hawaii

The Return of Nippon Maru: A Japanese Sailing Vessel

Standing on the shore, gazing out to sea, if you looked hard, put an open palm across your brow, and really squinted, you could see it. Like a mirage in the desert, it seemed to appear before fading into hazy white light. Blink. There is was again. Beyond reason, if seeing is believing, then it had to be a ghost ship of some sort, gliding back and forth on the horizon, but never approaching land. Until it did. A military intelligence service veteran, standing on the jetty wall of Nawiliwili Harbor, proclaimed “She’s actually coming in.” The Nippon Maru II, a 1930 four-masted Japanese training vessel, was about to dock after 21 long days at sea. The last time it had visited the island of Kauai was in 1983. As if awestruck, tourists and Native Hawaiians stood as still as marble statues. They gaped in wonder when the buoyant museum slid into Pier 2. The familiar white rectangular flag, with a bright red disc in the center, identified its country with pride. Word is after its return to Japan in 1984, it became a permanent landmark docked in Yokohama Harbor. During its service, it had logged over 45 trips around the world and brought up 11,500 cadets. Historical. Just as gallantly as the Nippon Maru II arrived, two days later, the prestigious training ship with its four giant masts, solid wooden decks, and thick knotted ropes guided its way back out to sea. The energetic sailors, dressed in crisp white uniforms, scaled the nautical rope ladders with ease. From every position they heartily waved their arms at the crowd. Shouts and cheers of farewell billowed on the trade winds. Then with imperial majesty, the Nippon Maru II slid out of sight without ever unfurling its mighty sails. 

Dining Outside the Home: Café Portofino in Lihue, Kauai

Dining Outside the Home: Café Portofino in Lihue, Kauai!  A hidden Italian gem sits above the beach on Kalapaki Bay where a sunset panoramic view sets the stage for an unforgettable evening. Familiar romantic love songs gently rise from the strings of a harp. The candlelit atmosphere for dining al fresco is further complimented by savory aromas of old Italian favorites. Choose a rich creamy pasta, minestrone soup, calamari fritti, and tiramisu dessert guaranteed to pamper the taste buds. No need to rush. This is Italy. Sit back, relax, and absorb the ambience. 

Dining Outside the Home: Hā Coffee Bar in Lihue, Kauai

Dining Outside the Home: Hā Coffee Bar in Lihue, Kauai!  Now here is a coffee shoppe with a mission statement. Hā means “breath”, a description of island culture. It’s about the ohana community, or family, of people who choose to work together in unity. At Hā Coffee Bar you’ll find coffee, tea, and local-sourced goods. Coffee-lovers may choose between whole bean, espresso, cold brewed, pour over, and french press coffee. The atmosphere is conducive for interaction. Make yourself at home in a comfy chair, or choose a rustic table with a window view, or slide up to the communal wooden table below the vaulted ceiling fan. Sit and sip. Support the environment, support the culture, support the community. We’re all in this together. Everyone is welcome. 

Dining Outside the Home: Pietro’s Pizza in Lihue, Kauai

Dining Outside the Home: Pietro’s Pizza in Lihue, Kauai!  What does a pastor do when he needs a hobby? He opens a Neapolitan-style pizza parlor with an Italian flare, in honor of his ancestors. The traditional imported flour from Italy adds passion to the freshly handmade dough. One bite reveals a world of difference. The authentic brick oven, from Naples, requires turning the pizza pie the entire time it’s baked in temperatures around 900°. The results? Unbelievable! One could almost describe its success as “heaven sent”, which wouldn’t surprise anyone who knows the time, effort, faith, and perseverance that has been poured into making Pietro’s Pizza the best Kauai has to offer. The legacy continues. Carry on!

Irresistible Draw of Boating

Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor is Oasis for Ocean Recreation! Whether you are a boat owner, or simply admire the energy of being a free-spirit, visit any marina for an enthusiastic encounter. Blue sky, aqua-green water are a winning combination in my book. “hark, now hear the sailors cry,

smell the sea, and feel the sky 

let your soul and spirit fly, 

into the mystic…” 

~ Van Morrison

I stumbled upon this vision of adventure one balmy afternoon. If you have a boat and you need a place to rest, look no further than Kalapaki Bay. The berths are spacious, with 5 multi-hull moorings, a landing pier, loading dock, fish hoist, pump-out station, and adequate vessel wash down area make it appealing. Sightseeing and fishing are purely optional. A sailing instructor is available, if you feel the need for affirmation and helpful tips upon the open waters. Safety is Number One, after all. Do I sail or own a boat, you wonder? Not at all. But I do appreciate the irresistible draw of boating. Who wouldn’t?

Grains of Sand

“Under Construction” read the message on the crumbling sand sculpture just beyond the grassy knoll. Only a few days ago, the mountain of sand was as solid as a rock, resembling a holiday billboard wishing all a “Mele Kalikimaka”, or “Merry Christmas”, in Hawaiian. The sandman artist returns every year, about this time, spending hours of daylight creating unique sand sculptures for all to admire. Tirelessly he hauls water in gallon buckets from the seashore and packs sand in a special technique that cements his efforts for a day or two. Many observers stop by to take family photos. Others chit-chat in friendly conversation. Still, eventually, the sculpture becomes irresistible to toddlers and young children who see it as a climbing apparatus found on the neighborhood playground. Being “King of the Mountain” is much more interesting to their immature minds than the artistic expression of an old soul. 

Dining Outside the Home: Kukui’s Poolside Restaurant and Bar at the Marriott Beach Resort in Lihue, Kauai

Dining Outside the Home: Kukui’s Poolside Restaurant and Bar at the Marriott Beach Resort in Lihue, Kauai!  Relax poolside with first-class service of American or Polynesian food and unsurpassed tiki cocktails. There’s no need to leave the comfort of a covered cabana under rustling palms or the shade of an umbrella chaise lounge. The soothing fountains of the magnificent pool offer tranquility that soothes the soul. Nibble on ethnic finger foods and garden salads made from island organic ingredients. Need to cool off? No worries. Take a dip into the pool, towel off, and order another round of Mai Tai Chi cocktails. No parasol needed. 

Dining Outside the Home: Merriman’s Gourmet Pizza and Burgers in Poipu, Kauai

Dining Outside the Home: Merriman’s Gourmet Pizza & Burgers in Poipu, Kauai!  When you know the fish is caught fresh that day, it’s easy to choose the chef’s choice, especially when it comes highly recommended. There was a time I could not imagine ordering a fish taco, let alone eating one, but those days are gone. I now seem addicted to them. Perhaps it was the flaky striped marlin, or the fire roasted tomato salsa, the incredibly fresh avocado, and sliced jalapeño peppers. No matter how you serve it up, which happened to be in a crispy corn tortilla shell, the results were astounding! That’s perfection, in my opinion. I appreciate the farm-to-table concept Merriman’s Gourmet Pizza and Burgers holds true. It rules.