Day 21 Fri.: Whale Day 2010 in Kihei
Posted by Bob on Sunday, February 21st, 2010
Some of the entertainment at Whale Day in Kihei
Following my weekly ukulele lesson, we headed over to Kihei for the annual Whale Day. This is the 30th year for the festival sponsored by the Pacific Whale Foundation (PWF). We arrived shortly after noon and lucked out with a parking spot about quarter mile from the festivities. The memorial park along the main drag was packed. Hundreds of people with their lawn chairs were seated under shade trees listening to well-known island entertainer sing and play music. Obviously, the locals were prepared as we searched for places to escape the sun. (Kihei is on the hotter side of the island.)
Day 20, Thu.: Coffee & Whales
Posted by Bob on Saturday, February 20th, 2010
A Whale Breach
What an exciting day! Though, I must admit that the beginning was better than the ending. The reason, my newsletter was accidentally sent early so I had to do a lot of corrective actions including developing a web page that usually takes several days into a matter of a couple of hours. Now, to the exciting part. But come to think of it, last night was also exciting in some ways..:-)
Day 19: Poem in Honor of Lovai
Posted by Bob on Friday, February 19th, 2010
Flowers along the morning walk
Much of my day was spent writing the February 28 PJ. As promised, I am sharing a poem I wrote about a beautiful man, Lovai, a member of the Lahaina Methodist Church Tongan Men’s Choir. Lovai passed away a week ago. I always enjoyed watching him sing because of his spirit and love of music and his God. I was notified today that the poem will appear on the cover of his memorial service bulletin this Friday. I am deeply honored.
Poem: Lovai, the Music Man
Day 18: Lazy Maui Day + Poem & Mamma’s
Posted by Bob on Thursday, February 18th, 2010
On an "island" in the middle of a lavender field - inspired this poem
Today, we decided to laz around – including tai chi in the morning, a philosophical talk with Lee (the tai chi guy), answering emails, etc. But, I accomplished one culinary fete, I made my special recipe of corn chowder with a bit of Hawaiian style. I just tasted the delectable creation, still exciting the taste buds. Later, we headed to a movie.
As promised yesterday, I want to share a poem about my Ali’i Kula Lavender Garden (AKL) experience. It was such a beautiful time. Then I will talk about a gourmet event with Howard and Kat.
Day 17: Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm
Posted by Bob on Wednesday, February 17th, 2010
Ali'i Chang, founder of Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm
When I first visited Ali’i Chang’s Kula Lavender Farm (AKL) slightly over five years ago, I enjoyed the vistas, lack of crowds, and the new knowledge about lavender that I garnered through the visit. Since that time AKL has become a well-known tourist site for those looking for a nontraditional tourist activity. Today, the crowds have increased, because the secret is out, and the manicured grounds have more than doubled. The vistas remain as gorgeous as before. Ali’i has built a reputation as an innovative horticulturist that makes wise use of land and environment.
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Day 16: Iao Valley and the Garden of Eden
Posted by Bob on Tuesday, February 16th, 2010
Iao Needle and the Iao Valley
I continue to smile that I am here versus facing the snows of Ohio. A few days ago, Hawaii was the only state that snow had not fallen.
After tai chi, we traveled seventeen miles to the Iao Valley and the Eye of the Needle. In this beautiful, majestic valley it is hard to believe the tragic history that exists here. “In 1790 the Battle of Kepaniwai took place there, in which Kamehameha the Great defeated Kalanikūpule and the Maui army during his campaign to unify the islands. The battle was said to be so bloody that dead bodies blocked ʻĪao Stream.” Today, there is a beautiful walk along the river as well as a steep climb for a better view of the pinnacle. There is a replica historical taro farm there as well. Click here for more pictures.
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Day 15: Valentine’s
Posted by Bob on Monday, February 15th, 2010
Decadent Pineapple Upside Down Cake at the Pineapple Grill
Sunday morning started started out with tai chi and an offer to spend 11 more days in paradise house sitting a mansion. I have to do some checking on airline ticket changes. At 10:30 we were worshiping at a favorite location, the Lahaina Methodist Church. It was a full house! I was deeply saddened to learn of the recent passing of Lavai, a members of the Tongan Men’s Choir. He was a man who walked the Way. You will read more about him later in poetry.
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Day 14: Easy Does It
Posted by Bob on Sunday, February 14th, 2010
Flowers from the Temple Tree
Today included tai chi in early morning, ukulele lesson at 11, lunch at the Paia Fish Market (always delectable), a stroll on Baldwin Beach (see pics from yesterday), and a trip to the movie theater to see Crazy Heart. A superb movie! Both Jeff Bridges and Maggi Gyllenhall play extremely believable roles. The music will also have your foot tapping.
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Day 13: Living Like a Local
Posted by Bob on Saturday, February 13th, 2010
Farmers Market
Well, almost. The day started with a short drive to Makawao in Upcountry to join a line of locals at Komoda Store & Bakery to purchase malasadas. Mine barely made it to the car before being devoured. Then across the street, I had to visit Sherri Reeve Design Gallery. Both Sherri and Eloise, a favorite salesperson, were there, making the visit even more enjoyable. Sherri is a wonderful artist and has items for everyone’s budget. I picked up a few gifts for family and friends. Next, we headed to Kahului to join locals at a farmers’ market in one of Hawaii’s open ceiling malls. We left with a fresh pineapple, ears of corn, string beans, a green pepper, sweet potatoes, and a tomato. (I encourage you to keep reading to see some fantastic beaches.)
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Day 12: Hana Highway
Posted by Bob on Friday, February 12th, 2010
Beautiful stop at Ke'anae (MM16.5) on the Hana Highway
Following an early short ten-minute rain shower (much needed), we picked up a made to order packed lunch at Hana Bay Picnics (111 Hana Highway) in Paia and headed east toward Hana. Anyone familiar with Maui has heard of the serpentine, majestic highway to Hana, an engineering miracle. The goal was the Waikamoi Nature Trail (MM9), a short, slightly over a mile hike upward into a magnificent bamboo forest. The picnic lunch was delightful at the top of the gnarled, root covered trail.
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