Big Island News

In what seems to be an all too familiar trend, the Hawaii Civil Defense was called in again to help control and track a lava flow that has gone astray, leaving residents of (Big Island) on edge.

Late Wednesday night Big Island firefighters were alerted to the fact that Goddess Pele was again on the move. It seems this time she has targeted the residents of Kalapana, while already shutting down a popular Big Island sightseeing spot. Leigh Hilbert – a Big Island photographer described the scene as being “quite surreal.”

Pele’s newest flow has branched off during the night and has gotten so close to the ocean that Civil defense had to shut the entire area down. For the moment the brushfires are under control, but that is not the only hazard that residents have to deal with. Pele’s flow has reached Highway 130 threatening to release toxic acids from the burning asphalt.

Even though Kalapana residents – and other Big Island residents, are used to living with the threat of Pele, this time they seem a bit more nervous. While the flow is still about a mile away from Kalapana Gardens, this indeed is way too close for comfort for most.

“Hawaii News Now” , along with Leigh Hilbert, has captured some excellent video of the latest Pele rampage. While the Hawaii Civil Defense does not expect runaway brushfires, and as of now has the flow under control, you never know what thoughts Goddess Pele will have on the matter.

[Note: More Pictures Below] Recently, on a trip to The Big Island of Hawaii with some friends for the annual Kona Brewers Festival we decided to head down to Kealakekua Bay on the Sunday afterwards.

Rather than drive down and swim around the boat launch, rent kayaks and paddle around the Bay, we decided to hike down from the road on the old Kaawaloa Road from the Mamalahoa Highway. Yikes! what a hike. Forgot how far down from the upper roads the Bay is.

When we finally weaved our way down the hillside, through old lava fields, we came upon the Captain Cook monument and the Bay. As always, clear water and great snorkeling awaited. And best yet, there were dolphins in playing around in the water. However, the best treat was yet to come.

We ended up being greeted by what we came to find out was a local Hawaiian Monk seal named Kimo (or B18 B19) that hangs around in the Bay and has become very friendly with locals and tourists (check more articles on him here and here. At first it was pretty scary, I mean these are big creatures that are unpredictable. We all stayed still and snorkeled as if he wasn’t around, trying not to bother and provoke him, but Kimo kept wondering around us and seemed to love all the people to swim with.

While this was a once in a lifetime, amazing experience, if you get the chance, please be careful. Be cautious, don’t approach or provoke any Hawaiian Monk Seal. They’re endangered and should be treated with the utmost respect. Please, also, don’t feed him or any Monk Seal. Check out the photos below and also check out this video we captured of the Hawaiian Monk seal with us.

The Big Island of Hawai’i is a treasure trove of discovery & wonder and one of the gateways to all that The Big Island has to offer is The Volcano Art Center.  Located in Kilauea, home of the fiery Goddess of the Volcano, Pele, the VAC hosts a variety of fun challenging activities throughout the year.

The VAC is calling for volunteers to take part in ‘Niaulani Forest Work Day’ Sunday, March 21, 2010, a perfect way to celebrate the arrival of Spring 2010, from 9AM to 12Noon, a day for families & friends to get together to learn about the flora & fauna on the 7.4 acres of the Niaulani Forest.  A day to connect with nature while assisting with needed tasks,

Monday, March 22, 2010 from 9:30 AM return to Niaulani Forest for a hike along the gentle 1/7 mile loop trail, while expert guides explain the biological, ecological, and geographical features of the area, as well as the cultural usages of flora & fauna by the Hawai’i’ans, the plants that were used for ornamentation as well as medicine, plants sacred to the art of hula.

The Niaulani Nature Walk is an on going event free though calabash (donations) are welcome. “The weekly walk starts just one mile from the entrance to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Meet at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village (19-4074 Old Volcano Rd.) Call (808) 967-8222.”

As an added incentive Sunday March 21th thru Tuesday March 23 gather on the porch of the Volcano Arts Center Gallery porch and witness visiting artist Jessica Landau gives a free demonstration of the art of sculpting molten glass.  For further info about the VAC  and its many activities check out Volcano Art Center .

One of Britain’s best Jazz Vocalist Liane Carroll will be performing at The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai on the Kona Coast of The Big Island of Hawai’i on Thursday, February 11, 2010 at 6:30PM.  The Big Islands’ “Olliephonics” join Liane Carroll for an elegant evening of “Jazz, Big Band, Dancing and Love.”

London born Liane Carroll began her musical odyssey at age three tinkling the ivory keys under the tutelage of concert pianist Phyllis Catling, developing a passion for Jazz and Soul and much more.  Her professional career began at age fifteen in her native Hastings, appearing with various bands as a pianist, vocalist and composer.  In 1998 Liane Carroll  joined Trevor Watts’ ‘Moire Music’ featuring Liam Genockey, Nana Tsiboe and Simon Picard, where they would embark on several world tours.

Experimenting and experiencing a variety of musical line-ups, Liane joined the ‘Dave Holdsworth’ band where she met Bassist Roger Carrey, who she married in 1990, he has become a vital part of her life & career, through the many diverse musical lineups she has joined.  An impressive list of Jazz greats as well as musical legends from various genres; Sir Paul McCarthy, Long John Baldry, Gerry Rafferty, many others.  Along the way Liane Carroll has snagged two BBC Jazz awards in the same year, and a loyal Global following.

Liane Carroll’s Thursday February 11 2010 concert doubles as a benefit for “Hawaii Performing Arts Festival scholarship fund for young artists from Hawaii to attend the summer festival in Waimea. Cost is $45 per person or $80 per couple.  Tickets are available by calling 808-333-7378 or online at Hawaii Performing Arts Festival. For more information, call 303-221-0399 or email .

For more information about Liane Carroll scope out her website.

The Makaha Sons provide a perfect excuse to run away to The Big Island of Hawai’i for Valentines Day this weekend.   Take your sweetheart on a drive around the island, seeing the volcano, or the summit of Mauna Kea, before you sit back and relax on Saturday night, Febnruary 13, 2010, with the Makaha Sons at 7:00 PM at the wonderful Palace Theater in Hilo.

On the cusp of celebrating 34 years as one of Hawai’i’s most beloved musical groups, The Makaha Sons’, Louis “Moon” Kauakahi on 6-string guitar, John Koko on upright acoustic bass and Jerome Koko on 12-string guitar, combine ‘chicken skin’ harmonies, with a solid musicianship and playful personalities that delight audiences of all ages.  Their act is given visual sparkle with Kealo Koko dancing the Hulu.

The historic Palace Theater at 38 Haili Street is a delightful place, with pre-show music by Bob Alder on the Palace Pipe Organ, it is the perfect setting for celebrating Valentine’s Day with many excellent eateries within an easy walk.  Tickets are $20 in advance, or $25 at the door, one can contact The Palace Theater via phone, 808-934-7010, Monday through Friday 9:00am to 4:00pm.

Fans of Chinese Cinema rejoice the historic Hilo Palace Theater will be showing three films over two days beginning Friday February 12, 2010.  Colorful LION Dancers will open the 3^rd Chinese Film Festival  at 6PM, and then at 7PM attendees will witness John Woo’s turning his considerable talents to the much neglected history of China.

Red Cliff a retelling of the tale of the Battle of Red Cliff during the Han Dynasty, described by one leading journal as “a visual symphony,” the film features Tony Leung, Zhang Fengyi, Chang Chen, and Chi-Ling Lin, in this epic struggle between mighty armies.  The film is in Mandarin with English subtitles.

Sunday February 14^th hosts two films.  At 4PM Ashes of Time Redux is a fascinating example of a film rescued by a director upset with the many alternate versions of ‘Ashes of Time’ a film Director Dar Wai Wong originally initiated with his production company Jet Tone.  ‘Ashes of Time’ was a martial-arts epic based on a series of popular novels by Louis Cha writing as Jin Yong, set in an imaginary Jianshu, a World with its own views of good & evil.

Director Wong reedited & restored the film, adding elements as diverse as cello solos by Yo Yo Man, the cinematography of Christopher Doyle, and a talented cast including Leslie Cheung, Tony Leung Ka Fai, Brigitte Lin, Tony Leung Chiu-Wai.  In Mandarin & Cantonse, with English subtitles.

Then at 7PM catch an equally stunning visual treat, 2046 directed by Wong Kar-Wai, starring Tony Leung, Gong Li, Zhang Ziyi, and Faye Wong. This film is noted for its Film Noir elements, striking costumes and sets, languid visuals, a “meditation on memory, eroticism, love, loss and longing.”  This tale told in Cantonese, Mandarin, Japanese, with English subtitles.

The Hawai’i Tea Society will serve Tea at 6PM in the Palace Lobby.  $7 General, $6 Seniors & Students, $5 Friends of the Palace, Call 808-934-7010 for information. The Third Annual Chinese Film Festival is made possible with funding from The Big Island Film Office, Department of Research & Development, County of Hawaii.

The Eight Annual Hilo Chinese New Year Festival roars to life at 9AM on Saturday February 13 2010 ushering in The Year of the Tiger when Lion Dancers set out from the Mooheau Bandstand along Kamehameha Avenue and up Waianuenue Avenue to Kalakaua Park.  Thousands of firecrackers will pop & crackle as the Lion Dancers bless people & businesses along the way, loudly opening historic Hilo to a day of celebration.

A free festival an excellent excuse for running away to Hilo, to experience The Year of the Tiger in Kalakaua Park packed with tents & pavilions displaying Chinese & Hawai’i’an & Asian crafts, arts and naturally lots of ono grinds, great food.  An international ‘Food Court’ will feature Island Favorites, roots evident in Pacific/Asia culture, offering an incredible variety of food for every taste imaginable.

The festival officially runs from 9AM to 3PM Though no doubt there will be fun deep into the afternoon in the heart of Hilo.  Cultural practitioners will give demonstrations of Feng Shui, Martial Arts, there will be a stage offering entertainment, cooking demonstrations, music, and a special ‘Keiki Chinese Costume Contest.  For more information call (808) 933-9772
or email amooninfo@bigisland.com or scope out POSH Festivals .

On the heels of the Honolulu’s own Petwalk earlier this month, the Hawaii Island Humane Society’s Annual Halloween Pet Walk is scheduled for Saturday, October 31 in Kailua Village, with registration beginning at 8 a.m.

The event encourages pet owners to walk from Hale Halewai to Kailua Pier and back and then enjoy contests and prizes. The three walkers who raise the most pledge money will receive prizes. There will also be prizes awarded for best costume, best pet trick, hot dog eating contest, best canine kisser and more.

The Annual HIHS Halloween Pet Walk is a great family event. Pre-registration is $30 per individual or family or $35 the day of the event. Anyone who garners $50 or more in pledges will receive a free tee shirt. The walk will begin at 9 a.m.

Registration forms are available from the Kona HIHS shelter or from many area veterinarians. Get a form, get your pet, and start walk’n. Proceeds benefit many of the needs of Hawaii Island Humane Society, including pet food supplies and low-cost spay and neuter services to help eliminate pet overpopulation.

Visit www.HIHS.org, where adoptable animals and their photos are listed or stop by HIHS’ Kona, Waimea or Kea’au shelters to find your new best friend. Mobile adoptions are also offered at the Kona Commons PetCo Store each Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Match.com, Yahoo personals, Single Parent Network, Plenty of Fish and eHarmony. Unless you are living in a cave without electricity you know these are online dating sites.

The bad rep online dating has seems to be fading. As well it should. We are all busy with jobs, kids, and life. We use the Internet for everything from shopping, stock trading to keeping close to relatives. Why not use it to find a partner? It is practical. If you haven’t used a dating site yet, tons of tutorials and advice can be found online, but here is a quick overview:

· Pick a site (Plenty of Fish is free, so practice on that one).

· Answer the questions honestly and with humor.

· Post your best current photos.

· Wait for “winks”, or “flirts” or whatever the site calls them or if you are the proactive type – start sending feelers out to those you are interested in. Women often wait for men to initiate but there is no rule here. And men sometimes lose interest when there is a lack of response.

· Once you have a few partners that you are emailing – turn off your profile temporarily so you do not become overwhelmed.

· Move from writing to a phone call relatively soon.

· If all seems good, make the coffee date.

Dating on the Big Island takes creativity. We don’t have a slew of nightclubs, independent movie theaters, art galleries or a symphony. In fact most places are dead by 9:00PM. Kona stays open later but the choices are limited.

When I first moved here I was not the water nut I am now. So dating consisted of; the initial coffee shop first meeting followed by dinner somewhere and maybe a walk. It is best to do something active for the second date. Most over forties are looking for active partners.

The Big Island has lots of opportunities for activity. Pick up a copy of “Big Island Revealed” and look for hikes, water sports, best-hidden beaches, ocean tours, etc. Lots of ideas in there and it will give you a chance to explore that rarely happens unless we are taking guests. Try to pick things that are somewhat public and drive there yourself the first few times, just to be safe. A picnic at a beach where you can watch Windsurfers is ideal. Anaeho’omalu is the most popular windsurfing spot. A boat tour for snorkeling, whale watching or swimming with dolphins is really fun too. I am not crazy about dinner cruises but that is an option. Stop by any scuba store or hotel and they’ll have a list of boat tours to choose from.

I have been dating again for almost four years now. My advice is to have fun, do not invest in an outcome too early, most of your dates will not lead to anything. Do not get discouraged and keep your sense of humor. So what if one of your dates posted photos taken 20 years ago? It gives you something interesting to talk about with the next date. And when a potential partner shares his love of women’s shoes try to be open minded and then giggle about it with your friends. Think of it as a journey.

You can explore Hawaii while you are doing all this. Try new things, see new sites, meet new people and remember to do it with Aloha.

It’s that time of year again. Time for the Hawaii Brew Fest on the Big Island of Hawaii! My wife and I have been to the Kona Brewers Festival in the past and have always loved it. And we’re headed back again.

The brew fest is located in the town of Kailua Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii and is always a blast. The event is held for local charities to showcase local brews. Charities the event helps range from Hualalai Academy to Ahuena Heiau, National Historic Landmark. Events happen throughout the weekend, starting on Thursday, which include a home brew contest which you can bring your very own brew and try to win a medal!

The main event is held on Saturday from 2:30 to 6:30 pm, put on by the Kona Brewing Company at King Kamehameha’s Beach Hotel and includes brews from all over Hawaii and the mainland that come to give you libations on the ready. There’s also pupus galore, music, and more!

If you haven’t booked your ticket, we suggest trying to find some tickets and head over. Tickets were available at $55 but are not longer. However, you can most likely find some on craigslist.