I’m at the Luxury Travel Expo in Las Vegas and will connecting with some of  Hawaii’s finest establishments!

Meeting with the finer properties of Hawaii at the expo as well as activities, shopping, dining and resorts with golfing!

A Hui Ho…

Ants and millipedes, spooky spiders, even cockroaches become friends after a day at the Hawaiʻi Nature Center. Their mission: to help you fall in love with the outdoors. Their method: forest hikes, stream investigations, beach explorations, or just plain digging in the dirt.

Because it takes a lot to keep the forest from reclaiming the cleared spaces of nature’s classroom, volunteers are a much-appreciated resource for the center. On Oʻahu, this can mean help with vine eradication, landscaping and gardening, or restoration of the loʻi kalo (taro patch). Or join their monthly Pouhala Marsh workdays, where volunteers maintain habitat areas for wetlands birds, particularly the endangered aeʻo (Hawaiian stilt).

Check back weekly to see what’s happening at Hawaiʻi Nature Center this month. Or contact Volunteer Program Manager Pauline Kawamata, volunteer@hawaiinaturecenter.org.

(Hawaiʻi Nature Center also has programs on Maui, in the dramatic Iʻao Valley—see their website for more: www.hawaiinaturecenter.org.)

Well, you had to know this was coming. What’s a trip to Hawaii without beaches? Not much, I’m here to tell you. Here are a few of our favorites on the island of Oahu.

Some of the most gorgeous shorelines you’ll find anywhere are along the southeastern coast of Oahu just passed Hanauma Bay heading northeast. The colors on this part of the island are blinding. We stopped at several pullouts along Kalanianaole Highway to snap pictures and enjoy the sunshine.

The shoreline along Kalanianaole Highway

The shoreline along the Kalanianaole Highway

While stopped at this pullout, we got to see the beach where the famous love scene in From Here to Eternity was filmed. You would really have to want to get to that beach to climb down the lava cliff it takes to get there. But gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous.

The beach from Here to Eternity

A few miles further on, we stopped to see (and, of course, take pictures of) the Halona Blowhole.

The Halona Blowhole

Thar she blows!

The Halona Blowhole

No, Ruth. We’re not in Kansas anymore…we’re not in Missouri, either.

Shoreline along the Kalanianaole Highway

At the beach in the picture below, signs warn people to stay out of the water unless they are expert swimmers and/or surfers. The waves here looked enormous–at least, they did until we got to the North Shore–even so, I wouldn’t ignore the signs!

Wawamalu Beach - also called Sandy Beach

Further up the shoreline, we stopped to take pictures of Kaohikaipu Island (also called Rabbit Island–don’t ask me why–they told us when I was there last winter, but I don’t remember the details) and the Makapuu Point Lighthouse.

Kaohikaipu Island is also called Rabbit Island

Makapuu Point Lighthouse

Unfortunately, our stops at all these gorgeous beaches were for photo ops only, no swimming. That changed a few days later when Janie, Carey, and I spent the morning snorkeling and swimming at Hanauma Bay…even though there were jellyfish warnings posted.

Danger, Will Robinson! Run away! Run away!

Really. Jellyfish warning signs. Apparently, when park personnel arrived that morning to open the bay to the public, they found close to 200 Portuguese Man o’ War jellyfish washed up onto the beach. Oooooo. Good thing we left Carole in Honolulu. But Hanauma Bay is absolute Paradise. How could we possibly NOT get in? So we did, and we didn’t see a single jellyfish…except on the signs.

Hanauma Bay in all its glory

Hanauma Bay is essentially an enormous natural aquarium, a protected ecosystem where sea lions, turtles, and spinner dolphins frolic year round. In the winter, particularly in February, Hanauma Bay becomes a prime spot for whale watching.

Hanauma Bay

Hanauma Bay

Although Janie, Carey, and I failed to spot sea lions, turtles, or dolphins, we did see hundreds of brightly colored fish that swam around within inches of us as we skimmed over the reefs where they live. We also saw Hawaii’s state fish, the humuhumunukunukaupua’a. Seriously. The humuhumunukunukaupua’a. You can find t-shirts everywhere with its name printed across the front…around the side…across the back…around the other side…

The beach at Hanauma Bay

We also enjoyed the sand, the sunshine, a snooze, the sound of the waves, the incredibly blue sky…another snooze.

The view from Janie's beach blanket

Heaven. Pure heaven.

]]> http://damontucker.com/2009/11/30/medal-of-honor-recipient-captain-thomas-j-hudner-jr-usn-ret-to-be-honored-at-pacific-aviation-museum/ Tue, 01 Dec 2009 04:35:44 +0000 Damon http://damontucker.com/2009/11/30/medal-of-honor-recipient-captain-thomas-j-hudner-jr-usn-ret-to-be-honored-at-pacific-aviation-museum/ http://marydwithchildren.wordpress.com/2009/11/30/further-hawaiian-adventures-pearl-harbor/ Tue, 01 Dec 2009 04:10:23 +0000 Mary http://marydwithchildren.wordpress.com/2009/11/30/further-hawaiian-adventures-pearl-harbor/

From the beginning, Pearl Harbor was at the top of Ruth’s list of sites to visit in Hawaii. For good reason. She knew three of the young men who died on the USS Arizona the morning of December 7, 1941. Nothing–including her fear of water–was going to deter her from visiting the memorial and paying her respects. The somber atmosphere is palpable from the moment you pull into the parking lot.

Entering the Memorial Visitor Center

The launch over to the Memorial

The Memorial out in the harbor

The Memorial perched over the sunken Arizona

The entrance to the Memorial

The ambiance surrounding the Memorial is one of silent respect.

Inside the Memorial

Thanks to the leis that Janie and Darrell treated us to upon our arrival in Honolulu, we had gorgeous flowers with which to honor the three brave Kansas farm boys who perished along with more than 1,100 other servicemen and civilians.

De-stringing our leis

Remembering

Petals floating above the submerged ship

The list of men killed that morning covers one end of the memorial. You cannot helped but be overwhelmed by the loss the wall represents. As the mother of a young adult son and aunt of six young adult nephews–one of whom is a navy veteran–I could hardly breathe.

The wall of names

I can’t believe it’s been nearly a month since my last post. Which reminds me, if any of you are within the sound of my voice the next time I idiotically tell my traveling companions, “Oh, I’ll organize all our pictures,” you must promise me to grab the nearest newspaper, roll it up as tightly as you can, and give me a good, solid smack. Turns out, between the five of us, we took nearly 1,400 picture, and that doesn’t count the five full DVDs worth of video that Carole shot. Thankfully, making something of Carole’s footage is a project for another day. As it was, compiling the photos, organizing them chronologically, labeling them, and getting them burned onto DVDs for everyone took forever. It didn’t help that my nearly six-year-old computer was waaaay too low on memory and was making threatening-to-explode noises the whole time. I got a wicked new computer out of the deal, but that’s a story for another day. Anyway, the good news is the pictures are done. Finally. And I’m anxious to share the last half of our Hawaiian adventures with you.

The last time I wrote, I believe we’d just arrived in Honolulu. While not all of the pictures I’m sharing in this post were taken on the same day, together they give you a good overview of where we stayed in Waikiki. In subsequent postings, I’ll take you to Pearl Harbor, some of Oahu’s beaches, and then to the North Shore. In my final post on Hawaii, I’ll share some of the photos we took of the glorious sunsets we were lucky enough to enjoy…then, I’m going to tackle the videos. Sigh.

The first picture is the entrance to our condo, a 50-yard long arbor draped with orchids. Ahhhhh.

The entrance to our condo in Waikiki

Our view off the lanai was both beautiful and entertaining. For example, the morning after Halloween, the beach was littered with revelers who’d chosen to just lie where they’d fallen the night before. Most days, we enjoyed watching the surfers, the paddle-boarders, and the variety of ships and small watercraft that were ever present. Unfortunately, we couldn’t hear the surf over the other noises of the city.

Waikiki Beach down below our balcony

The pinkish-color building in this photo is The Royal Hawaiian which was one of the first two hotels to open on Waikiki Beach in the late 1920s. Besides its iconic appearance, The Royal Hawaiian is famous for being the home of the world’s first mai tai and Shirley Temple cocktails. I have nothing to report concerning the latter, but I can tell you without hesitation that a Royal Hawaiian mai tai takes no prisoners. And that’s all I saying about that.

The Royal Hawaiian, home of the world's first mai tai

At one point, we tied a brightly colored shirt on the railing of our lanai so we could tell which lanai was ours. Unfortunately, we didn’t get a picture of it and counting up that high makes me dizzy. You can just guess where we were.

The Waikiki Beach Tower, our condo, from the street below

Our view of Waikiki Beach at street level was just as entertaining as from high above. You see all kinds and people from all over the world. Thankfully, we saw very few thongs or Speedos.

Activity at Waikiki Beach in front of our condo

This guy is Duke Kahanamoku, the most famous surfer and swimmer in Hawaii…ever. He was also an eel wrestler. According to the January 29, 1913, issue of the Long Beach Press, Duke wrestled a ten-foot eel “to the death,” losing the index finger on his right hand in the process. Clearly a stud muffin of the highest order. Today, he stands watch over Waikiki, holding leis and taking pictures of tourists from a video camera posted high on a pole in front of him.

The Duke on the beach at Waikiki

Walking along Kalakaua Avenue, the street that runs parallel to the beach, is a study in juxtaposition. Sunbathers in flip flops (or slippas, as the natives call them) stroll beach tote-to-Prada bag with shoppers in three-inch stilettos. Name any high-end retailer in the Western world. It’s on Kalakaua Avenue, right next to a McDonald’s, Burger King, or ABC convenience store. Hmmmmm.

Walking along Kalakaua Avenue, the street that runs parallel to Waikiki Beach

One of our last mornings in Waikiki, Mother Nature treated us to a rainbow that started downtown and arced right out into the water. Stunning!

A Waikiki rainbow

A Waikiki rainbow

Next, our trip to Pearl Harbor. Aloha!

This video is about Erma. Erma is a Hawaiian Monk Seal. In November Erma came one day to the beach in Waikiki. The point, where Erma diceded to spend her day at the beach is called Queen´s Surf. It is at the Kapiolani Park . Of course a lot of people were watching Erma this day, who took a loooooong nap there.

The Monk Seal Response Team took care of Erma this day. And here is an interview with one of the volunteers. Besides, this was the first interview with the Mino Flip HD (8 GB). Ok, and now listen and watch…

Since moving to Hawaii, I have had the opportunity to meet some extremely amazing people. One in particular is a girl named Noelani. She is a single mom/model/jewelry designer/entrepreneur extraordinaire! She makes it happen and not under simple circumstances. Having the luxury of living in paradise is definitely keeping her motivated to succeed.

All of her jewelry is handmade here in Hale’iwa Hawaii. A small amazing town on the north shore of Oahu. You have to see her designs, they are the perfect depiction of Hawaii through the eyes of an artist.

I hope to be able to work with her on a few shoots before I have to leave paradise. But I really wanted to give you all an opportunity to see how amazingly beautiful her designs are. She makes beauty in some of the simplest forms. Please check out her stuff and show her some support by leaving your thoughts and well wishes!

These are also great things to give for Christmas. Authentic handmade jewelry from paradise.

See her Website.

Here are some of her designs if you decide not to visit her site for a moment.

Open Heart Earrings

Mother of pearl heart and 14K Gold Fill or Sterling Silver chains.

Brittany

Wire hoop with turquoise beads and dangling coral (found on the beach!)

Madeline

An adjustable charm bracelet of freshwater pearls, mother of pearl beads, tiger’s eye, and other stones on 14K Gold or Sterling Silver chain. Lobster clasp attached.

Malia

Large turquoise oval with goldstone beads and chain tassle on adjustable 29 inch 14K Gold Fill or Sterling Silver chain with a lobster clasp. Length: about 29 inches.

Tiarra

Champagne colored, white or black freshwater pearls adorn a 14K Gold Fill wire half-moon pendant on an 18 inch 14K Gold Fill or Sterling Silver chain. (Personally I LOVE this necklace! -Aub)

Leilani

Pink mother of pearl starfish on an 18 inch chain with toggle clasp.

Joy

Pineapple quartz teardrop on a 16 inch or 18 inch 14K Gold Fill or Sterling Silver chain.

There are so many more amazing pieces on her website so please do check it out. These are all great ideas for Christmas gifts as well.

Click here for her website!

感恩施加摩尼佛从兜率天曾降世为我们说正法。 感恩药师玻璃光如来的十二大愿。感恩我住在夏威夷，美国最有佛教的州。感恩我住在瓦胡岛，夏威夷群岛之最有佛教宗派的岛。感恩我住瓦胡岛北海岸，该岛之最美丽的地区。感恩我所有参加的佛教宗派，尤其是佛光山中心、唐人街的观音庙、还有（日本）哈雷一瓦净土宗传道部。

NAMO BHAGAVATE BHAISAJAYA-GURU-VAIDURYA-PRABHA-RAJAYA
TATHAGATAYA
Xing Ping

Ssshh…Livewire hosts the silent release of the Aquadust mix CD. Come to the booth See you @ Pipeline.

Another view of the gorgeous mountains of the Koolau Range on Oahu is off my easel and waiting for its protective varnish coat and frame. I’m so thrilled that it’s finished, I want to show it to you.

On Sunday we found some time to relax. Here’s a familiar scene of repose at the beach: DH and Alice Brown by the sea.

Sunday at the Beach

Copyright 2009 Rebekah Luke

A Swedish sailor, known as “Diamond Head Charlie” raised his daughter alone here–his Hawaiian wife had died four months after childbirth. He served at the station for thirty years, until his death in 1907.

I saw this sand crab in September on Kokololio Beach on Oahu.

There is a vastness out there and he’s just a-focusing on his little hole.  The ocean rushes up from time to time, and seems to erase his best efforts.  That Pacific drowns out the hole and fills it back with sand, but he keeps plugging away.

Kokololio Crab

This little guy intrigued me the moment I noticed him and he still does.  He makes me wish I’d gotten a better, tighter photo. But I’m new to photography so I had no idea really what I was doing.  For instance, I’d begun taking photos like this:

All brown, no perspective

Learning something new:…it’s like digging that hole and then being swamped unexpectedly by doubt, lack of motivation, restlessness, illness…

But to remember: I think, cultivating our art – whether it be writing, photography, blogging, cooking, mentoring (you get the idea) – helps us see. Gives us perspective. Gives our mighty digging its own reward. And whatever our personal Pacific is: learning to persevere on our little spot of sand is a great day at the beach!