Aloha from Maresa,

The holiday season is brimming with the spirit of Aloha! Although this mentality is always at the center of the Hawaiian lifestyle, the holidays have a magical way of warming the heart of even the biggest Grinch. Now that we’re all grown up, the holidays take on a different significance; however, the keiki inside us all still is thrilled by the idea of something special. If you dream of a custom retreat with all the bells and whistles, consider treating yourself to one of the homes with outstanding “dream rooms” in this holiday issue. Laule’a, the Big Island cover home presented exclusively by Dianne M. Doherty, R(S), is a spectacular home with an open courtyard full of tropical plants, a pond, and an island-like seating area in the middle. What keiki, old or young, wouldn’t be amazed?