The pilot for a new television drama begins shooting in March on O‘ahu. It's not unusual to hear Hawai‘i described as a resort, but this show is not about spas and fine dining. This is a futuristic thriller involving nuclear weapons and treason.
Hawai‘i welcomes Hollywood to its shores once again for another TV series.
Last Resort is set in the near future, when the world is (still) on the brink of nuclear war. The crew of a nuclear submarine, the USS Nevada, refuses to execute direct orders to fire nuclear missiles issued under “suspicious circumstances.” In return, the sub is fired upon by its own allies. The captain and crew find refuge on an island with a NATO listening station. There they declare themselves to be the world’s smallest nuclear nation, independent and in possession of 24 nukes.
The hour-long pilot for ABC is created by Shawn Ryan, who also was executive producer of The Shield on FX, The Chicago Code on Fox and The Unit on CBS. While most of the mentions of the pilot so far have named these gritty series, Ryan was also a producer on Angel and NashBridges. I see a common theme: no shortage of testosterone. (Not that I’m complaining!)
According to TV Guide, Ryan will executive produce the series. He co-wrote the pilot with Karl Gajdusek, who created four episodes of the Showtime’s Dead Like Me. Martin Campbell will direct the pilot. Campbell also directed Casino Royale with Daniel Craig as in his first appearance as James Bond and GoldenEye, the first Bond outing for Pierce Brosnan, along with The Mask of Zorro and The Legend of Zorro, both with Antonio Banderas.
Writers on The Legend of Zorro included some names familiar to fans of Hawaii Five-0: Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman (executive producers on 33 episodes). Neither is associated with the new pilot; it’s just some fun trivia. Hawaii Five-0 also brought in a big-name action director for the pilot, so maybe this will be good luck for Last Resort.
The island that becomes home for the renegade sub and crew is called “Sainte Marina," so Hawai‘i is not playing itself in a leading role this time around. The stars are expected to be from the mainland, but local actors are being cast as co-stars, supporting and featured background roles, according to Hawaii Actors Network.
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
This weekend, thousands of Hawai‘i football fans will smear on some face paint, tackle their closets for that favorite team jersey and jump right into the sea of Pro Bowl craze. And as they stand up to catch that massive rolling wave of fans or stomp along with the chants, the stadium beneath their feet moves with just as much excitement and energy.
The UH Warriors defended their home turf against the University of Colorado Boulder last season.
And as the popular sports chant goes, "We will, we will, ROCK YOU!" The Aloha Stadium has been rocked, all right. Since 1975, Hawai‘i's largest outdoor arena has hosted a multitude of events including soccer matches, car shows, concerts, fairs and the popular Aloha Stadium Swap Meet & Marketplace. It replaced the aging Honolulu Stadium on King Street in Honolulu, which was later demolished. Up to 50,000 people can be seated in the Hālawa stadium, which is also home to the University of Hawai‘i Warriors football team and hosts the Hawai‘i Bowl, the Hula Bowl (1975-1997 and 2006) and the Pro Bowl (1980-2009 and 2011-2012). Aloha Stadium even had its share of Hollywood fame, appearing on Magnum, P.I., Lost and the original Hawaii Five-0.
It's amazing how versatile a facility can be. I remember going to a football game one week, then the Michael Jackson concert the week after. I didn't even recognize the place, with all the colorful flashing lights and rows of seats on the field. In fact, the field had no resemblance to anything sports whatsoever, and instead of being oval shaped for football games, the stadium was triangular.
As the first stadium in the U.S. with this feature, Aloha Stadium could once be reconfigured into various formations depending on the different functions. The four moveable sections were changed into a diamond shape for soccer and baseball, an oval for football or a triangle for concerts. But in 2007, the stadium was permanently locked into the football configuration because of high cost and maintenance issues.
In addition to sporting events, the stadium is home to the 50th State Fair, which attracts thousands every year to its carnival rides and games.
Inevitably, after 37 years, the Hawai‘i stadium has no doubt shown its age. Rust, broken seats that need to be replaced and restrooms that need to be expanded have become serious concerns for the stadium. A study estimated that it would cost the state more than $200 million to restore and maintain the facility. Recently, state legislature proposed to build a new facility as a more cost-effective alternative to restoring the current one, which would only last another 20 to 30 years.
Until then, we can always count on our dedicated Hawai‘i sports fans and concert-goers to rally amongst each other in the Aloha Spirit, at our beloved Aloha Stadium…rain or shine!
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
Kung Hei Fat Choy! This week many people around the world will be celebrating the Chinese New Year, and Hawaiʻi is definitely included in the party. Our own Chinatown celebrates for almost the entire month with block parties, music, food, crafts, lion dances, parades and a Narcissus Queen Pageant. The entire community comes together for these festive events to bring in the New Year, hoping for good luck and prosperity.
Chinese believed that hanging red lanterns outside of their homes would scare away a certain mythical beast.
According to legend, the first Chinese New Year began centuries ago with a fight against the mythical beast, Nian. Nian would arrive in villages on the first day of the New Year to ravage crops, livestock and eat children. The villagers began to put food outside of their doors, hoping that if Nian ate it, he wouldn’t attack anyone and leave their village in peace. One day, a villager saw Nian run away from a small child wearing red clothing and realized that Nian was afraid of that particular color. From then on, the villagers would hang red lanterns and scrolls on their windows and doors around the New Year, as well as light loud firecrackers to frighten away Nian. Their efforts worked, and the mythical creature never bothered them again.
VIDEO: Chinatown doesn't mess around when ringing in the Year of the Dragon.
The date of the Chinese New year is determined by the Chinese lunisolar calendar and usually ranges between Jan. 21 and Feb. 20. This year, it fell on Jan. 23, 2012. The Chinese zodiac relates each year to a particular animal and its attributes, revolving in a 12-year cycle. This year is the year of the Dragon.
The Dragon is the mightiest of signs in the Chinese zodiac and is a symbol of good fortune and ambition. It is the only mystical creature in the zodiac, as the rest are all earthly animals, and is regarded with much respect in Chinese culture. People born in the year of the Dragon are said to have certain attributes such as being quick tempered, innovative, enterprising, self-assured, scrutinizing and passionate, to name a few. Many people in Hawaiʻi follow Chinese astrology and relate to their zodiac signs.
One festive way to celebrate the New Year is to attend a lion or dragon dance. Lion dances are performed to scare away evil spirits and bring good luck and fortune to a NewYear, as well as to crowds of bystanders and even businesses. Two people usually operate a lion costume and incorporate basic martial arts moves in the performance. Elaborate dragon dances are also performed, in which many people hold a huge dragon on poles and mimic this mythical river spirit's undulated movements. Dragon dances represent and bring good luck to people and the New Year.
A busy night in Honolulu's Chinatown that includes fresh jin dui, a black bean pastry.
Although the Chinese New Year celebrations are coming to a close, an entire year awaits full of promise and good fortune. I hope that your year is full of happiness, luck, adventure and laughter. Kung Hei Fat Choy!
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
Even before warming their toes in Hawai‘i's sandy shores, visitors have most likely already warmed their hearts with the island's beautiful voices that ring so brilliantly throughout the world. From our archipelago in the Pacific, singers like Don Ho and Braddah IZ are just a few of the performing gems that have made a global impact on the music industry. Today, a new generation of up-and-coming musicians and singers are taking the stage and following in the footsteps of Hawai‘i's musical fore-founders.
Take Jason Poole, for instance. He calls himself "The Accidental Hawaiian Crooner" and has an inspirational story that we don't often hear.
Jason Poole shares his love for Hawai‘i at the "Pakele Live!" event in Honolulu.
Years ago, the Pittsburgh-born singer somehow found himself knee-deep in mud on the remote island of Moloka‘i – a complete 180 from his life prior, when he lived in the hustle-and-bustle of New York City.
I had the privilege of meeting Jason at the recent ‘Ohana Festival, where he performed – barefoot – his second of three acts under the hot Honolulu sun. We talked story backstage; he told me his life story, and I listened. But when he played the ukulele and sang "Ka Uluwehi O Ke Kai" by Hawaiian culturalist and kumu hula (hula teacher) Aunty Edith Kanaka‘ole, I couldn't stop listening!Here's this guy, who just got through telling me he was born and raised on the "mainland," jamming to an old Hawaiian song that even I don't know the words to; and he was having so much fun doing it – bouncing on the balls of his toes, shifting his weight from one grassy patch to another. It amazed me at how accurately and effortlessly he pronounced each Hawaiian word in the song; the soft, raspy undertone in his voice told me why the latter half of his stage name was "Crooner."
VIDEO: Jason gives the Hawaii Vacation Blog a barefoot performance backstage.
After graduating with a vocal performance degree from Carnegie Mellon University, he worked for a corporate entertainment giant, training new hires, in NYC. He auditioned here and there, but he knew he needed something more in order to attain his childhood dream of being a singing "Super Star." Jason was just plain unhappy with his office job in the city. Then one night after another lousy day at work, he unexpectedly found himself tearing up with joy, as the lush voice of Braddah IZ rang through his Big Apple apartment. Little did he know, that commercial on his TV set would change his life forever.
"I was in a bad mood and felt betrayed by my body and the tears," he said. "But (the song) rocked me to my core. I wanted to, needed to, find out what this music was that had affected me so deeply."
But a few months after this epiphany, Jason actually ended up getting his "big break," literally. He was 28 years old when a "freak accident," as he put it, happened. It left him with a broken hip; hence the stage name – "The Accidental Hawaiian Crooner." (He also "accidentally" fell into Hawaiian music.) Doctors told him he wouldn't walk again without a limp. When he was a teen, they told him he wouldn't sing again, as Jason also battled an eating disorder that damaged his vocal cords.
(Left) Jason jamming the ukulele in NYC's Central Park. (Right) Dancing hula after recovering from the accident.
But through the power of Hawaiian music and dance, Jason pushed past those hiccups. Dancing hula got rid of his limp and brought him closer to the culture he'd soon be calling his own. That's when he decided to attend a legendary music camp on Moloka‘i, which brought a handful of Hawaiian musicians together to mentor aspiring performers from around the world.
Little did he know, he'd be returning to the concrete islands with even more inspiration; this time, from a Hawaiian kupuna (elder) named Pilipo "Pops" Solatorio. Pops wanted to teach Jason about the Hawaiian culture and its repertoire from Hawai‘iʻs golden age of song because he recognized Jason's passion for music. After numerous trips back to the islands, Jason slowly evolved as a person and as a performer. Pops not only started calling Jason Iakona (the Hawaiian name he gave him), but he called him his hānai (adopted) son as well. In the old Hawaiian ways, hānai didn't require legal documents or lawyer fees; it simply meant you'd take that person under your wing to be cared for and included as part of your ‘ohana.
Jason and Pops sharing smiles and shakas on Moloka‘i.
"I think the most important thing I've learned from Pops is that we stand on the shoulders of everyone that has come before us," Jason remarked. "I love the image of a chain with many, many links. I'm just one of those links. And there will be more after me. I'm honored to be a part of a tradition from Moloka‘i (and specifically Hālawa Valley) that goes back so many generations."
Today, he continues to visit the islands and shares what he has learned with others back home. In fact, he just rang in the new year with a traditional Polynesian practice – the blowing of a conch shell near the Hudson River. How awesome is that! When he's not on the road, he teaches NYC elementary students how to play the ukulele, an instrument they probably woud've never had the chance to hold or to hear otherwise.
Instead of having a big band or a full orchestra, Jason Poole jams to the music from Old Hawai‘i. Hawaiian grandmothers swoon at the sound of his voice, even crying with delight as soon as he plays Hawai‘i's most beloved songs. He may not be Hawaiian, but he definitely has proven himself to be a Hawaiian at heart.
Photo Credit: Jason Poole; Jon Yamasato (first photo)
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
Below the ocean's surface, an otherworldly place exists. A place colored with life in one of its most free-flowing forms. Sea creatures dance across the ocean's floor while hills of coral roll alongside them, shimmering in the sun's streaming rays. The ocean is alive!
An underwater world of its own, filled with so much life and beauty.
And when you dive into Hawaiian waters, you'll find something similar, with some of the most unique creatures swimming right in front of you. Heck, they'll probably be swimming right along side of you! Snorkeling, scuba diving or swimming can be the best ways to experience this aquatic ambiance, but before you do, take time to educate yourself about this expansive underwater ecosystems many creatures call "home."
Beaches, like Hanauma Bay, have made an effort in teaching visitors about these sea animals' homes. As a marine life conservation area, Hanauma shows a short video on things you'll likely see during your explorations undersea and how to be careful not to step on the reef or touch any living creatures.
Adding Color to the Reef
You could also check out an interactive book I recently came across called, "The Complete Hawaiian Reef Fish Coloring Book" by local Kaua‘i author Monika Mira. It's won a few awards and is being used in classrooms statewide as an extensive guide to the Hawaiian reef. And while it may be labeled a coloring book, it actually has some really valuable, easy-to-understand information that could be useful to both children and adults. The introduction talks about the precious underwater ecosystems in Hawai‘i that has less than 700 species of reef fish as compared to the 2,000 one might find in the Philippines. Of the 700 in the islands, 25-percent of the species are endemic and found nowhere else in the world. (Even I didn't know this!)
(Left) Do your homework before any underwater explorations using this coloring guide. (Right) Author Monika Mira is an avid conservationist and outdoor enthusiast.
It then goes into describing the different parts of the coral reef, which itself, is also alive and feeds off of zooplankton and other microscopic nutrients. This is why it's extra important not to step on or touch them; stepping on them would cause permanent damage that will eventually kill the reef and the creatures living inside. The book is great for helping people to identify the different fish they might see while in Hawai‘i. Monika breaks down the anatomy of a fish (fin and mouth designs, body shape, coloration and scales) and then describes more than 80 species of fish found in the island's oceans, including their scientific, common and Hawaiian names.
Here's what the coloring book looks like inside.
Read up on how to identify a Palani (Eyestripe Surgeon Fish) by its white tail spine or how to pronounce one of the longest fish names ever, also the Hawai‘i state fish, the Humuhumunukunukuapua‘a (Lagoon Triggerfish). But be sure to share what you've learned with the little ones who are also gearing up for an underwater adventure, and while you're at it, let them go through the coloring book for an even better understanding.
This book is just one of the many ways you can learn about our precious underwater ecosystems. You could also research articles and videos online, talk to a marine conservationist or check out other books about the reef. This one, however, is a little more hands-on in helping both adults and children to understand the relationship between the reef and its living inhabitants.
Photo Credit (second and third): Monika Mira
THE COMPLETE HAWAIIAN REEF FISH COLORING BOOKby Monika Mira / Eco-friendly guide to Hawaiian reef and fish / Purchase at www.lucid-hawaii.com, Amazon.com or various Hawai‘i bookstores / $16.95 / hawaiianfish@lucid-hawaii.com
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
The time in Hawai‘i is anywhere from three to six hours behind the mainland. But the time within Hawai‘i households? Well, that's a whole different time zone, better known as Hawaiian Time.
It's the time of the islands that keeps everything at a mellower pace.
It's one of the funniest stereotypes people from Hawai‘i get hassled with – being late for everything. This may not be true for everyone, but it's definitely a reoccurring "issue" for most Hawai‘i peeps (including myself!). So if you plan to meet a friend from here (weʻll call him Kimo) on your next visit, and you tell that friend to be at the Kahala Hotel & Resort breakfast buffet by 8 a.m., you might have to wait…five minutes? 10? No real guarantees, but I can assure you that your friend will be there. We locals love our food and would never miss an opportunity to eat! (That's another stereotype, by the way, and so is the ever-popular Hawaiian name, Kimo.)
While ancient Hawaiians used the moon to mark the time of year, this kind of time-telling is a bit different. A Hawaiian Time clock has some very general markings. Instead of numbers, there's Watevas (whatever, whenever), Bum-bye (by and by, to do later) and Laytahs (to be there later). To tell time with this kind of clock depends on the person and situation. For instance, say the lū‘au starts at 6 p.m. and when that time arrives, Kimo is no where to be found. You call him to find out what happened, and Kimo replies, "I'll be there bum-bye." That probably means he just got back from walking the dog and still needs to get ready. These Pidgin-English words came from Hawai‘i plantation workers and are still used by locals today.
Hawai‘i moves at a slower pace overall. This is not to give visitors the false impression that we live on a secluded island in grass shacks and commute by canoe. We're very much a developed place – we've got concrete skyscrapers and traffic and face the same economical issues as everyone else. But when living on an island with such natural beauty, we can't help but get lost in the laid-back ways. Why be in a rush? It's a subtle nonchalance that translates through Hawai‘i's people and finds a home in the warm embrace of the culture.
OR maybe Hawaiian Time starts with the fact that Hawai‘i as a state is late for everything! We welcome in the New Year way after the ball drops at Times Square. And we avoid Twitter until after watching the latest episode of Hawai‘i 5-0, for fear we'll find out what happens. Darn this time difference! Maybe that's to blame? It's not the people in Hawai‘i who are slow-moving. It's just that everyone else is moving too fast!
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
The outright beauty of our islands is an inspiration to many artists; reflected in songs, photos, paintings, clothing and crafts. With a home this beautiful, the mediums are endless and inspiration is only a sunset away.
With a lazy Saturday on my hands today, I decided to mosey over to Kapiʻolani Park to check out the 13th annual Pacific Islands Arts Festival. Being from Hawaiʻi, the words art and festival in the same line generate a quiver of excitement. It's safe to say that Hawaiʻi loves their crafts.
The circus of island artisans are in town till tomorrow. Be sure to check out this one-of-a-kind event.
When I arrived, I met Nancy Callhoun, the lady responsible for this event. She told me that the Pacific Islands Arts Festival is held every year by the Handcrafters & Artisans Alliance, a non-profit collective of artists in Hawaiʻi who are creating a market for their wares. All artisans in the state of Hawaiʻi are welcome to join, as long as their creations are made only in Hawaiʻi, making this a 100-percent local organization!
The Pacific Islands Arts Festival is their biggest event, however, smaller events are held in the same location every month. All events include music, entertainment and delicious local food, making it a family-friendly activity that everyone would love. Today a hula halau performed as well as a Chinese lion dance group, bringing good luck to all.
(Top) Find 100-percent locally handmade items to remember Hawai‘i by. (Bottom) Nancy Callhoun is the mastermind to the event.
The artists that participate in this event love what they do.
“These events really create a sense of family,” Nancy said. “Some of the vendors are second or third generation artisans. We even have a couple of 95 year olds here! They just love being here and a part of this.”
After talking with Nancy, I made my lap around the booths, when I came upon the Local Sista Company. They were making and giving haku lei demonstrations. Haku can mean to compose or braid, and this style of lei making involves wrapping flowers and ferns with raffia to a base. Usually lei poʻo, or head lei, are the most commonly made haku lei, but bracelets and hair accessories are also popular. The ladies' friendly dispositions were as cheerful as the flowers they were working with, inviting everyone to come and create with them.
Turn heads with a handmade Hawaiian haku lei.
In fact, it seemed like everyone was creating. The ladies at Makaha Quilters were making beautiful hand made quilts, children were being encouraged to paint ceramic pieces fresh out of the kiln, fine artists were putting together their next masterpiece while having onlookers give the first splatter. There was even a blacksmith on site pounding red hot steel into what looked like a sword! I could feel a sense of community in the air, of sharing and togetherness over a common, fundamental ground. Being inspired.
Makaha Quilters have a colorful selection of beautiful quilts.
As I was leaving the event, I had a warm feeling in my heart that wasn’t coming from the hot late-morning sun. I felt a connection to complete strangers through their smiles and openness, their passion for creating. I would hope that anyone who lives or comes to our islands has a chance to experience something like this and to take part in celebrating Hawaiʻi's beauty in their own unique way.
THE PACIFIC ISLAND ARTS FESTIVAL / Check out the last day of the event tomorrow / 9am-4pm / Zoo side of Kapiʻolani Park / www.hotcrafts.net
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
If the Japanese had invented pizza, then I'm guessing it'd probably be something similar to okonomiyaki (oh-KOH-no-me-YUH-key) – a pan-fried dish with a pancake-like "crust," topped with various ingredients. Instead of tomato sauce, it's drizzled with a savory okonomiyaki sauce.
A personal pan "pizza" of okonomiyaki – stuffed with noodles, cabbage, pork and more.
Okonomi means "as you like," and yaki means "grilled." According to Honolulu Hiroshima Kenjin Kai president Ken Saiki, the "grilled-as-you-like-it" creation was invented in Hiroshima after World War II when scarce food supplies forced locals to get crafty. Since then, the flavorful blend has spread throughout the world, finding a place in Hawai‘i. Okonomiyaki is also associated with the Kansai area of Japan. I had my first bite of okonomiyaki at the ‘Ohana Festival earlier this month, where Ken's group had been working hard at making them. Our decision to try okonomiyaki was based on it having the longest line of hungry people. So we figured, it must be good and worth the wait!
Under the tented booth, an army of volunteers (all with ties to Hiroshima) worked voraciously in factory line efficiency to keep up with the high demand. Those at the beginning prepped the ingredients (eggs, cabbage, pork, green onions, noodles) while those in the middle did the cooking. The volunteers at the end assembled the various parts before sending the plates off to be devoured by customers. A consistent sizzling sound came from each grill, getting loud then soft then loud again, as the cook placed more raw ingredients onto the heated surface. It was this heat that eventually calmed the ingredients to a hushed sizzle.
VIDEO: Hawai‘i's take on the traditional Japanese dish, okonomiyaki.
We got to the front of the line, where a smiling lady wearing a hairnet waited behind the counter, and before even finishing my order, a warm styrofoam plate was placed into my hands. The ingredients used as toppings usually varies, depending on the region. Some put octopus inside while others, like this one, use pork. No okonomiyaki is the same. We probably scarfed down the entire plate within a few minutes, and all the while, I kept comparing it to an Asian-flavored pizza; one that's WAY more authentic than any you'll find at a pizza place. Actually, this one looked a lot like a crepe. Either way, it was a wonderful blend of sweet and salty, crunchy and fluffy that kept me full for the rest of the day.
Eyes on the prize. Volunteers whip up an authentic Hiroshima dish in Hawai‘i.
If you want to try okonomiyaki next time you're in Hawai‘i, then you're best bets are Okonomiyaki Chiba in Waikīkī or Shirokiya in Ala Moana. The cool thing about the Waikīkī restaurant is that you watch the chef cook it right in front of you on a big flat teppan, or grill. It's a little on the pricier side, but each dish usually comes with a soup, appetizer, salad and dessert. Shirokiya will have an in-house chef whipping up these tasty creations every couple of months, whenever they have Hiroshima-themed dishes on the menu.
Okonomiyaki is just one of the many flavors of the islands that visitors can try while they're here. Despite it being one of those hard-to-pronounce dishes, it's the incredible blend of ingredients that's still quite hard to believe. Eggs and pork? Noodles and crepes? Thanks to the creativity of those living in Hiroshima decades ago, okonomiyaki has made its way to the islands and has become a part of the local cuisine and culture that make Hawai‘i so unique.
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
An actor, a comedian and a baseball player are slated to appear in Hawaii Five-0 soon. Guess which one viewers in Hawai‘i are most excited about? OK, maybe you need to know a little more about them.
The actor is Ed Asner, a SEVEN-time Emmy winner. Asner played a TV newsroom boss in The Mary Tyler Moore Show and starred in Lou Grant. He has appeared recently on Royal Pains and played Warren Buffet in the HBO movie Too Big to Fail. Pretty cool, yeah? Wait 'til you hear what's next.
A packed shoreline at last year's Sunset on the Beach. Hawai‘i can't get enough of Hawai‘i Five-0.
Asner was a guest star in the original Hawaii Five-0 in 1975. He played a "rising world class smuggler" named August March, according to TV Guide. In the new series, he plays the same character after spending 30 years behind bars. He returns when the Five-0 team asks for his help on a smuggling case. Some of the video from the original series will be included in the new episode, a first for the show. TV Guide quotes executive producer Peter Lenkov: "There is no better way to form a bridge between our reboot and the original series." As a total H50 geek, this excites me to no end.
Just in case you still care … the comedian is Dennis Miller, of Saturday Night Live fame. Miller is now a radio personality and will play a retired talk show DJ on Hawaii Five-0. He has tired of his live of leisure and starts up a self-financed pirate radio show in Hawai‘i. As a former radio newsie and SNL fan, that part cracks me up. I can see his abrasive, surly self causing ripples in Paradise. Also, Miller at some point was a Monday Night Football announcer, so that should combine comedy, television, radio and sports, right?
Just for fun, let's just consider the third contender. Shane Victorino is an outfielder for the Philadelphia Phillies. He has a shelf full of sports awards, but few acting credentials. But wait – he's FROM HAWAI‘I. His nicknames are "The Flyin' Hawaiian" and "The Pineapple Express." He's the son of a Maui County councilman and an Eagle Scout. He lives in Las Vegas in the off-season, referred to here as the "Ninth Island" for its popularity with Hawai'i residents. He is of Portuguese, Hawaiian, Japanese and Chinese decent – yep, he's from the islands. Ding, ding, ding – yes, ladies and gentlemen we have a winner.
I think every locality roots for its sons and daughters. Hawai‘i is a remote place in the Pacific, so the pride in a successful child of the islands is even more profound. Hawai‘i also really love sports. So it's not even a close call. We might miss the Asner episode or catch it online the next day. Miller could come or go. But Victornio? There will be a line at the poke counter getting snacks for viewing his performance live.
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
Guys and gals, forget about the scrunchy shorts when you come to Hawai‘i; you know, the elastic ones with draw string ties. Yes, those. They're not only waaaaaaaay out of date, but they're risky in most Hawaiian waters – where waves slam onto the shores and currents swish this way and that. In other words, save yourself from losing your boardshorts to the ocean's whomping waters.
I know, it's tempting to buy those scrunchies. They're easy to find outside of Hawai‘i and at affordable prices that won't empty out those pockets. But don't give in! Just because it has a flower pattern or says "ALOHA" on it, doesn't mean you have to wear them here. Instead, show us a little more of your personality when arriving to our island shores.
It's a pants party! Cool customized boardshorts for guys.
Start by checking out this cool site I found called Shortomatic.com. It allows you to custom design your own boardshorts in just a few clicks. The coolest part is that you get to use any image you want – a Hawaiian sunset, Danno from Hawaii Five-0 or your family's Fido. Either way, you'll be swimming/surfing/sunbathing in style, securely and comfortably. The company uses polyester microfibre materials that deflect surface water well and allow for a full-range of movement wherever you wear the boardies.
Here's how the site works:
1) Choose your style (guy or gal shorts).
2) Check your sizing.
3) Upload your art.
4) Position and size.
5) Choose colors.
6) Add text on the inside of the inner waistband.
With boardshorts obviously rooted in the popular surf culture, the California-based company wants to widen the niche and calls their boardshorts the "new swimming trunk." Take them from the beach to the pool to a hot tub or to a lake; anyone (8-year-olds or 80-year-olds) can get wet with them at just about anywhere. Just be prepared to pay a pretty penny for pretty pants. Because they're handmade with such high-quality materials, a pair costs about $99. Yikes! Maybe something to add to that Christmas wish list for next year.
Every piece qualifies as a work of art with the artist's name, image title and edition number written inside the inner waistband. If you don't want to create your own, then there are hundreds of ready-designed ones that actual graphic artists made, or better yet, become a graphic artist yourself. Shortomatic.com has a pioneer program that welcomes submissions for design ideas that could be added to their galleries.
Women's boardshorts can be quite nifty for those underwater explorations.
Shortomatic.com is a second chapter to the original Yogamatic.com company, which allows avid yogis to design their own yoga mats. Same idea, different medium. Both donate a portion of the proceeds to a non-profit that focuses on climate change and global accountability for the environment – Global Green USA.
You, too, can be green. Remember those hideous scrunchy shorts I mentioned earlier? Recycle them into part of next year's Halloween costume or sew the leg openings shut for an instant reusable shopping bag!
SHORTOMATIC.COM / 310-829-6458 / Ships to and outside of US within 21 days / $99 per boardshorts, unless marked as sale item
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
Published by Bruce Fisher
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