Monthly Archives: March 2012

Day 30 – Attempting Aerial Yoga

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If nothing else, trying to do Aerial Yoga made me laugh a lot.

Click HERE if you are unable to view the video.

It was another rainy day here in Haiku; the perfect kind of weather to stay indoors and try something new.

Martine

My friend Martine makes this style of yoga look easy, but it is obvious from the video that I may not agree. I took my first Hatha Yoga class when I was 16 years-old. Now that was easy. This was a bit of a challenge to get the hang of. (Yes, pun intended.)

 

 

Word of advice, if you are prone to motion sickness this may not be for you. Though I did last longer than when Steven and I went out kayaking.

So, my knowledge of Aerial Yoga was pretty limited; I knew you did yoga poses while hanging in the air on a long strip of fabric, much like a hammock. With a little web-search I found this website http://www.abc-of-yoga.com/info/aerial-yoga.asp. Just a brief synopsis: Michelle Dortignac created Aerial Yoga; she started teaching classes back in 2006. The site says it’s traditional yoga, which she combined with her background in dance and the circus art of tissu.

I had no idea of what the circus art of tissu was, so I went to Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerial_silk). (Ah, don’t you just love the internet!) The “art of tissue” is featured prominently in the Cirque Du Soleil  http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/welcome.aspx); to me it is the magical part of the show, when the performers do aerial acrobatics while haning from fabric. Here on Maui they do this in the production of Ulalena (http://www.ulalena.com/). (Which by the way, if ever you are on Maui you should go see, it is a fantastic show.)

Aerial Yoga ended up being fun! I see why it has a following, though because of my sensitivity to motion sickness, I think I’ll stick to doing yoga on the floor.

I want to thank my friend Martine, for guiding me though some of the simpler poses.

 

Here on Maui they give classes in Aerial Yoga at Studio Maui, in Haiku.  http://www.thestudiomaui.com/index.html             https://www.facebook.com/pages/Aerial-Yoga-Arts/233921106640063

Also, I liked this Aerial Yoga video that I found on YouTube http://youtu.be/c_IfwJ2tmiE  It’s definitely more professional and real than mine. Forgive me Martine. I’m hoping I didn’t totally embarrass you.

Note: Martine is also a wonderful artist and photographer. You can view her photos at  http://www.flickr.com/photos/martinerusso/     https://www.facebook.com/martine.aiyana

Until next week,                                                                                                                Aloha

DAY 29 – Hiking Mahana Ridge Trail – Kapalua, Maui

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Kathy and I headed over to Kapalua yesterday and hiked the Mahana Ridge Trail. What a great way to start spring. After all the rain it felt so good to get out and move.

Honestly, I can only repeat what other blog sites have said about this hike; it is exceptional! Absolutely lovely.

Looking towards Moloka'i

The hike is approx 7.25 miles long and took us 4 hours to complete, which included stopping to take photos and eating a snack. We only saw five other hikers the entire time. And, amazingly two of them hadn’t brought any water. They declined on taking some of our water, but we did pass along apples and tangerines to them. They were heading in the opposite direction and we hope they made it alright. Fortunately a lot of the hike is shaded by trees. Though, about 2 months ago a hiker was helicoptered out due to dehydration. Please, when hiking, take water!

We were grateful for the steps they put in this section of the trail - or we would have had to slide down on our okole's (fannies)

The terrain is varied; from fern lined paths, to pine forests and banyan trees. You definitely don’t want to miss the short 0.10 mile Pine Loop. That is where we took the photos of the banyan tree roots. The place was breathtaking!

If you go to www.kapalua.com/activities/hiking-trails you can download the resorts trail maps.

Via Kapalua Adventures, the resort offers a free shuttle (though we gave the driver a tip) that will drive you up near the trail head (actually 1.25 miles from it.) If you click on the above posted website, you will see there are shorter hikes that you can take as well.

Speaking for both of us, we had a great time. Can’t wait to head back and check out some of there other trails.

By the way, this Monday, March 26th is Earth Hour – honored around the world by turning off all electrical devices for one hour; from 8:30 PM – 9:30 PM (in your time zone). More info – http://www.worldwildlife.org/sites/earthhour/index.html

For more info on the Mahana Ridge Trail hike, you can go to:

www.kapalua.com/activities/hiking-trails

http://indietraveler.blogspot.com

www.mauihikes.org/archives/210

Day 28 – Petroglyphs at Olowalu Cultural Reserve on Maui

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Olowalu Cultural Reserve, located at the base of West Maui Mountains, is much more than a place to view ancient petroglyphs.

Click here to view video on YouTube – http://youtu.be/givyXL-TAb4

Since last weeks posting, along with flash flood warnings state wide, Oahu had a tornado…yes, a tornado, as well as a waterspout over the ocean. It also had hale the size of large marbles and golf balls. Like the rest of the islands Maui is soaked to the bone, so we’ve postponed our hike until the trail has a chance to dry out. Maybe next week. I’ll be ready!

It actually worked out well, in that we are both tired this week (too much work), so instead of hiking we headed over to the one and only bookstore on island. Since Borders went belly-up, Barnes & Noble in Lahaina is it! It may not sound like a fun day off to all of you, but we love going to bookstores and now days it’s not very convenient. (Depending on traffic it can take up to an hour to get there from our house.)

Over the years, I’ve probably driven past the Olowalu General Store a thousand times, and 80% of those times I’ve flashed on the petroglyphs that are carved into the rocks a few meters off of the highway.

This week we finally took the time to stop and check them out, and learned that the reserve is not just set up to protect the petroglyphs (which unfortunately have been vandalized over the years).

 

Here is a quote from their website:

“Olowalu Cultural Reserve was founded in 1999 as a community based, non-profit organization with the purpose of supporting and promoting the revitalization of traditional Hawaiian culture by providing cultural and educational experiences for Hawaii residents and visitors alike.  The centerpiece of this effort is the Olowalu Ahupua’a which consists of seventy-four acres of land running from the base of the West Maui mountains to the ocean at Olowalu, Maui.  This land once held a thriving, sustainable native Hawaiian Village and as such is rich in historical resources including numerous significant archaeological and cultural sites.  It has been set aside and designated as a Cultural Reserve for the purpose of a culturally sensitive “sanctuary” providing a glimpse into Hawaii’s past making it an ideal environment for programs aimed at restoring and revitalizing Hawaiian customs and practices.”

Please click on their site to learn more - http://www.olowaluculturalreserve.com/

There is a small parking lot near the Olowalu Reserve sign; from there it is a very short walk on a gravel road, to view the petroglyphs. As you saw on the video, there is a sign marking the area. You are no longer allowed to climb up and view them close-up, which makes it a bit difficult to see the smaller designs. (At times I wasn’t sure which were from 200 years ago, and which were created by the current day idiots that are oblivious of the gift their ancestor’s had left behind.)

Olowalu Fruit Stand - road to the petroglyphs is just to the right of it.

If you want a bit more of a walk, I recommend that you park right off of the highway on the far side of the open-air market, or behind it—not directly in front of the Olowalu Grocery Store.

We were back on the road in a half an hour…but with a new awareness of the islands history.

By the way, at the bookstore we picked up The Hunger Games Trilogy. Already finished the first book and I see why it has been made into a movie.

 The chant on video is by Tia Carrere & Daniel Ho - Wakea, He Nani – Available at iTunes & Amazon.com

Day 27 – Ain’t No Sunshine…but it’s okay, I love the rain :)

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Day 27 of having fun was very low key. And the weather, quite different than last weeks sun filled Wailea Coastal Walk.

Steven and I had a pretty heavy workload this week…that, along with a power outage, flash flood warnings and then my desktop computer had to go to the shop for repairs; which means the lovely little movie that I made is trapped in my computer until it gets fixed. (Which explains why I’ve only posted music to listen to without a video this week.)

Since there wasn’t a lot of time for a full day of fun, I did take a couple of hours off and headed to a movie with my girlfriend Kathy. We saw “The Vow.” Not what I expected, but a good movie. Though I’d say you could wait for it to come on DVD.

Normally our stream is nothing more than a trickle of water. It’s been a rainy week! It's much wider than it appears in the photo.

Hopefully before next Thur the rains will stop (they’ve been island wide), and I’ll get in a good hike.

Click to listen to the song - Ain’t No Sunshine                                                                          I thought it was appropriate for the weather here. (You really should take the time to listen. It is a great version of the song by Wynonna Judd; available at iTunes.)

Until then,                                                                                                                          Aloha Nui Loa

Oh yes, and of course, I hope you’ll still Like me, even though I was unable to post my movie or have a very eventful fun day.

Day 26 – Wailea Coastal Walk

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Yikes, I’m at the halfway point of learning how to have fun – 26 days to go. :)

After a week of rain here in Haiku, I decided to head over to the sun and enjoy the Wailea side of the island.

 Depending on the time of year, you may see whales, turtles, or movie stars.                  Music by Donald Kaulia                                                                                                    Click here to view on YouTube – WAILEA COASTAL WALK

The Wailea Coastal Walk is perfect place to stroll, jog, or power walk along the south shore of Maui. Starting at the Keawakapu Beach, it is 3 miles round trip. (Though we normally park at the Shops of Wailea and cut through the Marriot Hotel.)

On one side of the path you have the beautiful Pacific Ocean and on the other some of the most luxurious resorts that you can find on Maui.

Al Schwartz - Four Seasons Resort

Depending on the day of the week, the different hotels showcase Maui artists; it’s a great venue, where you can meet the artists as well as purchase their creations. Everyone is welcome to stroll through the lobbies and check them out.

Cathy Detrick - Four Seasons Resort

After passing the Kea Lani Resort you’ll come to the end of the walkway; there is a public restroom, picnic table and bar-b-q. You’ll see a short trail through the trees that leads to a lovely beach.

 

Just above the restrooms is a public parking lot; so you have the option of starting at this end of the coastal walk.

Cameron Nelson - Four Seasons Resort

 

 

By the way, if you get hungry, at the Shops of Wailea you’ll find a number of restaurants, as well as at the hotels.

Ingrid Boutin - Kea Lani Resort

 

And be sure to jump in the ocean, the water is great! During the whale season, go under water and listen to their song.

 

 

 

The Wailea Artist Venues include:

Steven Lee Smeltzer - Four Seasons Resort

 Four Seasons Resort – Daily 8:00 am – 1:30 pm   (Of course the Four Seasons is my favorite; you’ll find Steven there every Saturday :) )

Grand Wailea – Tues & Fri  9:00 am – 2:00 pm

Wailea Beach Marriott – Mondays, Thursdays & Saturdays   8:00 am – 2:00pm

The Kea Lani Resort – Daily 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

(Each artist displays their art just one day a week)

 

 

 

For more information on Maui artists go to

Art Guide Maui http://www.artguidemaui.com/

And when on island, be sure to pick up a copy—it’s free!

For a bit more info on the Wailea Coast Walk, click here  http://www.hawaiimagazine.com/blogs/hawaii_today/2009/12/28/taking_stroll_Wailea_Coastal_Walk_Maui

Note: Due to all of the porn spam I was receiving, I no longer allow comments. So if you have FB, I’d appreciate it if you’d LIKE me. (That sounds so pathetic.)