The Sugar Cane Train was created in 1969, and has operated daily passenger service from Lahaina to Puukolii (just north of Kaanapali) ever since. It's an authentic reproduction of an actual train that carried sugar cane from the fields of West Maui to the Pioneer Sugar Mill in Lahaina from 1890 to 1950. Since 1970, over five million tourists have ridden the current train, making it one of Maui's most popular attractions.
My work commute is about half an hour. It's funny, but after acclimating to life on a small island, many find a 30 minute commute here feels like an hour does on the mainland. But here's the good part: any way you slice it, you're commuting in paradise. And when this is the view (I took this on the drive home tonight), you know life is good.
The perfect kid's shoes on the perfect kid's playground. In many ways, the keiki have it made here...enjoying a simple life focused on family, relationships and the beautiful surroundings. There's just not a lot of interest in keeping up with Hollywood. 
This is looking down at Honolulu, toward Waikiki. O'ahu is known as "The Gathering Place," and living up to it's name, it is the most populous of all the Hawaiian islands (though only the third largest). Sometimes O'ahu gets a bad rap..."too crowded," "too busy," "too much like L.A." But in reality, it's a stunningly beautiful island with many "open spaces" to explore.
Kepaniwai Park, in the 'Iao Valley, was established in 1952 to celebrate Maui's diverse ethnic heritage. Various gardens and structures showcase the Filipino, Japanese, Hawaiian, Chinese, Portuguese and Caucasian cultures.
Even though Maui is paradise...it's still nice to slip away to a neighbor island every once in a while. This sunset photo was at a Big Island resort a few minutes outside of Kailua-Kona.
The Chinese are credited with using kites for propulsion in the 13th century. In the 70's and 80's a German was using kites to power skateboards. At the same time, two French brothers were experimenting with actual "kitesurfing." Fast forward to 1996, and Laird Hamilton and Manu Bertin helped to make kitesurfing popular in Hawaii (on Maui, to be specific). By 1998, kitesurfing had become a mainstream sport, and that September saw the first organized contest held here on Maui.
Happy Valley: no Starbucks or Safeway here...just a slow-paced, tiny village with a couple of businesses. One that's been here for quite some time is the Banana Bungalow Hostel. Not exactly a one-off (there are Banana Bungalows in Hollywood, San Diego, and Waikiki), it still feels unique. Happy Valley might be a bit off the beaten path for most visitors, but then again, those looking to stay at hostels usually appreciate the "real" side of things.
Another block down, you'll pass Takamiya Market. Opens early and sells out quickly when it comes to freshly marinated Kalbi ribs, cone sushi, kim chee, mochi, musubi, chow fun, ahi poke, tako poke, laulau and more. Local food at it's best. I'm good friends with a member of the Takamiya family. He and I used to go mountain biking together, and I'd meet him in Happy Valley, just a block or two from his home. Without fail, he'd ride up to meet me with a plastic bag dangling from his handlebar, filled with mangoes, papayas and more. Local style...always show up bearing gifts.
I love to run...just not in the morning. So many of my friends tell me it's the best time of day to get out there, but I'm just not limber that early. When I do manage to get out the door before dawn, I feel like the Tin Man from The Wizard of Oz as I hobble down the road...all the while wishing I was back home with a cup of coffee. A couple of weeks ago I managed to get myself out there, and though the run was less than stellar, I was rewarded with the most amazing sunrise as I finished up. I sprinted the last few blocks just to get to my camera in time. Maybe there is something to this early-morning thing...
Wailuku is the county seat for Maui County (which includes not only the island of Maui, but also Lana'i and Molokai). There's a bit of a renaissance going on downtown right now as streets are being repaved, architecture has been touched-up, trees are being planted, etc. There's even a "festival" on the first Friday evening of each month...which is basically just a small, 2-block long, street fair: food booths, shop owners displaying their goods open-house style, and a band or two (and of course, lots of good food). But all said, Wailuku is still a small town. I stood on a bridge over the road into town one Sunday night, hoping to catch a car driving by for the tail lights. I think I stood there 15 minutes waiting for that one car. I love that.
Spent a rainy day upcountry shortly after Christmas. Went by the Kula Lodge and walked through their gardens in the back. The air was crisp and cool, everything smelled fresh and clean...it was magical.
There's something about the "green" in Hawaii. It seems to be more vibrant, more brilliant, than anywhere else. Sure, I'm biased, but if you've seen it, you know what I mean. The light in these still-unfurling leaves caught my eye as it lit up the green. If the ocean was a plant...
After a stormy (weather-wise) end to 2008, we woke up to a stunningly beautiful New Year. I know Thanksgiving is the "official" day to give thanks, but I see it as more of a turkey-dinner event. Some choose New Year's Eve to reflect over the past year and give thanks. But for me, New Year's Day itself is the day to look back at the past year...and look forward to the one ahead. I went for a long run today...no iPod, no distractions...just time alone to think about all that happened in 2008 and to celebrate that, through it all, God has brought me to the beginning of yet another year. I'm thankful...and I'm excited. Change is good.
Happy New Year! A resolution of mine was to get a photo blog up and running in 2009. It's almost 1am on the 1st, and here's my first post. Let's see where this goes...
