Footshots

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...

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

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

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

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

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

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!