Being an avid surfer and short boarder, I never thought I’d surrender and get a stand up paddle board. But after years of not being able to surf because of no surf, too big surf, or not enough time to drive to where there was surf, Steve and I started to wonder if we should jump on the SUP bandwagon.  We wanted a way to stay in shape and get in the water no matter the surf conditions and getting a SUP seemed like the way to go.

For about one year I started researching and asking around about what kind of SUP to get and where to get it.  I ended up at Blue Planet Surf.  Owner Robert Stehlik was the first person I spoke with, and he was so knowledgeable and nice, so I brought Steve back on another day to pick out two boards.  After browsing through their large inventory of SUPs we were even more confused with what size and type of board to get.  Some friendly staff members in the store then told us about a free SUP clinic coming up in a week that we could go to and demo boards.  They gave us a website to check out at www.getupstanduphawaii.com.

We attended the free clinic a couple week later and got to try out about a dozen boards each, and we finally figured out what size and shape would work for each of us.  The next day we went to Blue Planet and bought our new boards. Steve got the 11’0 Wave Guru, and I got the 10’2 Easy.

We wanted to be able to take our two beagles out on the water with us, so Robert put custom deck pads on both of our boards.  Also, we opted for the package deal and paid an extra $250 and got a SUP board bag, carbon fiber paddle, leash, and fins.  Robert also recommended paddle guards and rail protectors, since we were beginners. Walking out of the store that day we seriously had everything we could ever need for a day out in the water.

After having our boards now for a couple months, I have got to say that I LOVE mine! It took a couple sessions for me and Spencer (my beagle) to get use to the board and paddling out, but now each session gets better and better and I really love my SUP. The custom deck pad that goes all the way to the nose of the board is great for our dogs.

If you are looking for a SUP board I highly recommend visiting Robert and his friendly staff at Blue Planet Surf on Ward Avenue.  They are the SUP experts!  Also, if you are a newbie like me, I do recommend attending one of their SUP clinics to help you figure out if stand up paddle boarding is for you and what type of board you really need.

I had heard about a waterfall in Laie one year ago from a friend who had tried to take some of her family visiting from the mainland to the falls. After walking the trail for sometime she found herself completely turned around and eventually had to make her way back to the trailhead without ever reaching the waterfall.

After hearing this and doing some research on the internet I knew to give myself extra time to complete this hike as there are always those moments on unmarked trails where you look around and think, “am I still on the right trail?” That feeling of uncertainty turned out to be the theme of the hike.

My wife and I set out to find Laie Falls at midday. We parked in the Laie Park and started up the road. As we got closer to the trailhead we were greeted by menacing home made signs from the local landowner that read “Trespassers will be shot” We stayed far and wide from their gravel driveway and continued on, slightly put off by the spray painted hostility.

Once we found the marked trailhead we started heading up. What we didn’t anticipate was just how far up we had to go. After about an hour of climbing a steep incline I realized why my friend became turned around on her previous hike. It goes against all instincts that you must gain elevation while looking for waterfalls which are always found near streams. My wife and I began second guessing ourselves as well when the trail opened up into a ridge hike taking use towards a summit.

But we were determined, so we kept climbing up a dry red dirt ridge while the hot sun beat down on us. Our legs grew tired and our conversation had digressed to simple sentences and barbaric grunts. Our lungs burned and boots grew heavy. But when we finally threw down our packs and decided to take a break at the peak of a steep embankment we were welcomed by panoramic views stretching from Kahuku to Laie Beach Park. The view was glorious and we were refilled with gratitude. So we continued on.

My wife and I were relieved to find some shade in a grove of massive Cook Pines. This was one of the highlights of the hike because of the sudden change in scenery. What went from a hot ridge was now a cool, damp, moss-filled tree grove stretching hundreds of feet into the sky.

Further up the trail we found ourselves in the never ending strawberry guavas. The trail narrows and twists as you walk for what seems like forever completely enclosed in a tunnel of branches. The view stifled and our outlook dimmed. Are we really headed in the right trail? Will this narrow into a dead end causing us to have to turn around and look for another way? Is all lost?

Just when we needed it most, the trail opened back up. With a small hand painted sign pointing to a side trail reading “Laie Falls.” Joyously we cascaded down a steep series of boulders, using ropes left by previous hikers to safely descend into the valley below and find the falls that awaited us.

The falls we discovered was but a dribble of water, gently sprinkling down a rock wall, only perhaps 10 ft tall and 6 inches wide. Astounded, we stomped our feet and swore to the heavens but nothing would make the waterfall grow in size. As we stood there gazing in silence interrupted only by the sound of trickling water along cool stream boulders, all of our doubt and guesswork along the trail vanished and we were simply grateful to be in a small corner of a vast mountain range on a beautiful island. So we accepted our destination for what it was and thankfully took some photos of us together next to our dripping faucet of stream water. An anticlimactic ending to a full afternoon of sweat, confusion, and doubt, but a beautiful day surrounded by nature nonetheless.

*Laie Falls trail is on private property and a pass from the Hawaii Reserves Inc. office in Laie Shopping Center must be obtained before hiking the trail.

Author, Shane Sochocki, is owner of Adventure Tours Hawaii. For more information. visit the Adventure Tours Hawaii Official Website

This past November Pineapples opened a new location in Ko’olina.  There newest store is located in Ko’olina Station across the street from the new Aulani Resort and right next door to the new Monkey Pod Kitchen.  Owner and designer Sandra Tierney who brings over 20 years of her fashion design background to her boutique did not hold back on the Ko’olina store.  This new store has custom Bali furniture, fixtures, and cabinetry throughout and is stocked full with exciting merchandise.

Pineapples is known for their one of a kind clothing.  How would I describe the clothing? Quality, wearable clothing that you would wear on your favorite vacation! Just to call the clothes at Pineapples ”resort wear” would be a dis-service.  Pineapples carries clothing for men, women, children, and they even have bathing suits and flip flops.

The jewelry selection at Pineapples is also impressive.  They have beautiful handmade shell earrings and necklaces from local designers and also fun costume jewelry that everyone can afford.  Pineapples also had a nice selection of home decor items perfect for gifts like turtle and shell kitchen accessories.

If you’re in the Ko’olina area you must stop by the new Pineapples store.  The staff will be all smiles and happy to help you find that perfect outfit or gift for your loved ones.  Check out my photos below of the new store!

Pineapples Boutique Ko’olina: 92-1048 Olani St. Kapolei, Hawaii 96707

On a spiritual level, being in nature has always been said to be beneficial for your personal well-being.  The act of standing barefoot on grass or sand is likened to a metaphysical action called grounding, which has organic healing effects.  An experience of enhanced awareness is also an added element involved when running shoeless.  There isn’t time to dwell on the problems of the day when you’re barefoot and dealing with uneven surfaces.

The physical benefits of running barefoot on grass or sand clearly outweigh the drawbacks.  This type of running will equate to improved balance and an increase in calories burned especially when exercising on sand.  It will help to strengthen your feet, legs, back and abs, developing muscles seldom used when wearing shoes.  For those who suffer from joint pain the softer surfaces will help cushion knees and ankles from repetitive impact.  This issue of joint relief seems to be the only aspect debated by experts, who report a possible increase risk of knee injuries.

Despite some possible drawbacks, running barefoot on grass or sand seems to help improve your mood, give you more energy, and relieve many stress related symptoms affecting your mind and body.  Next time you go for a run try leaving the shoes at home, and see how your body reacts to the change.

After winning the World Title, Joel suited back up to head out for the final round against Josh Kerr.  With the waves dying, the final was slow to say the least, but Parko managed to outdo Kerr for the win.

This party has it all with 8 areas, 30 bands, over 30 food trucks by Eat The Street , live music, entertainment, a ferris wheel, and fireworks!

Area 1: Over 30 of your favorite Eat the Street food vendors and food trucks, and this area is open to the public.

Area 2: Beer garden, live entertainment, DJs, fire dancers, and more.

Area 3: Live concert by local reggae artist Fiji and special guests, celebrating his CD release party and 20th anniversary.

Area 4: Vegas-style mash-ups, hip-hop, and Top 40 and music videos on a giant screen.

Area 5: Marvel at the Lazerworks, with luminous light shows, DJs playing Electronic Dance Music, and national acts to be announced!

Area 6: Offers a special treat for all ages: The EK Fernandez Ferris wheel, with a fantastic view of the ocean and all the festivities.

Areas 7 and 8: are reserved for our exclusive VIPs, with an elevated stage and private party cabanas.

Firework shows will be every hour from 9pm on.  This party will also include the Official Vans Triple Crown Wrap-up party, where attendees can meet and party with pro surfers Redbull Airforce skydivers witness as they skydive into the party.

General admission tickets are only $25 and VIP tickets are $75 (21+ only).  For more information visit Party of the Year or call (808) 729-0418.

Everyone has heard of and eaten a treat from Big Island Candies, but have you visited their chocolate factory, gift shop, and headquarters in Hilo? I went there recently for the first time and was in cookie, candy, and brownie heaven!  The Hilo Flagship Store is located on Hinano Street and open 365 days a year from 8:30 am to 5 pm.  This place is a must stop for sweet connoisseurs and Big Island visitors.

Big Island Candies are famous for their Chocolate Dipped Macadamia Nut Shortbread Cookies.  I was impressed to find out that each cookie is hand dipped one by one! Inside the store you can see the employees making these special treats.

This company believes in innovation, quality, and service.  All of their products are made with the finest of ingredients, such as locally grown macadamia nuts, 100% Kona Coffee along with island eggs, real butter, and high-grade chocolate. Their eye for quality and finest ingredients is reflected in their unique and beautiful packaging, and their DE-licious treats that keeps customers coming back.  Big Island Candies make the best gifts, and their gift wrapping and boxes are truly works of art.

Since I was going to the Flagship Store, my sister Megan sent me to get her a box (actually two) of their Golden Macadamia Nut Brownies (since they can only be bought in Hilo or online). I didn’t know what all the hype was over these little squares, but after one bite I knew why and had to get a box for myself.

Over the years Big Island Candies have gotten so popular that they opened several seasonal stores on Oahu, and two at Ala Moana Center have recently transitioned into permanent stores in the mall.  All Big Island Candies stores are very customer friendly, and they even provide samples for most of their items.  They are constantly coming up with new products like Chocolate Dipped Ika (squid), Green Tea Macadamia Nut Shortbread Cookies, or Toffee Coated Chocolate Covered Macadamia Nuts.

For this Christmas gifts or if you’re in the mood for some gourmet munchies made here in Hawaii, consider Big Island Candies!

Yoga – Keep your body loose day or night with a nice long stretch.  Visit your local Yoga studio or lay down a mat at your favorite beach park, get in tree pose and pray for waves.

Hiking – Head for the hills to discover waterfalls and spectacular 360-degree views.  Hawaii’s mountains are the perfect place for getting in touch with nature on the opposite side of the spectrum.

Paddle Boarding – Hop on and paddle out pass the reef, to places wouldn’t dare go lying on your stomach.  This Hawaiian pastime allows you to cover miles of ocean and keep you in the water.  If you’re lucky you may even be able to catch a ride on a couple ankle snappers.

Skateboarding – The closest thing to surfing on land, today’s skateboards mimic their surfing counterparts.  You can grab your standard skateboard and tear it up at your nearest skate park, or cruise around your neighborhood on a smooth riding longboard.  Either way you end up rolling make sure you put on that helmet.

Diving – Strap on a mask and take advantage of the calm conditions at your home break.  Whether you’re diving for dinner or searching for what creates that perfect left slide, the answers are found underwater.

I discovered Mellow Antiques at a wedding event put on by the Wedding Cafe a couple years ago.  I was drawn to their beautiful antique jewelry and friendly service.  I have always loved antique jewelry and wanted a vintage feel for my March 2012 wedding.  I had also been shopping for an engagement ring and hadn’t come across anything quite like Mellow.

Mellow Antiques specializes in making custom jewelry.  With a background in European fine arts, they have been around for over 30 years and have had a retail store in downtown since 1991.

After my first visit to Mellow I was hooked.  Laura Mellow was so knowledgeable about antique jewelry and even educated me about my 1920′s European cut diamond.  Also, their jewelry in house was exactly my style and what I had been searching for for months.  After months of collaboration with Laura and Greta, I designed my dream engagement ring around my heirloom diamond.  My ring recently won the “Public Choice” award at the 2012 Hawaii Jewelers Association!

I even picked out a pair of La Vie Parisienne “Double Tiara” earrings that I wore on my wedding day.  They happened to match a vintage pearl necklace that my mom wore on her wedding day!  I am featured on their website as a Mellow bride! Since then, I have gotten two other La Vie earrings that I am obsessed with and wear all the time.

I can’t say enough great things about the fabulous quality jewelry and accessories at Mellow and the amazing staff.  I have made life long friends, and they will be my forever go-to jeweler.

Mellow is located downtown in the Davies Pacific Center on Bishop Street, and they will validate parking. If you’re like me and don’t want to get a ring or pair of earrings that everyone else has then go to Mellow and find something one of a kind or customize your dream piece.