Restoring historic homes has been a passion for Cherie Attix for most of her life. In 1996, when she purchased the Makawao property and residence of Frank and Theresa Gomes, 19th century Portuguese immigrants that found the fertile soil of upcountry Maui much to their liking, Cherie knew that the evolution of the hilltop home into the Hale Ho'okipa Inn Bed and Breakfast would be rooted in the legacy of the Gomes family.
Built in 1924, the five-bedroom craftsman style home pays homage to a bygone era with high ceilings, wooden floors and two separate wings. The home is tastefully appointed in plantation era furnishings and eclectic collectibles and most of the interior has been restored reflecting the warmth and character of the 1920s.
Cherie has put a modern day spin on her B&B, which is recognized in the State and National Historic Registers, by not only refurbishing the old home and maintaining the mature landscaping, but also by incorporating sustainable practices into her business model. Recycling is a ubiquitous practice on the property, for the guests and Cherie. She line dries the linens whenever possible (weather permitting) and has also installed energy efficient lighting to lessen the property's energy footprint. Chickens and ducks provide eggs for breakfast and help process the food rubbish. Cherie is most proud of her organic fruit orchard and grows bananas, papayas, passion fruit, avocado, oranges, lemons, lime, cherimoya and small but tasty upcountry peaches. In addition to the structural preservation of the home, the Portuguese forno (bread oven), water tower, cistern and vineyard were also restored to secure the property's ties to the past.
A strong supporter of local organizations and businesses, Cherie even offers a discounted stay for guests who participate in the Volunteer on Vacation program. Whether you stay in the Rose Room, the Jasmine Room, the Hibiscus Room or in the Kona Wing, the transformation of this family home to historic B&B perpetuates the culture of community and living harmoniously with the land.