A toast to ‘The Coconut Wire’

Anne Lee and Zane Lawson Sr., also known as Dr. Mai Tai by Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina guests, showcase the hotel’s different mai tai concoctions. Mixology workshops can be found through The Coconut Wire.

ANNE LEE speaks with general manager of Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina CHARLIE PARKER

To keep guests, staff and Hawai‘i safe, hotels around the state have been closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. The same is true for Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina. But just because its rooms and restaurants aren’t open, doesn’t mean the property isn’t putting its guests and community first.

After closing its doors back on March 24, Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina launched The Coconut Wire, a virtual way to reconnect with the public and share the talents of its master craftspeople. It offers everyone who tunes in some at-home inspiration to get them through these trying times.

I got the chance to chat with Charlie Parker, general manager of the resort, who explains more about the endeavor.

AL: Can you discuss a little bit more about what The Coconut Wire is? What can guests expect?

Learn how to make your own social media-worthy charcuterie board during one of The Coconut Wire’s virtual classes. Photo courtesy Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina

ME: The Coconut Wire is a weekly virtual master class series with the goal of transporting guests to the world of Four Seasons from afar — and in the comforts of everyone’s homes, most importantly. It allows Four Seasons to stay connected and engaged with guests and the community. The series features in-depth “how to” topics ranging from mai tai mixology and housekeeping tips, to rejuvenating home-made spa treatments, all hosted by Four Seasons’ esteemed team of master craftspeople. Visit facebook.com/fourseasonsresortoahu/events for more information.

AL: How did you create this concept and what kind of feedback have you received from viewers?

ME: The Coconut Wire series echoes the resort’s current programming that guests can experience, either through activity-based workshops or reveling in the master techniques, such as the housekeeping offerings. The resort has received an overwhelming positive response to the workshops both through the participation with the live sessions and through the social media engagement. In addition to The Coconut Wire, the resort has also curated a Spotify playlist to further transport guests back to the West-side of Oahu through the power of music. The play-list can be found on Spotify or through the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina Facebook page.

AL: How do you access these virtual classes?

ME: The Coconut Wire is live every Aloha Friday and is broadcast through Zoom, Facebook Live and Instagram Live. (Check out the lineup for May in the sidebar.) If guests are unable to attend a live session, the videos are also available following the workshop on our Facebook page. Guests can access the videos at any time and learn some new insider tips and tricks from our master crafts people and artisans. The Facebook page also includes a calendar of events with the Zoom meeting links to join the series.

‘The Coconut Wire’ May Schedule

• May 15 at 9 a.m. Mindfulness Morning Yoga Session

• May 22 at noon What’s in Your Pantry? Cooking with Chef Martin Knaubert

• May 29 at noon Clean House — A Housekeeping ‘How To’ with Veronica Vargas, Director of Housekeeping