Edible Dress

Happy Valentine's Day! Cake Works near the University of Hawaii makes cakes for all occasions and on display was this edible dress... perfect for the sexy Valentine's evening wear.

The Fifth Day of Christmas

 On the fifth day of Christmas my tutu give to me five big fat pigs,

Honolulu Academy of Arts - Anna Cooke

The Honolulu Academy of Arts was originally the home to the Rice missionaries on Oahu. The Rice family had three kids and as they prospered, they purchased works of art for their home on Beratania Street. Daughter Anna Rice married and became a part of another missionary family becoming Anna Cooke. She continued purchasing art and importing pieces from China until there was more art than their home could hold. She decided to have their Beratania home torn down in the 1920's to build a museum for their large collection. The Honolulu Academy of Arts was opened in 1927. The above photo is of the dragon fountain located in rear of the pond.

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.

UPW Mural- Jean Charlot

The tile murals on the wall of the United Public Workers (UPW) Union's building is a creation by Jean Charlot the famous french painter. Although at first glance, I once thought it was created by Mexican painter Diego Rivera. Located in Kalihi on School Street, it is another one of Honolulu's little treasures for all to freely enjoy. It worth seeking out since it is a block or two and walking distance from the Bishop Museum. The art depicts hard labor as it recognizes blue collar workers who are usually the unsung heroes of the community. A bunch of young volunteers were laboring in the area by picking up trash, and they walked in between the mural and my shutter for this picture.

Original Petroglyphs

A friend and I hiked into the hills of an undisclosed place on Oahu to seek out the original petroglyphs of the ancient Hawaiians and we found a few of them. Here is a photo of three dogs engraved into a giant boulder that has survived over a century of weathering. It was on my bucket list to see them in their original form and environment and they were breathtaking. Click here to see more photos on facebook.

"White Sandy Beach"

Israel Kamakawiwo'ole or Bruddah Iz's statue is located outside of the Waianae Neighborhood Community Center on the west side of the island. He was one big Hawaiian with a gentle and kind spirit who was able to transcend his aloha in his music. My favorite Iz song is White Sandy Beach, click on the link to hear it on Youtube. His songs still give me goose bumps as if I'm hearing him sing live. Although he passed away in 1997, he remains in many of our hearts through his music and this statue can be seen on the right hand side while driving out to Makaha Valley. Click here to see the outtake photos.

Between Sears and Woolworths

Perhaps no one would associate that brass fish with one of the biggest and most profitable outdoor shopping center in the nation but it is a sculpture at the Ala Moana Shopping center since the 1960's. It was located at one end of the mall between Sears and Woolworths and when the mall was remodeled in the early 90's this fish was placed in the middle of the mall. It was once a fountain that showered water out of it's mouth but ever since the remodeling it's been dry. This fish is an icon of Ala Moana Shopping Center and has seen several generations of families grow up in Hawaii since the mall was created. Click here to see an overhead view of the iconic brass fish.

Hawaii, the Only State that was Once a Kingdom

Behind me is the Hawaii Supreme Court where the justices of Hawaii contemplate the law and make their ruling. The famous King Kamehameha Statute is situated right out front of the court as a reminder that Hawaii is the only state in the U.S. that was once a kingdom. With his arm raised out, all are welcome as tourists from around the world point their camera at the statue to capture the image of Hawaii's king. In the distance is Iolani Palace where Queen Liliuokalani once resided. It was drizzling and a rainbow emerged over the palace creating the beauty of this moment.

Horses Graze in Downtown Honolulu

Click here to see the outtake for today on facebook

Starbucks is located at every corner on earth and here they are with their green umbrellas across the way. Aside from grande lattes, venti mochas, and triple iced espresso, there are a couple of horses grazing across the street. Sculptures made by Deborah Butterfield boldly stand in a perfectly manicured lawn in front of the First Hawaiian Bank building. Public art by famous artists are everywhere to be found in downtown Honolulu.