June 5, 2008
A visit to Waimanalo
I had an inspection in Waimanalo this morning. It’s on the far end of the island from me and I haven’t been there in a while. Listen to Country Comfort singing Waimanalo Blues in the video above while I tell you about it. You’ll hear a long instrumental interlude before the vocals start. Listen to the whole thing. Trust me.
Waimanalo is on the Windward side, as far as you can get from me without falling off the island. In geography it’s as different as anything on Oahu can get from my dry Leeward Coast. It’s cooler, damper, greener. The beaches are amazing. There are more trees growing close to the water than on my side, so there’s plenty of shade to sit in while you stop in for your lunch break.
Like the Waianae Coast, Waimanalo is far from the urban bustle, so there weren’t many people on the two beaches where I spent some time today. There were orange flags up and down the shore to warn of a rough surf, but that didn’t keep this group of kids from skipping school and enjoying some board time.
Waimanalo Bay Recreation Area has an obscure entrance attained by going through a residential neighborhood, much like my favorite Secret Cove, but at least this one is on the map. You can find it without much effort.
Waimanalo also has a high crime problem in common with Waianae. A home along the entrance path to the rec area carries a warning for the uninformed. Lock you car and take your camera with you, but I was perfectly comfortable mingling with Waimanalo folks today and certainly didn’t feel threatened.
This Hobie Cat is on the beach right behind the house with the warning posted on the fence. The homeowner must feel comfortable leaving it there, despite the dire message, don’t you think?
Waianae and Waimanalo are both considerd “country” by folks who don’t live on the ends of the island. Yeah, they pretty much are. I passed riding stables, dog kennels and orchid farms all along Kalanianaole Highway as I meandered around. Bellows Airfield (USAF) is there and takes up a lot of space, but it’s a mostly rural setting. There are also some charming businesses. I saw the handsome fellows above as I drove past and just had to turn around and go back. How could I not?
The horses drew me in, the art nearly made me late for appointment to meet a realtor for a termite inspection. Oops! Time well spent, though. This is Patrick Ching’s Naturally Hawaiian Gallery. Patrick is an amazing artist, a former forest ranger and a paniolo - a Hawaiian cowboy. A visit to his website is almost as fascinating as seeing his work in person. Spend an hour or two or ten over there. Some more great Hawaiian music will sooth your soul while you enjoy his art, his philosophy and a lot of Hawaiiana. Make sure you check out the Naturally Hawaiian Rodeo page. Patrick is wearing #587 in the Cowboy Poker photo poster. I’ve been assured that no bulls or poker-playing paniolo were killed in the mishap!
Sam Cruz is in training for his first 8-second ride on a bull himself. He took good care of me while I was at the gallery, enthusiastically supplying history of the shop and some biographical info on Patrick. If you’re reading this Patrick, keep the horses, the Falcon and Sam. They’re all doing a great job of selling your business.
I’m not sure why it’s been so long since I’ve been to Waimanalo. My bad! I’ll be making another trip out there soon, with no work agenda pressing me to hurry along. I definitely want to add a couple of Patrick’s prints to my small collection of Hawaiian art (sorry Patrick - I can’t afford the big stuff!) I want to spend some time browsing the orchids and other tropicals and checking out some more local businesses, too. Waimanalo probably won’t be on the itenerary that your travel agent helps you prepare if you ever make it to Oahu. That’s okay - you’ve got me to tell you about the places you really should visit. Get out in the country and see the real Hawaii!
Technorati Tags: art, beaches, Hawaii, Patrick Chinng’s Naturally Hawaiian Gallery, photos, Waimanalo
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June 6th, 2008 at 6:16 am, Flo Says:
Hey, you should have stopped by and said HI!!! Skeet, we’ll have to meet up before I move off this rock.
June 6th, 2008 at 6:53 am, Anele Says:
I’m so glad you posted this! It’s a place I wouldn’t have thought to drive through. I’m aware of it’s “high crime” reputation but you have pointed out some things that have opened my eyes to the other side of Waimanalo! Mahalo!
June 6th, 2008 at 8:24 am, Patrick Ching Says:
Thank you so much for these pictures and update. It is so good to see our place looking good and doing good while I’m on Kauai oppenning our next gallery at Princeville Center. Aloha Nui!,
Patrick Ching
Naturally Hawaiian
June 6th, 2008 at 9:10 am, skeet Says:
I keep telling you that, Flo! I’m going to send you my phone number right now. Maybe lunch one day next week?
June 6th, 2008 at 9:27 am, skeet Says:
Anele, I hate to keep making the comparisions, but they fit. Waimanalo, like Waianae, has a lot of drug problems and the related crimes - mostly property crimes. Rental cars seem to draw a bad element, but I was out of sight of my car for extended time periods yesterday and no one messed with it, despite local folks coming and going. Everyone I met and talked to was friendly and warm - lots of aloha. You should definitely check it out!
June 6th, 2008 at 9:29 am, skeet Says:
Happy to be of service, Patrick! If your Princeville shop exudes as much aloha as the Waimanalo place, you’re going to have another winner. Mahalo for dropping by!
June 7th, 2008 at 1:56 pm, hyphen8 Says:
I *love* that horse of a different color.
And of course, the soundtrack for this post is wonderful. I love that you found a singalong version with the lyrics.
June 9th, 2008 at 5:07 pm, skeet Says:
I can’t imagine anyone seeing the horse and driving on by, Hyphen8. How could you not stop in to see what he’s all about?
The video was a lucky find and the lyrics an added bonus.
June 30th, 2008 at 12:06 am, Summer Speeds Up at the Carnival of Aloha! Says:
[…] tells us all about A visit to Waimanalo posted at skeet’s stuff. This is another part of the island that I don’t get to very […]
July 1st, 2008 at 7:28 am, Evelyn Says:
I get out there so rarely these days! It’s nice to see that the beaches are still so beautiful!
“Get out in the country and see the real Hawaii!”
Absolutely! East side, West side, Northshore — just get out there! I myself owe the Northshore a visit. It’s been way too long and I know so little about the character out there. Sigh.
Glad you made it out to to Waimanalo, girlfriend, and glad you shared it with us!