Father Damien de Veuster—the 19th century Belgian priest who ministered to leprosy patients on Molokai before dying of the disease—will be named a saint.

To become a saint, you need to instigate two miracles. Today, Pope Benedict XVI approved a second miracle linked to the intercession of Father Damien—the final step in canonization. Honolulu resident Audrey Toguchi insisted her 1999 recovery from terminal lung cancer was due to praying to Father Damien.

The Vatican’s Congregation for the Causes of Saints this week announced that it had found no medical explanation for Toguchi’s recovery. The congregation’s documentation of the miracle was given to the pope this morning, who approved it.

A date for Father Damien’s canonization has not been set. Father Damien was beatified—a major step toward sainthood—by Pope John Paul II in 1995, after a first miracle attributed to him was confirmed.

Father Damien—born Jozef de Veuster in 1840—arrived in Honolulu from Belgium in 1864. Working with Catholic missionaries, he was eventually moved by the plight of thousands of Hawaii leprosy patients sent by government order to Molokai’s isolated Kalaupapa peninsula. Father Damien moved to Molokai in 1873 to live among the sufferers and minister to them.

He would spend the rest of his life on the island. After contracting leprosy—now known as Hansen’s disease—he died in 1889. Father Damien was 49.

A statue of Father Damien (right, click for larger view) has stood in front of the Hawaii State Capitol in Honolulu since April 15, 1969. The date is still celebrated annually in Hawaii as Father Damien Day, and the statue is draped with floral lei.
 
 

If you’re on Oahu this Saturday, stop by the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie for the annual Tahitian Festival, Te Mahana Hiroa O Tahiti.

More than 100 dancers, ranging in ages 3 to 18, will compete in the dance competition. Unlike hula’s gentle moves, Tahitian dancing involves quick shaking movements to the sound of fast rhythmic beating Tahitian drums. It’s the sexy dance most people think of as “hula.”
 
Te Mahana Hiroa O Tahiti honors the yearly heiva nui (celebration) held in Papeete, Tahiti, which celebrates the culture and traditions of dance and drumming.

That’s one of the best things we love about these Islands. We celebrate so many cultures. Even if you’re not Tahitian, please feel free to shake it up, baby.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for keiki ages three to 11 years old. Call (800) 367-7060 or (808) 293-3333.

 

Hawaii’s skies will be filled with fireworks this Friday for the Fourth of July holiday.

If you’re on Oahu and want to get the party started early, Aloha Tower Marketplace has its Pre-Independence Day Celebration tonight at 5 p.m., with fireworks above Honolulu Harbor at 9 p.m.

But if you’d rather wait for the date, here’s a list of 4th of July events in Hawaii, by island:

Oahu:
Fourth of July Fireworks and Concert. Ala Moana Shopping Center (concert) and Ala Moana Beach Park (fireworks show). (808) 955-9517. The music is simulcast on KUMU 94.7 FM.

Independence Day at Maunalua Bay. Maunalua Bay, Hawaii Kai. (808) 927-3496

Kailua 4th of July Parade and Festival. Kainalu Drive to Kailua District Park. (808) 261-2727

Other places around Oahu to watch fireworks: Kapolei, Maili Beach Park, Hickam Air Force Base, Schofield Barracks, Turtle Bay Resort and Kaneohe Bay Marine Base.

Big Island:
Great Waikoloa Rubber Duckie Race and Fourth of July Extravaganza. Kings’ Shops, Waikoloa Beach Resort. (808) 886-8811 or (808) 532-6744

Volcano Village July 4 Parade and Celebration. Volcano Post Office to Cooper Center. (808) 982-7317 or (808) 985-9508

Turtle Independence Day. Mauna Lani Resort. (808) 881-7911

Parker Ranch July 4th Rodeo and Horse Races. Parker Ranch Rodeo Arena, Waimea. (808) 885-5669

Kailua-Kona Independence Day Parade and Fireworks. Palani Road to Alii Drive to Coconut Grove Marketplace. (808) 345-2108

Kauai:
Kauai Hospice Concert in the Sky. Vidinha Soccer Field, Lihue. (808) 245-7277

Maui:
Fourth of July Fireworks. Lahaina Harbor and Town. (888) 310-1117 or (808) 667-9194

Weekend Events:
July 4-6: BayFest 2008. Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe, Oahu. (808) 254-7679

For those of you who can’t be in Hawaii tomorrow, here’s some video of last year’s fireworks show at Ala Moana Beach Park/Magic Island.

Happy birthday, America!



 

As we posted back in March, Pat Sajak, Vanna White and, presumably, all the vowels money can buy are packed up and coming to Hawaii.

Wheel of Fortune films on Hawaii’s Big Island on September 12, 13, 15 and 16. The top-rated syndicated game show will be filming four weeks of episodes in four days, oceanside on the grounds of the Hilton Waikoloa Village.

The best part of it all for Wheel watchers? If you’re already on the Big Island that week, you could be in the “studio” audience for tapings.

Imagine seeing Pat Sajak giving away Pontiacs and insane cash prizes! Imagine marveling at Vanna White’s wardrobe changes between shows! In person!

Whoa.
 
Many seats need to be filled. Look for applications on KHON-2’s Web site here—the Hawaii broadcast affiliate for the show. Ticket recipients will be announced between July 21 and August 8.

Wheel of Fortune’s 26th season begins on September 8. The Hawaii shows will air in November.

 

In California this month?

Grammy-nominated Hawaii vocalist Raiatea Helm is headlining the Aloha Falsetto Festival at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center on July 13.

Recent Na Hoku Hanohano award-winning vocalist-musician Hoku Zuttermeister, Gary Haleamau, SoCal-based falsetto singer Geri Brigoli, other musicians and hula halau are also set to perform.

The festival will bring back memories of Aunty Genoa Keawe, who recently passed away at age 89. Many of the musicians set to perform have a special connection to Keawe.

Helm (left) will sing Aunty Genoa’s signature song, Alika—famous for showcasing Keawe’s stunning ability to hold a high note for as long as two minutes. If anyone can match that kind of stamina and brilliance, it’s Helm, 23, who learned much of her art from Keawe.

Hoku Zuttermeister (right) was also mentored by Aunty Genoa, a family friend.  “Aunty had one of the greatest voices of our time, but when you felt her love and her spirit, her music took on a whole new meaning,” says Zuttermeister.

Oahu-born Geri Brigoli treasures memories of performing with Keawe. A close friend of Brigoli’s parents, Aunty Genoa would invite Geri to sing at her weekly Waikiki show when the family returned to Oahu.

“She even showed me how she holds a note so long,” recalled Brigoli, now 61. “She could take a short little breath while “holding” the note, and no one would notice.”

Click here for more information on the Aloha Falsetto Festival, or to purchase tickets. If you’re in Redondo Beach on July 11, make a reservation for a pre-concert dinner reception with the performers. They’ll be signing CDs and talking story over some great Hawaiian food.
 
 

Hawaii decathlete Bryan Clay— a 1998 graduate of Oahu’s Castle High School— is bound for the Olympics again, this time as a record-holder.

Clay earned his ticket to Beijing by earning 8,832 points in the U.S. Olympic track and field trials yesterday—a new record for the competition and the highest score from an American athlete in 16 years.

The 28-year-old Clay exceeded the 1996 Olympic trials record of 8,726 points set by Dan O’Brien. Also in the dust, Clay’s own personal decathlon best of 8,820 points, at the 2004 Athens Games, where he earned a silver medal.

Clay’s point count gave him the sixth spot on the list of best athletes ever in the 10-event competition. Sport watchers say Clay has a great chance of besting his new record at the Olympic games in Beijing.

The world record in the sport is 9,026 points, set by the Czech Republic’s Roman Sebrle in 2001. Sebrle beat Clay for the gold medal in 2004.

“I’m happy with my training. I’m happy with my mindset and I want to bring that to Beijing,” said Clay, on his Web site. “I just have to get after it every event, stay focused, and do my job.”

The summer Olympic games in Beijing begin August 8th.

  

I love to eat.

With that in mind I roused my appetite and strolled over to Flavors of Honolulu on Sunday. The three-day food festival—a fundraiser for non-profit Abilities Unlimited—took place near downtown Honolulu on the grounds of the Frank F. Fasi Civic Center. 

I had a lot of fun. An Earth Wind & Fire cover band was rocking the grounds. My dad walked the event contently with a plastic cup of merlot. Me? I sprawled out on the lawn, pleasantly full, after my round of voracity.

The 13 local restaurants with booths were solid—everything from Hawaiian fare to French crepes to pastele stew to shave ice. Established favorites (Bali by the Sea) and national chains (Senor Frog’s) were there. But what really grabbed my attention—and appetite—were the small local hole-in-the-wall places that I would never have heard of otherwise.

My favorites?

• India Café’s chicken curry with jasmine rice and chickpeas. (The slow-cooked chicken just about fell off the bone. I loved the hint of cinnamon.)
• Kimo’s pastele stew with Sanoran spiced shrimp (top) from Mark’s Specialties. (I’ve never had the Puerto Rican delicacy pastele as a stew. The blend of spices popped in my mouth.)
• Garlic Ahi with sweet wasabi sauce from Koi Catering and Takeout. (Fresh fish, garlic-crusted on a bed of gourmet greens. Wasabi gave it some bite.)
• Romeo et Juliette crepe with fresh sliced strawberries, bananas and Nutella from Le Crepe Café. (Fresh fruit and chocolate-hazelnut Nutella … what’s not to love?)
• Bananas Foster Cheesecake from Planet Hollywood. (Yeah, I know … Planet Hollywood, not exactly a hole-in-the-wall. But I couldn’t resist.)

Flavors of Honolulu is over, alas. But my can’t-miss food picks are still obtainable if you’re up for some Honolulu exploration. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

  

Lots of HawaiiMagazine.com readers still click daily on our February post titled, “What happened to Flumin’ Da Ditch kayak tours?”

The answer remains: It’s closed due to damages caused by the November 2006 Big Island earthquake, under repair, and currently doesn’t have a re-opening date.

But that doesn’t mean there’s no ditch flumin’ going on in Hawaii. It’s just happening on another island.

In the July/August issue of HAWAII Magazine, writer Jan TenBruggencate spends an afternoon with Kauai Backcountry Adventures, tubing down that island’s old sugar plantation flumes.

That’s right, “tubing.”

Instead of paddling a kayak down the irrigation canals once used by sugar planters to bring cold highland water to the lowland fields of east Kauai, TenBruggencate plants himself in a large innertube and lets gravity take control. The two-mile run down the Hanamaulu Ditch floats riders along a fern- and fruit-tree lined tropical rainforest and through five manmade tunnels.

It’s a shorter journey than Flumin’ Da Ditch’s 16 miles of canals, but still seemed fun.

Guides give you the history of the ditch along the way. You get a headlight-equipped helmet, gloves and water-safe shoes for the trip.

Just be sure to show up sporting clothes you won’t mind getting wet.

Click here for more information on Kauai Backcountry Adventures, or call (808) 245-2506. Click here for a brief video of the tubing experience.

And be sure to read about Jan’s Kauai ditch-tubing adventure in the current issue of HAWAII Magazine—available now at bookstores and newsstands, by print subscription, and in a digital version you can download now.

And if you do tube the ditch on Kauai, please let us and other HawaiiMagazine.com readers know what you thought about it.

 

Eddie would go.

Perhaps you saw or heard the phrase somewhere here in Hawaii. On a t-shirt. On a bumpersticker. Maybe somebody even told you a story about the saying’s namesake, Eddie Aikau.

Aikau was a noted big wave surfer and lifeguard, part of the crew for the Hawaiian long-distance voyaging canoe Hokulea’s second voyage, bound for Tahiti. Six hours into the voyage, high winds and turbulent seas capsized the Hokulea between Oahu and Lanai. With no rescue in sight for the Hokulea’s crew, Aikau volunteered to paddle a surfboard to Lanai, about 10 miles away, for help.

The crew was rescued, but Aikau was never seen again after paddling off. The still-used phrase “Eddie would go”—enshrined in the title of a 1995 HONOLULU Magazine article about the incident, written by crewmate Marion Lyman-Mersereau—is a tribute to Aikau’s heroism.

So is Lyman-Mersereau’s Eddie Wen’ Go: The Story of the Upside-Down Canoe, a just-released children’s book that gives Aikau’s tale an inspired re-imagining. Hawaii ocean creatures—dolphins, humpback whales, sea turtles, frigate birds and a gabby shark—not humans, recount the legend of the “upside-down canoe” and the fearless Aikau.

It’s a great kids’ read—full of clever adventure, colorful characters and gorgeous watercolor artwork by Hawaii artist Melissa DeSica. Lyman-Mersereau, who helped build the Hokulea and was on the voyage with Aikau, wrings inspiration from the tragic day through her ocean characters and Aikau’s heroism.

A read-along CD brings the book’s sea characters and copious use of Hawaiian words, phrases and pidgin to vibrant life.

Lyman-Mersereau will be giving readings from Eddie Wen’ Go at Honolulu bookstores throughout the summer—here’s a schedule. The book is on sale now at bookstores, or click here to purchase.

Click the book cover above for book artwork and excerpts from the read-along CD.

 

Blue surf. White sand. Gold sunsets. And now, a green resort.

Kaanapali Resort’s north beach will be home to a 390-villa resort developed by Starwood Vacation Ownership that will also be Hawaii’s first LEED-certified resort.

What’s LEED?

It’s acronym for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, a environmentally-conscious rating system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council.

It’s not easy being green. LEED’s standards for environmentally-conscious construction are notoriously high. If Starwood gets LEED's certification for its new Maui resort, it would raise the bar for green tourism in the islands. 

Arup, a global design and engineering firm specializing in green design, is Starwood’s construction partner. Already proposed innovations for the new resort include desalination to produce water, heat-exchange systems for air conditioning, and a co-generation system for hot water and electricity.

Targeted for a fall 2011 opening, the beachfront resort will include one, two and three-bedroom accommodations with sweeping views of the ocean, Lanai and Molokai. The resort will be Starwood’s third vacation ownership property on Maui and its fourth overall in the state.

Click here for more information on Starwood Vacation Ownership's Hawaii properties, or call (800) 601-8699.
  

On June 9, Uilani, an 11-year-old sea lion, gave birth to a healthy baby girl at Oahu’s Sea Life Park. Yesterday was the pup’s first public appearance.

The baby sea lion, who doesn’t have a name yet, weighed approximately 17 pounds and measured 24 inches in length.

Isn’t she a cutie pie?

You can learn more about the sea lions in Hawaii by checking out Sea Life Park’s Sea Lion Discovery program, where you can swim and play with these mammals. If you wish, you can also pet, kiss and hug your new slippery friends.

Sea Life Park also offers a similar educational program for dolphins (Royal Swim, Swim Adventure, Dolphin Encounter, and Dolphin Aloha Program) and stingrays.


 

You ask. We answer.

HAWAII Magazine reader Michael Mattox e-mailed us:

Do you know where I can buy the red-and-gold alii signs they use to show points of interest in Hawaii?

According to a Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau representative, the “warrior” signs—which mark sites of historical, cultural or scenic interest—are not for sale.

A January 2005 Honolulu Star-Bulletin story explains that HVCB has trademarked the signs. The first warrior sign went up 76 years ago. Today, there are approximately 300 signs identifying points of interest across the Hawaiian Islands.

In the past, a few companies made replicas, but HVCB asked to stop the reproduction.

Since the signs are HVCB’s trademark, you’ll have to settle for a picture of the warrior marker as your souvenir. 

  

Can you believe these photos? Yes, it’s Matt Damon—shooting scenes for his next movie at Oahu’s Makaha Valley Country Club earlier this week.

The cheap aloha shirt, post disco-era ‘stache and serious paunch? All part of his character.

People’s current Sexiest Man Alive is playing real-life whistleblower Mark Whitacre in director Steven Soderbergh’s thriller The Informant.

Based on journalist Kurt Eichenwald's 2000 book, the film traces Whitacre’s journey from button-down Archer Daniels Midland executive to FBI informant intent on taking down the agribusiness giant. Supposedly, Whitacre had clandestine meetings with Archer Daniels Midland brass at the Makaha club in the ‘90s.

Possibly shady, possibly downright delusional, Whitacre first confessed to the FBI in 1992 that the Fortune 500 company was conspiring with its competitors to fix the price of a potentially lucrative food additive.

The case for and against “anti-hero” Whitacre is still making headlines.

The Informant is set for a March 2009 release. Damon’s workouts with his personal trainer will likely begin much sooner.
 
 

HawaiiMagazine.com reader Ashley Rath, halfway around the world in Hertfordshire, England, made my morning.

Ashley wrote:

Aloha Derek!

The slideshow you posted this weekend of John Heckathorn’s and David Croxford’s visit to Hawi on Hawaii’s Big Island was, in a word, gorgeous.

It was just what I needed on yet another rainy Saturday afternoon in England. The photos were so grand and detailed, I felt as if I were right there with the boys.

I didn’t know Hawi existed the last time I visited the Big Island. Thanks to you, I won’t miss this lovely piece of “Hidden Hawaii” the next time I go.

One question though. Do you have any more photos to share of your trip to Lanai besides the ones you posted in April? I loved your video of Polihua Beach—what I would give to sit there for an afternoon, as well. But I’d love to see a slideshow with more of your photos from Lanai—another “Hidden Hawaii” gem.

Mahalo for your comments, Ashley. I’m a fan of our Hawi slideshow, too. I was born and raised on the Big Island, but I’d never seen the Hawi that John and David captured. The view from the ridge of Pololu Valley was always worth a trip from Hilo. But the biggest business in Hawi and Kapaau the last time I visited a decade ago was a kimchee factory. (Good kimchee, but still …)

The photos John and David brought back impressed me so much, I made sure to revisit Hawi and Kapaau on a Big Island trip a couple of weeks ago. It really was as charming and bustling with activity as “the boys” said.

But you asked about my April visit to Lanai. I’m happy to report I do have more photos to share. And since you asked, here they are.

Click on the slideshow screen for larger photos.

 

You can read more about my driving tour of the beaches of Lanai in the July/August 2008 issue of HAWAII Magazine—available now at bookstores and newsstands, by print subscription, and in a digital version you can download now.
 

Hosting a party this summer? Why not throw your own luau?

For our July/August 2008 issue of HAWAII Magazine, we created a contemporary luau guide just for you. The Modern Luau: A Complete How-To Guide features recipes by noted Hawaiian chef Fred DeAngelo, and is filled with photos that’ll make your mouth water.

This is a guide to the kind of luau we’d want to attend—with a menu rooted in real Hawaiian tradition and reflective of the sophisticated cuisine now found in Hawaii.

We’ve got everything from appetizers to Island-inspired main-course dishes, to a delicious dessert made with Kona coffee. Because we wanted you to be able to re-create the recipes—no matter where you lived—there’s even a shopping list with everything you’ll need.

On the menu: Furikake Ahi Poke, Rib-Eye Steak Poke, Kalua Pig Nachos, Smoked Salmon Lomilomi Salad, Lollipop Shrimp Luau, Miso Butterfish, Aloha Pork Shank (pictured above) and for dessert, Kona Coffee Panna Cotta.

Also included: Our list of the six greatest Hawaiian luau albums of all time and downloadable menus and invitations.

You’ll find it all in our current issue—available at most national bookstores and newsstands, by print subscription and in a digital format you can download today.

The dish pictured below? DeAngelo’s Kona Coffee Panna Cotta. Here’s the recipe:

Kona Coffee Panna Cotta

What you’ll need:     

2 cups Whole milk
4 cups Heavy cream    
3 tbsp. Instant Kona Coffee
6 fl. oz. Granulated sugar
1.5 fl. oz. Unflavored powdered gelatin
6 Martini glasses
Dark chocolate for garnish

Directions:

Heat milk in a heavy saucepan over low heat. Sprinkle gelatin over the milk and allow to bloom, about 3 minutes. Do not boil.

Once the gelatin is dissolved, increase to medium heat and add in the heavy cream, instant coffee and sugar, stir to dissolve. Do not boil.

Remove from the heat and allow to cool, about 3 minutes, ladle into martini glass and refrigerate until set, about 7 hours or overnight.

When ready to serve, use a vegetable peeler on a block or bar of dark chocolate to make shavings. Garnish with the chocolate.


 

The United States Olympic Women’s Soccer Team will have a Hawaii player on the pitch when it defends its 2004 gold medal in Beijing in August.

Former University of Hawaii soccer star Natasha Kai today became the first-ever female player from Hawaii selected for a U.S. Olympic team in the sport. The U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team forward was one of 18 players chosen for the Olympic squad by U.S. coach Pia Sundhage.

Kai, who was raised on Oahu, joins an Olympic team loaded with the championship-winning U.S. national team’s best-of-the-best. On Saturday, the national team won the 2008 Peace Queen Cup in Suwon, South Korea, with a 1-0 victory over Canada.

Sundage selected Kai for the Olympic team largely based on her performance in that match-up. Kai, with 11 goals, is second only to teammate Abby Wambach in scoring for the national team this year.

The U.S. Olympic team will play the first women’s soccer match-up of the 2008 Beijing Olympics on Aug. 6 against Norway. Games with Japan and New Zealand follow on Aug. 9 and 12, respectively.

Kai—who lettered in five sports in addition to soccer while attending Oahu’s Kahuku High School—is still the all-time leading scorer in University of Hawaii and Western Athletic Conference women’s soccer history.

In 2006, she became the first-ever Hawaii player to make the Women’s National Soccer Team. Kai was also part of the national team that won the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the sport’s world championship.

We’ll definitely be watching the team in Beijing along with the rest of the world.

Congratulations, Natasha!
 
 

Mayor of Kauai Bryan J. Baptiste died yesterday after suffering cardiac arrest at his home on Kauai.

He was 52.

News of Baptiste’s sudden death was a surprise to Hawaii residents. Baptiste had just been released from Honolulu’s Queen’s Medical Center on Friday after undergoing bypass surgery on June 13 and was said to be in good spirits and anxious to return to work.

According to a statement from the Kauai mayor’s office, Baptiste returned to Kauai on Saturday night and was resting at his home when he passed away Sunday afternoon.

Honolulu mayor Mufi Hannemann, in a statement, called Baptiste “Mayor Aloha.”

“Bryan was quick to smile, put people at ease, and said just enough to get his point across, yet make people feel comfortable with the decision-making process,” said Hannemann. “We’ve lost an outstanding public servant.”

Said Maui mayor Charmaine Tavares, in a written release, “We had a wonderful relationship and I will really miss him. … His absence on the Hawaii Council of Mayors will be felt by many.”

Baptiste’s administrative assistant Gary Heu will serve as mayor pro-tem until the position is filled temporarily. Voters will select someone to fill the remaining two years of Baptiste’s second term in November’s general election.

Baptiste, who had served as Kauai’s mayor since 2002, is survived by his wife Annette and four children: Brandon, Heather, Lauren and Preston.

Our condolences go out to the Baptiste ohana.
  

For our July/August 2008 issue, photographer David Croxford and I took a trip to North Kohala, a seldom-visited peninsula that sticks up like a green thumb at the top of the Big Island of Hawaii.

The little plantation towns of the peninsula—Hawi and Kapaau—almost disappeared two decades ago. Their buildings were shuttered and decaying, but they have come most colorfully back to life, filled with galleries, shops, eateries you will find no place else.

It’s our job at HAWAII Magazine to bring you the hidden Hawaii. You can see the feature in our current issue—available at bookstores and newsstands, by print subscription and in a digital format you can download today.

But, of course, we took far more photos than we could ever fit in the magazine. For our Web readers, here’s a slideshow of more than 70 images that will take you on a journey to a part of the Big Island few visitors have seen.

Click on the slideshow screen for larger photos.

 

Actor Pierce Brosnan got more than a makeshift award from the folks at the Maui Film Festival last weekend. He also got a faceful of Wailea one maka (wet sand).

After doing some stand-up paddleboarding—itself a pretty silly looking activity—Brosnan made the critical error of not jumping off his surfboard before reaching the beach.

When his board hit the sand, Brosnan took a face-first tumble into the surf and nearly got hit by his own leashed board.

Our favorite moment? The former James Bond trying to look cool while exiting the beach soaking wet in an unbuttoned long-sleeved white linen dress shirt and flowered shorts combo while paparazzi shutters click away. He nearly succeeds.

Note to non-Hawaii residents: Pierce's is not couture we locals typically hit the beach with. And remember, just step off the board when the water’s knee-deep or less.

Brosnan's OK. Click his bare chest in the photo above for the video.


 

At the end of broadcast journalist Tim Russert’s funeral service this week, the attendees left to “a ukulele version of ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow,’” said MSNBC’s Keith Olbermann.

The song was, of course, the late Israel Kamakawiwoole’s magical recording of the tune—which was a favorite of Russert's.

Outside the funeral, people were amazed to suddenly see the double rainbow in this photo—a far rarer sight in Washington, D.C., than in Hawaii.

“If a soul can create a rainbow,” said Olbermann, “that was Tim smiling down at us.”

With all due deference to Mr. Russert, who was apparently a fine man—the rainbow, that was from Iz.

 

A hotel room at the beachfront Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki for as low as $239 a night, with a free round of golf and a spa treatment?

It’s real. You’ve just gotta get here between July 1 and December 31 to enjoy it.

The deal looked good to us. If you book a room at the Village for as low as $239 a night, you can choose from one of the following complimentary options:

• Option 1: Two rounds of golf at the Hawaii Prince Golf Club, including transportation (value: $160 per round)

• Option 2: Two 50-minute Mandara Spa treatments—Massage Around the World and/or Elemis Aromapure facial (value: $134 per treatment)

• Option 3: A round of golf at Hawaii Prince Golf Club and single Mandara Spa treatment.

A minimum four-night stay is required. You must book the Golf Spa Escape Package—that's the deal's let's-get-right-to-the-point name—at least a week in advance.

Click here to book online, or call (800) 445-8667.
  

We knew our favorite Kilauea Volcano watchers Steve and Donna O’Meara were world famous in their field. Now National Geographic readers know, too.

The video below—recently posted on National Geographic’s Web site—features the couple and their team of “volcano commandos” traversing the slopes of Italy’s Stromboli volcano. The footage was shot in 2002 for a National Geographic Explorer film Volcano Chasers.

In it, they brave some nasty rain, wind, fog and cold near Stromboli’s fire-belching vents to prove their “Earth Tides” theory. Like most astronomers, the O'Meara's believe volcanoes get more active when the moon is closest to the Earth and exerts increased gravitational pull.

"Believe it or not, we were actually working on a daily basis INSIDE the active vents," wrote Donna, by e-mail from Hawaii's Big Island. "When we filmed, about four of them were going off. You never knew where to point your cameras!"

The O’Meara’s live in Volcano Village, a small residential town a few miles from Kilauea’s summit. We ran a post in February about the couple’s then just-released book, Volcano: A Visual Guide.

It’s still a great volume, chockfull of the O’Meara’s stunning photography and information on volcanoes, eruptions and lava whether undersea, on land or in the cosmos.

The O'Meara's may soon be off to Italy once again—this time, to check out recent activity at Mount Etna. But as always, they'll return home to Kilauea.

Wrote Donna: "We work all over the planet. But we're always tickled pink—or should I say 'lava red'—that HAWAII Magazine and its dedicated readers are interested in our photos, work and volcano escapades."

Click here to check out our collection of posts on eruptive activity at Kilauea Volcano this year. Our collection also includes great Kilauea photography from the O'Meara's (like the one above of Donna near the ash and steam plume at Halemaumau Crater).

Click the image below for the National Geographic video of the O'Meara's.


  

What happens when you match two of Hawaii’s most inventive guitarists—in this case, Hapa’s Barry Flanagan and Barefoot Natives’ Eric Gilliom—on the same stage?

Beats us. We’ve never seen it happen.

Which is why we’re intrigued by the Royal Lahaina Resort’s Ka'anapali Nights concert series, which will feature the longtime friends over six summer Saturday nights starting June 28.

Both are Na Hoku Hanohano award-winning talents. Barry’s been a best Hawaiian music album Grammy nominee, with Hapa partner Nathan Aweau. Eric plays with former Grammy nominee Willie K in Barefoot Natives.

The dinner show happens oceanside at the resort’s Royal Ocean Terrace Restaurant—an up-close-and-personal setting that should show off the duo’s skills best. Other dates are July 19, 26, August 2, 9 and 16.

For reservations, call (808) 661-9119.
 
 

Honolulu singer-composer-musician Hoku Zuttermeister took a long time to record his debut solo CD 'Aina Kupuna.

But that diligence paid off big last night when the traditional Hawaiian CD took home six Na Hoku Hanohano Awards—the Hawaii music industry’s equivalent of a Grammy. It was the most Hoku any artist or CD would win at the 31st annual awards show.

Zuttermeister’s awards included Hawaiian album of the year, male vocalist of the year, best Hawaiian language performance and most promising artist. He also won entertainer of the year—the only Hoku category voted on by the public.

The bulk of Na Hoku's 26 categories are voted on by members of the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts, an organization of recording industry professionals, journalists and others with interest in Hawaiian music.

The accolades heaped on Zuttermeister last night were hardly surprising to folks who closely follow Hawaiian music. Though new to Na Hoku Hanohano recognition, Zuttermeister, 33, has over the last decade collaborated with some of Hawaii’s most popular and critically-praised musicians. Among them: Robert Cazimero, Ho'okena, Raiatea Helm, Ku'uipo Kumukahi, Sean Na'auao and the late Aunty Genoa Keawe.

This collection of music peers and friends encouraged Zuttermeister to finally record 'Aina Kupuna in 2006. Released last year, it immediately bowed at the top of Hawaii music sales charts.

Only one other CD took multiple awards: Ku'uipo Kumukahi and the Hawaiian Hall of Fame Serenaders’ The Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame Presents: Na Lani Eha. The disc took the top honor of album of the year and won an award for graphics.

Newcomer Napua Greig won female vocalist of the year honors for her CD Pihana, while Maunalua took home a third group of the year Hoku for Ho'okanaka.

Click here for a complete list of winners.

If you missed last night’s live broadcast of the awards—or were peeved by technical glitches that made large stretches of broadcast unwatchable—Honolulu television station KFVE will replay the entire ceremony at 10:30 p.m. on Saturday.

 

When I have cravings for bun cha gio thit nuong (a Vietnamese dish consisting of rice vermicelli, barbeque pork and spring rolls), I like to go to Vietnam Café Pho Saigon, a small restaurant on the corner of Hotel and Smith streets in Honolulu’s Chinatown.

There’s nothing fancy about the restaurant, but don’t let appearances fool you.

The dishes on the menu are written in Vietnamese, with descriptions in English. If you can’t pronounce the dish’s name, you can also tell them what number you’d like to order.

The best thing about ordering No. 7 is the generous amount of toppings on the bed of cold noodles: spring rolls, grilled barbeque pork, lettuce, bean sprouts, cucumber and fresh mint.

If you’d rather not eat pork, you can get these cold noodles with broiled fresh prawns, lemongrass beef, chicken curry and crab meat to name a few other options.

It’s best to get to the restaurant by 11:30 for lunch. As it gets closer to noon, the restaurant fills up with businesspeople, retirees and out-of-town visitors.

Insider’s tip: The bill doesn’t come to the table. When you’re done, walk to the front counter. They’ll know how much you owe when you tell them your table number. At least this way, you never have to wait for your waiter/waitress for your change.
[52 N. Hotel St., (808) 536-8462]


 

Recently we had the good fortune to hang out at Ron Jacobs’ Whodaguyhawaii.com studio, when two-thirds of the Makaha Sons showed up for a visit.

In cyberspace, Whodaguyhawaii.com may be international in scope. But the Kaneohe headquarters of the internet Hawaiian music station are hardly spacious.
 
Moon Kauakahi (left, in pic) and Jerome Koko, accompanied by manager Sharlene Oshiro, wedged themselves into the room already occupied by a half dozen computer monitors, microphones, Ron Jacobs and a few friends and neighbors.

Even without Jerome’s brother John, the effect of hearing the Makaha Sons soft precise harmonies in a small space was overwhelming. 

The mood was nostaglic. The group recalled hanging out with Jacobs in the '70s, when both Israel and Skippy Kamakawiwoole were still alive. Among the recollections was a memorable date when they jammed for seven straight hours at Jacobs’ daughter’s baby luau.

The Makaha Sons—with or without Skippy and Iz—have always been one of our favorite groups, blending astounding harmonies orchestrated by Moon, with real Hawaiian spirit.

If you need a Hawaiian music fix, the Sons may be coming to a venue near you real soon. They'll be on the road more days in the Mainland U.S. than they are in Hawaii this summer.

June 20, Rogue Theatre, Grants Pass, OR
June 21, David Marr Theater, Redding, CA
June 23, The Living Room Community Church, Kennewick, WA
June 26, Bing Crosby Theater, Spokane, WA
June 27, World Beat Festival, Salem, OR

July 11, Bayou Theater, University of Houston at Clear Lake, Houston, TX
July 13, Lakeview Harbor Restaurant, New Orleans, LA
July 16, Johnson Theater, Tennessee Performing Arts Center, Nashville, TN
July 19-20  Palm Ballroom, Hilton in Walt Disney Resort, Orlando, FL

Sept 20, New Hampshire (location TBA)
Sept 23, The Triad, New York City, NY
Sept 25, Thomas Jefferson High School Auditorium, Jefferson Hills, PA
Sept 26, Private party
Sept 28, Room 101, Lakeland Community College, Cleveland, OH

Take our word for it. You'll won't leave a Moon, John and Jerome concert disappointed.

 

Living in Hawaii, we’re spoiled in many ways. But not so spoiled that we’d ever take for granted a morning mug of 100 percent Kona coffee.

The stuff may virtually grow in our backyard—in this case, Hawaii's Big Island. But retailing for up to $30 a pound even here in Hawaii, a cup of it is still a much-savored treat.

Kona coffee deservedly gets the bulk of the attention. But it’s only one bean in Hawaii’s thriving multi-million dollar coffee industry.

Coffee is grown on five Hawaiian islands: The Big Island, Maui, Kauai, Molokai and Oahu. And some—present company included—say some of these coffees are as good as Kona’s, if not better. Molokai Muleskinner—a superb robust dark roast—and Estate Roasted Kauai Blue Mountain—a lusty dark roast Peaberry—are favorites in my house. In 2007, coffees from the Ka’u region of the Big Island took two slots (no. 6 and no. 9) in the Top 12 of the Specialty Coffee Association of America’s cupping competition. (Trust us, a big deal in the coffee world.)

There’s even more to know about Hawaii joe, which you’ll find in the just-released Hawaii Coffee Book: A Gourmet’s Guide from Kona to Kauai from Watermark Publishing. Written by Hawaii-based coffee scientist Shawn Steiman, it’s a guide to one of the state’s most recognizable and highly coveted products—including a region-by-region breakdown of varieties and farms, purchasing information (yes, you can buy online) and even a dozen cooking-with-coffee recipes.

If you’re in Honolulu on June 27, stop by the book’s official launch party at Native Books Hawaii to sample coffees from all five islands and to toss Steiman any Hawaii coffee question you’ve got.

Click here and you could also take a seat at an actual Hawaii coffee cupping—think a wine tasting, except with coffee and a lot of slurping from a spoon—at the launch. Both events are free and open to the public.

The Hawaii Coffee Book is in bookstores now, or can be purchased online here.

 

On Friday—the summer solstice—the sun will set on the southeast corner of the newly restored Hapaialii heiau on Hawaii’s Big Island. 

Billy Fields is sure.

He wasn’t so sure last December 21—the winter solstice. That day, Billy Fields sat gazing nervously at the heiau, originally built in the 1400s, possibly as a place to honor alii (royalty) and as a seasonal calendar. For months, Fields had led a small group restoring this important Hawaiian temple, now situated along the shoreline at the Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort.

If the predictions of Hawaiian cultural experts were correct, the sun would set exactly at the southwest corner of the newly restored heiau. Field breathed easier: It did.

Three months later on the spring equinox, March 20, the sun set exactly in the middle of the western wall. Success.

You don’t have to wait for the stars to align to feel the power of Hapaialii. On the stunning, storied shoreline where the Keauhou Resort stands, anyone can approach the 150 by 100 feet heiau’s massive ancient rocks in the restored walls. During high tide, the heiau is completely surrounded by swirling ocean waters.

Kamehameha Schools owns the resort and paid to restore Hapaialii. Fields, a master “dry stack” mason, will continue restoring two other nearby heiau.

Just up the road from the resort in the Keauhou Shopping Center is a newly opened Keauhou Kahaluu Heritage Center, where you can learn the history of the area.

But make sure you visit Hapaialii. You'll be uplifted.

  

Go ahead … give us your best shot.

The deadline for our Best of Hawaii reader ballots passed on Friday, and with it a shot at several sweet gift packages from Oils of Aloha (you can still win an Oils of Aloha travel kit by writing to us).

But an even bigger prize is still up for grabs if you enter HAWAII Magazine’s 10th annual photo contest: A trip for two to Hawaii, courtesy of Hawaiian Airlines, with six days and five nights at the newly remodeled Outrigger Reef on the Beach Hotel in Waikiki.

All you need to do is pore through your collection of photos from previous Hawaii vacations and send us the best of your best by Aug. 8, 2008. Should we select your photo as the best of our best, you get all of the above, with our congratulations.

Check out our official rules and submit your photo—or photos—in any or all of the following four categories: Oahu, Maui, Big Island and Kauai. The photos can show people, places, events or really, anything you think is pretty cool—taken in Hawaii.

Photos sent to our Photo of the Week can be entered into our photo contest.

There will be only one grand-prize winner. But 4 first-prize winners and 4 second-prize winners will get some cash, a gift basket from Lanikai Bath and Body and a Watermark Publishing book prize package.

All of our winning photos will be published in the January/February 2009 issue of HAWAII Magazine.

Click here for more details, the contest rules and the official entry form.

Best of luck!


 

Congratulations to the Hawaiian monk seal—now our official state mammal.

Hawaii Lieutenant Governor Duke Aiona signed a bill into law last week giving the endangered and much-beloved seal the official designation. Wildlife experts—who have long considered the seal one of the world’s most-endangered species—hope the move will raise international awareness about the native Hawaii mammal’s plight.

Roughly 1,200 Hawaiian monk seals remain in the wild—about 80 to 100 of these in waters surrounding the main Hawaiian Islands. The new bill will give the monk seals the same protection as the also endangered humpback whale—Hawaii's marine state mammal.

Uh-huh. We know the monk seal is also a marine mammal, but why quibble details with good news?

The Hawaiian monk seal population declines by about 4 percent each year. But experts are hopeful that the animal’s designation as an official state symbol will boost seal numbers again. Four monk seal pups have already been born this year.

Take a look at the picture, at right. Who wouldn’t want to see more of these cute pups?

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has been implementing monk seal outreach and education programs for years. Find out more about the Hawaiian monk seal and NOAA’s efforts to protect it here. 

  

The Four Seasons Lodge at Koele is doing a wine dinner on June 23.

Sadly, unlike April’s beer dinner at Koele, I’m not off to Lanai for the four-course meal this time. But I promised HawaiiMagazine.com readers back then that I would let you all know the next time the Lodge did one of its swanky—yet very casual and fun—themed dinners.

Justin Vineyards and Winery of Paso Robles, Calif., is hosting this one. Owners Deborah and Justin Baldwin will be on hand to chat up the evening’s wine selections. Brand new Lodge at Koele executive sous chef Fabrice Huet designed the food.

The selections got me ravenous: Risotto and Kona lobster, grilled Kobe beef strip loin with blue cheese-infused Yukon potatoes, and a Valrhona-Caraibe chocolate parfait with honey-roasted pears—all paired with Justin wines.

Dinner will be served in the Lodge’s Music Room. Price per person is $125. The dinner is on a Monday. But chances are if you’re even considering a stay at the Four Seasons Lodge at Koele, flying in for a wine dinner on a weeknight isn’t a problem for you. Call (808) 565-2335 for reservations and the full menu.

There are far worse ways to spend a Monday.
 

We know how much you love Hawaii, but which story in our May/June issue touched your heart? Made you laugh? Made you think we should do a better job?

Did you like our 15 Things We Love About Hawaii feature story? What are some of the things you love about Hawaii that we missed?

Don’t be shy. Send us a letter to the Editor by e-mail or by mailing it to: HAWAII Magazine, 1000 Bishop St., Suite 405, Honolulu, HI 96813.


If you’re a HAWAII Magazine subscriber, our July/August issue will be arriving shortly in your mailbox. Let us know which story you enjoyed reading in the new issue, too.

If you’ve recently subscribed to our digital edition of HAWAII Magazine, tell us about your virtual magazine reading experience.

Your letter to the Editor could be selected as the winning postcard for our next issue. If you’re our next winner, you will receive a free travel kit from Oils of Aloha.

Write to us today! We’d love to hear from you.
  

Europe is in. But if you have to live in the United States, try Honolulu.

An annual survey released by New York consulting firm Mercer ranks the world's best places to live.

The top ten is dominated by European cities, but Hawaii fans will be pleased to know that Honolulu is listed highest of all U.S. cities, beating out the likes of Boston, Chicago and New York.

Overall, Honolulu stands at No. 28, followed closely by San Francisco at No. 29.

Each city was rated on 39 quality-of-living factors, from traffic congestion and air quality to schooling and recreation. The survey was done as a service to companies looking to set up shop in new markets.

Zurich, Switzerland tops the list. Last, you ask? Baghdad, Iraq.

Is Hawaii getting the props it deserves? Check out the list for yourself and tell us your thoughts.