Ivy Naiwi Laamea Nishimoto was born in 1906 on the lower portion of this property, the family heiau. Of course, this is long before Hawaii became a state of the Union. She grew up like in the stories of old…grass shack, fish, taro, salt, hukilaus and so forth. While attending Mid Pacific high school on Oahu, she met her husband to be, Jack. (as there were no high schools on Kauai at that time)

She and Jack married and moved to his birth place, Ninole on the Big Island of Hawaii and lived there with their four children until the 1940’s. Longing for "home" and missing her mother, they decided to return to Kauai. They built Hale Hoomaha Motel (House of Hospitality) in Haena, the present site of the Hanalei Colony Resort.

After living through two tidal waves, the last one in 1957, it was time to relocate. They built their new home back in Wainiha valley, Ivy’s birthplace, "high enough up so that another tidal wave would not touch us again", said Ivy. It was in this house that Brysone their son lived until he went off to high school and college. Jack and Ivy lived in their home until Hurricane Iniki devastated the island in 1992.

Brysone and Kathy had just completed building their home on the adjacent property approximately 120 yards away. And now undertook the task of remodeling/rebuilding from the floor up Ivy and Jack’s house. Sadly, first Ivy then Jack passed on before the rebuilding was completed.

Upon its completion, Brysone decided to share this newly renovated home and the beauty of the valley with guests visiting the Island. In 1998, the home was available for visitors seeking a taste of "local style" living and an appreciation of the Valley’s tranquil ambience. Hence, "Ivy’s Place" was born.

It holds a special place in our hearts and we sincerely hope that we have achieved the hospitality that Jack and Ivy were known for, and hope they are smiling down on us with approval.

Welcome to Ivy’s . . .

With Aloha,

Brysone & Kathy