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Burke's Backyard in Hawaii

Burke's Backyard Overseas

Royal Hawaiian Hotel Volcanoes National Park Paul Mitchell Estate Captain Cook's Death Aloha Festival Floral Parade Don's Hawaiian Shirts Frangipanis Jim Nabors - Celebrity Gardener Banyan Tree Hula 2000 Chinchillas Roadtest Mauna Kea Garden Bougainvillea Green Flash May Moir's Garden Black Sand Jackson's Chameleons Pearl Harbour

Royal Hawaiian Hotel

Waikiki was originally a swampy marshland. In the early 1900s it was reclaimed, filled and drained by the Americans, who actually imported soft white sand from Anna Bay in New South Wales to bring the beach up to scratch for tourists.

Early tourism

Tourism began gradually around 1901, but really gained momentum in 1927 with the opening of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. The building, which is a mixture of Art Deco and Spanish Mission styles, occupies ten acres of land in a former coconut grove where King Kamehameha V built a summer cottage. In its heyday movie stars, madcap heiresses, old-world princes and freshly-minted tycoons stayed at the 'pink palace', as it is known. It also provided the backdrop for the explosion in popularity of that ancient Hawaiian pastime, surfing.

Surfing

Hawaiians have loved surfing for more than a thousand years. It was originally known as heenalu, or sliding on a wave. In old Hawaii there were royal surfing grounds and areas for commoners. Royals used boards that were up to 5m (16') long and made of wiliwili, the lightest of the native woods. Commoners had to make do with 2m (6') long boards made of breadfruit or koa wood.

The Duke

The 'father of modern surfing' was the Olympic swimmer Duke Paoa Kahanamoku (1890-1968). In the early 1900s he perfected new maneuvers such as riding backward, performing headstands and surfing at an angle to slide left or right along the face of a wave. He also introduced the sport to Australia by giving a demonstration at Freshwater Beach in Sydney in February 1915. A bronze statue of 'the Duke' stands at Waikiki Beach. It has caused controversy among the people of Hawaii because he has his back to the ocean, a position he would never have adopted in life. The statue is covered daily with leis from visitors and locals.

Visitor information
Royal Hawaiian Hotel
2259 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815-2578
Phone: (808) 923-7311 Fax: (808) 924-7098
Web: http://www.royal-hawaiian.com/

Paul Mitchell Estate

Lanikai Beach has white sands stretching for just over a kilometre, and is often described as "the most beautiful beach in Hawaii". This is where shampoo baron Paul Mitchell chose to live, and he commissioned architect Carey Smoot to build his house. Carey and Mitchell travelled to Bali, where Mitchell fell in love with the culture and the way they handled 'tropical shelter', and wanted to bring this to Hawaii. Paul died of pancreatic cancer in 1989 at the age of 53, while the house was under construction.

Fabulous beach house

The house is a Hawaiian/Polynesian style inspired by Bali, and is comprised of seven curvilinear buildings made from materials found in Hawaii and Indonesia. The buildings are arranged in the Polynesian village concept, and are sited to capture the vista from mauka to makai (mountain to sea). The buildings include the main, or chief's house; a boathouse with guestroom, bar and wine cellar; guest facility with bathhouse and sauna; pool pavilion and a 2-storey, 4-car garage and home office with maid's quarters and laundry. The roof of the main building is held aloft by massive ohia tree trunks, one metre in diameter and eight metres long. As the Hawaiian building code bans grass thatch roofs, the roof is covered with hand-split, Indonesian ironwood shingles. Grey, silver and black lava stone forms the walls of the buildings, which screen the outside and shield the inner gardens of lush, edible tropical fruit from salt spray.

Carey M. Smoot

Carey Smoot was born in San Francisco, and he studied architecture at the California Institute of the Arts. The son of a Pacific Rim engineer, he grew up in the Hawaiian Islands. He now specialises in architectural design influenced by Asian and the Pacific cultures. Smoot has designed dramatic homes for actors, Hollywood film directors and rock stars in Malibu, Beverly Hills and Honolulu. As well as the $10 million Paul Mitchell Lanikai Beach estate, his major works include the John Byner's $3.5 million retreat on the island of Tovu, Fiji; the Old Lahaina Luau and Café on Maui; the Bang San Ho Buddhist temple and the Waldorf School, both on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Further Information

This garden will be featured in the November issue of the Burke's Backyard magazine, available on October 25 from newsagents for $4.60.

Paul Mitchell hair products are available from selected hair salons.
SourceTropical
Hawaii (US)
Contact: Carey Smoot
44-299 Kaneohe Bay Drive
Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744 USA
Phone: (808) 254-4002 (international)
Fax: (808) 254-6472 (international)
Email: smootc001@hawaii.rr.com
Web: www.sourcetropical.com SourceTropical
Australia (including New Zealand)
Contact: Brian Smith
Gold Coast
Phone: (07) 5445-0963
Fax: (07) 5478 9050
Email: downunder@sun.big.net.au

Aloha Festival Floral Parade

The Aloha Festival opens with a floral parade featuring hula dancers, floats covered in flowers, native women on horseback and marching bands. It includes over 300 events and is held across all the main islands of Hawaii in September and October.

The Aloha Festival has its origins in the Makahiki Festival, which was an ancient Hawaiian version of the Olympic Games. It was held between September and January, a sacred time of the year when temples closed, crops were planted, taxes were collected and war was put on hold. The Hawaiians competed in sports, various types of chants were spoken or sung and specialised thanksgiving hula performed.

Visitor Information

Aloha Festivals
PO Box 15945
Honolulu, Hawaii 96830-5945
Phone (808) 589-1771 or toll free 1-800-852-7690.
Fax (808) 589-1770, email alohafes@hula.net

Frangipanis

In Australia we know these plants as frangipani, but in Hawaii they call them plumeria. They also call them 'the graveyard flower' because a yellow flowering variety was once so cherished that they planted it in honour of their ancestors. Visitors to Hawaii are often welcomed with a lei made of plumeria, and when Hawaiians who have been away step off the plane and smell plumeria, they know they are home.

Frangipani was the name of an Italian perfume used to scent gloves in the 16th century and named after its creator, the Marquis Frangipani. When the frangipani flower was discovered its natural perfume reminded people of the scented gloves, and so the flower was called frangipani. The genus name, Plumeria, commemorates Charles Plumier, a seventeenth century French botanist.

Hawaiian native?

Plumerias are so popular in Hawaii that many people think they are native. In fact, the first three were brought to Hawaii from Mexico. From these - a yellow and a red form of Plumeria rubra, and the white Plumeria obtusa - hundreds of hybrids were developed.

Plumeria rubra

Native to Central America, Mexico and Venezuela, this deciduous tree grows from 5-8m tall (15-24'). The leaves are dark green and shiny, and have a prominent midrib. Like all plumeria the stems and leaves contain a white, milky sap. There are at least four distinct forms of this species:
acutifolia - white flowers with yellow centres
lutea - yellow flowers sometimes flushed pink
rubra - deep pink flowers with yellow centres
tricolor - white flowers with yellow centres and a red or pink tips
In Australia: Many of the forms of Plumeria rubra are grown in Australian gardens but the most commonly seen is Plumeria rubra f. acutifolia. Named cultivars are less readily available. Frangipanis will grow and flower well as far south as Sydney and Perth, particularly in coastal gardens. In colder or inland areas grow them against a warm masonry wall, in a north facing position and protect them from frost.

Plumeria obtusa

A compact and widespreading evergreen tree to about 6m (20') tall. It is a variable species which is native to Cuba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico and Belize. Sometimes called the Singapore frangipani or Singapore plumeria, this plant has intensely fragrant, pure white flowers. A dwarf form is a variety of this plant. In Australia: This species is grown in northern Australia and is not suitable as far south as Perth or Sydney.

Koko Crater

A collection of over 160 of the best varieties grown in Hawaii can be found at Koko Crater, which is east of Honolulu. Heidi Bornhost, Director of Honolulu Botanical Gardens, showed Don some of her favourites including 'Lei Rainbow' which has stong, clear, red yellow and white colours and makes a beautiful lei.

Propagation

Don asked Heidi for tips on propagating plumeria. She explained that the old-fashioned way is to cut off a branch, let the milky sap drain out and put it in a dry spot out of the sun for a few weeks until the cut end dries out. The cutting is then rooted in a free draining, sandy mix and then planted out. This method works well when plants are leafless in the winter and when large cuttings are used. However, a successful new method has recently been discovered by Dr. Richard Criley at the University of Hawaii. This involves girdling a branch with wire while it is still on the plant. After it has become swollen above the girdle (about a month), the branch is cut off and rooted in a misting system with all the leaves on. With this new modern method you can propagate plumeria any time and have a flowering plant with leaves straight away.

Banyan Tree

While in Hawaii Don had a swing, Tarzan-like, on the amazing aerial roots of an Indian walking banyan (Ficus benghalensis). The banyan comes from southern Asia, and grows to about 30m (100') tall. It has pale grey bark, red new growth and large, glossy mid-green leaves. It also produces red figs, which are stalkless and grow in pairs along the stem. The most amazing thing about the banyan is that it sends down aerial roots from its branches. When some of these roots touch the ground they stiffen and can form secondary trunks (also called props or pillar trunks). The production of aerial roots continues from this 'new' tree and, in the right climate, one tree can develop the look of a dense forest covering a vast area.

There are some impressive specimens of this tree on record. One in the Indian Botanical Garden in Calcutta has over 1,700 prop or supporting roots. It covers overall some 1.2 ha (3 acres) and dates from before 1787.

The banyan is a tree of the tropics. In cooler, drier areas it forms fewer aerial roots and never develops its massive size and spread.

Chinchillas Roadtest
(Not available in Australia)

Appearance

Chinchillas are rodents and are related to rats, mice and guinea pigs. They look like small rabbits with a long tail, but with smaller ears. They are about 35cm (14") long, including the tufted tail. Chinchillas occur in a variety of colours including black velvet, grey, charcoal, beige, white, brown velvet, blonde, black ebony.

Temperament

A lot of new chinchilla owners are disappointed by the fact that the animal does not come up to them. This is quite normal behaviour, as a chinchilla is a very energetic and curious animal. It will spend a lot of time investigating the new world it has just been released in. The typical chinchilla is not a lap animal as it is too energetic to sit still for more than a few seconds. However, once they get used to humans, they may come up to you, climb and walk all over you. Using raisins as a treat can be an effective training technique to gain your Chins trust. Owners say when a Chin learns to trust you they are willing to be held, petted, and they will sit on your arm or in your pocket.

Owners say each Chin has an individual personality, some are affectionate and will nibble and nuzzle their owner, while others hate to be touched by humans and will bite, attack, and spray urine at anyone who comes too close.

Health and lifespan

Chinchillas generally have few health problems, but there are a few things to look out for: The teeth should be checked periodically to make sure they are straight and not growing too long. Because they are rodents, they love to gnaw at things to keep their ever growing teeth trimmed. A chins teeth can grow up to 12" a year, and they are kept short by chewing and just by properly eating their pellets. If teeth problems exist, it also could be a sign of some other illness. Missing fur patches can be a sign of fur biting, which is often stress related. If the underside of a chin is wet or discoloured, it could be a sign of infection or miscarriage. Watery eyes or a change in consistency of the droppings could be signs of illness. They may also develop fungus in their ears, a condition which can be cured using sand-batch additions.

Once you have chosen a cage, you should find a location in the house where your animal will be comfortable. During colder months, you should keep your pet out of cold drafty areas. And during warm months, keep your pet in an area with a lot of air circulation. Keep them out of direct, hot sunlight. Heat prostration is a common problem seen when chins get too hot. Ideal room temperature would be a maximum of 25°C (77°F).

Make sure that there are no electrical wires near the cage. Your pet will chew through them.

Feeding

In the wild chinchillas eat seeds, fruit, grain, herb and moss. In captivity, Chins are fed on specially formulated Chinchilla pellets that look like rabbit food but which contain specific nutrients which Chins need. Fresh hay and alfalfa should also be provided a few times a week.

Using feeders that can be attached to the side of the cage avoids, spillage, and stops the chins from urinating in it. If you do use a dish, make sure it is heavy enough that it won't be tipped over. If they do urinate in it, clean the dish immediately.

Chin blocks (or pumice blocks) will help keep their teeth short and straight, as well as different types of wood. They love mulberry tree branches, but other fruit trees should be avoided. Chinchilla's enjoy a wide variety of treats (these should only be given with moderation). Give your pet only one type of treat a day. An adult chin may have 1-2 raisins a day, or two nuts. You do not want to give your pet too many treats because the fat he collects on his body will shorten his life.

Breeding

There are many things to be aware of when breeding chinchillas so breeding is perhaps best left to the experts. Females can get pregnant at an age of 3-5 months, but should not be bred until at least 8 months of age. Chinchilla pregnancy is not as easy to detect as it is with humans or other animals. The gestation period is about 111 days. Usually two litters, each of two young are produced yearly.

There are some lethal factors among certain mutations. For example whites should not be bred to whites, and black velvets should not be bred to black velvets.

Cost

The cost of a Chinchilla varies extremely around the world, depending on colour, sex and availability. Prices range from $US60 in the UK to more than $US600 in Hong Kong. They are available in New Zealand for upwards of $US110.

Housepet Potential

Generally Chinchillas will not urinate outside the cage (unless released for hours and hours), but will leave a trail of droppings everywhere. However, since the droppings are hard and dry (like rabbit droppings), they can easily be removed with a vacuum cleaner.

Space and exercise

Chinchillas must be housed in a wire cage or they will eat their way out and escape. When picking out a cage, find one that will give your pet a comfortable amount of space. Avoid cages with wire bottoms as there have been reports of serious injuries to Chins who get their feet caught in mesh.

Newspapers work well as a litter absorbent. Their litter does not smell if you keep the cage clean, but as an added deodorizer for cages with a drop tray you can sprinkle baking soda in the tray. The cage should be disinfected every few months so no bacteria grows in the cage.

Exercise

Cage size is important - Chins need to be able to climb, run around, and play. Chins have a lot of energy and need exercise. If you put them in a small cage, not big enough to play around, and never let it run free, you will end up with a frustrated and unhappy chin.

A good way to provide your pet with the exercise he needs is to get a chinchilla wheel. Mount this inside the cage and your chinchilla will use it. Another way to allow your pet to exercise is to allow him to run around in a room that has been chinchilla proofed.To chinchilla proof a room, make sure that there are no wires within easy access.

It is not recommended to bring your pet outside, because if he/she gets away from you he will be very difficult to catch. Also, there is the danger of cats deciding to make a meal out of your pet.

Ideal Owner

Although chinchillas look like good animals for stroking because of their soft fur, they are not suitable as 'pettable' animals for relatively young children. By the age of 13 or so, children should be capable of dealing responsibly with a chinchilla. They need to know how to handle them, not to feed them treats and to understand that the chinchilla needs to rest well into the early evening hours without being disturbed. A chinchilla makes a better pet for adults.

Grooming

Chins should be groomed and kept clean to maintain good health. Chins love to take baths in special chinchilla dust. He/she will dive in and roll in the "dust". Never put your chin in real sand. Dusting 1-2 times a week is sufficient. Do not wash a chinchilla with water. The dust will help keep them clean and their fur soft. If he does happen to get wet roll him up in a towel immediately set a or set a hairdryer on "low" and dry your pet. Make sure the air is not too hot!

Uses

Long valued for its extremely fine-textured, soft fur, chinchillas were once hunted, almost to extinction and they are still scarce in the wild. The majority of chinchillas today still live on fur ranches and are kept for commercial value.

Training and handling

If you decide your chin has to go back in the cage, try to avoid chasing the animal. This is a very stressful experience for your pet, if it is a chinchilla or any other rodent. If possible, get the animal to walk onto you and walk it to the cage. If that does not work, a raisin or two may help.

If you need to grab the animal, either try to 'scoop it up' with your hands or lift it by holding it by the tail, close to the body. This will not hurt the chinchilla, but it may feel unnatural to pick it up this way at first.

If you just can't get close enough to the chinchilla to pick it up, try the 'dustbath' method : don't give them a dustbath before you release them. Then, when it's time to go back in, put the dustbath on the floor. Most chinchillas will jump in as soon as they see it. Pick up the bowl, chinchilla and all, and put it in the cage.

Chinchillas have an internal clock in them that is very accurate, to the point that they get upset if you don't feed them at the same time every day or are not able to take their bath until maybe an hour later.

History

Chinchillas originally came from the Andes Mountains in South America, and have adapted to cold, dry weather with their very thick fur. They were brought to America in the 60's, though mostly for ranching purposes, but soon caught on as a loving, adorable pet.

Almost all of the chinchillas in captivity are descended from a few animals introduced into the United States in 1923.

Our story on Chinchillas was filmed at Three Ring Ranch (a private exotic animal ranch) in Hawaii. Visit the website: www.ThreeRingRanch.org

Bougainvillea

Everywhere you go in Hawaii you see bougainvilleas, and the Hawaiians have some interesting ways of growing them. Don came across a street planting of a climbing variety of bougainvillea, which had been trimmed to about 30cm (1') high.

Growing bougainvillea as a shrub or bush

The plant should be cut low to encourage lateral growth and to allow the trunk to thicken up and provide support for the shrub. Prune long branches back and remove watershoots. Once the desired height and width has been achieved, prune to maintain the plant at that size. Bougainvilleas can be used this way as hedges of any height. The key to getting bougainvilleas to flower in the ground is to starve them of water and fertiliser. In pots, water them normally but do not give them strong nitrogenous fertilisers. Heavy watering and fertilising causes vigorous, lush, thorny growth which is devoid of flowers.

Dwarf forms

As well as seeing bougainvilleas pruned as low shrubs Don also saw a mass planting of 'Temple Fire', a dwarf bougainvillea grown in Hawaii as a bedding plant.

May Moir's Garden

Hawaiian gardener May Moir has created a marvellous tropical garden called Lipolani. May designed the garden for privacy and to screen the house from passers by, but also to maintain the dramatic mountain views beyond. She developed a series of walled gardens or courtyards and filled them with bromeliads, orchids and tropical foliage plants. May, who is an artist and floral designer, has a simple philosophy when it comes to gardening: "You let nature do what she's gonna do, you don't have to have it all spick and span". May has written several books on floral arrangements, and has been the floral designer for the Honolulu Academy of Arts for many years.

Garden highlights

The garden, which surrounds the house, is divided into many different areas or garden rooms. May says that the areas are just "invitations that we'll go from here to there". The garden relies on foliage plants rather than flowers to provide interesting texture and form, as well as colour all year round. The garden walls are built from concrete blocks (each with three holes or windows in them called Puka Puka), which allow good air circulation through the courtyards. This is vital for the health of the bromeliads and other plants that May grows. The entrance courtyard is mass planted with bromeliads and cordylines. In the sitting room of the house a picture window is divided into sections, and looks like a Japanese screen. The colours of bromeliads, which

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Disclaimer: Burke's Backyard and Backyard Blitz do not accept payment to promote products. All recommendations are genuine. Details on the fact sheets are accurate at the time of publishing, however prices and contact information are not updated and may change.