Warmth in Waianae

A little rain and the mountains begins to grow green in Waianae. While the rest of Honolulu was windy and rainy today, it was clear on the west side. It felt nice to be in the warmth of the sun for a moment.

"Cloudy With a Chance of Chicken Soup"

It started out a soggy day and it ended the same way. The clouds loomed overhead and they seemed to have traversed down the Pali mountains as they menacingly hung over the tunnel. With flood watch in effect and rising streams on the Windward side of the island, the day was best enjoyed indoors with a bowl of hot chicken soup.

A Maili Plot

A month ago from this vantage point, there wasn't much to see except thick, dry, and brown vegetation. I noticed the beautiful mountainside for the first time today at this site in Maili. So now what... more houses?

Waianae Basil Farm

Across the way is a basil farm in the heart of Kahumana in Waianae. Over the last few months they grew and grew and perhaps they'll be ready for harvesting soon. The aroma of basil makes my mouth water for fresh pesto pasta.

Makiki Rain Forest Hike

Deep in the jungle of Makiki hiking trails are wild cherries and guava fruit. Every once in a while wild pigs are spotted eating the fruits. Although it was raining hard, we remained protected from the elements by the trees and the thick foliage. Click here to see a wide angle shot of this rain forest. The trail was muddy and slippery which made the hike a perilous one.

These are Birthing Stones

Kukaniloko Birthing Stones

For many years now, I have wanted to pay a visit to these stones and today I was able to see them. They are not just any old rocks protruding from the ground but they are birthing stones that wives of ancient Hawaiian chiefs used to use as tools for birthing. There are a few dozens rocks that lay here and as a historical site, these stones are protected by the State of Hawaii. Some of these stones were curved in ways that could caress the bodies of the women allowing them different positions of comfort for ease of birthing. I also speculate that other rocks were used to lean on for standing birth. One stone was marked with a faint petroglyph carved on it. They were used for birthing for over 800 years. Click here to see other views of these stone on facebook.

Sample Them Uncooked

In Kahaluu near Kualoa Ranch, there is a macadamia nut farm tucked to the left headed north. With garden tours, jams, jellies, sauces, and of course macadamia nut products for sale at the gift shop, people stop in for a look-see. There are thousands of nuts still in their shell in a container where visitors may crack them upon a log with a rock to sample them uncooked. They have a hint of coconut flavor when eaten raw. Click here to see another image of all the mac nuts.

The Braids of Ku

Passing this farm in Waianae Valley today, I noticed a statue of Ku that was standing at the front gates. Ku is famously known as the god of war and most attribute the energy of bloodshed with this Hawaiian god although there are many other peaceful attributes that Ku was also known for. The original statues were on display at the Bishop Museum for a short time and was lucky enough to see them. I was told that if the braids of Ku touches the ground the people would be prosperous since Ku was also compassionate. Click here to see a short video on Ku and notice that the middle statue has long braids that touches the earth.

Public Art?

What to make of this? I really couldn't figure it out but it's an interesting couple of shopping carts with hay parked by the side of a building in Waianae. I could only speculate that someone used them to wheel away cut grass. The palate added to the mystery! What the heck is this all about? Is this public art in it's raw from? What do you think? Your guess is as good as mine!

Riding Off Into the Sunset and Eating at Dots

Taking care of business today in Central Oahu in Wahiawa I passed by Dots, a local restaurant which has a  1960's - 1970's pulse. It's an old time local favorite restaurant that still serve some of the best plate lunches such as their hamburger steak with sauteed onions. It reminds me of the late King's Bakery or  Liliha Bakery on Kuakini Street. I'm glad that they are still in business since I ate there frequently after rough riding horses at Hoku ranch at Helemano Plantation years ago. It was one of the most exciting and happiest time in my life when I could be carefree and ride off into the sunset, then enjoy a tasty meal with good company at Dots to end the day.

Kahumana Cafe' and Farms in Waianae

Click here to see 9/29/11 outtake photos at Honolulu Photo of the Day on facebook

The Waianae coast has been well preserved over the years and there is very little change in the landscaping and development. Up in the hills of Lualualei, there is a quaint farm that was recently restored. They began growing various vegetables and a tiny restaurant was built called Kahumana Cafe'. The dishes on the menu ranges from butter grilled chicken or shrimps served a farm fresh salad and grass fed natural beef meatloaf served with a side of potatoes and greens. Brittany who came to Hawaii, volunteers her time to help build and run the farm and cafe'. She says that it's a non-profit organization and that all the tips goes back into maintaining the farm. My meatloaf entree' was delicious! The ambiance and the presentation of the food is also ace! Check out the outtake photos on facebook to see the interior of the cafe' and the special of the day, meatloaf.