Our other tour on that beautiful region of the ‘Big Island’ was to the Kona Natural Soap Company. But it was far more than just a visit to a small-scale soap-producing facility.
The proud and passionate owner of this property, which occupied several acres, showed us how he had built a sustainable, thriving farm from land that had once been a quarry and only had a very thin layer of soil. A retired businessman from California, he was dedicated to intermingling a huge variety of plants so that he did not need to use fertilisers and insecticides and pesticides. He cleared the whole area of all the rubbish and diseased or dying plants and started again. Crucial to the production of the soil and removal of some the worst insect pests that would attack his healthy plants was his large flock of hens, with a couple of roosters as well. These roost in the trees and bushes and eat various bugs as well as the grains he provides.
It was a delight to see such a variety of fruit trees and plants intermingled in a wonderful garden. The owner can pluck a banana or mango or papaya or lemon or other fruit or fragrant flower or herb whenever he wants.
But, more importantly, he has brought his values to his soap-making. As he said, detergents strip our skin of their natural oils. His soaps are made from pure olive oil imported from California and natural essential oils extracted from local plants - even local chocolate. Unlike detergents, they do not cause rashes. Rather, they help heal the skin of all kinds of skin conditions. And they also are far better to use for washing your hair than detergents.
We saw some of his fragrant soaps curing in their moulds in his small shed. Inspired by his talk, we then trouped off to his little shop to contribute to his running costs and so add further to the local economy. I considered it money well spent. Mind you, the six bars of soap I bought have added quite a bit of weight to my luggage, but I don't mind at all. Being so prone to nasty skin rashes, and having had some doozies of rashes from various waters and ‘body washes’ and so forth on my journey, which eventually only responded to cortisone tablets, I am looking forward to a healthier, happier skin.
We all came back to our tender boat and then the ship delighted with our day and our purchases. Apparently cruise ships very rarely visit here because it requires tendering. We were just so glad it was included in our itinerary.
The following photos were taken as we strolled around the garden with the owner.
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