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KIHEI PAST PERFECT, A Hawaii Mystery

Hawaii Blog:

Walking in Waikiki,With Cloudia W. Charters, Woman Warriors, Queens & Mangos, May 8, 08

       Last Saturday I was downtown WAY too early for the 2nd Annual "Distinctive Women in Hawaii History" program presented by the Bishop Museum.  My dumb luck was wide awake, however, as I struck up a convo with the woman next to me to discover that she was Nanette Napoleon, "Hawaii's History Detective," one of the day's presenters!  Nanette's second-Saturday walking tours of our historic Honolulu Capitol District (check with the Mission Houses Museum) are legendary. 

        And speaking of legendary, what a day of remarkable stories!  Spellbinding, impeccably researched stories of real local women who wove indelible beauty and meaning into the fabric of our special place.  I enjoyed hearing about Warrior women who were excellent shots with the rifles that Kamehameha had purchased from the British, and who proved crucial in the Battle of Nu`uanu Pali near that famous cliff's edge.  You see, we walk (and drive) on a powerful `Aina where history and legend are always very close to us.  .  .  for those who care to remember. 

        The most engaging presentation by far was Kealoha Kelekolio's Traditional Hawaiian Storytelling version of Princess Ruth Ke`elikolani's royal visit (circa early 1880s) to erupting Kilauea.  Hilo town was in peril as madam Pele, the volcano deity, and great grandmother to Big Island Hawaiians, seemed determined to overtake it.  At the request of her people, the granddaughter of Kamehameha (originally of the Big Island Hawaii) did indeed sail from Honolulu to face the living flow.  "Surely Pele would respect the mana of the sacred alii," believed the local Hawaiians.  "What a blasphemous load of %&$@#!" said most of the non-Hawaiians. 

        Kealoha gently tossed red silk handkerchiefs that drifted down before projected film of glowing flowing lava, where they sparkled in the light, dazzling the child in every scholar just like his words, gestures and enthusiasm were doing! We know that the lava stopped mere feet from where the Princess offered those red silk handkerchiefs (and bottles of gin;-) and where she slept exhausted for the night. "Tell it again uncle!"  The mature audience erupted in applause spiced with hoots, whistles, and "Hana Hou" (one mo time!) before all of us grown-ups managed to reassert our very adult comportment.  .  . 

        The whole day was cool like that, with attendees enjoying a traditional lunch al fresco from Helena's Hawaiian Food on North School Street.  Chef Helen Kwock Chock passed on last year, but her family maintains the recipes at her wonderful little 'hole in the wall' restaurant that was a favorite of gourmand James Beard.  He ate there at every opportunity, presenting Helen with a respected "Beard Award," and inviting the unassuming grandma to New York City to prepare a meal for the world's great foodies.  Nuff said?  Eat at Helena's!  And what's with the lines of hungry people in front of chain restaurants here in Waikiki?  You can eat that stuff back home, or anywhere! Why not try wonderful food with warm service at my favorite Bombay Indian Restaurant (Ala Moana by Hobron Lane)?  Besides Helena's there are so many other little culinary gems in our town, like the singular shrimp tempura at Hifumi (off Beretania on College Walk). 

        After a recent concert, blues man Taj Mahal eschewed fine dining for the comfort food at tiny Liliha Bakery Coffee Shop (Kuakini off Liliha street-open all night).  .  .  Eat somewhere local and unique, you!  Like Seinfeld's George, I've always wanted to pretend to be an architect.  I had a wonderful opportunity to do just that as I strolled along on a downtown architectural walking tour offered by the Honolulu Chapter, American Institute of Architects.  Who knew that our city hall, Honolulu Hale, is a sort of Italian castle? Check out the fortified elements in this beloved Douglas Fairbanks of a building the next time you're there. We walk by historical riches every day here in Honolulu town, though the surpassing beauty of green mountain, eloquent sky & seas oft upstages them.  And don't forget US!  Everyone is beautiful here.  Just look around. 

        The US Census reports that Hawaii leads in ethnic diversity, with "minorities" around 75% of our human treasure.  "Minorities," what does that even mean when there is no overwhelming "majority?"  Whatever you call us- it (mostly) works.  .  . 

        Imagine having a president who grew up in such a place.  .  .  Were those night marchers a while back in Kaneohe?  Even today, distant drumbeats and chanting are sometimes heard in certain districts after midnight.  The chiefs of old still inspecting "their" lands.  But no, this time it was modern warriors, OUR folks, Kaneohe Marines training in the dark before going into a war zone.  Out of respect for the public, cadences were not called so quiet was maintained.  Nonetheless, many local residents paid their respects from front yards, and were frankly awed by the Mana surrounding these citizen soldiers.  However you may feel about this war, or that police action, we all admire and appreciate those so young who make such a commitment to serve.  .  . 

        Sitting by my computer as I write this, a ripe mango tempts me.  I picked it up off the grounds of the Mission Houses Museum from trees that real Queens admired long ago.  History, beauty, sustenance, aloha, all offer themselves freely under isle skies.  You see, in Hawaii living a rich life is less about money than it is in most other places.  Sure, our visitors and we can find here all the things that money can buy (in abundance!) but Honolulu's real treasure is found in our environment, and in each other; it's about attitude, engagement and down-home enjoyment of all the cultures that make up our unique chop-suey island.  .  .  the sorts of things you discover.  .  .  when you're walking in Waikiki.  Aloha!  cloudiacharters@msn.com

Be sure to check out Cloudia's Hawaii novel: "Aloha Where You Like Go?"  at Amazon.com, local bookstores, or the Hawaii State Library. One reviewer called it "More informative than a guidebook, more personal than a diary!" 

 

Walking in Waikiki

With Cloudia Charters, "Merrie Signs of Spring", April 16, 2008

 

          Spring Time may mean Easter bunnies, blossoms, and baskets of chocolate eggs to you (ok, to me too) but the really big excitement last week was the 45th annual Merrie Monarch Festival of Hula and Chant in Hilo Town on the Big Island.  For over 20 years I have joined the scores of local residents who plop down in front of their TV for those Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights to celebrate the best of hula (which, remember, very nearly didn't survive to our day).

        Year after year, like at a family reunion, we watch familiar and new Kumu Hula bring their Halau to the big dance, each celebrating their own hula lineage.  And speaking of family traditions, this year's "Miss Aloha Hula" Kalimakuhilani Akemi Kalamanamana Suganuma is a spring blossom with some great roots of her own.  She is the great granddaughter of the revered Mary Kawena Pukui, author (with Samuel Elbert) of THE Hawaiian Dictionary. The 20 year-old University of Hawaii student danced to chants her great grandmother had preserved, and which are considered to be among the "crown jewels" of Hawaiian culture. 

        Of course Honolulu boasts literal crown jewels downtown in the Iolani Palace, but that's another story altogether . . . A Hollywood story!  The palace grounds were recently all "lights-camera-ACTION!" for the filming of a bio-pic about (local girl) Princess Ka'iulani.  The gracious and beautiful young princess (half Scottish on her father Cleghorn's side) is commemorated by a lovely statue in the triangle at Kuhio & Kaiulani Streets, which includes one of her beloved peacocks.  Ainahau, her Waikiki home, was nearby.  .  . 

        But before we leave the Big Island entirely, let's pause to admire the late winter snow atop Maunakea and to ponder the first gas explosion at Kilauea since 1924. Gravel flew for acres the other evening but injured no one.  Shield volcanoes, like Kilauea, usually ooze slow-moving lava flows, which is why this one has been called "the world's only drive-in volcano." 

        In fact, a new parking/viewing area has been opened by the county a mere 600 feet from the flow that is currently entering the ocean.  What a show! And free too.  Just drive towards the pillar of thick, infernal steam that advertises "new Hawaii land created here." (Yes, sort of like a sign) They say that isle property is expensive because it's a limited commodity, but lava land is surprisingly affordable. Like a few acres for under $10,000. 

        Of course volcano goddess Madam Pele might turn her attention your way again, but it's real country living "off the grid" where folks use rain water catchment, solar panels, and generators, relying on themselves and their neighbors.  It takes a special breed. 

        Kalapana resident Edmund Orian told a local reporter: "Living near a volcano keeps you aware that God is in control. If the lava comes, we can always move." My niece Amber was born in a house by the famous black sand beach of Kalapana, a beach that exists no more, buried now under tons of lava.  The ocean shore is now hundreds of acres further east.  .  . 

        Closer to home: Honolulu's oldest city park, Thomas Square, (across from the Honolulu Academy of Arts) looks – um – different since the recent removal of the truly GIGANTIC ear pod tree that had been a landmark for 75 years.  The whole character of the park, heck of the entire Ward & King intersection, is really altered. Sun shines where the sun didn't shine before! (Though the square still boasts some amazing foliage) Age finally caught up with the venerable giant, and public safety demanded compassionate action. 

        A new tree is promised for the site.  Great Hawaiian name, "Thomas", isn't it?  Actually the park gratefully commemorates 19th century British admiral Thomas who restored Hawaiian royal sovereignty after it had been wrongfully claimed by a British navy warship sometime before.  This incident throws light on the British Union Jack becoming part of our Hawaii flag, and the naming of prominent Beretania (Hawaiian for "Britannia") Street. Perhaps it also speaks to Queen Lili'uokalani's steadfast faith that the United States too would redress her 1893 overthrow, which had tacitly occurred under cover of the USS Boston's guns and complement of U.S. Marines.  .  . 

        A wonderful sign of old times: the neon McCully Chop Sui sign at King & McCully is shining brightly once again. It is a beacon of nostalgia to those who remember a smaller, slower Honolulu Town where kau kau at family-run MCS (1940 – 2006) may have preceded a professional baseball game, motorcycle race, boxing match or Elvis concert, at the fondly remembered "Termite Palace" of Honolulu Stadium a few blocks further down King Street. 

        Vintage Art & Memorabilia mavens Carolyn and Mark Blackburn chose the location (and the weathered sign) when they moved their Mauna Kea Galleries from the Big Island over a year ago.  It took all that time (and some $10,000) for them to negotiate the bureaucracy, have the landmark sign restored and repaired, and to give wonderful memories back to the appreciative neighborhood.  Well done! Mahalo.  .  . 

        Animal Patrol:  Our little third mate here on the boat, Miss Kitty, enjoyed her annual driving lesson a few days ago.  She'll agree to a veterinarian check-up ONLY if we allow her to "drive" the last blocks home with a licensed (human) driver's hands over her paws at the wheel.  She really seems to enjoy steering, standing in a friendly lap, and watching all the activity ashore. (Hey! Watch where you're going!!)

        All went well until she demanded a quick visit to the neighborhood bar.  Sitting politely in a booth, she charmed everyone and declined several friendly drink offers.  Speaking of clever animals, wild sea birds have found the recently refurbished Lagoon between the Ala Wai Harbor and the Hilton Hawaiian Village.  I even saw a pair of mallard ducks there the other day! A more permanent new neighbor is an Australian Black Swan called "Olive" who recently moved here from Vegas.  Something about the frenetic pace there clashed with her "swanning about" personality, so she is now an official Hilton guest with cushy food plan, and medical – but no driving lessons.  We welcome her – she sounds like our kind of laid back "local style" bird.  .  . 

        Road Sign: The parking/viewing area at the Halona Blowhole on east-side O`ahu's spectacular Ka Iwi coastline will remain closed until September when it is scheduled to re-open in time for Whale watching season. Still one of life's great coastal drives, though, and the "blow" remains visible from further down the way.  . Remember, walking builds strong bones, muscles, joints, heart, and lungs with little risk of injury. Whether you're "walking to New Orleans" or strolling down the beach, simple locomotion melts away stress and pounds!  Won't you join me?  I'll look for you the next time I'm Walking in Waikiki.  .  .  ALOHA!

 

Be sure to check out Cloudia's Hawaii novel: "Aloha Where You Like Go?"  at Amazon.com, local bookstores, or the Hawaii State Library. One reviewer called it "More informative than a guidebook, more personal than a diary!"   

 

Walking In Waikiki, With Cloudia Charters, LIVING TREASURES, Mar. 29, 2008

       We in Hawaii are lucky to have neighbors who are 'living treasures' some officially recognized, and some who embody and share cultural riches within their families, ohana, or neighborhood.  Then there are special people who are 'treasures that will live forever.' 

            We lost two of them this month: Aunty Genoa Keawe and slack key master/ teacher Ray Kane.  Both of them were more than musicians. They were amazing and genuine humans beings.  Their music was a rich part of our environment, but their role in keeping humane and technical traditions alive in a time of great change (when much was being lost) remains their true gift. 

            Like Diamond Head, like the green Ko`olau mountains, they had seemingly always been around – most of us never knew a time without their guidance, without the consolation of their song.  Each of them shared their mastery freely, and they each left disciples to carry on.  But we will miss their personalities, their presence, just BE-ing around them. 

            I enjoyed seeing Aunty sing many times, and her heavenly countenance never dimmed.  Even with me, a nobody, she found time to share a smile or a little

warm-hearted joke.  They lived amazing long lives, and they left us much more than technique and deathless recordings.  They left us with examples that define our way of life here in Hawaii.  Even as we celebrate their lives and masterwork, we feel shock and pain suffused with deep gratitude.  This passing of giants, of a golden age, reminds us to appreciate each and every day. And to let each person we love know that they irreplaceable 'living treasure' to us.  .  . 

            The phone rang at midnight – you can imagine how I felt!  Too early even for an east coast caller forgetting the time difference.  The voice on the other end said: "I'm calling about a cat."  A cat?! Is this a joke?  "Someone found a slightly injured orange tom wandering on Diamond Head.  His microchip has your phone number.  I'm calling from the SPCA." 

            My eyes shot open.  Could this be our 2000 adoptee who jumped ship after just a week with our household?  We'd taken to referring to him as 'Houdini' for his disappearing act.  "Yes, 2000. That's right. What shall we do with him?"  By now I had located the prodigal's 'sister' Miss Kitty (adopted that same day) peacefully sleeping on a pile of (formerly) clean laundry.  The prospect of dragooning the escapee back to our boat in chains (or a cat carrier) didn't sit right.  "Well.  .  .  Um.  .  ." I said. 

            "That's OK. The guy who found him wants to adopt him. Whew!  These days we enjoy imagining Houdini's wanderings among the low bushes and back streets of Waikiki.  We marvel at his 8 years of survival and his amazing luck in finding a friend just in time to retire (mostly) indoors.  We like to think of him in his new pal's lap, remembering his many adventures and enjoying a warm hand on his head.  .  . 

            Speaking of Diamond Head cats:  Berani, the 245 pound male Sumatran tiger at the Honolulu Zoo (at the foot of DH) strolled casually out of his un-latched enclosure the other morning for a walk.  Luckily it was hours before the zoo opens, especially since his next-door neighbor is the children's petting zoo/playground, usually SWARMING with (presumably) delicious youngsters and their unarmed grown-ups.  In true laid back isle style Berani (described as the "friendliest" of the Sumatrans) took a quick glance around, yawned, and then casually slinked back home again. 

            City officials were less relaxed about the whole thing, immediately installing new auto-latching devices and several more yards of fencing.  I can't help wondering what advice Houdini might have given Berani about survival in Beach Town as they rummaged the dumpsters of Lemon Road.  .  . 

            And Speaking of the Zoo:  elephants are intelligent.  Hey, that rhymes!  And it sure is true.  Local Indian elephants Mari and Vaigai immediately fixed their expressive dark eyes on us and approached as close as practicable when I pulled out my bamboo flute and played some simple rhythmic toots for them the other day.  I managed to continue playing gently even as they swayed side to side and my mind screamed: "Are you SEEING this!" Both elephants answered with deep subtle vocalizations.  Chicken skin moment! 

            Hey, visitors and locals alike seem to be using those new freestanding sidewalk "Explore Waikiki" maps.  Good idea!  And mahalo plenty to the Honolulu Star-Bulletin's "Water Ways" columnist Ray Pendleton who kindly pointed out my writing "heron" when I meant "egret" in the last column. The man knows boating, AND birds.  .  . 

            Big Island Detour:  Volcano goddess Pele, solemnly considered "Tutu" or grandmother by Big Island Hawaiians, is putting on quite a show as her lava flows into the sea. Just this week saw a rare explosion (the first since 1924) spewing rocks and ash over 75 acres.  A much larger area had to be closed because of toxic, acidic gasses issuing from the pit.  But a viewing trail for visitors remains open, just please heed local advice and precautions! 

            Perhaps you caught the Travel Channel's Tony Bourdain on his recent Hawaii episode.  If you did, you saw Tony having a meal with the last hold-out in Royal Gardens Subdivision. That lonely house has at last been reclaimed by Pele. Great timing, Tony!  A safer alternative is to visit the web site of one of our local media outlets for thrilling video on your desktop. (kgmb, kitv, khnl, khon or local press!) No lava-walking for me, though.  I'm too busy enjoying the beauty right here.  .  .  Walking in Waikiki.  .  .  ALOHA!  

 Be sure to check out Cloudia's Hawaii novel: "Aloha Where You Like Go?"  at Amazon.com, local bookstores, or the Hawaii State Library. One reviewer called it "More informative than a guidebook, more personal than a diary!"  

 

 


 

 

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Aloha                                          April May 08  News   

 

Free Learn to Swim

 

            For over 40 years, the Hawaii Red Cross has offered free classes to adults and keiki at Ala Moana Beach, especially for those who might not otherwise be able to afford to learn how to swim. 

            This program is part of our Red Cross mission to save lives.  In Hawaii, 50 people drown and 150 people nearly drown every year.  Drowning is the second leading cause of fatal, unintentional injuries among 0-17 year olds. The best way to prevent these deaths is to teach kids how to swim.  It is a skill that must be taught because aquatic skills are not genetically inherited, but once learned, this lifetime skill will save lives.

 

 

May 11

Mother's Day

Brunch with the Stars Ko Olina Ihilani
featuring special performences by:
Jasmine Trias, Kaukahi, Da Braddahs and Raiatea Helm, Kristian Lei and MC by Kaleo Pilanca
Doors Open: 9:30am
Buffet Service: 9:45am
Concert: 10:00am
Pagoda Hotel

            Searching for a way to make mom smile this Mother's Day? The Pagoda Hotel is offering a scrumptious buffet and a one-hour comedy show, by none other than Hawaii's favorite funnyman, Frank De Lima. 


            The Pagoda Hotel is offering two ways for families to honor their special lady. Pagoda Hotel's C`est Si Bon showroom will open its doors for a Mother's Day brunch buffet at 10 a.m. with Frank De Lima to follow at 12 p.m. For those who prefer to take mom out during the evening, the dinner buffet will begin at 5:30 p.m. with the comedy show to follow at 7:30 p.m. 

Brunch with the Stars.

            Hawaii Pacific Entertainment is throwing mothers a special party of their own featuring Hawaii's very own American Idol Jasmine Trias, Grammy nominee Raiatea Helm, and the outrageous comedy of Da Braddahs. 
            The concert is being held on Sunday May 11th, 2008 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa at Ko Olina. Mothers are invited to shake off stress by laughing with Da Braddahs, the popular local comedy kings entertaining Hawaii with their hilarious acts on OC 16's "Da Braddahs and Friends." Hawaiian falsetto music will be performed by Hawaii's youngest Grammy nominee, Raiatea Helm, beautiful songs by Kristian Lei, the sultry sounds of Jasmine Trias, and harmonies by Na Hoku Award winner Kaukahi, while comedian Kaleo Pilanca serves as emcee.

Title: STAR OF HONOLULU'S MOTHER'S DAY CHAMPAGNE LUNCH or DINNER CRUISE
Date / Time: May 11, 2008 / 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.,  5:30 - 7:30 p.m
Location: Star of Honolulu departs from Aloha Tower Marketplace, Pier 8
Description: Treat Mom to a relaxing Mother's Day in paradise, aboard the Star of Honolulu!

 

May 2008

Maoli Arts Month

 

Now in its third year, MAMo: Maoli Arts Month is a broad community-based effort to celebrate the depth, breadth, and diversity of the Native Hawaiian arts community, to create economic opportunities for Native Hawaiian artists and cultural practitioners by increasing their presence in museums and galleries, and to educate locals and visitors about Native Hawaiian art.

             

MAMo 2008 Calendar of Events

www.maoliartsmonth.org <http://www.maoliartsmonth.org/>

 

MAMo Awards 2008 Ceremony and Gallery Reception

May 1, 6-9 pm, Bishop Museum

Bishop Museum hosts the awards ceremony that honors this year?s MAMo Award

recipients: revered lauhala weaver Elizabeth Lee; painter David Parker;

sculptor Hanale Hopfe; and painter and arts organizer Al Lagunero.  The MAMo

Award recognizes Native Hawaiian visual artists who have devoted a lifetime

to championing Native Hawaiian arts.  Also related to the MAMo Awards is the

Museum?s exhibition in the J.M. Long Gallery, which celebrates these artists

through the presentation of artworks that attest to their lifetime

achievements.  The exhibit remains on view through September 7, 2008.

 

First Friday Gallery Walk

May 2, 5-9 pm, Downtown Chinatown

Join thousands in experiencing the artwork, poetry and prose of over 20

Native Hawaiian artists in galleries throughout the Downtown Chinatown area.

Participating galleries include the ARTS at Marks Garage, Louis Pohl

Gallery, and the Nu?uanu Gallery at Marks Garage

 

3rd Annual Native Hawaiian Arts Market & Keiki Art Festival

May 3-4, 9 am -5 pm, Bishop Museum

Co-sponsored by Bishop Museum and PA?I Foundation, the two-day Annual Native

Hawaiian Arts Market will feature over 40 Native Hawaiian visual artists,

from fine arts to contemporary craftwork.  Highly collectible and of

extraordinary quality, featured works will include feather work, silk

scarves, turned bowls, carved images, decorated gourds, weaponry, and

weaving. Throughout both days, there will be demonstrations, workshops, arts

and crafts for the keiki, and outstanding food and Hawaiian entertainment.

For the first time, the 3rd Annual Keiki Art Festival will also be taking

place at Bishop Museum. Ma Ka Hana Ka 'Ike:  Keiki Art Festival enables

keiki and their families to create art and meet native Hawaiian artists and

cultural practitioners. The event features hands-on art activities where

children can create sand art, watercolors, lei making, kapa beating,

weaving, feather work, storytelling, t-shirt screening and much more

A special $3.00 admission rate will apply and will include access to the Art

Market, Keiki Art Festival and all the Museum galleries.

 

2nd Annual MAMo Wearable Art Show

May 16, 2008 5:30 pm Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort, Kona Moku Ballroom

The show will feature cultural practitioners and artists showcasing art that

native Hawaiians wear for ceremonial rituals, cultural practices and

adornments. Both traditional and contemporary garments will be included, for

example: kapa, feather work, shell jewelry, tattoo, weaponry, weaving,

carving, traditional Hawaiian musical instruments and many more.  The show

will incorporate Hawaiian performing arts into an evening of art and

entertainment.  The show will be a ticketed event.  Revenues earned from

this event are expected to provide an annual source of income for future

festivals.  A special tribute to artist & fashion designer the late Allen

Akina will feature rare artwork and fashions by this talented artist.

General Admission:  $250

Corporate Tables $2500-$10,000

 

 

MAMo Wednesdays at the Outrigger Waikiki

May 7, 14, 21, 28 10am- 12noon, Outrigger Waikiki

Wednesdays throughout the month of May, the Outrigger Waikiki Hotel hosts

native Hawaiian artists who will demonstrate traditional arts such as lei

making, weaving, fiber arts, and carving.

 

MAMo Keauhou Art Market

May 31, 10am-4pm Outrigger Keahou, Kona, Hawai?i

For the first time MAMo is expanding to the neighbor islands.  The Outrigger

Hotels is pleased to co-sponsor the MAMo Keauhou Art Market at the Keauhou

Beach Resort in Kona, Hawai?i.  This one-day event will feature native

Hawaiian artists from who will share, demonstrate, display and sell their

works of art. The event will also include hands-on activities where children

can create sand art, watercolors, lei making, kapa beating, weaving, feather

work and t-shirt printing.

 

 

 

IONA Contemporary Dance Theatre presents “Paint by Number,”  an original dance theatre event featuring live music by The Quadraphonix two weekends in May: May 9, 10 and 11, and  May 16, 17 and 18 8:00 pm each evening

 

 

May 13-Jun 17

Meditation for Mindfulness 
 
Tuesdays, May 13-Jun 17 • 7:00-8:00pm • 6 mtgs • University of Hawaii-Manoa Physical Education Complex 245, Studio 3 • $45 • Call 956-8400 to register or visit www.outreach.hawaii.edu/noncredit 
With: Catherine Hage 
 
Could you benefit from the greater calm, clarity, and awareness of meditation? Are you unsure how to do it? This course focuses on mindfulness and loving kindness through meditation in a comfortable and safe atmosphere. No experience or religious affiliation necessary. The instructor explains and demonstrates the basics of sitting, standing, walking, and eating meditation from the ancient Theravada Buddhist tradition. Each session includes guided meditation and suggestions for implementing a simple home and daily life practice. Please call Catherine at (808) 391-1781 with questions or concerns. 
 
Catherine Hage has been teaching since 1988, and has been meditating in the Theravada Buddhist tradition since 1997. A dedicated yoga practitioner and certified yoga teacher, Hage completed the two-year Community Dharma Leadership training in January 2008 to share the Theravada practice with others.

 

May 15

Hostage Wife by Nancy Moss, will play at Kumu Kahua Theatre, 46 Merchant Street in downtown Honolulu, running from May 15th through June 15th, 2008. Performances are at 8pm Thursday through Saturday, and at 2pm on Sunday afternoons. Tickets can be purchased with a credit card by calling 536-4441, or by visiting our box office between 11am and 3pm Monday through Friday. 

 

May 15 – June 15

Kumu Kahua world premier of Hostage Wife

 

            Hostage Wife by Nancy Moss, will play at Kumu Kahua Theatre, 46 Merchant Street in downtown Honolulu, running from May 15th through June 15th, 2008. 
            Kumu Kahua Theatre is proud to present the world premiere of Hostage Wife, an award-winning play that received a reading in New York.

            Hostage Wife tells the story of Dee Fernandez, a woman whose husband works as a private-sector security guard watching over a power station in Iraq. When he is taken hostage, Dee is visited by Alan Baker, a government agent who offers her comfort, companionship and, as they grow closer and when it is revealed that Dee's husband is violent, racist and abusive, the possibility of a new and brighter future.

            As the negotiations proceed, Dee's daughter returns from the mainland to help field phone calls from the media and visits from nosy neighbors and Dee herself, wafted into a semi-dream world through sleeping pills and pain pills, becomes ambivalent about herself, her marriage, and her desires for the outcome of the hostage situation. 
Thursday, Friday & Saturday 8pm: May 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, 31; June 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 2008 Sundays 2pm: May 18, 25; June 1, 8, 15, 2008 
            Kumu Kahua artistic director, Harry Wong III will direct the production, with set design by Molly McKenna, light design by Abel Dulles-Coelho, costume design by Dusty Behner, sound design by Stu Hirayama and props are by Jason Ellinwood who will also serve as assistant director and stage manager. The cast features Kumu Veterans Denise Aiko-Chinen, Jason Kanda, Will Kahele, Nani Morita, and Jodi A. Yamada along with Kumu newcomers Mish Raboteau and Tyler Tanabe. 

 

 

May 17,18

Outrigger sponsors 3rd Hawai'i Book & Music Festival

 

 

            Outrigger Enterprises Group is proud to be one of this year's major sponsors of the Hawai'i Book & Music Festival. Now in its third year, the Hawai'i Book & Music Festival (HBMF) celebrates books, reading and music showcasing a wide range of local, national and international authors, musicians, and storytellers from Hawaii and around the world. Presented by Bank of Hawaii, in association with the City & County of Honolulu and now Outrigger Enterprises Group, this free fun-filled literary and music event benefits Hawaii Literacy and Read To Me International.  

            The two-day weekend festival will be held on Saturday, May 17, and Sunday, May 18, 2008, from 10 a.m. through 5 p.m. on the Frank F. Fasi Civic Grounds of Honolulu Hale (City Hall) in historic Downtown Honolulu.   

            Children can enjoy coloring activities and sign up for a chance to win an Island Explorer Kit backpack.  Members of the Romance Writers of Hawaii Association, will also be present for book signings with a purchase of the latest anthology "The Breakup Queen and Other Stories by Hawaii Writers", a compilation of romantic stories from

various local authors.   

            "Last year's event drew over 20,000 attendees, and with the abundant list of events and activities, this year's festival is sure to be another success," said Roger Jellinek, executive director for the Hawaii Book & Music Festival. "With over 450 presenters and 175 events, this spectacular gathering offers something special for each member of the family."  

            Scheduled events include various programs running in 12 simultaneous venues in tent pavilions and on stages; intimate and interactive music performances; author signings, storytellers, poetry slams, dramatic readings, plays and continuous presentations of Hawaiian culture; exhibitor booths featuring book and music merchandise; plus a wide range of food booths by area restaurants.

            For the keiki, various activities are available, including an author pavilion featuring readings of children's books by 30 leading children's authors; a keiki stage featuring children's plays, storytelling and other entertainment; an activities pavilion sponsored by Target, and a keiki play area featuring bouncers and rides. Best of all, admission is free and ample free parking is available at the nearby Honolulu Hale Municipal lots, other area lots and street parking.

 

 

May 16

Nuuanu Catfish deadline


            Applications for the entry fishing cards for channel catfish fishing in Nu‘uanu Reservoir No. 4 are now available.
            On Saturday, May 31, 2008, DLNR will re-open the reservoir for weekend catfish fishing.  Fishers who want to fish for the stocked catfish can do so by obtaining a valid State of Hawai‘i freshwater game fishing license and an entry fishing card.
            “After a four-month break since the end of January, anglers will again be able to fish for channel catfish during the summer opening,” said DLNR chairperson Laura Thielen.  
            Last year about 7,100 anglers caught over 3,700 catfish.
            Prospective anglers may pick up applications and instructions for entry fishing cards at DLNR’s Division of Aquatic Resources at 1151 Punchbowl Street, room 330 and from various licensing agents on O‘ahu.
            Applications will be available April 28 to May 16.  Blank applications will not be mailed out.

 

May 24

Youth Symphony last concert

 

            The Hawaii Youth Symphony (HYS) will give its final concert of the 2007-2008 season at its annual Aloha Concert Luncheon on Saturday, May 24, 2008, at the Hilton Hawaiian Village’s Tapa Ballroom. The event opens with a country store at 10:30 a.m. Lunch service begins at 11:30 a.m., followed by the concert and program at 12:15 p.m.

            Legendary vocalist and Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner Marlene Sai will join the Youth Symphony for this very special performance which will pay tribute to 34 graduating seniors in HYS’s orchestras. These seniors represent 20 different high schools around the state. Mrs. Ellen Masaki, renowned piano teacher for over 50 years, will also be honored for her contributions to the music community.

 

May 29,31

JUNIOR LEAGUE OF HONOLULU AIMS TO ATTRACT WOMEN WITH A PASSION FOR VOLUNTEERISM

[Honolulu, HI, April 3, 2008] - Last Fall, 25 new members of the Junior League of Honolulu collectively spent 1,280 hours implementing their "Time to Read" project for children at Mayor Wright Housing. The Spring, another 35 new volunteers have already invested 160 hours planning a "Sports Day" for youngsters at Kuhio Park Terrace that will take place next month.

The Junior League wants to give 40 more ladies with a passion for volunteerism the chance to join their organization. The League will sponsor two new member orientation meetings at Ruth's Chris Steak House Restaurant Row at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 29 and Saturday, May 31.

Guest speakers will be incoming president Chris Lau and president-elect Kimberly Miyazawa Frank. There will also be a light lunch provided.

The Junior League of Honolulu is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.

To find out more information about how to become a new member or to RSVP, call the Junior League office at 808-946-6466. For information about the Junior League, visit www.juniorleagueofhonolulu.org.

 

 

May 30

Uncle Bill returns

 

            Bill Tapia, who performed with Johnny Noble and his band in the Monarch Room for the grand opening of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in 1927, will make a special performance at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel Monarch Room May 30.  Tapia turned 100 at the turn of this year.  In 1933, he was hired as the exclusive Royal Hawaiian chauffeur – with ukulele.  He drove a Twin Six Packard - gold, trimmed with blue – and played for every celebrity that stayed at the Royal in the mid thirties.

            On Friday May 30 at 7.30pm, he will play with Grammy award-winning Jeff Peterson on guitar, sultry Hawaiian singer Mihana and Ernie Provencher on bass.  Slack key maestro Makana and steel sweetie Owana Salazar will make guest appearances.  Be inspired by history and entertained by the best! 

 

 

June 4

Meet the Artists 

 

            The Organization of Oil Painting Pals invites everyone to meet the artists of the “Oil Paintings on Canvas” exhibit at a reception in the Courtyard of Honolulu Hale on Wednesday, June 4 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. This is a perfect opportunity to interact and learn about oil painting from practitioners of the art. Light refreshments will be served.

            “Oil Paintings on Canvas” will be on display in Honolulu Hale from May 28 to June 10. Exhibit hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The exhibit presents a wide spectrum of oil painting topics ranging from serene seascapes, colorful portraits, flowers, and more. For more information contact the Organization of Oil Painting Pals at 531-5830. Admission is free.

 

June 19-Aug. 14

John Cruz Makes Moonlight Mele Magic

 

            Na Hoku Hanohano award-winner, John Cruz and the Girlahs, will headline at the June 19, 2008, Bank of Hawaii Moonlight Mele on the Lawn concert at Bishop Museum at 7 p.m. (gates open at 6 p.m.). Get ready for a magical night of traditional Hawaiian mele with one of Hawaii¹s most popular singer songwriters.  This first concert kicks off the 2008 summer concert series on the Great Lawn of Bishop Museum. General admission tickets are $20 on the day of, or the evening of the concert at Bishop Museum or HawaiŒi Maritime Center box offices, or at the door.  Save $5 on advance ticket purchases before June 19!

            Bank of Hawaii¹s popular Moonlight Mele on the Lawn at Bishop Museum is a

three-part series of Hawaiian music concert programs presented June 19, July 17 and August 14, 2008 at 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale April 1 at the Bishop Museum and HawaiŒi Maritime Center box offices daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

            John Cruz says he knew he was destined to play music since he was a young

boy growing up in Palolo Valley on Oahu. His musical family surrounded him with the gift of music his entire life. Cruz grew up in Hawaii, but developed his style as a singer songwriter in the subways, coffee houses, and bars of New York¹s Greenwich Village and Martha¹s Vineyard. Cruz attended the University of Massachusetts at Amherst where he ventured into acting and dancing. He spent six years in theatre and dance companies

performing from Lincoln Center to Washington, D.C., in a variety of shows including ensemble productions, gospel-inspired musicals, and two-man plays.

            Cruz returned to Hawaii in 1995 to help his brother, Ernie, record an album

with the Kaau Crater Boys. He joined the band and one year later released his own first album, Acoustic Soul, which has since sold over 100,000 copies in Hawaii alone and won for him the Na Hoku Hanohano Contemporary Album of the Year in 1997.  His radio hits, Shine On, Sitting in Limbo, and Island Style make him one of Oahu¹s most sought-after entertainers and established him as a very talented songwriter.

 

June 20

Korean Children’s Art Exhibit

 

            Paintings and drawings by Oahu students who participated in the 17th Annual Korean Children’s Art Contest will be on display in the Courtyard of Honolulu Hale from June 20 to July 3. The children’s art competition is part of the Korean Artist Association of Hawaii’s efforts to pave the road for future artists. The contest is open to Oahu students in grades K to 12.

            Exhibit viewing is open to the public and is admission free. Exhibit hours are Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The exhibit is presented by the Korean Artist Association of Hawaii with support from the Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts. For more information, call 808-422-8789.

            In addition, The 23rd Annual Member Show of the Korean Artist Association of Hawaii will feature original artwork in various media in the Courtyard of Honolulu Hale from July 8 to 30. The artwork by members of the association employs both traditional and contemporary techniques and covers a wide range of topics.

            The Korean Artist Association of Hawaii was established in 1986. The organization holds an annual exhibition to introduce Korean artists to the local community. Members of the organization have been recognized both nationally and internationally.

 

July 17

Museum concert series

 

            Darren Benitez and Maunalua will make Moonlight Mele magic July 17, 2008 at 7 p.m. at Bishop Museum. The performance is the second in a three-part series of Hawaiian music concert programs during the summer of 2008.  The family-friendly concerts are presented by Bank of Hawaii under the stars on the Great Lawn at Bishop Museum. Gates open at 6 p.m.

            Benitez has established a reputation as a solo artist.  In 1996, he was nominated in

five categories for the Na Hoko Hanohano Awards, and earned Most Promising Artist of the Year recognition.  In 1998 he release Mother of the Sea, which garnered several more nominations.  His latest release, Dear Mama, reflects his love for music and Hawaiian traditions.

            Maunalua have been playing together for nearly a decade starting at backyard

luaus and then traveling to Japan, Tahiti, Las Vegas and beyond. The contemporary Hawaiian musical group won Na Hoku Hanohano Best Hawaiian Album award.

            Other Bank of Hawaii Moonlight Mele on the Lawn concert dates

are  August 14 with Makaha Sons.

 

July 26

Harmonica Society recital

 

            The Hawaii Harmonica Society’s 11th annual recital is the perfect opportunity to hear the instrument’s heavenly sounds. The recital will feature performances by the Small World Harmonica Band, the Reed 21 Hawaii Harmonica Band and more. Audience members will be amazed by the melodies played from this small humble instrument. The recital will take place in the Mission Memorial Auditorium from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on July 26.

            The annual Harmonica Recital is open to the public and is admission free. Support for the recital is provided by the Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts. For more information, call 808-833-4336 or 808-487-7282.

 

August 29

Maui Writers Conference Hits the Road

 

            After 15 years on Maui, the Maui Writers Conference hits the road with this year's conference and retreat moving to the island of Oahu. With a new name - "Maui Writers Conference on the Road in Honolulu," a new location - Waikiki, Oahu, and a new hospitality sponsor - Outrigger Enterprises Group, the Maui Writers Conference aims to build on 15years of success by embracing all that Oahu and Waikiki has to offer.

            The conference itself will be held at the Hawaii Convention Center from Friday, August 29 through Monday, September 1, making the nearby Ala Moana Hotel an ideal choice to serve as the official conference hotel. The newly renovated Outrigger Reef on the Beach and Embassy Suites-Waikiki Beach Walk hotels will host this year's pre-conference retreat, slated for Friday, August 22 through Thursday, August 28.

 


 

 

Janis Haraguchi, an Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry biologist, measures the diameter of an Acacia koa tree. Haraguchi and other U.S. Forest Service scientists found the stem diameter of koa trees with timber potential doubled through a combination of treatments that included thinning, herbicides and fertilizers (U.S. Forest Service photo).

 

 “Launani” Jewelry Debut

 
            Twenty six year old jewelry designer, Sumire T., was born and raised in Japan and graduated from Kalani High School in Hawaii. After graduating, she went to England to study jewelry design and returned to Hawaii with honors, earning a BA in Jewelry design and has recently launched her own line of modern Hawaiian Jewelry called “Launani.”
            Sumire T. is highly recognized as an “up and coming jewelry designer in Hawaii” and has created an entire collection of designs within the “Launani” brand.
            “Launani” meaning “Beautiful Friendship” was originated in the Hawaiian language. The pieces range from Hawaiian Jewelry to feminine necklaces and bracelets as exclusively sold at Japaha Jewelry Shop in Waikiki.
            “Launani” Hawaiian Jewelry made of 18K gold features detailed design and high quality finish that can be worn for casual or formal lifestyle. For example, “Quilt Ring” which changed the traditional Hawaiian Jewelry rings, features white, yellow and pink gold on black finish. Being with or without diamonds or other precious stones are totally optional.
            The work can be found at Japaha Jewelry Shop 2310 Kuhio Avenue, # 5.

 

April 12,19,20,21,30

Abrigo kids to sing

 

            A family band consisting of three young children will be traveling from their Maui home, to O'ahu this month for their first music tour. 
            Timi is the big brother, and head of the band.  At the age of thirteen, his slack key and ukulele skills show a mastery well beyond his years.  Playing the the 12 string guitar gifted to him by the great George Kahumoku, Jr. himself, he lights up the stage with the old Hawaiian songs played by generations of slack key masters.
            Sister Emily is the little lady of the group.  At nine years old, she bears the undeniable gift of beautiful falsetto vocals.  Inspired by the greats of Hawaiian music, she plays the ukulele or bass guitar and sings the classics, the old fashioned way.
            The group wouldn't be complete without five year old brother Quinn who holds down percussion and also plays pakini bass.  Igniting the stage with his brother and sister, he delights the crowd with his music. 


            They will be appearing  on the 10th and 17th at the Marriot, as guests of the Genoa Keawe family. 
            On the 12th they will be at the Honolulu Design Center with Keahi Conjugacion. 
The 19th they will be opening a benefit concert at Rumours in the Ala Moana Hotel. 
On the 20th they will be at the Keiki Stage of the Kokua Festival held at the Waikiki Shell. 
            The 21st they will be filming for the NIGHTTIME Show with Andy Bumatai at the Outrigger Waikiki Showroom.  Their NIGHTTIME Show performance is tentatively set to play on April 30th at 9:30 p.m. on K5.
            For more details on events, to see pictures and video, or to enjoy a sample of their music, check out their myspace at myspace.com/abrigoohana

 

April 13

New Zealand artist

 

            Filipe Tohi of New Zealand, the artist known for his mastery of the ancient Tongan art of lalava (decorative sennit lashing) and his artistic and cultural interpretations of that art form, will offer a workshop at the Academy Art Center, on on Sunday April 13, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. The eventare hosted by the Academy Art Center and sponsored by Pasifika Foundation Hawai‘i.
            Tongan-born New Zealand artist Filipe Tohi is firmly established as one of the leading contemporary Pacific visual artists. Working across a range of media, including stone, wood, steel and digital imagery, he seeks to expand upon and delve deeper into the mysteries of the ancient Tongan art of lalava, the decorative sennit lashings that were used in the construction of canoes, houses and tools.
            The Polynesian technology of lashing was not only essential to well-being, but enabled the passing of cultural knowledge from one generation to another. Lalava was the practice that enabled Pacific migrations and created a visual language of enormous depth and complexity. Tohi has dedicated the last seventeen years of his life to studying the intricate, complex design patterns of these lashings and the cultural language hidden within the layers upon layers of black and brown coconut sennit wrapped around the beams of fales and the crossbeams and masts of sailing canoes.
            Tohi has taken the art of lalava and made it his own in his quest to understand the patterns and the language hidden inside the layers of string. His explorations of the mysteries that lie within lalava have found expression in his contemporary work, which are based on the presentation of lalava’s geometric forms and patterns. His stone sculptures are well known throughout New Zealand, but perhaps his most famous work is “Halamoana” (ocean pathway), a 30-foot stainless steel sculpture, based on lalava patterning, that is lit up at night.
            His work has also been featured at shows and symposiums throughout the world. In 2003, he was awarded Creative New Zealand‘s Pacific Innovation and Excellence Award.
 

April 13,20

Youth Symphony

 

            The Hawaii Youth Symphony (HYS) will produce two concerts in April as part of its Spring Concert Series. The series will feature all of the students enrolled in HYS’s seven orchestras. This includes students from Oahu, Kauai, Maui and the Big Island. The concerts include students from HYS’s beginning program through Hawaii’s most advanced young musicians.

            The first concert will take place on Sunday, April 13, 4:00 pm, at the Blaisdell Concert Hall. This concert will feature the 88-member Youth Symphony I and 91-member Youth Symphony II. The program will include a piece written by local 20 year-old composer and HYS alumni Michael-Thomas Foumai. The work, entitled Poème de Fantaisie, is a portrait of the beautiful Hawaiian Islands. But behind the veil of paradise lays a growing ice epidemic.

            Youth Symphony I is under the baton of Maestro Henry Miyamura, and Youth Symphony II is under the direction of Conductor Michael Nakasone. Each orchestra is comprised of students ages 14 – 18 from over 20 schools and includes some of the state’s finest young musicians.

            The second concert will take place on Sunday, April 20, 4:00 pm, at the Pearl City Cultural Center. This concert will feature the 89-member Concert Orchestra and the 128-member String Program. The program will include entertaining pieces such as Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony Finale and Highlights from Wicked. The Concert Orchestra is under the direction of Conductor Susan Ochi-Onishi and Associate Conductor Hannah Watanabe. The String Program consists of four orchestras conducted by Charlotte Fukumoto, Helen Nguyen and Chad Uyehara.

            The Hawaii Youth Symphony, one of the country’s finest and largest youth symphonies, is Hawaii’s only statewide youth orchestra program.  Since 1964, HYS has helped children, age 8-18, to develop and showcase their musical skills.  HYS operates three full symphonic orchestras, four string orchestras, a beginning winds program and a chamber music program during the academic year, serving more than 400 students from absolute beginners to the most accomplished musicians. 

 

April 18

HPU Spring Concert

 

            Members of the Hawai‘i Pacific University International Chorale and Vocal Ensemble and Chamber Orchestra are gearing up for their sixth annual Spring Concert, “Cultural Crossroads: A Celebration of Hawaiian and American Music in China.”  Everyone is invited to enjoy this free event, at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 18, 2007, at Central Union Church at 1660 S. Beretania St.  Donations are encouraged to help the music programs travel to China in June 2008.

                The concert will feature music that will be performed at the music groups’ upcoming summer concert tour in Beijing and Xian, China.  The Chamber Orchestra will perform works by American composers Aaron Copland and Alfred Reed, as well as traditional fiddle tunes and Hawaiian mele.  The International Chorale and Vocal Ensemble will perform pieces from Indonesia, Brazil, West Africa, India, Venezuela, and the U.S., including Hawaiian favorites Pua Hone, Pu’uwa’wa’a, Maika’i Ka Makani O Kohala, and I Fell in Love with Honolulu.

                The program will be conducted by Kala‘i Stern, director of HPU Choral Music, and Dr. Teresa McCreary, director of HPU Instrumental Music.  HPU student Tara Schwartz will perform Hula.

                HPU’s International Chorale and Vocal Ensemble have been performing for six years throughout the O‘ahu community.  The International Vocal Ensemble made its debut in Carnegie Hall in June 2004 in a musical tribute to composer Morten Lauridsen.  In June 2006, the International Vocal Ensemble represented Hawai‘i in a musical celebration of the 250th anniversary of Mozart’s birth in Vienna and Salzburg, Austria.  The Chamber Orchestra joined HPU’s Instrumental Program in 2007.

 

April 19

Art on the Block

 

            Art lovers and collectors from across Hawaii are invited to a special showcase in celebration of the 40th  anniversary of the City's Commission on Culture and the Arts. The Mayor's Office of Culture and the Arts presents the first-ever Art on the Block on Saturday, April 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., on the Fasi Civic Center grounds surrounding the Skygate sculpture. 
            Talented artists from across the state will display their unique works at this celebration to highlight Hawaii's artistic heritage and how it has contributed to making Honolulu such a special place. Several art forms will be featured, including performing arts, culinary arts, and static arts. 
            Talented local artists exhibiting include Michael Lee and his hand-painted dishes of Hawaiian flowers; John Johnson¹s underwater photography; Jim Brorbaugh¹s acrylic and watercolor paintings; June Yoshinaga's origami framed art; James Kojiro¹s unique ukuleles; Kyle Ino and his hand-made fused glass jewelry; drawings and paintings from 
Moana Meyer; gorgeous woodturning bowls from Francis Clemente; photography by Glenn Poulain; wood lamps and furniture by Cathy Berenberg; drawings and paintings by Sheree Pokipala; and original photography from Nathan Yuen. 
            Open to the public, with entry free of charge, Art on the Block will also include a series of free concerts featuring performances from the diverse ethnicities that make up Hawaii, including Hawaiian, Japanese, Native American, Chinese, Thai, Brazilian, Greek, and many more. Among those taking the stage will be Hawaii's very own American Idol Jasmine Trias and songstress Kristian Lei, Chum Sa rung Rainbow & Tuhoolim Korean Traditional Drumming, Gee Yung International Martial Arts Dragon & Lion Dance and many more. 
            Food samplings from all of the flavors of the Islands, such as Portuguese pastries, Japanese specialties, Cuban cuisine and more will also be offered for a small fee. 

 

 

Beginning in April, Hawaiian Host is sending out their snack-easy bags of macadamia nuts with a Golden Ticket offering a trip for two to Australia. Hawaiian Host Golden Tickets will be affixed to snack-easy bags available in five favorite island flavors, Premium Milk Chocolate Macadamias, Dark Chocolate Macadamias, Hawaiian Host Dry Roasted and Lightly Salted Macadamias, Hawaiian Honey Glazed Macadamias, and Maui Onion and Garlic Macadamias. 

 

April 24

P.F. Chang’s benefit

 

            P.F. Chang’s Waikiki will hold its Grand Opening Celebration on Thursday, April 24th from 5 pm to 10 pm as a benefit for the Waikiki Community Center, a community organization dedicated to service the Waikiki community through multi-generational on-site and outreach programs and social services. 

            Tickets for the Grand Opening are $75 ($40 is tax deductable) and the event includes a full dining experience with selection of signature dishes customized for each table. 

            P.F. Chang’s Waikiki, prominently located on the corner of Kalakaua Avenue and Lewers Street (2001 Kalakaua Avenue), anchors the ewa end of the Royal Hawaiian Center.  Both the ground level and second floor feature a spacious open-air lanai and wonderful views that capture the bustling Waikiki streetscape.   P.F. Chang’s Waikiki occupies more than 11,000 square feet with customer seating of 375. 

 

April 26

Grow Hawaiian Festival

 

            Bishop Museum is hosting the first Grow Hawaiian Festival to be held on Oahu, presented by Hawaiian Electric Company on April 26, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  The eco-conscious festival is being held in honor of Earth Day.  Admission is free. 

            Weavers, dancers, kapa makers, and other practitioners of traditional Hawaiian culture will join biologists, conservationists, and horticulturists to share their common passion for the native and Polynesian-introduced plants of Hawaii.  Festival attendees will have a unique opportunity to speak to many of the foremost practitioners of Hawaiian arts including lei makers, ipu makers, and woodworkers.

           Headlining the festival will be presentations by Œolohe lua, author, and cultural historian, Richard Likeke Paglinawan, who will discuss the plants of the ancient Hawaiian martial arts, while a roundtable of kumu hula will share personal stories and thoughts on the plants used in hula.  Staff from the native plant nursery Hui Ku Maoli Ola will talk about how to choose and properly care for Hawaiian plants.  Representatives from Kaala Farm will be on hand demonstrating kalo pounding and kapa making.

            The Hawaiian music trio Pilioha and hula dancers will entertain festival attendees.  Refreshments will be available for purchase from local food vendors. 

            Hawaiian Electric Company will give away reusable grocery bags to the first 100 families or individuals who attend the festival and, while supplies last, to those who pledge to conserve electricity.

 

Grammy-nominated artist Makana is now playing every Thursday at RumFire, Sheraton Waikiki’s new hotspot.  Makana, who has opened for world-renowned artists Sting, Santana and Jack Johnson, has pioneered “slack rock,” his own contemporary style of Hawaiian slack key guitar.  Guests who come to enjoy Makana’s music can also take advantage of RumFire’s happy hour, which is offered Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. with sizzling libations and tapas specials. 

 

 

 

 

CONTINUING EVENTS

 

 

BISHOP MUSEUM PRESENTS: PAUAHI:  A LEGACY FOR HAWAII

February 3, 2007 through May 2008

Admission is $15.95 for adults; $12.95 for youth 4-12 years and seniors 65+,

special rates for kama‘āina and military; children under 4 years and Bishop

Museum Members are free.

(808) 847-3511/ Bishop Museum/ 1525 Bernice Street/ www.bishopmuseum.org

<http://www.bishopmuseum.org>

The founding of Bishop Museum was the result of an unconventional love story

between a haole man and a Hawaiian Princess.  This exhibition features

personal legacies and bequests from the collection of Princess Bernice

Pauahi Paki Bishop, and includes treasures from others that may not have

survived without the founding of Bishop Museum.

 

 

HAWAII MARITIME CENTER PRESENTS: THE CANOE: AN ALASKAN AND HAWAIIAN

TRADITION

 $7.50 Gen; $4.50 Children 4-12; Children 3 and under free; Military/Hawai‘i

resident discounts

(808) 536-6373/Hawaii Maritime Center, Pier 7, Honolulu Harbor/

www.bishopmuseum.org

Indigenous cultures around the world share many similar practices—among them

canoeing.  This exhibit, produced in cooperation with the Alaskan Native

Heritage Center (Anchorage, Alaska) and North-Slope Borough (Barrow,

Alaska), presents a comparison and contrast of Hawaiian and Alaskan canoe

voyaging traditions. Among the featured items include Alaskan and Hawaiian

canoe-building materials including adze, lashing materials, dye, seal skin,

birch and cedar bark, kapa, coconut husk cordage, and basalt rock.

 

MISSION HOUSES MUSEUM:  YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND TOMORROW

Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.; Free

Admission

(808) 531-0481 x707/The Exhibit Space/1132 Bishop Street

The Exhibition at 1132 Bishop Street presents Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow, a

special exhibition featuring objects from Mission Houses Museum’s permanent

collection.  Visit 1132 Bishop Street on the mezzanine level and view 19th

century furniture vignettes, historic artifacts, architectural renderings,

daguerreotypes, decorative arts & textiles.

 

 

ENRICHED BY DIVERSITY: THE ART OF HAWAI‘I

Ongoing

 

Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Free Admission

(808) 586-0307/Hawai‘i State Art Museum/ 250 South Hotel

Street/www.hawaii.gov/sfca

This enlightening exhibition features select works of art by Hawai‘i-based

artists from the extensive Art in Public Places Collection, which includes

over 5,000 works of art by more than 1,400 artists that have been acquired

since the collection began in 1967. Inspirational themes in the installation

revolve around rediscovering Hawaiian heritage, Asian roots, social

consciousness, and cultural traditions.

 

 

UNCOMMON OBJECTS

 

Ongoing

 

Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Free Admission

(808) 586-0307/Hawai‘i State Art Museum/250 South Hotel

Street/www.hawaii.gov/sfca

 

The exhibition celebrates the beauty found in common objects created with

expert craftsmanship, tremendous skill, a mastery of materials, and high

levels of aesthetic achievement. Like the transformation of the word

“craft,” objects presented in this show have themselves evolved. They range

from utilitarian and functional objects to conceptual, decorative, and

abstract pieces. The exhibition provokes the viewer to re-conceptualize his

or her notion of craft.

 

 

ONGOING EVENTS

 

DOCENT TOURS AT MĀNOA HERITAGE CENTER

Tuesday-Saturday; 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; $7 general; $4 seniors/military; Children

free

Mānoa Heritage Center offers outdoor guided tours for both adult and school

groups by prearranged appointment.  Discover Kūka ‘ō‘ō Heiau and the Native

Hawaiian plant garden while learning the history of Mānoa Valley.

 

DOCENT TOURS AT QUEEN EMMA SUMMER PALACE

Sunday– Saturday 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.; $6 adults; $4 senior and military; $1

children

(808) 595-3167 /Queen Emma Summer Palace, Honolulu/ 2913 Pali Highway

Join our docents for a personalized tour of the summer home of Queen Emma

and King Kamehameha IV.  Lush gardens and a charming gift shop are located

on grounds.  Open seven days a week; closed on major holidays.  For more

information, visit the Daughters of Hawai'i website at

www.daughtersofhawaii.org <http://www.daughtersofhawaii.org> .

 

DOCENT TOURS AT THE CONTEMPORARY MUSEUM

Tuesday – Sunday 1:30 p.m.; $5 adults; $3 senior and students; Free under 12

(808) 526-0232 /The Contemporary Museum, Honolulu/ 2411 Makiki Heights Drive

Join our docents for a lively discussion about works on view in the

galleries.

 

HAWAII THEATRE DOCENT TOURS

Every Tuesday, 11 a.m., Theatre schedule permitting; $5

(808) 528-0506/Hawaii Theatre/1130 Bethel Street

One-hour guided tours of the 1922 Hawaii Theatre feature the art,

architecture and history of this restored Honolulu landmark, named 2005

Outstanding Historic Theatre by the League of Historic American Theatres.

Enjoy a demonstration of the classic Robert Morton theater organ, too.

 

YOUTH SPEAKS HAWAI‘I

Wednesdays, 4–5:30pm, FREE

 

(808) 521-2903/ARTS at Marks Garage-A Project of the Hawai‘i Arts Alliance/

1159 Nu‘uanu Avenue

 

Youth Speaks Hawaii a free slam poetry writing and performance workshops for

teens. Supported by The Starbucks Foundation.

 

 

DAVID HOCKNEY - L’ENFANT ET LES SORTILEGES

 

On display indefinitely; Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Sunday noon -

4 p.m.

$5 adults; $3 senior and students; Free under 12

(808) 526-0232 /The Contemporary Museum, Honolulu/ 2411 Makiki Heights Drive

Visitors may enjoy our sculpture gardens and experience the enchanting David

Hockney installation, L'Enfant et les Sortilèges, on view year-round in the

Milton Cades Pavilion. Hockney's three-dimensional environment inspired by

the Maurice Ravel opera, L'Enfant et les Sortilges (The Child and the

Enchantment), created in 1983. A delight for children and adults alike, it

is an enchanting work of theatrical art.

 

 

O2art 2: MICHAEL LIN - TENNIS DESSUS

On display indefinitely; Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Sunday noon -

4 p.m.

$5 adults; $3 senior and students; Free under 12

(808) 526-0232 /The Contemporary Museum, Honolulu/ 2411 Makiki Heights Drive

As part of the O2art series at The Contemporary Museum, Honolulu, the

Paris-based Taiwanese artist Michael Lin (b. 1964, Tokyo), created a

site-specific installation with eight local artists titled Tennis Dessus

(tennis from above). The former tennis court has be rehabilitated and

transformed with monumentally scaled floral motifs. The installation pays

respect to traditional ornament in Hawaii and the Museum’s unique garden

setting, while providing a transformative, dynamic art experience outside of

the conventional garden setting.

 

O2art 3: PAUL MORRISON, gamodeme

On display indefinitely; Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Sunday noon -

4 p.m.

$5 adults; $3 senior and students; Free under 12

(808) 526-0232 /The Contemporary Museum, Honolulu/ 2411 Makiki Heights Drive

The Contemporary Museum’s artist project series, O2art, continues in 2006

with British artist Paul Morrison, who has gained wide international

recognition for his bold, graphic black and white landscape paintings.

Morrison draws on imagery of the natural world from sources in popular

culture, fine art, film and science to transform familiar images of nature

into something uncanny and altogether unnatural. Morrison has designed a

temporary wall along the museum’s reflecting pool to support a monumental

black and white painting of botanical forms that interact directly with the

museum’s floricultural setting. O2art is a project series that introduces