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...

Makapu'u Lighthouse

This picture was taken all the way back in 2005. It is one of my all time favorite pics from out in Hawaii. This picture was made possible because of a spontaneous trip that originated with my buddy Chaz asking if I was done with classes and wanted to go on an adventure while I was leaving the library of BYU-Hawaii. I quickly replied yes and before I knew it I was in a busted up old SUV with several friends on our way to the lighthouse at Makapu'u. After we went into town and had Thai food which really tied things up nicely. This picture features Maggie Nilsson and myself messing around with the depth of field. Quite the optical illusion.

Come Hell or High Water

I haven't seen the film yet but judging by the trailer I feel confident I'll like it. One of the greatest things about living in Hawaii is the opportunity that it allows me to bodysurf. I can't think of anything I enjoy more than heading to Waimea or especially Pounders and finding a small group of friends there bodysurfing the shore break. Pounders if my go to because it's so close and consistienly has wind driven waves, Waimea is less frequented but affords an incredible situation not duplicated anywhere else when it has the right conditions. When this film gets a distributor I'm going to for sure make the purchase.

Too much fun.

This past week has been crazy. For some reason it seems like everyone I know is out visiting. I love it. It also makes it extremely difficult to be productive. I live here, I'm not on vacation; although when they're here I seem to be. Crap.

Picture 1: Waimea Bay was out of control fun these past few days. There is nothing better than bodysurfing there with a group of your friends and your favorite pair of churchill fins. Here is Evan and his favorite pair.
Picture 2: If you're ever in Haleiwa and need a sandwich, do yourself a favor and get a Turkey Pesto Sandwich at Waialua Bakery. You will thank me you did and you'll be 110% satisfied. The Swim family do a great job with everything there whether its a smoothie or a chocolate chip cookie. Radical.
Picture 3: Our buddy Jeff Johnson got married which is what brought a majority of the people visiting out to Hawaii. Here is Evan making a weird (normal for him) face as we wait for them to step outside.
Picture 4: Ghent, Taylor & I stopped by the Hannemann compound for some Lasagna and a tutorial on their favorite t.v. show called X Factor. Seth even conned Ghent into a foot rub (no shame & typical). The apartment was teeming with the raddest kids on earth.
Picture 5: Turtle Bay resort after a little hot tub session.
Picture 6: Ashley, Kelliann, Lauren, & Ghent.
Picture 7: Waimea Bay at its best.

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.

Kualoa Ranch

I've been anticipating this video for a while now. I was lucky enough to assist Devin on a full day and a half of the filming of this little video. We had an all access pass from the ranch to go all over and film. Not only was it fun, but it was incredible to be able to see parts of the ranch I had never seen before and get an inside scoop on a lot of the history and facts of that treasure trove on Oahu's Windward side. I'll post some pictures soon of our expedition.

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

LAIE AT NIGHT

Last month I decided to be creepy and ride around Laie at night on my roommates bike and snap long exposure shots because of the full moon. I didn't realize how creepy I was being until midway through the evening when I thought to myself, "I wonder what that car was thinking when they just passed by me setting up my camera on that wall pointing it towards the palm trees". Whoopsies. I should have thought my plan of attack out better and brought a friend. Oh well. These pictures are what came of that brightly lit evening. I happened to have the opportunity to ride a bike last night since the moon was so full only this time I had the companionship of some friends and the lack of my trusty Canon G9. The new bike path that parallels Kamahameha Highway and connects Kahuku and Laie together happens to be my favorite place to be right now. It's nice how well lit it is as well. It really is a great asset for the community.

Anyways... I recommend getting yourself out there amongst the beaming rays of moon light next time you have a chance. It would have been fun to go night surfing if there was at least a little bump on this side of the island. Shoots.

***UPDATE*** A group of us actually went surfing last night even though there were hardly any waves. It was still a bunch of fun. Anytime you have two large white long-bed pickup trucks filled with people and surfboards you're gonna have a good time.

What I've Been Up To



So I graduated from college this past December... So now what? Well, I have been busy these past few months with a few things. I have been doing an internship with one of my professor Chad Ford. He taught my Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding classes and I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to help out with The David O. McKay Center for Intercultural Understanding. He has been running it for several years now and I have been doing various things for that growing organization since September. It has been fun and educational and I'm going to miss it.

I've also had the opportunity to work with another professor: Dr. Blimes, as a research assistant as well. I leave tomorrow to go to Chicago where I will be presenting our research at the Midwest Political Science Association Conference along with a few other student researchers. Both of these opportunities are what kept me in Hawaii a little bit longer, as well as me finishing up my last 4 credits. As time ticks away these next couple weeks and as the semester comes to an end so does my excuse for being in Hawaii. Crap. I have a few things lined up if I wanted to stay but my gut says I should move on. Double crap.

I'll keep you posted on what happens. In the mean time, I'm enjoying my time here. I have a little bucket list of things I want to do before I leave. I've pretty much done everything I have wanted (I've been here quite awhile) but there are still a few more adventures to be had. Here are a few pictures of the momentous and eventful day of my graduation. It was a long time coming so it was sort of a big deal. Seriously though. It has been quite the journey as I have changed majors a couple times, taken time off to work and travel, gone on a study abroad, and picked up a minor.