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Video: A Day At The Kaneohe Bay Sandbar

V.Brown — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:30:24 +0000

“There are fived named islands or islets within Kāneʻohe Bay. A sand bar (Ahu o Laka or locally, the sand bar), Kapapa, and Kekepa (Turtleback Rock) are all exposed features (islets) on the barrier reef…“

Source: Wikipedia

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Photo: [re] think: Hawaii

V.Brown — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:20:04 +0000

[re] think: Hawaii - November 1-5, 2009 (more photos)

Photo Credit: (ASQueen) / CC by 2.0

“At [Re]Think: Hawaii, a group of amazing people will be retreating from the day to day that conforms their thinking and venture outside of their digital ponds to meet offline in Hawaii…“

Source: [re] think: Hawaii

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Top 10 Reasons to Ride The Bus

April M. Williams — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 21:15:48 +0000

In my home town, urban sprawl has taken over. The closest shops, restaurants and services are over one mile away. I never see a bus in the area and the closest train is a 25 minute drive from home. One of the best features of Oahu is the accessible public transportation. The Oahu bus system is simply called “The Bus“. Here are my top ten reasons for riding The Bus.

No parking fees. When you ride the bus, there is never a need to dig for quarters to fill the parking meters or pay garage parking prices. Daily parking fees range from $15-$25 in Waikiki.
No circling for open parking spots. The bus stops to let you out and you can walk right to your destination. No more driving around hoping someone pulls out so you can grab an open stall.
Enjoy the scenery. When you drive, you need to pay attention to other cars, street signs, pedestrians and bikers. During rush hour in Honolulu, some streets reverse the flow of traffic which can be confusing. While on the bus, you can take in blue skies, lush green mountains, ocean views and local architecture.
Relax on the bus. City driving is stressful but you can leave the driving to someone else. Let yourself unwind as you take in your surroundings.
Meet new people. We take advantage of our time with the locals on the bus. Looking for a place for dinner? Ask your fellow passengers for ideas.
Tour without backtracking. Take pleasure in a leisurely stroll going as far as you choose. No need to backtrack to find the car. Just jump on the bus for your return trip.
Easy to find your way. Why spend time driving around lost. Most hotels have directions for how to get around using the bus. System and route maps are available at http://www.thebus.org/Route/Routes.asp.
Best deal in town. For just $2.25 you can take a ride on the bus. Ask for a transfer and you can ride again for free within a two hour window. Four day, monthly, and annual pass rates are an even better deal.
Drink a toast. Enjoy an adult beverage or two without concerns about driving while intoxicated. Island police are serious about keeping the streets safe. If you have been drinking, it’s better to leave the driving to The Bus.
Everyone is welcome. The Bus “kneels” for easier embarkation. Lifts aid riders who need assistance boarding. You can even take your bike on the racks mounted on the front of the bus.

Photo Credit: love･janine (geishabot) / CC by 2.0

Save time and money using the Oahu bus system. Friendly drivers are there to make your trip pleasant. The Bus system goes nearly everywhere on Oahu. You can find route information and maps available at http://www.thebus.org. For more information call The Bus (808) 848-4500.

About this guest blogger:
April M. Williams is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and a great friend of 808Talk.

Learn more about April by visiting her at the websites below.
LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/in/aprilmwilliams
Twitter http://twitter.com/AprilMWilliams
CyberLife Tutors Blog http://cyberlifetutors.com/blog.html
Personal Blog http://aprilmwilliams.wordpress.com

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Photo: Dole Pineapple Whip Ice Cream

V.Brown — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:15:26 +0000

Dole Plantation - Wahiawa, Hawaii

“Dole Whip is a soft-serve frozen dessert available at individual ice-cream vendors all over the US and most notably at Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Ala Moana Center Food Court in Honolulu, Kahuna Dog (the beach location) located at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, Unified Enterprises Corp in Kaneohe, and at Dole Plantation in Hawaii. It comes in the following flavors: Vanilla, Chocolate, Pineapple, Strawberry, Raspberry, Mango, Peach, and Orange.

At Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and the Dole Plantation in Hawaii pineapple is the flavor of choice…“

Source: Wikipedia

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Photo: Aloha Uncle George Na’ope 1928-2009

V.Brown — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 05:10:50 +0000

February 25, 1928 - October 26, 2009

Kumu Hula George Lanakilakeikiahiali’i Na’ope at King David Kalakaua’s Birthday celebration held at ‘Iolani Palace on November 16, 2008

Photo Credit: Michi Moore (Moore Aloha)

Hawaii Links:
Uncle George Naope, 1928-2009
Uncle George Na’ope “Hawai’i’s Golden Treasure”

George Na’ope Tribute - Big Island Weekly

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Video: Heartbeat Hawaii Dancers

V.Brown — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 08:30:09 +0000

Heartbeat Hawaii Dancers - Royal Hawaiian Center

Heartbeat Hawaii: http://www.heartbeathawaiishow.com
Royal Hawaiian Center: http://www.royalhawaiiancenter.com

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Video: Justin Young with Colbie Caillat

V.Brown — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 20:05:03 +0000

Justin Young with Colbie Caillat

Local boy Justin Young jammin on the ukulele with Hawaii influenced singer/songwriter Colbie Caillat.

Colbie Caillat

Justin Young

One Foot On Sand (2003)	Demo Sessions (2005)	All Attached (2007)

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Photo: Aloha Friday Rainbow Over Kauai

V.Brown — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:00:56 +0000

Kauai

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Battleship Missouri Gets a Facelift

April M. Williams — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:45:16 +0000

On October 14, 2009 four tug boats pulled and prodded the 54,889-ton Battleship Missouri two miles to dry dock for a facelift. Restoration specialists will work around the clock for the next three months as the USS Missouri (BB-63) benefits from an $18 million dollar preservation effort. Work will include painting and patching leaks in the hull, installing anti-corrosion systems as well as upgrading plumbing, sewage and electrical systems. Chains will replace the worn rope mooring lines. The ship will have a new tent installed on the fantail to host events. The USS Missouri Memorial Association funded this project through donations, admission fees and product sales.

USS Missouri (BB-63) arrives at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Mark Logico/Released

Mighty Mo is one of several historic sites clustered within Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. An Iowa class battleship, she is 997 feet long and 209 feet high from keel to mast. Original equipment included nine 16 inch guns and twenty 5 inch anti-aircraft guns. She could reach speeds of over 30 knots (35 mph).

The Missouri saw plenty of action in 50 years of service. Earning 11 battle stars, she was the last battleship ever commissioned by the United States government. Built in the Brooklyn New York Navy Yard and christened by Mary Margaret Truman on January 29, 1944 she sailed in time to join the Pacific Fleet during World War II. During her tour of the Pacific Theater she fought in the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. She was in Okinawa when attacked by a Kamikaze pilot who left a lasting dent on her aft starboard side that is still visible today. Perhaps the most memorable event occurred on Sept 2, 1945 in Tokyo Bay. The formal Japanese surrender and signing of the Japanese–Armistice that ended World War II took place on the Missouri. A commemorative brass plaque embedded in the ship’s teak deck now marks the historic spot.

A key force in the Korean War, the Missouri was the first American ship to arrive in support of the Korean Republic. She sailed into the Korean peninsula and served there from 1950 to 1953. The nine 16 inch guns launched 2,700 pound shells a distance of up to 23 miles. The ship was decommissioned in 1955, destined for the Pacific Reserve Fleet and possibly the scrap yard. In 1986, however, the Mighty Mo was re-commissioned and retrofitted with the most advanced technology available at the time, including Tomahawk missile launchers. In 1990, she took on Iraq and Kuwait targets in “Operation Desert Storm“.

On the 50th anniversary of the December 7, 1941 attack, the Missouri made its final voyage, leading an armada into Pearl Harbor. America’s last active battleship was decommissioned once again in 1992. In 1998, she was donated to the USS Missouri Memorial Association, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to her preservation. The ship was then opened to the public as a museum, a memorial to our people and history, exactly 55 years after she was launched. Her position in Battleship Row off Ford Island honors and watches over the men of the USS Arizona who were entombed below the water just yards away on December 7, 1941. These two ships symbolize the beginning and end of World War II in the Pacific Theater.

The USS Missouri receives over 400,000 visitors who tour the ship each year. The battleship is expected to return to her position on Battleship Row in January 2010.

Designing the Missouri took 175 tons of blueprint paper. The ship was built in three years and required over 3 million man-days to complete the job.
For comparison’s sake, the Missouri is 279 feet longer and 11 feet wider than the USS Arizona. The Mighty Mo is also 5 feet longer and 18 feet wider than the RMS Titanic.
Just how big is the Missouri? If you could stand the ship on end, it would be 332 feet taller than the Washington Monument.
The nine 16-inch guns are the Mighty Mo’s trademark feature. Each gun barrel is approximately 67 feet long, weighs an incredible 116 tons, and can fire a 2,700-pound shell 23 miles in 50 seconds — with pinpoint accuracy.
The Missouri was the last U.S. battleship to be launched and the last to be decommissioned. She was also the most formidable. In addition to her massive firepower capabilities, she possessed thick steel armor plating that protected the hull (13.5 inches), the gun turrets (17 inches in front; 13 inches on the sides), the citadel (17 inches), and the conning tower sides (17.3 inches).

USS Missouri via 808Talk on Flickr

Video: Timelapse - Mighty Mo entering drydock via Honolulu Advertiser/USA Today

About this guest blogger:
April M. Williams is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and a great friend of 808Talk.

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Da Kitchen Hawaiian Cafe - Maui

V.Brown — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:25:32 +0000

Da Wall at Da Kitchen - Kihei, Maui

Da Kitchen Hawaiian Cafe

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Photo: Big Island Is Waiting For You

V.Brown — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 10:45:59 +0000

The Big Island (Hawaii)

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Short Film “One Night” To Show At HIFF 2009

V.Brown — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 06:20:14 +0000

Homelessness is explored in the winning short film One Night, as part of last month’s Showdown in Chinatown special competition “How do you see Chinatown”. The judging panel described One Night as “compelling throughout” and overall “a very good film, first rate.” It also said the film “gave great sense of Chinatown, put human face on homelessness”.

The seven-minute short film was both written and directed by first time Showdown in Chinatown participant, Misa Tupou. He and other filmmakers were given just under a month to write, shoot, and edit their story on how they see Chinatown Honolulu. This competition had extra incentives for the winner as their film would be included as part of the Chinatown Film Project YouTube channel. Locally, the winning film becomes part of the Hawai’i International Film Festival at an outdoor screening event on October 23rd in Chinatown.

This special “How do you see Chinatown” competition is a collaborative effort between Showdown in Chinatown, the Hawai’i International Film Festival and the Chinatown Film Project.

Chinatown Film Project: http://www.mocanyc.org/chinatown_film_project
Hawai’i International Film Festival: http://www.hiff.org
Showdown in Chinatown: http://www.showdowninchinatown.com

Interviews or more information please contact Misa Tupou: 808-721-6942

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Photo: Time To Set Sail

V.Brown — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 18:55:03 +0000

Outrigger Catamaran

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Video: Steve Hott - Here For You

V.Brown — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 20:10:12 +0000

Steve Hott - Here For You

Local Bad Ass Coffee owner Steve Hott rockin out his new single! Who said they don’t know how to rock on the rock (Hawaii)! Download the “Here For You” single here: http://urltea.me/09v

Steve Hott Official Site: http://www.stevehott.com
Steve Hott on Twitter: http://twitter.com/stevehott
Steve Hott on MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/stevehott
Steve Hott on Facebook: http://facebook.com/steve.hott

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Photo: Aloha In The Sand

V.Brown — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 18:21:49 +0000

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Photo: Haleiwa - North Shore

V.Brown — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 18:37:01 +0000

Go North Shore

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Laie Lady and The Haunted Lagoon

V.Brown — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 02:30:58 +0000

This past Monday I was invited to check out the second annual “Haunted Lagoon” feature at the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) during a complimentary preview to experience the spookiest and most frightful event that Hawaii has to offer.

Hawaii is filled with plenty of haunting tales and one of these tales just happens to be the tale of the Laie Lady who is a frequent visitor to the PCC grounds on dark nights, incessantly searching for her child she left behind or her killer; no one knows for sure. In October strangely enough the sightings are even more frequent and for us it was also true during the last few days of September as well.

So what happened that night? At the expense of scaring you to much I have condensed the half hour fright night canoe ride into a short subtle explanation to eliminate myself as the cause of your nightmares. Read along more if you think you can handle it.

It was a dark and dreary night when we arrived at the PCC with clouds overcast, a coolness in the air and the bright rays of the moon peaking just over the mountains overlooking Laie. Having no fear we proceeding on to the canoe landing and waited our turn to venture down the Laie waters and into the lagoon in hopes of spotting the mysterious Laie Lady. In just a few short minutes of leaving the safety of shore, we had made it to the lagoon. It was spooky and dark and the fog was rolling in. Off in the distance we heard an eerie sound and suddenly out of no where the Laie Lady appeared! It was frightful and when she seen us she started making her way over to our canoe. We quickly tried to escape and she disappeared below the water. Just as we thought we were safe we heard a splash in the rear of the canoe and there she was trying to reach in and pull us under. We had children in the canoe so perhaps she thought we had her child! We struggled and streamed and quickly got away. Next we continued on our journey of trying to escape. It was to much and we knew we had crossed the line and were in to deep. Barely making it back to the landing we encountered even more frightful things than I can even mention. The Laie Lady was not alone!

Polynesian Cultural Center Haunted Lagoon

I am thankful to this day that I am here and able to speak and write of this frightful experience and if you are a brave soul such as myself, then take a chance and see if you can get a closer look at the Laie Lady. Just remember, whatever you do: DON’T BE SEEN!

The Haunted Lagoon experience at the Polynesian Cultural Center opens tomorrow Friday October 2nd and runs four days a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday) from 6:30 to 9:00 PM until October 31st. The canoe ride features a keiki version that the whole family can enjoy, and a meandering, spookier version for those with a braver soul. I also recommend being prepared to get wet if the Laie Lady spots you. She wants nothing more than to find her child and lover and will let nothing stand in her way. Be warned and beware…the fright awaits you!

Dates:

October 2 to 31 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Four Days a Week (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays Only!)

Pricing:

$25.00 Adult (ages 16 and up)
$15.00 Kids (ages 5 to 15)
FREE Kids Under 5
FASTPASS is available (VIP line) for: $45 adult / $35 kids

Kama’aina (Hawaii Residents) Pricing:

$15.00 Adult (ages 16 and up)
$10.00 Kids (ages 5 to 15)
FREE Kids Under 5
FASTPASS is available (VIP line) for: $30 adult / $20 kids

For more info call 808-293-3333 or visit www.hauntedlagoon.com

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Video: Anuhea Jams at Kahala Mall

V.Brown — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 21:05:06 +0000

Anuhea Jams at Kahala Mall

Anuhea on iTunes

Anuhea Official Site: http://www.anuheajams.com
Anuhea on Twitter: http://twitter.com/anuheajams
Anuhea on MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/anuheajams
Anuhea on Facebook: http://facebook.com/anuheajenkins

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Photo: The Coast at Kahanu Gardens - Maui

V.Brown — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 21:35:43 +0000

Kahanu Gardens

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Photo: Hawaii - Wish You Were Here

V.Brown — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 12:45:17 +0000

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Ohana Walking Tours Brings Hawaii History to Life

April M. Williams — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 11:25:14 +0000

Did you know the Iolani Palace had electric lights and telephone service before the White House and Buckingham Palace? Are you interested in Hawaiian mythology? Looking for an interesting way to spend a weekend morning in Honolulu? If you would like to learn more about Honolulu history, check out the Ohana Walking Tours in downtown Honolulu Saturday and Sunday mornings from 9-11 AM. Ohana is the Hawaiian word for family and your whole gang can join in on these excursions.

Ohana Walking Tours invited our ohana to a Sunday morning jaunt with tour guide Richard Wong, a local expert on the olden days. Richard’s family has lived in Honolulu for five generations. As a young history buff, Richard researched accounts of Honolulu, Oahu and surrounding islands. Over the years he has amassed a vast collection of antique glass bottles through excavation of abandoned buildings and demolished properties. As a Honolulu police officer he often had official access into government buildings and marveled at their splendor.

808Talk Checks Out Ohana Walking Tours

We began our two-hour tour at the famous golden Kamehameha Statue on King Street in downtown Honolulu just across from Iolani Palace. It was easy to identify our guide by the Ohana Walking Tours logo on his shirt. Richard began by telling us about his family’s long history on the island of O’ahu. The tour covers Hawaii history from ancient mythology to current events. Richard covered many topics including:

Four major Gods of nature:
- Kane - God of all
- Kanaloa - God of the sea
- Lono - God of agriculture
- Ku - God of war
Captain Cook’s celebrated landing on the islands and his ultimate demise
Key battles and unification of the islands
History of the Hawaiian monarchy and the only Royal Palace in the United States
Benefactors of Hawaii schools and State Library
Architectural insights

As amateur history buffs ourselves, we were impressed with the quantity and quality of information Richard shared with us. He is an articulate orator and storyteller who kept our attention throughout the tour. When I looked at my watch, it seemed hard to believe two hours had flown by. Richard related these tales to us without use of notes.

Ohana Walking Tours: Video Tutorial

Ohana Tours recommends you call to make advance reservations though if you find yourself downtown on Saturday or Sunday around 9AM, stop by the Kamehameha Statue and look for the tour guide. To make reservations or to learn more visit http://www.ohanatours.org.

About this guest blogger:
April M. Williams is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and a great friend of 808Talk.

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Photo: Maui Backyard View

V.Brown — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 23:45:05 +0000

Maui Backyard View

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Photo: Sea Turtle Relaxation

V.Brown — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:05:29 +0000

Sea Turtle Relaxation

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Photo: Kekaha Beach Kauai

V.Brown — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 12:10:42 +0000

Kekaha Beach

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808T E.138 - Hello Aloha

V.Brown — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 02:30:10 +0000

Hello and Aloha! Yes once again it’s been quite a while since we put out a show, but we are back. Today we wanted to introduce you to the new show “Ha Breath of Life” at the Polynesian Cultural Center. We recently had the pleasure of being the guest of PCC during a social media night experience. This also included the wonderful Ali’i Luau as well as receiving a back stage tour given to us by one of the center’s greatest tour guides, “Cousin T” from Tonga. Music in today’s show includes a NEW track from our friend Kenneth Makuakane. As always, remember we love to hear from our wonderful 808Talk listeners so be sure and leave us a comment below.

Featured Sponsor:

Intro Music By Darin Leong (Buy: iTunes)
Sponsored By Buzz Hawaii, Hawaii Vacations by Expedia.com and Hilo Hattie
Fly Hawaiian Airlines for inter-island and U.S. West Coast travel

Show Length: 31:39

00:14 Intro
03:14 “Aloha” By Fat Joe (Buy: iTunes)
06:40 “Cousin T” Talks: Ha Breath of Life
- Ha Breath of Life on YouTube
- Ha Breath of Life on Flickr
16:23 “I Breathe” By Kenneth Makuakane (Buy: iTunes)
20:16 808Talk Writer: April M. Williams
22:32 “Ultimate Insult LIVE” By Anuhea (Buy: iTunes)
28:20 Closing (Forum, Vote, APN, HAP, 808TTV, Flickr, YouTube)

Listen: 808T E.138 - 09/20/2009 (29.1MB)

Ha Breath of Life: The Story

Mahalo
V.Brown

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