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The best time to take this walk is just before sunrise, before the day heats up. If you are starting from Waikiki, walk along Kalakaua Avenue and listen to the quiet of the morning. Traffic is light, mostly trucks delivering food and supplies to businesses. Say “hello” to your fellow early morning walkers and those visitors too jet lagged to sleep in. As you pass the Police Station near the Duke Kahanamoku statue, watch the surfers out catching the best waves of the day. Just outside the station, inside a fenced area are the four ancient Pohaku Stones, a gift from Tahitian healers to Hawaiian residents. Watch out for maintenance workers clearing trash or sweeping sand from the sidewalks to prepare the beach for the onslaught of sun bathers.

Continue walking past Kapiolani Park but don’t stop here before dawn. On your right, you’ll pass the huge banyan trees in front of the Waikiki Aquarium and Natatorium. Continuing along Kalakaua you will see sleepy tourists outside drinking their coffee and hotel workers clearing garden debris from the sidewalk. At the end of the park, take a right onto Diamond Head Road and begin your ascent.

This stretch can get crowded with walkers, runners, bikers and surfers early in the morning. Stay to the right and out of the traffic flow. Beautiful homes are nestled into the side of the volcano. As you pass Kaluahole, Makalei and Le’Ahi Beaches, the number of cars parked on the side of the road increase. Surfers know where the best waves are. If you want to try your luck here, be aware of a long, steep decline to get to the water on sometimes unstable slopes.

Listen to the new sounds along this stretch. Roosters crowing greetings to the new day. Other colorful birds like the Red-Crested Cardinal rustle in the branches. Keep your eyes open for mongoose darting through the rocks. A few stray cats cruise by checking out the scene. Check out the view over the Pacific as the sky begins to brighten.

Soon you will pass Diamond Head Lighthouse. The original was built in 1899 and replaced in 1917. The Fresnel lens shines brightly warning ships away from the jagged shoreline. Take in the view from the street as this lighthouse stands on the current residence of the 14th Coast Guard District Commander and is not open to the public.

Continue along past Kuilei Cliffs beach where you can rest your weary feet for a moment on the lava rock wall. Say hello to the master gardeners who keep this tropical garden trim and neat. This is a prime spot to wait for the sun to crest the ocean as the day officially begins.

Next up is the Amelia Earhart Monument and parking area. Watch out for buses as this is a favorite spot for tour guides to stop for photos. The Pacific views and beaches below are breathtaking. Look along the coast to the left and see Black Point and Doris Duke’s Shangri La. Built in the 1930’s, you can now tour the home and Islamic treasures Duke collected.

Across the street is Diamond Head Park, endowed by Muriel Flanders, and can be identified by the plaque on a large stone. She led the effort to replace the weeds and garbage with native plants. We are not quite at the half way point. Let’s continue on our walk.

As we reach the top of the rise, we will take a left as Diamond Head Road turns and Kahala Road goes straight along the coast. The large park at the intersection is a common gathering spot for charity walks and other events. Now we begin our long descent on the inland side of Diamond Head.

On the right, we pass Fort Rutger Military Reservation. Several buildings out in front and gates on the side of the road further along are made from lava rocks. Few remnants remain of the former Officers Club on the left side of the street. Also on the left is the driveway into Diamond Head State Park. If you still have energy, walk into the park then hike to the top of Diamond Head for spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, Waikiki, and Honolulu. On your .8 mile hike you will climb 560 feet above the crater floor.

If you are not up for that hike, check out the outdoor workout area in the park on the right in front of Kapiolani Community College. Then walk to the front of the college for a tour of their cactus garden and views of Kahala and Koko Head Crater. If this is Saturday morning, check out the farmers market in the college parking lot. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and delectable treats await you. Pick up a cup of Kona coffee to sip while you shop. Taste island and other exotic dishes, even bakery items. As you get back to your walk, check out the Peace Garden nestled in the hillside across from the college entrance.

Now we are on the home stretch. Honolulu and Waikiki stand before you. Diamond Head Road becomes Monsarrat Avenue as we return to the Diamond Head neighborhood. Check out the stores and restaurants like the Diamond Head Market and Grill.

Continue under the tree canopy as you walk along the fence outside the Honolulu Zoo. On the weekends, local artists display their art on the fence and chat with each other or work on new art pieces. On your right is the Waikiki Shell where you can enjoy the outdoors and listen to music. We are back at Kapiolani Park. Check out the gazebo and statues or sit on a park bench and take in the sights.

What a great way to start the day. Now you won’t feel guilty about lounging on Waikiki Beach during the afternoon.

About this guest blogger:
April M. Williams is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and a great friend of 808Talk.

Learn more about April by visiting her at the websites below.
LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/in/aprilmwilliams
Twitter http://twitter.com/AprilMWilliams
Blog http://cyberlifetutors.com/blog.html

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Mailani, who grew up in Kailua Town on O’ahu’s Windward Coast, is part of a musical family. She started singing at the age of two and taught herself ‘ukulele while in high school. It was at Maryknoll Schools that she met Lei Melket, with whom she later formed Keahiwai, one of the most popular female duos in Hawai’i.

Keahiwai released its first album, “Local Girls,” in May 2001. “Local Girls” garnered the duo two Na Hoku Hanohano Awards and growing acclaim. Their sophomore album, “Satisfied,” was released the following year in 2002, and included the hit song “Falling.” The duo went on to release three additional award-winning albums and tour throughout Polynesia and the West Coast.

Mailani, who balanced her music career with college, went on to graduate from the University of Hawai’i at Mänoa with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Hawaiian Studies. Subsequently, she built on her interest in the healing arts by becoming a licensed massage therapist and a practioner of lomilomi.

Mailani Makainai

In 2003 and 2004, Mailani was honored to perform at the Merrie Monarch Festival in support of Halau Mohala ‘Ilima with Uncle Kihei, Aunty Mapu, and their daughter Kapalai’ula de Silva.

In 2006, Mailani was invited to do a podcast with Doctor Trey and Jroq that focused on the Hawaiian music industry. This involvement led her to begin a new project with two other women in the industry, Jenn Jroq Wright of Kanalo and Simple Souls, and Tiki Suan from Milo Shade. Together, they formed Mighty J and in 2007, released the album “Calling Out.”

Mailani continues to explore new ventures, most recently opening a boutique day spa in the Kalihi neighborhood of Honolulu. The Oasen Spa is located right next door to her parent’s business, Makainai Cabinets.

The 5 original songs on this new album hold true to Mailani’s belief in holding ‘ohana, community, and tradition close to her heart. Her sweet distinctive voice and honest emotions come through in every song, making her one of Hawai’i’s most endearing rising stars.

Mailani’s CD is available on Mountain Apple Records
http://mountainapplecompany.com/mailani/

UPDATE: July 3, 2009
Now available in iTunes:

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Oahu Surfing

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Windsurfing

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August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009

Michael Jackson during his visit to Hawaii in January of 1997 in which he performed his very last full concert in the U.S. on the HIStory World Tour.

Hawaii Links:
Pop star Michael Jackson dies at age 50
Michael Jackson timeline
Photos: Michael Jackson visits Hawaii (1997)
More Michael - Hawaii 1997

Lei’s were gifts from Leis of Hawaii

Photo Credit: Dean Sensui

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Catching The Wave

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Longboard At Sunset

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Surf Time

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Surfing Paradise

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Hawaii Rock Graffiti Fathers Day

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Bernice Pauahi Bishop
1831-1884

Photo Credit:
Bronze Statue of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop by c_chan808

This Hawaiian History Moment Brought To You By:
Ohana Walking Tours with special thanks to Richard Wong

Learn more about Ohana Walking Tours by visiting them on the web.
http://www.ohanatours.org

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Matsuri In Hawaii

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Sheri Smith and John Williams, a couple from California, who now live in Hawaii, have come up with a unique, pro-active way to “sell” their one-of-a-kind 1,300 square-foot custom, never-before-lived-in home in a depressed real estate market - they are offering it as the GRAND PRIZE in an essay contest.

Smith and Williams, as WinHawaiianHome.com LLC, are sponsoring Essay 101, a contest of skill, where anyone (21 years old or older) can write a short essay (101 words or less) and, for a $101 entry fee, get a chance to win a brand new, custom built home on the Big Island of Hawaii.

The contest is open worldwide, however essays must be submitted in English, and must be the entrant’s original work. 101 finalists will be chosen and then judged by community leaders.

The home (affectionately called the “Sweetheart Cottage” due to its many design details) was built by Williams, a local builder, with the goal of selling it immediately and using the proceeds to finish construction of his castle (CastleInHawaii.com), a future vacation rental or bed and breakfast.

Due to the recession, real estate sales are down and thus, this fun and exciting vehicle was created. Contest entries will be made online at WinHawaiianHome.com, although postal mail entries will also be accepted. Local schools in Puna to benefit by donation from the sponsor as well.

Essay 102 is also in the works (with two spectacular homes to choose from) and they hope to write an e-book to share their method with others to try to turn around the economy, one house at a time.

Oh and if you’re a social networking guru, then you TOO can also win a lovely prize of a one week stay at “The Castle” just for telling others about this amazing contest!

Note: Contest deadline of May 1st, 2009 has been extended to August 11th, 2009

This is a contest of skill and will be judged by an impartial panel of judges picked from local community leaders. Your original essay must be 101 words or less. NO profanity, sexual or political rants - keep the writing within the bounds of good taste or your entry will be disqualified.

Subject
You may choose a subject from the following two:

Aloha:
What does Aloha mean to you? How do you share Aloha? How would you share Aloha if you won this home?

Mahalo:
What makes you feel thankful? Why would you be thankful to win this home? How would you show gratitude if you won this home?

If you don’t live in Hawaii and these two words are not familiar to you - then this is a great chance to learn about the spirit of the islands.

Judging
All entries will be judged as follows:

Creativity                                 50%
Persuasiveness                          30%
Grammar/English/Punctuation  20%
Each of the categories (creativity, persuasiveness, etc.) will be judged on a scale of one to ten, ten being best. Then the total score will be tallied and 101 finalists chosen.

Prizes
The Grand Prize is a never-before-lived-in, custom home nestled in an enchanted forest with singing frogs. The home is just a mile and a half from a secluded black sand beach which is home to a pod of dolphins.
Second prize is     $10,000
Third prize is        $5,000

For more details, see: Essay 101 Contest Details

Covered on local KGMB TV morning news show SUNRISE:
http://kgmb9.com/main/content/view/13118/108

WomenEntrepreneur.com: Couple Find Unique Way to Fund B&B

Follow Castle in Hawaii on Twitter: @castleinhawaii
Media Inquiries Only (714-253-3810)

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The Waterfront at Aloha Tower Marketplace

K-Ci & JoJo of Jodeci
Dru Hill
Taylor Dayne
Nesian N.I.N.E.

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Sunrise in Honolulu

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Wailua Falls is a 83-foot waterfall located in Kauai, Hawaii that feeds into the Wailua River. There is a path to the bottom of the falls, but it is muddy, slippery and dangerous. Some hikers have strung ropes along the path, but officials come by every so often and cut them. In ancient times, Hawaiian men would jump from the top of the falls to prove their manhood. There is another waterfall nearby named ‘Opaeka’a Falls.

The Wailua Falls were featured on the opening credits of the television show Fantasy Island, which is why some refer to them as the “Fantasy Island Falls.”

Subscribe to 808TTV in iTunes or your favorite podcatcher to get the latest episode of 808Talk TV.

Featured Sponsor:

Cindy Combs: www.slackkeylady.com
Cindy Combs On iTunes: http://tr.im/sunnyrain

Video Length: 02:14 (15.6MB)
Location: Wailua Falls - Kauai, Hawaii Map

Watch: 808TTV E.89 - 05/28/2009
YouTube: 808Talk Hawaii: Wailua Falls

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