Jake Shimabukuro

is back for a very special
moonlit concert

WED. November 2 • 7:30 pm

Yokouchi Pavilion Courtyard

Renowned as Hawai‘i’s ‘ukulele
ambassador, Jake stretches and molds the traditional Hawaiian instrument into a complex and bold musical force. Jake and his “uke” appear to
effortlessly mix jazz, rock, classical, traditional Hawaiian and folk music, creating a sound that’s both technically masterful and emotionally powerful.

 For more information  or to purchase tickets…

A couple of weeks ago I participated in a guided hike into the Nature Conservancy’s Waikamoi Preserve. The hike itself is wonderful, but what really made it special was our guide, Michelle. A local girl, raised on Oahu’s north shore, Michelle was a cornucopia of information on history, ornithology, geology, biology, a few other ologies and all put together with wit and charm. Park Service folks are always so cool.

For a quick overview of what you’ll see, I’ll quote the NPS website: “Here in windswept native cloud forests, native plants, birds, and invertebrates have woven an ecological fabric that supports some of the rarest and most beautiful of Earth’s creatures. Once frequented only by those versed in proper protocol to enter the wao akua (realm of the gods), the preserve today is still off-limits except to those on special hikes led by the Nature Conservancy or park staff.”

I know days are busy for Maui visitors, but if you’re at all interested in nature, I’d recommend putting this on your schedule. You’ll need to pay for entrance to the park ($10, good for 3 days, or free if you’re a geezer like me and have your super-wonderful Senior Pass), but the hike is free.

Activity: Waikamoi Cloud Forest Hike
Location: Hosmer Grove – just inside park entrance
Time: Monday and Thursday at 8:45 a.m.; Reservations required – make reservations up to one week in advance by calling 808 572-4459
Length: 3.5 hours, 3 miles, 500 ft elevation change
Rating: Moderately strenuous
More Information: http://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/guided-activities.htm

Zoe the Schnauzer still has her Spam Musubi chew toy acquired at the show a few years back. Below are pictures of my two best buys from this year’s show.

Aloha Sirt Origami

I can’t think of a better way to spend $25.00.

More info…

Enjoy the 20th Anniversary of Maui’s Ki Ho‘alu (Slack Key) Guitar Festival with an all-star lineup of Hawai‘i’s best slack key guitar musicians. Popular musicians and recording artists who are confirmed for this year include:  Makana, Brother Noland, George Kahumoku Jr, Keoki Kahumoku, Dennis Kamakahi, Jeff Peterson, Bobby Moderow, Walter Keale, Stephen Inglis, Paul Togioka, Michael Kaawa, John Keawe, Kevin & Ikaika Brown and LT Smooth. This festival also features crafters from Hawai‘i and ‘ono food by Maui restaurants and caterers, all in a laid-back, local-style ambiance that lingers until dusk.

When: Sunday, June 26,  1:00 PM  – 7:00 PM
Tickets : Free
Preshow dinner by  Various Vendors

You’ll enjoy jaw-dropping views of the verdant West Maui Mountains and sweeping views of the neighboring islands of Kaho’olawe, Lana’i and Moloka’i.

There’s live entertainment. And as a special bonus, sightings of whales and
dolphins are very possible!

The chef-prepared buffet will include Roasted Thyme Chicken Breast with Hamakua Mushroom Garlic Cream, Island Baked Ham with Pineapple Glaze, Traditional Stuffing Filled with Kula Onions,Celery and Carrots, Parmesan and Chive Scalloped Potatoes, Upcountry Greens with Maui Onion Dressing, Grilled Island Grown Seasonal Vegetables, Fresh Baked Taro and Soft Rolls, Chocolate Mac Nut Brownies and Tropical Fruit Tartlets.

For refreshments, enjoy island juices, soda and filtered water. Up to three alcoholic drinks are included in the price for adults (valid i.d required), including Maui Brewing Co.  locally-brewed beer, white and red wine, Mai Tais and blended drinks.

The price is $79.95 for adults. Children ages 3 to 12 are $49.95.  Children ages 2 and under go free.

Reserve online at and pacificwhale.org and you’ll save 10%. Pacific Whale Foundation Members save 20%.

For additional information or to reserve by phone, please call (808) 249-8811.

Saturday, April 16,  4:00 PM  to 10:00 PM
MACC Amphitheater & Pavilion

Join Hawai‘i’s favorite stars and the MACC at the Aloha Iapana benefit concert to raise funds for the victims of Japan’s recent earthquake and resulting tsunami. Artists such as Keali‘i Reichel, Willie K, Napua Makua & Halau Na Lei Kaumaka O ‘Uka, Amy Hanaiali‘i Gilliom, Mailani Makainai, Kaumakaiwa Kanaka‘ole, Na Palapalai, Uluwehi Guerrero and more will perform as part of the state’s Aloha for Japan Campaign. KPOA’s Morning Goddess Alaka‘i Paleka will serve as MC.

Proceeds will be donated to “Aloha for Japan” fund. You can help people affected by disasters like the Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami as well as countless crises at home and around the world by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief funds.

Tickets : $25 in advance, $35 day of show

Preshow dinner by a Variety of Vendors