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Picture to the left was the header to the February issue of the 2011 PJ.

Pictures in this page were taken on the Island of Maui

Lf.: Bird of Paradise


Hawaiian canoe on Mama's Fish House property - also, the location of where I do my daily tai chi
Only about 1200 Nene Geese still exist - Kula Botanical Garden

Above: Plumeria (common lei flower)
Below: Lovebirds - Kula Botanical Garden

Cottage for the Senses

Placed within a vast botanical garden
.......a low Hana style cottage sets.
The bamboo and broad leaf plants and ferns
.......surround you,
.......like friendly visitors
v..desiring to  enter your abode.
A river of pink and white impatiens
.......replace the water in the ancient river bed.
Song birds awaken you early in the morning
.......along with the raucous sounds of insects
.......and their mating calls.
An occasional gecko dashes pass.
I feel like Adam
.......in the Garden of Eden.

Comments: Hana is still very laid back. Some say that it is the most Hawaiian area of Maui. The Hana Tradewinds Cottages and the immediate surrounding area that inspired this poem are pictured in the top two to the right.

____________________________

The Dance of Tai Chi #2

The sun is trying to peek
.......over Mt. Haleakala.

Palms of every size and shape
.......wave gently on this start
.......of a Maui morning.
.......so calm compared to the afternoon Trades
.......that will bend them this way and that.
Geckoes, songbirds, and insects
.......elicit the sounds of the island
.......awakening the world to the day.
In the background
.......the crashing waves
.......add their percussional bass
.......though the sand is smooth
.......from the receding tide.

Alone, as far as the eye can see,
.......I perform the dance of tai chi--
.......a mere mortal,
.......privileged to enjoy this symphony.

Comments:  A light poem where I try to capture the impossible. It is what I call my first reaction poem to arriving on the island. The meditative tai chi form helps capture the wonderful vibes of Maui.

Why #2? Because I wrote a similar titled poem while in New Zealand.

___________________________

Tai Chi in Paradise

Foaming white waves
.......crash against the barrier reef
.......before easing their way
.......onto small Kaua Beach.
Though small by world standards,
.......it offers an oasis of solitude and peace.
Rocks like bookends
.......incase the mere forty yards of sand.
Mama’s* rests on the grassy knoll
.......where the hand-hewn war canoe is poised
.......to launch at a moments notice.
Year after year, day after day,
.......I return to this small bit of paradise
.......to do morning tai chi.

*Mama's Fish House, a world class restaurant on Maui

Comments: Self-explanatory. The last three pictures on the right are of Kaua Beach where I practiced daily.

One of the Hana Tradewinds Cottages
Part of the gardens surrounding the cottages
Mom and son exploring
Traditional Hawaiian wedding wreath
In the next issue more on the Hawaiian wedding I observed.
Where I practice tai chi in front of Mama's Fish House
Kuau Beach – View about 100 yds from where I am staying
Maui Tropical Plantation view
Another view at the Maui Tropical Plantation

Overview from the Hana Highway

Vignette: Entering Uke Heaven

My ukulele accompanied me on the long journey from Ohio to Maui. Last year while visiting Maui for four weeks I took several private lessons, using a practice ukulele that I purchased for about $40 at Bounty Music. During the year I attempted to practice with minimal progress. During my time this year on the island I made a commitment. I would seriously pursue improving my uke skills. Of all unlikely places, I discovered a learning recommendation on Trip Advisor. A writer recommended attending jam sessions at Keolahou Congregational Church in Kihei (177 S. Kihei St.) on Thursday evenings from 7 to 9 P.M. Other than an initial $20 for copies of music and a practice DVD, the jam sessions are free. I couldn’t believe my luck! I emailed Kumu Kealoha, the instructor and organizer, to double-check on times and even called the church to verify. Yes! Both responded in the positive. Per Kumu’s directions on his web site I emailed him to reserve my DVD and music packet.

On next Thursday evening, I drove with trepidation but also excitement to the small Hawaiian style church and waited in the parking lot for the appointed time. I resisted the urge to leave, being a bit nervous regarding my limited playing skills and also fitting in with a group of strangers. Upon entering, I quickly spotted Kumu Kealoha and introduced myself. He offered me a warm Hawaiian welcome, and I immediately began to relax. Since he had a number vying for his attention, I found a seat in the second pew row, wanting to hide toward the back. To my surprise, more kept arriving so I moved to row four. And more… and more… I finally ended near the rear of the sanctuary with some of the spectators who had entered through the rear door. A quick count provided an estimate of 60+ players. Following the opening Hawaiian chant, the Lord’s Prayer in Hawaiian, and a few announcements, the music began. I quickly discovered that the teaching method might be described as total immersion. My strumming fingers became possessed, as if they had played the ukulele for years. Alas, my chord fingers did not have the same experience. I furiously hunted for familiar and unfamiliar chords, faked it on most occasions, even managed to hit one or two. Nevertheless, I officially entered the gates of Ukulele Heaven. While I was barely able to follow the Hawaiian language in the songs we played, those around me sang, as if they had spoken the language for decades. Several of the men and women performed the hula where appropriate. Oh my, whether to watch the notes or the dancers became a challenge!

Two hours later, my strumming finger worn to the bone, and my chord fingers having begun to work, I headed back to my Paia condo elated with my short sojourn in Uke Heaven.


To read more about Kumu Kealoha and his 808 Uke Jams.  (808 refers to Hawaii's area code.) I am also doing a freelance magazine
article on the experience.  I will keep you informed where you will be able to read it. 
As you will read in the article, upon further investigation I discovered that Kumu is quite a human being.

In the center is Jarret Delos Santos or Kumu Kealoha (teacher), founder of the 808 Uke Jams. In the back some players perform the hula to the music.
Some of the sixty plus jamming and singing

Scenes from the weekly Maui Saturday Swap Meet

I didn't count all the tents but there had to be at least 200+.
Entry fee to this weekly Saturday fun event – 50¢
Boy did the chocolate coconut frozen banana taste good!
Lori Steer giving free samples of her Maui Macaroons.
They are so good that I made three weekly visits
to her booth for my supply.


Carving with traditional Hawaiian tools
Recommendations

On this beautiful Valley Isle, Maui, there are so many recommendations that you can spend weeks exploring. To see some of my past recommendations that have again been tested for ongoing quality, click here. Below are some of my very favorites along with some new ones.

On the Hana Hwy pull off a Keanae and enjoy a hot loaf of Aunty Sandy's banana bread. Some argue that it is the best on the island. It is also a great area to picnic.

A must stop for me, actually several times during our four week visit, is Sherri Reeves Gallery in Makawao. She is a wonderful watercolor artist but also one of the most talented marketers that I have met. She has items at almost every price range from a few dollars to thousands of dollars. This is where I purchase most of my gifts to take home.

She also sells her sister's Makana O Maui handmade soaps.  Though a bar will run you a bit over $7, it will last you several months.  My favorite is the Papaya • Lilikoi.  Makes great gifts!

Despite my frequent visits there, I never realized that there is the neatest place next door to enjoy lunch, the Garden Cafe in Makawao. I had the daily special, teriyaki chicken that takes hours of preparation according to the owner, Kathi. I also discovered that she also has a sister restaurant in the Iao Valley near Wailuku. The plate lunch of chicken, rice, and a small Caesar salad cost $8, quite a value for Hawaii. Also, try the lemonade sweetened with honey. Be sure to bring cash, no credit cards. I have returned since, still delicious. Kathi is very outgoing and will make you feel welcomed!

A new discovery is Tasaka Guri Guri (New), located in the Maui Mall (70 E. Kaahumanu Ave., Kahului). Two scoops of cold, melt in your mouth ice cream/sherbert for $1.10. To quote several satisfied customers, "Great way to cool down with a uniquely Maui flavor!" and "Guri Guri is somewhere between sorbet and gelato - super creamy yet light! An inexpensive treat."

For the first time we visited the Schaefer International Gallery in the Maui Arts and Cultural Center (The MACC. (New). A special exhibition was on display entitled Legacy of the Land. Outstanding! When in Maui check to see what is occurring at the internationally renowned MACC. For example, Elton John performed last night. 

Kula Botanical Gardens (New) is well worth the $10 entrance fee. In May, this family run business will celebrate its 40th Anniversary. For owner Warren McCord and his family, the gardens have been a passion of joy. Besides beautiful floral displays, there are also wildlife areas, especially the rare Nene geese have their own special place. If you become tired, there are relaxing oases to sit and take in the views. I especially enjoyed the cushiony swing near the Koi Pond.

Garden Cafe in Makawao, next to the Sherri's Gallery
Side entrance to Sherri Reeves Gallery, looking
from the restaurant
A new discovery, Tasaka's, a delightful taste treat
A small section of the Legacy of the Land at the Schaefer International Gallery – MACC

Typical scene in the very small community of Keanae, halfway along the Hana Highway

Luncheon picnic location at Keanae

Tropical Flowers found on Maui

(Most of these pictures were taken at Kula Botanical Gardens)

Orange Trumpet "Huapala"
Pink Powderpuff
Red Ginger
Protea
Blue Jade
Gladiolus
Bougainvillea
Protea
Akule Kule
Glory Bush
Air Plants
Tillandsia (same family as pineapple).
If you know the name, let me know.
Bagonia
Meyer Asparagus Fern
Orchid
More Protea
Yellow Hot Poker
Fuchsia
Fuchsia
Anthurium
Cup of Gold
What would a Maui Issue be without at least one pic taken at Ho'okipa Point, the Windsurfing Capital of the World?
Typical Upcountry scene near Makawao. This is ranching country though multi-million dollar homes are also there.
Late fall and winter is humpback whale season, especially around Maui.
Over 10,000 humpbacks winter and calve here.
Haleakala Crater, the volcano that created Maui
 
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