Cold weather, work, responsibility -- how bad do you want to escape? If you're dreaming of relaxing and exploring a true photographer's paradise, five nights in the luxurious Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa on the Hawaiian island of Maui probably sounds like music to your ears.The trip, including airfare for two from a North American gateway in the continental U.S., and a rental car to explore black- or white-sand beaches, take the drive to Hana, whale-watch on the Expedition Ferry, climb Haleakala Mountain and/or visit the nearby islands of Lana'i and Moloka'i, could be yours if you win Pop Photo's Maui: How Bad Do You Want It? Photo Contest.To enter, send us a picture showing how much you want to go to Maui. It must have a tropical, Hawaiian theme. Your entire house decorated in palm fronds. A pineapple relaxing on the beach. A photo of you surfing in the snow. Anything goes! You can use real photos, image-editing software... whatever you want.One entry per person. Enter and u
Will wonders ever cease?Yes, snow fell on Haleakala, and the roadway at the top was closed! Several people I know have told me they saw the silvery snowfall from the distance, and some have even taken photos of it. I wasn't whistling Dixie when I posted it was COLD on Maui!Lelabear--post your photos of the snow so that we can see them!Back to sniffling and cuddling and shivering....Later in the day I received a phone call from my mate who called me from his cell, and he said the clouds had now cleared. So I climbed on my roof to capture a photo of the snow on Haleakala, and here it is--ta da!
If you guys didn’t know this already I live here on the island of Maui, Hawaii. When you think of Hawaii usually what comes to mind? Beaches, waves, surf, luaus, fire dancers, Hawaii Five-0, and maybe even Lilo & Stitch. The last thing that comes to mind is winter weather, and people [...]
This blog is almost neck-to-neck to compete for the 500th Post with my photoblog, Wailea Daily Photo. The countdown is on, and soon one of them will cross the finish line for the Big 500!I haven't been posting as much on this blog because I recently caught a cold and have felt icky. It's much easier to post a photo and write a couple of sentences as I usually do in the Wailea Daily Photo than to write paragraphs! :Smile:Everyone I know on Maui has caught a horrible cold, and it has been passed around Maui like a hot potato. Of course, the chilly weather hasn't helped. Maui folks aren't used to temperatures in the 60's! As I write this post today, I'm still in my warm, fluffy robe with my warm slippers. For those of us who live in South and West Maui, we can't remember a colder winter. The sun comes out in the day, and the beaches are packed with sunbathers, but at night, brrrrrrrr! Is this global warming or global chilling? A local remedy which really helps my friends and me with our s
The prognosis about the health of Maui’s real estate were released in this article from Maui News. The good news is that our real estate market is basically staying level despite drastic crashes elsewhere in the nation.
One of the indicators that the market is still healthy is that construction has not slowed down.
Many visitors who [...]
The Kaheawa Wind Power energy facility on Maui has generated more than 125,000 megawatt hours of electricity in 2007, exceeding its targets.
Great news. Now Maui is generating clean, renewable energy rather than shipping in oil from than mainland to burn.
Here’s what the wind turbines look like up close, from when I hiked up to them [...]
Fun & Snorkel with Superior Service Maui snorkel sail takes you to a secluded coral reef abounding with colorful fish and the endangered Hawaiian green sea turtles.Indulge in chef inspired Hors D Oeuvres, entrees, and desserts, sip tropical cocktails, ice cold beer, and select wines, cruising along Maui's scenic coast. Arouse your senses and replenish your soul. Lots of fun activities such as Snorkeling in Maui .Molokini Crater and Premier Maui Snorkeling ,30 Years Experience Snorkeling in Maui. Snorkeling (Equipment and instruction provided) Lesson and guided snorkel tour of the Rainbow Reef Fishing, waterslide, water trampoline, kayaking andother fun water toys!! Superlative ServiceExpert Captains & CrewPrivate Charters Upon Request
Photo: Charles PfeilIt's raining...it's pouring...the old man is snoring! Did you ever sing this song as a kid?Yes friends...it's raining again on Maui! Of course, this screws up my New Year's Eve plan to have a Letting Go Ceremony at the beach before midnight (of course!). So I guess I'll do the ceremony snug as a bug indoors. Who wants to be on the roads after midnight on New Year's Eve? I'm sure crazy folks and cops will be out and about. New Year's Eve is not a time I care to be on a road.I'm catching up on email, posting on blogs, and I see that Evelyn has already posted the Carnival of Aloha on her blog Homespun Honolulu. This is the second time I've participated in this carnival, and if you'd like to read some other Hawaii bloggers, this is a great place to start.Our New Year's Eve plans got changed more than once. We were planning a party, but my partner is buried-under with a heavy work load right now, so we canceled the party since we don't have any idea when he'll make it h
Yep I'm still here. I haven't been able to log on since yesterday since the power went out for most of the day due to heavy rain, and wind. While it wasn't as bad as some other parts of Maui, some people in my neighborhood down the street got flooded like this pic from the Maui News. Note, this is after it dried out as their home got flooded only a few feet away from my house.
Oahu vacation rentals are simply beautiful . A great place to get away and unwind and relax. The weather is sultry all the time. Our stay was fantastic, even better than what we expected. The house is wonderful, the beach in front is perfect for our 4 year olds for swimming and a walk, and the pool is beautiful. I wouldn't change a thing. Look forward to returning someday .The house was in pristine condition and every little detail was thought of. Indeed the location was perfect and the property beautiful. Each variees, choosing the right place to stay is up to you . Stay cool with Hawaii "trade winds", But, since the house is only a 20 second walk to the water, I would just go right in . A great vacation spot and location . Everyone can and will enjoy there stay there.When booking your Oahu vacation rental, make sure you don't get caught up on our local "playful" spellings! The following is a short list of common misspellings of Hawaii islands and townsFor more information on Oa
Many of you no doubt have heard of the expression "Six Degrees of Separation" taken from the movie of the same name and counting the close ways in which we are connected to others. If you live on Maui, it's more like THREE or TWO degrees of separation! If you live here long enough, the close connections are rather mind-blowing, and I'm going to share a recent page from this theme with you, a personal story. I will be using initials as I always do in my posts to protect the identities of others. However, if you're a member of the Maui Family, you may well be able to follow along and know of whom I'm writing. Perhaps you're also connected by two or three degrees?Here goes:Our beloved old friend S. has moved back to Maui for maybe the tenth time in his life. He's having his goods shipped back as well as his car, and he began the search for a rental in South Maui. He's having dinner with my partner, B., and my daughter, G. this past Wednesday, and he's sharing with us the cottage he found
As some of you know, I caught a 'bug' on my recent September trip to the Mainland, and try as hard as I did through many modalities (including medical), I couldn't shake it. Finally, my condition worsened....and I was given the orders to check into the Maui Memorial Hospital late one evening so that a procedure could be performed the following day.Because my admission was late and because the new wing of Maui Memorial was completely full, I was admitted to the old wing of the hospital which surely dates far, far back in time judging by the peeling paint, rust, sagging blinds on the windows, and other scary details. Coupled with the fact that I was very ill, everything seemed totally surreal to me. I looked at my surroundings and all I could remember were scenes from bad horror movies. On top of this, it was raining outside while I stayed here as if to compound the gloomy vibe.Fortunately for me the nursing staff attending to me was excellent as were the doctors. Nurses on Maui are few
Even though Maui doesn't have the same amount of alternative health doctors as say-- Boulder, Colorado--we still have our fair share. But on Maui many of the best ones never advertise, and the only way to become a client of theirs is through an introduction. Most of them work out of their homes, and they have more than enough clients to keep them busy, and they don't want any more.Lucky for me, I've been introduced to several of these healers through the years, and I can call upon them when I'm in great need of their services. This past Sunday, when I was in excruciating pain, I called one early on Sunday morning, and by mid-morning, he had re-arranged his schedule to fit me in. Needless to say, I was sooooo happy to be sitting on his table and receiving his administrations of pain-relief. You would never guess this guy was a doctor to look at him. He looks more like a mature surfer by his dress and demeanor. He gets up in the early mornings and paddles with his outrigger crew, then pr
I'll catch ya up on the latest Maui news:1. Bike tours down Haleakala have been given the order to stop by the National Park Service's Superintendent Marilyn Parris--a stand-down for 60 days--after the death last month in the park. Safety issues will be evaluated during this time. The downhill bike industry is huge on Maui and employs many people. What is going to happen after this time period? Will bike tours become a thing of the past?2. The Superferry can't operate until an Environmental Assessment is done according to 2nd Circuit Judge Joseph Cardoza in his ruling last Tuesday. So for now, the Superferry won't be coming to Maui. Yeh! I'm not on the side of the Superferry for many reasons which I won't go into here.3. Maui is ONCE AGAIN considered the "Best Island in the World in the 2007 Conde Nast Travelers magazine readers poll. Maui's been rated the "Best Pacific Island" for 17 years since polling began, but last year lost out to the Maldives. Not only did Maui win in the Best I
It's been quite amusing for me to read the recent posts of another blogger's experience of Maui from her recent visit here. She's been seduced by Maui! I've witnessed that seduction before! Oh yeh--it's happened to me and to many others who eventually made Maui their home.I've had many an opportunity to view Maui through the eyes of visitors since I've lived here for quite a while. Some visitors are attracted to the glamorous resorts, trendy shops and restaurants--some are drawn to the ocean and ocean sports--some are called to the mountains and hiking remote areas, and camping--some are blown-away by the fabulous galleries and multi-talented artists of all kinds creating and performing here--some have received the notice: You're Now HOME! This "Coming-Home" Theme I've heard countless times. Each person recounts their story about hearing the 'call' to move to Maui in their own inimitable style, but the theme is the same.Here are some of my thoughts about Maui:First, Maui is a school.
Yesterday was The perfect day for the beach as hardly anyone was there but adorable babies (and their Maui Mamas), dogs, and us! My suspicion is that everyone was at the Maui County Fair. The water was perfect and warm, it was just what I needed to float away my long journey to the Mainland. There's nothing better than floating in warm ocean water to reclaim that Island Vibe!
Photo: terragalleriaOne of the things I've always noticed upon returning to Maui after a journey is that Maui looks So Fine! Maui's emerald green foliage looks greener than green. The ever-changing blue skies and cobalt blue ocean appear even more vivid! The colors of the flowers are striking in their intensity. These are the colors I've become used to while living here, and it takes returning to once again view resplendent Maui in Technicolor!Certainly I don't try to take Maui for granted, and I'm well aware how blessed I am to live in Paradise. And yet, the perceptions get dulled after a while, and I need the contrast of other places to re-ignite my full appreciation of the awesome beauty in which I'm immersed.The icing on the cake of the Return To Maui is the weather. The evenings are cool again, and the air conditioning doesn't need to run all day long. Yeh! The best seasons, my favorite seasons, are the Fall and Winter months....and they are on their way!
Yes, I managed to keep my eyes open for the Total Lunar Eclipse! Yes, it was spectacular! However,the Moon didn't turn a bright copper--more of a muddy orange. But NO, none of my photos turned out good enough to post! My 'professional photographer' girlfriend (who slept soundly during the eclipse ) told me today what I should have done to capture the eclipse--photo lighting tips which arrived many hours too late.I had a front row seat to observe the eclipse from our back deck. The stars twinkled overhead as I observed the umbral shadow slowly divide the Full Moon. No noises disturbed the peaceful night--not even a breeze rattled the palm fronds of our tall palm trees on our property. Magical!Did anyone capture the eclipse in photos?
August seems to be moving ever so slowly, and I'm counting down the days until September and cooler weather. I've having to water the plants on our deck TWICE a day just so they don't fry. Sad to say, but even then, some have bit the dust. The sprinkler system in the yard is miraculously managing to keep most of our vegetation alive. Our 'giving' mango tree must LOVE the hot, windy weather because she has outdone herself in mango production this year. She has totally earned herself a Gold Star! We have been scarfing down mangoes and giving them away--and our tree just keeps giving us more!My partner has begun wearing a baseball cap as he runs around in the daytime. This was the first year after twenty some odd years living in Hawaii that the sun is burning his head. We joke that now there are TWO suns!Yet we remain in gratitude because people all over the world have it far worse than we do. The news is full of flooding, rain, tornadoes, and hurricanes. There's too much water there, an
When: Saturday August 4th from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum in Puunene
Puunene was once a thriving plantation town before Kahului (”Dream City”) was developed. There was a hospital, public pool, theater, and many houses where the plantation workers lived. Now there are few reminders of this historical town, except for the Sugar [...]
Our recent Oahu guests reminded us of the Big Change in the Islands by remarking on how many hotels are being turned into time-shares on Oahu. On top of this, many more time-shares are being built--further threatening the hotel business. Will this happen to Maui too?Consider this: two new 'wings' of the Ritz-Carlton are being renovated as I write this. The main Marriott in Kaanapali turned to time-shares. The fairly new Wailea Beach Villas--time shares. Renaissance Wailea Resort will be closed down Sept. 6 and turned into time shares.This weekend there is a massive sale happening at the Ritz, a "really big garage sale", so says the Maui News. The Ritz renovation will be finished in December, a $95 million rebuilding project. I may go over there to check it out, even though I'll feel sad.All of these changes are very depressing to us, and my partner and I grieve the earlier Maui of beautiful, glamorous resorts. We talk about moving away to a less-expensive, less over-built envir
I take photos every day, and so for this week's Thursday Thirteen, I'm sharing thirteen recent photos of my Maui summer. People always like to see what places are REALLY like and not just the tweaked ones of vacation promotions. Below you'll see the real McCoy! Since I take so many photos, it's always a tough call to know what to include, but I hope you like the ones I've selected.On another note, I've joined the "I-Follow" movement (see the badge on my sidebar), and thus, on all my blogs, I've removed the No-Follow attribute, so your comments will now have a back-link.To get the Thursday Thirteen code, click here.
On July 6, 1957, Bailey House Museum was officially opened by the Maui Historical Society. The public is invited to join the board of directors, staff and members of Bailey House for a 50th anniversary party on Saturday, August 18, 2007 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. Admission to the celebration is FREE.
July and August will [...]
As you enter Paia coming from the airport, you’ll see a historic 2-story building on the ocean side of Hana Highway. The Maui Crafts Guild building is a landmark, with its art-laden balcony looking over the highway.
This gallery is owned and operated cooperative gallery featuring fine arts & crafts 100% made by hand on Maui. [...]
Artwork courtesy of Love Peace HappinessYesterday there was a BIG fire on Maui started by a firebug so the authorities think. This fire was started somewhere near Olowalu, not far from the petroglyphs I photographed and posted on several blogs not too long ago. People were evacuated, and homes and land were destroyed. The road was closed (and then opened and then closed) and the backed-up traffic was a nightmare. I know that Mama Maui will kick the a** of the ones who started that fire! This is something I feel sure of: this person(s)will get their KARMA because The Land Has Eyes! "The Land Has Eyes" was the name of a movie I saw several years ago, and I love this phrase and what it implies. Even though this was a successful Fijian movie and set in that area, Mama Maui also has EYES, and I've observed how fast karma blows around here on Maui.Yesterday's blaze was not nearly as disastrous as the recent blaze in Lake Tahoe (which is still happening and not yet contained), most likely a
Yesterday my partner called me very excited. He had talked to a man we have seen hitchhiking around Maui for many, many years. We've nicknamed him "The Stovepipe Man" because he wears a tall black stovepipe hat. He has become our Maui mystery-man, and this serendipitous meeting has answered some, not all, of our questions.Mystery man is very frail with legs like pipe cleaners. How he managed to get around without getting pounded-on or in trouble seemed like a miracle to us. And now we know: my partner found out that indeed he does get beat-up, and he's had all his teeth knocked out on one ocassion plus other not-so-pleasant encounters.Second, he GETS around. We've seen him hitchhiking all over the island, not just in one area. He shared that not only does he get around Maui, but that once every year, he travels to hitchhike all the Hawaiian Islands.Third, I decided to write him into my book, and thus in my book, he's the black sheep nephew of a famous fashion designer and an 'age
Yesterday I accompanied my partner on the Wailea Gold Course, a world class golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones II. It was one of those perfect days--not too hot, a nice breeze, and no crowding from the guys golfing behind us. My partner is a very good golfer, even though he doesn't like to admit it for some reason. Others who golf with him are usually the ones to comment on his golf skills.He played a very good game yesterday with one birdie out of six opportunities!If you'd like to see more photos from this golf course, I'll be posting more on my other blog, Wailea Daily Photo.Here is what Wailea Golf writes about this awesome golf course:"The home course of The Champions Skins Game, the 7,078-yard Wailea Gold is the most challenging of Wailea’s trio, with a rugged and masterful design that takes advantage of the terrain’s natural undulations. But four to six tee boxes on every hole also make it a suitable track for virtually every player.Created by architect Robert Tre
This fully furnished 1/1 condo is listed at $460,000 and is vacation rentable. Complex features fountain, swimming pool, bbq area, shuffleboard. Great location, walking distance to stores and restaurants. Windsurf from the sandy beach fronting the complex! See the virtual tour: www.mauizoom.com/WBH208
After tearing out my hair all week trying to figure out how to upload my FIRST Flip Video to YouTube, I finally accomplished my goal! Whoot!Ta Dum: Meet a Maui Cat starring my cat Anela. My videos will improve...at least I know the process now!
Last week I had the pleasure to meet Sharon Brooks, a Personal & Professional Coach and Intuitive & Spiritual Counselor.
If you are:
Committed to personal excellence.
Serious about your professional and personal growth.
Intent on surrounding themselves with great friends and business associates.
Striving to balance work, family, personal endeavors and their spiritual practice.
Consistently strive to invest in themselves.
Always looking for the next challenge after a great accomplishment,
then you can benefit from Personal Coaching!
Sharon will be giving a workshop on Thursday, June 21st from 5:30-7:30pm. Location is Haynes Meeting Room at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center (MACC). Register by calling Sharon at 214-2380. Visa and MC accepted. First 10 people to register will be placed in a drawing for a free 30 min. consultation. 2nd 10 to be placed in a drawing for a free 15 min. mini session!
Check out Sharon’s website, it is informative and uplifting.
Even though I've lived on Maui sixteen years, there are so many things on my "To Do On Maui" list I've never done. Like the bumper sticker which reads, "Slow Down. This Ain't the Mainland.", I have slowed down on scratching off my To Do list. And then there are the newly opened places which I would like to experience which are making the list even longer. So much to do and so little time!Here's my PARTIAL list:1. Receive a Kate Somerville facial at the Four Seasons Resort.2. Capture a photo of a crested honeycreeper at the Waikamoi Preserve.3. Paddle-surf. It looks like a work-out.4. Join Willie K & Eric Gilliom on stage and sing!5. Sample Spam--Hawaii's popular food--maybe Spam sushi.6. Attend the July 4th Makawao Rodeo.7. Ride on the back of a Harley behind someone who knows what they're doing.8. Dive or jump off Black Rock.9. Zip line through Kula trees.10. Take a ceramics course at Hui No'eau Visual Arts Center.11. Learn how to dance the hula.12. Exhibit my paintings.13. Bui
Photo: terragalleriaEvery summer for many years we've attended the Maui Film Festival. We've been looking over the films offered for this season's festival, and we've decided on several which spark us:"10 Questions for the Dalai Lama""Fate of the Lhapa""The Temple Builder""Revolution Green: A True Story of Biodiesel in America"--we know these folks!"La Vie en Rose"--the story of Edith Piaf "Light of the Himalaya"We've attended the Taste of Wailea and the Celestial Cinema, but last year we decided not to attend, and we're passing again this year for two excellent reasons: the 'Taste' brings out our gluttony, and the 'Cinema' is too crowded.This year there will be a Festival thingamajig, Seaside Village on Wailea Beach, open during the time period of the festival from June 13-17 which sounds way more enticing!
While running around doing errands today, I picked up a copy of the free Maui Time Weekly, "Maui's Only Locally Owned Independent Newspaper". The articles in this tabloid-sized newspaper are always excellent plus I get a kick out of the sassy, funny columnist Samantha Campos who writes "Holoholo Girl".The cover of the May 31st issue is titled, "To Be or Not to Bee" by Cherly Ambrozic, and the subtitle is very troubling, "A mite infestation is laying waste to bee colonies on Oahu. There's a good chance they'll soon be on Maui. If that happens, much of the island's agriculture may disappear, too."The inspectors who inspect the inter-island vessels will have to be on their toes! It's bad enough that Oahu's honeybee colonies have been ravaged, but we can't let the same thing happen to Maui.
Artwork courtesy of Love Peace HappinessYesterday our last house guests left--continuous for two months and eight days including the different sets of guests! As much fun as it is to have house guests, both my partner and I are now furiously attempting to play 'catch-up' in many areas of our lives which we neglected while preoccupied with guests.We did more exploring of Maui during this time period of guests because we were showing others around, and I was shocked at many changes I saw which I normally don't see in my daily creative activities within our home.The construction projects are mind boggling--everywhere we drove (except Hana), we saw buildings going up, especially in Kihei, Kaanapali, and Wailea! In Makena mansions are being built!My partner heard the news that Go Airlines was offering a fare for $9 one way inter-island, but by the time he had heard about it, the deal was already sold out! The good news is they are having a contest with good prizes for signing up for thei
Little Beach in Makena is not widely publicized because it's Maui's NUDE beach, and nude beaches are a little too 'wild' for many people. However, our house guests wanted to see it, even if they did have to climb up the fairly steep incline of the 30 foot bluff to get to it. So on probably THE most packed beach holiday of the year, Memorial Day, we drove to Makena Beach to guide our guests to the far right end of Makena Beach where you climb up the bluff and down the other side to arrive at Little Beach.I am well-known by all my friends and family to have the most amazing parking spot angels, and my angels didn't let me down yesterday. As we pulled into the packed Makena Beach parking lot, I remarked that my angels would have to be tripled to get a parking spot or something to that effect! As it turned out, as we rounded the curve and with no parking places available, a couple called out to me and asked if we were looking for a parking place. I think everyone in our car said 'Y
Photo: terragalleriaI hardly ever shop on Maui for items other than food because shopping over the internet is so much easier. There is a much bigger selection of items, better prices, and like I mentioned in the first sentence: IT'S EASIER!My usual shopping trip entails going to the local health food store, Hawaiian Moons, for fresh produce and fruit and then on to Safeway for basics.However, whenever people visit us, I am re-introduced to shopping at local stores for stuff other than food! Since it's inevitable that our company wants to shop, I am usually spun-along on shopping expeditions. In the process I discover lots of nifty new products, or one of my house guests buys something which is a 'better mousetrap'.For instance, I have colorful Hawaiian style coasters for the table top, but it was Sherry who discovered an item which is ingenious: a coaster shaped like a round flipflop called "drinkwear...for the foot your glass!" This item is perfect for your stemware glasses as t
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