Maui Ocean Center Awarded One Of The 25 Top Aquariums in the Naiton

Each year TripAdvisor holds its annual Travelers' Choice Awards as a part of the publications Travelers' Choice List.  This is the second year in a row that one of Maui's own, Maui Ocean Center in Ma'alaea, Maui has been awarded among the Top 25 Best Aquariums in the United States. It is currently rated at 13 out of 25 and Maui Ocean Center is thrilled to receive this award. 

The award is awarded by travelers from all over the world who have visited and have be able to create memories from their experience at the Aquarium.

Maui Ocean Center is dedicated to showcasing the unique beauty of Hawaii's marine life and ecosystems. It exhibits animals living in closely replicated habitats as their natural ecosystems. Marine life in over 60 exhibits are showcased. Many of the animals showcased are only found in Hawaii; nowhere else in the world.

The Aquarium features one of the largest collections of live coral in the nation, Hawai'i reef fish, sea turtles, octopus, and eels. There is also outdoor touch pools, an exhibit of jellyfish that is just amazing. There is also a 54-foot acrylic tunnel through a 750,000 gallon open ocean exhibit with 240 degree view acrylic tunnel that guides visitors through the ocean depths, exploring the pelagic fish, sharks and rays.

The Maui Ocean Center is one of the most amazing places to take your keiki and family to enjoy the day. Check their website at www.mauioceancenter.com for special educational events and kiddie  stuff all thru the year. Personally it has been one of our families favorite to visit. Enjoy!!!

The Sides of Homelessness

I guess no matter where we live whether here or in the Mainland there will always be homelessness. Recently I read a short article regarding Maui's homeless count this year being at 1137 which is a  12% increase as to last year. With the high price in rentals with in the past few years it is understandable that many are homeless.

MauiNow.com

I know that usually I look to the positive side of living in Maui  but there is like anywhere else  a positive and negative side to it. What caused me to decide to write on this subject was a visit to one of our food banks yesterday.

Everyone at some time has a hard time and the Food Bank thru the years have helped many of us. Well visiting, there was a couple who was standing in line waiting who had said they had just become homeless again. Yes, for anyone this is a very hard thing to deal with. But, this man was more positive to his new situation. I must say I gave him a lot of credit for it.

PhotoCredit:MauiNow.com

When thinking about it, to many of us homeless or not Maui is our home. For homeless on Maui they are not homeless, just house less. Yes, living in a house brings stability but for some even those with mental illness, the cost of living is a major stress especially in Hawaii and there are not enough resources to assist them. Living in a home brings some of the luxuries of life that many take advantage. But, being house less leaves you with less stress of struggling to make the ends that some here can't meet.

PhotoCredit:EmpowerMaui.net

Let me draw a virtual picture that will give a better understanding. Have you ever gone camping or slept in your car while camping? Just so you could get a break from stress, have fun at the beach or just enjoy the 'aina(land)? Can you remember watching the waves on the beach, or swimming, fishing, diving, or other while you were there? How about enjoying the sunset, sunrise, being under the moon and stars at night and just enjoying not just the view but the sounds around you? It is one of the most greatest blessings, means of stress relief, and healing given by God. Plainly, it's enjoying life, and living it to the fullest, loving what god has given us.

Papalaua Wayside Park

Yes, you may struggle some living off of food stamps, going to food banks, soup kitchens, places such as Salvation Army and Family Life Center for a free shower, sometimes free clothes, and maybe a place to sleep sometimes, along with the programs that help you get on your feet or keep you going.

Here on an Island such as Maui which gives us the opportunity to live and in some ways enjoy what the old Hawaiians did.It is sad thou that because Maui is an island and tourism is its may means of income so the government has made it difficult for those that are homeless and try to live off the 'aina as before. Yes, we share our aloha and are proud of showing our home. But just as any other State in the United States and around the world you must accept the fact that unless there is enough shelter there will always be homeless. The local people will revert to the old ways of life as a means to survive.

Negative point to homelessness is the judgemental views of others, the treatment from some of the government agencies, and police officers. Maui's police have a duty to protect and serve everyone. Homelessness is not a crime it is a tragedy for some and an means to heal for others. Yes, there are a few that chose to live that way. But how can you blame them when we have such a beautiful island? It is a hardship when homeless have to worry about harassment for being where they are or living off of the land as they do by others who just don't understand or officers who some are there to check on your safety while others are there to find a way to ticket you and make you pay somehow for your circumstances. Thus again, unless at a shelter there is literally no where for a homeless person to stay. And again Maui cannot accommodate those with shelter as there is a lack.

Thou that is the main views to homelessness there is the other case of drug use as many tend to use it as a means to keep themselves safe from theft, and harassment. Understand that its not the homeless that live in the area that are the problem but those that come around to use the area as a means to transaction.  Homeless just need a place to stay and peace of mind.

Understanding, accepting, and living with Aloha will change your perspective. Live life to the fullest, Enjoying what is around you, and Love everyone with Aloha! That is what living Maui style is all about.

Live Aloha!

What Are Your Plans For Summer 2015?

Now that graduation is over and school's out, it's a time for not just parents but pretty much anyone to figure out what to do to enjoy the hot months.  Many parents work so programs such as Kama'aina Kids, Summer Pals, and the YMCA come in handy. But some of us use the time to spend quality time with our kids.

Personally, there is swimming in the Iao Stream that we as young kids very much so enjoyed. There was also Twin Falls, and the hike up to Waihee stream to swim as well. My kids enjoy diving off the rocks and waterfalls.

Others prefer to take their kids to the beach and enjoy the sun and salt water. Bonus to that would be some of the most beautiful sunsets around. On the beach kids enjoy body boarding, surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, and skim boarding. Others enjoy sunbathing.

Then there are others that enjoy the sport of diving, scuba diving, fishing, spearfishing(which is part of our hawaiian culture) and diving off the rocks. It is enjoyable to see the underwater life and for some its a way of survival as some of us enjoy eating fish.

Family reunions for may also is planned around the summer. Many of us have a certain spot that the families have come together for years to spend time, meet the newest members, enjoy the new additions of keiki that are added every year as the generations go on. Another favorite summer family activity of course is camping. A place to connect with the sky, water, stars, and sand in your toes depending on where you camp.

Personally, our family enjoys all if it but as a tradition we started from when our children were little making a point of taking them to Hana and around the back thru Kaupo. On this trip we would spend a little time at each of the waterfalls and ponds to swim. We would then eat lunch at the Hana harbor and drive further out to seven sacred pools for out last swim before we head out towards Kaupo side and out thru Kula to go home.

Another personal favorite we do yearly would be to drive to the top of Haleakala Summit to enjoy the Sunrise and the extra cold weather. The sunrises are pretty but personally I really like the sunsets. A drive to Haleakala before going into Hana is also a nice trip to take. Oh, and don't for get while you are up there to stop and the famous Komoda's bakery for some of their awesome pastries and cakes.

The other trip we enjoy is the trip to Kahakuloa with is the head of the island of Maui. We take the kids on a windy narrow road which a little past the small town becomes a one car road on a very high cliff. Pass that point and further out we have some of the most nicest beaches such as Honolua bay, and DT Flemmings beach park.

After spending the time past Kapalua at the beach eating lunch and sometimes dinner. We enjoy the sunset before we head home.  Going back through Lahaina town just about wraps everything up on a day worth remembering.

With that being said I hope you find your way to enjoying your summer with your family on this beautiful island we call Maui.

Have A Nice Summer!!!

Hamoa Beach Park Listed on Dr. Beach's 2015 Top 10 Beach List

Hamoa Beach Park  is located on the east side of Maui in Hana and is rimmed by cliffs, palm trees, and flowering greenery. This crescent shaped beach is a mixture of coral and lava sand and is the most famous of Maui's Hana beaches. 

Getting to this remote beach takes you a little over two hours to drive on a long windy road on some high cliffs and few guardrails, not to mention 50 one-way bridges along with waterfalls. Thus the saying "I survived the road to Hana." 

Hamoa Beach Park, Maui, HI
Photo Creditor: Aloha-hawaii.org

For us locals, it's a one day family adventure that would start early in the day. We all look forward to the Hana Trip. Packing our favorite snacks and drinks, along with Lunch. Yes, the ride is windy, but the ride for us is like driving through country. Tall green trees, mountains, waterfalls, and blue ocean water, not to mention the stops to each of the ponds along the way for a swim.

Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, also known as "Dr. Beach", a professor at Florida International University has been selecting Top 10 Beaches in the United States annually for the past 25 years since 1991. This year two of our Hawaii beaches have made its place on the Top 10 List.  Waimanalo Bay Beach Park was listed as the number one beach for this year along with our very own, Hamoa Beach Park, which was listed number four. Last year it listed number five.

Top 10 Beaches 2015

1. Waimanalo Bay Beach Park, Oahu, HI
2. Barefoot Beach, Bonita Springs, FL
3. St. George Island State Park, FL
4. Hamoa Beach Park, Maui, HI
5. Cape Hatteras, Outer Banks of NC
6. Cape Florida State Park, Key Biscayne, FL
7. Coast Guard Beach , Cape Cod MA
8. Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Is., SC
9. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, Naples, FL
10. East Beach, Santa Barbara, CA

Waimanalo Bay Beach Park is located in the northeastern corner of Oahu and is often missed as tourist drive through the small village. Waimanalo Bay is Oahu's longest beach which extends for more than five miles; This white sand beach is great for walking and the wind always blows onshore due to Trade Winds.  It's also a good place for body boarding due to the shallow sandbar.

Waimanalo Bay Beach Park, Oahu, HI
Photo Creditor: TripAdvisor

National beaches that make it to the Top are then retired and listed on the website to giving other beaches a chance for first place. Fifty criteria are used to evaluate these beaches, which includes views, water, sand quality, as well as safety management.

Some of Hawaii's past winners that have been archived are:

Fleming Park Beach, Maui, HI

Hanalei Bay Beach, Kauai, HI

Hanauma Bay, Oahu, HI

Hapuna Beach State Recreational Area, Big Island, HI

Hulopoe Beach, Lanai, HI

Kaanapali, Maui, HI

Kailua Beach Park, Oahu, HI

Kapalua Bay Beach, Maui, HI

Kaunaoa Beach, Big Island, HI

Lanikai Beach, Oahu, HI

Poipu Beach, Kauai, HI

Wailea Beach, Maui, HI

Out of 25 years worth of lists I think not only Maui but Hawaii as a State is doing very well on the list. 

More emphasis is being placed on environmental management as well as safety. Bonus points are awarded for prohibition of smoking on beaches. Maui has recently made its first anniversary leading the way banning smoking as it is prohibited in all county parks, beaches, and recreational facilities. 

For more information on the 50 criteria used and also past beaches archived may be seen on Dr. Beach's website at:  www.drbeach.org. 

MayDay Is Lei Day In Hawaii

 May 1st,  is May Day.  In the state of Hawaii it is known as Lei Day in Hawaii.  It's a day that celebrates Hawaiian culture and focuses on the of a lei (flower wreath) as a symbol of aloha. It is a remembrance of the old spirit of Hawaii, the love for color, flowers, fragrance, and hospitality.

In Hawaii, we know May Day to be an all month event.  The reason for this is that each school celebrates their May Day or Ho'olaule'a on a different day so that all the families and friends get to witness the  event.  Kids spend months learning their song/dance to present it to everyone in a festive moment. Personally from a parent's point of view it is a time where you become the proudest to see their kids accomplishments.

Lei Day was created in 1928  by a writer and poet, Don Blanding, who wrote an article to the local paper suggesting that a holiday be created focusing on the Hawaiian custom of making and wearing of the lei. It was Grace Tower Warren who gave the idea of the holiday being set on May 1.  She was also the one who came up with the saying "May Day is Lei Day."  On this day, everyone is encouraged to wear a lei. Festivities are held with hula, music, lei making demonstrations and contests.

 May 1, 1929 was the first official holiday for the territory. In Oahu, this celebration is held at the Queen Kapiolani Park in Waikiki. As a tradition, dozens of entries are placed in the Royal Mausoleum the next morning.

This year, it is the 88th annual celebration. The celebration is held at Queen Kapiolani Park in Waikiki. Each year the festival takes place with  music, hula, lei making exhibits. Each island has a different way of celebrating this special day.

On Maui, celebrations are at the Bailey House Museum. There are free museum tours, arts and craft workshops, cultural demonstrations, food, and a lei contest. 

On the Big Island, the Hilo Lei Day Festival is held at the Kalakaua Park. There is music, the Lei Day Queen, hula, food, and lei making demonstrations.

Kauai Museum celebrates with music, hula, cultural demonstrations, food, crafts, and a silent auction.

Lanai celebrates this occasion with entertainment from Lanai High School & Elementary school.

Molokai celebrates also with music, entertainment, lei making and exchanging, not to mention food.

I think that the best part of Lei Day is to see the kids across the state celebrating May Day with their presentations, along with the Hawaiian court, hula, entertainment, music, food, and the traditional lei making contest.  It's a time for our keiki to learn a part of their culture thru hula, music, lei making, and food. 

                                

No matter which island you are on, Mayday is one of the first festive holidays that was celebrated. It is filled with ancient spirituality, and culture.  It's also one of the only places where old Hawaii is combined with modern day Hawaii.  Enjoy the festivities. "Happy May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii."

The Lahaina Banyan Tree

One of the most well known landmarks and also historical site in Lahaina is the Lahaina Banyan Tree. Recently it celebrated its 140th birthday. Not only is it the oldest tree in Hawaii, but one of the oldest trees in the United States.

Recently while writing a feature article on the Lahaina Banyan Tree I got to learn more about the history of this tree other than it simply being a landmark. The tree originated from India and was brought here by missionaries.  Sheriff William Owen Smith planted it to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first protestant mission to Lahaina.  Not only did it commemorate the first protestant missionaries but it also was the site of Kamehameha III birthday and was the celebration site of Hawaii's inclusion of the United States.

From when the tree was first planted at 8 feet tall until now, it has grown over 60 feet tall covering and estimated two-thirds of an acre with a dozen main trunks.  People have enjoyed its shade, children have climbed its limbs, artists have used it as a place to sell their artwork and crafts. Others have used it for photo opportunities, not to mention events.

As far as I can remember we would always stop to sit under the tree to enjoy the shade after walking Front Street, spend some time looking at the various arts and craft work displayed here. Yes, back then when we were younger it was a place for kids to climb the limbs of the tree but now being so old they encourage people to sit on the benches instead.

So, next time you are in Lahaina and either drive or stop by the Banyan Tree on Front Street hopefully you will remember why the tree was so special. Not only is it a landmark to us locals but  part of our history as well. 

Pretty Morning Colors

I am just so inspired by the morning colors. It is just such an awesome sight to start the day off with. The colors that come off of Haleakala Mountain in the morning is some of the most awe inspiring and just takes your breathe away.

Haleakala In The Morning

As we know the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. Everyone knows that some of the most beautiful sunrises are seen on the top of Haleakala. But as I've seen thru the years and have loved is the morning sunrises that you can enjoy from just about anywhere on Maui.

I so love the play of the morning colors and the clouds. Or how some days it may be perfectly clear with no clouds at all. What ever it may be it is just so refreshing.

Actually, I think sunrises and sunsets are the perfect beginning and end to any beautiful day.

Waiehu, Maui

Lahaina, Maui 6 A.M.

Waiehu, Maui

No matter how many times you see a sunrise from the same area or side of Maui it aways seems to amaze me as to what I will get to see the next morning. Hope you enjoyed my pictures. I may add more in the future. Maui No Ka Oi!!! Have an awesome day everyone. =)