George Kahumoku Jr.’s slack key guitar playing and singing are like melodic breezes for the ears. I had the privilege of hearing the 2 time Grammy winner play at the Wailea Mall. What a treat! Give a listen and enjoy Hawaiian music at it’s best.
Ric
Great National Geographic video on the ocean life surrounding Hawaii.
Let me know some of your Hawaii memories and don’t forget to check out my Hawaii children’s book and my Hawaii shirts.
Mahalo for visiting.
This is not exactly a sport for “kids of all ages”. I would say maybe a handful of people on the planet are capable of attempting this sport. When I go boogie board surfing, occasionally I crash the the shore on a two foot wave and brother, I can feel it. I can’t begin to imagine the force behind one of these waves, let alone (God forbid) crashing beneath one. My hat’s off to all the extreme risk takers for showing us the limits of human behavior, (I’m a little uneasy just watching this).
Ric
I’ve visited the Maui Ocean Center many times on my trips to Maui. Everytime I go, I see and experience something new and exciting.
The video above gives a brief explanation on animal life in the oceans around Maui. Just in case you can’t snorkel or dive to see these animals first hand, this video will give you a ringside seat without getting wet or having to put on sunscreen. Relax and enjoy fun facts on the following: Hammer Head Sharks,Frogfish,Tiger Sharks,Parrot Fish, White Tip Reef Sharks, Moray Eels,Grey Reef Sharks and Black Tip Reef Sharks.
My kids really enjoyed their visits, I’m sure yours will too.
Mahalo
Maui Ocean Center
Ric
This makes eating with your hands a whole new experience!
Check it out!
http://www.neatoshop.com/product/Finger-Sporks
Our family visit at the Walt Disney Family Museum at the Presido in San Francisco was a very pleasant surprise. It was perfectly set up for educating the fans about the life and accomplishments of Walt Disney.
The curators of the museum limit the number of people entering at one time, so you don’t get that walking down Disneyland Main Street on Christmas Day feeling. The guests are taken on a journey starting with Disney’s youth and ending with his untimely death at 65. We are informed through photos, letters, recordings, artifacts, displays and film. I personally find his early years of the most interest. These are the years that really shape the engine of the individual. The stories can be delightful tales or harsh realities, or as in the case with Disney (like most people), both. Either way these experiences are the social DNA that produces the fruits of the individual.
The museum continues chronicling the ups and downs (mostly ups) of his many accomplishments and challenges. I was exhausted just reading about them, let alone what it must have been like doing them. Looking at who the museum visitors were was just as fascinating. I heard many foreign languages, I saw people of all ages and cultural backgrounds. I even saw a Goth kid admiring the exhibit (I think Minnie wore black lipstick). His art truly transcended all barriers.
I don’t recommend the museum for the very young. It is more of an educational experience than an entertainment experience (no rides…darn it!).
It amazes me that the world is still so enamored with Walt Disney. I’m surprised planet earth has not sprouted Mickey ears. Actually, I don’t think anyone would mind… (maybe Donald).
It’s a snowy day in Boulder today so my first thoughts (after the morning cup of Joe) are is there any way to skip work go directly to the airport and hop a plane to Maui. The answer, “No, pineapple head and get back to Planet Gotta Make a Living (and No Palm Trees for you!).” Well, maybe just looking at some old photos can help with the Maui joneses (great diversion,…I recommend it). As I look back at the photos I realize that the reason I enjoyed it so much was because it was such a great family experience.
There is so much for the family to do, snorkeling (swallowing salt water…yumm), body surfing (more salt water), hiking (Are wild boars around during the day?), tennis( that ball was “ IN,” you cannot be serious!) and generally soaking in the Aloha spirit. People talk about this and there really is an Aloha Spirit and once you experience it, you can never forget it. It’s really a number of things… the tropical weather, the aroma of the flowers, the gorgeous scenery and the wild life. But obviously the most important part is the people. The best way I can describe Hawaiians is gentle, warm and generally very “sweet”.
Our family has enjoyed the benefits of visits to the islands and except for the occasional screaming to stop for Shave Ice, everything has been amazing. My Hawaii book was inspired by these visits and it was a labor of love to write.
Aloha,
The son of a friend of mine has come up with a very sweet idea, Cinnamon Roll Day. Inspired, to say the least! Who can’t get behind occupying not only 99% but 100% of a cinnamon roll. Celebrating pastry is a fresh idea whose time has come (why didn’t I think of this?…well, I’m just not that creative). I see this idea rising to the national conscience (Cinnamon Roll, a nation turns its lonely lips to you). Why, because it’s scientifically impossible to think negative thoughts while eating a Cinnamon Roll (try it) and as my research confirms, it apparently can lead to good health. Sweden, one of the world’s healthiest countries, also celebrates National Cinnamon Bun Day (Kanelbullens Dag, celebrated on October 4th). Maybe there is something to this idea. Having at least one day where our collective endorphins surge can’t be all bad. But why only one day a year for Cinnamon Rolls? How about a breakfast pastry day of the month? We know we want one!
Thanks Ben, we need more forward thinking (and delicious) ideas like these, keep them coming. Check out this video from 9 News to get all the tasty details. Celebrate Colorado Cinnamon Roll Day on January 8!
Honu ‘u’uku (Tiny Turtle) Toddler tee
$12.95
What a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts Toddler Tee
$12.95
Don’t make me call Grandma Toddler Tee
$12.95