Pow Wow Hawaii 2012
What do you get when you harness the collective creativity of Hawaii’s graffiti artists together in about four urban blocks? You get Pow Wow Hawaii 2012. It’s the second annual celebration of urban art in Hawaii. Started last year by organizer Jasper Wong, this year’s event is partnering with major landowner Kamehameha Schools to help transform the industrial area of Kakaako into an urban art community.
Says graffiti artist John Hina, “Instead of destroying the community, let’s build it up through art.” John and Estria Miyashiro completed a super-hero mural of twin alii (chiefs) protecting the bones of King Kamehamha I, the legendary king who united the Hawaiian Islands.
Most of the murals in this blog are in progress. Artists started a few days ago, and the event itself will culminate with a public reception on Saturday night. For most artists, that means working into the wee hours tonight and all day tomorrow. Fortunately, a few of them had time to “talk story.”
Artists Kai’ili William Kaulukukui and Shad Kaleolani Kaluhiwa (fondly known as Chicken and Fish) found their inspiration from the Kakaako area itself, which used to be a fishpond. In the Hawaiian culture, your lineage is stacked on your head, and so their imagery shows a fisherman with his ancestors behind him. Says, Kai’ili, “Our ancestors are there to help guide our decisions. They define who we are, and we take it with us wherever we are.”
Next to Shad and Kai’li, Solomon Enos had already completed his mural. “In native cultures, the systems within the body are connected to the systems of the land,” says Solomon. Or in other words, “The health of the people is related to the health of the environment. This holistic connectivity brings indigenous and Western science together.” He explains that his mural–a woman with her organs exposed–has a certain shock value which is an important aspect to making a statement. He further explained that in the Hawaiian culture, art was not created for art’s sake, but rather, their creativity was put into the depiction of their gods and the artistry of their daily tools. So for Solomon, art must have a purpose–something to say.
Eukarezt had a can of paint in hand when we interrupted him. He explained he was a last minute entry, and happier for it. The owl represents wisdom and the lantern spreads that wisdom in the form of light. He went on to say that the cost of the paint–$10 a can–influenced his design. When many of the other artists saw him with the cheaper cans, they brought over extra supplies, which resulted in small areas of color so there would be continuity throughout. Eukarezt likened his experience to a parable in the Bible in which Jesus feeds the masses with just a few loaves and fishes. A little bit of paint goes a long way.
The sharing of paint is also a testament to the nature of this project in which many hands are joining together in the success of this project. Prime, who for years has run art projects involving teens in Honolulu via his nonprofit 808 Urban, is one of the key forces behind this year’s Pow Wow which will include 40 guest artists from Hawaii and Australia, students from Roosevelt and McKinley high schools, Voyager Charter School, Kamehameha Schools and the YMCA.
Prime and his team are creating a building-long mural on Cooke Street that will feature depictions of Hawaiian gods.
Although the murals for 2012 will be finished this weekend, the public exhibit will remain on display on buildings throughout Kakaako. And like the enthusiasm for this project, the community gallery will only get larger every year. Check back next week for photos of the completed works. Or better still, take a stroll and see them for yourself.
Maps are located at the Loft in Space, 831 Queen St. or link to google map. Mural locations include Auahi Business Center, 661-669 Auahi St., Voyager Charter School, 547 Halekauwila St., and Fisherman’s Wharf, 1009 Ala Moana Blvd.
The public reception for Pow Wow Hawaii is 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18 at Loft in Space, with DJ music by Jules Gayton. It’s open to all ages. An after-party for Pow Wow begins at 10 p.m. Saturday at Nextdoor, 43 N. Hotel St., with live music by ALT/AIR and DJs Anton Glamb, Kowai Kowai, DJ Anit and B Maj; $10, 21 and older. More at Info: powwowhawaii.com
Sweet Home Waimanalo
After you’ve built up an appetite watching (or counting) whales, continue on to Waimanalo.
There’s a bumper stickers that reads “Paris. London. New York. Waimanalo.” Three of the world’s greatest cities–and a small town that has nothing in common with the others, except that like all residents in great locales, they swear it’s the best place in the world. And they might be right.
On the surface, Waimanalo is a local, blue collar neighborhood. Kids with bare feet and big grins ride their bikes from one end of the valley to the other. The beaches are beautiful and surprisingly uncrowded. There are tents where homeless can live in a park near one end of the beach while those with money are slowly buying property along the coast. Deep in Waimanalo Valley, the land is abundantly fertile, housing nurseries and farms. But all this is just background, a glimpse into a simple community where many of the residents have lived for generations.
So what’s so great about Waimanalo? For starters, it’s Aunty’s homemade kulolo, a dark brown sticky dessert made from poi (pounded taro) and coconut milk. Sorry, no photos as Aunty had the nerve to sell the last piece just before I got there. She and her family are also known for their crafts which include woven bracelets, carved bone hook necklaces and wooden pendants.
It’s fun to watch people stop for fresh coconut that’s cut right in front of you by two local guys with big cane knives. Tourists have a heck of a time understanding them (they talk fast in da kine pidgin so hard for understand) but basically, the only things you need to answer are if you want to drink the coconut water (an excellent natural source of electrolytes) and what kind of coconut you want. The older the coconut, the thicker and harder the meat. If you ask them what’s best and they like you, they’ll cut you their favorite, really young coconut with a thin coating of meat so soft it’s like a translucent version of haupia, a Hawaiian coconut pudding. Most first-timers are also surprised that coconuts are not sweet–at least not like the shredded coconut you buy at a grocery store. Instead, their natural flavor is deliciously subtle.
Along the same stretch you’ll find a shrimp truck, guys selling dried aku (tuna), and the most incredible lilikoi butter in the universe. It’s sweet and buttery with a fruity tartness that lets you know, yes, you’re home in Hawaii after all.
NatHI Note: I’d be remiss if I didn’t tell you that most of these roadside stands are just people trying to make a few extra dollars. They’re not fancy operations, so don’t go looking for nutrition labels or that sort of thing. Like Aunty with her kulolo, friends make up a good part of their business. And like everywhere else in the world where you travel, it looks suspicious, don’t get it.
Waimanalo is also home to a couple of wonderful casual cafes, Serg’s Mexican food (a NatHi favorite) and Sweet Home Waimanalo Market and Cafe (great fresh food). Sweet Home Waimanao is among the new generation of local businesses that are pushing the envelope, or in this case, their food, to be more ecofriendly. The restaurant features locally-grown produce and even has a rooftop garden.
A few more NatHI Notes: Waimanalo Beach and Bellows Beach are as close to perfect as you can get. Keep an eye out for warning signs or check in with the lifeguards regarding surf conditions. Mornings are gentle; waves pick up in the afternoon.
On most weekends, traffic through Waimanalo town is slow because it’s become a major thoroughfare between Kailua and Hawaii Kai. Our advice, pull off to the side of the road and have something to eat.
Volunteering for the Kohola (Whale)
This week’s post is by Interactive Project Manager Rochelle Olson who is living her Hawaii dream. Born and raised in Minnesota, she stalked our agency until we hired her and now she’s not just “local,” she volunteers all over town. Just don’t ask her to speak pidgin.
View from the Blow Hole.
A couple of weeks ago I made a promise to my mom. She’s visiting from Minnesota and she really wanted to see whales. So I took her out on a Saturday afternoon and I promised her we would see some whales. I brought her to Halona Blow Hole, a place well known for whale watching. I’ve been there numerous times and have seen whales every time. There are over 12,000 whales in Hawaii during the winter, but on this beautiful, sunny afternoon, they were nowhere to be found. My mom, with binoculars hanging around her neck, tried to hide her disappointment, but I knew I had to do something to make up for it.
I came across information online on the 2012 Sanctuary Ocean count that is done by the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary every winter. One day a month, January-March, they gather volunteers at various spots on Oahu, Hawaii and Kauai to count whales and track their behavior. I immediately signed us up and at the same location where the whales first eluded us, Halona Blow Hole.
We showed up at 8am on a Saturday with chairs and cooler in tow. We barely had a chance to settle in before we started seeing whales. One after the other we watched them blow, slap and breach. Adult whales and their babies. For four hours we counted them, and tracked their activity. My mom saw more whales then she ever thought possible and even a couple of turtles. It was the easiest volunteer gig we’ve ever done. We already signed up again for the next two counts on February 25th and March 31st.
"Here to Eternity" Beach. Yes, this is where they rolled in the sand.
Waimanalo coastline. Now this is Hawaii.
To join in on the fun, visit the Sanctuary’s website and sign up:
http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov/involved/ocwelcome.html
Only in Hawaii: So Fresh!
Only in Hawaii: Reminder
Pure Aloha is Back
After a remodeling hiatus and a new lease agreement, Uncle Clay’s House of Pure Aloha is back in the Aina Haina Shopping Center serving their homemade all-natural flavors of shaved ice along with heaping helpings of neighborly advice from Uncle Clay. The store is prettier, a marked difference from the old Doe Fang “Chinese crack seed” store we used to visit when we were kids. If he’s not behind the counter, Uncle Clay is on the side “taking story” with customers, asking about their kids, checking how work is going, asking after your health–and that’s even if he’s never met you before. It’s the kind of aloha that harks back to the old days when everybody knew everybody, and if you didn’t, you said hello anyway. I caught them just before closing while doing last-minute errands, so I missed both the shaved ice and the crowds. And despite my blurred rush to snap a few photos, Uncle Clay now knows my kids are doing well in school, work is fun and I’m taking good care of myself. After all, isn’t that what aloha is all about? :: (808) 373-5111 | Aina Haina Shopping Center | Mon – Thurs 10:30am – 6pm, Fri – Sun 10:30am – 8pm houseofpurealoha.com
To read our earlier post on Pure Aloha, click here.
Only in Hawaii: No Outright Gawking
Only in Hawaii: Hawaiian for “Conditions”
Moshi Moshi Sunrise Restaurant
You might know him from his radio and tv spots. Today’s post comes from Sr. Copywriter Piku Ghosh who writes on the McDonald’s of Hawaii and Starwood accounts. When he’s not pounding the keyboard on behalf of his clients, he’s making the rest of us laugh with his crazy sense of humor.
Jonesing for some good Okinawan food? Well, say hello to Sunrise Restaurant, off Kapahulu Avenue. This place is tiny and quite understated from the outside, but it more than makes up for its look with big smiles, great service and delicious food.
The single-paged menu features sushi combination dinners with a variety of soups, plus perfectly cooked hamachi and unagi specials. The sushi combination includes a sampling of tuna roll, yellowtail, cucumber roll, tuna, octopus and eel. Simple ingredients, fresh seafood, a homely atmosphere! Add BYOB to that, and you have a reasonably priced dining experience you’d definitely enjoy. Call ahead for reservations.:: 525 Kapahulu Ave | Honolulu, HI 96815 | 808.737.4118
From the top of Mariner’s Ridge
This week’s post comes from Lilly Holmes, account coordinator here at mvnp. She’s from LA, been in Hawaii almost a year, and loves going out–whether it’s eating with friends or hiking.
The Mariner’s Ridge hike starts in Hawaii Kai and ends on the ridge with an amazing view of the Windward side. It’s relatively easy – about an hour up and 30 minutes back down. 70% of the hike goes through shaded pine forests and there’s almost a constant breeze, which makes it really nice on a warm day. This is my number one recommended hike for out of towners. It has great views of Hawaii Kai/Koko Head and the Windward side. Plus, it won’t tire people out too much and ruin the rest of their vacation. (I don’t think any of us were too sore the day after.) Not to say that this hike is a simple walk in the park. There’s quite a bit of elevation. Afterwards we all headed to Serg’s Mexican Food in Manoa for a post-hike chow down—the best complement to a half day of hiking!
Breakfast till 3pm at Café Kaila
I love breakfast food and I think Café Kaila is one of the best places in Honolulu. It’s reasonably priced and freshly prepared. Yes, it’s located in a strip mall and there are long lines on the weekends, but the food is great! You won’t find anything too crazy here, just your typical breakfast selections. My favorite is the breakfast wrap with scrambled eggs, potato, spinach, cheese and bacon. Another goodie is the combo, 2 eggs, a breakfast meat and pancakes!
Everything I’ve had so far has been delicious including the frittata, waffles and French toast. They also serve lunch menu items which I have yet to try. Breakfast is served until 3pm. :: Market City Shopping Ctr 2919 Kapiolani Blvd (808) 732-3330
6th Annual Celebration of the Arts – Hawaii’s Modern Masters
This article comes from Janice K., one of mvnp’s traffic managers who keep this agency moving.
The Annual Celebration of the Arts kicked off it’s opening reception near the entrance of Coach Waikiki. The annual event allows one to enjoy the finest in arts and fashion at Luxury Row in Waikiki with artwork on display in Tiffany & Co, Coach, Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, Gucci, Tod’s, Bottega Veneta and Hugo Boss stores. The local artists were there to meet art connoisseurs and supporters of the arts.
Featured artist were Michael & Misato Mortara (glass), Licia McDonald (ceramics), Joey Chiarello & Vicky Chock (ceramics), Sally French (paintings), Koi Ozu (copper sculptures), Randy Takaki (Wood and mixed media sculptures), Pat Kramer (wood sculptures), Jennifer Hill (ceramics), Dana Forsberg (Photography) and George Woollard (wood sculptures).
I enjoyed the artwork of Randy Takaki, a big island native and resident whose work of guardians or Myo Jin (beings of light) were executed in wood and metal mesh. Below is his painting entitled “Return to Quiet”.
The exhibits will be open for public viewing until December 4th from 10 am to 10pm daily. The annual event is sponsored by Luxury Row and Cedar Street Galleries.
DIY/HI Aloha Friday: Remembrance Day Toast
It’s Veteran’s Day (also known as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day) and we’d like to honor our service men and women with a toast and a Colonel’s Big Opu — a champagne cocktail that reminds us of Private Angelo Maggio (a character in James Jones’ World War II saga, From Here to Eternity). The film version of the novel won the 1953 Academy Award for Best Picture and the island of Oahu was one of its stars.
The Colonel’s Big Opu (Hawaiian for “belly”)
1 ounce gin
1 ounce triple sec
½ ounce lime juice
1 cup ice cubes
2 ounces champagne
Shake the gin, triple sec, lime juice, and ice cubes in a cocktail shaker; pour in a highball glass without straining. Float the champagne on top. Thanks to Trader Vic’s Tiki Party for the recipe — book available here).
Raise your glass:
On this day we remember those who served and those who served remember those who did not come back. We honor you all for your sacrifice.
Bead It in Kaimuki
Kaimuki is one of our favorite neighborhoods. It’s filled with quaint little shops and fun restaurants. If you’re into beading, head to Koko Head Avenue to Bead It where it’s easy to be inspired and equally difficult to walk away with less than a dozen projects. They also have classes on everything from wire work to stamping and knotting. It’s almost Christmas. Better get started now: Bead It
Coffee Talks
Want a place for coffee and conversation in Kaimuki? Head to Coffee Talk on Waialae Avenue. It’s always packed with the regular crowd and a good selection of muffins, sandwiches and coffee drinks. Yum. :: Coffee Talk
Naturally HI 