Sunday, July 29, 2012

12-07-29 KOMPT Likeke Falls Trail

Today I went hiking with some new and old friends.  Mel Cadiente and Noe Vierra, of the KOMPT hiking group, chose a great beginners hike to break all us newbies in...Likeke Falls Trail.  Starting from the First Presbyterian Church parking lot made the the hike to the falls quick and easy.  Even with the off and on rain (everyone came out pretty soaked) we had a great time.



As you can see they were not afraid of getting wet.



Shaka Sammy.



He actually became a human dam, stopping the water flow for just a little bit.





The water really was a green color.  I was amazed.


Gotcha, Tracy.


Noe trying to shut off the water...




Mel, what you doing in them woods?



The rain stopped so everyone brought out their cameras.


What an amazing tattoo.  One of the common elements for the group members is that many sport tattoos.


Christopher making like Tarzan...otice how muddy he is.

Saturday, July 28, 2012

12-07-28 OPMUG Shark's Cove Sunset

Met up with the Oahu Photography Meetup Group gang to shoot the sunset from Shark's Cove on the North Shore.   The forecast was for wet weather but I went anyway hoping for a repeat of the morning.  It sprinkled a couple of times but the weather held up for us.  Unfortunately I got impatient and missed the best part because I had already packed up my camera to walk out from the exposed lava rocks.



"The moon and a rainbow...what could be more Hawaiian."  - Marshall Humble




12-07-28 Makai Research Pier Sunrise

Woke up at 3:30 this morning so I could hook up with some friends to shoot the sunrise at the Makai Research Pier just down the road from Makapu'u Beach Park.

When I first arrived things did not look promising.  The horizon was covered with a huge cloud bank and most of the sky was filled with dark angry looking clouds.  I settled down and began shooting hoping that things would improve...



Then, just as I was about to give up and put everything away.


 The sky exploded!


The colors stretched across the sky.


As the sun began to show itself the sun beams burst through the cloud cover.


Finally, the sunrise.


Wednesday, July 25, 2012

12-07-25 Barbers Point Lighthouse & Beach Park Sunset

I just wanted to take some pictures this evening so I made a run up to the Barbers Point Lighthouse & Beach Park for sunset.


In death this crab became my focal point.


This plover was finding all kinds of things to eat on the jetty.



Sorry but no "green flash."


As I was packing up to leave, I looked up and noticed the moon.


Sunday, July 22, 2012

12-07-21 Laukanaka Ka Hula Prince Lot Hula Festival XXXV Moanalua Gardens






After breakfast with the sunrise gang, I headed to Moanalua Gardens to join the OPMUG group for the 2012 Laukanaka Ka Hula Prince Lot Hula Festival XXXV.  I had never been to this before so was unprepared in terms of what to expect.  It's wonderful and if you ever have a chance to see this...go, you won't be sorry.  But bring a fast, long lens.

  oanalua Gardens Foundation (MGF) has announced that Laukanaka Ka Hula … "A Multitude of Hula Groups Gather" will be the theme of the 35th Annual Prince Lot Hula Festival taking place at spectacular Moanalua Gardens on Saturday, July 21, 2012, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The largest non-competitive hula event in Hawai‘i, the festival is held each year to honor Prince Lot Kapua‘iwa who reprised the once banned hula in the district of Moanalua.

A historical and cultural treasure, Moanalua Gardens is one of the most beautiful places in Honolulu on the island of O‘ahu. Once a botanical garden, it is home to rare trees, foliage and historic structures.
























"Our theme, Laukanaka Ka Hula … "A Multitude of Hula Groups Gather" is based on a traditional ‘oli that talks about groups of hula people coming together to celebrate hula. It speaks to people from all over who appreciate and love all aspects of hula.," said Alika Jamile, MGF Executive Director and President.

"Opening ceremonies will include a special ho‘ike (show) in honor of noted kūpuna who have made important contributions to our Hawaiian culture and the hula," Jamile stated. Honorees include Patience Namaka Bacon, Edith Kawelohea McKinzie and James Ka'u pena Wong, Jr.




"Some of Hawai‘i's most celebrated hula hālau will dance at this year's festival," said Alika Jamile, MGF Executive Director and President. "More cultural activities have been added to this year's festival to enhance the experience for visitors and local residents alike," Jamile said.
The event will feature both hula kāhiko (ancient) hula and chant, and ‘auana (modern) hula performances. Dancers will perform on one of the few remaining pa hula (hula mounds) in Hawai‘i.





Local food and refreshments will be available for purchase throughout the day. Limited edition tee shirts and a souvenir button will be on sale. Proceeds from these merchandise sales will help cover the costs of the festival.

There is no charge to attend the festival, however, a button donation to MGF is requested to raise funds to support the event.




The public, and visitors, are welcome and encouraged to bring their beach chairs and mats and enjoy the fun, food and festivities under the shady monkeypod trees of Moanalua Gardens. No commercial photography is allowed.





Festival sponsors and supporters include the Hawaii Tourism Authority, State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the City and County of Honolulu, the National Endowment for the Arts, Aloha Pacific Credit Union, Hawaiian Airlines, Kamehameha Schools, ING Direct, Servco Foundation, the Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau, the O‘ahu Visitors Bureau, the Honolulu Star Advertiser, MidWeek, and other businesses.

A non-profit organization founded in 1970, Moanalua Gardens Foundation (MGF) is committed to preserving and perpetuating the native culture, environment, and people of Hawai‘i through education, celebration and stewardship of Kamananui Valley and Moanalua Gardens.

Named in memory of King Kamehameha V, Prince Lot, the festival was founded in 1978 by MGF and now attracts up to 10,000 residents and visitors each year. Moanalua was a favorite recreation spot for Prince Lot, who is credited with reviving the hula in the district of Moanalua. His summer cottage can be found on the gardens' grounds.





For more information about MGF, please e-mail mgf-hawaii@hawaii.rr.com, visit MGF's website at www.moanaluagardensfoundation.org or call 808.839.5334.




Panorama of the Festival grounds, taken from under the edge of the "Hitachi" tree.

These are all materials used in the art of Tapa making and dying.


Robert Cazimero, master teacher of Halau Na Kamalei





"Opening ceremonies will include a special ho‘ike (show) in honor of noted kūpuna who have made important contributions to our Hawaiian culture and the hula," Jamile stated.  Honorees include James Ka'u pena Wong, Jr.,  Edith Kawelohea McKinzie and Patience Namaka Bacon.