May 27, 2008

Memorial Day 2008

Hawaii knows how to do Memorial Day. I bought my poppy from a US Veteran outside the grocery store on Sunday. While I was doing that, Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts from all over Oahu were gathering in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl. They were perpetuating a long tradition by placing American flags and lei on each of the 33,000 service member graves. The photo at left is a screen capture from video on KHNL 8. Take a moment to watch the whole story. A small boy saluting a grave after placing the lei moved me to tears.

Another moving ceremony took place at Ala Moana Beach Park at sunset. More than 1600 memorial lanterns were released into the ocean, each carrying a prayer or sentiment dedicated to the memory of one individual. Springing from Buddhist roots, the event now draws people of all faiths. Lantern Floating Hawaii has co-ordinated this lovely tradition for the last ten years. The photo is theirs. The photo gallery on their website will take your breath away.

Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.

I spent part of Memorial Day at Pokai Bay Beach Park here on the Waianae Coast. Pokai Bay holds a special place in my heart. It’s where I first learned not to fear the ocean, where I first donned a snorkel and began to discover the wonders of the underwater world. The park is a very “local” gathering place. Almost everyone who goes there lives on the Waianae Coast. There is always someone there, no matter what time of the day or night you visit. A few homeless still live there, but most of the folks enjoying the beach or the relaxing with friends are there just taking a break. It can be a scary place when the sun goes down, with drug dealers and gamblers not wanting an audience. It’s pretty wholesome while the sun shines, though. Canoe clubs practice their paddling at Pokai Bay, families picnic and parents teach their keiki to swim and respect the ocean. The breakwater, badly damaged in Hurricane Iniki in 1992, is still a favorite opihi-picking spot and jumping-off point for bold little boys. Their big brothers stroll around strumming on ukeleles while little sisters learn all about rock climbing. Dads shout instructions to keiki washing away the salt - “Stick you head in dere. Get dat sand out da ears!” The lifeguard keeps her eyes on on the water while Tui takes a break from Park Service duties. On this crowded day the fisherfolks moved outside the breakwater to avoid the masses, as did a few teens escaping parental scrutiny. I made a few new friends as was invited to “make plate” by strangers who liked the idea that their photos might appear on skeet’s stuff. It was a fine day to be on the Waianae Coast.

Technorati Tags: beach, families, Hawaii, Memorial Day, Pokai Bay

April 5, 2008

The Merrie Monarch Hula Festival

I started this post last night as I was watching the live broadcast of the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival. Trying to write while watching was making me miss too much, so I had to wait until this morning to finish my post. I hope I haven’t lost the intensity of feeling that watching hula invokes. I wish I had known earlier that there’s a link where you all can watch it live, but I didn’t, so you’ve missed the solo competitions for Miss Aloha Hula and the kahiko (ancient) presentations. You can still watch the auana (modern) competitions tonight. The broadcast begins at 6 p.m. Hawaii time (GMT-10) and will last up to six hours, so I hope you can watch at least some of it. I don’t think have the words to describe what an overwhelmingly emotional experience it is. The commentary that accompanies the broadcast will help you get a sense of what I mean.

Hula is a celebration of the history and culture of the Hawaiian people, and it is so much more. Every dance you’ve ever done, every song you’ve ever heard, every story ever told, goes back to the common human experience: ancient peoples preserving their heritages, remembering their ancestral history, celebrating life and paying homage to their gods. The ballroom dancers and hip-hop artists, the gospel choirs and craft-makers - all of us, when we express ourselves creatively, are connecting through the mists of time with the ancients who spawned us. Hula, while uniquely Hawaiian, speaks to and for all of us, regardless of cultural roots. Merrie Monarch is a competition among the best of the best and sweeps us up in the passion of the halaus (schools, dance groups) as they bring that connection to life. Warriors re-enact battles, Pele and her sister engage in a fiery war of wills, vouyagers eloquently describe the wonders of their journey through movement and gesture. I was struck, as always, with the wisdom of the Hawaiian people who have kept their cultural ties with the past alive, and who pass it on to each new generation through meles (songs and chants) and hula. I don’t know how my own ancient ancestors celebrated their lives and preserved their history - the details have been lost. Shards of pottery and scrawled bits of art tells us so little about them. Their songs, dances and stories must surely have been similar to the vibrant example that hula has kept alive. What a shame we’ve lost so much, and what a blessing that na kanaka (the Hawaiian people) invite us to witness their living history through hula. I am humbled.

Graphic from : KITV.com

Technorati Tags: Hawaii, Hawaiian culture, hula, hula competition, KITV, Merrie Monarch Hula Festival

April 1, 2008

Convenience store bento

When I reviewed my friend Jennifer’s cooking blog a while back I discussed her bento box posts. Val thought bentos were leftovers and I told her I’d show her what they look like some day. We eat them here pretty much like fast food anywhere - a meal on the go. It’s also pretty common for people to buy bentos in bulk for gatherings. I’ve been to two funerals that were catered with bentos - well, not the funerals, but the gatherings of family and friends that followed. Today I was really hungry while I was driving home from work. I’d already passed all of the restaurants and grocery stores along my way before I remembered that I was out of sandwich supplies. I knew I’d be too hungry to wait for something to cook by the time I got home, so I chose the last option I had left: the 7 Eleven on the highway right before the turn to my home. I got home with my lunch and pulled the wrapping off before I remembered that y’all wanted to see what a typical Hawaii bento in a disposable bento box looks like, so here you have it. I selected meat jun (seasoned, teriyaki-style beef dipped in egg and fried) and some chunks of spicy fried chicken. It comes with rice, of course, and chopsticks. Like many local favorites, no veggies - just meat and rice. When I first moved here the bentos and some other local foods usually sat on the counter near the cash registers in many stores. The safe-food people objected, so now they have to be kept either hot or cold. The one I bought today was displayed in a heated glass cabinet, so I didn’t even have to heat it up when I got it home. It was as yummy as it looks, and with a little over a pound of food for $4.99, not a bad price.

Technorati Tags: bento, bento box, fast food, food, Hawaii

March 31, 2008

Carnival of Aloha

Aloha and welcome to the 8th Edition of the Carnival of Aloha! I don’t have any fancy transportation like Evelyn has provided for past carnivals, but the regulars on the beach are always willing to share their boogie boards. The surf has been a little sloppy lately, so who knows where it will carry us!

Angie presents Time for Hawaii Geocaches… posted at True Aloha. She’s included a link for beginners who want to learn about the fun of geocaching.

Pua presents Kayaking in Hawaii posted at Best Hawaii Vacation with Hawaii Vacation Blog, saying, “Kayaking the Hawaiian Islands goes back to the ancient tradition of the Hawaiians using Outrigger canoes.”

christa cw is a first-timer to the Carnival of Aloha, so make sure you show her a warm welcome. She makes me feel old by sharing the clubbing scene in [pics] secret society, Social Club, Party Shuffle, Incubus, Pancho’s Art, Hawaiian Paris Hilton, Living Room posted at Honolulu’s Nightlife Diaries.

Evelyn Hunter doesn’t cruise the club scene, but she went to sea just so she could get you a great story. Check out Smooth Sailing on the Star of Honolulu posted at Homespun Honolulu.

mel presents QE2 Stops in Hawaii for the Last Time posted at Mel’s Internet Universe Weblog, saying, “QE2 made her last port of call to Hawaii ever. She will be retired at the end of the year and sold to a firm in Dubai where she will become a floating luxury hotel, museum, retail complex and entertainment destination.”

Lynn Vasquez is on top of the world (well, at least on top of Tantalus Drive) as she presents some scenic photos in Lynn’s Lair II Aloha from Oahu! posted at Auntie Pupule.

j blu presents Aloha Friday Pictures of Hawaii | The Shops of Lanai posted at Local Kine Hawaii, saying, “Take a tour of the quaint, little shops of Lana’i town.”

Sheila presents Advice for Viewing the Big Island Lava Flow posted at Hawaii Vacation Blog - GoVisitHawaii.com, saying, “Getting to see the active lava flow into the ocean was a highlight of my recent trip to the Big Island. Calling it an amazing experience is an understatement. I put together these tips to help anyone wanting to go see the lava. This post includes everything from when is the best time to view the lava to tips for being safe.”

Finally, we’re back where we started, and I present Serene Interlude here at skeet’s stuff, sharing a quiet day in a country retreat.

Mahalo for riding the waves with us. Don’t forget to return your boggies boards to the boys as you tumble back onto the beach! Submit your blog article to the next edition of the Carnival of Aloha using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.

Technorati Tags: aloha, blog carnivals, Carnival of Aloha, Hawaii, Hawaii blogs

March 25, 2008

Mixed plate

Kalbi ribs (on top,) teri beef (middle) and teri chicken (peeking out from under the beef at left and top) on four scoops of rice (because I worry about food poisoning with the two scoops of mayonaise-laden mac salad the drive-ins usually serve.)

I was up too late last night, so I slept late this morning. Getting a late start on my day meant I wasn’t hungry at lunchtime. As I was driving to the grocery store around one o’clock I was suddenly so hungry I felt like I might collapse. I dashed through Tamura’s grabbing milk, bread and a few other things and was in and out of there within ten minutes. Barbecue Kai, my favorite Waianae Coast drive-in, is just around the corner from Tamura. I made it there in record time, too. My stomach was making rude noises by then and my knees were feeling shaky as I stood in line, resenting the one person in front of me. It felt like it took forever for the girl at the window to deliver my mixed plate, but in reality it was probably about three minutes. The sidewalk tables were all taken, so I sat in my car and wolfed down half a piece of chicken and a goodly amount of rice to rebuild my strength for the drive home. I ate some more once I got the groceries put away, but the servings are much too generous for me to consume in one sitting. I have a piece and a half of chicken, most of the teri beef and plenty opf rice left over for my dinner tonight. Ahhhhhhhhhh! Life is good!

Technorati Tags: drive-ins, food, Hawaii foods, Hawaii drive-ins, mixed plate

March 24, 2008

Rent a condo for your Hawaii vacation

Did y’all know that there’s an alternative to Waikiki hotels when you take your Hawaii Vacations? About half of the condos that I inspect are vacation rentals that you can choose instead of hotel rooms. If you want the glamour and bustle of Waikiki right outside your door, you can rent a condo at rates that are sometimes much better than regular hotel room rates. Here’s another option: see that scene above? How would you like to share your beach with a few people instead of a few thousand? That’s a picture I took on a recent inspection out here in the quiet countryside. You’ll find almost identical pictures from the same building on the Hawaii Vacations site. They have rentals available all across Oahu and on Molokai, Maui and the Big Island of Hawaii, too, with accomodations ranging from practical to luxurious. Pick up a few groceries on your way from the airport and you’ll have everything you need for quiet meals from your ready-to-go kitchen on the days you don’t want to sample our world-class cuisine. Amenities range from full service (like a luxury hotel) to minimal and unobtrusive, according to your tastes and your budget. Vacation condos are a great alternative to high-priced hotel rooms in crowded spaces. Check them out before you come over to visit me!

Technorati Tags: Hawaii, Hawaii vacations, vacation rentals, vacations

March 21, 2008

The Carnival of Aloha is coming!

It’s that time again, folks, when we share the aloha of our beautiful islands with each other and with the world. Come join us for the Carnival of Aloha, which will be hosted right here on skeet’s stuff on Monday, March 31st. Follow the link to submit your post by Wednesday, March 26th to be included. The Carnival of Aloha celebrates the people, places, things and events that make our islands such a very special place. Sorry, commercial or promotional posts and sites are ineligible, but if you live in Hawaii or have strong island ties, this is your opportunity to talk story. If you don’t have a post ready yet, eh - still got time! Come! Share the aloha!

Technorati Tags: aloha, blog carnivals, Carnival of Aloha, Hawaii, Hawaii stories

March 17, 2008

Serene interlude

My friend visits the monastery in the hills every now and then and has stayed there on retreat a few times. I’m not Catholic, so it’s not a place I would have thought to visit on my own, but she invited me, so off we went. We drove through acres of pineapple fields to cross the island to the North Shore, then bumped along a mud and gravel road that climbs through corn fields and up a mountainside.

A small cluster of building sits amid landsaped grounds. The views in every direction are spectacular.

Access to the monastery winds its way through farm and ranch lands. I’ve inspected some of the condos you can see along the shore, but never knew this quiet community overlooked me.

Orange, mango and other fruit trees are scattered around the property. Bowls of freshly harvested fruit sat on a table outside the dining hall, free for the taking. We were invited inside, where meal preparations were underway, coffee makers lined up and ready as a gesture of hospitality. My friend spent a few minutes catching up with her priestly-chef friends while I refilled my water bottle for a hike up the mountain.

Several small areas of formal plantings surprised us as we wandered the pathways around the grounds. I was told that they are all maintained by one elderly nun. Most of the sixty-something acres have been left in their natural state, with only a few acres dedicated to buildings and lanscaping.

We wandered back down the hillside and came across a small group of people. A mother sat on a blanket stringing rosaries, surrounded by her children. Introductions were made and I was asked if I knew who the woman was. Seen out of context and without glamorous stage attire, I’d failed to recognize one of the most well known and beloved singers in Hawaii. Under other circumstances I’d have dashed to my car to retrieve one of her CDs for an autograph. Respecting the nature and purpose of the place, I restrained myself and was rewarded with a half-hour or so of talk story and pleasant conversation.

As we drove back down the mountain we came across this handsome brute. When I put down the windows for a closer look he moved in to check us out, almost putting his head inside the car. His mistress informed us that he was being trained for dressage and needed socialization. My friend is a horse woman and was happy to oblige.

I forgot to buy a bottle of the monastery’s delicious honey before we left. Maybe I’ll go back soon and do that.

Technorati Tags: countryside, Hawaii, monastery, photos, retreat, scenery

March 14, 2008

Kamehameha Schools Song Contest

There was a time when it was illegal to teach the Hawaiian language in public schools except as a foreign language. Many people believe that it was even illegal to speak Hawaiian. That’s not true, but it was greatly discouraged and made an issue of shame for many years after Westernization. Being unable to speak English meant being shut out of business, government and social affairs. The language neared extinction as Hawaiians faced the pressure to fit in by “acting American.” Those days are long gone, but there are still very few people (comparatively speaking) who are fluent in Hawaiian. These days our local schools teach the language and culture, and Hawaiian has now been an official state language for thirty years. The anniversary is the theme of the annual Kamehameha Schools Song Contest this year:

Thirty years after a constitutional convention made Hawaiian one of the state’s official languages, the school is celebrating it’s resurgence and honoring those who struggled to keep it alive through a time when Hawaiians were chastized for speaking their native language.

“We have less than 40 manaleo, native speakers, outside of Niihau. That’s it… This generation of Haumana, students, will see the last manaleo close their eyes. The last one outside of Niihau… Shame, terrible…” said Farden. Hailama Farden is a Kumu Olelo (language instructor) at Kamehameha Schools.

Kamehameha Schools is a school for Hawaiian kids funded by the estate of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop and has probably done more than any other institution to keep the Hawaiian language and culture alive. One way they showcase the fruit of their labor is through the annual Song Contest. It’s a very big deal here in Hawaii. Tonight the network prime time shows won’t matter. We’ll all be watching the students sing their hearts out. Read the entire story, and make sure you click on the video so you can get an idea of the level of talent that these kids have achieved through hard work, pride and determination. Prepare to be amazed!

Before I sign off, I want to salute KGMB9 News for deciding to make a news broadcast in the Hawaiian language a permanent part of their morning lineup. Way to go, KGMB! It’s a step in the right direction!

Technorati Tags: Hawaii, Hawaiian language, Kamehameha Schools Song Contest, KGMB9 News

February 18, 2008

President’s Day in Hawaii

Many in Hawaii took the day off today. I had to work - a single condominium inspection in Waikiki. Traffic can be unpredictable on a holiday, so I left early. There were no road crews working and no wrecks, so I got downtown ahead of schedule. Where better to kill a little time than Ala Moana Beach Park, where the locals go to party?

Today Hawaii took to the beaches …

… to the water …

and to the air to relax.

Looking across Magic Island towards Diamond Head, where the air was not quite so brilliantly clear. Probably smoke from all of the luaus and barbecues, don’t you think?

Yeah, that’s probably what it was.

Some kupuna (grandparents, elders) enjoyed a game of dominos while the young women cooked. Maybe the young men playing volleyball and horseshoes nearby were a part of their family group.

My free time gone, I left the park to meet the couple who are buying the condo I needed to inspect. One eleventh floor lanai offers them a slice of a Diamond Head View, while the other two looked across the gentle rise of populous Kaimuki. Being in no rush, I spent a little time talking story with the couple, their realtor/son and their lender before meandering my way home. My car radio brought news of tomorrow’s Democratic caucus, traffic deaths and yet another baseball player trying to explain away his use of not quite legal steroids. I turned it off, put an Iz cd in slot, and enjoyed my drive.

Working on a holiday? Nah, it’s not such a bad thing.

Technorati Tags: Ala Moana Beach Park, beach, Hawaii, Honolulu, Waikiki