Maui Observer

Boulder Bound - A One Way Trip

2010-07-16T13:51:00.002-10:00

Never say never, but for the foreseeable future, I will be in Boulder, CO! Trading the mountains for the ocean. It's been a great ride... You can view my website here.

A BIG mahalo to everyone who visited Maui Observer and especially the regulars. You know who you are!

Signing off for now,

Josh

Happy Valley Fire Aftermath

2010-07-13T18:27:00.003-10:00

There was a 25 acre brushfire on Sunday night in Happy Valley - a little enclave just next to Wailuku. The blaze was believed to be caused by fireworks. I cruised up there today to see what I could and noticed that life has pretty much gone back to normal; however, the infrastructure of the firefighting was still setup from the weekend. After looking at the photos, I can't believe how close the fire came to engulfing homes.

What was interesting to observe was the fact that there was hardly anyone around. Almost like a post-apocalyptic scene, trucks, beds, and food were present, just not the people!

Firefighter basecamp

Homes were spared

Note the firefighter patrolling on the ridge

Photographer Daniel Honma

2010-07-12T20:10:00.008-10:00

When I was at the O-Bon festival over the weekend (see previous post), I ran into a local photographer named Daniel Honma. What struck me about him was his camera - an old Japanese large format film camera. In this day and age of near instant digital production, I was perplexed and very interested in Daniel's system. He has to set up each shot meticulously and he doesn't really know what he'll get until he develops the film. However, the images he produces using his methods are nothing short of extraordinary.

The "problem" with digital SLR's today is that everyone is using them. Photography is now the realm of the layman due to the ease of using digital. I can literally shoot, edit, process and print a photo in less than 4 minutes using my camera, laptop, software, and printer. So, any Joe with a modern Nikon or Canon DSLR, no matter how advanced or expensive, produces images that look similar due to shared technology. Some images from the better DSLR's will look sharper or perform better in low light, but still, the essence of the image is pure Japanese DSLR.

This is not the case with Daniel's images. Daniel has a dedicated darkroom in his basement and his work epitomizes the "art" of photography. You can see some of his work here, here, and here. I snapped Daniel during the festival over the course of the evening.

Daniel, do you have a website in which to showcase your work? I saw your images on display at the Paia Tattoo Parlor and in the Maui Weekly, many of which I can't find on the web, and I thought they were unique and thought provoking.

O-Bon Festival

2010-07-11T16:31:00.005-10:00

It's summer in Hawaii, which means it's bon festival time at all the hongwanji temples (jodo buddhism) around the state. These lantern festivals honor the spirits of departed ancestors, and it is believed these spirits come to visit their living relatives during the summer months.

I went to an O-Bon festival this weekend at the Paia Mantokuji Soto Zen temple. This was my second one, and all the familiar sights, smells, and sounds flooded the air as people from all over the island came to participate.

Paia Bob

2010-07-10T15:40:00.003-10:00

Sometimes finding the best opportunities for photos comes off the beaten path. While patrolling in Paia, I decided on instinct to meander off of Hana Highway and down one of the side streets into a mini residential subdivision. I ran into a well known Paia personality named Paia Bob. A 22-year resident of Maui, Bob is an outspoken Hawaiian rights activist with often controversial points of view. You can find his videos on YouTube here.

Walking Da Docks

2010-07-09T17:28:00.007-10:00

Lahaina harbor is festooned with activity boats which provide entertainment ranging from diving and snorkeling, to submarine tours and deep sea fishing. Tourists are constantly coming and going - people just trying to enjoy themselves. A great day for a visit to the west side of Maui.

Do I Have To Eat?

2010-07-08T20:12:00.001-10:00

I love pizza, but clearly this little guy is more interested in his toy vehicles. I'm passing by Flatbread Co. in Paia at dusk.

Endangered Species

2010-07-07T13:17:00.001-10:00

Trucks are usually meticulously cared after in Maui, and the vehicles certainly serve to project the feelings and personalities of their owners through decals, stickers, and photos.

What does it exactly mean to be local born? A person born in Hawaii by local parents? Hawaiian by blood? Does the sticker insinuate that most residents in Hawaii actually come here from somewhere else?

I do understand the Hawaiian by blood thing being bred out slowly but surely.

Night Stars

2010-07-06T17:21:00.003-10:00

As the night falls on the North Shore of Maui, the first thing I see is the planet Venus.

To see other night stars in the area, one just needs to head to Charley's in Paia. Here you will find a healthy dose of North Shore nightlife as well as live bands. Willy Nelson comes here.

Ride 'Em Cowboy

2010-07-04T21:24:00.006-10:00

Over the Fourth of July weekend, I experienced the 55th Annual Makawao Rodeo - Hawaii's largest. Competitors and spectators from all over the state converged at the Oskie Rice arena for 4 days of festivities. It was my first time here, and I was surprised yet again at the diversity present on Maui.

For me, it was an eye-opener to be exposed to real Hawaiian cowboys from working ranches, such as Ulupalakua Ranch and Haleakala Ranch. I am on Maui right? Simply surrounded by names such as Circle (insert random letter) or the aroma of fresh farm animal manure made me realize and appreciate the Valley Isle all that much more - so much going on for a 750 square mile volcanic rock in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

What A Ham

2010-07-02T21:27:00.000-10:00

I don't know what my obsession is with cats lately, but here's a series of shots of my sister's cat Francis, named after the musician Francis Black. He has the most interesting facial expressions I've ever seen on a feline. Perhaps he drank the stuff out of the brown bottle sitting next to him...

Valley Isle Memorial After Dark

2010-07-01T22:20:00.001-10:00

Cemeteries give me the creeps. You see all the gravestones and read the writing on said gravestones.

Valley Isle Memorial Park located on the Hana Highway just before Haiku is the only graveyard I don't really mind. Due to the fact that the the tombstones are flush with the grass facing up, the park isn't as ominous, to me at least.

When viewed at night, you see a side of the park rarely glimpsed. All you see are the little solar powered lights friends and relatives erect next to their departed loved ones.

Pickle Mango

2010-06-30T12:40:00.005-10:00

Let's say you have a mango tree in your front yard. Of course the fruit ripens all at once, and since a fully-grown mango tree can give birth to hundreds of mangoes at the same time, you can't possibly consume them all before the fruit rots. What to do?

Enter a local tradition that goes hand in hand with food preservation methods dating back thousands of years - pickling of the mango.

"Pickle mango" is simply sliced mango pickled in a chilled sweet brine solution, usually infused with li-hing powder - a tasty plum-like flavoring common in the Islands. Locals put li-hing on everything - popcorn at the movies, preserved fruits like cherries, gummy bears, you name it. Li -hing makes everything a bit sweeter and more savory.

This pickle mango stand was set up on the side of Hana Highway right before Paia town. You will see this very distinctive pickle mango sign all over the North Shore, so if you're in the area and see this call to mango lovers the world over, why not pull over and have a taste of local Hawaiiana?

Roar!

2010-06-25T18:27:00.002-10:00

I love my pets, and this shot was a lucky grab. His name is Tiger, a.k.a. - "Bah Bah" as he sounds like a sheep. He's doing what he does best - nothing at all!

Tourists On Vacation

2010-06-23T23:54:00.006-10:00

I tried to think of a more original post title, but that pretty much sums it up, so I'll leave it at that. I never spend much time in Kihei around sunset as I'm usually at home by then, but I was visiting my sister today and thought it was a great time to get some shots of the beach and S. Kihei Rd. Tourists galore!

After a bit of walking around, I realized that Kihei in general is what I believe visitors expect when then come to Maui. Hey, if I was on vacation, I would probably think so too - full of sunsets, beaches, cuddling, ice cream, and posing for photos.

If you care about these kinds of things, all shots were taken with a 35mm prime lens (52mm equivalent on a full-frame camera) with a Nikon D90 shot wide-open at f1.8.

A Traffic Inferno

2010-06-23T08:34:00.003-10:00

Yesterday afternoon, there was a 25 acre brushfire near the Kahului Heliport that snarled traffic around Kahului, Paia, and blocked access to Upcountry and Paia for hours. Originally reported around 1:25P, I got stuck in the traffic trying to get home (Haiku) from Kihei at 3PM. The only way to get to Paia was via the back road behind Costco, which incidentally wasn't closed and led traffic right by the fire. Fortunately, the road was upwind of the fire.

At the time, Hansen road and Hana highway between Dairy Road and Haleakala Highway intersection were closed.

Here are the smoldering remnants of the fire.

Due to the nearby location of the fire to the airport, we got to see the fancy airport fire rescue trucks in action.

Me stuck in traffic trying to get to Paia.

Crazy mess - intersection of Hana Highway and Dairy Road

Officer directing traffic at above intersection

A Picture Perfect Maui Suburbia

2010-06-21T19:44:00.011-10:00

The suburbs. I grew up in a Florida suburb, in Saint Petersburg on the Gulf Coast. The rows of houses with fenced, manicured yards, sidewalks on both sides of the street, and depending on the suburb, houses that look like they were erected from one of 5 standard templates.

Well, Maui has its own share of the 'burbs too - where resident families of Maui lay roots. If you're visiting Maui, you will probably never intentionally eye such neighborhoods.

I always thought suburbs such as this one were a little creepy. It all looks the same. Are the people the same too? Who exactly lives around you? Such uniformity and acceptance of conformity. Different strokes for different folks I guess.

This is the Maui Lani subdivision near Wailuku. The neighborhood was shot in the early morning light around 6:30AM on a Sunday morning while driving through in my truck.

The Google mobile!

A Park Ranger truck - note the newspaper in the driveway.

The Earth Keeps Rotating

2010-06-20T20:39:00.009-10:00

I've been on Maui for 6 years now, and I don't think I'll tire of sunrises or sunsets like these. Please note, the images have not been digitally enhanced in post-production.

Sunrise from Kahului (facing northeast)

Sunset from Haiku (facing north)

Cafe Prana Nui

2010-06-18T21:54:00.016-10:00

Back on May 31, I took this pic of a curiously painted student transport vessel in the parking lot of the Haiku Marketplace:

"What the hell is this?" I thought to myself. This was right before I posted my series of pics on Maui cruisers and abandoned vehicles on June 1. Naturally, I thought someone abandoned their mobile home and some inspired locals felt like expressing themselves after visiting the paint section at Home Depot.

In all seriousness, the purpose of this bus was revealed today in the form of the "soft opening" and Hawaiian blessing of Cafe Prana Nui in Haiku.

It's a short bus restaurant! Why didn't I think of that?

To quote the giant banner, with a focus on "organic, local, vegetarian, macrobiotic, ayurvedic, aloha" inspired cuisine, I'm anxious to try their offerings.

Note: the "TACO" sign in the below image actually belongs to the food stand NEXT to Cafe Prana Nui. Also really tasty IMO!

For more info: Cafe Prana Nui

Holy Rosary Church

2010-06-17T22:37:00.010-10:00

On Baldwin avenue near Paia rests the Holy Rosary Church, home to a memorial of Father Damien. Damien was the Roman Catholic priest that lived on the Kalaupapa peninsula on Molokai, where he cared for and lived with Hawaii's leprosy patients. Since performing three miracles, the Pope canonized Father Damien in October 2009 creating Hawaii's first saint in the process.

King Kamehameha V, determined to rid Hawaii of Hansen's disease (leprosy), quarantined all those afflicted to the Kalaupapa settlement beginning in 1866. I've heard stories of early patients literally dumped from the transport canoes near shore and left to swim to Kalaupapa to fend for themselves.

The settlement is definitely worth a visit, although it's best to book a tour in advance. The peninsula is surrounded on 3 sides by ocean (duh) and the 4th side abuts a very steep, 1,700ft tall cliff face. Access is difficult.

Dawn Patrol

2010-06-16T13:04:00.009-10:00

Hookipa at dawn - a special and magical time. If you live on the North Shore and you love to surf, when can you? Usually, it's before you need to punch in, which is before the sun rises - especially in the summer. Like a daily ritual, people come to Hookipa Beach Park to exercise their bodies, awaken their minds, and refresh their spirits. These are all locals. As a matter of fact, I recognize two people this morning. One works at Mana Foods and the other at Upcountry Fitness - all Maui citizens enjoying their mornings. Just another day on the Valley Isle.

Just Arriving - 5:21AM

Stretch and Pray

Follow the Leader

Ridin' Solo

Just Leaving the Truck

Stretch and Focus

About to Jump In

Shreddin' It

Talented

Out For Fun

The Lineup

To Catch or Not

Fresh Coconut Juice for Breakfast

Maui's Most Special Sprinkler System

2010-06-15T16:55:00.007-10:00

I see this set of 3 sprinklers come on every morning on most days. They go off in sequential order.

First

The Exclamation Point:

Second

Old Faithless:

Third

The Paint Peeler:

Kool Keokea

2010-06-14T20:13:00.013-10:00

People sometimes ask me where Oprah lives on Maui. Well, I know of one property that is up here - way, way upcountry near the town of Keokea. So far up that it's actually cool and mild during the day.

How to get to her house? Sorry, go stalk this celeb on your own time! No star maps from me buddy!

One of the most prominent and well-known stops in this tiny picturesque town is Grandma's Coffee House. G-Ma's serves some of the best Maui-grown coffee around and has a wonderful old-fashioned feel with a scrumptious homemade breakfast and lunch. Here's my egg salad sandwich I enjoyed on their outdoor deck:

Here are some local "black and tans."

For more info on Grandma's : Grandma's Coffee House

Three's COP-any

2010-06-12T17:02:00.008-10:00

Cops, you know da Po-Po, the PoLICE, Boys in Blue, Coppers, Guys with Glocks, etc.

I love Maui cops. Only in Maui will you routinely see two cop cars parked behind a vehicle that's pulled over for speeding. Today, I saw three cars on the side of Hana Highway with the cops standing around outside talking story (a.k.a. - shooting the breeze, but without the negative connotation). I could of just missed a major stop, accident or something very serious, who knows.

I did recognize one of the officers. We used to work together in another life...

West Maui Flare Up

2010-06-10T18:48:00.031-10:00

Just when we all thought the West Maui wildfire was dying down, there was a flare up this afternoon at about 1:30PM above the Kamehameha Golf Course.

Over 60 hours after the fire began, the fierce winds stoked the flames and two MFD helicopters were busy dumping water on the blaze in an effort to extinguish it.

It was amazing to see how large the fire appeared to be in relation to the helicopters and their tiny water buckets. The dumping of water seemed to have little to no immediate effect on the flames. I guess over a period of hours the water must win, but from where I parked on the Honoapi'ilani Highway staring through my 300mm (450mm full-frame equivalent) telephoto lens, the helicopters looked like scurrying dragonflies spitting on an inferno.

Did you know it costs $420 per hour to operate the fire helicopters? It's ironic because in April the Maui County Council wanted to short the Maui fire department $90,000 from the original $825,000 the MFD requested for the helicopter budget. Find story here.

A massive MAHALO to all the firefighters, police officers, rescue workers, and volunteers involved in this monumental undertaking.

All the shots in this post were taken around 2:15PM this afternoon.

View from Kuihelani Highway

View from Honoapi'ilani Highway

Keiki Fitness

2010-06-09T21:21:00.018-10:00

Every gym has exercise classes right? We've all heard of yoga, spinning, and pilates. How about Keiki boxing? Keiki means "child" in Hawaiian. The term is so common in Hawaii almost nobody I know uses the words "child" or "children" when referring to those ever-growing little people.

My local gym, Upcountry Fitness, has this class called "Keiki Boxing." The gym recently expanded and will soon open an entire room dedicated to them with a Keiki Fit Zone.

I think this is a great idea given that these days, and I'm sorry to say it, our kids are growing more sideways than they are vertically. According to a shared 2001 University of Hawaii and BYU study, 22.2% of Hawaii's youth aged 6-11 and 23.8% aged 12-17 are overweight. This is TWICE the Mainland average. Please don't tell me that's all genetic there - it's also a matter of more calories going in than are burned.

I've always wondered if the best way to combat this nation's obesity epidemic would be to take away all food stores, restaurants, and supermarkets and thereby force everyone to grow, collect, and catch their own food.

Such a concept is more feasible in Hawaii due nice temperate conditions year round. There's fish in the sea, wild deer, chickens, and boar running around all over the place, and a plethora of various fruit trees covering the islands. Hungry? Catch your own dinner. Can't grow Twinkies in the ground can ya!

In all seriousness though, nutrition of course plays an integral role in the solution, and I applaud organizations like Upcountry Fitness which specifically address grass roots concerns such as keiki health.

Burn, Burns, Burnt, Burned, and Burning

2010-06-08T17:03:00.008-10:00

West Maui is on fire RIGHT NOW. As of 10pm last night, a Maalaea brushfire consumed 2,000 acres and forced the closure of all roads to the west side (Lahaina, Kaanapali, Kapalua etc.) and the evacuation of about 100 people.

Once we were done with our snorkel trip today and were about to trailer the boat out of the water at Kihei Boat Ramp, a guy approached us and asked if we could ferry part of a wedding party currently in Wailea to Kaanapali to attend a wedding tonight due to the road closure.

At Borders and Whole Foods, tourists as well as residents were chatting on cell phones and surfing on iPads (I know, I know) for the latest news about the roads. Many people are stuck on both sides of the blaze. Even the road on the north side of West Maui via Kahakuloa is closed.

Here's a shot I got this morning at 5:49AM:

Here's one from this afternoon at 2:56PM:

One thing to notice is how the fire progressed westward (to the left in the pics) in nine hours. With gusts of up to 40mph driving the blaze, the fire has now jumped Honoapiilani highway and is currently scorching the makai (ocean) side of the highway near the Pali tunnel.

Vehicle Dogs

2010-06-06T16:41:00.007-10:00

I love dogs. Unlike any place I've ever lived, Maui has lots of dogs... in vehicles - in truck beds, in the front seat, in the back seat, and in between seats. One of the most memorable must be a very manicured French poodle with red bow sitting all stoic in the front passenger seat of a Mercedes SLK AMG convertible buckled in and waiting for his master to return from Starbucks.

A Commuter's Sunrise

2010-06-05T16:33:00.005-10:00

Sometimes even my commute to work can bring a big smile to my face. This morning, while on the way to Kihei, I pulled over on Mokulele Highway near the Humane Society and got a shot facing the rising sun and a shot in the opposite direction of the sun's rays bouncing off the West Maui Mountains. The sun rose at exactly 5:49AM, and these shots were taken at 5:51AM and 5:52AM respectively.

Please note these images are straight from the camera (Nikon D40, 18-55mm lens) with no post production processing of any kind.

To the east

To the west

A Twin Falls Tour

2010-06-04T17:49:00.012-10:00

Widely known as the first stop on the Road to Hana, Twin Falls is a great place to visit, even if you're not going all the way to Hana. There are two easily accessible waterfalls and several other waterfalls that require a bit of a hike. With large soaking pools, fresh water streams, and abundant foliage, Twin Falls is what I imagine Hawaii personifies in the minds of many visitors. Keep in mind I came here in the afternoon and the area was relatively empty. Expect peak traffic during mid-to-late morning hours as people make their way to Hana. Please keep in mind the amount of water falling over the waterfalls varies continually throughout the year.

All photos are in chronological order.

Farm stand at the entrance

Walking path leading to the falls

One of the many streams you will cross

The first set of falls (turn left at the fork)

The second set of falls (turn right at the fork)

Hanging around

Looking for something that sank

Sitting atop the falls

Locals cruising the falls

Still Calling All Maui Voters!

2010-06-03T13:04:00.008-10:00

I need to continue yesterday's post because I keep seeing more and more campaign signs popping up like mushrooms all over the place. In less than 24 hours, Don Couch and Paul Laub added signs next to Arakawa's in Paia, never mind Laub and Couch are running for County Council and Arakawa for Mayor.

At the busy and crowded intersection of Puunene and Wakea Avenues in Kahului, there appeared such a mass gathering of signs I actually felt visually lost.

I do like the Porsche though.

Does the owner of that fence charge for the ad space?

Attack of the Alan's!

Walk one block down Wakea Ave. from this intersection and find a slew of Alan Fukuyama signs flanking an Alan Arakawa.

My favorite so far is actually a banner from Bobby Bunda. I have no idea who he is or what he stands for, but I just like his name and his face!

Look at those pearly whites!

Added Sat, June 5:

Another flock of signs on Dairy Road near the fire station in Kahului.

Calling All Maui Voters!

2010-06-02T21:32:00.014-10:00

Election day on Maui is still more than 3 months away, but the mayoral candidates and their staff are already starting to campaign. There is no such thing as a billboard on Maui, so bumper stickers and wooden signs are the norm.

This Chris Hart For Mayor sticker actually works for me because its so cheesy. It definitely made an impression!

Erecting an Alan Arakawa sign in Paia this afternoon.

Frankly, the pic below is not related to this post, but I did break down an eat an Original Glazed and an Old-Fashioned Krispy Kreme doughnut this afternoon. The young lady behind the counter originally gave me one of these - fresh from tubing down the fry oil river - doughnuts hand-picked off the line thinking they were the Old Fashioned, but they turned out to be Pumpkin Spice, which she let me keep nonetheless. :)

Trans-fats and supporting local business be damned (if only for today)!

Dude, Where's My Car?

2010-06-01T18:36:00.019-10:00

Maui Cruisers are extremely popular on the Valley Isle. What are they? A Maui Cruiser is a term used to describe an inexpensive vehicle that one purchases on Maui after moving here that will get you from A to B (hopefully) and one that you won't mind getting into with your feet caked in bricks of sand (assuming the floorboard hasn't rusted out).

On the Mainland, such a car would be called a Piece of S***. However, on Maui, said vehicle is shabby chic!

OK, so here's an all too common situation: a young guy or girl from the Mainland decides he/she wants to move to Maui and after moving here, purchases a Maui Cruiser for say, $500-$1000. After 1-2 years of living and working on Maui, he/she has gotten out of their system whatever plagued them enough to leave the Mainland in the first place and escape to the Valley Isle, and they decide to go back home.

What to do with the Maui Cruiser? It's out of the question that one would pay $1000 to ship the car to Oakland or Long Beach, CA. If the car is still operable, then one could try and sell it (I actually know one guy who bought a Toyota Tercel cruiser for $650 and sold it three years later for $700)!

Well, say you can't seem to sell the car because it's such a P.O.S. and your flight back to the Mainland leaves in 48 hours, so you decide to abandon the car. You don't want to take it to S.O.S. Metals and have it recycled because that costs money. So, you just leave it somewhere on public land in the middle of the night so the taxpayer can pay for a towing company to take it away and have it scrapped. Of course the police will try to bill the owner of the car, but you removed the plates and ground down the VIN, or even better, you just paid cash for it and never bothered to register the vehicle. Insurance? Please!

Take a look guys and gals, the bright orange stickers are placed by the MPD once a vehicle is reported or found to be abandoned.

Car left at the Haiku Community Center parking lot.

Truck on the side of S. Kihei Rd. whose abandoned sticker is on the driver-side window that is now rolled down.

Car left at the intersection of S. Kihei Rd and Welakahao Rd. At least someone took the wheels and any remaining fuel!

SUV abandoned in public parking lot stall in Paia.

Vehicle on Welakahao Rd in Kihei in the process of being towed.

For more info on abandoned vehicles: http://www.co.maui.hi.us/index.aspx?NID=834

Hey, you can actually rent a Maui Cruiser here: http://www.mauicruisers.net/

Da Maui Klink

2010-05-29T17:30:00.003-10:00

Did you know there is a prison on Maui?

The Maui County Community Correctional Center is just such a place. Located in Wailuku near Maui Police Department Headquarters, The Maui News, and Maui Memorial Hospital, this is Maui's "prison."

The interesting thing about the penal system not only on Maui, but for Hawaii in general is the fact that the Aloha state sends nearly half of its inmates - over 1,800 in 2005 - to privately-run Mainland facilities because of the reduced cost. It costs $105 per day to keep a prisoner in a Hawaii state-run prison versus $58 for the private Mainland version.

Why is Hawaii sending its "problems" away to the Mainland? Not only are we sending our prisoners away from home, but Hawaii also ships 100,000 tons of trash a year to Washington State from Honolulu! Who knows what our inmates are picking up and learning in Mainland prisons, which they will undoubtedly bring back and incorporate into the culture of the Islands.

In 2008, Governor Linda Lingle of Hawaii approved $9 million to design a new Maui prison in Pu'unene to hold 843 inmates. Hopes are that the new prison will be completed by 2012 to the tune of $219 million.

Human French Fries

2010-05-27T19:16:00.005-10:00

Frankly, I'm not one to hang out at the beach. Don't get me wrong, I love the ocean and the beach as long as I'm doing something in and on it like freediving or playing volleyball, or anything actually, but to just lay out or sit on a towel or chair and zone out, well, that's just not for me thank you very much. Laying at the beach, for me, is akin to slathering myself with olive oil, setting the oven to 425 F, and roasting for 45 minutes. I need to do something at the beach if I stand any chance of staying longer than 3 minutes. I was at various North Shore beaches today and took some shots. There was actually a very attractive girl sunbathing topless, but hey, I didn't shoot her because she looked right at me the entire time I walked by. I couldn't help but look at her too! :)

The image below illustrates what happens when you set your white balance to auto and let the camera decide what it thinks is the best setting. It chose tungsten! Welcome to the blue planet!

A Royal Portrait In A Parking Lot

2010-05-26T18:51:00.005-10:00

Queen Lili'oukalani was the last ruling monarch of Hawaii, whose rule ended in 1893.

In a parking lot in Makawao behind the Stopwatch Restaurant, there is a painted image of the Queen on a building wall. After looking at this image, I realized the source of inspiration for the artist. Clearly the painter wanted their work seen, so here you go - great job. How long did it take?

For more info: Lilioukalani

Maui Roller Girls

2010-05-23T15:52:00.012-10:00

What do you get when you take a bunch of youngish, estrogen-fueled women, shod them in roller skates, and make them chase each other around an oval track whilst ramming each other? Well, all you need to add is baby oil and... I mean uh, you get Roller Derby of course! Dubbed "Clash of the Islands," yesterday's roller derby bout pitted Oahu's Mischevils (in black) against Maui's own Crazy 808's (in white).

I remember when these girls were struggling to find practice space on Maui a couple years ago, going from parking lot to parking lot. With names like "Go!ShiShi," "Nun Chuck," and "Yo Mama Bin Laden," it was a pleasure to watch these chicks get themselves dizzy.

The girls with the stars on their helmets are the "jammers" and score points.

For more info on Maui Roller Derby:

http://www.mauirollergirls.com/

Maui Roller Girls Facebook

The Last Days Of A Honu

2010-05-21T19:14:00.013-10:00

Honu means "turtle" in Hawaiian, and this particular honu was beached at Kanaha Beach the same day I took the pics of the kiteboarders in my previous post. Now, from my experience, I never see turtles on shore on Maui, and as far as I know, Green Sea turtles only come ashore rarely, and mostly to lay eggs. Furthermore, Maui is not the prime nesting grounds for these gentle giants, which are the French Frigate Shoals located in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands - 500 miles northwest of Maui.

So what is this honu doing on the beach? Well, unfortunately, this turtle looked like it was dying - rather, it beached itself knowing it was going to die. If you look at the following photos, pay attention to the areas of soft tissue around the mouth and neck of the turtle and you will see tumor-like growths. These "warts" are the result of a virus which causes fibropapilloma tumors that shorten a turtle's lifespan considerably. Scientists don't know what actually causes these growths, but the most common theory I've heard blames all the pesticides, fertilizers and chemicals that run-off golf courses and manicured landscapes, as well as leach from wastewater injection wells - all of which abound on Maui.

The hard part was looking into the turtle's blinking eyes (the effect is multiplied peering through a telephoto lens) knowing that it wasn't dead yet, but on its way. Somehow I wished I could just put it out of its misery, but they are "protected" after all. I actually thought about calling the DLNR - Dept of Land and Natural Resources - but what in all reality could they have done?

For more info on the fibropapilloma disease: http://www.turtles.org/tumour.htm

Kanaha Kiters

2010-05-20T18:55:00.002-10:00

Besides Hookipa, Kanaha Beach, located near the airport, is another kiteboarding and windsurfing gathering hole. From beginner to pro, local to foreigner, you will see myriad of kite boarders along these longs stretches of large-grained sand beaches. If you take a kiteboarding lesson, chances are you will have it here at Kanaha.

I think kiting is so incredible due to the amount of AIR one can achieve!

Central Park Activities

2010-05-17T16:14:00.012-10:00

Thank goodness for Central Park. Without this carefully designed and manicured outlet for physical and emotional energy, I think New Yorkers would truly go insane. Given the enormity of the park in relation to the size of Manhattan island, the park seems quite small to serve the CURRENT number of City inhabitants versus the population of New York when the Park was completed in 1863.

How does one deal with this disparity? Structure, rules, and control. For example, god forbid you run clockwise around the reservoir instead of counter-clockwise. New Yorkers will tell you how they feel and they will let you know right away.

Bumper Cars

2010-05-16T16:04:00.004-10:00

Physical space is obviously at a premium if you live in the City, especially if you have a car. I've heard the waitlists to get a permanent parking spot in a garage is years long and crazy pricey, so if you can park on the sidewalk, and hopefully near your apartment, then you're golden and good to go. However, with a very little amount of curb space available at any one time, people park VERY close to one another. Add to the mix everyone all trying to parallel park amongst backed up traffic and you get scenarios such as this:

I know that part of a car is called its bumper, but come on, that kind of close contact has got to leave a mark. What to do? Necessity being the mother of invention, I've observed two kinds of solutions. All appear to simply exist as a barrier, but the devices were prevalent enough to indicate their worth. Enter the Bumper Badger and Bully, respectively:

Whoever invented these bumper bumpers is a freakin' genius. For more info:
Bumper Bully
Bumper Badger

On The Street

2010-05-15T17:47:00.007-10:00

What a vibrant place - people everywhere - so much to see.

Nature In Reverse

2010-05-15T16:29:00.008-10:00

Nature overflows with Pandora-like abundance in Maui. On the other hand, you sacrifice much of the culture, sophistication, and hyper developed, first-world civilization that is present in Manhattan. Access to the natural world in NYC is precious and often meticulously cared after. Check out this small garden plot outside this apartment.

Maui Tacos Baby!!

2010-05-14T18:46:00.008-10:00

To my utter shock today, while walking around the Fashion District, I ran into a Maui Tacos restauant. After talking to a Chinese woman who identified herself as the owner, I realized there are other Maui Tacos in the US besides those in Hawaii - supposedly 31 franchises! The menu looked really familiar. I told her the Hookipa burrito was my favorite. After learning I'm living on Maui currently, the owner immediately asked if I surf - no I dive. Then she asked if I was a vegetarian as the Hookipa lacks meat. No again. :)

Honestly, NYC was the LAST place I ever thought I'd run into one of these restaurants... Hey, to the Maui Tacos restaurants actually on Maui - this franchise serves alcohol!

For more info on the Maui Tacos' franchise deal: Honolulu Star Bulletin.

Aloft Over The Pacific

2010-05-13T09:58:00.010-10:00

Getting there is half the fun right? Taken on the overnight flight from Maui to LA, Canada Dry was shot at ISO 3200 - the limit of my D40 - in really dark conditions.

This Delta widebody had video screens in every seatback, which was great because we could just watch movies or TV shows for FREE! Interesting because the the TV's were touchscreen and one of the entertainment features was a scrabble-like word game where you tap out words searching for various letters. Well, the young woman behind me got really into the game and after 15 minutes of woodpecker-like drumming, I actually turned around and told her to "tap lighter!"

Needless to say, she was embarrassed, but hey - I need to sleep here!

Big Apple Bound

2010-05-11T17:45:00.017-10:00

I'm going to NYC for a week.

I'm taking the red-eye tonight from Kahului to LA to Newark. I used to study, live, and work in Manhattan, so it will be nice to go back to visit family as well as to do some work. Anyways, having been away from city life for many years now, simply packing for the trip was very eye-opening.

First of all, I'm completely amazed by how many pairs of shoes I need to bring to live and survive in a metropolis like New York. I have to bring FOUR pairs of shoes! From left to right: running shoes for well, running and working out, dress shoes for work and evenings, casual hip day shoes for the day, and semi-athletic/casual day shoes to mix it up. Because you know the people I will meet and reacquaint myself with actually care and pay attention to what I put on my feet, how often I wear said stuff, and if I wear the same stuff more than two days in a row.

This is what I wear in Maui 90% of the time for all occasions.

On sale for $10.99/pair.

OK, I just covered what goes on my feet. How about the other stuff? The stuff that pretty much covers my entire body except for my head and hands, and all the necessary accessories in between. I really had to do some digging to get this stuff out of the closet.

Note the assorted ties - varying in color, fabric, and texture - as well as the shiny cuff links in God Bless America colors, and the even shinier wristwatch that's thin enough to slide under a shirt cuff (sorry Suunto D4). Why do the socks have gold toes? Because that's the brand. So my feet go in the socks first and then into the shoes. Got it. Also, I need a lint brush. I foresee lots of ironing (no starch please), preening, and hours of grooming.

What I wear in Maui 90% of the time and takes literally 9 seconds to put on eyes closed with the accessory.

Suits? You mean I have to wear another layer of clothing on top of the first layer I already put on with the silk noose around my neck? Yes, jackets are required, sir. Note two suits for various occasions. The top suit is European and Continental, with subtle pinstripes, three buttons, sculpted midsection, and side vents. The bottom suit is what George Bush wears - conservative Brooks Brothers, two button, roomy, and center vented, as if I was a riding a horse. They both need pressing badly by the way.

Believe it or not, I do wear a suit in Maui. In fact I wear one daily for work. Two piece, made-to-measure in 5mm Sheico neoprene, and nylon lined on both sides, from Elios, of Italy.

So, I will morph from Maui Observer to Big Apple Observer for a week. I will bring my camera...let's see what happens. Stay tuned!

Mother Earth Day Festival

2010-05-11T11:55:00.007-10:00

I live in the town of Haiku. It's a quiet, funky little town on the north shore that is normally quite placid. On Mother's Day though, we were treated to a gathering of a certain demographic of town-folk for 8 hours of celebrating Mother Earth.

This annual event took place at the Studio Maui. From food vendors, to music, to lectures, and all sorts of free-thinking presentations, this festival radiated energy and vibes.

For more info: Mother Earth Day

Baldwin Beach Bunkers

2010-05-10T16:00:00.009-10:00

I went to Baldwin Beach on the north shore early this morning to get some shots of the rising sun. On both ends of the beach lay two WWII-era pillboxes apparently used by the US military as part of amphibious landing exercises in preparation for the campaign in the Pacific. You can also find a pillbox on Big Beach on south Maui. It's interesting because I never really paid attention to these pillboxes until now - no wonder tourists can visit more places in a week than residents do in an entire year!

Here's the view from inside the above pillbox looking out. You can see crescent-shaped Baldwin Beach to the left and the West Maui mountains in the background.

I found this guy while strolling to the other end of the beach. :)

Here's the opposing pillbox at the other end of Baldwin.

Phantasmal Flyers

2010-05-09T15:45:00.004-10:00

Like I've said before, there are all kinds of people living here on Maui. If you cruise around the North Shore, you will find advertisements for various services and businesses. If nothing else, these flyers are entertaining. You can find bulletin boards full of these ads at Mana Foods, Veg-Out, and the Temple of Peace just to name a few.

Hawaiian Hula Girls

2010-05-08T15:46:00.006-10:00

I'm not talking about the stick on dashboard hula doll that sways back and forth as you cruise down the highway. I'm talking about genuine hula dancers in Hawaii - actually Maui. These are not the ones you see at a luau either. We're talking community based, family style hula entertainment. Instead of say, cheer practice, these girls perform hula on the weekends in public for their family and friends.

I caught them waiting to go on stage as they were prepping and chatting amongst themselves.

Fields Of Green

2010-05-07T19:05:00.007-10:00

Maui is an island with an area of about 730 square miles. Most of the inhabitable relatively flat parts that aren't on the coast are filled with a bunch of green fields.

Green Field #1

Green Field #2

Green Field #3

The first field is a pic of me standing in the middle of an enormous sprawling sugarcane field. Ever see the movie Labyrinth?

The second field actually occupies some pretty prime real estate overlooking the water. Probably make more selling houses on that land than growing pineapples...

The third field is, well, pretty obvious. There are 17 golf courses on Maui!

The Coolest Fence On Maui

2010-05-06T19:46:00.000-10:00

We all know of white picket fences right? Well, how about a fence made of surfboards?

How appropriate for a property on the North Shore of Maui. Located on Kaupakalua Rd in Haiku near Hana Highway, this domicile's fence has been photographed many times for postcards and books. There must be over a hundred boards here. Luckily, he's in my neighborhood. :)

The Young And The Old

2010-05-05T20:20:00.013-10:00

Up until this point, I have always shot photos in color. I looked through quite a few portfolios and books of several photographers and organizations such as Annie Leibovitz, Magnum, Henri Cartier-Bresson, and National Geographic to gain some inspiration and hopefully, to learn something. I'm not even in the same league as the afore-mentioned, but one thing I took away after studying the photos was a large portion of the images were in black and white, or monochrome. After downloading my own b&w images to my Mac, I realized monochrome photos possess a different appeal. B&W seems less distracting than color and forces the eyes to pay serious attention to lights and darks, not just "things" to fill up the frame.

Today, not only did I shoot in b&w, but I focused on the two ends of the human population - the young and the old. The two age extremes are comparatively easier to shoot than those humans in the middle, who to me seem quite a bit more self-conscious, judgmental, and reactionary - especially when there is a camera around.

These were taken at the Maui Mall in Kahului:

Then again, as I pulled over on the side of the road this afternoon on the way home from work to snap this photo, I realized color definitely has its place too:

For comparison, here's a black and white shot:

Maui Landfill Revisited

2010-05-04T17:16:00.002-10:00

For those of you following this blog, you will most likely remember my first post about the Central Maui Landfill. Well, I went back today and to my utter astonishment, what looks like a giant fence/barrier is currently being assembled. At least I hope it's a fence - to catch all those plastic bags.

The famous tree decorated with wind swept plastic bags.

La Perouse Archaeology

2010-05-03T19:32:00.001-10:00

La Perouse Bay is probably best known for its snorkeling and for the opportunity to swim with Hawaiian Spinner dolphins in the early morning hours. Did you also know that there also exist very old Hawaiian structures and archaeological ruins there? Check it out, its quite neat.

The structures are made out of stacked lava rock, and the sites are scattered around the Bay.

The cool part is just getting to La Perouse. In order to do this, you need to drive through the last known lava flow on Maui. The access road is the same one you take to get to Makena from Kihei. If you go early enough, you will see the sun rising against lava structures such as this.

Instead Of A Military Base

2010-05-02T18:17:00.005-10:00

Unlike on Oahu, Kauai, or the Big Island of Hawaii, there are no military bases on Maui. I love this fact - another aspect which makes Maui so special. The closest thing we have to an actual base is this thing (which upon first eyeing it after its construction, I believed to be a new mall):

I then realized its isolated location in the center of Maui amidst sugarcane fields on Mokulele Highway between Kahului and Kihei. If you are going to South Maui from the airport, you will pass this structure on your left.

Here stands the Pu'unene Armory of the Hawaii Army National Guard. Frankly, I don't know anything about this place, and I can only imagine what's inside. The first images that pop into my head are those of Arnold Schwarzenegger in Commando where as Col. John Matrix, the Governator breaks into a pawn shop with a bulldozer and goes on an arsenal free-for-all shopping spree. I'm especially fond of the 4 tube rocket launcher which Rae Dawn Chong fires backwards. That and the fact that in the movie, Ah-nold can fire a full-size Uzi one handed. :)

What's the point of an armory? If Maui is invaded and its citizen soldiers/National Guard troops on island need massive firepower to repel an attack? Kick Ass!

Smart Ass Cars

2010-05-01T18:59:00.006-10:00

This is a Smart car. Do any of you have one of these cars? Do you know someone who has one or have you ever been inside one?

I saw this one in Lahaina, and I've seen a few others zipping around Maui. So far, I've only seen women driving them. My Italian roommate back in college once stated that Smart cars are perfect for women in Europe to use as vehicles for shopping. For example, a lady can squeeze in and out of tight Parisian avenues and roundabouts while parking in all but the tiniest spots - like above. Beware - chauvinism alert! I'm not sure what I would think if I saw a fully grown straight man driving around in one of these. Gianluca would rather put around in a Fiat Uno than subject himself to the endless ridicule of his peers, let alone random strangers in Milan. Then again, he's Italian... :)

These tyke mobiles are gas powered, get 40 mpg, go a maximum of 90 mph, and possess a laundry list of safety features. Is this the perfect Maui mobile?

Fuel economy is very important for us here in Hawaii, with regular unleaded hovering currently around $4.00/gallon - among the highest in the States. The high fuel prices are nothing compared to Europe of course, where Smart cars were born, but come on, this is the USA - home of giant SUV's like the Hummer and Excursion, and giant jacked-up Toyota trucks are found all over Maui. Some of those trucks must get around 6 mpg at best, but they're fu*&ing cool! God Bless America! Ha!

You know, perhaps if you jacked up a Smart car with some Mickey Thompson knobby tires, painted on some yellow racing stripes, and added a couple of NOS canisters, then maybe, just maybe will Smart cars become more popular in Hawaii. Kind of like the Toyota Scion, which in the its stock form is quite lame, as the Scion's appeal for the Hawaiian market lies in the virtually endless mods and customizations that can transform it from ho-hum to Oh Snap!

In the meantime, I'll just keep my dumb ass pick up truck.

College On Maui

2010-04-30T19:38:00.011-10:00

Ever wonder what it's like to go to college on Maui? Yes, there is an institution of higher education on Maui. It is the University of Hawaii, Maui College. Like the University of California, there are UH colleges on many of the islands, with the main campus on Oahu - University of Hawaii at Manoa. I too was curious about college on Maui, so I ventured on campus to observe and report. Now I've been out of college for almost a decade, but jeez, lots of things haven't changed. Let's take a journey.

Well, when I first started walking around campus, I was shocked to find it relatively empty. Nary a soul in sight in all directions. They must all be in class I said to myself. I did see this student walk by the universal student events kiosk. We all remember these right? "Friday night - Alpha Masta Beta House - Toga Party. Get wasted and pray to the porcelain gods until dawn."

Here's the emergency - in case you're (most likely a girl) wandering home from the library and you find some dude trailing you or who knows what - pole with the flashing blue light. Oh, the images are filling my once cavernously empty headspace with memories of days gone by, way by...

Ah yes, the campus bookstore. Do they still charge an arm and a leg for books? I remember we had the option to buy used books cheaper.

Now, when I look at this photo, all I'm staring at is that little white apple with a bite taken out of it. Remind me to befriend a local UH Maui student so I can get them to buy me the new Adobe Creative Suite CS5 dirt cheap...

Continuing on, I finally found some action in front of the student cafeteria. I should have known. If you are a college student, and I wanted to get your attention, I need to position myself in between you and your voracious appetite. In front of the cafeteria, there was a kind of hybrid health/career fair going on.

Clearly, these little munchkins aren't college kids, but they're enjoying some kind of sock puppet anti-drug show. Good to get this message across young, because Maui has a SERIOUS Meth/Ice problem.

I don't really remember why I took this photo, except for the fact that yoga has something to do with health. Yeah, that's it, yoga's healthy, very healthy...

Here's the career part. Want to join the Maui fire department? All I caught from this conversation was that the students were curious what level of math is required for the MFD, and the fireman stated algebra is needed to calculate water volumes.

This nursing student sat me down and as reciprocation for catching her off guard and snapping this photo, she took my blood sugar level. Yes, she actually bled me. When she asked if I had eaten anything earlier, I thought about it and quipped I ate a chocolate croissant. I expected my blood sugar to be at diabetic levels, but my level was luckily a normal 85. Whew. I didn't want to get the lecture from her.

I walked into the cafeteria and I instantly went back to 1997. Oh man. I don't need say much more. I'm sure all of you have your own cafeterias tucked away in memory lane.

On my way back to my vehicle, I ran into these students painting a truck in the auto-body program garage.

For more info on UH Maui, please visit UH Maui College.

Have A Smile!

2010-04-29T20:07:00.006-10:00

There are all kinds of people on Maui. Maui attracts all kinds of people. I don't want to judge too much here, so I'll just leave it at that. I ran into these two free spirits on Front Street during the day Rhapsody of the Seas unloaded all its passengers into Lahaina.

What is interesting though is how these two groups of people interact with each other. Like a sociology experiment, notice how when people walk by the girl singing perched atop a wooden stump, their reactions not only to her, but to me photographing the whole scene.

This guy is from Oregon and strummed out the instrumentals and background music.

Here's the lead singer from Vancouver Island, B.C. belting out classic rock vocals atop her perch. The duo met in Maui.

Here are some passers-by, feel free to draw your own conclusions. If I may suggest, notice facial expressions, physical proximities, and reactions.

Tourists = Ice Cream

2010-04-28T17:57:00.010-10:00

Ok, I love ice cream too. As a matter of fact, sometimes there is nothing I would rather eat than an entire pint of Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. Not the frozen yogurt, but the GOOD STUFF, with enough saturated fat to clog a garden hose.

It seems that if you are a tourist on Maui, you MUST eat ice cream. Do they hand out flyers on the plane rides over here stating that you have to visit at least 3 ice cream parlors while in the Islands? Do the cruise ships deprive people of my favorite dessert? I was on an Alaska cruise once with Princess Cruises' Diamond Princess, and there was enough ice cream on that ship to rebuild the Bering land bridge.

Today in Lahaina, Royal Caribbean's Rhapsody of The Seas was anchored off town, and I'm assuming most of the people milling about sucking on ice cream cones were from the ship. There were signs all over Front Street stating "Boat Day" and "Welcome Cruisers." How do I know these ice cream aficionados were tourists? Look and tell me they're from around here.

The interesting part is that I could have gotten within five feet of their faces and taken the shot and they would not have known. Entranced and enamored with the magical frozen sugar, dairy balls, these people were dedicated to the art of spooning, licking and completely zoning-out. Word to pick pockets, "Go for the guys with the ice cream!"

In all seriousness, thanks for visiting Maui folks. :-)

Even the pavement ate some ice cream today.

Here are the tourists lining up to board lifeboat tenders to return them to the mothership, where they'll spend the night.

Funk Plastic on Maui

2010-04-27T20:17:00.026-10:00

I was treated to something magical this afternoon in Paia on the way home. Ladies and gentlemen, please meet Todd Irving, a.k.a. Funk Plastic. This famous one-man musical phenomenon had people applauding and walking out of Paia restaurants to pay heed to his nationally renown street drumming.

Having just arrived on Maui two weeks ago from the Pacific Northwest where he drummed during Portland Trailblazer games, Funk Plastic's speciality is to use upturned 5 gallon plastic buckets as his drum set. Todd sounded spectacular. I've never heard street music this good in Paia. Ever.

I chatted with Todd for a bit and he explained to me the finer aspects of his drumming methodology and the science behind aspects such as the sonic differences of hitting the top of the bucket in the center, versus on the rim, versus on the area in between.

I hope he gets a gig in a local venue soon. For a video of Todd click here, or for more info, just Google "Funk Plastic."

Todd, if you read this, please leave me your e-mail so I can send you pics - joshwbergeron@gmail.com. :)

Banyan Tree Up Close

2010-04-25T18:52:00.009-10:00

Most people who visit the famous banyan tree on Front Street in Lahaina will remember it for its massive sprawling branches that seem to go on forever. The limbs are so long in fact, that wooden supports have been built to hold them up. I was trying to figure out a way to capture an image of the entire tree or somehow get an essence of the tree, but the banyan was simply too large. As I walked closer, I noticed what looked like hundreds of scratches in the bark. Bears? Woodepeckers? Can't be. A close-up inspection revealed a plethora of love stamps. Is that the right name?

Think about it for a second. You and your love are sitting there under the most famous giant banyan in Maui feeling all romantic. Furthermore, you are so enamored with each other that you are moved to actually CARVE your initials into said banyan tree in front of hundreds of other people. The carving process must take between 6-8 minutes, and that's if you use a real knife. If you use something more handy like a pen or a bottle opener, the carving will take even longer.

I should open up a little booth under the tree and rent out carving knives.

Footshots

2010-04-24T18:52:00.004-10:00

Instead of headshots, I decided to go with footshots. I don't have a foot fetish in case you're wondering... Sitting on a bench opposite the Iao Theater in Wailuku, I pretended to edit photos on my camera and hit the shutter blind while people passed 3 feet in front of me.

I now wonder if they heard the shutter click and pretended not to react or if they were indeed oblivious?

Here's the scene - a control shot. All shots were made with a 35mm prime lens (52mm film equivalent on my D40).

And the action begins...

Not a foot, but it passed in front of me.

My foot from where I sat:

Make My Day...

2010-04-23T17:17:00.023-10:00

Sometimes, living in Hawaii can feel like I'm in a foreign country. Hawaii is separated from the Mainland by around 2000 miles of big blue ocean and, yes, I live on what is essentially a big lava rock. Every once in a while though, I'm reminded of the fact that not only is Hawaii actually a state of the United States of America, but the Aloha state adheres to many of the same laws. Today, I was reminded of the second amendment of the Bill of Rights - the right to keep and bear arms. Hawaii may be among the least gun friendly states in the Union (we still have the 10 round magazine law), but you can still own and shoot guns here.

At the Ukumehame firing range in west Maui, I encountered two shooting enthusiasts, Mike and Don, who were working out their guns at a range officers' day. It's interesting to note that at the range just next to them was a recruit class for the Maui Police Department. I had no idea where I was going as this was my first time to the range; lucky I picked the one I did.

On the weekends, Ukumehame is open to the public, where people may shoot competitively in disciplines such as IPSC, Cowboy Action, or take an NRA pistol course. Some just shoot for fun.

I just couldn't get over Don in his shooting rig. I wish I could wear one of these at work.

According to Don, when competing in IPSC, one needs to reload the gun in under half a second to remain competitive. That means you have to take out the empty magazine and insert a loaded one in the blink of an eye!

To help accomplish this and I'm sure other performance shooting goals I have no idea about, check out Don's specialized gear.

This modern-day gunslinger is sporting a custom .45 autoloader with enlarged magazine well to help ensure those speedy reloads. He can also hold 5 magazines on his belt.

For more info about about shooting on Maui, please visit: Valley Isle Sport Shooters.

The black gun below is Mike's Saiga competition shotgun. When he fired it, I almost bled out of my ears. Thanks for the advice Mike, next time I'll bring ear protection!

Wailuku Eats Part Deux

2010-04-22T14:05:00.009-10:00

I'm not exactly sure why, but I love to eat in Wailuku (this post is a continuation about eating in this town). Perhaps it's because I still find places in Wailuku I merely hear of in passing and always wish I'd patronize, but for some reason miss. Here are two such establishments that today, marked my first visit. It will certainly not be the last.

Ichiban Okazuya

I can almost understand why I've never been to Ichiban Okazuya. It's tucked away from the main drag of Wailuku, and to be honest, I only came across it because I was wandering around looking to shoot "beauty" in the drab government buildings that make up the bulk of this town. As soon as I saw it, I remember hearing about it in a newspaper awhile ago, and I always wanted to go, but I filed the restaurant away in the "to do" category.

Finally, I arrive and step inside. The first thing I feel is that this place is old-fashioned in a really good way. Four to five people scurrying around inside behind the counter amid sizzling and rising steam, serving up containerfuls of local Asian cuisine - a type of cooking you won't find outside Hawaii. Ichiban Okazuya is intimate and charming, and is pretty much take-out only.

I present my official Office Max special, Maui Observer business card and ask if I can take some photos inside. The owner - an older Asian man (most likely Japanese) who is also cooking, politely declines with a smile. I understand, no problem. I place my order - which is probably as boring as I can make it since I'm planning on running later in the afternoon and I need predictable and proven fuel - that consists of Korean chicken with steamed vegetables, brown rice and pickles for $7.50. By the time I pay and stroll out with lunch in hand, there's a line of people out the door.

If you want to look inside, you're just gonna have to see for yourself. :)

2133 Kaohu Street, Wailuku
808-244-7276

Dad's Donut Shop

I like donuts, always have. I've driven by this place many a time intrigued by the colorful sign and the charming quaint storefront appeal. I found out today that this joint is home to some great - here it is again - old-fashioned - donuts with a modern Hawaiian twist. Firstly, the donuts look like little cupcakes. Second, there's nothing entirely too fancy about them - no cream filling, no chocolate sprinkles or snowman shapes. Finally, the little donuts come in various tropical flavors like lilikoi and mango. Another bonus - Dad's doesn't use any trans fats.

I ordered a maple glaze for the princely sum of 78 cents! Including tax!

For more info, please visit : Dad's Donut Shop

Graffiti Art

2010-04-21T17:15:00.001-10:00

In the middle of Kahului lies a series of snaking drainage ditches and waterways. These paintings caught my eye. Not visible from the street, I wonder what the tags signify...

Maui's Most Famous Mailbox

2010-04-20T18:40:00.000-10:00

This mailbox sits on Omapio Rd on the way to Kula. I've never seen one quite like this. It sure does gather attention. I recall a Maui News story describing how this box was vandalized and destroyed at least once in the past, only to rise from the ashes like some kind of first-class phoenix.

Aware of Maui's mail theft problem, I reinforced my metal locking mailbox with an aftermarket padlock after someone stole my mail by breaking the stock lock.

I certainly appreciate the time and energy it took to create this functional piece of art. Next time you're up by Surfing Goat Dairy, just venture up the mountain a little way on the same road and pay this guy a visit.

God Forbid I See You In These

2010-04-19T20:13:00.009-10:00

Yes, I understand you are on vacation and you left your brains at home. Yes, you need affordable, economical transportation. Yes, when traveling to a new place you think you can invent a new persona because it's endlessly entertaining and chances are you will never see the people you meet again.

Please, rent a car or just walk. If I ever see any of you in these things, I will personally kick your ass.

What's up with the wheel lock? Who would want to steal this martian trike bike, LSD dropping, beaten stepchild of a contraption? Do you think you will score with the ladies?

I've seen people cruise down S. Kihei Rd. in these monstrosities and I just want to pop my truck into 4-wheel low and run them over like Bigfoot. Instead, how about renting a real scooter from Kamaina Scooters?

Remember, I will KICK YOUR ASS!

Shave Ice

2010-04-18T18:07:00.006-10:00

In addition to Guri Guri, another more widespread local ice cream representation of Hawaii, known as shave ice, is found throughout Maui. Basically the Hawaiian version of the Sno-Cone, shave ice is exactly that - machine chopped ice flakes, and in the case of the kind served at Local Boy Snack Shop, paired with a scoop of ice cream at the bottom of the cup. The entire ball is then coated in your choice of various flavorings and served with a spoon. Refreshing, simple, and sure to bring a smile to your face.

Here's Kori shaping a Papa Nui shave ice, their largest size.

Local Boy Snack Shop is located in Kihei in the shopping pavilion across from Kalama Park.

Hoku and Kori serving it up, thanks!

Walkin' Da Dog

2010-04-17T18:43:00.001-10:00

One of my daily routines is to walk my dog. Ginger's 4 years old and half German Shepherd and half Chinese Shar-Pei.

Sometimes I don't really want to walk Ginger, but I need to, and at the end of the walk, I'm usually glad I did it. Of course, her smiling face is all thanks. It's odd in my opinion that dogs don't walk themselves and need us to go with them - I guess they truly are pack animals.

After passing the cow skull, Ginger sprints up the hill next to the house.

Tasaka Guri Guri

2010-04-16T14:55:00.027-10:00

Tasaka what? Tasaka GURI GURI, that's what. Falling somewhere between sherbert and ice cream, guri guri is an authentic, refreshing, local treat that has been made in batches on premises for years. Not really gelato and not really sorbet, you must taste it to experience what I'm trying to describe.

Stroll on in to this Maui landmark and order yourself "two scoops, mixed up,"which means one scoop of strawberry and one scoop of pineapple guri guri for $1.10 (the only flavors btw). Totally no-frills, the delicious and affordable concoction is dished up in a small paper cup with a wooden ice cream mini-paddle. People flock here. Located in a corner location at the Maui Mall in Kahului, this place serves a seemingly steady stream of fans.

Tasaka Guri Guri reminds me of an old-fashioned ice cream parlor or candy store. Items are placed around the storefront in an organized, yet random manner, and edible goodies abound around every corner. Look over here and stare at multi-colored gumballs piled inside a vending machine or look over there and wonder at an assortment of savory chips. See those 3 different bags of Hawaiian-made chips on the right side of the pic?

Bill Clinton has been here.

Come in a relive a slice of your youth. Even if your not from Hawaii, you'll know what I'm talking about when you step inside. I sure did. Good times my friends.

iPad Mania Maui Style

2010-04-15T09:41:00.016-10:00

I'm a Mac user. I switched over from PC's 6 years ago and I've never looked back. When comparing apples to Apples, I use a Mac Mini, which lets me choose a monitor and I can update to next generation OS X software and processor chips by simply purchasing the latest Mac Mini. It's easy to upgrade because the little Minis are the least expensive computers in the Mac lineup.

We don't have an actual Apple store on Maui - you need to go to Honolulu for that - but we have an Apple authorized retailer called MacNet in Kahului. You can identify it by the giant, and by now, iconic bitten apple logo out front.

When it comes to filling a niche that never existed, nobody does it better than Apple. Take the iPod, a portable music/video player you can take anywhere. Never thought you needed it right? Well, I have two. Working out and my iPod Shuffle are now synonymous, the two always go together at the gym or when I go running. I sometimes don't work out if I don't have music! See? A new lifestyle routine created by a consumer product you can't live without. Steve Jobs is a genius. :) Ha ha!

Enter the iPad. Sales of this little baby are so strong that apparently Apple needs to delay international orders to fulfill demand. The iPad is not a dedicated computer, but it's more powerful and versatile than an iPhone or iPod. See that wonderful new niche that was just created?

Even Apple admits it with the iPad slogan: "a magical and revolutionary product at an unbelievable price." Never mind the device sounds like a feminine hygiene product. People want it! And they want it bad!

Maui is no different. Check this out, I cruise into MacNet to see what's new and I see all these gawkers crammed into a section of the store I never really paid attention to until now. It was like watching lions feeding - utter desire and raw consumer lust (I too fondled the sleek little tablets).

Will I get an iPad? Probably not. I need genuine computers and the brand-new updated Macbook Pros look mighty nice. Will I see people cradling iPads around town, or the grocery store, or at the beach? For sure.

For more info: MacNet

Cane Fire Light

2010-04-14T11:12:00.004-10:00

I recently posted a pic of a cane fire a few days ago. It looked pretty neat due to the fact that it took place during the early morning hours. Well today there was another cane fire in what looked to me like the same location as the previous fire. As I got closer and closer, what struck me immediately is the noise. If you ever experience this on Maui, get as close as prudence dictates, roll down your windows, turn off the radio, and listen.

Who would of thought a burning fire makes so much noise! Crackling, crunching, popping etc. Add to the mix the suffocating stench of burning sugarcane and the hazy smoke filled air and I experience flashbacks of certain legendary scenes from Apocalypse Now. As I drive closer, soon my entire truck is engulfed in the smoke and I see little black flecks and ash - aka - black snow, that covers the hood of my Nissan. Who knows what else is burned in there! Someone once told me that all kinds of stuff is set ablaze unintentionally, like PVC pipe and ferile cats...

Here's a shot taken higher up from the same road (Oma'opio Rd):

So the cane is burned and it leaves that giant red patch of dirt resembling an enormous baseball infield. How do you get the now burnt sugarcane to the sugar mill for processing?

With a BIG-ASS truck.

I don't actually know the name of this beast, but I'd think once you're in the driver's seat, you'd feel pretty powerful. This driver let me pass before he crossed the road and raced to scene of the blaze, like a fire truck on steroids (hey, this monster is yellow too)! Time is money, and these giants move surprisingly fast.

Maui Humane Society

2010-04-13T15:32:00.009-10:00

I like to visit the Maui Humane Society periodically and play with the animals. As a pet owner, walking by the cages stirs up emotions at times. Although I know MHS is trying to do the right thing, in the back of my mind I also know that MHS is NOT a no-kill shelter.

I adopted all my pets here, so hopefully these animals will find new homes soon.

Recent (sad) MHS coverage in the news:

Maui News

Anthony Pignataro

For more info on the Maui Humane Society or to donate, please visit:

http://www.mauihumane.org/

Welcome to Maui, Cruisers!

2010-04-12T19:29:00.007-10:00

So you arrive at Kahului Harbor off of a Norwegian Cruise Lines ship. In this case, you are on the Pride of America. As you disembark and take in the environment, you are surrounded by the Kahului shipyards and docks. If you have never been to Maui before, you might get a certain perspective on things which may differ compared to what the guidebooks or the cruise ship spoon feeds you. Unless you arrive via cruise ship and actually walk from the dock to Kahului town, I doubt you will ever see this stuff.

Some of the pics represent cool industry in good sunlight and some are just reality.

Here's the view of Pride of America from the end of Puunene Ave next to Cary and Eddie's Hideaway restaurant.

Pan the camera a little more to the right and you see a homeless camp.

Walk around a bit and experience some industrial grunge chic. If anyone knows the purpose of these tanks, you get 10 points.

More industry

Getting this shot was surreal. The flame caught my eye and I had to investigate. On the other side of the fence just off camera to the left, a guy dressed in a dark blue jumpsuit and sunglasses eyed me until I drove away.

Libby's Vienna Sausage

2010-04-11T19:26:00.007-10:00

Did you know Hawaii is the number one consumer of SPAM in the US? I like Vienna Sausages as they are more convenient to eat and I'm impressed by how they somehow pack seven weiners into that little tin can without damaging the dogs.

Aside from Twinkies, which can outlast the cellophane they're wrapped in, the V.S. can last a respectable 2-5 years depending on storage conditions according to stilltasty.com. My dog Ginger can devour a whole tin in less than 10 seconds. I went to Long's Drugs today and they had the 18 can box priced at $7.99. Libby's is a division of ConAgra Foods! Dun, dun, DUN!

Cane Fire Dark

2010-04-10T16:09:00.002-10:00

In order to process the sugarcane, HC&S needs to burn the sugarcane plants first. That's right, even in this day and age, we still burn our crops... A lot of the burning is done at night or during the early morning hours, which minimizes smoke inhalation and interference with the general public. The burning of the cane is a cause of major controversy among locals, and the smell, smoke, and "black snow" - the airborne ash that carries for miles and covers everything, are a real nuisance at times. However, when you get to see it burn and marvel at how HC&S keeps the fire from spreading, it's kinda neat.

I captured an image of a cane fire on my way to work today.

Totally Toyota Trucks

2010-04-09T13:39:00.007-10:00

If you're a man on Maui, you haven't reached the pinnacle of coolness until you have a Toyota truck. I drive a Nissan.

My hunch is to ask any dude on Maui (or Hawaii for that matter) what his ideal truck would be given no financial constraints, and 9 times out of 10, his answer would undoubtedly be Toyota. I see more Toyotas than other truck brand out there - especially Tacomas.

Why? Don't have a clue.

Yes, Toyota is going though problems right now, but the company has built a reputation of quality, dependability and style over the years. The Toyota truck enables its owner to use it as a canvas to reflect his own personality and character. You can tell a lot about a guy by looking at his truck.

All these shots were taken while walking around the parking lots of Maui Marketplace and Cotsco. See what I mean:

The Quintessential Maui Toyota Truck - Tacoma with custom made racks

The Cabless Two-Door Toyota Truck

The Dropped Street Pimpin' Toyota Truck

The Actually Used Off-Road Lifted Toyota Truck

The I Can Sleep in the Back Toyota Truck

The New School Tacoma Toyota Truck

The I'm A Major Badass Toyota Truck

The Old School Toyota Truck

The Really Old School Toyota Truck

The Old School Frankenstein Toyota Truck

The I May Be Compensating For Something Toyota Truck

The I Know It's Not a Toyota Truck but I Secretly Want One Pink Mercedes

The Last Sugar Mill

2010-04-08T10:40:00.010-10:00

Located at the geographic heart of the Valley Isle, the Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. sugar mill rests at Puunene in central Maui. The HC&S plant processes plants from 37,000 acres of commercially harvested sugarcane.

Maui is nearing the end of an era, a time once rich with plantation life and pineapple and sugar production. The only way to save the sugar jobs of 800 Maui residents may mean to halt sugar production altogether. It was recently announced that sugarcane operations may transform into biomass production for use as alternative bio-fuels.

I love the brown sugar produced here. The turbinado is served in coffeehouses and restaurants all over Maui as an alternative to the processed white stuff. I'd hate to see it go.

Here are a series of shots of the sugar mill taken this morning during sunrise.

Across the Fields

Old Man Crane

The Intersection

Lights Still On

Smokestack

For the full story on future HC&S operations, please visit: http://www.mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/530285.html?nav=10