Interview with Greece's iefimerida
I recently was interviewed by Greece’s iefimerida about my new book, living in Hawaii, and pursuing my photography dream. It was published in Greek on their website and I wanted to share the English version here if you’d like to have a read.
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What is it like to live permanently in Hawaii? Photographer Alanna O'Neil left a career in New York to live her dream. She talks to iefimerida and explains how she made the big decision.
Do you live in Hawaii permanently? How did you find yourself living there from Vermont, where you grew up? Tell me your story.
I have lived in Maui for about 6 years, and I love it here. Although, I am trying to split up the year by spending more time in my home state of Vermont on the East Coast. Living on a tropical island is amazing, yet you realize the importance of spending time with family back home. Last year I spent 3 months in Vermont, which was very grounding and nourishing for me personally and creatively, and left me feeling refreshed with a new perspective.
For a broader picture, I grew up in a small rural town in Vermont, where the landscape is primarily dairy farms nestled between the rolling hills, valleys, and the Green Mountains. It is a very agrarian state with hardworking, salt-of-the-earth people. My family still has a horse farm, which significantly influences how I think about food, nature, and community. It was a very naïve and idyllic childhood that flowed with the rhythm of the seasons.
How did you decide to write a book about the picnic? What will the reader find out about in your book? What is the philosophy of this book?
The idea of writing a book on picnicking had been in the back of my mind for quite some time. I'm no chef, but I consider myself a self-taught home cook. Growing up on a farm taught me the importance of self-sustenance and embracing the seasons from a young age. Due to living in a rural area, my siblings and I simply didn't have a lot of trendy or modern things to do to occupy ourselves apart from exploring the farm. We had adventures in the woods, swam in the pond, made fairies out of flowers, and ran barefoot around the farm. My mother, who always encouraged us to stay and play outside, would organize little picnic outings that were special weekly treats. Looking back, it partly was an excuse to get us out of the house for her sake as much as it was to show us the beauty and value of the natural world. Each season we would have family and friend picnics centered around an activity such as apple picking, snowshoeing, or kayaking on a nearby lake. It was simply a way of rural life and reconnecting with each other and our close friends. If it was heavily snowing, that was all the more incentive to gear up and head out to enjoy the fresh snow with some hot gingerbread and hot chocolate in hand.
These memories flooded my mind as I began exploring the idea of writing a book. Like many who experience how dramatically technology changes and influences our pop culture and daily life, it became apparent that these simple joys are becoming less important in what now is an instant gratification society. The rat race hustle I experienced in New York made me realize the importance of savoring the present moment and the value of life's simple joys. In addition, in the wake of Covid, it couldn't be more of an appropriate time to write and release the book when everyone was yearning for a real-time connection with one another and nature. As my childhood memories revealed, picnicking is a wholesome and nourishing way to reconnect intentionally and thoughtfully and embrace the natural beauty surrounding us. These elements and my love of photography were the steppingstones to writing the book.
If we asked you to take us on a tour in Hawaii, which things would you recommend we certainly did whilst being there?
Speaking of Maui specifically, since every island is incredibly different and unique, it is a small yet vibrant island full of outdoor adventures. Snorkeling with the turtles who are nearly everywhere you look is an incredible experience. Paddleboarding with the whales in the winter is one of my favorite activities – you can hear them sing! It's truly enchanting. I love the ocean, so if you're an active person, taking a surf or a wind sport lesson is a fun way to get a taste of the local's love of ocean adventure and lifestyle. Maui also has fantastic hikes and, most notably, the famous road to Hana, which is a must. Through the jungly road, countless breathtaking views and spots to explore along the way, including a bamboo forest, a black and red sand beach, and countless waterfalls. There are many prime picnic spots along the way too! It's the postcard of Hawaii you'd imagine. Towering over the island over 10k feet is Haleakala Crater, the once active, now extinct volcano. This is a must-see – its lunar/martian landscape entirely transports you to another planet. It's a fantastic spot for a sunset picnic, although it can be frigid, so prepare accordingly – it occasionally snows in the winter at the summit.
Where should we stay? Which are the best hotels?
Depending on your taste and the experience you want to have, there are many options available on the island. I prefer a local feel close to the beach, so renting a house on Airbnb or Vrbo would be a great choice. You can have your own kitchen and privacy, even better if it's oceanfront. It typically is far more affordable than the standard chain hotels if you plan to stay longer. You can get a feel of the local culture and live like a local for a bit. The luxury chain hotels such as the Four Seasons and Andaz are grand that pride themselves on the aloha welcoming spirit. These would be romantic and relaxing options for a couple's tropical getaway.
Which are the must-try flavors
Coconut in all forms, fresh water, and the actual coconut meat is a real treat. Lilikoi or passionfruit, is a tart yet sweet jelly-like fruit that is so luscious in ice cream, smoothies, or simply raw, which is the best way to eat it. Maui is known for its sweet Maui Gold Pineapples, which sweetness is the essence of the island. You honestly haven't had pineapple till you've tried a Maui Gold! If in season, the mangoes here are tantalizingly good. They are so juicy and bursting with flavor. In terms of seafood, I love Mahi Mahi, a light white fish that is delicate and delicious if crusted with macadamia nuts and fresh coconut.
Favorite restaurants? Which dishes should we definitely try?
If you want a glimpse of "Old Hawaii," Mama's Fish House on the North Shore is the place for a gorgeous Hawaiian meal that is impeccably prepared and presented. The ambiance is warm, lush, and embodies the aloha spirit of days gone by. The seafood is always freshly caught that day in addition to using only local ingredients. Any of their seafood dishes are mouthwateringly good. It's the perfect spot for a special occasion, birthday, or simply to soak up the island's magic.
Which Maui attractions should not be missed?
Haleakala Crater
The Road to Hana and its attractions and hikes
Tour Old Lahaina Town
Northshore Maui – including Paia, Ho'okipa, and Jaws (one of the world's biggest waves if breaking)
Upcountry Makawao & Kula - farms and gardens
Big Beach (one of the most beautiful beaches on the island)
La Perouse – a walk through an old lava field
1000 Peaks for easy surfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding
Which part of Hawaii will we enjoy the best view at?
Speaking of Maui only, I'd say the top of Haleakala at sunset for a whole island view is breathtaking. Lahaina and the West Side are top spots on my list to catch sunset.
Which beaches are worth visiting for swimming?
Baldwin Beach on the North Shore is an excellent spot for a quick dip, although it can get rough sometimes. Keawakapu and Palauea beaches in Kihei and Wailea are typically calm, mellow, and great for swimming.
You grew up on a horse farm. What was your life like there and what did the farm life teach you?
Growing up on a horse farm was very idyllic and wholesome. My mother raised horses, specifically Friesians, for riding and driving. We had at least 10 horses on the farm at any given time, from the majestic Friesian black beauties to Shetland ponies. We learned to ride and care for them…being around horses was daily life. It was more of my mother's hobby, so my siblings and I enjoyed it leisurely rather than competitively riding. Life on the farm was very simple and natured centered. We played in the fields, gardens, with our dogs, or in the barn. My parents are very hardworking, who grew our own food and hayed the fields. It is a sprawling property with gardens and pastures to maintain, which my parents did entirely on their own. We had many chores around the farm that we reluctantly did, although looking back taught us discipline, accountability, and integrity in hard work. So on one side of the coin, farm life is very idyllic, yet on the flip side, the reward is in the reaping. Growing up on a farm instilled a solid set of values that shaped me and my work.
Craving a bit of diversity and culture, I went to school at Parsons School of Design in New York City, pursuing a career in fashion. I worked in the industry for several years at Calvin Klein Collection, an incredible yet demanding experience. Eventually, I yearned for a more balanced life for my overall happiness and well-being. I applied to a Maui apparel company that offered the healthier lifestyle I was searching for. Using my skills and experiences led me to start my own photography and creative business, which has been incredibly rewarding as it is equally as scary!
What is the everyday life like in Hawaii? How is it to actually live there?
Coming from New York City, it is an entirely different change of pace, far slower and more relaxed which is lovely, although sometimes it can be a bit too slow on the business side of things. What I love about Hawaii, which is similar to Vermont, is that there is a great appreciation and integration of nature. The lifestyle here is very much connected to the outdoors, especially the ocean. There is a real emphasis on the beauty of the simple things and savoring the present moment, be it a glorious sunset or a turtle popping up to say hello. Hawaii embodies the raw beauty of the natural elements in harmony (for the most part) with the locals. That said, we generally lack some of the modern conveniences and variety found on the mainland. Sometimes it takes more time to receive mail or shipping, but this is a small price in my mind to live in a tropical destination. It is an active and outdoor adventure lovers' paradise that often feels like a photo taken straight from a postcard.
What is your home in Hawaii like? Which are your favourite house personal spots and what does your typical daily routine consist of?
I currently live in a cozy upcountry cottage on the hillside of Haleakala. It's a wonky cottage that once was part of a more extensive family plantation in the island's early days. Several buildings on the property are ghosts of old days gone from a working horse barn, a washroom with a large stone chimney, and a potting shed. It certainly has its quirks, but that's part of the charm. It's a peaceful and quiet place that has become my safe haven. My latest project to revive the grounds is to resurrect the old garden that once was full of weeds and blackberry brambles, which I now turned into my little vegetable and cut flower garden. My dog Winslow loves to trot down the garden rows, sniffing and digging to my dismay. There are so many treasures that I've uncovered, such as old blueberry bushes and old stone fruit trees.
I am a morning person; it is my most precious time of day. I love the quiet peace in the early hours. I typically rise between 5 AM – 6AM, and have a coffee in bed before taking Winslow for a long walk in the garden and on the Macadamia tree-lined driveway. I then go for my daily run and workout before settling down to my emails and planning out upcoming projects and shoots. Depending on the day, I'm editing, baking, or cooking an upcoming shoot or product. Later in the afternoon, I like to take a break to play with Winslow, which helps me clear my head and reset. Finally, around 4 PM, I finish any projects or tasks as needed before shutting down for the day. If I can, I like to catch the sunset from my garden while I water the plants. Dinner is usually straightforward and basic, especially if I've been cooking all day, but it is always nourishing and healthy. Although I have to admit, cooking for just one can sometimes be a challenge! I habitually continue working on little bits here and there in the evening before heading to bed around 9 PM.
What do you like to make when you cook and what is never missing from your kitchen?
I love pasta. A good pasta dish is my comfort food. Moreover, my palate is very Mediterranean, and I love bitter greens, lemon, olives, tomatoes, grains, and fresh vegetables. I'm not vegetarian, but I don't eat much meat during the week, maybe once or twice. For protein, I love to add salmon and chickpeas to green salads. A typical dinner would be a big fresh salad of herbs, such as basil and parsley, with radicchio, dandelion greens, and kale topped with roasted chickpeas and seasonal vegetables from my garden. Of course, high-quality olive oil and lots of lemons are always in my kitchen!
Which are the secrets of the picnic? What do you advise us?
The key to a successful and delicious picnic is preparation and a carefree go-with-the-flow attitude. Sometimes the weather may change in an instant despite you repeatedly refreshing the weather update. An easy, laid-back attitude is as essential as the packed goodies are. Giving yourself plenty of time, a day or two, to prepare in advance for your selected day will undoubtedly make the idea of a picnic less intimidating. Prepare as much as possible in advance, such as packing any dried goods, blankets, pillows, napkins, silverware, and other bits you will need. Think of salads that can be prepared beforehand, such as a roasted veggie or grain salad. Bake or assemble any desserts the night before too. The day of your picnic should ideally be making sandwiches and green salads and packing up the cooler or basket. Thinking ahead, even down to where to put the rubbish afterward, will help create a relaxing and delicious picnic.
You have traveled a lot, studied in Paris and New York. What are your fondest travel memories?
I was fortunate to travel with my family throughout Europe several times and study abroad. One memory that will always stay with me was my first arrival in Paris. Unable to sleep, I woke early for my daily run and nearly got lost out of sheer excitement, getting a whiff of the fresh bread from the wakening bakeries, the city of lights shimmered away with the Eiffel Tower sparkling in the distance. I nearly had the entire Champs Élysées laid out before me, with just a few cars and dog walkers. I stood by the Arc de Triomphe, looking at the glittering city, thinking this was the most Parisian welcome I could have imagined. The Louvre was where I'd spend most of my time, wandering its endless wings in awe and astonishment at the amount of history and art that adorned the walls. Spending hours in the Classical rooms that housed the Greek and Roman statues became a daily ritual. Finding a comfortable position, I'd sketch the Greek statues for hours, studying their sinewy, athletic figures, the epitome of man's beauty, strength, and grace.
Another memory is whizzing around on a scooter in Rome with a local friend (whose driving skills were questionable); passing thousand-year-old monuments and statues was utterly surreal. As a big history lover, seeing iconic buildings and statues that once were the pinnacle of an ancient empire that now are juxtaposed and integrated with modern daily life is a spectacular experience that is a constant reminder of how the past is interlaced with the present.
You recently came to the Mediterranean for a holiday. How was your experience and what is your relationship with Greece?
I haven't been to the Mediterranean in a few years – although I can't wait to explore more. I resonate with the Mediterranean countries' lifestyle, art, food, and genuine warmth. Although I have yet to visit Greece, the one country I would love to travel to, exploring the islands of Corfu, Crete, and Paros would be a dream. I love the history, architecture, and the culture's deep connection to food. It would be surreal to host a food and lifestyle photography workshop on one of the smaller islands focusing on visual storytelling.
What are your next plans?