Things to Do for KIDS in Oahu, Hawaii

"OAHU" KID PICKS

Makapu'u Lighthouse: 

A 2-mile paved trail leads to the lighthouse and a fantastic view of the entire coastline and the island of Molokai in the distance. 

Diamond Head Hike: 

The trail is 1.6 miles round trip and climbs 560 feet from the crater floor to an elevation of 761 feet. Great view of Honolulu

Manoa Waterfalls:

 ¾ mile hike, bring: camera, plant id book, bug spray…Tip: go when dry

Atlantis Submarine

Kailua: Kayaking

Polynesian Cultural Center & Lua

      Visitors can explore the distinctive lifestyles of seven Pacific islands – Tonga, Hawaii, Samoa, Fiji, Tahiti, Marquesas and New Zealand -- on 42 tropical acres. Cruise along the lagoon on a narrated boat tour or stroll independently through the re-created villages of these islands and witness the unique cultures of each civilization, complete with song, dance, architecture and more. Each island represented performs an exclusive ritual at regular intervals, allowing visitors of all ages a chance to celebrate Polynesian culture seven different ways. 

Aside from the enchanting villages, the PCC offers what many consider the most authentic luau on the island of Oahu. The event is set in the company of a whispering waterfall in a tropical lagoon and is a must-see when it comes to experiencing Hawaiian culture. Also offered is the acclaimed night show, "Horizons! A Celebration of Polynesian Discovery", the shopping plaza Treasures of Polynesia, featuring Hawaii"s largest collection of authentic merchandise, a bowling facility, numerous children’s games and much more. Visitors can easily spend eight hours here, which is why the PCC also provides a large, 500-seat eatery in the center of the many Polynesian galleries and shops.

North Shore: Beaches & Haleiwa Town

Waimea Bay/ Wailua Waterfalls

Sunset Beach                     

Ali’I Beach: Sea Turtles

Dole Pineapple Plantation                                                                       64-1550 Kamehameha Hwy                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           808-621-8408

Pineapple Express, takes visitors on a 20-minute ride,

  closer look at the history of the plantation.

Complete the maze in top time, and win a prize.

 Think you can do it?

 The average time to complete the maze is about an hour,

 while the fastest time recorded is less than a quarter of that.

NEED: Comfy Shoes, Sunscreen, HAT; coins to flatten,                                                                            

Save room for dessert, look for discount coupons

Friday Eve:

 Dinner & Fireworks 

(Hilton Hawaiian Village)

7:30

Hanauma Bay

808-396-4229

Beach, Museum & Snorkeling

Must arrive EARLY: Closed when FULL

Closed: One day a week...Check

The Oceanarium:

Restaurant 

Pacific Beach Hotel: 

2490 Kalakaua Avenue, 

Honolulu, Hawaii 96815

 Reservations,1-800-367-6060 

Mermaid Diving 

during Dining

Bay View
 Mini Putt/Zipline                                                                 45-285 Kaneohe Bay Dr                                                                                                                       Kaneohe, HI 96744                                                                                                                                      (808) 247-6464

 Mt. Tantalas drive; From Waikiki get on Ala Wai Blvd., turn right on McCully Street and head towards the mountains. You will cross a bridge over the H1 Lunalilo Freeway, after the bridge turn left onto Wilder Avenue. Drive northwest and turn right on Makiki Street, at the 1st set of lights. Follow Makiki Street up until you come to a Y and then take Round Top Drive the rest of the way. You will end up going past the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl and will come out into the business district of Honolulu.

Honolulu Zoo
9:00 ~ 4:30

Bishop Museum: 

Volcano,, Planitarium Exhibits/: 1

525 Bernice St

Honolulu, HI 96817+2704

1-888-777-7443 

 Iolani Palace (Adults): 

364 S King St

Iolani Palace

Honolulu, HI 96813+2900

808-538-1471

Waikiki Aquarium: 

2777 Kalakaua Ave

Honolulu, HI 96815+4027

808-923-9741

SEA LIFE PARK

                 41-202 Kalanianaole Hwy # 7

          Waimanalo, HI 96795-1897

(808) 259-7933

Model Airplane Park
Saturdays & Sundays

Kapa’a Quarry Rd:  

Early: Gliders, 

Later: Helicopters & Airplanes

OCTOBER: Flying Competition

HAWAIIAN FIRE SURF SCHOOL                                                                                                
888-955-7873                                                                                                                                           3318 Campbell Ave                                                                                                                                                                                                           surf@hawaiianfire.com

Working Life in Hawaii Sooooo Far!

     Got up this morning and rode my stationary bike (Daily routine) and had my spinach quiche (Diet Food, but taste good)  I have lost 7 lbs. in about month and counting; Slow & Steady; My goal is 30....a long way to go, but I am dedicated to the cause this time...I swear.  

     Hooray!!! Today I got a job as a substitute @ St Theresa's School in Kalihi on School St.  The interview went obviously really well. :~)  I like the idea of being a substitute, because I don't have to make lesson plans, it's flexible, and you leave when the kids leave. Pay is not as much, but responsibility is way less. They talked about two teachers that are pregnant and due end of December/ January. Sooo that might be steady work for a month or two. Sounds Good to me! After I left the interview I went to the YMCA and swan 12 laps...Part of the diet thing, I try to swim almost every day. I LOVE, LOVE Swimming. It's great exercise and good for my new knees to keep them strong and mobile.

     I also have been doing face painting consistently ( 3 weeks in a row) and another lined up for October. The last party I did was really nice; the authentic Hawaiians we met at the party were sweet and awesome people. They started the food with a traditional Hawaiian prayer and songs...even a girl doing Hula...It was really heartfelt and beautiful. So far all the parties have been great and very different experiences. I hope it continues this way!

Job search...Hawaii

     Now that I am mostly recovered from my recent discomforts, I am beginning my quest to find my place in Hawaii. Where do I fit in???  Recently I have been combing the streets of Oahu, passing out lots of resumes to  lots of private schools and Universities, in the hope of landing even a part time position. I took the substitute certification course for Hawaii state public schools in March and received my certificate. I also recently filled out a Kelly services application. ( Many private schools use the service to employ temporary positions and get substitutes)

     My alternate ideas are to create my own business offering; Arts & Crafts Lessons @ my home or @ their place for people of any age.(Children, Adults or Elderly) Services could include Art as therapy; Art for expressive therapy or a temporary relief from life's everyday worries and pains. I recently made two job listings on Craigslist, On e for the Arts & Crafts Lessons & One for FACE PAINTING & Party entertainment ( Make & Take stations for children). I recently had my first gig @ the Ocean Club in Honolulu. It was 4 hours @ a party of about 150/200 people.  The client said the face painting was "Awesome", which made me feel good. I handed out some business cards and posted some pics on my other blog, "Keep Art in your heART". It was a total success. Pretty good for my first event; plus I made some $$$. It make me feel like a participating, contributing member of my household. It was fun & I made $$$. I could be happy doing this.
"Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what your gonna get" Maybe this is gonna work out...I hope!!!  Wish me luck for lots more opportunities in Hawaii.
P.S. Only downside to the party was my but was kinda sore from sitting on a hard bar stool; Well lesson learned; next time take a chair pad...One of Lifes' little lessons :~)

Happiness is...Feeling Good Again

Aloha :~)

     I feel pretty good today & most days lately.  Since my granddaughter visited last week, I have renewed spirits and feel healthier & more energetic again.  I ride my stationary bike every morning & have started to swim again two days ago. (Two toe surgeries put swimming on hold for a few weeks) I got a Wii Fit for my birthday, so I am trying it out lately.  It says... I am Obese YiKES!!! & that I do not have much balance...but it is encouraging & annoying at the same time.  I am trying to improve my strength in my legs first, which should, in theory, help improve my balance & posture. Never had good balance & posture to begin with, but trying to improve them.

     Next: I am trying to work on the Obese part: I been pretty sedentary since April, ( about 4 months) soooooo I am extremely out of shape. I weight 210 lbs. (most in my life); Wii Fit recommends that I weight 149 lbs.  210-149=61 lbs OMG!!!  Thats' a lot  to lose. Starting Yesterday; I am trying to give up sugar and Carbs. Sugar...Easy / CARBS Hard for Me!!!   I love crunchy stuff & crackers; My Weaknesses!!!  Ugh!!! I am also vowing not to eat after dinner.  One Step at a time!  I will keep you posted on my progress...My FIRST GOAL IS TO LOSE 20 LBS. by Jan 1st. Wish me Luck*

Recovery & Extreme Boredum

     A great big THANK YOU to everyone who helped me recover from my knee surgeries, even though I am still in the re-cooperating  stage of my rehabilitation.  I made the watercolor painting to the right, for the therapy office I have been going to.
     I want to move on with my life...started walking outside 8 minutes, twice a day..at least its a start..and I can go outside a bit.   I am completely bored out of my mind!!! I can't take much more of this, being cooped up. I could scream and cry some days and I do.
    I am starting to explore options for creating a life for myself, when I am completely recovered, including driving again. I am reading my art therapy books again, because I might try to do some expressive, pain and stress relieving art with seniors. I would like to have arts & crafts classes at my home for children and possibly adults too. Drawing, Painting, Color theory lessons and projects incorporating artist, cultures and historical connections. Crafty projects to recognize holiday fun like...Christmas, Halloween, Mardi Gras, Cinco De Maya, Mother's/Father's/Grandparent's Days, Valentine's, St. Patrick, Lei day, Girl's/Boy's day, 4th of July Etc... Etc... I got lots of ideas... Just gotta figure out supplies, fees, length of classes etc...

Knee Surgery No#2: Progress...

     Well good news is that the whole procedure went pretty good...not as sick and dizzy this time , minus a few complications...again low energy due to low blood count, more swelling and bruising due to poor blood drainage, Had to be rushed back to the hospital in an ambulance due to inability to go #2; Gross but true...due to pain meds; it is a fairly common complication because anestesia, pain blockers, prescribed narcotics...like vicodin, tramadol, percocet etc... completely slow and stop bowels.
     I am finally home, relying heavily on my husband for routine stuff, but improving a little everyday.  I feel a little like Sisiphus...The Greek Mythological figure who is condemned to push a large stone up a hill for eternity.  I was just starting to be fully recovered from my first knee replacement and BAM!!! I am back at square one with personal care and Physical Therapy. I feel trapped in the house and I hate having to depend on others for my livelihood. I can't even escape into my ART for more that 1/2 hour because sitting or standing too long hurts. It makes me feel kinda depressed and I am having uncharacteristic random pity parties (crying) I am reading a book called "The Happiness Project" hoping it will help me lift my spirits...I NEED AN EASY BUTTON to fast forward thru all the pain. I try to hold on to the thought that this time (bc I know the drill) everything is going to improve much faster.  

Knee Surgery No#2: Let the torture begin...

Well...What a day: Went to the Dr. to see about knee replacement surgery sometime in June ...BUT...like John Lennon said "life happens while you are busy making other plans" the surgery is now scheduled for Monday, May 23rd. That's right this Monday...three days from now. OMG!!!  She (Dr) says that the left knee which was replaced 7 weeks ago is plenty strong enough to get the other (right)  knee done. And while I'm under (sedated) this will give her the perfect opportunity to bend the left knee totally to get better range of motion. She will put my left knee on a CPM machine, which will continually bend my knee for a day or two. What the hell did I sign up for...Cut my knee open...check....put a new knee apparatus in and close it up with some crazzzzy glue...check...If that isn't enough pain and suffering...Lets bend the other knee to the max and put it on a continuous torture chamber machine. Sounds like lots of pain management meds!!! Wish me lots of LUCK!!! I will let you know how it goes... :-Ouch

On a better note...I have been swimming everyday...Up to 10 laps... Feels pretty good...Oh well I guess that will have to be put on hold for a couple weeks.
Oh! and I finished the bird painting (Hawaiian Egret) inspired by and for my sister, June...I hope she likes it...Take a Look :~) 

On the road to full recovery... Life & Art continued

    No more walker, be gone with it already!!! YEAH Freedom. 18 days since, my new knee and I slept almost all night last night; (with the help of Advil PM ) starting to be able to turn in my sleep a bit. I only take pain meds, when I go to the Physical Terrorist, or go out somewhere, where I know I am going to be walking a while or if I am in a lot of pain (which is not a lot lately). I am improving gradually day by day. I can lift my leg now, which I could not do before. Walking with a cane now; minimal use of cane. Before you know it I will be walking assistance free and kinda back to normal. I say kinda bc I am learning to walk correctly, which I haven't done in quite some time.  I am on the road to full recovery.
     Pardon the reconstruction interruption, Now... back to life and art.  I just finished my Island Breeze painting which was inspired by the artwork of Heather Brown, a North Shore artist. I have always liked innovative art techniques and am inspired lately by my new surroundings in Hawaii . As I looked at Heather's artwork, I had childhood memories of how I used to love to trace or outline things I colored, sometimes in black only and other times in coordinating colors. My usual painting styles include; trying to capture light variations and realistic representations. I occasionally like to try new styles, so I don't feel trapped in a box. As I was painting I thought about how the flat bands of color reminded me of paint by number art. I took a photo and interpreted it in a stylized manner. It was fun and I think I will try a similar technique with flowers in the future. My next painting will be for my sister, June. She has always wanted me to paint a bird for her, so I will...Soon to be posted, when I am finished.
   Today, I made the first steps to apply for a job at Scared Hearts Academy for girls as a K-12 Art Teacher.
 If that doesn't pan out..I think I will try to start my own private art lessons for children. I will keep you updated on these adventures.

Physical Terrorist :-0UCH!!!

    I go to Physical Therapy (PT) Monday, Wednesday & Fridays in Kaneohe @ Castle Professional Center. It is a nice place (friendly, knowledgeable staff) & the PT, I was assigned (Jacob: 30's) is very handsome, compassionate, calm (Zen-like) & nurturing (encouraging),but strong (no babying) and determined (he has predetermined goals).  After the first, evaluative visit; to find out how far I could bend my knee & other stuff;  I was told in a straight, forward way that, the pain I felt that day was minimal, compared to what was in store for future visits. That Sucks!!! because that hurt! ouch!    
     Day two of PT was a lot more painful, Jacob starts out easy... tells me to bend my knee as much as possible (not much by myself) , then push heel outward to straighten and hold out (He calls it turning on the muscles) Every time during PT, He makes me try to lift my leg when he knows dam right well that I can not. He slowly does his Mr. Miagi (Karate Kid Teacher) technique and talks to me to distract me...warms up the leg sorta to gradually bend it way beyond what I can do while I jump, flail, tense my neck, grab things and moan and groan (when its tooooo much I sometimes grab him to stop) He keeps saying "RELAX & BREATHE" Yeah Right? Hard to do in a torture chamber. I look at him and say is that it?, He gently smiles and says not quite...I know what that means...OMG!!! It feels like forever when its happening. We end up with some bending & stretching off the side of the table and some correct walking & standing exercises using the walker (bend bad knee slightly, put heel down in front of you, stand up straight) (distribute weight back & forth between good & bad leg) Continue PT at home. After all the torture and PT My leg actually feels more flexible for a "while", but by that evening, when it starts to feel really stiff and begins aching terribly. I MUST TAKE MORE PAIN MEDS!!! or cry:-(
PS... I took PAIN Meds (Vicodin) to get through the therapy.
      Day three: Scared to go to PT, but I know I must... I am not gonna give every detail but it gets worse & worse with bending beyond what you can do. AND HURTS LIKE HELL!!! I learned to use a bike a very little bit, which is good,  bc I have one at home Oh and I am starting to walk a bit better.
     I had a scary experience yesterday OOOps...kinda self inflicted life lesson. I was painting outside enjoying the weather, sitting with my leg down for almost 3 hours. NO NO!!! Ever heard of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Well...My leg started to throb a bit, but I was so consumed by enjoying painting I ignored it for about a half an hour...I thought its just another pain. I looked down at my calf and noticed a large (half dollar sized) dark bruise...WTF!!! It scared the heck out of me. I went in the house,  got an ice pack, propped my leg up and researched what was happening on the internet. What I learned was that after a knee surgery you  should never sit in one spot for too long without some type of movements EG..leg exercises, ankle pumps...walking etc... that's why you can't fly in a plane after surgery for 3-4 months. DAH!
Later that evening: I had a severe cramp/pain shooting in my calf & thigh: related I don't know, but I won't sit like that anymore...I promise me!!!  LESSON LEARNED!!!

Knee Replacement Progress

Day 10: Not feeling well today: stomach and headache :( I've been trying to take myself off some of the drugs (less Vicodin) The drugs have caused constipation: (have not gone in 5 days) I am starting to walk a lot better... bend knee, heel then foot, stand up straight. I actually, kinda slept a little on my side last night, which helped me sleep a little better, because I could move some. I wish my leg/knee would not feel numb, aching pain...at times my ankles feel like they are numb also.  The therapist says its like my legs are a highway and my new knee and the surgery are acting like a an accident/ roadblock and that slowly the injured nerves and muscles will  be stimulated and return through exercise, movement and ice.  

Knee Replacement #1

Replacement Knee Daily Progress: 
     Day 1: The surgery; Friday, April 1: Got to Castle Hospital (Kailua) at 6am. Anesteia options: Epidural or Spinal (not mandatory, but Dr. Rasmussen highly recommended the spinal) also regular anesteia to put yo to sleep. The worst part of the pre-operation process in my opinion was the spinal, I had to grab a pillow and hold on to an aide, lay over with my back stuck out, while they probe my back/spine to get the exact spot, really uncomfortable...but well worth the after surgery extended pain relief. After surgery, because I had the spinal I had very little pain in my leg (no pain until 2 am Monday)   I was also really stomach sick and dizzy; with a low blood count from the morphine. Constant Ice circulating machine going around knee.
      Day 2: Still dizzy all day: Physical Therapy: sat up, dizzy, then later stood up briefly: pain and drugs (NO MORE morphine; morphine makes me sick) Medicines: Narproxin for pain & swelling: Vicodin, Toradol in IV, Laxative, Some kind of pills to help with sick feeling,Oh and Benadryl to help me sleep! 
      Day 3:  Still a little dizzy, but made it to the potty chair,OT: Occupational Therapist helped me bathed and dressed myself :) and I walked 25 ft,to the door, but got dizzy, had to be wheeled back to bed. Group therapy with three other people , (84 Angelica from Peru (Knee), 70 Mrs. Livingston: Japanese(Knee), 35 hawaiian surfer(hip) Lunch and Instructional Video...Questions????
      Day 4: YAy!! today I am starting to feel lots better today, way less pain, less dizziness, I walked 300 feet; out the door and around the nurses station...Gotta move the bowels or else!!!! YUK They gave me double dulcolax, woke up really sick, but I went, Guess you gotta do what Ya gotta do.
      Day 5: Going home today, therapy is tough, getting better all the time. Bending the leg hurts like a bitch, but it has to move or it will swell and stiffen up. Wish me Luck!!! Recovery is all up to me now!!!

Knee Surgergy: No Joke UGH!!!

Right: MY CRAPPY KNEES

     Well... my knees hurt basically all the time...I think I put it off as long as I can.(10 years plus) It's pretty bad when you can't do simple things you once took for granted...like walking, getting up after sitting, working in the garden, actually getting up is the hardest thing, and I hate that I can't get up from my beach chair without pain...that sucks...I love the beach etc... I'm not gonna complain anymore, I decided to do something about it. They say pain is the greatest motivator, I guess that's right. I went to the Doctor; she said what I expected she would say, but I was kinda in denial about my right knee. She took ex-rays and pointed out the many imperfections in my deteriorated knees (yes both).  Even though I had arthroscopic surgery on my right knee back in July, she said it did more harm than good. Now there is scar tissue in my right knee that will make it harder to recover from a knee replacement; which it needs. Good news is Replacement knees last 20 plus years...by my calculations I will be about "80" by the time it wears out.  Hmmmm 80:-{  She said we (get that we) will get the first one done (left knee) and then see how that goes and then we will play it by ear to see when to do the other. But she said she does not want to wait tooo long; within the year. OMG!!!

Knee Replacement

      The surgery is scheduled for April Fool's Day (No Joke). I'm kinda scared...Ah! who am I kidding...I am scared as hell!!!!!   I am on an emotional roller coaster, sometimes I cry, sometimes I take it out on you know who (he takes a lot of crap sometimes), sometimes I fake that I am strong about it, sometimes I think it's gonna go great and other times I think the worst (What if...Infection, Allergic recaction etc...) So...what if...YIKES!!! Don't go there. lol  I have to go soon and get a metal allergy test to make sure my body will not reject the chrome in the knee replacement (2 hour test).

     Good News is she (Dr. Rassmussen) seems like a very knowledgeable, compassionate, experienced doctor.  She has a low, 1% infection rate (same @most places), she does lots of knee replacements, she has a background in plastic surgery (less noticeable scar), she has been doing this for 17 years, and she loves her work (that's kinda scary...cause who likes to look at knee bones and cut open legs) :-0
Oh well...Life is too short to waste it, Soooo Wish me Good Luck!!! ttfn

PS: Make sure you are tested for metal allergies: I was tested bc I told them I thought I was allergic to metal (Can't wear jewelry). Results: I am highly allergic to Nickel & Cobalt...10% of knee was Nickel & 60% of knee was Cobalt: NO GOOD:-(  They do not usually test people bc statistics show that only 1% of population has these kinds of allergies, but I had to get a different kind of knee: I call it the Billy Jean King Knee: but it is really called: Smith and Nephew legion knee, made of OXINIUM oxidized Zicronium, supposed to last 30 years. So Why don't they use this good, durable kind of knee for everybody: I asked, Dr. said way more expensive & only been tested by machine for 30 year guarantee and  humans since 2005.

Our New House (Hale) in Hawaii

WOW!!! View of the Koolau Mountains from the Lanai

 

Our House on Mealele St. Kaneohe, Hawaii

YES (a'e)!!! We just settled and moved into our new home (hale) in Kaneohe, Hawaii on February 22. Sorry for the parenthesis, but I am trying to learn some Hawaiian (taking a class).  Moving across the ocean (from Maryland) is quite an experience. The Matson truck pulled up at 8 am. on the 23rd. on Mealele Street to deliver the 10 (umi') crates of household goods we had shipped. 10 (umi') does not sound like many (we got rid of a lot of stuff in MD) but, OMG!!! every room in our 1, 685 sq. ft., one level hale is full. We had the movers open some boxes, but having to constantly tell them where to put things became overwelming very quickly, soooo we stopped unpacking and started stacking boxes. It's gonna take us a while to open everything but...it feels like a huge christmas present.  (*A dream come true*) Lots to do...Open boxes; figure out where it goes, roof/ skylight repair (got a credit to get some things fixed), small solar repair, get termite contract (very important in HI.), get security contract (no murders here, but lots of theft), get Oceanic cable , Hawaii Electric etc... Oh! and start getting estimates for our NEW Kitchen (small now); going to expand by taking out some walls (open up w/ bar) I will keep you informed of that whole process. Aloha!

A hui hou (See You Latter) Gotta unpack boxes :)

Living/Dining Room: Kitchen behind far Wall (to be changed)

"The Circle of Life"

Pink Plumeria: Chrissy

Japanese Fishing Ball

     Well...I went and did it :( ...I agreed to go to see an orthopedic surgeon and follow through, provided I like the doctor and agree with diagnosis. Like I said before I know I need knee replacement surgery (when & where is another issue), two other orthopedic doctors have told me...when I am in enough pain, I will have it done...Sooooo... What is enough pain? I was in pain daily when I lived in Maryland; due to cold and constantly standing and working. I had to take tons of advil and ice down my knee nightly to sleep and relieve swelling. Since I have moved to Hawaii I have not been working and cold is not an issue. Soooo... I am not in as much pain (took advil once in 2 months), but every time I try to walk any kind of distance, like over a few blocks (at the beach) I feel clicking, and sharp pain momentarily in my knees, till I sit down. Also if I extend my leg in one position too long or sit in one position too long, I get totally stiff and can't bend my leg to get up. My head says I want to do things, like; I want to work, I want to walk, I want to exercise , I want to be able  to get up and down in my new garden and be able to get up and down without pain, but my body says no to simple daily things.  Ughhh:(   What is a person to do? Surgery or No Surgery?, That is the question.Hmmm!

     On a better note, My husband and I recently went on a  2 1/2 Hour , Early Bird Special; Whale Watching Cruise. (8:45 till 11:30; Star of Honolulu) We signed in at the Aloha Tower around 8 am. and boarded the ship about 8:30. We cruised down the coast of Oahu for about 45 minutes; we stopped across from Honolulu/Waikiki, we stayed pretty much in one spot, next to another catamarran, bc a whale had been spotted in that vicinity.  Whales have two spouting holes and are known to spout prior to surfacing. They are also known to submerge 20 to 45 minutes after surfacing. So we waited and waited and sure enough the snorting and spouting began... It was very quick, so if you were not watching you could have easily have missed it.  Some of the kids were saying: where, I didn't see it. I almost missed the first whale appearance myself, but caught a glimpse. So now everyone attentively, quietly watched and waited for the whale to resurface with cameras aimed, armed and ready...it felt like forever.  BUT then it happened; the whale appeared snorting, spouting, surfacing and then the big climax the fluted tail. WOW!!! awesome, but quick.  We waited awhile again, but no more whale:( It was time to cruise back to shore.

The whales travel from Alaska to Hawaii to spawn (Late December through March)  Fun Experience.

One more noteworthy experience in Hawaii. Yesterday, I went to Kailua Beach (the secluded, isolated end, where Obama stays when he visits) I like it there, it's like you have your own little piece of paradise; the sand is soooo soft and white, the dunes have a natural vegetation that give it a rustic feel, oh and of course the swaying palm trees and relaxing sound of the waves. I was sitting in my chair reading a magazine, enjoying nature at its best and I start watching something bobbing in the gentle waves. I thought...It must be a coconut; round and bobbing up and down. I watched and waited and eventually it rolled onto the beach right in front of me. At first I just watched as the waves tossed it back and forth, in and out but then I noticed when the sun hit it, it was kinda shiney. What is that??? I got up and retrieved it from the water; it was a glass ball with slime , barnacles and snails on it. I gently returned the snails to their ocean home and washed it the best I could. A girl jogging by stopped and said: Wow, what a rare find...you don't find many of them anymore. I said what is it? She said it was a Japanese fishing ball used a long time ago and that it came from an old sunken ship. I packed up my things and left for home. I guess I was just at the right place at the right time. I needed something to lift my spirits and there it was; a fishing ball. Who would of thought, it's funny how the circle of life works. But I am glad it does. I also am inspired by people and places to paint flowers lately...have a look below.

Japanese Fishing Ball at Kailua Beach

Purple Orchids: Debbie

Red Anthrium: Christine

Yellow Hibiscus: Hawaii State Flower

       

Feel the Aloha all the time!!!

The Shaka Sign: The thumb and little finger extended in Hawaii means..."Hang Loose" Most of the time I can "Hang Loose" or Feel the Aloha but... there are a few things that really bug me; (1) the really tight parking spaces, that's the way they are here, and (2) people who take off at will when they are in a position of responsibility, two different places this happened. Went to a place, got a car inspected and the one person in charge of issuing the final state required permit/sticker randomly took off for the day, or they ran out of stickers. (3) Places of business post hours and just don't open for a few hours or take off on random days. (4) They say they love art (they mean Hawaiian Art: traditional/historical /flowers/tropical landscapes) Art is only in  some schools that can afford it (affluent population). (5) Hawaiians are very friendly people, but I am learning that really underneath, don't trust anyone new to the islands (haole). I wish everyone could Feel the Aloha all the time!!!
Question: What did outsiders (haoles) do to make them feel suspicious??? 

Eddie Akaia: No-Go, but an AWE-Inspiring Experience

WOW!!! What an experience! Started my day 6:30 am.: I drove hubby to work (Sorry:( he could not go with me). I could tell on the drive up to the North Shore that it was going to be an awesome day; the sun was pinkish, purple coming up over the mountains...beautiful !!! (Took Pics) NO TRAFFIC ???  I was expecting it to be stacked up, b/c the news kept saying the Eddie Akai was probably going to take place some time during the day; waves (swells predicted to be 15-40 Ft.) and weather permitting (Sunny and 80's).  Famous Surfers were coming from all over anticipating the big event. I parked at Kaiaka Beach Park; several miles away from Waimea Bay Beach Park, where the Quicksilver Surf Competition was to be held.    
      The city offered shuttles from nearby beach parks every 20 minutes to alleviate traffic congestion around the event. When I boarded the shuttle (7 am.) at its first stop, I thought it was strange that I was the only one on the bus, but that soon changed at the next stop. By the time we arrived at Waimea Bay it was standing room only. As I disembarked the shuttle I noticed that everyone was heading left over the bridge to the giant grandstands. Being the adventurous type, I noticed a small section of the beach to the right behind the trees. I saw a one guy with a big camera perched behind the trees; I asked him if there was a way to get down to the beach to the right; He said sure, easy right at the end of the sidewalk, He also said the surfing will be taking place straight out from there. Just like he said easy, peasy, I found a nice place to sit and; sure enough, I could see all the surfers floating in the water,right in front of me.
     As I watched more and more surfers came, one by one plopping their boards down, waxing them and doing quick TV interviews in front of me. (AWESOME SPOT) I viewed as they ran, jumped and paddled their way through the large waves out to the group. Every now and then an extremely huge wave would be announced and two, three or four surfers would take off; It looked like stripes and zig-zags going down the face of the waves. Glad they warned the crowds: they would say: grab your children and valuables, head for higher ground a few minutes before the really big waves approached. A few of the really huge waves cracked like thunder when they hit the beach and came up past where the spectators were sitting. Not bad but enough to get everything wet. Occasionally one or two surfers would surf all the way to the shore, waving arms, hopping, flipping and crashing in the waves toward the shore. The crowd would gasp and cheer...So much fun to watch! Even though the waves were huge, they called off the Eddie bc they said the waves were not consistent and predictable enough to hold the event.

Everyone should see a surf competition at least once in their life, It was an awesome experience!!!

House Hunting #101: Rent or Buy in Hawaii

          They say "Never count your chickens before the hatch".  The house hunting experience in Hawaii has been interesting and challenging. Perfect plans are always in flux, by that I mean, selling our house in Maryland was a roller coaster ride; one day sold, the next week pre-approved financing fell through. What is that all about?  The housing market is bad in MD. The value of our house kept falling weekly...still is falling.  Another offer came in ridiculously LOW, I mean, come on, our house was priced to sell quickly. All the others on our street were $300, we ask $269.  Anyway we did sell it for $265 with many concessions.
          #1 houses in Hawaii are about twice/three times the price compared to MD. (STICKER SHOCK even in a so called bad market here) #2 Termites are a really bad problem here. (Inspection Reports reveal them even when you do not see them) Anyway; We put a bid on a house (not near a beach or anything), $750... absolute top of our range. The inspection report had too many issues to list (at least $50,000 to fix) seller would not agree to fix anything and still wanted full price...WHAT!!! We said forget it. #3 Good houses sell in 1 or 2 days here; so you have to be quick if you like a house. Not a slow market here unless it's a Klunker (fixer upper).  They say the prices are down here. ( I guess in a good market they are 5X's the price)
          Well, if at first you don't succeed try, try again. We put another bid on a house last week $705 (3/2...Living:1,652 Land: 7,500) We got the Inspection Report back...75 pages; mostly little things but a few things I think should be addressed; Glass broken in half on shower door, Dishwasher leaking, Solar panel corosion and electrical box corosion/deteriorated and a soft roof issue (spots). We are getting the roof and solar checked by professionals today. Our realtor said they might refuse to fix anything. What do you think?  If this all falls through again...We are getting really frustrated and can't afford to pay over our budget. Another option: Renting a nice house cost a little less than buying; without headaches and repairs. Should we keep looking for a house or just rent a house and make it someone else's problem???
      

Life in Hawaii, so far....

Weather is obviously awesome everyday...NO SNOW:) I even like the windy, rainy days here.  I gave up my job back in Takoma Park, Maryland as an elementary art teacher...leaving was kinda bittersweet.  No job sounds awesome, but in reality I miss it.  I miss the kids and teaching. Art, kids (my own & students) and my wonderful husband, of course, are the love and passion that drive my life. I started looking for my new place in life in Hawaii; I know I will find it in time. Good things are worth the wait!!! In the meantime preparing for a new temporary job (Substitute teaching for HPS), finding a house and beginning some new paintings fill my days.  Oh and I need my knee replaced soon...not looking forward to that. I guess I have to look at the bright side..where else would I like to recooperate than Hawaii. Answer: Nowhere