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.
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.
More than a year ago, I extended an invitation to Chris Pirillo to be a “puka shell tour guide” and this past July he returned. I helped get the word out for a tweet up at Tiki’s Grill and Bar in his honor, and about 50 local people attended as well as his millions of viewers via livestream.
Local, self-described renaissance chick, Traci Toguchi provided Chris with an itinerary full of local, cultural flavor. And, I am grateful that even after returning to his hometown of Seattle, Chris continues to share Hawaii with his online community. I am truly grateful for his generosity towards Hawaii.
Traci interviewed me a few weeks ago for Chris’ site to talk about the technology I travel with. I must admit, I’m becoming a smarter traveler, especially since the airlines now charge for checked-in luggage. Here are my gadget suggestions when I travel, what are yours?
For some reason, every time I travel outside of Hawaii (and this year it’s been nearly every other month); I crave Japanese food. Actually, who am I kidding — I crave tempura donburi from Jimbo’s and Hifumi’s butterfish with jumbo shrimp tempura combo on a daily basis! I am fortunate, and grateful that people in the other 49 states also share my (appreciation) indulgence for Japanese delicacies.
At the suggestion of a friend from Hawaii and Santa Clara University Law School alumni, I drove to what is known as Japantown in San Jose, California. I was disappointed to learn that the restaurant she had recommended was closed, however I was in Japantown certainly I could find an establishment that could satisfy my cravings.
I turned the corner to discover that Buddha himself heard the rumblings of my stomach, as I had arrived just in time for the start of the 2009 San Jose Obon Festival. I know that Buddha heard me because I turned the next corner and found free street parking only yards away from the heart of the event.
I turned yet another corner and really the monks must have been praying for me because I found a traditional Chinese masseuse specializing in reflexology for $20! From there I turned yet another corner and found Ukulele Source owned by California natives Smiley and Janet Kai. Their hospitality while a customer in their store led me to have confidence in their recommendation of a restaurant.
With a new restaurant in mind and walking directions I decided to get into the Festival. The first person that greeted me was California Hello Kitty. Take a look at the pictures below, you can tell they’re of the Sanrio species, but California looks a little different from Hawaii Hello Kitty.
There were carnival games, food booths, and Kirin on tap. Hosted by the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin, the event had three Taiko drum performances and over a thousand dancers, with a crowd of double the performers.
Smiley and Janet were right, Okayama Japanese Cuisine cooks delicions Japanese food. They opened for dinner thirty minutes earlier than normal, and I was the first in line!
While the festival was a blessing, it was meeting my friend and Hawaii Traditions writer, Jan’s 6th grade Gifted and Talented Creative Writing teacher from Kaahumanu Elementary School that solidified that not only Buddha, but all of the gods had looked down upon me. (She wouldn’t give me her name, joking that she was on ‘Hawaii’s Most Wanted’!)
From now on, every visit to Silicon Valley (and I plan on having more) will also include walking around Japantown for shopping, eating, and talking story.
Inalienable rights of man: “Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” — The United States Declaration of Independence
It’s been more than 72-hours since we landed at Hickam Airforce base in the C-2 Greyhound and I’m still feeling out my emotions — there are so many! My experience as a Distinguished Visitor of the U.S. Navy embark program via the U.S. Pacific Fleet onboard the USS Ronald Reagan can be summed up in one word — awesome. And, not the casual too often used sense of the word, but in it’s true defnition of a state of amazement and wonderment.
One of the obvious reason for my state of amazement and wonderment were the landing and take off on the USS Ronald Reagan. I was able to (barely) keep my balance as the aircrafts catapulted and snagged landings only steps away from my oh so fragile body! Below is a video montage of what I witnessed, except the first catapult that literally shook my body that I can only describe as the Holy Ghost himself entering my being!
Keeping me in the statement of amazement was our own landing and catapult — really words cannot express the experience, so I’ll just quote the certificate that was presented to me for surviving completing the embark mission:
“…this Honorary Naval Aviator experienced deceleration from 105 to 0 mph in two seconds and accelaration from 0 to 128 mph in three seconds,…”
But, the most awesome knowledge that I gained during my experience were through the conversations and interactions with the brave men and women deployed on the USS Ronald Reagan, the US Pacific Fleet and the entire US Pacific Command. Their dedication and commitment of serving in the United States Navy is admirable, and as I drove home at the end of my day all I could do was cry. Cry for their allegiance to the United States, cry for their families that miss them, cry for our country and the world, cry for my freedom, cry for my life, liberty and my blessed right to pursue happiness.
“…do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign, and domestic; that I will bear truth faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to the regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.” — The Oath of Enlistment
I’ve included a few pictures of my experience below, and have uploaded the rest to Flickr. My fellow embark buddy, Ryan Ozawa posted a video of our complete experience.
The U.S. Navy DV Embark Program is a once in a lifetime experience, and I have recommended the following individuals to the outreach program to share in the same experience:
I arrived at Chicago O’Hare airport a little after midnight, and took a swift cab ride to my hotel downtown. Since Honolulu is in the process of building a rail system, I briefly considered taking the above ground Metra Rail, but I just wasn’t that adventurous after an over 12-hour commute. 
As a passenger in a vehicle, I do my best to mentally mark my surroundings sort of like Hansel and Gretel leaving white pebbles on their way to the forest. But, it was all a blur until I arrived at 75 E Wacker Drive and stepped out of the cab into the crisp Chicago air. I could see the illuminated sign of the Chicago Tribune in the distance that lent light upon their towering neighbors. My hotel, Club Quarters is considered a landmark in Chicago. And, as I pushed through the revolving doors, I could almost hear the billowing of a saxophone and laughter of the historic old-Chicago. Despite the time difference, I requested a 7 o’clock wake up call, anxious to tour the Windy City. Perhaps @Oprah would be available for an impromptu tweet up?
By 7:30 a.m. I was out of my hotel and walking on Michigan Avenue; but 8:15 a.m. I was back inside of my room sitting at my desk — it started to rain, so I’d try again in the afternoon. A little after 12 o’clock, I ventured out again with an umbrella recently purchased from Walgreens during my first attempt. The rain had slowed to an occassional drizzle and the sun struggled to peak through the overcast skies. At the recommendation of my friend Melissa Chang, I began walking to Uno Pizzeria known for serving deep dish pizza pies since 1943.
My journey required me to cross the Wabash Bridge, only a few of you may know but I have a slight case of acrophobia. Having to cross a bridge with movement below and beside me, sends me into a mild panic. This has only begun to affect me later in life, and I don’t understand why since I had to cross the McCully bridge daily to walk home from school as a child.
In order to combat this panic and fear, I often purposely put myself into the situation and learn to calm myself through breathing and positive affirmations. It could have either been my focused thinking, it may also have been hunger pains, but I made it across the wooden bridge without incident, and even paused at the other end to take photos — well, just one photo.
Uno Pizzeria was quaint and the walls were covered with pictures of Old Chicago. The associates were very friendly
, professional, and accomodating. I ordered the Numero Uno which is everything but the kitchen sink, and the Four Cheese Pesto. Deep dish is an appropriate name, both were filled with cheese, herbs, mushrooms, peppers, the works! I admit, I couldn’t finish them both, but eventually did as an early morning snack!
The rest of my day was spent walking through the historical architecture of downtown Chicago. The structure of the Chicago Tribune building has pieces of steel, rock, brick, etc. from other historical buildings. The city’s Magnificent Mile does not disappoint, and even though I am from the state of beautiful fragrant flowers and leis, the dainty tulips were very pretty.
Along the course of the mile is the award-winning center for art, music, architecture, and landscape design – Millennium Park. I was so taken aback by its beauty that I felt guilty for being afforded the experience without Lilinoe, Chelsea, and Jayden. Lilinoe must have felt the burden in my heart because my phone rang at the right moment.
Having only a handful of hours to enjoy Chicago before the start of SOBCon: Biz School for Bloggers, I have promised myself and my family a returned trip. The Windy City certainly blew me away!
As 2009 rolled in, one of the conferences I had hoped to attend is SOBCon09: Biz School for Bloggers and today I am proud to announce that air, room, and conference has been paid in full! This will be my first visit to Chicago, however any tourist activities will have to be done on another trip – this one is all business for me.
This year, Pono Media has launched two (2) web properties: Hawaii Tech 5.0 – A history of research, science and technology development in Hawaii’s emerging innovation industries and Hawaii Traditions: Traditions, Values, and Culture…Hawaii Style with several others in the works. My goals for SOBCon09 will be to learn innovative strategies to promote Pono Media’s web properties as well as those of our clients; reinforce or adjust current strategies; expand my network; and continue to foster my existing relationships with speakers and attendees.
The opportunities are there for you and your business to grow, take action now. Are there other conferences that I should be considering to attend?
Our first night in Austin, Texas we were greeted with temperature in the 40’s and we decided that one of the best ways to warm up was to dine on spicy Cajun seafood at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen.
I was familiar with the Pappas Family of restaurants, but had only eaten at Pappasito’s Cantina. After traveling for nearly a dozen hours, we were famished.
Being indoors really made us happy, but the lobster tank was empty.
$3.95 for a pound of crawfish gets a thumbs up!
The seasoning was very spicy, so I let Lilinoe have the cob of corn.
The deals got even better! A dozen oysters on a half shell for $3.95!
It didn’t take us long to get through the starter dishes!
The prawns were very spicy, so we cooled our palates with a refreshing Meauxjito.
Lilinoe had the Filet Mignon & Grilled Rock Lobster with garlic mashed potatoes and fresh green beans. $29.95
Blackened with oysters, shrimp & crabmeat in a lemon garlic butter sauce with dirty rice.$21.95
There are Pappadeaux restaurants in Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, New Mexico, Ohio and throughout the great state of Texas and we highly recommend you dine on their savory Cajun-style seafood. Compared to the cost of seafood in Hawaii, Pappadeaux offered very reasonable prices. Most importantly, the service was very personal.
More of our Pappadeaux photos.
More and more my life has me needing to have access to my files via the internet at any given moment. Last fall, before attending Blog World Expo, I purchased an iPhone. But, less than 6 months later, I realized I am needing more accessibility without the weight. And, the other day, in preparation for SXSWi I purchased a 10″ HP Mini 1000 XP Edition.
Before leaving our home for the Honolulu International Airport, I downloaded the necessary applications to customize “The Mini” and packed it safely in my backpack along with my HP Pavilion, logitech orbital, headphones, 
and miles of cord chargers, AC plugs, and cables.
I am a seasoned traveler and in fact was working for Continental Airlines when the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was formed, so I know the drill — shoes off, laptops removed from bags and placed in its own bin, no liquids, place anything that will go beep in your carryon, have your picture ID and ticket available and keep the line moving!
Both Noe and I made it through without sounding off any alarms and like the paranoid owner of gadgets that I am, I hustled to receive them as they rolled down conveyer belt. Now, this is where my memory isn’t quite keen.
I recall the TSA representative that was assigned to monitor the screen shouting something, stopping the belt and “did something.” At the same time, I was trying to slip my shoes back on and forgot that I placed my glasses inside the left shoe, so I took my eyes and attention off of my 
gadgets. With my shoes on my feet and glasses on my face, I repacked everything into my backpack. When I picked up “the mini” it felt strange, but I didn’t think anything of it.
Fast forward 10 hours later and I’m waiting at Gate 41 in a not so typically happy Neenz mood, and I thought it would be a great opportunity to whip out “the mini”. And that’s when I discovered, it felt strange because its battery was missing! Needless to say, I went from not so happy camper straight to bitch in a nano second.
I don’t know what happened to it, but here are our theories:
We are hoping that it’s theory #1, but are leaning towards theory #3 because every time we traveled with the kids, we always needed to remove the battery from their DVD portable player. To the untrained geek eye, “the mini” looks like a portable DVD player. I must add that I may have been required to remove the battery and therefore didn’t follow the rules, so I erred on my part.
We do not think it’s theory #2 because the menehune would have told me that they removed the battery, unlike the TSA representative who didn’t — if it’s indeed theory #1. Tomorrow is sight seeing, plus find a replacement battery.
In a few hours, Lilinoe and I will be on board Continental Airlines flight #72 en route to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Over the past few days, chrysalises have been hatching flocks of butterflies in both of our stomachs. The excitement of attending the South by Southwest conference for the first time, the anticipation of 
celebrating the 1-year anniversary of the official launch of Alltop, spending time with Guy Kawasaki, and most importantly meeting up and networking with the thousands of other attendees.
We’re looking forward to experiencing the sites and sounds of the capitol of the Lone Star state, and of course dining on the local cuisine.
I’ve packed enough gear and gadgets to bring everyone along. Here’s how to keep up:
Also, in the right-hand side bar you’ll be able to view our livestream via Ustream, uploaded videos to Viddler and listen to us utter on Utterli.
Do you love a great story? I do, but I especially love the story behind the story. Lonely Planet was founded by Tony and Maureen Wheeler after they spent (literally) their entire honeymoon traveling across Europe to Asia and eventually to Australia. This may not be a huge feat for those who can afford such a luxurious vacation, however this 
was not the case with Tony and Maureen. They may have had no currency in their pockets at the end of their journey, but the true value was in their stories.
Their first book, Across Asia on the Cheap sold 1,500 copies which led to the launch of Lonely Planet and several more publications covering travel.
Today, Lonely Planet has offices in Melbourne, London and Oakland with 500 staff members and 300 authors. BBC Worldwide acquired the majority share of Lonely Planet, but pledged to uphold the “commitment to independent travel, trustworthy advice, and editorial independence.”
Four of my friends have been rightfully nominated for the Lonely Planet 2009 Travel Bloggers awards and I encourage you to explore their writing and vote!
Lilinoe and I were fortunate enough to meet Sheila Beal, author of GoVisitHawaii.com and her husband, Internet Marketing expert, Andy during their most recent visit. As I shared in my comment on Erika Engle’s The Buzz article in the Star Bulletin, Sheila and Andy are truly genuine people with a fondness for Hawaii.
Vote for GoVisitHawaii.com in the following categories:
Mommy bloggers are an online force to be reckoned with. Their influence, their voices are powerful. I first heard about the Traveling Mamas from Lilinoe. She had been surfing the ‘net prior to booking our plans for Blog World Expo last year and had stumbled upon their website. We were able to hang out with Cajun Mama (Shannon Hurst Lane) and Desert Mama (Beth Blair) at BWE, and will do so again later this month at South by Southwest. Traveling Mamas gives great tips on places to visit with children and family vacations.
Vote for TravelingMamas.com in the following categories:
I first began communicating with the SoulTravelers3 via Twitter. They (it’s one account, but 3 souls) are featured on Alltop and have been wonderful supporters. Read about their journey around the globe, it’s not a race but a marathon in which they will absorb the culture of each destination.
Vote for Soultravelers3.com in the following category:
The author of Nerd’s Eye View is Pam, a witty, ukulele strumming, cross-country skier who recently wrote a guidebook about Hawaii. Pam will be speaking at South by Southwest, at which time I will have the opportunity to gain her knowledge.
Vote for Nerd’s Eye View in the following category:
Lilinoe, the kids and I love to travel. We find recommendations via testimonies from those who traveled before us. But, we believe the best recommendations come from the residents of our future destinations. This is something I hope the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, Hawaii Tourism Authority, and State of Hawaii will implement in their tourism campaigns.
The Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce is hosting their general meeting next week Thursday, February 19, 2009 at the Pacific Club at 11:30 a.m. The guest speaker for the luncheon is Peter Apo, President of the Peter Apo Company, Former Trustee of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, State Legislator, City Director of Culture and Arts, Special Assistant on Hawaiian Affairs to Governor Ben Cayetano, and Founder of the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association.
Mr. Apo will share his mana’o or knowledge on a very important and long standing issue, the gap between Hawaiians and Tourism. As we know, Tourism has grown to be Hawaii’s biggest industry. More importantly, it is a very common practice within the Hawaiian community to welcome and share with guests whom are often strangers. Yet, a gap exists.
It is now more than ever, during these economic down times that all of our communities, all of our cultures come together to work towards solution. I am hopeful that Mr. Apo and the audience will offer real solutions, but mostly I am hopeful for my home, Hawaii.
We have found our Waikiki getaway – The Wyland Waikiki located on the corner of Kuhio and Royal Hawaiian Avenue. As we drive onto the property we’re greeted by the sculptured creatures of the sea and a friendly valet crew. Just over the rock wall is the soothing fresh water pool and accompanying whirlpool spa with a freezer full of free ice pops in every flavor in the corner on the deck.
The open air lobby has four cozy living room sets and a towering aquarium. For those who can never be completely unplugged from the digital world (yours truly), the hotel offers free wifi and a business center. For those times when taking a chill pill is not enough (yours truly) the hotel has a Chill Room with a row of massage chairs. And if you’re still tense (yours truly) put together a custom package from the menu at Spa Pure.
The hotel’s name and one of the reasons we’re staying in Waikiki this weekend is the opening of the new Wyland Studio Store. Wyland’s art is recognized around the world and his most recent successful project “Hands Across the Ocean” earned him the honor as the Official Artist of the 2008 United States Olympic Team.
I am looking forward to having a drink with General Manager, Robin Graf who blogs at Drop In To The Wyland Waikiki featured on the new Hotel shelf on Alltop. Robin has embraced social and new media. To my knowledge, he was the first Hotel GM to begin blogging in Hawaii, is on Twitter and has even launched a Facebook fan page for the hotel.
I will do my best to live stream the event, but remember I’ve already admitted to being tense and needing more than a chill pill – I’m claiming all the grouchy coins right now.
In exactly 18 days I will be landing in Las Vegas, Nevada to attend the BlogWorld & New Media Expo. According to the current schedule, there are over 200 speakers sharing their knowledge across almost 15 tracks in nearly 100 sessions in about 72 hours. Additionally, there will be five keynotes with three networking receptions and an opening night party, not to mention nearly 60 exhibitors in the showroom. Organization is important, but so is flexibility.
Alltop is one of the sponsors of the expo and Guy Kawasaki will be the afternoon keynote on Friday, September 19th at 12:45 p.m. in Room 223 during the Executive and Entrepreneur conference with Steve Rubel.
Alltop currently has 150 categories with several more being built and launched daily. I am looking forward to connecting with the site owners, authors and bloggers that are listed on Alltop. I mean, for almost six months we’ve been in email and Twitter conversations — it’s a great opportunity to not only put a face to the content, but network to improving both Alltop and their own websites.
For the site owners and bloggers not yet listed on Alltop — I want to meet you! We scour the internet, follow-up on suggestions and referrals to provide our readers with “all of the top” content in a respective category, let’s get you listed!
Here’s a list of sessions I will make a point of attending either for the subject or that I admire the speakers:
In addition to those I’ve already listed, I look forward to lunch with Mike McAllen, CEO of Grass Shack Events and Media, laughing in real life as hearty as we do on Twitter with Tawny Press of Innoventions and any of the nearly 1,100 those following me on Twitter. Also, if you haven’t already mapped out a strategy I recommend Deborah Micek and Roxanne Darling during the Executing and Entrepreneur conference, both ladies also reside in Hawai’i.
Going to BlogWorldExpo? Let’s connect!
Last month, my family and I enjoyed a staycation at the Wyland Waikiki Hotel. Artwork from world-reknown artist Wyland drape the walls of the suites, tell a story with marine animal sculptures in the lawn and transform your state-of-mind when walking through the lobby. While enjoying an afternoon massage in a lazy boy like chair that I swear was custom built for me, I watched a video about Wyland on the 65-inch flat panel television. It was then that I learned about “Hands Across the Oceans.”
“Hands Across the Oceans” is a 3,200 meter series of murals for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Cultural Festival. The official artist for the United States Olympic Team for the 2008 Games, Wyland with the support of children from over one hundred countries painted threatened marine life from 205 Olympic Countries. This project is the largest in the world dedicated to environmental awareness in history.
The artist will be at the Wyland Waikiki Hotel this morning at 10:00 a.m. to announce his next global art project. I look forward to simply shaking the gifted hand of Wyland. I’ll be streaming live at From the Mind of NEENZ and updating via Twitter.
From the Mind of NEENZ
