The Hawaii Traveler

King’s Village is a delightful place to shop & dine in the heart of Waikiki.  Evoking the ambience of a bygone era, it is cleverly constructed allowing one to stroll around in an ever expanding spiral upwards to three levels and back to street level with ease.  It is a perfect place for a stroll with comfortable benches and tables & chairs scattered about, with several water-fountains/features providing delightful ambience.

Those who need a fast food fix will find that King’s Village is the only outlet in Waikiki for KFC & Burger King, along with one of the largest Subway sandwich shops in the area.  Those seeking more adventuresome fare will find Tanaka’s of Tokyo on the third floor a truly elegant place to unwind & dine at the end of the day.  Osho serves up Ramen & Gyzo on the ground floor, while many flocked to Odoriko for a variety of seafood & steak in a traditional Japanese setting and those opting for Americana take comfort in the Rock Island Café which serves up traditional hamburgers & malt shop specialties along with memorabilia from the 1950s through the ‘70s.  However the most unique and charming eatery is Cha No Ma on the second, a delight for all the senses from the moment one passes through their door, a place for Japanese & Taiwanese Tea & delicacies in a serene setting.

King’s Village is host to a variety of stores providing just about every gift item on one’s list of gifts to bless family & friends.  The Royal Peddler has been purveying Hawai’i’an Heirloom Jewelry, Music Boxes, Scrimshaw, Music Boxes and other elegant gifts since 1969.  Royal Selection provides fine European china & accessories and boasts of having one of the most extensive collections of Wedgewood giftware in the nation.  Between Worlds is an emporium of unique collectibles from all over the World.  Regal Décor is chock full of knickknacks including Teddy Bears by Anita, Hummel Figures from Germany, Limoges porcelain from France.

Apparel & Jewelry shops abound among them is Amy’s Corner nestled on the third floor, Honolulu Surf & Sports on the second floor, US Camp featuring military & police style clothing & accessories, Kiki Land has clothing for newborns to teens, Shining Star which aims to put glitter in your life with specialty clocks & bags & jewelry, Village Silver with a unique variety of silver jewelry, and many many more.

Tucked away on the third floor is the one of a kind Fukuro where one can have their fortune foretold for fun by Minoku who offers Japanese/Asian style readings by birth date and corresponding signs.

Now the reader might have the impression that they need to spend money to enjoy all that King’s Village has to offer but no, aside from the open air courtyards where one can sit a spell, there is an incredible bargain, a genuine freebie that very few are aware of.  Deep inside the Village is the King’s Guard Museum a treasure trove providing a look at the past.  Tucked away in display cases an amazing assortment of Glasses, Cups, Mugs, Napkins, Matchbooks, Stir-Sticks bearing the logos of bars & restaurants a few familiar many sadly long departed from these isles.  The museum has all sorts of neat items to ponder; newspaper bursting with the joy of ‘Statehood,’ books & magazines from a by gone era, coat hangers from laundries, Aloha shirts & Muumuus, clippings & snippets from the past, all on display for free.

King’s Village honors the Royal Hawai’i’an Guards whose story is on display in the museum, and there is a better known Waikiki Freebie, a changing of the guards ceremony & rifle drill demonstration daily at 6PM.  King’s Village is open every day from 9AM to 11PM, it is definitely worth a visit.

phto courtesy flicker dot com

I am fortunate to live on the beautiful Windward side of the island, but for the past few weeks not so fortunate because of the variable winds conditions resulting in stifling weather conditions.  I had been praying for the trades to come back and about to dump a glass of cold water on my head when it dawned on me, variable winds = good surf on the East-side!

Now when I mean “East-side” I  am referring to the East-side of the island of Oahu such as Kailua, Kaneohe, Ka’a'awa, Punalu’u, Hau’ula, Laie, and Kahuku.  I have been living on this side of the island in Kahalu’u for the past 7 years and I have been honored to surf some of these secret local breaks.  I exclude Sandy Beach and Makapu’u simply for the fact that there is currently a surf report done on these surf locations and they may be considered “East-side” breaks but there are no secrets here.  As for the rest of the areas for those who know where to go and when to go, these places can produce some of the best surf on the island with NO CROWDS!

To catch great surf on the East-side many factors must be just right.

#1. The right winds.

#2. Large swells generating from either the north or the south.

#3. The right tide.

#4. No hungry sharks around.

If one of these factors are just a little off the surf won’t be right and most times un-surfable.  I have driven out to a particular break many times and have not paddled out because the conditions were wrong.

There are also other factors to consider when thinking about surfing the East-side.   Firstly, most of the surf breaks cannot be seen by the untrained surfer eye.  The surf breaks are either so far out that most people don’t even notice surfers or to get to the break you have to go through parks or even people’s houses.  Next once you’ve found the break, there are no surf reports for any of the breaks from Kailua to Kahuku, so you must physically be standing in front of the break to know how it is.  Once you decide you should paddle out most of the East-side breaks have no formal parking area, so you must park your car at your own risk, which is usually on the side of the road or in a neighborhood.  Another thing to remember is that the locals who surf these spots don’t like foreigners (anyone else that didn’t grow up surfing there) so be prepared not to be welcomed and even hated on.

Lastly and most importantly, if you are lucky to spot a break with ideal conditions, find a parking, and decide to go out, understand that whatever wave size you think it is the actual height when you paddle out is usually twice that size and double the strength.  East-side breaks tend to be very deceiving and usually not in the new-comers favor.  East-side breaks tend to barrel on the reef and waves come with lots of speed and power behind it.  Trust me, over the years I have learned all these things out the hard way.

As I took the 20 minute paddle out to an undisclosed surf break this weekend I got into “serious surfer mode.”  After the stare down by the locals and without any smiling I took a spot off the peak out of the way.  Surfing with “east-siders” is one like no other.  There is a very different vibe with a focus on catching as many waves as possible and not getting killed on the reef.  These guys are about ripping it up, safety, and camaraderie, not about showing off, dropping in on someone, and bragging about it.  It was an amazing day with head high waves and some of the best glass-est surf I had seen in months and months.  Even I got a few choice waves and I even saw one smile come my way from a local.

I would like to warn tourists and new surfers of East-side breaks.  These spots aren’t for the light hearted and in my opinion because of all the sketchy variables the East-side can be a tougher place than North Shore.  I respect the locals in cherishing these untouched spots and will never publish the actual locations or names of the breaks that I have been to for fear of ruining their spots.  If you surf the East-side consider yourself lucky, always respect the locals and the beaches, and don’t forget to watch your back for sharks.

One of Honolulu’s undisputed treasures is The Honolulu Zoo nestled between Kapahulu Avenue & Monsarrat Avenue & Paki Avenue at 151 Kapahulu Avenue. Tiny by many measurements it is none-the-less chock full of fun stuff and exhibits with a wondrous collection of critters literally of every stripe & hue. You can always entertain yourself by visiting the various residents but that doesn’t keep the Honolulu Zoological Society from scheduling an amazing array of additional activities all year long but for the sake of this article we will concentrate on the Summer of 2009.

Island residents eagerly await the Summer Concert Series, ‘The Wildest Show In Town’ features an awesome array of top flight talent along with a special prize drawing for keiki (children) most often a ukulele, each and every Wednesday, for a special admission price of $3, the gates open at 4:35PM, the show runs from 6PM to 7PM.

* Simplicity kicks off the series off on June 10 2009, along with a Kala Ukulele Drawing.
* Maunalua and a Kala Ukulele Drawing are schedule for June 17 2009,
* John Cruz June 24 2009 plus a Pono Ukulele Drawing,
* Mr Ukulele himself Roy Sukuma & Friends drop in on July 1st with a Ko Aloha and a Pono Ukulele Drawing,
* on July 8th The Hot Club of Hulaville performs, there will be a Kala Ukulele drawing.
* Manoa DNA are on the sked for July 15 along with a drawing for a Ko Aloha Ukulele.
* It is Salsa Time July 22 with Rolando Sanchez & Salsa Hawai’I, along with a Bugs Gear Drawing.
* On July 29 ‘Music is Good Medicine’ presents another Ukulele Legend, Jake Shimabukuro, and a Kamaka Ukulele drawing.
* August 5th the lovely Natali Ai Kaimuu ‘s angelic voice will be heard, there will be a Kanilea Ukulele Drawing.
* The Summer Concert Series winds up on August 12th with a big splash, the classy and equally lovely Jimmy Borges & His All Star Band perform, plus a drawing for a Kala Ukulele.

Wow what a concert series! One can call HZS at 808-926-3191 for more info.

New for 2009 is a Dinner Safari. “Join us for an evening of tours and delicious food as we explore the Zoo first at twilight and then with red-filter flashlights. The program begins at 6 pm and ends at 10 pm. The pre-dinner tour will give you a glimpse of the Zoo, followed by a more thorough look after dinner.

Dinner is buffet style and includes salad, fruit salad, rice, chicken, vegetarian pasta, pizza, and cookies. The evening concludes with camp fire time where we roast marshmallows, make S’mores, and have the chance to see and touch some animal skulls, skins, feathers and eggs. This program is geared to those who do not wish to Snooze at the Zoo, but are looking for a fun evening adventure instead. Dinner Safari is recommended for adults and families with children ages 4 and up.”

Dates, Friday June12, Friday .July 17, Friday.Aug.14, Friday. Sept .18, Friday .Oct.9.

Time:6 PM-10PM

Cost :$40 per person ages 4 and up Or For Members: $35 per person ages 4 and up

RESERVATIONS REQIRED For information please call:971-7195.

Email: education@honzoosoc.org

There is more to do at The Honolulu Zoo and you can check out their calendar via http://honzoosoc.org/calendar.htm or even better check back with ALOHAUPDATEdotCom for Part Two of Summer at the Honolulu Zoo.

The Big Island has the newest of the four Sansei Sushi restaurants in Hawaii. As with most sushi restaurants, prices are not cheap. However, the food is delicious and the staff is very efficient and friendly.

If you only go for one thing you must try the panko crusted Ahi Sashimi Sushi Roll. This is Hawaiian Ahi Tuna, wrapped in spinach and arugula leaves dipped in potato flakes and flash fried. I have to admit I have ordered this at least half a dozen times since the restaurant opened.

They have an extensive wine menu but I tried a couple of different Saki’s recommended by the waiter and was really pleased. They also make a killer Apple Martini (or so I’ve heard).

One of the unique things about Sansei’s is that they do an early bird special on Mondays. I haven’t actually hit it on the right day and time but I see the line forming around 4:30pm for the 50% off prices. If you have a good size group this means considerable savings so probably worth waiting in the line.

Definitely worth trying if only for the Crusted Ahi!

On June 9th, Honolulu lost one of the most outstanding examples that the American dream thrives in its 50th State.  “Duke” Bainum, a man born into humble circumstances in a Maryland hospital in 1952, passed away at the ripe age of 57 years.  Bainum was raised in rural Arkansas, and later in Maryland, where his family instilled in Mark Edmund the principals of hard work, discipline and the love of “family” — a concept he later learned was embodied in the Hawai’i’an word ‘Ohana.’

Mark Bainum grew up on a farm where his chores included tending to horses & cattle, hoeing corn, and in his own words, “plus helping water and feed young chicks at the chicken house. I can still recall the forceful smell and odor of 1500 hungry, thirsty, chirping chicks.”

Education played a key role in Bainum’s life, his Grandma Florence encouraging him to read in his spare time especially biographies of great Americans such as George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Franklin Delano Roosevelt, instilling the idea that from modest origins one could achieve great things. Bainum’s earliest school was a simple country two room school with fewer than fifteen students, later his family moved ‘up north’ so that his older brother could attend a high school offering a ‘Christian Education.’ The move benefited young Mark who now found himself in a challenging new environment, a “brick n’ mortar school with more than 300 students.” The adjustment made easier by the devotion of teachers: “The teachers at the new school inspired me to learn and do more. The school principal was a dedicated educator who doubled as the school librarian. She loved helping students who had the desire to learn. I recall her telling me right before I left the 8th grade that I was the first student to read every book in the school library. My earlier values of respect, cooperation, and caring were re-enforced at this school. With so many other kids around, I also learned to get along with people, even if they did not agree with my view of the world. The playground became the laboratory of learning how to work with people, no matter what their backgrounds.”

Inspired by an Auntie, a public health nurse, older brother Tim decided to pursue medicine as a career.  It was only natural that Mark did the same.  He graduated from the University of Maryland School of Medicine in 1980 and then came to Hawai’i to fulfill his internship requirements at the University of Hawai’i Surgical Residency program, working at various local hospitals.

It is fitting that Hawai’i gave Mark Bainum a nickname, Duke, in honor of his ‘John Wayne country drawl’ (legacy of Arkansas), and that Hawai’i gave the newly minted Duke a renewed purpose in life.  Answering the call for volunteer doctors needed in Nepal in 1984, Duke learned the value of service to his community, and upon his return set his sights on serving the city & county government — specifically wanting to serve the needs of the community and to impact the lives of people in a positive affirmative way.

Duke dedicated his life to serving the city & county he had learned to love — so much so that he once said, “25 years ago, I chose to make Honolulu my home forever. And today, my sense of connection to Oahu and the people of this City makes me feel as though I’ve always lived here.”

Duke’s dedication to work was inspiring. He could have easily settled into life as a physician with a thriving practice and perhaps a nibble at the political scene now & then but no, he felt it was vital to take courses from The Western Regional Banking School so that he could better manage his families business affairs, expanding his resume by serving as a chairman of the Diamond State Bank in Arkansas from 1999 to 2004 while juggling his medical duties, a young thriving family, and service to the Honolulu Community.

Duke’s community service began with the Ala Moana / Kakaako Neighborhood Board from 1987 to 1989, moving up to chair the McCully-Moiliili Neighborhood Board from 1989 to 1990, then a stint with the Hawai’i State House of Representatives from 1990 to 1994. Duke first served on the Honolulu City Council from 1995 to 2003.

The events of 2004 here in Honolulu will likely never be settled to everyone’s satisfaction.  Bainum ran for Honolulu Mayor against Mufi Hanneman and for a while seemed to be the likely victor.  Then, allegations were thrown around, the mud flying fast & furious, and in the end Duke lost by the narrowest of margins, by 1,300 votes. One could have forgiven Duke had he settled for the rigors of a full medical career, but he had a need to serve and so when a seat became vacant on the Honolulu Council he once again threw himself into the fray. Unopposed, Duke won handily and was soon back in the thick of the fight, arguing against proposed tax increases, voicing concerns that residents of Honolulu ought to be treated fairly, with respect & dignity.

Outwardly healthy, in the prime of his life, in the midst of the sort of political fight, Bainum seemed to thrive on.  Duke died of a “an aortic aneurism, or a ruptured discetion of the aorta,“ a result of hypertension — high blood pressure. Duke’s death removes him from further speculation.  He would certainly have been a viable candidate for Mayor.  Even the office of Governor was within Duke’s reach.  Now, none of us will know.

All that we know is that Honolulu is saddened by the loss of a man few will argue was truly dedicated to the City & County, to the State that he had come to love, that had come to love him in turn.

Duke Bainum is survived by his wife and two sons. The funeral for the late Honolulu council member will be held June 26, at Hosoi Garden Mortuary. Visitation starts at noon, with the service beginning at 2 p.m. The following day, Bainum will be buried at Diamond Head Memorial Park at 10:30 a.m The family requested that no one give flowers. Instead, the family asked that people make donations to the Duke and Jennifer Bainum Foundation, P.O. Box 11120, Honolulu, HI 96828.” For more information, go to http://www.dukebainum.com/index.html

Chinatown Boardroom is pleased to have Mark Fragale as a speaker for the Surf Discussion Series. Mark Fragale is the Curator of The Honolulu Surfing Museum. Mark is an avid surfer who’s lived in Hawaii since the 1970’s; he has a thorough background as a surf historian coming from not only his personal experiences surfing but also from his employment history with companies such as Bunger Surfboards and Hannon Surfboards. The Honolulu Surfing Museum has a collection of surf memorabilia includes vintage surfboards, classic surfing footage, a Hollywood prop or two and a historic collection of musical instruments that are unique to Hawaii.

The Chinatown Boardroom is honored to have Mark Fragale speak about surf history and The Honolulu Surfing Museum on June 16, 2009. The Surf Discussion Series creates a forum for people to meet and discuss surf related topics including but not limited to, educational discussions & book signings in a casual comfortable atmosphere.

WHAT: Surf Discussion Series
WHO: Mark Fragale
TOPIC: Surf History
WHERE: Chinatown Boardroom, 1160 Nuuanu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96817

Joining the ranks of other Hawaii self-serve Frozen yogurt stores, Tropic Rush opened its doors to the public on Friday, May 29 at the Market City Shopping Center.  The store occupies the former space of Robeks Fruit Smoothies and Healthy Eats on the upper level and features eco-friendly decor such as a mosaic wall made from recycled glass, a bench and bar made from old mahogany church doors, and counter constructed from recycled resin lined with real seaweed.  Take note, too, of the energy-efficient lighting, recycled napkins, and biodegradeable cups.

With seating for approximately 35 people, 12 staff members, 16 yogurt flavors, and 40 different toppings, Tropic Rush is here to match the best of the yogurt stores already spreading in popularity here in Honolulu.  It is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day and until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Famed chef Emeril Lagasse will participate in the Kahala Food & Wine Classic, which begins tomorrow at the Kahala Hotel & Resort (5000 Kahala Ave) and wraps up on Saturday.

Since launching this event one year ago, Kahala Hotel & Resort director Carmine Iommazzo and executive chef Wayne Hirabayashi have welcomed visiting chefs from Florida, Australia, and Japan.  Like previous Classics, the even opens with an open-air dinner, which this year has been themed “The Essence of Emeril” and begins at 6 p.m.  Tickets for this first event are $250.

Emeril will also offer a cooking demonstration and be present for a Q&A session on Saturday from 11 a.m. to noon.  Other notable events is the “Art of Blending and Tasting Cigars” from 1-2:30 p.m., a “Wine-ology” session from 2-3:30 p.m., and a culminating “New, New Orleans Cuisine” dinner from 6-10 p.m.  Tickets to each event start at $50 per person, but do not include tax and gratuity.

You have just one day to downsize that belly before you hit the Kahala Hotel for delectable food, wine, and fun.

A special day in Hawaii’s history is quickly approaching, and lucky for us, it’s a state holiday! Hawaii’s first king, and the man responsible for uniting the islands under one ruler, Kamehameha left an indelible mark on the islands. His legacy is celebrated on King Kamehameha Day on June 11th of every year.

If you’re in Honolulu on Kamehameha Day, have no fear. There will be a variety of events held in downtown and Waikiki on June 11, the state’s public holiday honoring Kamehameha the Great. Events include a Kamehameha Day parade, arts and crafts displays and a lei draping ceremony. For more information, visit http://hawaii.gov/dags/king_kamehameha_commission/.

Friday, June 12, 2009
3:30 P.M. -Music by the Royal Hawaiian Band Ali`iolani Hale: Honolulu Civic Center
Prelude to the statue decoration ceremonies.

4:00 P.M. - Statue Decoration Ceremonies Ali`iolani Hale: Honolulu Civic Center
The statue of King Kamehameha I, in the City Civic Center is decorated with 13-foot floral tributes, which are created on site throughout the day by volunteers. Music and Hula performances add to the colorful display; a photographer’s delight.

Saturday, June 13, 2009
9:30 A.M. - 93rd Annual King Kamehameha Celebration Floral Parade
Colorful floral floats, glamorous Pa`u riders, outstanding marching bands traverse the streets of Honolulu beginning at King and Richards Streets, Punchbowl Street, onto Ala Moana Boulevard, merging into Kalakaua Avenue, ending at the Queen Kapiolani Park. Parade awards presentation to follow.

Hawaii’s first king, and the man responsible for uniting the islands under one ruler, Kamehameha left an indelible mark on the islands. His legacy is celebrated on King Kamehameha Day on June 11th of every year.

The Big Island celebrates Kamehameha over the course of three days this year. The first is the Kamehameha Day Celebration, which is held on June 10 in North Kohala (his birthplace) with a floral parade and ceremony, food booths and musical performances (call #808-884-5000 or visit www.kamehamehadaycelebration.org). The second is the Kamehameha Festival at the Queen Lili‘uokalani Gardens and Moku Ola (Coconut Island) in Hilo on June 11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This festival includes two distinct events – The Kamehameha Games and the Ho‘olaule‘a. The Games feature traditional Hawaiian warrior competitions, workshops and presentations, while the Ho‘olaule‘a focuses on the spirit of ohana (family) and features Hawaiian music and dance competitions (call #808-989-4844 or visit www.kamehamehafestival.org for more information). The last event is the King Kamehameha Day Parade in Kailua-Kona on June 13 from 9 a.m. to noon. The floral-themed parade honoring Hawaii’s monarch features Hawaiian-themed entries, including pā‘ū riders representing all the Hawaiian islands, bands, hula and community groups. There will also be food booths, crafts and much more.