In our last article, we spoke about the best female surfers in the world coming to visit Maui at the beginning of every winter. These women are not the only majestic creatures that enjoy coming to our warm water every year. From the months of November to May, between 8,000 to 10,000 Humpback Whales (Kohola in Hawaiian) travel all the way from Alaska to the Archipelago of Hawaii.

Their 3,000-mile journey takes four to six weeks, with very few stops. These giants of the sea escape the ice cold water of Alaska, in search of warmer water to mate and give birth. Hawaiian waters are not only warmer, but offer great visibility and lack of natural predators. A safer environment for the baby calves to grow and learn all of the skills necessary to their survival.

Humpback whales have an eleven to twelve month gestational period. During one season they will be breeding, and the next one they will be giving birth. Out of eight Hawaiian Islands, the West side of Maui is the best location for whale watching. You can be guaranteed to see the whales from January to March, as this is when the highest amount of whales cross the Auau channel. There are many options to go observe these beauties:

• From land: the whales are so big and close to the shore that all you have to do is look up at the ocean and wait for them to breach! One of the best locations to observe them is on the Pali Road (Between Maalaea and Lahaina). The view is breathtaking and the whales will never seize to amaze you!
• By boat: There are whale watching tours departing the harbor of Lahaina Town right across the street from Belle Surf Cafe! If you would like to get an up close and personal experience with the whales, I would definitely recommend this.
• With your own watercraft: These giant mammals get so close to the shore that it is possible to reach them by canoe or stand up paddle! You MUST be experienced in this type of water activity before committing to it. Strong winds and currents can make the trip back to the beach extremely difficult. Do not forget to keep a safe distance from the whales. We want them to come back next year, right? We must respect their personal space.

However you decide to observe our winter visitors, make sure you do not only watch them, but also listen to them! If you spot some whales in the ocean, stick your head underwater to hear their beautiful music. Their singing travels through the ocean, so even if you are on the shore you will be able to hear them. Scientists believe that only males sing, likely as a mating technique. This is similar to a bird song. Humpback whales are the fifth largest whale species in the world (weighing in at fifty to eighty thousand pounds and up to sixty feet in length)!!

When your plan your trip to Maui, add these giants to your list! It is very rare to be in a place in the world where you can observe so many whales from the shore. If you decide to book a Whale Watch tour, come say hi to us at Belle Surf Cafe! We are a one minute walking distance from the Lahaina harbor where the boats arrive and depart. We will make sure to serve you breakfast in no time so that you will not miss your boat.

Check out our photos from last winter! We went to observe the whales using a stand up paddle, and not only did we find playful Humpbacks, but also an adventurous dog looking to make friends! (Yes… the little yellow dot in that photo is a tiny dog swimming straight towards an 80,000 pound whale!) 

What is this “Acai bowl” everyone is talking about? Admit it, you asked yourself this question at some point in your life, unless you were born in Brazil! I think it is pretty crazy how everyone will suddenly start speaking about a health food product, and then you start seeing it everywhere. It becomes a trend.

Am I the only one… or does everyone drink sparkling water now? A few years ago you would go visit your friends, and they would offer you a soda or some alcohol, right? Well seltzer is now back in the race against the soda giants! Less sugar, more water! The United States has never consumed this much avocado, until this day.

Chickpeas, cauliflower, kale and many other healthy ailments are also making their way to the top. Samples like this goes on and on, but how are these food trends born? These so called ‘trends’ are inJluenced by a wide range of factors: famous chefs, health studies, diet trends and even fashion. “Healthy Food” is definitely the tendency of this decade.

Consumers are very health-conscious, swinging more towards “real” foods instead of lab-created pseudo foods. The “fast and easy” trend is slowing down and Jinally making room for “organic”, “local”, “no added sugar”, “dairy free”, etc. I have to say… it was about time!

We are finally waking up and realizing that eating bad, can end bad. After all, we are what we eat, right? But do we really know what we eat sometimes? Can you even pronounce all of the names of the ingredients in this bag of chips? Probably not! However… we all know that is not a good sign. I want to live as long as I can, without having to fight cardiac disease or cancer. By consciously putting in the effort to eat as healthy as possible, hopefully the odds will be in my favor. Not only is it excellent for my body long term, but I love how light and energized I feel after eating a delicious avocado toast from Belle Surf Cafe! Can you say the same after eating at a fast-food restaurant?

It is NOT always easy to find yummy healthy food on the go. If you come to Lahaina, you do not need to waste too much time wandering around. We have you covered here at Belle Surf Cafe with plenty of choices made for all diets!

Our menu will satisfy your cravings, all while leaving your tummy full and your mind at ease because you ate something that your body loves. Our customers constantly have questions regarding items on our menu such as ‘Superfoods’.

Hemp seeds, Spirulina, chia seeds, to name a few. If you are curious and would like to learn more on  Superfoods, and their benefits, check out our next blog post coming this Thursday! This way, you too can learn how to live a life full of wellness and longevity! 

Are you getting ready for a trip to the island of Maui?! Well, you do not want to forget anything important! From my broad traveling experience, as well as time spent living on Maui, I have some helpful tips, tricks and reminders to guide you in preparation and packing your bags for your dream trip to the Valley Isle. See you soon!

For your suitcase, here is a short list of the main items you will need in order to be comfortable in the warm, wet, tropical weather!

Clothing

Warm weather clothes are a must.

• Aloha shirts, tanks, lightweight t-shirts, and linen.
• Skirts and dresses are wonderful for the ladies!

Depending on the part of the island, sometimes there are vast climate differences. Add a rain jacket to the list as we get light tropical showers in the mornings. If you are planning on visiting Haleakala National Park, it is at a chilling elevation of 10,000 feet. You will want pants, shoes and a jacket with layers as it is freezing up there!

A light weight sweater is a plus for morning boat rides, or cooler evenings out.

Beachwear

A couple of bathing suits or board shorts are perfect. If you are a beach lover, you will live in these! A little cover up or sarong is always nice to have on hand. If you are one to get sunburned easily, do not forget a hat and rash guard. These will help quite a bit for those long days in the hot sun!

Shoes

I tend to travel to tropical destinations with two types of shoes. One pair of sandals and one pair of shoes. Living in Hawaii, I found this is all that I need! A cute pair of sandals for walking around, going to the beach, or out to dinner. And a pair of shoes for workouts, running or hiking!

Sunscreen

Hawaii has a new regulation for reef-safe sunscreen. The two main chemicals to avoid in your sunscreen are Oxybenzone and Octinoxate. You can find reef-safe sunscreen products in the stores on the island. This will save you space in your suitcase.
We sell a local and handmade sunscreen by Lahaina Organics in Belle Surf Cafe! Stop by to grab one when you arrive.

Thank you for helping to protect our reefs and animals!

In our next post, we will go into the depths of reef safe sunscreen and the risks that harmful sunscreens pose on our
environment and bodies.

Extras

• Day bag
• Sunglasses
• Camera
• Hydro Flask water bottle ( this vacuum insulated waterbottle keeps your water cold for long periods of time. Even if
  you do not drink icy cold water, it will also keep the sun from heating your water too hot!

These items can help make your trip easier, comfortable, and take home memories with some beautiful photos!
Wondering what to bring onto the plane?! Well, it does differ depending if you are checking a bag, or just doing carry on!

For your carry on items, you are limited with a few special regulations.

Toiletries

You are limited to a quart size bag of liquids/creams, etc. in your carry on bag. Each item can be no more than 3.4 oz. per container. If you would like to bring anything bigger, it is best to Pit this into your checked bag, so it does not get confiscated.

Personal Items

Passport or Driver’s license, phone and wallet (credit cards, cash, insurance cards).
If you have any prescription medications, you definitely want to pack these in their original containers that have your name on it. I would recommend bringing these onto the plane.

Last but not least…. surfboards!

Are you a surfer traveling to Maui?! You might want to pack your favorite board or two, and bring them for the winter
swell! Make sure to check your airline for the rules or restrictions regarding board bags. Each airline has a different
fee, weight and measurement requirement.

If you would like to save some time and hassle of traveling with your boards, there are many surf shops here on the island where you can rent one. Our neighbor Outrageous Surf School has any type of board, for a great price! If you do not know how to surf, and are looking for a lesson, you can also find surf lessons here.

Now that you have more information on what to pack, it is time to kick back, relax, and enjoy the island!

Superfoods = Food that gives you superpowers! That is what it sounds like.

Some people would say it’s a hoax, but why don’t we dig into it and figure out what that so called “superfood” really is.
The term “superfood” is fairly recent and it refers to foods that offer very high nutritional density for minimal calories and healthy properties. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and flavonoids. Studies have shown that foods with a high density of antioxidants and flavonoids help prevent coronary disease and cancer.
Scientists criticize the overuse of this term as a marketing tool, which is true in my opinion. Too many items are
categorized as “superfoods” without requiring many rules or regulations regarding the use of this term. Instead of
listening and trusting brands that only want to sell us their product, why don’t we educate ourselves and learn which
foods actually have very high nutritional density and healing powers.

Berries (Blueberry, cranberry, strawberries, acai berries)

These are proven to have high levels of flavonoids that lower the risk of a heart attack. They are rich in vitamins, soluble
fiber and phytochemicals.

Kale and other dark leafy greens (Swiss chard, collard, mustard, spinach, cabbage, broccoli)

These veggies are loaded with vitamins, fiber, calcium and other minerals.

Sweet Potatoes are ranked as one of the top healthiest vegetables. They are known for their dietary fiber, naturally occurring sugars and complex carbohydrates, protein, vitamins A and C, iron and calcium. Not to mention they are packed with antioxidants! Thinking about them is making me hungry!

Beans and whole grains are a great source of low fat protein, iron, soluble fiber (which provides a longer feeling
of fullness) and loads of vitamins.

Nuts and seeds contain high levels of minerals, healthy fats, irons and proteins. The only downside to this superfood is
that they are high in calories.

Salmon, sardines, mackerel and certain other fatty fish are rich in omega 3 fatty acids (helps to reduce the risk of heart
disease and stroke)

Avocados are very nutritious and a great source of monounsaturated fat, which can reduce risk of heart disease.
They are also great for your skin and hair either if eaten or used topically.

Other fruits:

Noni fruit, dragon fruit, pomegranate and rambutan are also famous for being dense with nutrients.
Pomegranate have antioxidant properties that prevent cells from damage or disease. For example, pomegranates contain
ellagitannins. Have you ever been told to drink pure pomegranate juice to help fight off a urinary infection? Did
Superfoods you ever wonder why pomegranate juice helps? Well, the antioxidants help push out the bacteria so it cannot latch
onto the walls of the bladder.

There are other superfoods you may find in a seed or powder form. Something great for adding into smoothies, drinks, or toppers on salads and foods.

Hemp seeds:

These superfoods contain plenty of protein, healthful fatty acids and fiber. Hemp seeds are also a healthful source of vitamin E and minterals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc.

Spirulina:

One of the most popular superfoods, is a blue-green algae high in vitamin, copper, iron, magnesium, phycocyanin.
These nutrients are responsible for producing protein and creating energy. Phycocyanin have antioxidant, pain-relief
and anti-inflammatory properties. This wonderful superfood can help provide you with you nutrients on a daily basis. It is usually ingested in powder or tablet form. This is a great source of nutrients for vegans or vegetarians. I have used this super food while traveling to remote places where I might not be able to find the amount of protein or nutrients my body needs to survive without eating meat or dairy, and it has worked wonders!

Chia seeds:

These little seeds are great as salad toppers, in smoothies, puddings, and you can even put them in your water! They are high in Omega 3 fatty acids, protein, antioxidants and fiber. It is said they can assist you in losing weight, as they tend to keep the stomach feeling “fuller” for longer.

Cacao:

This can be found in the form of powder, or whole (usually in nibs you can sprinkle on food). The flavonoids in this superfood may help to increase insulin sensitivity, helping reduce the risk of diabetes. Amongst many more things, Cacao also helps reduce inflammation and lower blood pressure.

Many more foods can be categorized as a superfood. For example, garlic, wheatgrass, beets, turmeric, barley, grapes and more. Some people may think these are only needed by non-meat eaters like vegans, vegetarians and pescatarians, but it is not! Everyone should be enjoying the benefits of foods packed with nutrients and healthy properties.

We are actually in the middle of a pandemic… a time when you can catch a nasty and deadly virus, so why not put all the odds on your side and keep your immune system boosted by providing your body all the best and only the best? That is what a superfood does!

Check out the ingredients of Belle Surf Cafe’s menu, we serve many different types of superfoods to keep you healthy and energized for the day!

On the last blog, we spoke about how to pack your luggage for your trip to Hawaii. Of course, we mentioned sunscreen,
remember?! Your skin can be feeling pretty smooth on windy or rainy days, but do not be mistaken. If you do not apply sunscreen, you will end up looking like a lobster! It is important to make sure that you have sunscreen with you for this trip, but not any kind of sunscreen. Use Reef Safe Sunscreen!

Many sunscreens are not only bad for the reef, sea flora and fauna, but if you go jump in the rivers and enjoy the beautiful water falls (which is something you should definitely do! ) not only does that sunscreen end up in the ocean, but it will also pollute the water that local people use at home and even drink.
Hawaiians are extremely welcoming and friendly, but they do not appreciate having their water polluted and intoxicated
by visitors.

To help you have a very pleasant stay on our beautiful island, we would love to explain to you why sunscreens can be very damaging, and recommend certain brands that are safe to use:

Why are certain sunscreens bad?

1) They kill the reef!

Oxybenzone is found in many sunscreens. This ingredient breaks down coral, causing it to lose nutrients, turn ghostly white and often die. We need these coral reefs. They are an important part of the ecosystem for life underwater.
Thousands of species can be found living on one reef. From seaweed, algaes, mollusks, to bigger Kish and turtles, everyone needs the coral. If the coral dies, marine life dies. This does not not just effect the beauty of diving, but also the food source of many local Hawaiians. These corals also protect coastal areas by reducing the power of the waves hitting the coast. If the reef dies, the erosion will progress faster and faster.

2) Makes water undrinkable

Not many locals still use the river of the water as their drinking water, but some still do. It is reassuring and beautiful to know that some places in the world still have rivers pure enough to offer drinkable water. Not to mention,
local families are able to harvest this fresh water for their farms that they grow food and eat from. Let’s not ruin this by
leaking all these harmful chemicals from some sunscreens into these little slices of heaven.

3) Effects your health

Recent studies have shown that several active ingredients of different sunblocks enter the bloodstream at levels way superior of the FDA’s recommended threshold. There are not many studies that demonstrate how bad this can effect your health, but better be safe than sorry by using harmless and organic sunscreen.

Which Reef Safe Sunscreens should we use?

There are many different “Reef Safe” sunscreens out there. However, this term is not regulated, so it is always important
to double check the active ingredients to conKirm that it is not just placed as a marketing technique.

Chemicals you do NOT want in your sunscreen:

• Oxybenzone
• Octinoxate
• Octocrylene
• Homosalate
• 4-methylbenzylidene camphor
• PABA
• Parabens
• Triclosan
• Any nanoparticles or “nano-sized” zinc or titanium
• Any form of microplastic, such as “exfoliating beads”

Now that you know which chemicals to look out for, here is a list of a few of the sunscreen brand options that are safe for you and the environment!

• Raw Elements
• Suntegrity Natural Mineral Sunscreen
• BioClarity
• Sun Bum
• Lahaina Organics Sunscreen ( sold in our shop! )
• Avasol
• Ola Sofia
• Badger Suncreen
• Little Hands Hawaii All natural and organic sunscreen
• Kokua Suncare Hawaiian SPF 50 natural zinc sunscreen

Mahalo from the island of Maui for helping protect our reefs, animals, and the future generations to come!