The Earth Keeps Rotating

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

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

Keiki Fitness

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.

Mother Earth Day Festival

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

Phantasmal Flyers

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.

The Coolest Fence On Maui

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. :)