Who knew such beautiful things could grow out of black lava rock? The Big Island’s combination of black lava rock and the deep blue sea always amazes me. Aloha.
Aloha Friday
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Category Archives: Hawaii
Rooster Island
On a first visit to Kauai, you may—make that, you will—notice that there are wild roosters roaming the island, running free and waking you with their early morning crowing.
Rooster strutting his stuff
Searching for food with friends in follow
This guy thinks he rules the roost
The story goes that these roosters, hens and little chicks are descendants of former fighting birds and domesticated birds that somehow gained freedom during a hurricane years ago. Since then, they have roamed the island freely searching for food and people to wake up with a pre-sunrise good morning hello.
No need to set an alarm clock here when you first arrive: these roosters will ensure that you are up and ready to go by 5 a.m.
Another reason they are so prevalent: They apparently do not have mongooses on Kauai, which would be a natural predator for these roaming birds.
These roosters have been the inspiration for t-shirts and other souvenirs from Kauai. We took a number of videos of these fearless roosters as they approached us looking for snacks. They seem fearless when it comes to hanging out with humans. They are on beaches, golf courses, you name it.
By the end of a week, one does get used to the roosters and you almost find them charming. Well, perhaps not charming, but certainly memorable and all part of the experience on this lush, gorgeous Hawaiian isle.
Dining al fresco, Hawaiian style
It doesn’t get much better than outdoor dining in Hawaii, especially when you know it’s snowing at home. Or, anytime really. This was a special anniversary meal at Hualalai on the Big Island. As close to dining on the beach as you ever will find with the perfect view of the sunset. Somehow, a great meal turns unforgettable with the sound of waves and a beachside setting. Aloha.
Kona coffee is the real deal
For most coffee lovers, a cup of 100 percent Kona coffee will be love at first sip. The smell of Kona coffee brewing is enough to get you hooked.
Kona coffee is the official name for coffee grown in the North and South Kona districts on the Big Island. The weather in this region is apparently ideal for growing the coffee, with the volcanic soil and sunny days with a mix of light clouds in the afternoon. Other islands grow and produce coffee, but the Big Island is the home of pure Kona coffee.
A fun way to spend an afternoon is to go coffee tasting, sort of like wine tasting in Napa or Sonoma except you don’t need a designated driver. On our first trip to the Big Island, we discovered Greenwell Farms. We have since been back to visit and our tour guide was once from our home state. We were hooked and have been members of the Greenwell Farms coffee club since—sort of like a wine club, except you don’t need to worry about your shipment freezing in our frigid winters.
We get a quarterly shipment of chocolate macadamia nut coffee. In the middle of January, it’s heaven in a cup.
There are many wonderful coffee farms to visit. Many of them are located on the Mamalahoa Highway 11, south of Kona and hear the Holualoa area. Many of the farms will offer tours, which are well worth the time, often provide a scenic view of the ocean in the distance, and will make you want to sit and sip and stay a while.
The road less traveled
It’s Friday. Time to explore something new. How about this lovely road on the Big Island? Who knows where it might lead? Aloha.
Surf’s up
There are certain people you meet in life who make a lasting impact, even if your paths cross physically for just a short period of time. Amy is one of those people. We were professional colleagues from 2005 to 2007. Yet, I think about her often. I had dinner with her two weeks ago and we laughed, we cried, and we talked and talked and talked. In September 2011, she and her husband flew to Maui. I knew that she had been planning and dreaming of this trip for some time since we talked about the beautiful Hawaiian islands many times when we worked together. One thing on the agenda: surfing lessons. I will never forget it when she posted a photo of herself on Facebook as a self-proclaimed surfer girl. I loved her sense of adventure, accomplishment and the joy as she surfed for the first time. She also made this comment on her Facebook page: “All – when’s the last time you did something for the first time? Whatever it is — put it on your calendar and do it.”
In spring of 2012, her beloved husband was diagnosed with cancer. On November 4, 2012, he passed away at the age of 41. Amy was an adoring wife. In a three-week period, she also lost her mother to cancer.
So, in honor of Amy and her beloved Ben, I am going to make a list of things I want to do for the first time. Life is short. Grab onto it.
This photo was taken in Kauai in 2011. We were driving the main road when we saw yet another gorgeous beach with suffers out seizing the day. We stopped and admired their athleticism, and their love and respect for the ocean.Here’s to Amy and her dear husband and mother. To healing, to memories and to her husband’s eternal role as the “Sunshine Provider.”
Sunday brunch, Hawaiian style
In March 2012, we biked for 10 miles plus so that we could enjoy the delicious breakfast and brunch at the Bay Terrace at the Mauna Lani Hotel on the Big Island. With its outdoor tables overlooking the gorgeous grounds, pool and ocean, you can’t go wrong. We get the sense that many of the waiters and waitresses have worked at the Mauna Lani for years. Since this is the type of place that people seem to return to year after year, it wouldn’t surprise me if they eventually learned your name and waited for your return.
We enjoyed the Hawaiian-inspired eggs benedict and coconut French toast with bananas. So tropical and so delicious. Paired with a freshly brewed cup of Kona coffee, it’s perfect for a Sunday brunch. Or Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday or Saturday. Good morning, paradise.
It’s Aloha Friday
Sun, surf, sand and the end of a week in paradise. The view from the edge of the earth on the Big Island’s Kohala Coast. Aloha. Wish I was there.
Hawaiian yellow hibiscus
Hawaii’s state flower is the yellow hibiscus. The large flowers are four to six inches in diameter and often have a maroon-colored center. The flowers seem to open and close at certain times each day. Bright, cheery and oh so photogenic, it’s worth taking a moment to stop and smell the flowers when you stumble upon yellow hibiscus in Hawaii.
Pearl Harbor
A National Historic Landmark, Pearl Harbor is one of the most visited destinations on Oahu and in the Hawaiian Islands. It’s a somber and unforgettable experience—one that will stay with you for years.
The Pearl Harbor historic sites include the WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument, Battleship Missouri Memorial, USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park, and the Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor. You could easily spend a full day visiting, especially if you are a student of history. The National Park Service has information on hours, the various historic sites and helpful details on how to plan your day.For a visit to the USS Arizona Memorial, you will begin at the Pearl Harbor Memorial Theater for an excellent 23-minute film, and will then take a Navy-operated shuttle boat to the USS Arizona Memorial. There are three areas of the Memorial: the Entry Room, the Assembly Room and the Shrine Room with the great marble wall with the names of more than 1,000 people who perished on the ship. 
It was more than 12 years ago since I visited Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial, but I think about it frequently, especially on the anniversary each year on Dec. 7. The attack in 1941, which propelled America into World War II, is something Americans learn about in history books. When you visit and reflect upon the lives lost, the heroic acts and the stories you hear, it really brings this history to life. This is a place to consider and reflect upon America’s history, the devastation, the pain of war and the price of freedom.
Oil still leaks from the wreckage of the USS Arizona
Tickets may be reserved online for the USS Arizona Memorial here.
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