The Danceless Hawaii Superferry...

Hawaii is in a split-split controversy when it comes to the operations of the Hawaii Superferry. Yes, the environment has a huge presence here and many do not take it lightly. The environmental splendor of what Hawaii has to offer is a major if not sole discretion why tourists choose Hawaii as the destination of choice. So what happens when the humble citizens of Hawaii nei are split into different voices? In this land of song and dance, no one seems to carry the right tune and it’s a win-lose situation to all...

Taking into assumption of the commented blogs, the mast “environmental” and anti- Hawaii Superferry population are strong believers that the impact of the Hawaii Superferry will do more harm than good for the to the future generations to come. Those who oppose and are pro Hawaii Superferry only seem to cry of monetary concerns. Going through the burdens of the weak economical state, one has to wonder -- if times were still good, and the economy was still in full-bloom, would these pro-Hawaii Superferry people still be crying for monetary concern? Of course! MONEY MAKES THE WORLD GO ROUND and “Greed” is even more selfish when it comes to ones current situation. So here’s another question—Would you die for your own kids?

Needless to say, according to the Honolulu Advertiser, it looks like the Superferry is headed in another direction and leaving the state. The freedom to voice opinion of this concern may no longer be for the public to decide and what “could’ve been” will be added to the long list of what makes Hawaii’s history -- Good or bad, we’ll never know…


[Photo: Taken on the Superferry on my journey to Maui. Although trip was scenically beautiful, I’m still not convinced that it’s worth the cost of our future.]

Dole Plantation, Wahiawa

In the middle of nowhere this pineapple village tells a tale of the yesteryears. Although no one really knows when pineapples first came to Hawaii, at one point in time, Hawaii was known as the "Pineapple Kingdom." There are lots of things to do at Dole Plantation. Mostly family fun things. My day there included feeding the koi fishes in the large koi pond (they have 50 cents vending machines with fish food there), riding the "Pineapple Express" train- a 20 minute automated adventure, going through the worlds LARGEST MAZE, and walking through the Plantation Garden Tour.

After a full day in the sun, I recommend getting cooled down with their famous Pineapple Dole-whip sherbet and checking out their little shop. You can get fresh pineapples or as they say in hawaiian "halakahiki's."

Here's a helpful chart on how to cut a pineapple:

Kaka'ako Waterfront Park

Salty Breeze, long stretches of steep hills, and paved pathways. Kaka`ako Waterfront Park is one of those “pretty” parks. It’s well kept despite a few homeless residence and many, many feline friends. With the steep hills and pathways, it’s a tiresome adventure going rollerblading, cycling, jogging, and even strolling! Some loose cardboard boxes can also entertain the “young at heart” with a joyous sled ride down the green landscape.

Although my sole purpose to this park isn’t for the steep hills but mostly for the peace and breeze that accompanies this place. With numerous picnic benches on this 35 acre park, it’s easy to find quiet time to enjoy the view and gorgeous sunset.

Hilo Hattie - Store of Hawaii

Nimitz Store – Although the dimmed entrance for the Main Hilo Hattie store off Nimitz Highway was not as inviting from afar, I was greeted with a warm smile and shell lei from “Kalani”--thats him in the photo!. Without a clue of what was behind the double doors, I proceeded to find a little lobby with a 40XL Aloha Shirt hanging on the wall (made in Hawai‘i of course!) along side was the well deserved bragging rights voting Hilo Hattie as #1 for Aloha wear. The retail portion of the store provided a neatly organized variety of Island designed wear, accessories, home products, and munchies. I was also impressed to find an athletic section supporting the University of Hawaii. GO BOWS! The staff there was very visible and didn’t loiter over you like a hawk as you browse through the apparel.

Although I didn’t purchase any items from the floor, I did have a voucher for a free beach towel and t-shirt compliments of Outrigger Hotels & Resorts, so I proceeded to the cashier. “Kanoe,” the cheery cashier was eager to help me with a smile. She promptly handled my free order, extended her “Mahalo” and sent me on my way.

Outside, three empty trolley buses waited for their passengers to finish their shopping. I notied a sign “FREE Shuttle” and thought to myself “wow, I should really play tourist more often and take advantage of the free services!” A friendly “hello” from the tour bus operator encouraged me to step up and peer into the comfortable bus. He agreed to let me capture the moment with a photo taken by another tour bus operator! How sweet!

Lester McCoy Pavilion

As I walked around this little pavilion with no one in sight, I felt as if I entered an old world. The vines that surrounded the pillars looked untended and added to the charm. Public functions here are prohibited but in my option should be considered.

A bronze memorial hanging on wall read: “A gift to the people from Hazel Corning McCoy as a memorial to her husband, Charles Lester McCoy, who dedicated his services to the development of parks in the city and the enhancement of its natural beauty. Mr. McCoy was the first chairman of the former Park board and served from 1931 to 1941.”

Through research, I learned that Mr. McCoy was fascinated with natural beauty. As a tribute, his wife dedicated a beautiful pavilion to him for the people of Honolulu to share.

Ala Moana Beach Park

Local residents and tourists enjoy relaxation that accompanies this large regional park. Unlike other beaches on the island, the locals don’t mind sharing the long stretch of sandy beach with the malihini’s (guests). Towards sundown, the waters aren’t as crowded and majority of the beach occupants are the joggers and strollers getting their daily exercise. Although Mother Nature decided to cast a few clouds in the later day, I decided to sit on one of the many benches facing the ocean for a while to capture the late sun and breeze.

The Tourist at “Home”

Its funny how many local residents never wandered beyond their “rock”. On more than one occasion, I would strike up a conversation with a visiting tourist strolling along Kuhio Avenue in Waikiki. The “Tourist”, always awed by the beauty of the islands would ravage on scenic splendors that they’ve encountered.

One afternoon, I was privileged to walk along an elderly couple who just returned from a weekend trip on the Big Island. This was their 3rd and last trip to the island of Oahu and had decided to include a stop-over to the island of Hawai‘i for the first time. I recall the elderly man saying “I’m too old for this island, we should have stayed on the Big Island where no one will run you over.” I laughed as I could hear his sarcastic tone turn in a little giggle. I turned to him and shyly admitted that I have not yet seen the island he described in so little words as “peaceful”. Baffled and almost stuttering, he asked “why?”

Amongst my large family and numerous friends, it’s amazing how much information you can gather about the California, Disneyland, and especially Las Vegas. When it comes to supplying information about the neighbor islands of my “home”, I can’t help to feel deprived of acknowledge therefore I consider that that I am tourist in our own home state!

This is where my journey begins.