This Page We continue our pictorial visit to Mau (Part 2)i. There are a number of videos that I hope you enjoy. The two poems are Hawaiian related, Lahaina United Methodist Church and Not the Same. The vignette speaks about Aloha.
Below: Lahaina: The largest banyan tree in the U.S. It started as an 8 ft. transplant in this whaling village
in 1871. It now covers over an acre. The dangling fibers are actually roots seeking to reach the ground and establish another trunk base. On Sundays, there is often an art fair below its limbs. Over the years I have tried to capture its enormity but as of yet failed. In its presence you sense its energy.
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Two Poems this Page
Lahaina United Methodist Church
Ceiling fans whirl
as the breezes
bear the scent of the sea.
People gather
from across the globe
to hear Pastor Paul
sing and narrate the Gospel.
Soon, the sanctuary walls vibrate
with music from the Tongan choir
Songs of celebration
rise from the congregants.
as the strums of ukuleles
enhance the Hawaiian flavor.
In closing, with hands united
in the Circle of Ohana,
the beauty of Hawaii Aloha
reverberates to the heavens.
No matter your spiritual beliefs,
each departs with hearts smiling
for having been there.
Comment: Be sure to see the poetical video below that accompanies the poem.
Though not our usual place
we again return
to the Valley Isle.
Fate has us in Wailuku
versus along the beaches of Kihei.
Yet the blue Pacific still remains
visible far below.
Tai chi and qigong performed daily
on manicured grass
rather than course seashell sand.
As with all of life
changes occur.
How one accepts them
determines one’s happiness.
Comments: Ultimately, the poem speaks to the fact that all life is impermanence.
My tai chi location, the terrace beside our Maui home for the month
Channel entrance to small boat harbor in Lahaina
Hibiscus are seen everywhere and add to the overall beauty of the Island.
Below is the poetical video that accompanies the poem Lahaina United Methodist Church.
West Mountains, late afternoon.
Congregational church spire in Wailuku
Upcountry, peering toward the West Mountains
At strawberry patch peering 3,000 feet below to Maui coast
Pano view of Baldwin Beach
Front Street, Lahaina, from the water
This Month's Vignette: More about the Aloha Spirit
I have traveled every state, yet Hawaii is the one that continually draws me to return. I have found none other like it, something commonly referred to as "Aloha." Many come to attend a luau, take in the magnificent scenery, lie on the beach, see the whales, etc. – all wonderful in their own right. However, to begin to understand the deeper meaning of its people and the ambiance generated, I offer three suggestions: 1) Whether a believer or not, attend a worship service; (In this issue, I give you a short taste regarding the Lahaina Methodist Church.); 2) Attend a free even such as an 808 Uke Jam; (Please see clip below.); and 3) Enjoy a free concert attended mainly by Hawaiians such as a Picnic for Poki. (There is clip below.)
808 Uke Jam, Keolahou Congregational, Kihei: Some of the best times I have while on Maui is jamming on Thursday nights with 808UkeJams. Jarret Delos Santos, the driving force (in the golden lei) behind this group, draws locals and people from all over the world to these weekly events. His ultimate goal is to foster a love and appreciation for traditional Hawaiian culture. The majority of songs are sung in Hawaiian. The Jam is its 11th year. It originally began on friend Priscilla's back porch. Many come to just watch and listen. It is free.
Picnic for Poki, Wailuku: Every 3rd Thursday of the month (depending on weather), this free concert performed by locally and nationally known Hawaiian musicians and performers draws locals and visitors over their lunch hours to sit, relax, and savor. It is done in honor of the late Allen “Braddah Poki” Pokipala. Braddah Poki who was dedicated to sharing Hawaiian music throughout various venues in Hawaii. This event was held inside this week due to possible showers which failed to show.
Lahaina Pizza Company: A view of Front Street in Lahaina taken from the second floor of the Lahaina Pizza Company. This particular restaurant consistently wins either first or second place for the best pizza on the island. I agree with that assessment. Plus, as you can see, the view is also one of the best. You are above the hustle and bustle of this historic, resort community.
Kula Bistro: In the small community of Kula in Upcountry, this restaurant
serves gourmet quality food. Though the prices may at first scare you,
should you choose to stay and order, you will be rewarded with a very
delicious dining experience.
Maui Jelly Factory: If you want to enjoy some of the finest tasting jellies and syrups, be sure to stop by this small operation in Wailuku.
Superb taste generated from local fruit and reasonable prices!
The
jellies can also be purchased in a number stores including Long's.
Chinese New Year, Maui: Every year we enjoy the opportunity to celebrate the Chinese New Year, this one being the Year of the Pig. The exact date varies from year to year based on the lunar calendar. The official date this year was Feb. 5. However, the celebration lasts approximately 15 days. On the Chinese calendar, the year is 4717. Above is a 92 second clip of a celebration we attended.
Wailuku, Maui: Artists are in the process of painting sixteen murals on the building walls of this small community. Below is a pictorial series of eleven of them.
Buddhist Mission, Lahaina: Downtown the former capital of the Hawaiian Territory. Maui has a large
Buddhist population.
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