Nestled on the North Shore of Oahu, among lush emerald fields and mountainous, sun-drenched vistas, is the "largest rare hybrid plumeria farm in the world"-- The Little Plumeria Farms (LPF for my purposes here). This was our destination in April when we slipped into a white marked van parked on the matted red dirt lot of nearby North Shore Macadamia Nut Co. (another hidden local gem of Haleiwa, Hawaii) under a picturesque cornflower-blue sky.
Ever since my first visit to The Islands, I have been obsessed with plumerias and would often find myself squealing with delight (many times audibly) when I came upon a blooming tree or bush. On a recent visit to Puerto Rico, I even discovered a local variety native to that island, and was beside myself, snapping photos nonstop of the smaller (than in Hawaii) white flowers with yellow centers.
Now, despite this plumeria-intensive post, I don't claim to be a horticulturist or an expert on all-things-plumeria (like I've pegged LPF). But I am a tremendous fan of the fragrant and colorful velvety petals of the plumeria, aka frangipani, especially any variety with white and yellow flowers. Because LPF is the expert, I knew a visit was a must-stop to aid in the research of my upcoming adventure/rom-com, set in Oahu and Maui, Adventure Off the Printed Paige:
In my story, protagonist Paige is an indie author, keen on thoroughly researching all the adventures she pens. But when her best friend challenges her to get out from behind her keyboard and actually LIVE the adventures in her books, they head to Hawaii, where they encounter expert surfer/five-star adventure guide Griff. He agrees to lead Paige on a quest to find an elusive, rare plumeria flower in the wild - the plot of her latest novel.
Which brings me back from fiction to my REAL visit to a plumeria farm...
Passing the entrance to LPF, I was giddy as 20-acres of plumeria trees soon surrounded us. Our tour guides passed out paper bags, allowing us to collect fresh flowers while they explained the growing process and numerous plumeria varieties, their names created by the family farm. I took photos of each bud, noting the unique fragrances and petal colors, shapes, and patterns.
Later, we strolled the Rare Hybrid Plumeria Garden and the Plumeria Trail, venturing down aisles of blossoming trees, their woodsy canopies creating a delicate arch for speckles of sunlight to peep through. Fully immersing myself in the experience, I ambled under the tree canopy, weaving my way around and off the beaten path. At my feet, flowers in pinks, yellows, and oranges were scattered like tossed confetti, creating a fragrant and colorful carpet between the seemingly endless rows of trees.
Like any adventure writer (including Paige), while surrounded by aromatic, sun-splashed plumeria petals, my story's plot was never far from my mind. However, unlike my novel's protagonist, who surely would've been scolded by Griff for incessantly jotting everything down in her tiny notepad, I intended to commit the sensory details of my farm visit to memory. So, as both my island adventure and this post ends, I hope I've given you a taste of paradise to experience both ON and...
OFF THE PRINTED . . . PA(I)GE.
**Learn more about The Little Plumeria Farms here... https://littleplumeriafarms.com/
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