Maui No Ka Oi, Maui The Best

Aloha from a day in my life ...... Maui No Ka Oi

Yesterday was one of those days that you just have to write home about. The morning was crystal clear with the top of the West Maui's, Puu Kukui, free from clouds. When the morning dawns like this, it's hard to decide which way to go. I had a ceremony to attend at the beach so I headed for the ocean.

Many flowers and lei that had been dropped into the ocean, continued to wash up along the North Shore throughout the day. Mid day was spent swimming and relaxing in the shade. I had plans for a night out and needed to rest up.

The evening was spent at our upcountry night spot, Casanova, listening to some really wonderful music. If you have not heard of Maui's own, "Hapa," do yourself a favor and check out their website. This was a special treat as Hapa had not played in Makawao for ten years. Hard to believe that much time has passed!

These two musicians are multi talented and their hula dancer was one of the most beautiful performers I have ever seen. Barry Flanagan has a fluid relationship with his guitar ,bringing forth sweet and unexpected sounds. Poetry in motion comes to mind.


Nathan Aweau hails from a musical ohana (family) in Honolulu. He is very accomplished and versatile, playing the 7 string base and 12 string guitar, delighting the audience with a falsetto performance.

They played slack key, "Ki Hoalu" the Hawaiian word translates to "loosening the key" making reference to Gabby Pahinui. Gabby Pahinui was the first to record this style of guitar playing in the late 1940's. Slack key prior to this recording was reserved for parties and gatherings. The Mexican cowboys, paniolos, brought guitars when they came to Hawaii to work on the range. They taught the Hawaiians to play guitar, leaving them to develop their own style of tuning.

Hapa's music evokes a feeling of a simpler, happy time, praising the natural splendor of Maui. I hope they return to upcountry soon. This was a stellar day, topped off with listening to magical music with a good friend, like I said................. Maui no ka oi.

Aloha on a mellow Sunday afternoon, may good things come your way.

Cherie

Holoholo o Wahine

Aloha Folks...

What a wonderful week of hiking and adventure!!! Tammy and I took some truly amazing hikes and visited some very special places. Even after 6 days, there are still places I want to go, and things on my list for the week. But, I've got to shelve my shoes for a few days, sit at the computer, and play in the garden.

We had a nice little spring rain today, perfect for the garden. What a time of promise! I love it!

Haleakala was truly stunning, with the varied weather, vistas and terrains. We met up with a young German couple and crossed paths throughout the day. I am posting a shot of Tammy taking a pic...gives a little perspective on the scope and size of the crater.

There are more shots on the testimonial page of the Maui Divine Walkabout, or Holoholo o Wahine. The Hawaiian translation is loosely women "going around."

The inner journey was rich as well. My mind stayed busy creating for many miles, and I enjoyed the silence as I reminded myself to just listen.

I am also posting a couple of fun pictures that I took this week. A crazy dog flipping over thrown sand on Baldwin beach, and something I have not seen before...a sand crab swimming like crazy to get across from the reef to the beach. His little arms were working up a frenzy trying to beat the current as I spied him from the beach. He froze, and probably lost a lot of ground, when I stepped in the water to take the picture.

Aloha, and may the promise of spring fill you with joy.

Cherie

Happy Mother's Day

Aloha Dear Moms,

Today is a special day set aside to honor you. Being a mom is the most challenging and rewarding job on the planet. It requires a willingness to have your heart open, filled and broken countless times. The breaks can be small little tugs, or they can be wrenching aches.

As well, the fullness of love can be quiet contentment, or bursting at the seams. Being human, we all know and have experienced the rainbow of life.

Today I am sending out a beautiful rainbow that I witnessed from my garden. Hawaii is the land of rainbows, and some of them just take your breath away.

I am also sending out a flower lei of love. I placed this lei in the ocean almost one year ago. The lei took the shape of a heart as it floated away. I don't know if putting flowers in the ocean is a tradition from ancient times, I only know that this is something I do when I need to. Being
mindful that the string is only cotton thread that will not cause harm.

Happy Mother's Day to all you moms, and dads who are also moms, and aunties and uncles and tutus and papas...to all who nurture and hold our children, our future.

Aloha

Great Hawaiian music and ono grinds

Aloha,

"Deep into Haiku" is a great little cafe with some of the yummiest food, chillingest atmosphere and the bestest(!) music on the map.

I am talking about a really great way to celebrate making it through Monday. The Hana Hou Cafe, with the fab Hula Honeys playing old style Hawaiian music and talking story with the patrons, is my favorite place to be on a Monday night.

The "Hana Hou Cafe" serves fresh local food, featuring the Maui Cattle Company beef, and fresh fish caught by our Maui fishermen. This is not designer food with two inches of food on the plate, we're talking left overs for lunch the next day. I happen to really love Creme Brulee, and Hana Hou Cafe makes a delicious desert. They also feature live music 5 nights a week. We have many talented musicians on Maui, and it's great to enjoy them in an intimate setting.

Besides ono grinds, patrons are treated to some of the best music in the islands. I really love listening to the Hula Honeys...it takes me back to a simpler, sweeter time. Ginger and Robyn both grew up in Honolulu and were exposed to the music of yesteryear. They sing Hapa/Haole music, swing music and Hawaiian music.


They are funny, engaging and sweet as all heck. Robyn performs hula when the mood strikes, and it is always a treat. On my special birthday a few years back, they played on the back porch. This is what I mean by "chicken skin", a full moon with all my friends and family relaxing and enjoying "back yard" style hula and music. I will always remember that wonderful night.!

Their Bassist Jonathan Drechsler is from New York and has played with many noted musicians. These talented folks are great, I love supporting them, and playing their great cd at breakfast. Their new release will be out soon. A number of guests are excited enough to make it down to the Hana Hou, have dinner, chill out and take their magical music home to the mainland. You can check out the music at The Hula Honeys Hawaiian music web site. Hope you enjoy! Ginger and Robyn also host a great show on Manao Radio.

Aloha for now...looks like a beach afternoon...

Cherie