Monthly Archives: May 2012

Day 38 – ‘Ulalena, Maui’s version of Cirque Du Soleil

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‘Ulalena – A Story of Hawai’i's People

As you can tell by the quality of this video, I did not create it; I merely uploaded it via YouTube. It was originally uploaded to YouTube by ‘Ulalena Theater on March 2, 2009. For more info about the show click HERE.

This week my friend Theresa invited me to the show ‘Ulalena. Since its opening in 1999, this was the 5th time I attended the show, and as before, I enjoyed it; though five times is probably enough.

For me, it is an hour and a half, Cirque Du Soleil style, history lesson of Maui. I highly recommend that you read the brochure before the show starts, or you may feel a bit lost. Reading it will give you a better understanding of the shows interpretation of Hawaiian lore.

I realize the tickets are pricey (Theresa & my tickets were comped), so take that into consideration before jumping into my recommendation. No, it is not on par with a Broadway show; it is not a full on Cirque Du Soleil production (only 2 acts feature aerial acrobats), but it is an enchanting and entertaining way to learn about Hawaiian history and mythology.

It was a fun evening…girls night out in Lahaina. Headed over to Mala Ocean Tavern for a bite to eat afterwards. Excellent food – veggie and carnivore friendly. We ate inside and it was pretty noisy; out on the deck would have been nicer (next time).

As for my lessons in “learning to have fun”, I have 14 days/weeks left to go. Still looking forward to hiking to the Honomanu waterfall, flying in a glider plane, and a full moon crater hike. I appreciate this beautiful island more and more each week. Wherever you live, I hope this blog has inspired you to take the time to enjoy your surroundings. For me, a lot of my inspiration comes via my cousin Lou Ann, and her significant other, Steve; through their example, I have remained enthusiastic about my journey, and I’d like to thank them for that.

Have a great day, Wray

 

Day 37 – Bicycling the Paia-Kanaha Bike Trail

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To me bicycling is like skiing, but without the uncomfortable boots.

If you cannot view the video, click HERE

Maui Cyclery in Paia - where we rented our bikes - Mahalo to Donnie Arnoult

WHAT A FUN DAY! It was great to be on a bike again. Last time Steven and I rode was in 2002 when we were working on a project in Florida; learned that Florida is way to hot for cycling.

But here on Maui, not only was this a beautiful and sunny day, the trade winds, which give Maui the title Wind Surfing Capital of the World, were down to a gentle breeze; so we weren’t bucking the headwinds.

Jessie at Maui Cyclery, setting Steven up with a bike.

We started in Paia, at Donnie Arnoult’s shop, Maui Cyclery. It made more since for us to rent bikes, than to take the time and have ours repaired due to lack of use.

The Northshore Greenway, what I refer to as the Paia-Kanaha Bike Trail, is a lovely fourteen mile round-trip ride for novices (at least when the trade winds aren’t happening, otherwise the ride back can be challenging), because it is flat and there is only a short stretch of about a quarter of a mile where you are on the highway; after that you can cut through the subdivision along the golf course until you hook back up on the actual trail. Parts of the trail are in the shade, but the majority of it is in the sun, so wear sun block.

The first part of the trail takes you to Baldwin Beach, which is always stunning! Then you get a rather uninspiring view of the backside of the Maui Airport.

Back of Maui Airport

 

After a smooth 30+- minutes of riding you’ll end up at Kanaha Beach Park, which is known for windsurfing and kite sailing. But today, since the winds were calm, none were to be found.

Lae`Ula O Kai Canoe Club - Kanaha Beach

 

 

Instead, the Lae`ula O Kai Canoe Club was having a fund raising regatta.

 

 

 

Bumped into my friend Holly - she is a member of the canoe club

 

Kanaha Beach is very family friendly with windsurfing, kite sailing, canoeing, and volleyball. It is also a short bike ride, about 2 miles from there to Kahului; if you want to make a quick stop at Alive N Well, Down to Earth, or Whole Foods, for a snack…yes, there are junk food restaurants too, but I just can’t get myself to mention their names.

 

 

So, bicycling is high on my list of fun things to do! It was a great way to spend the morning. By the end of the ride we were both invigorated and enthusiastic about going out again.

Kahana Beach & West Maui Mountains. Yes, it's really this beautiful!

Please remember to LIKE me. Mahalo.

Day 36 – Makawao Forest Reserve

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Click HERE if unable to view video.

Mark & Rayne

Had been planning on hiking through the bamboo forest to several waterfalls, but the weather wasn’t cooperating, so we followed the sun upcountry to the Makawao Forest Reserve to hike the Kahakapao West Loop Trail (approx 6 miles), with our friends Rayne & Mark.

 

Trails are very well marked

 

This is the first time I’ve ever hiked in the reserve; though, last fall, this is where I went horseback riding– on the East Loop, with my friend Karin.

 

 

 

 

It’s a beautiful place to hike; a slow steady climb up; Eucalyptus, Tropical Ash and Cook Pine trees surround you. Very peaceful.

 

 

 

Only one area with a view, and even that you have to walk off the trail to enjoy.

We headed up in the late afternoon, so the temperature was perfect.

 

Hmmm, they said they were having fun.

On the way back to rainy Haiku, we were greeted by a magnificent rainbow—from the photo I took, you couldn’t tell how dynamic it was, & I opted not to post it; so you’ll have to use your imagination.

If all goes well, next week I’ll be riding a bike…. yeah, it’s been years!

For more info on the Forest Reserve, click HERE

 

Day 35 – Hiking Upcountry…on private land

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Yes, it is private land, 6,000 feet up in elevation and not open to the public, but fortunately for me, my friend Kathy has access to it, so along with her two dogs, Lilly and Picasso, we headed up late one afternoon.

Hiked all the way up the hill, and beyond.

If unable to view video, click HERE

 

We were hoping for a grand sunset, but as you can see from the photos, the clouds settled in, which held a beauty all its own.

 

It was a lovely hike; ended up needing the hooded sweatshirt I took with. The cabins are from a time long ago, though they are still used as hunting cabins. What a great place to hideout and write! (I can dream.)

Sorry I can’t tell you where it is, but there are so many other wonderful places to hike on the island that I’m sure missing out on this one will be all right with everyone.

It was mellow and peaceful and reminded me of something I’d read by Maui’s slam poet, Kealoha (translation: “The Love”), about the need for adults to incorporate recess & playing back into their lives. In fact the article was so moving to me that I went online and sent him an email, thanking him for his inspiring words. For more about him, here is a link to his website, http://www.kealohapoetry.com

Kealoha is an internationally acclaimed poet and storyteller who has performed throughout the world — from the White House to the `Iolani Palace, from Brazil to Switzerland. 

As I write this weeks posting, it is my wish that my weekly outings are encourage others to go out and have fun…do not just live vicariously through me. Take the time for recess, like you did when you were a kid. It doesn’t have to be a daylong event, just jump around, swing your arms in the air and smile from deep inside.

Until next week ~ Aloha