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.
Papa Al was wearing a nice shirt when gal-pal (and fellow live-aboard boater) Jennifer T and I met him by the Lagoon late one afternoon last week. We were off to see that much-talked-about new show: Waikiki nei. Folks have been rhapsodizing about the multi-million dollar, high tech theater with its transformer stage and aerial rigging since opening night. We found it to be a beautiful, and comfortable “house” without a bad seat. To be honest, I was expecting showroom flash (“like a Vegas show!”) and the sincere insincerity often peddled to “tourists” by the busload.
What I never expected was this beautiful stroll through the culture and beauty of our own beloved beach town, or that the show would really touch my heart. From the first hushed moments we were transported to the “once upon a time” of story telling by a real human being, a welcoming and wise Kupuna (elder). This Hawaiian man, seemingly clothed in the dignity of generations, was even more compelling than the state-of-the-art lights and music that drew us along like a spell. A magic door seemed to open. Soon beautiful people appeared on the “beach” and we were happily lost in wonderful dancing, music, and acrobatic feats. My eyes filled with emotion as one scene flowed into another. Actors playing locals and visitors shared the beauty of this place with hula, surfing, canoe paddling, and partying.
In live theater no camera operator or director decides what you will see, you can look anywhere you want: at the musicians up in the towers, or at a particular performer. I tried to pick out the weakest cast member and could not. Each performer was “on” putting their opening-night best, their heart and striving, into every move. What I experienced was genuine aloha and great theater as locals and visitors in the audience became part of a community of memory, of beauty, of welcome. Filing out, all seemed happy and uplifted. I know I was. Do yourself a favor and see Waikiki nei while you are here. It really touched my heart. www.waikikinei.com. . .
Tigers! Sumatran tigers Berani and Missy have given birth to three little cubs, the first born at the Honolulu Zoo here in Waikiki since 1981. A breeding pair of sun bears is expected at the zoo by the end of the month, but what is happening with the long delayed elephant habitat?! Vaigai and Mari deserve better.
The harbor is more like a tropical aquarium than usual lately as fleets of tiny fish dart through dapples of sunlight like submarine currents of silver. Standing on the pier just after sunset, Miss Kitty and I were startled by a living river of small fry passing, pulsing beneath our feet (and paws) like a Hollywood effect. I got dizzy watching as hundreds of fish stippled the water on unison – they just kept coming and coming! Suddenly dozens all turned at once with a loud “splash!” The wind paused to listen, as golden clouds drifted along in their musings. Early evening September sky was layered in salmon, pink, yellow, lilac; resolving into true blue directly above our heads. It was quiet enough to hear the papery rustling of palm trees. Ah, the theater of nature!
LOST Spoiler Alert! Filming has resumed here for the popular TV series. Kahuhipa Street in Kaneohe (near Domenico’s Harley) was the scene of a “traffic stop” last week as officer Anna Lucia (Michelle Rodriguez) pulled up on everyone’s friend Hugo. Was that blood on his shirt?
The 34th Annual Intertribal Pow Wow will be held at Thomas Square again this year on October 4th & 5th. All are welcome and everyone has fun! Bring your camera.
Top of Waikiki executive chef/culinary savant Sean Priester told me to wear black pants and closed shoes. He had a unique proposition for me: come to the Hawaii Restaurant Association Hall of Fame Gala not as a guest, but as a helper! Several local chefs of note (like Sean) would be providing gourmet grazing to a local “A” list that included the governor and the crème of Hawaii’s dining culture. For some reason he felt that I would NOT wreck the entire event like a comedic scene from one of my nightmares. Of course he doesn’t know me that well ;-).
I was nervous, hoping to avoid humiliation and just stay out of the way, but the experienced crew took their cue from a confident and relaxed Sean, putting me right to work. You see a restaurant is like a ship. Someone must be in charge, and when you have a skillful captain it all flows in a beautiful way. “Yes Chef!” Soon I was part of a line assembling gastronomic creations for the surging crowd. Wow! Look at me in a chef’s jacket! The artist to my left plated a perfect dollop of Ulu (breadfruit) Mashed Potatoes, then crowned it with a thick, gorgeous slab of Italian Bacon. Next I placed one succulent giant scallop on the “stack” with my tongs and “sauced” it with a secret concoction from a squeeze bottle. Then, another “pro” to my right painted the plate with just the right garnish and placed it on the table from which it quickly disappeared.
Truthfully, I was a bit of a bottleneck, but helpful tips speeded me right up and I never stopped smiling with the basic pleasure of the effort. You see, I had forgotten the joy of working so closely with others on something worthwhile – writing is a lonely task somewhat like having homework every day of your life. But here I was playing my role and trying to keep up. Everyone working around me had pride and a smile. We were each a part of something beautiful, something that people were visibly enjoying. I got to see some of the happy faces blurring past “oohing” and “ahhing” as we worked.
We’ve all heard kitchen tales of knife-wielding chefs and their titanic tantrums, but Chef Priester is a happy artist living out a creative imperative in service to his own unique vision. Each diner is his patron and collaborator. The staff, like Alika and William, are his co-creators. There is much humble pride in the kitchen as everyone joyfully produces the evening’s magic. “Do it quickly, but don’t hurry,” I was told. It felt good to play even my small part; for dining is more than sustenance – it is a gift of love that nourishes more than the body. I felt privileged to carry large trays of expensive food through the hidden back-kitchens of the hotel, to be entrusted with the success of my co-workers’ art, their living, by which they feed their families. Being included, instructed, and counted-on by them felt wonderful.
The guests seemed to have a good time, but I believe that my coworkers and I had a better one. It was great to feel that old satisfaction of a job well done. If every restaurant patron could just walk a shift in those shoes, we would all be better, more appreciative patrons, playing our parts in the fine-dining hula. Those who serve us surely deserve eye contact, “please” & “thank you” as well as our respect. So go to the Top of Waikiki, I know that I will again and soon. The view is as amazing as always, the food and service is better than ever. But part of me will want to be back in the kitchen having fun with my new friends.
Just remember, you are always most welcome here at “da beach.” Investments may fluctuate, but memories are yours to make, to share, and to keep forever. Life’s true wealth is abundant everywhere. . . When you’re walking in Waikiki. . . ALOHA!
“Drinks in Waikiki” photo courtesy of Dan Axler.
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.