Music Willie K style

Aloha,

Imagine hearing "chicken skin" Hawaiian music, in Hawaiian and Japanese, funky country western, old style Portuguese music, R&B and opera all performed in one concert by one outrageous entertainer. That was the treat I had today at the local senior community center.

I felt a little bit like an impostor sitting amongst the teeny tiny white hair crowd, until I remembered that I just earned my stripes, and great affordable music in an intimate setting is one of the perks. Local plate lunch on the beautiful grounds followed the concert...what a deal!

Willie Kahaiaili'i, fondly known as Uncle Willie K, was raised on Maui. Inspired by jazz, blues, country and R&B at an early age, Willie K is a musical veteran who performed in his father's band at the early age of 10. He really connects with his audience, talking story and hamming it up on stage. He is a pleasure to watch, and an even greater treat to listen to.

This morning he shared with us his growing interest in opera. A Hawaiian man singing opera is not something one experiences often, unless you are lucky enough to live on Maui. I noticed a few moist eyes in the crowd more than once during this morning's concert.

Willie K is leaving for tour in Germany this Friday. The tour is called Simply Red, and the performance dates were listed on his site as May 5,6,7,9 and 11. If you are lucky enough to make it to his concert, you won't be disappointed. I'm sending this out to my readers in Germany, hope you get a chance to listen to this charismatic island performer.

All for now on this peaceful Hawaiian evening, Aloha, a hui hou.......... and happy almost May Day.

May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii. Bank tellers wear leis, school kids perform hulas for their families. It is very sweet.

Cherie

Big Island fun & Koa

Aloha,

I had the sweetest Easter weekend with my family. After rainbow colored eggs, chocolate and jellie beans, we headed to the beach. It was a super clear day for Kona with beautiful blue skies, low tide and small surf. Layer after layer of a busy life melts away when I spend the day at the beach. The sun bakes, and the ocean soothes.

We also hiked a beautiful trail on the mountainside of Hualalai...The grand ohia lehua were in full bloom with their deep scarlet flowers. Many small flowering Acacia Koa trees that were planted along the trail are now growing taller. Before long they will change the whole experience of this hike.

The Koa tree can spread a large canopy which will shade the trail. The Koa tree is endemic to Hawaii and considered endangered. Koa trees are a vital part of the Hawaii ecosystem. Many areas in the islands are now being replanted with Koa.

I am posting a shot of a small tree along the trail that shows the leaves changing as the tree starts maturing. The grain of the wood is spectacular and is very expensive to purchase board feet. Heirloom quality furniture is created from Koa. I will post more photos in the future of some of the beautiful Koa furniture made in Hawaii.

It's starting to feel like spring in the islands...it's a great time to be here and experience all the beauty of nature, Hawaii style.

A hui hou,
Cherie

Walkabout week

Aloha from breezy Maui,

Walkabout week is coming up. The new dates are May 12 to May 18th. Some great hikes are planned for this week. I have one guest coming from Nevada for some time out and rejuvenation. Two rooms are still open for the whole time for an interested party. I also have the Kona wing open for part of the time, and I would be happy to include other guests for some of the days planned hikes. Inquire about the daily fee, and we can see what outing is planned for that day. Hiking boots are required for a Haleakala full day hike, and good soled water shoes for our river crossing hikes. The full day Haleakala hike requires good physical condition as the terrain is varied and the hike is 11 miles. Layers, wind and sun protection are also recommended.

The pictures I am posting today are from a sweet hike in the West Maui mountains that I took recently. There are a number of times one crosses this stream. It feels like stepping back in time, so peaceful and untouched. I am so blessed to live on this beautiful island, and sharing special places with visitors who will appreciate the experience, is a real joy for me.

The inspiration is without end...a journal, a camera, sketchpad, one, or all of the above is always in my backpack.

So, dust off your boots, or start breaking in your new ones...get your walking legs warmed up and plan a trip to Maui!

A hui hou,
Cherie