Ted & Maggie Davis Wedding

Its a pretty sweet thing when two good friends decide to tie the knot. In the case of Ted and Maggie, their wedding couldn't have brought a better group of people from all over the country. It was a killer weekend not only because of the occasion but because of the quality of people that gathered for it. Ted and I were roommates in Hawaii while going to school, I got to know Maggie and her roommates during one of my last semesters out there and when the two of them started dating it was great seeing two great people start something special. The first pic is of Maki and Cheka (flew in from Hawaii) and their kid along with Ian (flew in from Florida) and Matt (flew in from New York) along with Christina and myself as we all met up at the City Creek Center. Second picture is of the guy get together bachelor party thing. I won't name everyone but it was fun meeting up at my house and walking around downtown Salt Lake on our way to dinner. The third picture is of all the roommates together minus Cory Simons. We all lived in the Goathouse together on the point in Laie. There were some good times back then. I'll never live in a house with a better view of the beach. I miss those days. Fourth picture is of the lovely couple with all our friends from Hawaii gathered around. I wish I had it in better quality but with iPhone and low lighting its the best we got. Last but not least we have a picture of Evan Fa doing what he does best... laugh and joke. He found a the stuffed animal dog pretty amusing. This was one of the best weekends I can remember. I still can't believe how many people came from all over to make it so good. Friends are so good.

Hawaii Beach Time

My buddy Ryan started a neat company back in Hawaii and I think everyone should check it out. Not just because Ryan is a good guy but because I really like what he is doing and its a great idea. I posted about it a while back but I needed to get another plug in there since they just came out with this new promo video. Do them a favor and pass it around, share it, use it, etc. It really enhances the way you get your beach chill going when you're visiting Oahu. I'll let you click on the link and check out what they offer. You'll be glad you did. www.hawaiibeachtime.com

Kahuku Grill If you ever head to the tropical island of Oahu, get yourself up to the north shore. After your hour long drive (take the scenic rout up Kamehameha Hwy) you should be hungry... so do yourself another favor and go to the Kahuku Grill. I grew up with the Hannemann's in California before they relocated to Oahu and started the grill. Their little burger stand is something to experience. I go Teri chicken plate all day long and switch it up with a burger here and there. I wish I could eat there as I please. If you've ever eaten there I dare you to write a comment. Double dog dare ya. I know at least a couple of my friends read this web log so there should be at least one or two comments before too long...

Back from the Czech Republic

It was a pleasure having my old pal Bryan stop by my place after an extended period of time away serving a mormon mission in the Czech Republic. We have been on many adventure together, from the Kalalau Valley, to the banks of the Nile, and the stone walls of Petra... this kid gets exploration. If you know him personally you know what I'm talking about. Plus he is from Mt. Shasta, California.

Honda CB125s Cafe Racer

I thought this was a pretty clean looking cafe racer that needed to be shared. Here is a link for more info.


***On a completely random side note. Lindsay Lohan decided to show up to a house party here in Laie. Pretty weird. It started off as an acoustic show for Maggie and Aaron with dancing afterwards but turned weird when Miss Lohan herself and a few of her peeps showed up. That in and of itself was weird until her purse got stolen out of her jeep which was parked out in front of the house. I guess nobody told her that things get stolen left and right here in Hawaii. I'm just glad that it was my ipod instead of ten grand that got jacked out of my truck a year ago from across the street from where her jeep was parked (which happened to be across the street from where I used to live up on the point in Laie). I left the dance party before things really got bonkers when apparently she started accusing people (my good friends) of stealing her purse. My friend Ian heard her say, "If I don't find my purse I'm going to do hard a_ _ time," as she was going through her tantrum. Word on the street is that her purse had the legal documents which allowed her to even leave the state of California in the first place since she is on parole.

There is actually some good video footage of her flipping out on people about the said stolen bag according to some friends. I have yet to see it. I guess the court ordered sobriety her judge issued for her lined up perfectly when the opportunity arose for her to stop by a house full of mormons having a harmless dance party. You wont find a lick of an illegal substance at one of the dance parties out here. To make this all even more crazy, the whole reason she is in Hawaii was to get away from all the hype around her posing for a well known magazine.

Here is a link which happened to make it to the front of TMZ. Weird. So so weird.

All in all, the whole thing was something to talk about. Nothing much really happens in Laie. It's just a sleepy college town on the North East side of Oahu filled with young Mormons trying to catch waves and get a bachelors degree. Maybe more celebrities trying to overcome toxic substances will find mormon house parties a good change of pace from the Hollywood scene. They just need to be sure to lock their valuables in their car a bit better.

*Enjoy this picture Evan Vilos decided to create in honor of the weirdest night the A-Frame or Laie for that matter, has ever seen. If you've ever been to the Laie McDonalds you have most likely seen this creepy Ronald McDonald statue. Notice the purse by Evan's foot. I laughed pretty hard at this photoshopped piece of art. (If you're ever in the area, be sure to listen to David Clark's recommendation and get the banana pies. They're to die for.

Lately in Hawaii.

Lately I've been reminded why I keep coming back to Hawaii. You just can't beat it out here. I have two good friends visiting out here right now. Josh decided to come back after being gone for 4.5 months and Ghent made a good decision and came out after an extended 4.5 year absence. The time paralells between them are interesting. I'm currently staying at our friend Evan Fa's place (along with Ted, Paul, & Ian) and its been a great reunion filled with Fa and Ghent rap battling, making fun of each other incessantly, and us reminiscing on the good old days ('05-'07). Luckily it gets better because over the course of the next week or so, several more friends will be coming out here for Jeff Johnson's Wedding. The combination of good friends and the lifestyle Hawaii affords makes it hard to leave.

Big thanks to Grant for putting together the bouldering expedition at Waimea. I have walked past those rocks a million times and had never thought about climbing them. If this post doesn't make you want to move to Hawaii we shouldn't be friends. Sike, but seriously.

Picture 1: View from the top of the bouldering rocks at Waimea Bay. It was a perfect sunset.
Picture 2: Hanging out at Log Cabins.
Picture 3: Ted making his way up the rocks. Josh having just arrived the day before was more interested in soaking up the sun (this makes sense having come from Calgary).
Picture 4: More of Waimea Bay via instagram.
Picture 5: The Impossibles Pizza truck topped off the day. You really can't get a better deal for food on the North Shore. 5 bucks gets you an entire quarter section of pizza. That's one slice in their book. It's dealville over there I'm telling you.
Picture 6: Ghent shows his face in Hawaii after a prolonged absence.

Beach Time

My buddy Ryan started a little business this past summer that is really starting to take off. It's called Hawaii Beach Time and they cater to the needs of vacationers out here in Hawaii. The service is simple. You call them up and have them meet you at your preferred beach and you get to choose what gear you want to rent from them. You can get anything from a cooler filled with ice, umbrellas, beach chairs, kayaks, surfboards, stand up paddle boards, etc. I love the entrepreneurial spirit and this unique service is one that has been overlooked here in Hawaii. He has deals with some big hotels and he keeps getting new ones signed up every week. Pretty Rad. Click here for the website.

Liliha Bakery

If you ever have a free minute next time you're in Honolulu, be sure to check out Liliha Bakery. I was first introduced to these wonderful baked goods about 4 years ago when my buddy Brian was in town for a volleyball game. He played for BYU and just so happened to make it out to Hawaii every year to play UH. Usually his mom would come out for the games since they are Hawaiian. We would go to the games and afterwards one time we hit up Liliha Bakery. Ever since then I have held it in high esteem. All you gotta do is try the cream puffs or scones and you're hooked. I had a chance to swing by there last week after an appointment for work and grab a box. When I brought them home everyone was pretty stoked. They're a hit.

Two Lane Country Road

This is a picture of Kaukonahua Road. Just so happens to be my favorite road two land country road on Oahu. The only time I take it is when I'm leaving Wahiawa and heading to Waialua on the North Shore. I go out of my way and use it especially if the sun is setting because the light coming in through the trees that line parts of the road looks cool plus it's nice to come over the hilly farm land and see the ocean in front of you with the tallest mountain range on the Island looming over you on the left. The first picture was taken a few days ago on my way back home from work. The second was taken by my buddy Taylor a year ago after a costco run with him, Robin, and myself. Taylor was sitting in the back of the truck and snapped that one unbeknownst to me as we were heading to Haleiwa (taking the long-cut Kaukonahua Rd).
The song is by Paula Fuga and is accompanied by Jack Johnson. One of my all time Favorite songs.

Ohia & Lehua

Last spring I had a chance to take a nice walk on an old military road in the heart of Oahu with my dear friend Kelliann. She grew up here in Hawaii and knows a lot of cool spots to explore and this road happened to be one of them. While out there we walked off to the side to get a good view of the rolling hills around us and came across the Ohia Lehua plant. I'm no expert on plants and horticulture and all that jazz but the legend behind this plant is really quite interesting. As she explained the history of it I remembered that a couple months earlier I had heard a bit about this really neat plant while helping a friend film some promotional videos for Kualoa Ranch. I like a good story and the Hawaiian culture has a ton of them. Quite a few involving Pele. I found the legend in a short and condensed version so you can get the drift of it. Hope you enjoy. 

Here is the legend:

A long time ago, there was a handsome Hawaiian chief named Ohi'a. He was in love with a beautiful Hawaiian maiden named Lehua. Ohi'a and Lehua had promised to be true to each for always.

One day, Pele, the goddess of volcanoes, saw Ohi'a and wanted him for herself. Pele was know for her angry tantrums and jealousy. When she got angry, she would call forth burning lava to destroy everything around her.

Pele appeared to Ohi'a as a lovely woman. "I am the goddess, Pele," she said, "and I want you for my husband."

When Ohi'a heard her, he was afraid. Ohi'a knew if he refused to marry Pele, she might get really angry, but if she was just testing his love for Lehua, then if he said yes, she'd still be angry. Either way Pele could destroy his land and kill all his people. Ohi'a didn't know what to do.

"Before I answer, will you promise not to use your volcanic power no matter what I answer?"

"Yes, I promise," answered Pele. She didn't tell Ohi'a that she had many other powers that she could use.

"Then, I cannot marry you," Ohi'a said, "for I have already given my heart to beautiful Lehua and have promised to be true to her. Besides, I am only a mortal and not worthy of marrying a goddess."

Pele was furious. "How dare you defy me!" she cried. "If I can't have you then no one will!" With that, she cast a spell and turned Ohia into a twisted tree with gray leaves.

When Lehua saw what Pele had done to Ohi'a, she begged to goddess to change him back, but Pele ignored her and left for her home in the volcano, still angry.

Lehua sat at the base of the tree that was Ohi'a and cried. How can I live without Ohi'a?" she sobbed. "I would give my life to change him back."

When the other gods heard poor Lehua, they took pity on her. They each tried to change Ohi'a back, but Pele's magic was too powerful. At last, they came up with a plan that would unite the lovers forever.

The gods cast a spell that changed Lehua into a beautiful red flower on the Ohi'a tree. Ohi'a and Lehua were together at last, and Pele could never separate them.

(adapted from "The Goddess Pele," by Joe Mullins, Aloha Graphics and Sales, Honolulu, HI, 1977.)

Open Mic Night at the A-Frame

Last night gals at the A-Frame decided to throw a little get together after the fireside. It's nice to have such talented friends who can just get up and play a song. I really wish I had some recordings of the performances rather than just some pictures, but these will do. Luckily there are some cool cats doing some recordings of their songs so we will have some material in the not too distant future. I'll be sure to post those when the time comes.

Kualoa

Came across this pic from a fun day at Kualoa Ranch taken about a year and a half ago. Figured it was neat enough to be post-able.

The Goodwin Project

I just came across this little teaser video about a young family embarking on an around the world trip over the course of this next year. They are a surfing family from Kauai with a knack for finding the good in the world. I must say I'm jealous of their project and wish I could join up and be some type of film crew helper outer or something. So far they have hit up Iceland, Ireland, and Israel. Follow them with their blog HERE. I'm looking forward to the finished project but in the mean time their travel blog will tide me over. I need to find me a wife that is down for this sorta jazz. I can't think of a better way to see the world. Disagree with me all you want but I'm serious.

Painted Curbs & Hawaiian Grass

I came across this color combination on my way into a movie theater in Kaneohe the other day. The colors were too vibrant and the texture too gritty for me to just walk by without documenting it. Am I weird for stopping and taking a picture of grass and painted curbs?... most would say yes, but I don't really mind.

Homemade Fireworks

Devin has done it again. This video has been in the works for several months now. The concept has evolved and I think it turned out quite nice and fun. It was good to see some familiar faces showing off their sports skills. If you look close... you might be able to see yours truly. Ha.

The fireworks are fitting for today because up here it's Canada Day and in a few days after that I'll be heading down into Montana to celebrate the 4th!

Head For The Hills

A couple weekends ago a group of us did something we don't usually do; we packed into as many 4 wheel drive vehicles as possible and decided to head for the hills. Some friends found some neat roads located behind Kahuku that are perfect for off-roading and mostly require 4 wheel drive. We decided to have a little pow wow and have a bonfire. We went up to a vacant ridge, pulled the trucks around in a circle and enjoyed the evening and each others company.

One of the coolest things about it was the trek up there. We had to really weave our way through the forrest to get to our destination. Doing it in the middle of the night added a bit more to the experience as well. Hangin' with Gideon and Morgan made it even better on the way up. It was a fun night.

Picture 1: Mark's new Jeep with the wood pallets and part of the group getting ready to head out.
Picture 2: Chad effectively roasting 3 marshmallows.
Picture 3: Jordan, Skylar, Jordan, and Nellie kickin it by the fire.
Picture 4: We let off some fireworks for kicks.
Picture 5: Group shot of the Pow Wow.
Picture 6: Nellie and I messing around with the long exposure function on my cam with some sparklers. (Thanks to DAK4 and his photography tips)

Memorial Day

Memorial Day was a whole week ago. Crazy. Time is flying by like none other. Luckily it was a perfect day filled with Barbecues, paddle boarding, snorkeling through underwater caves, falling coconuts that almost landed on some friends but didn't, and so much more. Here are a couple pictures to document the perfect day.

First one is Waimea Bay. Hailey, Dave & Ashley Bowen, and myself went snorkeling and found a few cool things out in the bay including a mini fish habitat in the form of an old foodland shopping cart. I have a new goal: Instead of just getting a sailboat, I wanna get one and park it at Waimea Bay for a week and just live there. This was inspired by the three sailboats that parked themselves right in the bay and seemed to be having the time of their lives all hangin' out together. I want in on the sailing lifestyle.

The second picture is at Kawela Bay. I have a decent amount of married friends who look past my lack of a spouse and still invite me to their functions. It's always a good time catching up and spending time with them all. It was a great last Monday on the island.

HAWAII AS HOME

I just moved. WEIRD. I've lived in Hawaii since 2005 (minus going home for some summers and even taking a couple semesters off). It has been the greatest place to live and get an education. The best part about Hawaii has been the incredible people I have been able to associate with. Seriously the best of friends have been made while living on that small and secluded rock out in the Pacific.

The first picture was taken at the airport when I arrived for the first time to go to school. I was lucky to have a few incredible friends already living there to greet me. Emily, Seth, Robin, and Becky made my first semester in a far away land super easy. I was instantly plugged into their scene and the rest was history. GOOD TIMES INDEED.

The second picture was taken yesterday about an hour before I left to the airport. It was great to get a bite to eat at the Kahuku Grill and visit with a few friends before embarking on another adventure; this time instead of beaches and waves there will be lakes and mountains. I don't know when I'll ever live in Hawaii again but I know I'll be back. I just gotta make a pit stop on the mainland for a bit. Cheers.

Adventuring in Hawaii Kai

A few weeks ago we rounded up some friends and went off looking for a specific geographical landmark out in the Hawaii Kai area that Chase Carleston found while using google earth. We went on a hike and probably came close but not close enough. We stopped by spitting caves for a bit afterwards to get a little cliff jumping action. The water was quite turbulent. Kinda gnarly.

I'm going to miss going on adventures like this that get put together on a whim and end up being awesome regardless of what happens. Hawaii is perfect for that kind of get together.

Picture 1: The crew before we embarked on the hike
Picture 2: Chase jumping at Spitting Cave in Portlock
Picture 3: The view from the jump with the gang
Picture 4: Sunset at earlier mentioned cliff jumping spot
Picture 5: Jordan Smiling for the camera while driving in Waiamanalo

Zombies & Rapture

About a week ago there was all this wacky talk about the rapture happening. Remember that? Well, some road worker up on the North Shore thought it would be fun to add a twist to the day and warn people of Zombies up at Pupukea just up the hill from foodland. I had to take a picture of the sign cuz it was just too classic. Kelliann, Evelyn and myself had to turn back down the hill and snap some shots to document it. There were people slowing down and taking pictures just like we were; everyone had big smiles on their faces. I'm glad someone working on the road had a good sense of humor. It made my day.