tripatlas.com/new proudly features Cloudia Charters’ unique “Walking in Waikiki” column from a column from Waikiki News that takes you through the streets of Waikiki and paints a picture of what’s up-and-coming the neighbourhood of Honolulu in Oahu, Hawaii. Read past Walking in Waikiki Articles on tripatlas.com/new.
Walking in Waikiki: From the Stars to the Shallows
Sitting on the frayed tatami mats of our little coffee shack in the uplands of Kona many years ago, I fell in love with the indescribably sweet and humane sounds of Hawaiian music. Radio stations from far off Hilo and Honolulu made house-calls that healed my immigrant heart; until slowly, slowly (though I understood no Hawaiian language) the soul and the wisdom inside those mellifluous melodies, and the gentle words of Olelo Hawaii, became to me the mother tongue of my growing up into an adult and a local island person.
Who would have thought, back in those days of catchment-water-cooked rice on the propane stove, that I’d one day live in Waikiki, have running water, a rice machine, and even attend the “Na Hoku Hanohano” (Stars of Distinction) Awards with all of the glittering and talented people who make da music? And yet: there I was on Tuesday night at our beautiful Hawaii Convention Center, a gratefully hanai-ed cousin at the grandest family reunion all year!
Though there is lately (and deservedly) a Grammy category for Hawaiian Music, mainstream/mainland Grammy voters aren’t really exposed to, or knowledgeable about our island music, so the Hokus are the real recognition by the folks who really understand. The evening’s live TV / Web broadcast kicked off with a performance by living treasures (and currently number 3 on the Billboard World Music Charts) the Brothers Cazimero, Robert & Roland, who were soon joined on stage by Robert’s celebrated hula students: the men of Halau Na Kamalei, fresh from the recent PBS American Masters program documenting their life-changing discipline and award-winning, audience thrilling performances.
And that was just the beginning! Hoku Zuttermeister was the man of the hour walking off with 5 Hokus including Favorite Entertainer of the Year for his debut CD “Aina Kupuna.” With a name like Zuttermeister it HAS to be good! (And it is!) Plus I got to see all of the behind the scenes stuff the TV audience misses, like that certain Lifetime Achievement Award winner throwing spitballs at his famous producer over dinner- unseen by all but me ;-).
Thanks to my friend (and sometime band mate) Mark Coleman of the Honolulu Star Bulletin for the invite – even if he DID “borrow” the title of my Hawaii novel: “Aloha Where You Like Go?” for a recent column about a local taxi company! On Sunday June 29th Mark’s band the Whaley Boys will headline Blues Fest at the venerable Anna Bananas 4pm to 9. See you there. . .
Say, did you notice that Tim Russert’s televised “Irish Wake” ended with the song “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” sung by local legend Bruddah Israel Kamakawio`ole as the crowd of heavyweights walked out under a rare Washington DC rainbow? More gifts shared from these magical islands that we love. And we especially love to share them with YOU! The Ilikai Hotel, the Hilton, the Royal Hawaiian Hotel are all in a “backstage” frenzy as they freshen up “sets” for your next visit. Truthfully, Waikiki remains active though there is noticeably less traffic, which only makes it nicer I think. So come star in our world-class show. Come and be appreciated. After all, in these uncertain times a Hawaii vacation is one real “can’t lose” investment, furthermore, relaxation prevents disease and divorce ;-). . .
Above it all: I’m scared of “tourist traps,” so it was with some trepidation that we joined part-time Waikiki residents Joey & George Cattermole for dinner at the Top of Waikiki revolving restaurant. Happily, we found the food excellent under the tasteful eye of Executive Chef / Culinary Savant Sean Priester, an adopted transplant from Louisiana. His food is marvelous; the service is warm, and the prices are reasonable. Good to see Sean holding court at a great place with an AMAZING view. Don’t be afraid of heights: check it out. . . June 19th was World Sauntering Day. Hmmm. . .
Sauntering in Waikiki? Not! This summer will see the inauguration of direct flights to our isles from China. This is exciting. We stay home – the world comes to visit! Nihau! Chinese visitors will find much of their food and culture already waiting for them here in the “Sandalwood Mountain” as they are a major part of Hawaii culture courtesy of King Kalakaua who invited the children of Han to the islands over 100 years ago. . .
Big Island resident Michael Walsh was in despair. Jewelers in three major US cities told him that fixing the band on his beloved wristwatch was impossible. Imagine his joy when David & Jason at Sears Watch & Jewelry Repair (Ala Moana, Mall level 808 947 0343) restored his timepiece as well as his admiration for our “easy Brah” local-style of excellence and service delivered simply & humbly.
When oh when will the “mainland” catch up with us? You say “lee-chee” we say “lye chee.” Those pale globes garnishing the hotel brunch buffet fruit salad get neglected by visitors. Are they peeled giant grapes? NO! They are delicious summer lychee currently in season throughout the isles. Back yard trees with their sickle shaped leaves are a summer bounty of bumpy red fruit. Peel one to reveal the juicy flesh inside. Pop the whole fruit into your mouth, carefully and pleasurably biting into the smooth brown oblong seed within; it looks almost too pretty to throw away. . .
No wonder Honolulu leads the nation in the consumption of fresh produce! On the Squids: one day they just showed up. An amorous pair of little reddish brown squid ignored me the other morning as I watched their antics in the Ala Wai shallows beside my boat. Yesterday afternoon five of the creatures, wearing light purple this time, could be seen hangin` & huntin` near the harbor rocks. Seems they change color according to their mood, turning pale white when scared. Glad I didn’t frighten the newcomers. We hear they are making a comeback in our waters, perhaps to catch the “Jet Set” Exhibit featuring their relatives at the Waikiki Aquarium (808 923 9741). . .
Sun Bears are coming to the Honolulu Zoo! A mating pair will “move in” soon. I can’t wait to welcome them. Speaking of moving in, there are flotillas of small fry all around Waikiki this time of year, even the newly renovated Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon beside the harbor holds schools of baby fish. These tiny living treasures, the mesmerizing blue of our skies, the smiles of beautiful people; these are the things you notice when you leave the ipod, the mobile phone, and the mental machinery of thinking in your room and go out for a Waikiki stroll. Just feel the sand, the grass, the stone beneath your feet. Feel the caress of trade winds. Soon you will remember that life is more than just what we think about all day long. There is real beauty & relaxation for your soul, and it’s all for free. . . When you’re walking in Waikiki. . . Aloha
Want to enjoy more Waikiki “street” life with Cloudia? Check out her Hawaii “Taxi Cab” Novel: “Aloha Where You Like Go?” at Amazon.com or local bookstores.