Chocolate, Turkeys, and a Lipstick Tree: A Kauai Adventure

On a recent trip to Kauai, we set out on what we thought was a straightforward mission: eat chocolate. Lots and lots of chocolate. And trust me, we did. But as with most adventures, this one had some unexpected (and very entertaining) surprises.

Our chocolate-tasting tour took place on a cocoa plantation teeming with life, not just in the form of cocoa trees but also banana trees, curry bushes, cinnamon bushes, and a whole cast of free-range farm animals. Picture this: turkeys strutting like they own the place, chickens plotting who-knows-what, bunnies being their adorable selves, goats giving side-eye, and ducks waddling around like tiny, feathery VIPs. It was like stepping into a tropical petting zoo where the main attraction was, well—chocolate.

But the real showstopper? The achiote tree, also known as the lipstick tree. Stay with me here. This tree grows walnut-sized pods covered in soft, fuzzy red hairs (nature really outdid itself on the aesthetics). Crack one open, and inside are dozens of seeds that, when crushed, transform into a vibrant red pigment. Historically, people have used it as paint, dye, and yes—lipstick.

Naturally, some of the more adventurous tourists couldn’t resist smearing the freshly crushed seeds on their faces. The results? Hilarious streaks of orangey-red across cheeks, foreheads, hands and basically, wherever they touched next. Note to future visitors: this application requires both a mirror and a solid exit strategy involving soap and water.

Our guide, perhaps sensing my curiosity (or my tendency to get a little too excited about nature’s art supplies), handed me a few pods to take back to my hotel. Challenge accepted.

Later that evening, I got to work experimenting with my achiote pods as paint. As I mixed the deep red pigment, I realized the color was nearly identical to the palm lily I had seen earlier. So, in true “I didn’t pack art supplies but always end up buying them when I travel” fashion, I pulled out my newly acquired watercolor paper, paints, and brushes.

The result? A palm lily painting infused with both traditional watercolor and my fun little achiote experiment.

Because why just see the beauty of Kauai when you can literally paint with it?