Kamehameha V Post Office Alan Sanford Davis Park

The park fountain.

August 31, 2012

Kamehameha V Post Office Alan Sanford Davis Park.

It's quite a lengthy name for a little park nestled in the middle of downtown Honolulu.  Kamehameha V and Alan Sanford Davis were both dedicated men who worked diligently for the community.  Merchant Street has a fairly constant flow of traffic and tall buildings embrace the park on the remaining three sides.  It feels comfortable. 

I grabbed a coffee from the coffee shop on the corner and had a seat.

This little park is a great place to watch.  Six royal palms adorn the patch of green space.  There is a fountain (which doesn't run very often) and a small plaque declaring the site to be the first Customs Office in Hawaii and dedicating the park to George Roberts. 

A park dedication.

Parking on parts of the street is free at 5:30pm so people drive past looking for parking and then head off to downtown eateries.  Some cars are picking up workers after a long day. 

The surrounding apartment buildings send their inhabitants to the park for dog walking.  Thank goodness all the dog owners I saw curbed their dogs.  The dogs were all interested in each other as dogs usually are.  Leashes kept them tied safely to their owners sides. 

Theatre folk gather in the early evening to eat their grab and go dinners before their call time.  Kumu Kahua Theatre is one of the buildings that sits alongside the park.  The lanai of the box office and theatre entrance open onto the park which makes for a lovely space at intermission. 



Friendly pigeons roam the park looking for bits of things to eat.  Their bird gang was only about eight strong so wasn't too threatening.  With nothing to share from me, the birds moved along.   

Kamehameha V Alan Sanford Davis Park

The park is well lit into the night, has a pay phone, lots of trash receptacles, and plenty of bench seating around the edge of the park.  It's even wheelchair accessible.   The park is a lovely respite in the middle a busy city. 

Kaniakapupu - Summer Palace

Kaniakapupu

August 25

Tucked away in the back of Old Pali Road a secret entrance.  Well, people know about it but there aren't any markers or flashing arrows.  The hike starts as you enter an archway defined by the surrounding vegetation.  The noise of the street behind you is suddenly silent as the rush of water down watershed flumes takes over.

The palace walls are crumbling yet gorgeous.

A short distance down the path is a fork to the left.  This leads you to Kaniakapupu, the Summer Palace of Kamehameha III.  The palace is in disrepair but beautiful nonetheless.  Today a photographer was capturing images of a young couple against the rugged coral walls.  It's gorgeous.  The greens of the surrounding forest along with the ferns growing in the cracks of the gray, broken walls are so vivid. 

A placard at the front of the structure tells of a time when Kamehameha would host celebrations with thousands of people in attendance.  The road leading to the front door is still present.  These rocks have been in place since the mid 1800's.  Research on the internet tells you that this area is also the site of a heiau.  The place is definitely sacred and peaceful. 

Following your steps back, take a left at the main path.  The bamboo is tall here.  Beware of the little fibrous hairs growing on the bamboo stalk.  Bamboo is great at keeping you steady but if you grab the wrong part of the plant, your hand will come away with a fiberglass feel - uncomfortable.  We passed a family of tourists (not completely dressed for a walk through the woods) just as a man in their group was complaining about the bamboo hairs.  Poor guy.

Bamboo shoots line the path. 

The path is a wide, straight shot through bamboo on either side.  It follows the water flume and along the way, a careful eye can spot crawfish, opai (shrimp,) and little fish.  The path narrows.  There are a few fallen trees to maneuver around and under and there is an old water pipe to scoot over.  The end is worth the slight twists and turns.  A small waterfall greets visitors with rippling grace.  The rocks can be slippery and leptospirosis is always a danger in mountain water.  The running water and small fish in pools of standing water keep the mosquito population in check but starting out with some bug spray is a good idea.  This waterfall is a small part of the watershed system; we need it to stay clean.

This little slice of elegance in the middle of the city only takes about an hour to hike.  Parking isn't plentiful.  Spaces are a small walk from the hidden entrance; small cars might fit on the side of the road.  Watch that you don't trespass on the private property next to the walk.   Kaniakapupu is worth seeking out for a mini-adventure for locals and tourists alike.


Here's a little extra reading:
http://www.pacificworlds.com/nuuanu/native/native5.cfm

Honolulu Zoo

The Honolulu Zoo

August 10, 2012


There are so many amazing animals at the zoo, zebra, giraffe, rhinoceros, peacock, tortoise - just to name a few.  I had been working indoors most of the day so a walk through the zoo was just what I needed.  The zoo is open daily from 9am to 4:30pm.  Often special events and concerts will keep the gates open a bit longer (even overnighters!) 
 
The zoo has recently remodeled the front gate...with a remodeling came higher gate prices.  Luckily, I'm already a zoo member and Mom has a military ID.  Parking in the lot beside the zoo was plentiful but was $1 per hour and the ticket machine only takes coins or credit cards.  Be ready.  If you're lucky, you might find free parking on the Diamond Head side of the zoo.

sleeping aardvark

We spent most of our time in the African Savannah.  The wild dog were more active than I've ever seen them.  The meerkat were as adorable as ever.  Usually, the fennec fox is hiding from the public.  Today he was out - sleeping - but out!  We saw the back end of the aardvark, a mother peacock and two peachicks, and the new elephant enclosure is spectacular.

The zoo just lost one of the chimpanzees.  There was nice note at the chimpanzee display.  It was late afternoon when we arrived so the heat of the day had the chimp family lounging in the shade.  Lounging?  More like sprawling in funny poses and sleeping.  More than one tourist walked past and said something like, "That's you Uncle Joe!"

Three baby warthogs were running around the warthog area.  They're new to the zoo - so new they don't have names.  If you'd like to help name these cuddly piglets, the zoo is having a 'name the warthog' contest.

Those birds are so loud!  The sun conure won the prize for loudest call.  My favorite bird of the day was the tawny frogmouth and the flamingos are always eye catching.  Don't miss the nene sanctuary at the zoo.   

Mural @ the Zoo Gate

I forgot to bring the old phone books to recycle at the zoo.  They've got great animal enrichment activities that use new and recycled donations.  I've heard the chimpanzees love to tear out phone numbers.  It gives me a great reason to go back soon.

For a good walk with an educational twist, the zoo is perfect.  As the song says "it's all happening at the zoo!"

Check it out:
http://www.honoluluzoo.org/

St. Clement's Farmer's Market

St. Clement's Farmer's Market

August 9, 2012

It started as a community event and kept going.  Every Thursday night from 4:30-7:30pm, you can find something delicious to fill your belly along with lots of fresh produce to fill your shopping bag.

My parents had a kalbi plate; I had kalua pig and cabbage.  The portions are so large - leftovers went directly to my refrigerator.  We could have chosen tacos, Vietnamese, savory crepes...and more!  To finish off dinner we had banana lumpia - crispy and delicious!  Desserts were aplenty and hard to choose!

Only two fruit/vegetable concessions were set up.  So this is more of a Diner's Market than a Farmer's Market.  Both vendors had lots of product, competitive prices, and diverse options.   Dragon fruit was $2.99 per pound here - I've seen it in town for $5.99!


The market organizers put out plastic tables and chairs.  Each table comes with a lantern for the darker hours of the evening.  We were lucky to get a place to sit.  As the hour got later, the market got busier so the suggestion here is to come early.  The church is lovely and it is possible to eat around the grounds or Makiki Park is directly across the street.  Several families were buying their dinner and heading to the park.  (Makiki Park - another blog to come.)  From our plastic seats I could see a kite flying - made me a little envious.  My mom said she saw a woman sit her family at a table and set out food from home.  What is the market etiquette for that?  I'd say you have to at least by desserts and drinks from the market.  But I will say that the community feeling was truly present.  Perhaps for that woman and her kids, the market was the presence of people rather than the food. 



A note about going early...the sun is hot at 4:30pm.  Be sure to wear a hat and sunscreen because you may have to sit in a sunny location.  Be watchful of street parking signs, too.  There is street parking but the market begins before the street parking does.


Lots of people walked through with their dogs.  There's a group hoping to get a dog park in the Makiki area.  They had a table set up to give out information and garner support.  One of the dogs walking through was carrying a frisbee - adorable!

Want more information?
http://market.makikifarmersmarket.com/

Palolo Triangle

Palolo Triangle

August 8, 2012

Palolo Triangle.  It's a lovely respite in the middle of Kaimuki.  The Golden Arches are right next door so grabbing a cup of coffee and sitting at a bench was perfect.  There aren't any tables but there is plenty of general seating.

On either side of the triangle are bus stops on very busy streets.  One side is serviced by the number 9 going up into Palolo Valley - it comes out on 9th Ave, so don't get confused - and the number 1 and 9 stop on the other side heading toward town.  Within walking distance are a supermarket, drugstore, Catholic church, Catholic school (two of them,) medical offices, and even a judo school.

 I think this little park is one of the only places you'll spot a double pay phone these days.  The park feels safe - the stores in the area are open quite late (24 hour drive thru!) and there are city cameras perched on a light post.  At least I think they belong to city and county.  Someone is watching, nonetheless.  I have seen an occasional sleeper on the bus bench but none today. 

A lovely respite.

The grounds are very well kept.  Considering the foot traffic to the buses, it could be worse.  There are lots of pigeons around.  Early in the morning you'll find folks feeding them.  With just coffee in my hand, the birds ask nothing of me.

We parked in the lot where we purchased our coffee and walked to the park.  There is street parking available but watch for the tow times!  It's not a park for a game of catch but it is great for coffee and people watching.

Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center Farmer's Market

Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center Farmer's Market

 August 7, 2012

Where to park...that's always a problem when going to Waikiki.  It'll cost you some dough even with validation.  So to visit the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center's Farmer's Market, I parked in the free parking by the zoo.  Yes, it's a trek but Waikiki is always full of interesting sites along the way.

The market is on the 4th floor of the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, building A, every Tuesday from 3:30-7pm.   It's small.  The space isn't the largest but tables and tents find their way around the upper lanai of the building.  Most of the products were baked goods.  A few of the 'usuals' were there - fancy local frozen treats, jams and jellies, abalone.  My pick of the market was a beef jerky.  The owner/producer was really friendly, gave samples, and makes great tastes!  He even designed a rub for pork out of coffee, jerky, and salt/pepper.  Interesting.

You'd expect to see lots of fruit and vegetables at a farmer's market.  Not so at the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center.  By my count there was only one fruit and veggie and it was crowded!  My mom bought a batch of apple bananas and I got a bag of grape tomatoes.  Both good prices and tasty to boot! 

Folks attending the market were mostly Japanese tourists - lots of tables called out to tourists in Japanese.  Smart.  A Japanese camera crew of some sort was taking photos and asking questions.  Maybe they have a blog, too!   Others mainland tourists were looking at jams to send home as gifts.  There weren't too many dinner options.  A tent was making take-out trays.  Looked pretty good.

If you buy something at a store in the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, your parking will be validated but it'll still cost you a few bucks.  Go early for the market and stay to eat at one of the fine dining establishments.  At center stage you can also catch some terrific singers and dancers.  And since you're in Waikiki, take a walk and check out the creative folks on the street - a man dressed as an arbor, a man with a guinea pig, painters and performers.  Gotta love Waikiki.

Want to check their calendar to yours?
http://www.royalhawaiiancenter.com/events

Lili'uokalani Botanical Garden

Lili'uokalani Botanical Garden

August 6, 2012

Nestled amid the crowded streets of Kalihi and Nuuanu is a patch of cool, green relaxation; the Lili'uokalani Botanical Garden.  The parking lot is small but seems to have enough stalls to accommodate a group.

Fiddle Leaf Fig

A fiddle leaf fig tree greets everyone at the entrance with huge leaves and smashed figs on the sidewalk.  The park is devoted to native Hawaiian plants so signs are posted next to trees and flowers to help visitors identify what they see.  Down the path from the fig and past the native plants, is a small walking bridge spanning a stream - with a small pool and waterfall.  Signs posted along the park are warnings of leptospirosis so swimming in the pool is not suggested.  

The people we ran into were workers on break from the hospital across the street and a homeless couple.  The picnic tables throughout the park make it a very easy place to have a meal.  To one end of the park is an underpass with easy access and shelter.  Not a bad place to live if you need a place to stay.  Kids from nearby schools walked through the park as a short cut and a city groundskeeper reviewed his work from a golf cart. 

There are large open patches of green space at the park with thick grass - hard to stroll through but easy to sit on.  Take a blanket as the stream and trees keep the ground moist.  Two buildings are proof of what used to be bathrooms but today the entrances are boarded up. 


Park hours are a little short - 7am to 5pm.  Around the corner from the park is Shamazu Store - stop there for shaved ice or a snack before you head to the park.

Palolo Honwanji Bon Dance

Palolo Hongwanji Bon Dance

August 4, 2012

We're fools whether we dance or not so we might as well dance.   It's a Japanese proverb.  Attending a bon dance at the local Hongwanji is great fun but it's even more fun if you dance.  You don't have to know what you're doing.  Guests are welcome to step into the circle and join in on the repetitive motions. Our favorite dances are those with clapping.  My new favorite this year is the Nekko Dance.  The moves are like a cat!  I can do that!


Like most Hawaii events, you always see somebody you know.  We ran into a few friends and caught up.  There were also a few politicians sharing the evening.  We've got an election on August 11 so it's pretty typical for candidates to smile, shake hands, and say a little something.  They did a good job with the dance, too!


The food is always delicious!  The menu includes zenzai, saimin, mochi, noodles...it's hard to choose.  The room with the long line was selling popcorn and shaved ice.  Big hit!  Every other child had a cup of melting ice flavored with orange and red juice.  Good for a warm night.  Another room had fried noodles for sale.  The profit from these sales goes to support the aide efforts in Japan following the 2011 tsunami.  The group shared pictures of the work being done to clean the waters and rebuild homes, they sold t-shirts, and they showed a video of musicians giving benefit concerts.


A tradition at the Palolo Hongwanji Bon Dance is the craft sale in the temple basement.  Seniors stand behind tables with handcrafted quilts, happi coats, and other sewn goods.  One of these days I'll purchase a quilt!


Bon season celebrates our ancestors and is often a chance for families to gather for reunions.  In the temple incense burns and scrolls are posted in recognition of members from the community who have recently passed away. 

At the Center are the Musicians

The rain comes and the dancers dance.  Lots of folks have come prepared with umbrellas that pop up.  The rain goes and the dancers dance.  It's a truly inviting community event that everyone should attend at least once.  Let's be foots!  Let's dance! 

Mau'umae Natrue Park

Mau'umae Nature Park

August 5, 2011

There are roosters in the trees at Mau'umae Nature Park.  After dinner we stopped by the park for an evening cup of coffee.  The park has a wide open field just right for tossing a football.  But you'd have to be careful not to twist your ankle in a rooster divot...at least we think the depressions in the softer dirt patches are from the roosters and other birds taking dust baths.

Think you need water after tossing the pig skin?  Mau'umae's got a fountain!  The park also has several picnic tables and an assortment of benches.  The trash is picked up but the cans themselves are a little stinky.  And it looks like the park has a feral cat colony.  Beside the water fountain someone set a plastic tray with cat food and water.   

Large Field Space

Mau'umae is nestled in the middle of a neighborhood so there aren't too many big city noises.  You'll hear the general sounds of families cooking and kids playing.  The number 14 city bus drove past.  Raised up a few feet from street level, park users enter from one of two sets of stairs.  Walls are built on two sides of the park with the remaining perimeter being untended shrubs and brush. 

The park sits on a larger piece of property set aside as a habitat for native plants.  Visitors have an option to take a short hike.  The hike is on the hillside up above the park itself.   And that adventure is for another blog day.  A quick google search says there are fitness training camps at the park several days a week...maybe something to try one day? 

Diamond Head @ Dusk

As the sun set, the view of Diamond Head faded from green to black and the lights of the city began to cast their glow.  We drove to a lookout, also part of the property, just above the park and near the hike trail head to have a clearer view.  Gorgeous!

Coffee & the Mall

August 3, 2012

Today's plan was to visit the Kaka'ako Makai Community Cultural Marketplace.  The web says the market place has Friday hours from 4:30-8pm.  There was no market to be found... 
 
No problem.  We'll have dinner and then go to an event.  At dinner we talk about First Friday downtown.  That'd be a good blog entry.  Art.

After dinner we walked around the mall.  I bought a couple of things.  That's a fun activity.  We saw some lovely art and some very cool furniture (that I will go back and purchase.)  We ran into a couple of friends enjoying meals.  And YoyoFactory808 gives YoYo demos and lessons on Fridays at 5pm.  That'd be a great activity to blog about. YoYo lessons.

We're going to drop my folks off at their hotel.  I'm thinking that I can get back to a Bon Dance near the house and blog about that. Oh!  Friday night fireworks in Waikiki!  No one can remember what time they start.  We head to Waikiki and plan to watch the show from the hotel balcony.  After waiting a while, we call the front desk.  The fireworks are over.  That will be a good blog for the future.  Fireworks on the beach.  And now the Bon Dance is over.

I am disappointed.  My plan to write about something each day has been foiled. 

My kind husband sees my sadness and suggests we stop at a Diamond Head lookout.  That'll be great!  The moon looks gorgeous on the water.   Lots of cars are parked.  All sorts of cars; some have people sitting in them, some are empty with their passengers sitting on the ledge overlooking the Pacific Ocean.  There is an Amelia Earhart marker at this lookout.  In the darkness, I can neither read the inscription nor can I take a photo.  This will also be something great to blog about one day.

To accompany a cup of coffee.

Now the plan is to stop at another mall and have a coffee.  I feel like I've failed in my blog project.  We order our coffee and play a game.  The mall is closed but the coffee shop is packed.  We see a friend walk by - on a date perhaps?  We don't want to interrupt so we don't say anything.  Mall employees are cleaning out the trash bags from their shops.  The cleaning man walks with an ultra powered vacuum.  In our table area there are small study groups, couples having coffee, people working on one type of computer or another.  One table has a large group with a tray of food.  A few groups are coming and going to the movie theater at the end of the hall. 

This was the 'thing.'  I can see that now.  To sit with a coffee after the mall had closed and people watch.  It was great.  We shared our coffee and enjoyed the company of one another.  It's not a hike or a park or a market...but it was a good moment.

Pukele Mini Park

Pukele Mini Park

 August 2, 2012

This evening, the weather was perfect for dinner in the park.  I grabbed a book and a sandwich and headed to Pukele Mini Park.  There are several eateries in the area and parking is plentiful.  The main road is near but not close enough to hear the traffic. 


Pukele has much to offer.  A basketball court, play structure, benches, picnic tables, green space, and even a water fountain.  The water might best be used for rinsing hands rather than drinking but it was a welcome site.

Basketball Court & Benches

On the courts were two games.  The older trio at the far hoop was focused and drove off at the end of their game.  The younger group spent most of their time laughing and running after their ball.  They left on foot.  What fun it was to see the two games sharing the space.

Play Sturcture

The play structure was being used by two young children.  The base cushion is a little worn but that didn't bother the kids.  They would run and climb.  One of the adults with them would chase them and stop to sip his can of soda.  A few times a child would reach the top platform and sing out her accomplishment.  Only one of the picnic tables was being used - two people sitting and chatting.


Dogs on leash are welcome at Pukele Park and several passed through while I was there.  Thank you owners for carrying small plastic bags with you!  The park spills over into the surrounding sidewalk as people out for an evening stroll walk past and then through the park.  The park is raised slightly above the sidewalk and surrounded on most sides by a fence.  Very safe.  There are a few well-placed entrances in the fence; even one with a ramp.


I put the book mark at the end of the chapter, finished my sandwich, and shared a few crumbs with the park birds.  Time to head home.  Even with all the activity in the park, it was a very peaceful evening.   There is a Pukele Mini Park near you.  Summer is almost over.  Be sure to visit your neighborhood park and enjoy the summer weather before Old Man Winter keeps you inside.

Kalawahine Trail

Kalawahine Trail

August 1, 2012

Today we hiked Kalawahine Trail (with a short bypass on the Manoa Cliffs Trail.)  The hike itself wasn't too strenuous.  There were a few sections with stairs, the occasional mud patch, and a few skinny trenches.  We only met one person on the trail; a woman with two dogs - all were very friendly!  The route took us about two hours - stopping to take a few snapshots, of course.  One of the best shots is from a bench not ten minutes in.  It over looks Pauoa Valley and out to the ocean.


As we walked we found ourselves among the most beautiful flowers and birds.  A shama thrush flew along with us whistling as we walked - perhaps showing us the way.  Some fallen guava one the ground was dinner for a leothrix.  We even had the lucky fortune to see an 'elepaio flitting through the brush. 


I think we saw three different types of ginger - yellow, white, and a cream and orange cluster.  Nope, not the official names, just how I'd describe them by their color.  Some of the little flowers and ferns were so delicate.  Amid the moss covered rocks and grasping roots, stood tall trees of ohia lehua wrapped with ieie.  Other plant spotting included coffee and ti!  There are clear paths for water falls and mini-streams that appear after a big rain.  Thanks to the hikers and environmentalists who came before, one of the would-be streams has a bridge.

The view from the bench.

Our path followed to the end of the Kalawahine Trail where it connects with the Pauoa Trail and a portion of the Manoa Cliffs Trail.  We decided to walk a bit of the Manoa Cliffs Trail and join back to Kalawahine rather than just turn around.  Here is a definite reminder to myself to go back.  On the Manoa Cliffs Trail is a gated section set aside for the Native Restoration Project.  The area is being replanted with native plants.  The gates and fences are to keep the pigs out.  What a great great project! 


Speaking of pigs...  There are lots of pigs in Hawaii.  Apparently there are hunts designated for Kalawahine on Wednesdays and nights with a full moon.  August 1 - Wednesday and a full moon.  Yikes!  We did notice a few pig trails as we walked.  We didn't think much of it until we heard the grunt and squeal in the bushes!  Exciting!  What a rush of adrenaline!  What do we do when we hear a pig?  Run! 


With enough distance between us and the pig we stop and laugh.  An appropriate place to slow our pace is the Native Snail Habitat section of trail.  Many of the native snails are preyed on by visitors who decided to stay; other snails, lizards, and frogs have made it difficult for indigenous species to survive. 


Back at the trail head, we wipe our shoes on the boot scrapers and head to the car.  It always takes a little extra effort for me to get started on the hike.  I think about the mud, the time, the sweat...once I'm there, I have such a wonderful time!


If you want more information on this hike:
http://hawaiitrails.ehawaii.gov/trail.php?TrailID=OA+19+003