Life is a Journey…

It has been a little over 2 months since my last post… Time can really fly by….

I have been working on some new things and have tons to write about….

Now it is December 2012 and it is about that time when we look back at the journey this last year has taken us on…

No matter where you are now, remember, it is not the destination that truly matters, but the journey and path we take to get there that matters. Create your journey. Create the life you want to live. And share some Aloha with someone every day.

I want to wish everyone a very Happy Holiday Season!

Aloha and Mahalo!

Aloha from Munich!

You may remember from an older post the mother and daughter I met here in Maui that are from Germany. I asked Kiona and Birgit what Aloha meant to them and asked if they would be interested in writing about it… Well… They did! So here is what they wrote about Maui… and what Aloha means to them along with some photos they took while on island (or above it) :

(Written by Kiona and Birgit Konig)

“My experience being Aloha.

If you want to know what paradise looks like, you should go and see Maui.

I Am Aloha, because there is no other way on Maui as to be ALOOOOHAAA!!!!! What a wonderful, amazing, beautiful, impressing landscape on this island! The spirit there is a combination of Aloha (this word is sooo special and so meaningful itself) and American way of living. The people are friendly, happy, helpful, communicative and open minded. The weather is always warm and sunny with pleasant approx. 85° F even if some raindrops keep falling on your head 😉 and the trade winds are cooling the skin.

The nature is a wonder: on this island is everything; desert and rainforest, sea and beach and high mountains, green, rich areas as well as dry ones. The colors of this island are breathtaking. A wonderful blue sky with unbelieveable cloud formations over a deep blue to turquise sea seamed by white and black beaches with a glorious green and rich vegetation in the background, majestic mountains and the red dirt makes the scene of colors perfect.

This island gives you no other choice: you have to fall in love with it…and I did!!!

Mahalo Maui…there‘s no one like you…see you soon!”

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Mahalo Kiona and Birgit for sharing this with me! I am glad that you fell in love with Maui! We welcome you back anytime!

Octopus and friend…

Taken while snorkeling Honolua Bay, Maui

Link

Project Aloha

Image courtesy of Michael Paz* Project Aloha* http://www.projectalohahawaii.com

Local graphic designer, Michael Paz, shares Aloha every day! Pass it on!

http://www.projectalohahawaii.com/about/

Share the Aloha and Pay it Forward

Living in Maui, I am able to meet people from everywhere. It is important to me to treat everyone with Aloha when they are here on holiday. Working in the restaurant industry and in the mortgage industry, I am able to meet and talk story with a variety of people. Most everyone is friendly with Aloha here on the islands. Whether they are from the mainland, Canada, China, Japan, or Australia; it is important for us to remember that we need to show Aloha to everyone we encounter. That is what the Aloha Spirit is all about. These people visit the islands because they are a beautiful paradise. The people that live here are warm and friendly. Some people have to save a very long time in order to be able to bring the entire family here. When visitors are shown Aloha when they are on holiday here, they return the gift of Aloha. It may be by taking the Aloha Spirit home with them or even by performing acts of kindness and Aloha back to you or someone else on the island.

MALA employees “Practice Aloha” …. Visit the website sometime

Recently, I was fortunate enough to meet 2 incredible people having holiday here on Maui. Mother and daughter, Birgit and Kiona, are from Munich, Germany and have been taking holiday on the Hawaiian Islands. They have visited Oahu, Kauai, and finally Maui. I have been fortunate enough to spend time with them while they are here and we have had some great times. Birgit has enjoyed some fine scuba all over the island (including the Cathedral in Lanai and Molokini).

Scuba the First Cathedral – Lanai
Photo courtesy of Lahaina Divers*

Kiona wanted to have a Hawaiian surf experience (she had taken a surf class in Kauai already) so my good friend, Eric Chapin, and I took Kiona to Goofy Foot Surf Shop at the 505 in south Lahaina to rent some boards. Kiona and I rented two 11ft soft-top boards, some rash guards, and water shoes and headed to the beach at Breakwall.

Logo courtesy of Goofy Foot Surf School, Maui*

Quick side note – The folks over at Goofy Foot Surf School shop were very friendly. I know some of the people who work there and they love what they do. I have not taken a lesson from them but it seems to me that they have a good program there. For more information on them – feel free to click the logo on the right to visit their website or follow this link:http://www.goofyfootsurfschool.com/

Even the overcast day didn’t stop the surfing at Breakwall… unfortunately the camera mount wouldn’t work on the soft-top boards…

Soon after we had our boards and got settled in at the beach, Birgit showed up after finishing her dive and was able to watch us all surf. Kiona had a good day surfing and was able to surf some of the smaller waves that day. However, she was not fully satisfied and insisted we come back the next day. Eric told us that the waves would be much better the next day. Eric was right. The second day, while Birgit was out diving again, Kiona and I rented 2 more boards and soon headed out into much larger waves compared to the previous day. We paddled out and tackled the white water and crashing waves to claim our spot. Then, Kiona starts paddling and catches her very first wave of the day! Super stoked! I was not able to catch my first wave, standing to far foward on my board and taking a wonderful nose-dive just after standing up. Kiona was able to catch a few more waves that day but her last one resulted in a scraped leg after jumping off the board on her last ride. She was bummed that it ended her day of surfing but this young lady took it like a champ and she now has a Hawaiian surf wound as proof that “She Is Aloha”. Birgit and Kiona leave this coming Monday and I just want to thank them both for everything. They have taken Eric and I to dinner at Duke’s Beach House, hung out on the beach at midnight having cocktails in the rain, and we lounged on the beach at BlackRock together (Kiona even jumped from BlackRock!) They have been able to experience Hawaii by scuba, surfing, buying local, and taking excursions. Today they are driving to Hana and tomorrow they will experience Maui by way of helicopter! I want to say Mahalo to Eric for showing his Aloha with them and a big mahalo to Birgit and Kiona for embracing the Spirit of Aloha. Eric is Aloha. Birgit is Aloha. Kiona is Aloha….. I AM ALOHA.

Kiona from Germany shows off her “I Am Aloha” shirt while throwing shakas at the Breakwall after a day of surfing…

Day Tripping… Lanai

Lanai Excursion

The island of Lanai is a fantastic place to visit when you are visiting Maui! There are a couple of companies that offer Lanai tours and excursions for snorkeling and day cruises.

Logo Courtesy of Trilogy*

Trilogy Ocean Adventures offers trips around Maui, Molokini and Lanai. The Lanai day trips sail from Maui to Lanai and include time to explore the island, go snokeling, or other adventures. Trilogy happens to be the only company that is allowed to take customers to Hulopoe Beach. They offer 2 Lanai excursions: both range from about $95 – $170 and last around 8 hours.

Although I have yet to go on either of these excursions offered by Trilogy, I am sure that they offer adequate fun during the sailing and guided snorkel tours. These may be the best options for people who want an all-inclusive package. You can click the logo above to visit their website or by clicking here: http://www.sailtrilogy.com/lanai/

There is another way to visit Lanai, however, and I have made the trip over more than a few times this way. Expeditions Maui-Lanai Ferry offers daily trips to and from Lanai.

Logo Courtesy of Expeditions Ferry*

The ferry leaves from the Lahaina Harbor at multiple times during the day:

Lahaina Departures: (public loading dock in front of Pioneer Inn) Departs promptly at:6:45am 9:15am 12:45pm 3:15pm 5:45pm Lanai Departures: Departs for Lahaina at: 8:00am 10:30am 2:00pm 4:30pm 6:45pm Tickets: ADULT: $30.00 each way / CHILD: $20.00 each way

Expeditions has been operating for over 15 years and tourist and locals alike enjoy the quick trip over the Auau Channel aboard Coast Guard Certified Vessels. The ferry allows you to bring everything from camping gear, luggage, ice chests, golf clubs, or even bulk items like groceries from a Costco run…and more. The trip over is nice. They serve beverages and snacks downstairs in the cabin and offer indoor and outdoor seating on the top deck. Not only does Expeditions offer the ferry service, but they can also arrange activities for your Lanai trip including 4×4 rentals, golfing, hotels, and even sporting clays if you feel like squeezing off some rounds at clay pigeons… Expeditions pulls into the harbor at Manele Bay. It is a short walk to Hulopoe Beach Park from the harbor. So if you are camping at the beach park or just heading to the beach for a relaxing day of lounging on the beach and snorkeling, getting from the harbor to the beach is an easy walk.

American Flag flyig on the rear of Expeditions Ferry…

Check out the Expeditions website by clicking the logo above or by clicking here:

http://www.go-lanai.com/

Hulopoe Beach

Hulopoe Beach looking towards Four Seasons Manele Bay….

Hulopoe Beach palms swaying in the wind…

Bring your favorite beach chair to lounge around in….

Hulopoe Beach is one of America’s most beautiful beaches and is located in south Lanai along the crescent-shaped Hulopoe Bay. The bay is also protected as a Marine Life Conservation Area.

Hulopoe Beach looking towards lava tide pools and Sweetheart Rock area

The golden sands of Hulopoe Beach make for an ideal day on the beach in Lanai.

Waves crashing onto Hulopoe Beach

Swimming out into the bay, the sea-bottom is mostly sand with crystal clear blue water.

Waves crash on the shoreline at Hulopoe Beach

The waves at the beach vary in size here… sometimes, if a big swell is coming in, surfers can be found here ripping some waves… along with body and boogie boarders.

Hulopoe Beach from the water

On the eastern side is a lava area where there are tide pools. They offer excellent snorkeling there in the tide pools. There is easy access via a staircase down to the pools.

Stairs leading to lava tide pools

The lava tide pools here are teaming with marine life and make for good snorkeling…

In Hulopoe Bay is Hulopoe Beach Park and it has picnic tables, barbecue grills and  grassy, shaded areas. Restrooms and showers are also available. There is also a site within Hulopoe Beach park that allows for some great camping.

Lanai residents can set up camp right on the beach

If you are a local Lanai resident, you are able to set up camp directly on the beach. Otherwise, if you are just visiting, there is a large camping park with numerous spots in which to camp.

This can be your view when camping in Hulopoe Beach Park…

To the left of the bays near the tidepools is a trail that leads to the left of Hulopoe Beach nearer to Sweetheart Rock. This is a volcanic cone that has eroded and creates two coves, one is called Puu Pehe Cove. Offshore is the small island rock of Puu Pehe, better known as Sweetheart Rock. Taking a short hike to SweetHeart Rock early in the morning is a great way to catch a beautiful sunrise… or just to snap some photos of your sweetheart!

SweetHeart Rock in the background…. Sweet Heart girl posing up front…at sunrise….

Sunrise from SweetHeart Rock is breath taking!

The Four Seasons Manele Bay hotel is located on the right side overlooking Hulopoe Beach. The resort features a spa, restaurants, a wonderful pool, hot tub and pool bar area, and the world-class golf course called Challenge at Manele designed by Jack Nicklaus. My mother, father and I enjoyed a day of golf there when they visited me in Maui. We also had lunch at the clubhouse. I suggest you try eating there if you play a round of golf. The food is Ono-licious!

Dad and I getting in 18 holes at the Challenge at Manele Bay

I have visited Lanai on multiple occassions and even when I camp, I enjoy visiting the Four Seasons for a wonderful (albeit expensive) breakfast. My favorite is the Eggs Benedict with a Bloody Mary. Yeah, I know what you may be thinking… Four Seasons breakfast while camping?!  Well, YES! This is how we… well, I do it on Hawaii. Go big or go home!

Eggs Benedict at the Four Seasons Manele Bay are incredible!

Lanai is a wonderful and magical place to visit. By taking the Expeditions Ferry, you can save money by packing an ice chest with lunch and beverages. Bring your snorkel gear and some beach towels to lounge on the beach all day. If you want, you can catch a shuttle into Lanai City to explore. There is also a second Four Seasons on the island. It is called the Lodge at Koele. It also features another amazing golf course.

My favorite thing about Lanai and Hulopoe Beach is the fact that you can get a chance to swim with hundreds of Spinner Dolphins that come into the bay almost every day. Swimming with this many wild dolphins in their habitat is an awesome and inspiring event! Local photographer, Paul Karanik, of Karanik Photography (http://www.karanikphotography.com/) took this photo recently of the dolphins there….

Rare shot of Spinner dolphins mating. Hulopoe Bay, Lanai. Photo courtesy of Karanik Photography* 2012

Go visit Lanai the next time you are in Maui! With the island recently being purchased by CEO of Oracle, Larry Ellison, there will be some new and exciting upgrades to the 2 Four Seasons Resorts among other things. You can visit this magical place affordably or you can go big and drop 2 dimes and a nickel spending just a day here. Lanai is definitely on the top of my Maui Day Trips!

Aloha Spirit Law

I speak of the Aloha Spirit and how it has affected me since I have moved here. I tell you that you can feel this spirit in everyone and everything here on the islands. Tonight as I was finishing work at Leilani’s On The Beach in Whaler’s Village, I sat down at the bar for a bite to eat and a tall glass of refreshing ice water to re-hydrate myself. Across from me there were 3 girls from California that had obviously been drinking for a while. One of the girls was very obnoxious. Talking loudly and acting a fool. She turned her attention towards some of my male co-workers and her comments borderd on rudeness. It got me thinking… I want everyone to know that the Aloha Spirit is real. We all practice Aloha every day. We try and serve with Aloha at work, speak with Aloha to others, and live Aloha everyday. It is a great way to live. I wished for that moment that this woman could see herself through our eyes…and maybe practice Aloha while she spends her holiday here in Maui. The truth is:

The Spirit of Aloha really is a Law:

Aloha Spirit is considered a state “law.” The main purpose is to serve remind government officials that while they perform their duties  – to treat people with deep care and respect, just like their ancestors did. Government officials can contribute to a better world by learning and applying this lesson to life, hence creating a world filled with aloha.

Aloha Spirit State Law defined in Hawaii Revised Statutes: [§5-7.5] “Aloha Spirit.” (a) “Aloha Spirit” is the coordination of mind and heart within each person. It brings each person to the self. Each person must think and emote good feelings to others. In the contemplation and presence of the life force, “Aloha,” the following unuhi laula loa may be used: “Akahai,” meaning kindness, to be expressed with tenderness;

“Lokahi,” meaning unity,to be expressed with harmony; “Oluolu,” meaning agreeable,to be expressed with pleasantness; “Haahaa,” meaning humility, to be expressed with modesty; “Ahonui,” meaning patience, to be expressed with perseverance.

These are traits of character that express the charm, warmth and sincerity of Hawaii’s people. It was the working philosophy of Native Hawaiians and was presented as a gift to the people of Hawaii.

“Aloha” is more than a word of greeting or farewell or a salutation. “Aloha” means mutual regard and affection and extends warmth in caring with no obligation in return. “Aloha” is the essence of relationships in which each person is important to every other person for collective existence. “Aloha” means to hear what is not said, to see what cannot be seen and to know the unknowable.

(b) In exercising their power on behalf of the people and in fulfillment of their responsibilities, obligations and service to the people, the legislature, governor, lieutenant governor, executive officers of each department, the chief justice, associate justices, and judges of the appellate, circuit, and district courts may contemplate and reside with the life force and give consideration to the “Aloha Spirit.” [L 1986, c 202, §1]

In closing, I think it is important to practice Aloha everyday. No matter if you live here or if you are visiting on holiday. That’s what the islands are all about. Living and breathing Aloha. Have fun and make the most of your time here. For all Aloha that is given, Aloha will be recieved… Mahalo for your kokua.

And remember:

Life is Good when you Live doing the right thing….

A Stay at the Travaasa Hana Hotel on Maui

A Stay at the Travaasa Hana Hotel on Maui.

Check out the link above to get a peak at a Hana Hotel that I am dying to stay at! The Travaasa Hana Hotel is a gem that I need to experience! I am in the works on planning another trip to Hana and I will make sure to book at least 2 nights here!

Mahalo to Jason’s Travels for the great post!

August 17, 2012 – Hawaii Statehood Day

Aloha kakahiaka.

Today is Hawaii Statehood Day (or Admission Day) and commemorates the anniversary of Hawaii’s joining the union and becoming the 50th state of the United States of America.

On August 21, 1959,  President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a proclamation making Hawaii the 50th state.

It is also Aloha Friday and that may mean that you have a long weekend ahead! Enjoy!

Leilani’s On The Beach

Photo courtesy of Leilani’s On The Beach *

Check out Leilani’s On The Beach beachside grill in Whaler’s Village, Ka’anapali Beach!

The TS Restaurants have happy people working there. They serve with Aloha!

Working under this guideline makes every visit to the restaurants a great experience! Proof that happy employees give great service!

Check out the other TS restaurants at Hula Grill, Kimo’s, and Duke’s on Maui!

For more information visit:

http://www.leilanis.com/

“Like” them on Facebook at:

https://www.facebook.com/LeilanisOnTheBeach