If you know me, you know that I was raised around the art of hula. I am only now, through the interest of my children, returning to the art that I love so dearly. I shared from my heart, over on the So Much More Hawaii blog a brief history of the origins of hula and photos of my family.
For more about Hawaii’s local traditions, values, and culture visit Hawaii Traditions.
If you’re heading to Maui, consider taking a ride on the Sugar Cane Train in Lahaina. It’s a ride down the tracks of nostalgia. I shared my family photos of our recent trip on the So Much More Hawaii blog.
Read more about Hawaii’s Waipahu Sugar Mill and Dole Plantation.
Over on the So Much More Hawaii blog I wrote about our family excursion to Kualoa Ranch. There are many outdoor activities and tours offered by the Ranch. We especially enjoyed learning about ancient innovation of the Hawaiian people of the construction of the still existing, Molii Fishpond. Lilinoe even took her turn throwing a fishnet to harvest the fruit of the water. Head on over to see what she caught at Kualoa Ranch.
I don’t think I need to say this, but people take things too literally, especially when it comes to blogging. Despite my Godzilla like size, I’m not suggesting we literally take a bit out of the Sin City. About a week ago, my friend and Hawaii’s favorite pushy Chinee Broad, Melissa Chang asked me to find some new places to eat during my trip to Las Vegas, NV for BlogWorld Expo. Instead of searching online, using Yelp or waiting till we arrived to randomly ask I reached out to my network of Hawaii expats now living in the brightly lit city.
Here are the suggestions:
We will also be taking our favorite Executive Pastry Chef, business partner, and friend, Ed Morita to the Rio’s Village Seafood buffet when he arrives later this week. But, as you can see we have a great variety of suggestions that we’ll do our best to fit into our schedules.
If you don’t already, subscribe to iNEENZ where I share with the world what I capture with my iPhone and of course, eyes which is likely where I’ll post our experiences immediately.
Disclaimer: The Polynesian Cultural Center comped 4-tickets for my family and I to experience the Haunted Lagoon.
When I was about 8-years old my Father said that he was taking us to a very popular haunted house in Pauoa Valley here on Oahu. It was the Halloween season, so we knew it was produced, however our childlike imaginations could not conjure our experience. We dropped my Mom off at my Nanny’s hula studio for evening classes and parked around the corner near Lusitania Street, Kanealii Avenue, and Pauoa Road. Do you know the area?
Anyways, excited we entered the doorway of the haunted house which during the off season is the garage of a quaint home just past the old feed store, but ironically near a graveyard. Holding hands, the five of us marched into the darkness one-by-one with my Father behind us. Within seconds, we wanted out! The light at the end of the tunnel seemed non-existent, but by the time we emerged into the Honolulu air, tears of fear streamed down our cheeks and we promised my Father that we were going to tell Mom…and Nanny!
In retrospect, this was one of the greatest memories of my childhood. A time when we felt as brave as warriors, and emerged crying children. An experience that had the five of us band together and comfort one another in our fears. But really it was a time where we could all laugh at ourselves.
So, when I received an invitation from the Polynesian Cultural Center to take my family on a canoe ride on their Haunted Lagoon — I immediately accepted. I reflected upon my memories of the haunted house in Pauoa Valley, and well, are these not the type of trouble-making moments parents wait for?
A few days before the spooky canoe ride, we read the story of Nalani more commonly known as the “Lady of La’ie”. She was born on the west side of Oahu who blossomed into a beautiful teenager. Nalani caught the eye of many men, however she fell in love with a visiting sailor. Against her family’s wishes, Nalani and the young sailor secretly married. Eventually though, her family found out and they beat the new groom. The sailor and his wife fled to the mountains above La’ie for refuge, however he was too badly beaten and died.
She planted a coconut tree to mark his grave near the river where she would sit and sob. Months later, a recluse, Nalani gave birth to a son. Her entire existence was for her son, until one day when she awoke he was missing. Nalani spent her days walking on the banks of the river, searching for her son, yearning for her husband. Until one day, she too disappeared.
Legend has it that the young sailor came back for his wife and son. The coconut tree that Nalani planted is on the grounds of what is now the Polynesian Cultural Center and sits between the Tongan and Rapa Nui villages. Its trunk is twisted and mangled, resembling the beaten sailor.
By the time we arrived in La’ie, the sun had set and we followed the path to the docked canoes. The children had expressed their anxiety, but were still wide-eyed and curious. We took the first row of the canoe and was steered into darkness.
I won’t give away too much, but I will share that I was exhausted at the end of the ride. Exhausted from protecting my family from the unexpected, yet perfectly placed scary surprises. But I was mostly exhausted from screaming my head off — I’m still trying to gain my voice back. Yes, I was authentically spooked enough to scream out loud and scoot away from the ghosts and ghouls — the production is that good. Will you scream?
My entire family highly recommends visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center’s Haunted Lagoon which begins this Friday, October 2, 2009 and every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday night from 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. till October 31, 2009. PCC posted their prices for adults and children and local businesses are offering coupons.
Follow @polynesia on Twitter for updates, news, and discounts.
Oh, and before we left the lagoon, I turned back and was able to capture this picture of the Lady of La’ie.
Traditionally in Hawaii, sports teams and organizations have sold everything from buckets of chili to car washes to raise money for uniforms, equipment, and travel expenses. I remember when my Father first started coaching at McKinley High School, the athletes would work in teams to cover the school grounds, picking up trash at the carnival and fairs. These days, fundraisers have gotten creative, but the basic needs still remain the same.
One of my good friends, Derek Higa has committed much of his free time to coaching the kids in the Makakilo, Ewa, and Kapolei neighborhoods. A father of three, he not only dedicates his time to his son’s team, but to all of the other teams.
I witnessed the admiration his players had for him during his Yakudoshi in 2008 as they greeted him with a paper banner and like a revved up football player, Coach Derek tore through it with gusto! The players then lined up to greet and hug their Coach, one at a time.
On Sunday, September 20, 2009 Coach Derek’s Pee Wee level football team is having a fundraiser at Rumours Nightclub in the Ala Moana Hotel. They’re raising money to travel to Molokai for a football game. The event will feature entertainment, pupus, door prizes, and let’s face it — a night out with friends and family for a good cause!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Rumours Nightclub in the Ala Moana Hotel
5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Pre-event tickets: $10
At the door: $15
If you can’t make it, here’s how you can help:
If you’re on Facebook, send a message to Kristin Benoza Higa to pre-order your tickets and/or make a donation or email me at neenz@faleafine.com. Mahalo to everyone for their support of the team and youth sports in Hawaii.
[Disclosure: Servco Toyota Hawaii loaned me a 2010 Prius for one-month.]
The other night, Lilinoe and I attended the Marriott Hawaii’s “Tweet Yourself to Hawaii Sweepstakes” tweet up at the Moana Terrace and Metromix’s Incognito @ Shokudo party. We had a great time, but probably not as fun as Juicy did when she was able to pose with Twitterlulu’s own: @maryfastenau,@nathankam, @tiabla, and @melissa808.
If you’re on Twitter, follow @ToyotaHI and check out the latest from Toyota Hawaii.
On March 7, 2009 Hawaii Congressman Neil Abercrombie announced his candidacy for Governor in 2010 via Twitter. A member of Twitter since November 2007, the Congressman and his team have been using social media tools such as Ustream and Utterli since the last election season. I have the fortune of continuing to be involved with the team.
One of the fresh campaign strategies used to reach the voters of Hawaii was Dinner 2.0. It’s the evolution of the living room coffee hour. Using the tool of livestreaming, the online audience can observer the conversation and contribute via live chat.
I am very excited to announce the first Dinner 2.0 of the Hawaii Elections 2010 season this Saturday, June 27, 2009 from 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. Kamehameha alumni, actress, and political organizer Kelly Hu will be there to talk about how she worked with Congressman Abercrombie on President Obama’s campaign and more!
This is an invitation for everyone to join us via chat at http://neilabercrombie.com
Image credit: Kelly Hu
A few weeks ago I had lunch with my lifetime friend, Kevin Yamada over a few dozen little plates of Hawaiian delicacies at People’s Cafe. He was in for a week, and I was more than happy to move around my schedule, if only for a few hours to talk story, reminisce, and well eat! More importantly, I was happy to introduce him to Lilinoe, Chelsea, and Jayden who were equally excited to put a face to some of my stories.
As I shared previously, Kevin has been leading a very exciting life in the entertainment industry hosting The Sunny Side Up Show. In fact, he shared that when he returned two of his upcoming guests were Major League Baseball’s Shane Victorino and four guys named Sam, Murray, Jeff and Anthony better known as The Wiggles! As exciting as that news is for Phillies fans of all ages and toddlers that are fans of yellow, red, purple, and blue — this next piece of news is exhilarating for Kevin Yamada fans!
Kevin is making his big screen debut in Disney Pictures’ Old Dogs. Check out the trailer below, and at about 1:35 into the clip, hit pause to see my old dog from high school decked out in golf’s finest fashion! I can’t wait to see the movie, but am already very proud! Mark your calendars, the movie is schedule to release in November, everyone go see it!
(For those wondering, I will resume my Where Are They Now? series every Wednesday beginning in July)
Only 6-months ago, Russel Kealoha and Bully O’Sullivan – friends since high school, launched the first podcast from Hawaii dedicated to their passion for beer. O’Sullivan says that during a brainstorming session Kealoha came up with the show’s title, “Two Beer Queers“. In their first interview ever, the Hawaiian beer connoisseurs, talk about their humble beginnings, passions, and that now infamous 3-point rating system!
Tune in on May 23, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time as they broadcast LIVE from S.W.A.M. Wine. They won’t know what they’re drinking until the cameras begin streaming!
Follow @BullyOSullivan @twobeerqueers and @swamwine on Twitter.
I clearly remember the day she was born, it was emotionally chaotic, not only because pregnancies are that way, but she was born nearly 3 months too early. Maiyah Ku’umakanamakamae Faleafine was born on April 18, 2003 weighing just a few rice grains over 2 lbs. As she laid in the incubator, draped in tubes assisting her breathing; we had our first talk.
I introduced myself and told her that I loved her. I talked about her parents, Papa and Tutu, and that there were so many people who loved her. I told her about Winnie the Pooh and that he’d be her first roommate, but as she got older she could move him out. I told her again that I love her, and would always be there for her.
Today we celebrated Maiyah’s 6th birthday (even though we said after her 5th birthday party that the celebrations would be a simple cake and ice cream at Papa and Tutu’s home) the same way she came into the world; speedy and surrounded by loved ones. Winnie and Tigger are still dear to her, but they have been replaced by the coy and pretty, Hello Kitty.
While purchasing her gift from the Sanrio store in Pearlridge Center, I noticed a flyer advertising Hello Kitty appearances. Without hesitation, Lilinoe and I booked Ms. H.K. and the surprise was set for Maiyah. During the week leading up to her party, we talked.
I asked her how she would feel if Hello Kitty came to her birthday party, and she replied, “Isn’t she a cartoon?”
I should have known, so I changed the question, “If it were possible, would you like Hello Kitty to come to your birthday party?”
Maiyah replied, “I would be so excited, I would just love it if she could come.”
Her true reaction to the arrival of Hello Kitty is priceless:
My sister planned a family fun filled day at American Box Car Racing in Kunia. For many of us, it was our first experience, and I believe the adults had more fun speeding down the tracks, in the gravity propelled vehicles than our children. I was one of the first to take a spin, and if you know the basic laws of gravity, it’s safe to bet that I would reach the checkered finish line first.
I highly recommend box car racing for your next outdoor activity. The box cars, tracks, and friendly staff are only a few reasons to visit. It’s the lasting memories that make it worth it. As my niece Emma put it, “This was the best party ever!” All of the photos are on Flickr, and Lilinoe is in the center box car for the last race of the day. Does she win?
It’s been 20 years since I graduated from high school and through the technology of social networking I have been able to reunite with many of my classmates. I am beginning a new series on my blog, similar to VH1’s “Where Are They Now?”
During my Sophomore year of high school, my long time partner in koloheness (mischief) Patricia and I realized that we had not had a single class together since the 6th grade. We were certain it was a conspiracy, so we planned to beat the system and interviewed for an elective class, Zoo Instructors Program (Z.I.P.). Over the summer all we could do is hope, and we were very ecstatic when we received our class schedules the following Fall semester.
It was in this class that I met Kevin Yamada. In fact, I remember our first conversation. It was during an ice-breaking exercise game that required us to find people who fit the description in the box, and have them sign our paper. I asked, and Kevin confirmed that he indeed had hairy knees and so a friendship began. (Sadly, these days as I get older lazier I could fit the “hairy knees” category too!).
Kevin was a friend I could always depend on. He was smart, athletic, very funny and had this Kikaida swagger about him. For those who don’t know, Kikaida was my first love — Jiro and all his machismo in his blue denim pant suit with his guitar strapped to his back was quite appealing. (Yes, Lilinoe knows.).
Facebook has been a tremendous tool, and I was able to finally track down, stalk, reconnect with Kevin. And, was just amazed at the journey of his canoe the past two decades!
He was a good boy and earned degrees in both History and Secondary Education (Chemistry) from the University of Hawaii which led to a teaching position as a math teacher and a wrestling coach. Add in a wife, a few kids, maybe a dog and me visiting on the weekends for some beers in the garage and it would be a respectful and honorable story. But, Kevin’s canoe, his path of life has taken him on an extraordinary journey.
Remember I mentioned he had a swagger? Well, this should have been my clue for his current career or the time my family and I gathered around the television for the latest episode of Hawaii Stars in the early 90’s which featured a singing Kevin! But, even if I did, no one could ever guess the doors that would open for him.
Today, Kevin is the co-host of The Sunny Side Up Show on Sprout, the first 24-hour preschool network which was 
recently nominated for an emmy. He resides primarily in Philadelphia, but his work sometimes takes him to New York. Living in Hawaii, we’re unable to see his show but, perhaps we can get together and influence the powers at PBSHawaii to let us have our eggs and eat ‘em too!
Having lived away from Hawaii myself, the first and most important question I had to ask him was, “How’s the food in Philly?”
“The food is awesome. There’s Mexican, Brazilian, Spanish…and of course they have great cheesesteaks, ” said Kevin.
Next to World’s Series champion Shane Victorino, Kevin may be the most famous Hawaiian living in Philadelphia, so it was only right of me to suggest that when I visit Philadelphia (I love you Lilinoe!) next year, do you think we could make a dozen or so spam musubi with a hint of shoyu and stalk, seduce, meet Shane Victorino?
“(I) would love to meet Shane…the three of us to hang, drink, and grind musubis. Maybe even try a scrapple musubi,” shared Kevin.
Wait, scrapple musubi?
Kevin explained, “I have yet to try scrapple, a local favorite. I have heard it’s a greyish meat that is the leftovers of other meat — probably how we look at our spam.”
Note to Melissa Chang: Get some scrapple for your bizarre food story.
One of the things I took with me to Houston, is my aloha and so I asked Kevin which Hawaii Tradition did he take and share with his new community.
“The great thing about the show is that it’s shown all over the country. So maybe there will be a few more kids spreading aloha around America. Sprout has been very supportive in bringing aloha to the station.”
The Aloha Shirt wearing Kevin continued that during “Music Week” they sang, Aloha ‘Oe and played the ukulele, and used hula motions during “Weather Week” to explain; rain, wind, and sun.
If you were born and raised in Hawaii like we were, living far away from the islands somehow inspires the hula dancer in us all!
Kevin’s entertainment career continues to climb, but we’ll all be able to see him on the big screen this November with the release of the movie Old Dogs.
“It’s about two advertising agents and their adventures. The first scene I shot was with the agents. I was thrilled and nervous when I found out the agents were (actors) John Travolta and Robin Williams,” shared Kevin.
Keeping in tune with his acting career, I suddenly took on the persona of James Lipton, host of Inside the Actors Studio and asked the following questions.
NEENZ: What’s your favorite pidgin word?
KEVIN: Pau
NEENZ: What turns you on creatively, spiritually, and emotionally?
KEVIN: Laughter, The Beatles, a good Chirashi, competition and walking (no music on).
NEENZ: How existential.
NEENZ: What noise do you miss from Hawaii?
KEVIN: Family parties.
NEENZ: If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
KEVIN: Hurry up, your family and friends are waiting. By the way, how do you want your steak?
My last official question to Kevin, and I preceded with a disclaimer of “may not be posted” was his memory of NEENZ.
“Oh, there are many. Watching basketball games, going to Ho’olaulea, hanging out drinking…and at the zoo. I remember going to The Bangles concert. We jumped from the upper level of the NBC arena to the lower deck to get closer. I ripped my pants on a metal pipe sticking out. Not too smart, but we did get to see Susana Hoffs up close singing and doing the splits. It was just another Manic Monday,” shared Kevin.
I had forgotten about Kevin ripping his pants, but not Hoffs’ doing the split. I appreciate him leaving out the xyz memories of me that involve being ripped, and I’m not talking about my pants.
Kevin remains, dear to my heart.
Are you frugal? Do you have divine skills that can feed masses with only a few baskets of fish? Or, are you just broke? If you’re one or all of the above Metromix Honolulu seeks your deal breaking skills. They’re looking for four teams of two, (single broke people need not apply, but two single broke people are absolutely eligible!), who can turn $40 into the best day ever!
Team applications are due by 11:59 p.m. (I’m guessing that they’re saving one minute to keep in the spirit of being thrifty!) and must (well, technically it’s not required, but perhaps if you “look broke” it could help your chances?) upload photos of each team member. Each weekend in March, a team will roam Oahu with their very own Metromix Honolulu photographer with (2) crisp (Disclaimer: The bills may not be crisp, but gently used.) $20 bills. At the end of the month based on the level of fun, food, and excitement one team will be chosen to receive a special prize.
Be creative. If you’re thinking of having (10) beers each at a $2 happy hour bar, I’m sure you’d be hilarious, but you’d also be breaking the rules (1 alcoholic beverage per person) and totally unoriginal. You know that idea that includes paying someone five bucks to work their “five finger” discount, forget about it – no illegal activities. So, what do you say, do you have the skills that can turn pocket lint and a few bucks into full stomachs and body aches from more than enough laughter?
Metromix Honolulu aims to be your one-stop local entertainment guide. I first met the team at Pink Tiki’s with the local Twitter crew. And then again, when Lilinoe was afforded a much deserved and very pampered makeover. Yet, once more when I was treated to a traditional Chinese feast to ring in the Chinese New Year. And, just the other night at Honolulu Twestival where we raised $7,000 for charity: water. Club scene, fashion, cultural events and social causes — seems to me like their hitting their target!
Just in case, here’s all the top frugality news, tips and strategies to help you out.
The Twitter community continues to grow and some have estimated their users range between 4 – 6 million worldwide. When I first joined Twitter in July 2007 the number of active Hawaii users were very modest, but over the past 6-months the numbers have exploded with people from different professional backgrounds and industries. I have a great appreciation for my network because there’s always a relevant conversation or five going on at any given time. Additionally, it allows me immediate access to many of the leaders in social media, business, marketing, public relations, and one of the influential groups – Moms!
One event that has brought together the Hawaii Twitter community is the very popular Tweet Up! For 
my readers that are not on Twitter, it’s Twitter-speak — adding a ‘t’ and ‘w’ to any word, twy it! If I recall correctly my first tweet up was last April when we hosted Forrester Senior Analyst, Jeremiah Owyang at Highway Inn for some authentic Hawaiian food.
To say that the personal and professional connections that I’ve made on Twitter are valuable would be an understatement, so much of my connections are priceless.
Next week Thursday will be one of the biggest tweet ups ever, a global event aptly named, Twestival. Honolulu will join more than 170 cities around the world raising money for charity: water. charity: water brings clean and safe drinking water to the 1.1 billion people who don’t have access.
This is not just an opportunity to contribute to a worthy cause and to begin building your own network with some of Hawaii’s social media leaders. It’s a local style pau hana event with food, drinks and a fantastic music line up put together by volunteer committee member, Vernon Brown of 808Talk.com.
Honolulu Twestival
Thursday, February 12, 2009
5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Oceans 808 at Restaurant Row
Emcee: Angela Keen
Guy Cruz, Anuhea, Mailani Makainai, Jama Hang, and Sunset
$20 presale ticket gets you admission, pupu buffet and (2) drink ticketsBUY YOUR TICKETS NOW!
As a member of the Honolulu Twestival committee I want to thank our sponsors:
Also, a big aloha to KarmikDesigns and Valentino Valdez Design for lending their artistic skills. And, an in advance big shaka to my fellow Honolulu Twesitval committee members; Ryan Ozawa, Vernon Brown, Nathan Kam, Matt Matsumoto, Kelly Mitchell, Tammi Hitchcock, Susie Lin, Paul Graydon, and my dear Lilinoe.
Consider this, your personal invitation to Honolulu Twestival!
This year the American Lung Association is celebrating its 80th year in Hawaii, and both Lilinoe and I are a month away from celebrating 1-year of being smoke free. It makes it all the more special for me to encourage you to attend the ALA’s 2nd annual Breathe Concert: Clean Air for Everyone.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
7:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Hawaii Theater
1130 Bethel Street, Honolulu, HI
Tickets can be purchased at the Hawaii Theater, and use the code “CLEAR” for a discount. Additional questions should be directed to 808-528-0506.
You don’t want to miss my social media buddy and multiple Na Hoku Hanohano winner, Ken Makuakane; the mesmerizing ukulele thrashing of Jake Shimabukuro; Roy Sakuma’s keiki will be strumming in unison; my favorite soprano and dear friend the beautiful Lea Woods Almanza and more!
From the Mind of NEENZ
