Weekend Update: October 6-8, 2011

Are you enjoying the rain as much as I? It's a guilty pleasure of mine, since it's one of the few times I don't feel a nagging within that I should probably be enjoying the outdoors more, since I live in Hawaii and all. Don't get me wrong, we enjoy the outdoors, and absolutely love the water, but I have to say I'm more of a hiking sort of a gal. I'm less thrilled about the sand and the hot sun, and the skin cancer that can go along with it, being a pale midwestern gal and all. With that, I think there's something inside me that starts the hibernation cycle this time of year. What I wouldn't give just to have one a rainy day from morning to night, to snuggle up and enjoy a movie or two, reminiscent of a cool fall evening.

On the flip side, we have these amazing athletes, getting up at 3am most likely, prepping themselves and their equipment for a full day in the blazing hot sun, swimming 2.4 miles (this is not what we call swimming, this is nearly 2000 people crowded and splashing in the bay, even climbing over one another),  cycling 112 miles in the blazing hot lava desert (we know black is the worst color for heat, the athletes are getting blasted from the air and the ground!), encountering crosswinds up to 45 mph and then running a full marathon (26.2 miles), while most of us get winded running after our children!

I'm speaking of course, about the Ford Ironman Championship happening this Saturday, October 8th (if the image didn't tip you off).  From the website:

Now in its 33rd year, the Ford Ironman World Championship centers on the dedication and courage exhibited by participants who demonstrate the Ironman mantra that “ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE. ®” On Oct. 8, nearly 1,800 athletes will embark on a 140.6-mile journey that presents the ultimate test of body, mind and spirit to earn the title of “Ironman.”

Get out there, get inspired, and support the athletes.  Clap, cheer, ring a bell, your presence does make a difference. For those of us who aren't Ironmen, or simply want to avoid some traffic, there are plenty of other activities this weekend to get you out of the house (raining or not).

Friday is the first day of The 1st Annual Moku O Keawe Kapa Festival at Bishop Museum’s Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden in Captain Cook, Hawai‘i. The festival is the culmination of the efforts of Hawai‘i Island kapa makers interested in celebrating, sharing and highlighting Hawai‘i’s diversity and aloha with residents and visitors alike. The three-day festival will feature music and hula performances as well as a number of kapa teachers and students who will be on hand to teach kapa and share their work with the public at booths and demonstrations. Vendors will also be showcasing hand-crafted items related to kapa making and the Hawaiian culture.

We also have our trusty ongoing events: "Movie Under the Stars" at Queens' Marketplace (The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen), First Fridays at The Shops [at Mauna Lani] (Na Kane's performing) and of course, Wine Tasting at Kona Wine Market for the Mamas out there.

Saturday, the Ford Ironman Championship dominates the day, and while business and road closures abound (plan ahead, check your road closures, and leave early), life does go on (despite some visiting athletes apparent attitudes).  

Lowe's Build 'n' Grow workshop will be getting into the spirit of Halloween and providing the children with Monster Machine kits. "Your kids will love building this Halloween Monster Machine and creating lots of funny monster combinations afterwards!" We just busted out the Halloween decor and my 3 year old is asking me several times daily if it's Halloween yet, so I'm looking forward to this project.

For teens, there's the 'Piece' workshop for Teens with Mike Sato at the Donkey Mill Art Center. "In this workshop students will begin with a simulation 'pieces' in their black book to learn how to layer color in a specific order. Students will learn specific techniques through the process of letter shapes on the fly as the 'piece' progresses. Students will then create a bigger pieces on a board or wall learning to make a full color 'piece' using characteristics like 'arrows' 'dodats' 'cuts' 'cracks' 'connections' etc."

The Diary of Anne Frank commences at the Aloha Theater on Saturday, 7:30pm, and will continue  on Sundays (at 2:30pm), Fridays & Saturdays thru October 22nd. October 15th is Pay What You Can Night (PWYC).

Many people cannot afford luxuries like the theatre. APAC in it's mission to provide live theatre to the community with help form the Ironman Foundation is offering this special event. Pay What you Can, means just that. If you'd like to see the show and can't pay anything come anyway. If you'd like to see the show and can afford a $60 ticket, by all means make the donation. Our normal ticket price is $20. 

Seats prepurchased will be reserved and paid at the normal price. PWYC will start at 6:30pm on Oct 15th and will be open seating for any tickets not purchased. First Come, First Seated.

Another First this weekend is the 1st Annual HIWA (Hawaii Island Writers Association) Ohana Day.  From 10am to 5pm Sunday at Keauhou Outrigger Resort, there will be a concert, art, music, writing and craft vendors, food, educational booths and a writing & art contest for keiki. This event will be free to the public, for the purpose of promoting "Community Empowerment through the Arts".

If writing isn't your thing, perhaps listening is more your speed. Makani Hou o Kaloko-Honokohau is hosting a free talk story event at Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park's Hale Hookipa visitor center from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday. Kahu Kaniela Akaka will serve as emcee of the event featuring kama'aina sharing songs and stories of Kona. Other partners of the event include Hui Kuapa (Friends of the Future) and Ala Kahakai Trail Association.

This is the second of three events scheduled along the 175-mile Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail. The public is invited to bring chairs to sit on, a snack, nonalcoholic drink and ukulele for a possible kanikapila. Free parking is available. For more information, contact Paka at 885-8540.

And that rounds out the weekend.

I also would like to take a moment to ask that if you do read this blog, please take some time (when it's available) to visit some of the links and sponsors of these events. In publishing this blog, my eyes have really been opened to the extensive resource of groups and organizations out there that are making a considerable effort to bring culture and the arts to the people of Hawaii.

Aloha nui loa,
just a mom

Weekend Update: September 30 - October 2

This weekend's blog update is going to be difficult for me. Frankly, I can't seem to wrap my mind around anything past tomorrow's (Sept 30) Mealani's Taste of the Hawaiian Range. Since about April, the fact the Taste is less than six months away always puts me in a better mood.  The Taste of the Range to me is the food version of Christmas: it's a special day that happens only once a year when a jolly fat man brings me lots of presents. Only the presents are wonderful, delectable culinary treasures, and the jolly fat man is, in fact, THIRTY of Hawaii's premier chefs!  That's 30 presents, ladies. Pardon me a moment while I stop to wipe the drool.  Tonight, I'll have a hard time sleeping, eventually drifting off with visions of lamb, grass-fed beef, and Kamuela tomatoes in my mind (don't ask). For more information check out the Taste of the Hawaiian Range blog.

Alas, I must move on.

If you don't head up to the Hilton Waikoloa for the Taste of the Range, there's always the Friday Movie Under the Stars at Queens' Marketplace. This week's movie: Catch That Kid. I know, pales by comparison, right (yes, I'm still thinking about the Taste).  Here's the plot: A girl and her two friends raid a bank, looking for the money needed for financing the cure of her dying father. 4.7/10 on IMDb, but if you'd like to catch Kristen Stewart pre-Twilight, go check it out. 


Saturday, starting from the far north (if you actually read this blog weekly, you'll find I don't have an actual set way of doing things. hopefully it's not too annoying - it's a voluntary effort people,  be happy. :)...

The Kohala Country Fair will be keeping things lively in Hawi this weekend. From 9:00 to 4:30 on Saturday, there's fun for the whole family. A day filled with art & craft vendors, local entertainment throughout the day, ono food and drinks, and lots of keiki activities. Come and experience the greener, sustainable Kohala Fair.  From their website:

Already the biggest country fair on the Big Island, this yearʼs fair expands to an exciting new 10-acre location. The fair will have something for everyone in the family, including all-day live entertainment, demonstrations ranging from Ipu carving to kava preparation, an international assortment of ono foods, crafts to meet every budget, and lots of games and contests. Old favorites like Spam-carving and lua-decorating will be back along with many new offerings. Our rich history in ranching and agriculture are this yearʼs featured themes. Youʼll be able to watch Paniolo riding and roping, learn about animal husbandry, and view the historic tree saddle display. Local farmers will be sharing their ag practices and delicious produce. Make sure you visit the “Made in North Kohala Food Booth” showing value added products. Look for the “Master Gardener” advice booth and the seed exchange. The fairgrounds will be comfortable rain or shine, with a large tented pavilion for dining and a covered amphitheater for entertainment.

As we come back towards Kona, driving past the Hilton Waikoloa where everyone is sleeping off their food bender, we have the Home Depot Kids' Workshop, which runs from 9am to 12pm. This weekend, the kids will build a fire rescue helicopter.  Thank you Home Depot! Buy some stuff while your there...

Stop by the Keauhou Farmer's Market at the Keauhou Shopping Center as you drive further south. KAMA doesn't cover this weekly, but it's a great farmer's market selling real locally grown produce and products.  They also have monthly Chef-Farmer presentations.

In South Kona, we have the Kona Historical Society's Portuguese Festival from 10am to 4pm. Celebrate the Portuguese contributions to Hawaii's ranching heritage, with a day of fun activities including live music, saddlemaking demos, paniolo artisans, local food, fresh malasadas, stone oven baked sweetbread, and a petting zoo. Free tours of the H.N. Greenwell Store Museum from 2-3:30pm.

Teach your children well and drive to Honaunau for the One Island Sustainable Center's Green Living Celebration & Solar Tour from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. One Island's Sustainable Living Center and the American Solar Energy Society invite you to come explore and celebrate solar technologies and great green living tools and practices. There will be solar tours and demonstrations, aquaponics and local foods, green building materials & designs, body care and well-being, innovative technologies, music and art, keiki fun tent, plant and green product sale. Registration, exhibits, presentations, music and art will be featured at One Island's organic farm and demonstration center in Honaunau. Festival is FREE! Self-guided, ala carte tours to local nearby Honaunau showcase sites from 10am-4pm include solar powered electric - grid-ties and off-grid, solar hot water - roof and ground mount, solar refrigeration, solar water pumping, aquaponics, bamboo building, bio-fuels, solar land and marine transportation. Tours are a $10 donation per person for as many sites as you want to visit. Learn more and register here or by calling 808-212-3547. To RSVP, email hawaii@one-island.org

On Sunday, head down to Hale Halewai for the 26th Annual PATH 5K/10K Fun Run - Free Keiki Dash.  The $25 entry fee  ($20 +$5 late fee after 9/30) for your child (under 14) goes towards benefitting PATH’s traffic safety educational programs. Register here.

Love you all KAMA Mamas! Have a great weekend, and don't worry if you don't here from me right away. I'll just be recovering from my food coma.

Weekend Update: September 23-25

Ugh, I hate maggots. I know that's a weird way to start out this weekly weekend update, but it's been a weird morning. The monkeys on my back that are my household chores keep beating my head, but I keep shooing them away in lieu of potentially more lucrative adventures.  Now, also, the real monkeys that live in my house finally have come a-pounding. Thinking I might possibly delay cleaning the kids' bathroom until just tomorrow was cut short when my 3 year old couldn't quite get her pajama bottoms off in time.  Now personally, I think this alone is a logical reason to wear a nightgown, but say this to the girl who is over the moon about receiving a Spiderman costume to wear for Halloween.  Now she is somehow under the impression that "Halloween" is a decision and not an event on the calendar, so she wants to wear the costume "for Halloween" and go out trick-or-treating to "get candy". It's all quite comical, until we go round and round in circles for 20 minutes...but I digress. Back to the maggots.

So I've spent all morning in the kitchen, as usual, making breakfasts, preparing lunch, and brewing mommy's morning crutch and not until the very last minute, actually past the last minute, because we were already late for school, I still hadn't gotten dressed yet, my daughter was still in the bath from her shi-shi accident, and I see a maggot in our nearly full trash can. Ew. And then the real, true horror sets in as I scan the ground and they have indeed escaped.  Like a bad zombie flick, they are spotted over the floor and moving in all directions. I am trying to control my freaking out as my disgust and full ew-iness factor as I go about collecting.  My son, on the other hand, thinks this is absolutely fabulous, what an adventure, he's going to be my spotter! Alrighty then.

Guess I'll have to mop the kitchen floor now as well. Ugh.

Hope your all having a better morning than I!  Here's what's up for this weekend:

No special events for Friday evening (of which KAMA is aware), merely the enjoyable weekly "Movie Under the Stars" at Queens' Marketplace. This week's movie is "What Happens in Vegas". That's the one with Ashton Kutcher and Cameron Diaz, where "A man and a woman are compelled, for legal reasons, to live life as a couple for a limited period of time. At stake is a large amount of money." Not sure this one is for the kiddies.

Saturday is National Seat Check Day.  The National Highways Traffic Safety Administration has a great website offering information on the latest seat recommendations for children, links to check the laws in each state, as well as a tool to find the closest seat inspection station (for 96740 it's the Kailua Kona Chevron at 75-5644 Palani Road, call for an appointment at 808-329-1437). Check it all out - be safe! The NHTSA also offers information on the latest vehicle recalls, a handy-dandy tool. Here's another great place to research the laws in each state - great information for when your traveling - The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Along with National Seat Check Day, Saturday is International Clean Up Day (right in line with my plans for the weekend, starting today apparently). From West Hawaii Today, "the public is invited to join Jack's Diving Locker at Kailua Pier for a shoreline and underwater cleanup from 9 a.m. to noon. Divers and snorkelers should show up to the event with all gear. Free tank rental for certified diver participants will be provided by Jack's Diving Locker. Divers should make dive buddy arrangements and transportation to the pier for the cleanup on their own. This is not a guided club activity for adults. Junior divers who are not diving with parents should call for reservations to dive with a professional guide. The cost is $35 plus gear rental and tax. Waivers must be signed by parents in advance."  Lend a hand.  Or a fin, in this case.

The Hawaii Homegrown Food Network, the Breadfruit Institute of the National Tropical Botanical Garden and Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden are presenting a Breadfruit Festival from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. The Garden will also be holding a dedication for its new visitor center at 12:00 noon on the Festival day. Both events are free and open to the public. The Breadfruit Festival celebrates the rich culture of breadfruit ('ulu) in Hawai'i and the Pacific, raises awareness about the importance of breadfruit for food security, and teaches about the many delicious ways to prepare breadfruit. A highlight of the day will be cooking demonstrations by local celebrity chefs, food booths featuring breadfruit and other local favorites prepared by Hawai'i Island's finest chefs, and the "I Love Breadfruit" Cook-Off Contest where anyone may enter their favorite breadfruit dish to compete for prizes. The Festival will also feature Hawaiian and Pacific Islander cultural activities including 'Ulumaika (breadfruit bowling), talks on the culture and history of breadfruit, woodworking, quilting demonstrations, tapa making, 'ulu poi making, and more. Workshops on breadfruit propagation, tree care and maintenance, economic opportunities, the Hunger Initiative and other topics will be given by experts Dr. Diane Ragone and Ian Cole of the Breadfruit Institute of the National Tropical Botanical Garden. An art exhibit will feature the finalists in a fine art contest which will focus on the beauty of breadfruit, and a youth poster contest. Breadfruit trees will be available for sale on festival day, but supplies are limited, and advance purchase for pick up at the festival is encouraged by contacting hooulu@hawaiihomegrown.net. For more information, call 808-960-3727 or email andrea@andreadean.com or visit www.breadfruit.info.

If your headed Waimea way, there's still activities to check out. Waimea is hosting the 2011 HOEA Market behind Parker Ranch this weekend from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Hawaiian Ohana for Education in the Arts (HOEA) sponsors the HOEA Market, which provides an opportunity for Kanaka Maoli artists to showcase and sell their art. The organization’s goal is to build a Community Art Center in the target community of Waimea, South Kohala, Hawai’i Island and establish a post-secondary School of Hawaiian Fine Arts.

Further on, introduce your children (and maybe even yourself) to some alpacas! National Alpaca Farm Days will be observed during an open house from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept 24 and Sunday, Sept. 25 at Ahualoa Alpacas, 46-3859 Kahana Drive, Honokaa. Members of Hawaii Handweavers Hui will demonstrate spinning and weaving of alpaca fibers on Saturday. The event is a free opportunity for the public to meet alpacas and learn more about these inquisitive, unique animals, the luxury fiber they produce and why the alpaca business is perfect for environmentally conscious individuals.

Another fun event this Saturday, if you make it all the way to Hilo: Panaewa Rainforest Zoo will celebrate Namaste's 14th birthday with his traditional "ice cake", featuring 14 bone candles this year. The cake will be presented at 9:00am. At 10:30am, he will receive a birthday present of a huge pillow mouse, stuffed with "Meowie Wowie" catnip. Free cake and ice cream to be served at noon as long as supplies last. A special turkey dinner will be given to Namaste at 3:30pm, winding up the day's festivities. There will be live music all day; keiki games, crafts, a petting zoo (check for time), face painting and more offered during the day. Funds raised will be used by Friends of the Zoo for the acquisition and care of zoo animals and for zoo improvements. The Panaewa Zoo's hours are 9am-4pm daily. Free. For more info and to confirm times, call 959-9233.

Just a little more FYI, this 12 acre zoo is the only tropical rainforest zoo in the United States. It is home to more than 80 animal species including the endangered Nene (Hawaii State Bird) and Namaste', a white Bengal Tiger. You are invited to picnic in the shade of over 100 varieties of Palm or stroll with Peacocks in the extensive collection of Orchids, Clumping Bamboos and Tropical Rhododendrons. The planting effort by volunteers is continuous and the Zoo grounds are considered a botanical garden.  We also noted during our last visit in August, they installed new playground equipment just outside the Petting Zoo. It wasn't open then, but it looked ready to go...


Sunday looks to be a relaxing day all around - the National Alpaca Farm Days continues if you can't make it Saturday.  There will be a Pre-Ironman Challenge at Kailua Pier starting at 7am, which will be a 1.2 mile swim , a hilly 15 mile bike, and a hilly 6 mile run.  C'mon, mingle with some Ironmen.  

Incidentally, I headed to the pool this morning, and as I walked thru the gate and saw the "Welcome Ironman" sign, then all the lanes full up, I nearly turned around and left. But I had the pleasure to swim next to a very nice retired English man, who's been doing the Ironman for 10 years!  After he jokingly chided me when I said was at the pool for "LEE-zure", not "LEH-zure", we had a very nice conversation. I love meeting new people.  Good luck English Guy! The Ford Ironman World Championship will be held on October 8, 2011.


Aloha nui loa!

Weekend Update: September 17-18

It's raining as I type this, a welcome and soothing rain, quieting yet another crazy week. Hopefully it's not typical for most, but I know several people going thru trying times these past few weeks, and I'm wishing for a brighter weeks ahead for all of us.  This weekend is a fairly quiet weekend, and one for which I'm particularly grateful.

Saturday promises a full day in Waimea, with the 36th Annual Waimea Paniolo Parade & Ho'olaulea, starting at 10:00 am.  Enjoy Pa’u units, marching bands and many other exciting community participants Then, following the parade, come and enjoy a wonderful day with the ‘ohana at The Hawaii Island Festival!- Ho'olaule'a in Waimea Park! Great entertainment, food booths and craft vendors and fun for the entire ‘ohana! This event is part of this month's Hawaii Island Festival - 30 Days of Aloha. Please support our kupuna and buy a ribbon!

In Kona, you and your family can honor West Hawaii's growing community by celebrating Mexican Independence Day!  Many individuals of Mexican ancestry will celebrate with festive costumes, traditional music & dances, as well as the delicious foods of Mexico, by presenting a "Mexican Independence Day Fiesta" at the KMART parking lot from 2:00pm to 8pm. Free to the public. Door prizes. Bring your families and celebrate! Please bring your own chairs for comfort.

Keauhou Shopping Center has been hosting some really great events recently, and this weekend is no different. The 1st annual Playing For Change Day – on September 17, 2011 – is a global day of action where musicians of all varieties perform on stages, cafés, city squares, and street corners worldwide and raise money to bring music into the lives of young people. Enjoy music, dance ART and local food AND Help to put music and ART into the schools worldwide by attending or donating to this global event that will benefit the interest of the entire planet through the JOY of musical and artistic expression. This is a FREE event AND if you donate you get a special Thank You from the participating merchants of Keauhou Shopping Center and Malma Card Merchants State wide. Artists performing: Tatiana and Mark of Obsidian, Irminsul Harp, Dance Hawaii Group, Local Bands and Hawaiian Artists...Ginger Santell, Alaia Leighland, Joie Jacomb, Wayne Burger, Bonita...Join us for Artists Reception AND Vegetarian Potluck Recipe Exchange.

Sunday marks the monthly Kokua Kailua Concert & Village Stroll. If you haven't gone down to check it out yet, make a point to do so! It's quite nice to walk in the middle of Ali'i Drive running into friends and neighbors, even your local retailer or family physician! Chat with the vendors - they have some great stories - and get to know your community!  

Hawaiian songstress and Na Hoku Hanohano award winner Paula Fuga will launch Kau Kau Kailua Restaurant Week with a free concert from 5-6pm on Alii Drive as part of Kokua Kailua Village Stroll.  In the Hawaiian language, kau kau means food and this week-long event is all about visitors and residents experiencing delicious food at a variety of restaurants in Historic Kailua Village. Waterfront dining, superb three-course dinner menus for $20, $30 or $40 per person and special values at quick service eateries. Head to your favorite participating restaurants and ask for the special Kau Kau Kailua three-course prix fixe dinner menus September 18-24, 2011. Try some new places as well – either way, you’ll get a great meal and support local business!  Heads up, you may want to make advance reservations by calling your selected restaurant directly.  

Aloha All, Happy Dining!

Weekend Update: September 9-11, 2011

Frankly, I can't believe it's almost the weekend already, as I'm still recovering from last weekend and our trip to Oahu. But I do have to say I am looking forward to this coming weekend, as it's the FARM FAIR!! I don't know exactly why I love the Farm Fair so much, it's always too hot and too crowded, the prices are outrageous, the food will give me heartburn and the games are nearly impossible to win, costing a near fortune for a toy you know cost 50¢ (at best) to manufacture  and probably by a child in Asia or Mexico.  Still, I do enjoy it, perhaps as a return to my youth and how much I exalted in winning a prize and riding the ferris wheel. Oh, the thrill of that 60-sec ride. I will make that financial sacrifice, even take out a small loan if I have to, to ensure my children can have their turn at experiencing the same joy I felt.

Here's the 411:  E. K. Fernandez presents the Big Island Farm Fair from Thursday, Sept 8 -11.  Thursday night special is a $1 admission fee and a 10-ride wristband for $20. Opening at 6pm and running until midnight (9pm on Sunday), you can find all the information you need here.

The Maltese Family Circus Troupe

There will also be local entertainment as well as the Maltese Family Circus troupe! Performing at 7:30pm and 10:00pm Thursday and Friday. Saturday performances are 5:00, 7:30 & 10:00pm.  Last chance to see them on Sunday at 2:00, 4:30 and 7:00pm.

Wondering if your child is tall enough for the ferris wheel? Be prepared and check the website's height requirement listing!

My son Xavier at the 2007 Farm Fair

With all the excitement, don't forget that this is a FARM fair. Check out the animal and growy things that will be showcased at the Agricultural Expo in the pavilion! If your child is too small to go on the rides at the carnival, there are still plenty of activities for your little one. The expo features a keiki corral to interact with various farm animals, farm animal colorings as well at murals and wall coloring, and a great opportunity for mess making in the Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest, Saturday & Sunday at 12, 2, 4 and 6pm - you don't want to miss that!

While the Farm Fair somewhat eclipses the weekend, there are some other events worth mentioning! Please be aware that Friday, September 9th is International Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness Day.  The  Children's Research Triangle is holding a special event in conjunction with the Mayor's office at the West Hawaii Civic Center from 9am -12pm on Friday. Mayor Billy Kenoi will provide the introduction for the morning, followed by speakers and informational tables by local support agencies. Refreshments will also be served.

Friday evening is the ongoing "Movie Under the Stars" showing at Queens' Marketplace. This week's movie is "The Thief Lord". My family doesn't actually attend this event very often, but I do think it's a fabulous event. It's relaxing, you get to watch a movie, visit with friends (we inevitably run into people we know) and the kids can even run around if they want to. See the trailer for this week's showing.

Saturday, we have two regular Kailua Kona events that I look forward to. The first is the Kailua Kona Library monthly book sale, sponsored by F.O.L.K. The book sale starts as usual at 9am and runs until 1pm. If you have the time, consider being a volunteer for the sale - remember, all volunteers receive a 20% discount. Please support the library and take advantage of the ridiculously cheap prices. Read to your children, read for yourself.

The second regular event is the Lowe's Build 'n' Grow workshop.  Lowe's workshops are a great confidence builder for your children. My son loves these. And my daughter would as well if I let her participate.  No restrictions on the age, however there are real tools involved with the real potential of a real thumb getting hammered, so  use your best judgement. If your child is too young, you'll end up doing the work yourself (which is not necessarily bad in and of itself, but may be if you have 2 or 3 children to contend with).

Is Cinco de Mayo the 4th of July for Mexico? Wrong! Mexican Independence Day is right around the corner (September 16, thought the FOLK website says September 17).   Expose your children to the world and celebrate early with Mariachi Music! Performances by Olga Salvatore and Greg Shirley on guitar. Sponsored by Friends of the Library, Kona.   And while you're at the library, check out some books on Mexico and learn the facts (and then tell me!).

Lastly, but by no means the least, Sunday is Patriot Day. It was designated in memory of the 2,977 killed in the September 11, 2001 attacks. From Wikipedia, "On this day, the President directs that the American flag be flown at half-staff at individual American homes, at the White House, and on all U.S. government buildings and establishments, home and abroad. The President also asks Americans to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 A.M. (Eastern Daylight Time), the time the first plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001." 


As the majority of Americans will, I remember the circumstances under which I heard the news. Unaware at the time, I was actually just headed to bed when the attacks were occurring (about 3 am Hawaii time - working on a deadline, was I), and when I awoke later that morning, I heard the information on the news. I thought it was one of those radio pranks you often hear, but they kept on and on about it, that I had to turn on the television. I commuted to work in a daze, instantly plugging into CNN when I arrived at the office.  I couldn't believe our meeting actually took place, I mean, how could anyone focus on anything else other than what was changing our country at that moment?


Please take a moment to discuss with your children this weekend what it means to you to be an American, and how lucky we are.  Let's not take advantages of the opportunities afforded to us. However, let's also not be ignorant and disrespectful of other worlds and cultures. Thank you all.


Live strong, love fiercely!

Labor Day Weekend Update: September 2-5, 2011

Like most of us, I have to Google certain holidays to find out exactly what their historical significance is, Labor Day being one of them. The historical significance of Labor Day in my world is 1) summer is over and 2) my sister's birthday is here (Happy Birthday, Lori!).  In fact, "The form for the celebration of Labor Day was outlined in the first proposal of the holiday: A street parade to exhibit to the public "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations," followed by a festival for the workers and their families [wikipedia]." While there are no parades this weekend, there are plenty of festivals and events of which to take advantage with your family.

Last weekend, the Hawaii Island Festival commenced with its formal ceremonies, and continues this weekend at the Waikoloa Beach Resort with several events.  Friday, the Ms. Aloha Nui Pageant is, "giving big, bold, beautiful Big Island women the chance to shine, and share their "supersized" style and aloha in the spotlight. Contestants are evaluated on their presentation in casual and formal wear, poise, grace and talent." Doors open 5:30 p.m.; pageant begins at 6:30 p.m. $7 admission. For contest information, call Leiola Mitchell, 896-3798.  Saturday, the fun continues with the Annual Poke Contest in the Hilton Waikoloa Village Kona Ballroom.  Both home cooks and top professional chefs compete against their peers for the championship recipe of this popular Hawaiian dish that is made from the freshest fish or shellfish plus seasonings, and after the judges announce the winners, the audience gets to taste too. Doors open at 11:00 a.m.; program begins at noon. $7 admission. Please call Linda Pokipala, 937-4896 for contest information.  Stick around Saturday evening for the Uncle Kindy Sproat Falsetto & Storytelling Contest, to be held at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott's Naupaka Ballroom from 6-10pm. Celebrating its 20th year, this unique folk music competition features talented male singers of all ages who can not only sing in the unique falsetto style, but can also captivate the audience with the stories behind the songs. Doors open 6:00 p.m.; contest begins 7:00 p.m. $7 admission. For contest information, call Pua Garmon, 345-8575. For more info on this and other events, call 886-8822, email joinus@waikoloaland.com or visit www.hawaiiislandfestival.org.

Also at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa this weekend will be the Na Mea Hana Lima Craft Fair.  Come and shop local artisans and crafters from across the island! 
Handmade Jewelry, Original Prints, Hand Dyed Silks, Hawaiian Wood Carvings, Handmade Soaps, Hawaiian Dolls, Lamps and much more!

The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is sponsoring several events this weekend for a great cause - the 2011 Run for Hope benefits cancer research in Hawaii.  Friday, The 15th Annual Taste of Hawaii will be held in the Hoku Amphitheatre at the resort from 6-9pm and will include food, drink, entertainment and a silent auction. Tickets are $85 for adults and $40 for children 5-12. Saturday, Enjoy a round of golf on the beautiful Jack Nicklaus Signature Hualālai Golf Course with the 2011 Run for Hope Golf Scramble, a two-man scramble format tournament. Shotgun start at 1:00pm, $200 per person. Awards ceremony follows the tournament. If golf isn't your thing, go for the Tennis tournament from 2:00-5:00pm. $50 per person, this is a mixed doubles with inter-changing partners tournament. Awards ceremony follows the tournament. The main event on Sunday, The Run For Hope is a non-competitive 10K Run - 5K Run/Walk event. Proceeds from this event benefit cancer research in Hawai‘i. Post Run/Walk gathering includes light breakfast and drawing for door prizes. Prize winners need not be present to win. A $25 minimum donation includes a free tee shirt. Register here.

KAMA has only recently happened upon this regular free event. Happening this weekend, and on a monthly basis is First Friday at The Shops at Mauna Lani. Catch live performances from Big Island talent at their outdoor stage on the first Friday of every month. Participating merchants offer shopping incentives and kama'aina specials at each "First Friday" event. This Friday, popular Big Island jazz cat, Bill Noble and his band will be performing from 5:30-7:30pm. Call 808 885 9501 for the latest info.

While you're there, experience The Great 4-D Movie Ride, Hawaii's first and only 4-D theater. Dubbed "The Great 4-D Movie Ride," the 24-seat theater shows 3-D features and simulated "rides" on a 19-foot widescreen projected from twin, high-definition digital projectors. The on-screen action is synchronized with full-range motion seats, a 2500W 5.1 DTS surround sound system and in-theater "4-D" effects, such as blown air and water spray, for a complete multi-sensory experience. Special discounts for Kama'aina.  Kama'aina Evening Pass: See ALL movies from 5pm to closing for only $10  OR Kama'aina Special Daily and Weekly Rates: Daily $10 / Weekly $40 - see all the features as many times as you like!

Saturday thru Monday, Kailua Bay will be teeming with outrigger canoes when Kai 'Opua hosts their 40th Annual Queen Lili'uokalani Outrigger Canoe Races: the world's largest long distance canoe race, attended by paddlers from all over the world. Two days of racing, with the first day being the single-hull canoe races, followed by double hull and one-person canoe races on Sunday. Crews from Hawaii, the US mainland, and around the world come to enter this world class event. The fun includes a cultural crafts fair on the Pier, and more. Click here for the race schedule.

Home Depot continues their monthly Kids' Workshop this Saturday from 9-12.  This month's project: making locker message boards.  Children can build an ESPN College Game Day-themed dry erase board for Team Tailgating Day. Always a fun time, workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills, tool safety along and instill a sense of pride and accomplishment, AND all kids get to keep their craft and receive a FREE Kids Workshop Apron, commemorative pin and certificate of achievement! Yay for Home Depot!

Swing down to Keauhou Shopping Center, visit the Keauhou Farmers' market and watch Bolo performing live from 9-10am on Saturday morning.  From his Facebook page: "His music is infused with messages, opinions and heartfelt feelings about being both Hawaiian and Latin, as well as about consciousness in living. He is also a graphic designer, a painter, and a poet, and is working with Recycle Hawai’i in a program called Artists in Action, where artists visit schools on the Big Island to play music and talk to keiki (children) about recycling, sustainability, and other environmental issues. " Alone, what a great reason to see him - Check him out!

If you're up for a drive this weekend, the 38th Annual Parker Ranch Round-Up Club Rodeo is happening in Waimea. This exciting two-day event is held annually as a fundraiser to provide scholarships for school-age children of Parker Ranch employees.  Family-style fun includes team roping, bull riding, barrel racing and more. Parker Ranch Rodeo Arena in Waimea at noon to sunset both days.  Call (808) 885-5669 or visit www.parkerranch.com  


Also happening in Waimea this Sunday on Hawaii Prepatory Academy's Campus is the 3rd Annual Bieni Kohler Johnson 3.1 Fun Run/Walk. A fun, family event, take advantage of the long weekend and join in remembering Bieni, raising money for the scholarship established in her name, and possibly be the winner of a two-night stay at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel! With a start time of 9am, same day registration begins at 7am; start time 9am. For more information, call 989-9100, email HPArace@gmail.com or register online here.  

Sunday from 12-5:00pm, you have the chance to kick back and relax at the 19th Annual Hawaii Slack Key Guitar Festival  at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa. From the Festival website: "Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar (ki-ho'alu) is a truly one of the greatest acoustic guitar traditions in the world. Ki-ho'alu , which literally means "loosen the key," is the Hawaiian language name for the solo finger picked style unique to Hawai'i. In this tradition, the strings (or keys)" are "slacked" to produce major chord, or a chord with a major 7th note, or sometimes one with a 6th note in it. Each tuning produces a lingering sound behind the melody and has characteristic resonance and fingering.

Many Hawaiian songs and slack key guitar pieces reflect themes like stories of the past and present and people's lives. But it is the tropical surroundings of Hawai'i, with its oceans, volcanoes and mountains, waterfalls, forest, plants and animals, that provide the deepest source of inspiration for Hawaiian music."

Food and drink will be available for purchase; no outside food or beverages will be allowed. Make certain to wear a hat and bring an umbrella for shade. Free admission.

On Labor Day, the kids are sure to have fun at the Up Country Faire in Kealakekua, hosted by Queen Emma Community Center (indoors and out), Christ Church. Games & prizes, pony rides, ono grinds, keiki ID, face painting, animals to pet, magic, tupperware, gold fish game, children's puppets and coloring, animal balloons, rummage sale, Sugar Shack, palm reading, massage - just good fun! Cost: Script to play and or purchase goods. For information call 323-3429 or email bjkoala@pendragonhawaii.com. 

Experience a Fall Fashion Show at the Coronation Pavilion in Queens' Market Place from 4:30-6:00pm on Monday evening. Free to the public. It will feature fall fashions from the many Queens' MarketPlace merchants, and the talents of Maximum Capacity Hawaii. Be one of the first 250 to register (18 years and older) and receive a free Queens' MarketPlace tote bag filled with merchant specials. Get ready for fall in dazzling style at Queens' MarketPlace! For more information, call 866-8822, email joinus@waikoloaland.com or visit www.queensmarketplace.net.


There will be a special showing of "Movie Under the Stars" after the show.


As always, whatever you decide to do  this weekend, if only a family bbq or day at the beach, have fun, enjoy each other's company, and love each other.


Aloha~
Your KAMA mama 

Weekend Update: August 25-27, 2011

We all know that family and a support system are very important, and this past week has reminded my family of that in a most direct way. As we are slowly recovering from a nearly unrecoverable event, I am personally thankful to be surrounded by family and friends that are extremely supportive and positive minded people.  As unfortunate as the circumstances were, the family used the opportunity to communicate and work thru problems that otherwise would've gone unattended. Please make an extra effort this weekend to come together as a family. Let the little things go and focus on what's important. Spend time, not money. Love each other. Mahalo!

As August winds down, events continue to explode and provide plenty of opportunity to explore culturally.  Continuing thru the weekend is the Original Play Festival XVIII. For the eighteenth consecutive year, Aloha Performing Arts Company is presenting to Kona its unique season-starting event, the Original Play Festival, or "OPF," as it is referred to by those involved. This year the festival offers staged readings of new plays in the evenings, Wednesday through Saturday, August 24 through 27 at 7:30 p.m., and a free public potluck celebration honoring all the participants on Sunday, August 28 at 2:30 p.m. All activities are presented at the historic Aloha Theatre in Kainaliu.  Tickets are $5, or $1 with the previous night's stub. Click here for a schedule.

As athletics are an integral part of the Kona lifestyle, even if you're not involved directly, you will be affected by many, many events throughout the year, mostly in a traffic related way.  This weekend is the Lavaman Triathlon, a full weekend event. It kicks off Friday at 5:30p.m. with the Lavaman 1st Annual 5K Sunset Run/Walk, a fundraiser for PATH. There'll be great dining deals and hula afterwards at the Keauhou Shopping Center. 

Saturday is the LavaKids Aquathon & Keiki Dash. A great opportunity and a fun way for the kids to get out and experience living a healthy lifestyle. The kids are up anyway already, aren't they? The Youth Aquathon ($20 -ages 7-14) starts at 9:15, the Keiki Dash at 10:15 ($10 for 6 & under). After the event, enjoy the pool & slides at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa from 11:30 - 1:30 p.m.

The main event starts at 7:00 on Sunday, the awards ceremony form 12-2pm. Go support a triathlete!

This weekend also marks the beginning of the 2011 Hawaii Island Festival, with events sprinkled over the next 30 days. The Investiture of the Royal Court kicks off the Festival Saturday at 10:00a.m. at Pu’uhonua o Honaunau (Place of Refuge). I hope I'm not the only one who had to look up the term "investiture".

If you would like to support Hawaii Island Festival - 30 Days of Aloha, you may do so by purchasing a ribbon ($5.00 each). The ribbons are keepsake items and are available by contacting any of the committee chairs.

A follow-up event on Sunday has the Royal Court attending service at Puako’s historic Hokuloa Church. Service starts at 9:00 a.m.

The Donkey Mill Art Center is hosting another spectacular event this weekend, Saturday from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m.  For "Cool Fusion", the 5th annual fundraising event, DMAC ceramic artists have produced an astounding 1000 hand-made ceramic bowls. Each visitor chooses one of these beautiful bowls, which they will keep, to enjoy a light lunch of Japanese cold somen noodles. Entry Fee is $20, $10 for children under 12.

Sunday, North Hawaii Hospice will be hosting the first annual Floating Lantern Ceremony in partnership with The Fairmont Orchid. The program will honor and remember loved ones who have passed on. If you didn't happen to see or watch Honolulu's Floating Lantern Ceremony on television earlier this summer, it's definitely a site to see and an event to remember.

Admission is free of charge. Lanterns will be available for purchase for a suggested donation of $10.00.  Food and refreshments will also be available for purchase. Complimentary Self Parking will be provided at the Fairmont Orchid Resort.

And of course, Kona's regularly scheduled events:

Lowe's Build 'n' Grow Workshop on Saturday from 10:00-12:00 a.m. Kids get to build a locker to stash their goodies. Kit includes stickers, chalkboard and chalk. If you haven't been to one of the workshops, your child will get an apron and goggles to take home, as well as a badge upon completion.  Anyone out there want to sew my son's on his apron? 


Queens' Marketplace Movie Under the Stars: 500 Days of Summer.
Stroll around the mall and return with your beach chair or blanket (& dinner!) for Friday's FREE movie.


Aloha nui loa!  Live strong, love fiercely!