a memorable and authentic glimpse into the natural beauty and artistic traditions of Hawaii.