Leilani Farm Animal Sanctuary

Mehana loved the sweet donkey!

Aukai and Mr. Pig, I forget his name

Aloha Animals Lovers


Deep in the heart of Haiku, sits a farm with a surprising cast of characters. The 8 acre sanctuary is home to goats, rabbits, donkeys, pea hens, pigs, ducks, deer and chickens. (Hope I did not leave anyone out.)

My grandkids and I recently had an afternoon visit at Leilani Farm Animal Sanctuary. It was great fun, and my grandson Aukai declared that he wanted to have a job at this cool place. He was in charge of brushing everyone who would let him. Audrey the deer followed us on our tour looking for some more love. The blind pig normally does not like to be brushed, but he was quite comfortable with Aukai.

This volunteer, non-profit sanctuary provides care and shelter for unwanted and abused animals, who, I must say, have now hit the jack pot! Our guide and the guardian angel of the animals, Lauralee is dedicated to raising the animals in a peaceful environment.

Tours are open to the public on Tues and Saturdays with a $10 donation requested. I will be posting this fun opportunity on my http://www.volunteer-on-vacation-hawaii/vacation-hawaii/ web site. This will be the first opportunity that is not strictly environmentally based.

So, if you want to have fun, do good, and hang out with some cool critters, hook up with Leilani Farms at info@leilantfarmsanctuary.org. I just had some guests call who are coming out to volunteer in another animal shelter this time. They've had fun in the past at Lelani.

Hope everyone is enjoying July, the weather here was a bit cool and wet, but, now summer is in full swing.

I hope you have an animal friend to love! ( My ducks are on on the loose...need to convince them to stay inside..I was herding one of them up my street yesterday, looking a bit silly)

Aloha,

Cherie

Another 4th of July

Aloha,

Another 4th has come and gone...the year is half over already, how did that happen?!

This year's parade was sweet as usual, with the added bonus that it was NOT an election year. No staggering amounts of politicians to yawn through.

Upcountry enjoyed beautiful horses, elegant riders, great music and the stick horse race to get things going.

My grandson and I braved the chilly evening rain to go and watch the bull riders on Friday night. He said he enjoyed it, but was too cold. I can say that I tried, but, the parade is by far my favorite part of the weekend.

Enjoy the photos that my friend Milo Hillaire took.

Keep on enjoying life, even if the holiday is pau (finished).

Much Aloha,

Cherie

Grand and Beautiful Pa'u Riders

Aloha,

In honor of King Kamehamea, the great Statesman of Hawaii, you are all invited to the Na Kamehameha Commermative Pa'u Parade and Ho'olaule'a this Sat, June 18th.

The colorful parade starts at 9:45 a.m. on Front Street in Lahaina.. All the beautiful pa'u riders will be in their finest traditonal satins draped with colorful and fragrent lei. They are a wonderful sight to behold.

The proud horses will be at their best with braided tails and manes decked with flower lei prancing down Front Street. This is my favorite part of any and all parades. I am always in awe, and wish it lasted longer. It is a grand tradition. Riding a spirited horse is a feat in itself, now, imagine doing it with huge hair, a gracious smile, lots of lei and a fancy satin gown....hmm.

The Hololaule'a starting mid-day, will feature tradtional crafts, ono food, and entertainment all afternoon. Something fun to look forward to. It's a great event to share with family and friends, for visitors and kama'aina alike.

Bring your camera, wear sunscreen, and, see you out there!

We are so blessed to live in a place that keeps important tradition alive in the midst of so much change in the world.

Mahalo to the people of Hawaii.

Aloha, a hui hou...
Cherie

Frist Friday Coming Up!

Aloha,

Wailuku Town's First Friday is almost here again.

I am going to head over to this event for sure.
It's nice to cruise the street, see friends, listen to music, dine and shop.
Maui always has something fun to attend. With all our talented folks who live here,
art openings, music happenings, cultural events, and plays are easy to find.

I do think this is one of the reasons Maui has captured my heart, among many others.

OK, see you on the street!!

Cherie

Oahu Adventures

Kama'aina (Hawaii residents) like to holo-holo (travel) to outer islands. Island hopping is not what it used to be, especially as far as ticket prices go. I remember $12 inner island tickets! So, now, we plan real vacations instead of jumping over for lunch, or a surf, or to shop. Best to make the most of it.

I had a special occaision with some of my ohana this last weekend. We stayed in Waikiki , that's one busy place! The main event was a fashion show that my grand daughter was in. It was great fun, and I enjoyed seeing all the girls stomping down the cat walk for family and friends.

I introduced my daughter to a very special place called Foster Gardens. The beautiful grounds in the middle of Honolulu can make you forget that you are even in the city. This amazing garden, was planted in the late 1880's, and is still vibrant and healthy today. The wide variety of trees are magnificent, as in HUGE, and still growing. All in all, it was fun to take a break and have a different experience. Each island is has it's own personality.

Here's to stepping out and having some fun. New experiences enrich us for our whole lives. I think my travel bug will never retire......

Much Aloha,

Cherie

Maui in May , Spring Sale at Hale Ho'okipa

Aloha all,

It's mid May, usually a quiet time in the islands. Which means it's a great time for visitors to enjoy our beautiful Maui... The purple Jacaranda trees are starting to bloom, our trade winds are coming back, and we've had some beautiful showers to sweeten everything.

What's more, (even more goodness!) it's Spring Sale time at Hale Ho'okipa Inn! I'm offering a super deal through the rest of the month.
15% off accommodations until June 1 and 5% off future bookings if made before June 1st

This is the time to make your bookings and Makawao, Maui plans. Haleakala beckons the adventure spirit. Pukalani Country Club golf course is courting the budget conscious golfers.
Makawao town is ripe for wonderful pickings and ono restaurants to satisfy your cravings and curiosity.

Love waking up to the early light, a great time of year with all the promise of joy unfolding right now!
Come visit, you'll feel refreshed.

Much Aloha,
Cherie

Yippee..it's May!!!

Happy Mother's Day to everyone who loves and cares for the children
(wish I knew how to make those little hearts on the computer!!)


Maui County Product Enrichment Program 2011

(lots of great things to look forward to). I heard the amazing Seabury Hall annual Mother's Day fair was a huge success yesterday. I didn't make it up, but if you ever get a chance, it's a real happening.

M A Y E v e n t s


Please contact event organizers for more information, subject to change.

Maui Classical Music Festival
May 1, 2, 4 & 6
Kapalua, Makena & Hana
Maui’s premier chamber music festival celebrates 30 years with a concert lineup featuring works by Bach, Beethoven, Dvorak and other composers, performed by world class visiting musicians. On May 2 & 6, the Makena Beach Resort is offering attendees a buffet dinner special before the 7 pm performances at Keawalai Church.
Information and tickets: (808) 874-9372 or www.mauiclassicalmusicfestival.com

Wailuku First Friday
May 6, 6 - 9 pm
Market Street, Wailuku
Join the crowd at Wailuku’s monthly streetfest for live music, ono foods, a poetry slam, arts and crafts, and more!
Information: (808) 249-9710 or www.facebook.com/WailukuFirstFriday

11th Maui Matsuri
May 6, 6 - 9 pm Kickoff at Queen Kaahumanu Center, Kahului
May 13 & 14, UH Maui College Campus, Kahului
This Japanese cultural celebration includes a free family movie at 6:30 pm Friday, followed by Saturday’s 2 - 9 pm festival with live entertainment, obon dances, food and craft booths, cultural exhibits, keiki activities and contests.
Information: (808) 283-9999 or www.mauimatsuri.com

Hawaiian Music Series
May 12, 11 am - 12:30 pm
Baldwin Home Museum, Lahaina
Mika & Friends perform a free lunchtime concert on the shady Baldwin Home lawn facing Front Street.
Information: (808) 661-3262 or www.lahainarestoration.org

Olukai Ho‘olaule‘a Maui
May 14 & 15
Kanaha Beach Park, Kahului
Participate in the eight-mile Downwind Stand Up Paddle and OC1 Races. Celebrate Hawaiian culture with free sailing canoe rides, Hawaiian games, entertainment and a lu‘au; an event supported by Hawai‘ i Tourism Authority.
Information: www.olukai.com

Hala Weaing Workshop
May 14, 9 - 11 am & 12 - 2 pm
Maui Nui Botanical Gardens, Kahului
Discover the cultural uses of hala while learning to weave a lau hala bracelet with Pohaku Kaho‘ohanohano. Information and registration: (808) 249-2798 or www.mnbg.org

Allusions of Space
May 15 - June 25
Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Kahului
Schaefer Gallery’s new exhibition features recent works by Hawai‘i artists Dorothy Faison, Carl Jennings and Jennifer Owen inspired by nature, architecture, imaginal space and land use themes. Free admission.
Information: (808) 242-2787 or www.mauiarts.org

Maui OnStage ONO Series
May 16, 6:30 pm
Iao Theater, Wailuku
One Night Only presents a free reading of Neil Simon’s Laughter on the 23rd Floor inspired by his work as a 1950’s television comedy writer.
Information: (808) 244-8680 or www.mauionstage.com

Maui Community Band Concert
May 21, 5:30 pm
Baldwin Home Museum, Lahaina
Maui Invitational Music Festival presents a free classical concert with performances by the Maui Community Band, Maui Brass Ensemble, Maui Cello Quartet and guest harpist Tatyana Shapiro-Leiste.
Information: (808) 283-3576 or www.aecg.org

The Art of Trash Maui

Aloha,

I just recently stopped in at the annual Art of Trash in Kahului . This wonderful show has been running for several years and it's always a treat.

The creator and founder of the trash shows is Ira Ono, a well known artist from the Big Island of Hawaii. I still have a goddess for the garden that Ira made years ago. He is a colorful and accomplished artist. I just love his drive to use recycled and re-used materials.

The first year of the show, an artist that I knew had created an amazing throne out of all re-cycled materials that she cleaned from the beaches. It was a wild piece of art embellished with old fishing nets.

This year featured an art display by our school children, and a super fashion show and music played with instruments made from recycled materials. Coffee filters, tattered tarps, garbage bags and all sorts of re-used materials made for some flashy fashions.

When I had my furniture store many years ago, I often sold furniture made from re-claimed wood. One of my biggest, and most expensive, lines came from the old railroad ties from Africa. The wood was so dense, it was heavy and felt like stone. I also had often featured a furniture builder who used the pallets from the docks to make great out- door furniture. It was funky and looked great in the yard.

Rethink your trash, it could be fun!

Here's to being creative and saving our land fills.

Much Aloha,
Cherie

Earth Day Volunteer Opportunities

Aloha Folks,

Earth Day is coming, April 22. The fate of our beautiful has earth has been front and center in our hearts and minds .

The way I see it, Everyday is Earth Day.

Today I am posting a link to the Preserve Hawaii volunteer opportunity calendar, and Earth Day related events

Mahalo to Kirsten Whatley of Preserve Hawaii for all of her continued efforts in the preservation of our beautiful aina.

The picture I am posting is one of my grand daughter during our last volunteer efforts at the Maui Coastal Land Trust . It's time for me to get over there again. It's been awhile.

Maui:

4/16 -- Malama 'Aina Festival at Whole Foods -- features Maui nonprofits and how to join their volunteer efforts

4/23 -- Save Honolua Coalition / Surfrider Maui / Community Work Day -- cleanup of Honolua Bay and Lipoa Point -- 8a-11a

4/30 -- East Maui Taro Festival -- a celebration of taro, along with arts, crafts, local food, live music, and hula

4/26-5/1 -- Kipahulu 'Ohana -- pre- and post- Taro Festival activities: harvesting and processing taro, preparing poi and laulau, replanting huli and open house at Kapahu Living Farm on Sunday

http://preservehawaii.org/calendars/

Maui April Calendar of Events

Aloha All,

Welcome to Maui's Upcoming Events...

So many wonderful events to look forward to this month. Come and enjoy!!!

Much Aloha,
Cherie

Maui County Product Enrichment Program 2011

A P R I L E v e n t s



Please contact event organizers for more information, subject to change.

Wailuku First Friday
April 1
Market Street, Wailuku
Friday’s 6 -8:30 pm streetfest features magician Brenton Keith, live music bands, a poetry slam, arts and crafts, ono food booths, a traditional awa bar and beer garden, and more. Come support Aloha for Japan.
Information: (808) 878-1888

Maui OnStage ONO Series
April 11
Iao Theater, Wailuku
One Night Only presents at 6:30 pm I Honor My Earth, a free show with music and theater to honor Earth Day.
Information: (808) 244-8680 or www.mauionstage.com

Hawaiian Music Series
April 14
Baldwin Home Museum, Lahaina
Hawaiian falsetto Kaniala Masoe is the featured performer at a free concert from 11 am to 12:30 pm on the Baldwin Home Museum lawn facing Front Street.
Information: (808) 661-3262 or www.lahainarestoration.org

Maui Community Band Concert
April 15
Grand Wailea Resort, Wailea
The Maui Invitational Music Festival series presents a Hawaiian themed concert featuring performances by guest musicians and the Maui Community Band premiering an arrangement of Hawai`i 5-0 and medley of music by Israel Kamakawiwo`ole. Enjoy the sunset and this free oceanfront concert at 5 pm.
Information: (808) 283-3576 or www.aecg.org

Celebration of the Arts
April 22-23
Ritz Carlton Resort, Kapalua
The 19th annual festival of Hawaiian arts offers two days of free hands-on art activities and displays, entertainment, a mele contest and panel discussions on cultural traditions aligned with this year’s theme:
“E na aumakua - a call to our ancestors and all things natural.”
Information: (808) 669-6200 or www.celebrationofthearts.org

Henry K. Allen Steel Guitar Festival
April 29 – May 1
Kaanapali Beach Resort, Lahaina
A celebration of the Hawaiian steel guitar and legendary musician Henry Kaleialoha Allen, featuring free guest performances starting at 5:30 pm on Friday and Saturday, along with cultural and hands-on music workshops throughout the weekend, and entertainment at Sunday brunch.
Information: (808) 283-3576 or www.aecg.org

Maui Classical Music Festival
April 29 – May 6
Makawao, Kapalua, Makena & Hana
The 30th annual chamber music festival gets underway April 29 with a performance of “Amadeus – The Magical Life and Music of Mozart” narrated by Howard Dicus. Four unique concerts follow, all performed by world class visiting musicians. On May 2 & 6, the Makena Beach Resort is offering concert attendees a buffet dinner special before the 7 pm performances at Keawalai Church.
Information and tickets: (808) 874-9372 or www.mauiclassicalmusicfestival.com

Ethnobotanical Garden Tours
Ongoing
Maui Nui Botanical Gardens, Kahului
Interpreted tour covers the natural history, conservation and ethnobotanical uses of native Hawaiian and Polynesian introduced plants. Offered Tuesdays and Fridays, 10 – 11:30 am by reservation and donation.
Information: (808) 249-2798 or www.mnbg.org

Perserve Hawaii Update!

Preserve Hawaiʻi

Opportunities in Volunteering for Hawaiʻi's Environment

-- I want to let you know that Volunteer Calendars for each main island are now online! This represents over 60 environmental organizations with available projects throughout 2011.

Huge Mahalo to Kirsten from Perserve Hawai'i for all her work and effort in getting the word out for all

If you want to help protect and preserve Hawaii's fragile environment, and meet great folks while doing so, check out the calendar to see what fits best for you.
I also have information available on my site, volunteer on vacation in Hawaii.

These are lifetime experiences that you will cherish long after the vacation is over.

Malama the aina....take care of the land.

With Gratitude and Aloha,
Cherie

Big Island Family Fun

Aloha,

Last weekend I spent a wonderful couple of days with my family. We all are so busy, finding free time can be challenging. Oh, but when we find it, the rewards are so sweet.

Finally we had a walk in the woods to gather plants for our wreathes. I know Christmas is over , so how about Chinese New Year? I actually do enjoy having fresh wreathes with the moss and native plant clippings in the house any time of the year. As usual, mine is a spontaneous creation, and my daughter's is well planned and rather perfect. She is still organizing her piles of similar clippings and colors to prepare to start, and I am already half way through my wreath. It's fun spreading our clippings on the picnic table out on the lanai. It's a relaxing time , special and easy. I amblessed to share this joy with my beautiful daughter.

A hula performance was the main reason for my weekend get away. My granddaughter dances with the Beamer-Solomon Halau O Po'ohala. I have watched her since her young days dancing hula, and I can really see her deep commitment. Her performance with a heart warming smile brought tears to my eyes. It was a wonderful evening with great Hawaiian music, lively visuals and of course the sweet little keiki ( small children) all dancing their keiki hula.

February rolls on with high season in full swing. Hopefully everyone on their way to Maui has made accommodations arrangements. It's great seeing people returning to Hawaii to enjoy our beautiful islands, warm weather and relaxed style. There is so much to Hawaii, it's mixed bag of cultures and traditions. Our food is ono, our skies are usually blue, the ocean is full of whales. Hawaii is a magnificent and fragile place.

Wherever you are this month, may you have some special time with those you love. May you know joy in sharing quiet moments.

Much Aloha,
Cherie

Aloha......

Holy Cow, what a line up!! As I said in my last post, Maui is truly an Art Mecca. Check this out!

Three weekends in a row of amazing talent to visit, watch, learn and support. Each showcased artist will be giving demonstrations at their studios, open to the public. Visit the site for maps and artist bios, see who rocks your boat, and give them a visit.....Lucky we live Hawaii!!

See you there,
Cherie

Celebration of Hawaii through the Arts

Aloha,

The Viewpoints Gallery in Makawao has recently opened a new show titled Celebration of Hawaii 2011. This showing features ceramics, glass works, jewelry, photography, sculpture, quilts, watercolor, pastels and oils.

The artists are also offering demonstrations to anyone who wants to watch and learn. What a bonus! Today I enjoyed a demonstration from one of my favorite Plein Air pastel artists, Michael Clements.  The freshness of his work, the blocks of surprising rich color, and his ability to capture the quiet moments of life really speaks to me. I guess this what makes a successful Plein Air artist. In one hour Michale had a piece of work that I was so very excited about. Wow, I wonder how long it will take me to get comfortable with this medium. I've been enjoying pastels lately, but this bold approach really gave me something to think about.

Another artist that I also enjoy, Carmen Gardner, is shown in these posted photos. I've taken a few watercolor classes from Carmen. She is a very accomplished artist who participates in many shows. A few years back one of her incredible portraits was chosen for the cover for Art Maui. Carmen's attention to detail in her watercolors is astounding. She is pictured in front of her very striking oil painting of a lava flow in Kalapana. This work showcases Carmen's versatility, and this particular painting was one of my favorite of the show.

Michael Clements states on his web site, "I feel blessed to be living in a community that is rich in artistic talent and an Island that encourages and promotes the growth and education of artists of every age." He says it well, and, I have also said it time and again, "Maui is a world renowned Art Mecca." Artists and crafts people of all ages, all abilities, all talents and focuses share, show, teach and learn from each other. It's a blessing that everywhere I look, I can find an accomplished, willing and able artist to study with and learn from. How lucky I am!

If you want to view, purchase, learn or teach Art, come to Maui. You'll be happy you did!

PS. While you are here, if you need fine art supplies, please visit our lovely local art store in Makawao, Upcountry Fine Arts. These wonderful folks also have a gallery in their store, and they'll help you with all the art supplies you need.

Much Aloha,
Cherie

Snow on Mt. Haleakala

Aloha,

Where's my socks!?

It's a nippy morning with SNOW on Haleakala. Wow, break out the Ug boots and fleece vests ( local wardrobe in the winter), cuz, Baby, it's cold outside!

We do not get snow often on Maui, seems like every 5-10 years. Unlike Mauna Kea on the Big Island, this mountain is white capped every year. Mauna means moutain and kea, white, in the Hawaiian language. Island residents high tail it up to Mauna Kea when there is snow, just to build a snow man or take a few turns, or ride a boogie board down the slopes. It is rather "survival fun", and the mountain being so high, 14,000 ft, people tend to leave their rational thought around 8,000 ft. Me included, I admit to skiing on Mauna Kea one morning many years ago, and surfing in the afternoon. I think just because I could.

My friend up in Kula, Aki' Ra Yashiro snapped some more amazing shots this morning of our beloved Haleakala blanketed in snow. On Maui, our mountain is closed during these super cold snaps due to dangerous ice on the curving mountain road. Some Mauians get a little upset because they want to travel up to the snow. I understand why the park personal make the decision to close the road. That black ice is no joke.

So, here's to the never ending, always changing , always amazing natural beauty of our wonderful islands. Remember to keep doing good things for the earth, as every day is Earth Day!

Keeping cozy,

Cherie