Kelly Ripa and Glee's Matthew Morrison learned the hula from former Miss Hawaii, Aureana Tseu.

Hawaii Five-0's Daniel Dae Kim, Dancing With the Stars' judge Carrie Ann Inaba and Glee's Matthew Morrison each co-hosted a show with Ripa. Morrison's current girlfriend is from Hawai‘i. The list of Hollywood stars in the islands last week continues, as they chatted with more actors including, Jon Cryer from Two and a Half Men and Rico Rodriguez from Modern Family. 

"(Ripa) did talk to the audience during the commercial," said Honolulu resident Michelle White, who went to the show with Morrison as co-host. "She asked about food she should try and was willing to eat chicken feet."

Stylist Carson Kressley (right) looking good in that hula skirt. Morrison making the dance his own (left).

Quite appropriately, Ripa and husband Mark Consuelos teamed up to host the show's much-anticipated wedding ceremony of Eileen Bellew and Kevin Houston. They won the show's contest for a Hawaiian dream wedding; both lost their previous spouses tragically. Ripa explained in a Disney interview how the couple believe rainbows are sent to them by their deceased spouses, so when a double rainbow appeared over the Aulani several days ago, they felt like it was some kind of message from above.

Each segment showcased the best of O‘ahu and highlighted all that Disney's Aulani vacation destination has to offer. During the Disney interview, Ripa remarked on how the Aulani appeals to all ages, which was perfect for her family of three kids and two adults. It has been 10 years since she was in the islands and didn't waste a moment this time around to enjoy the sun and sand.

LIVE! WITH KELLY RIPA / www.livewithkelly.tv / Follow her on Twitter @LiveKelly

Photo Credit: Michelle White

Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87

Movie set sighting? Taken near Hanalei Bay on Kaua‘i.

Filmed on Kaua‘i and O‘ahu, the dramedy has been making headlines lately, winning the Golden Globe award for best motion picture drama and best lead actor last month. Tomorrow night, we'll see how The Descendants fares in the 84th Academy Awards, in which it picked up five Oscar nominations. They include: best picture, best lead actor (George Clooney), best director (Alexander Payne), best adapted screenplay and best film editing. 

Based on a novel by Hawai‘i author Kaui Hart Hemmings (who I for sure saw that same day with her family near the Hanalei Pier), the movie shows King's journey through life after his wife's accident. He must reevaluate his relationships with family and friends and manage to find balance in such unstable circumstances.

King, a descendant of a 19th-century Hawaiian princess, has a full plate on his hands. He not only learns that his wife had been having an affair, but he deals with an impending sale of his family's inherited lands. He and his daughters (Shailene Woodley and Amara Miller) have a home in Nu‘uanu and travel to Kaua‘i to see the family lands, as well as to confront his wife's lover.

Of course, it helps to have a famous actor like Clooney star in the film for it to do so well. But I think even without him, the movie could have survived. The directors did their homework and accurately portrayed Hawai‘i and its people; thankfully, there were no cheesy lū‘au scenes. Instead, we got clever writing to go with a unique plot and commendable acting. 

HIFF's Oscar Night America 2012

The Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF) will be rolling out the red carpet for the official Oscar Night America 2012 party tomorrow at the Halekulani Hotel. The black tie affair will give guests an authentic Oscar kind-of-night, where they can enjoy cocktails, a five-course dinner and a silent auction before the advanced telecast of the Academy Awards program at 6 p.m. Tickets may still be available, but expect to pay a price just as fancy. It costs $300 per seat and $250 for members.

HIFF OSCAR NIGHT PARTY 2012 / Tomorrow, starts at 4pm / Halekulani Hotel 2199 Kalia Rd., Honolulu, HI 96815 (Map) / 808-792-1577 (ext 1)

Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87

The lion raising its head toward the sun in Ka‘a‘awa.

It's one of many natural landscapes in Hawai‘i that have helped to sculpt the culture's collection of myths and legends into what it is today. Mountain ranges, rocks and trees have been entertaining the imaginations of locals and visitors for decades, some stories dating back to ancient Hawai‘i.

Hawaiians believed that this particular rock formation on the Windward coast was Tahitian demigod Kupua, a relative of the Hawaiian volcano goddess Pele. He had been caught in the middle of a jealous feud between Pele and her sister, Hi‘iaka. Kupua eventually chose to side with Hi‘iaka, which upset Pele so much that she turned him to stone and cemented him to the ridge. To protect himself from Pele's fiery wrath, Kupua instantly went into a crouching position; hence, the crouching rock formation. 

Hawaiians originally identified the rock as a large-headed dog since they weren't familiar with lions. When westerners arrived, they renamed the rock the "Crouching Lion." To see the lion for yourself, it's best to pull over in the restaurant parking lot. The restaurant itself used to be a happening spot several years ago but has since played a more mellow part in the dining industry as one of the few eateries on that side of the island.

This is only one of many mythical landscape formations I'm hoping to feature. Otherwise, just look to the hills with a creative eye.

Photo Credit: Kristen Matsunaga

Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87

What looks like a screenshot compilation of her status updates, Alyssa makes several harsh remarks against Hawaiians and its culture, without giving them a second thought. Sure, there's the First Amendment Freedom of Speech right, but maybe she should get her facts straight before making a fool of herself all over the web. 

If you haven't already seen this on Facebook, let's start with Alyssa's very first remark against Hawaiians:

"Such long names are silly. Silly Hawaiians. What does it mean? "He Who Got the Pineapple from the Other Village Chief"?

To answer your question, Alyssa, our long "silly" names have much more meaning than that, and just because you can't pronounce them correctly doesn't mean you can bash them to make up for your lack of knowing. The names possess a great amount of importance to Hawaiians, some of which have been passed down from ancient times by their families. So when you call these names "silly," you're offending a long lineage of Hawaiians, not just one. In fact, I'm pretty sure you offended an entire race. Good job.

She doesn't stop there. She went on labeling Hawaiians as "N*gger Hawaiian pineapple picking slaves" and continued with more crude accusations like, "I'm not drunk and passed on a beach like a Hawaiian" or "They are black-skinned, stupid sh*ts. Not all niggars are from Africa." It makes my stomach turn just writing this, so I'll stop there.

Apparently, there are dozens of Alyssa Merediths on Facebook, so it's difficult to tell who posted it. One of my friends said she'd add all of the Alyssa Merediths as a friend until she found the correct one. And then give her a piece of her mind. It very well could be someone using a pseudo name, just trying to stir up the pot, but either way, somebody wrote this and whether they mean it or not, it's hateful language. And in this day and age, a lack of tolerance like this, whether it be fictional or not, is disgustingly outrageous. They got their response, whoever they were and for whatever goal or purpose.

Last I heard, "Alyssa" might have deactivated her account. And I wouldn't blame her; I'd be afraid of an entire race coming after me! For now she can only hide out in her virtual world, too afraid to take responsibility for such nasty, uneducated nonsense. Who's "stupid" now?

Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87

NOTE: Publishers response to this post
It seems that this blog post has hit a nerve. Along with the comments below, we’ve received phone calls that ask us to remove the post as offensive. We agree that racist comments are offensive, but negotiating cultural and ethnic difference is part of life in Hawaii. It’s also part of an ongoing conversation here at Hawaii-aloha.com. We have answered fears that visitors would be unwelcome “haoles”. We’ve remarked that Hawaii is different from other states because no one ethnicity is a majority. We’ve reminded you that living in Hawaii does not make you Hawaiian and that even among Hawaiians, there are different opinions about who qualifies  But there are significant differences in the exchange below.

Most of us who live in Hawaii, and most those of you who hope to visit, find the variety of local skin tones and accents to be part of the colorful panorama of these islands. We joke about difference but from an attitude of love that transcends mere tolerance. That’s the first difference that is mentioned in the response below: the attitude is hostile. It could be commenting about height, weight or hair color – the tone creates much of the offense.

Other differences might not be as obvious to non-islanders. Comments like the ones in the original post are taken personally. As noted before, many locals proudly claim mixtures of many races even where it is not visible. And in these small islands, no one is really anonymous, either. We know one another, or at least someone’s auntie or uncle or cousin. Negative comments aren’t just “generic”, they insult real people we know and love. Comments in the original article also offend anyone who loves these islands (as can be seen in the comments) not just those who might be specified.

If there is a positive aspect of the exchange, it might be the reminder that respect for the host culture is the first part of being a responsible visitor. No place welcomes those who disparage it. (That is true of people who move to the islands as well.) No matter where you travel, you are a guest in someone’s home. The first thing to pack is a spirit of aloha. If you bring that, you’ll leave with a smile in your soul.

Mahalo,

Bruce Fisher, Publisher

Visitors are welcomed to the hidden temple in the back of Pālolo valley.

The colors are what enchanted me. The grounds of the temple consisted of five ornately hand-painted buildings, which seemed to each have a different theme: buddhas, dragons, pastoral scenes and birds were meticulously painted in hues of vermillion, mandarin, turquoise and wheat. Clay tiles blanked the peaked roofs, and I found myself wondering what the gentle Līlīlehua rain of Pālolo sounded like on them.

As I walked through the first building, four giant figures greeted me on either side and seemed like guardians of this special place. The path then led into a huge courtyard with the rest of the buildings. Placed around the temples are ponds filled with lotus flowers, giant statues of Buddhist deities, carved rock murals and a meditation area with hundreds of small buddhist statues serenely sitting with their eyes closed and hands together in prayer,while the moss and lichens grow slowly over them.The silence of this place was only interrupted by a birds call or the cool valley breeze through the surrounding trees.

Intricate details cover the temple from the ground up.

I found out that the name of this place is Mu-Ryang-Sa meaning “Broken Ridge” and has been an active Korean Buddhist temple since 1986. Boddhisatvas (think Siddhartha under the banyan tree) and Bhikku’s (Buddhist monks) use the temple as a peaceful retreat for meditation practices. Believers from the general public are also welcome to Mu-Ryang-Sa to meditate in the International meditation hall. Other features of the temple are a Myungwon tea ceremony Culture Hall, the Siddhartha College and a nursing home for elderly Buddhists. The intensive Ashtanga yoga is also taught throughout the week at the temple by a certified instructor.

A peaceful retreat that's been around for more than 20 years.

I was amazed to find this tranquil sanctuary in the heart of Honolulu and will make the effort to visit it often. If you decided to do so as well (I hope you do!), please enter with respect. Photography is allowed outside on the temple grounds, but it is culturally inappropriate to take pictures inside of the temple. Also, you may notice a few donations bowls as well. Since parking and admission is free, I encourage you to part with a couple of dollars to go towards the monks' meals and spectacular upkeep of this area. Lastly, let the peaceful quietness of this area reduce your voice to whispers or nothing at all. Let your eyes, ears and nose guide you as you walk slowly through this hidden Honolulu gem.

MU-RYANG-SA KOREAN BUDDHIST TEMPLE / 2420 Halelaʻau Pl. Honolulu, HI 96816 (Map) / 808-735-7858

TEMPLE YOGA / Classes offered everyday except Friday / http://temple-yoga.com

Posted by Serena Kaldi Follow me on Twitter @Serena_Divina

The Hawai‘i Community Foundation (HCF) announced that it will sponsor two public talks (April 14 and 15) that mark the start of a recent initiative called "Pillars of Peace Hawai‘i: Building Peace on a Foundation of Aloha." The main goal of the program is to bring global peace leaders to the islands, where they can exchange ideas on how to promote peace in Hawai‘i and around the world.

A supporter of the Dalai Lama recently said that "peace is an active state of being," meaning it's not passive; therefore, the visit by His Holiness should inspire people to apply peace in their everyday lives. In 1989, the self-described "simple Buddhist monk" received the Nobel Peace Prize for his non-violent struggle to free Tibet. 

Both speeches will take place at the Stan Sheriff Center on the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa campus. The first one ("Educating the Heart") is intended more for high school and college students, while the second ("Advancing Peace through the Power of Aloha") is intended for the general public.

If you'll be in the islands on these dates, then you should consider going to his talk. It's a rare opportunity that doesn't come around often. You can get tickets online, starting today, or pick up tickets from the UH Stan Sheriff Center box office, starting tomorrow. For those not able to attend in person, you can watch it on the Pillars of Peace Hawai‘i website once the talks are finished.

DALAI LAMA VISITS HAWAI‘I 2012 / Peace talks: April 14, 130pm; April 15, 145pm / UH Mānoa Stan Sheriff Center / For more info and to purchase tickets, visit www.pillarsofpeacehawaii.org

Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87

Ready, set, GO! An indoor rally that's flat out fun.

My friends and I put some pedal to the metal at the Podium Raceway in Kapolei the other day. It's Hawai‘i's first and only indoor electric go-kart racing track that boosts you from zero to 45 in three seconds. Like, freeway fast. That's if you make it around those riveting turns and daunting twists on the quarter-mile course before flying at full force down the smooth straightaways.

And who knew I had a race car driver as a boyfriend? Apparently all those hours he put into video game racing as a kid (and well into his early adulthood years) paid off. Despite being his first time racing, he ended up in first place both races, with a best lap time that was about a tenth of a second short of qualifying for "Best of The Week" times. I think he might have even quoted a professional NASCAR driver to whom he owed his boast-worthy victories. Freak!

VIDEO: See what it takes to be number one at Podium Raceway.

If you're thinking the go-karts are as cute as the rinky-dink ones on The Little Rascals, then think again. I'd say more Jeff Gordon than Alfalfa and Buckwheat, for sure. Podium Raceway is super legit, with 45 Italian-made electric karts in its quiver to make even the pros drool at the sight of these beauties. The $15,000 price tag for each zooming buggy instantly ups the bar in quality racing, not to mention the emission-free features that's also safe for the environment. 

People come here to satiate their need for speed. Race against up to 10 other drivers – family, friends or randoms (like Bernard), and don't worry if you suck at it. They give you a quick briefing on the kart and which flags mean what – pay attention! – and a course with plastic barricades to cushion the impact. Some people (Not me! But almost…) required special signage that spelled out, "Let kart pass," as opposed to just the first warning with the blue and red flag. A guy on the track waves the different flags during the race, and if he starts pointing and stomping his feet at you, then you might be getting in the way of someone. Oops!

A double date that puts speed dating to shame.

You can see how you fared after each race by picking up a personalized printout of your rankings and race times as compared to the others. Times get logged electronically and can be sent directly to your Facebook or e-mail, if you choose. 

Get your race face on and head to this hot-wheel hot spot, just a quick drive from the Disney Aulani and Ko Olina Resort. You may get psyched on it, you may not, but a race against Bernard would definitely be an ego booster. Who knows, you may get so pumped on it that you'll find yourself wondering the same thing my boyfriend did on the drive home from the track, "Wonder if I'll ever drive a real race car?" Ummm…

PODIUM RACEWAY HAWAII / 911085 Lexington St., Kapolei, HI 96707 (Map) / Opens Mon-Thurs 11am-10pm, Fri-Sun 10am-midnight, Sun 11am-9pm; $25 for adult race (14 laps), $20 for junior race (9 laps) / 808-682-7223

Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87

Just minutes from Waikīkī, Leonard's is a must if you're visiting Hawai‘i.

Today, of all days, would be ideal for you to visit this Honolulu landmark. It's the official Malasada Day, also known as Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday. Regardless of what it's called, people in Hawai‘i are sure to be celebrating with a fresh box of malasadas right about now. This Portuguese tradition dates back to the 1800s, when sugar plantations thrived in the islands. The Catholic Portuguese living there would use up all their butter and sugar prior to Lent by making batches of malasadas. 

Leonard's Bakery earned its malasada reputation after one Fat Tuesday some 55 years ago, when owner Leonard DoRego made his first batch the way his Portuguese parents taught him. Today, his son, Leonard, Jr., continues the family tradition with new creations like malasada beanie babies and merchandise, as well as the Malasadamobiles, the traveling red and white wagons parked in the Waikele Shopping Center and Windward Mall parking lots. Even Japan can get their Leonard's malasada fix with the business' only international store sitting smack dab in Yokohama. 

1-2-3, "Malasada!" A family visiting from Japan gets their Leonard's Bakery fix.

And before all this was even possible, let's not forget about what Leonard's original intent was: a bakery. Today they also sell coffee, pastries, doughnuts, cookies, cakes, pies, breads, wraps and soft-serve ice cream.

In addition to malasadas, Leonard's is known for their pao doce bread and delectable pies.

Leonard, Jr. has even jazzed up the original malasada recipe. In addition to the plain sugar ones, they've got cinnamon-sugar, multi-colored-sugar for holidays and ones stuffed with a variety of fillings (chocolate, haupia and a flavor of the month). I prefer the original flavor, without all the bells and whistles. It just tastes fresher, and it's what I remember eating as a kid. My dad would always stop to buy a box on our way home from surfing. It was meant to take home, but we all knew that wasn't going to happen. We'd be nose-deep into the sugary treat before even leaving the parking lot!

So coat your nose with some sugary goodness next time you're in Hawai‘i and fit right in!

LEONARD'S BAKERY / 933 Kapahulu Ave., Honolulu, HI 96816 (Map) / Open Sun-Thurs 530am-9pm, Fri & Sat 530am-10pm / 808-737-5591 / Check www.leonardshawaii.com for their other locations / Available parking; Near bus route

Photo Credit: Noa Myers

Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87

If you choose to visit a nude beach in Hawai‘i, then be classy about it.

In 2000, the Hawai‘i Supreme Court dismissed previous indecent exposure charges for six men who were nude on an O‘ahu beach. The Court came up with the aforementioned guidelines when deciding on the verdict, setting the stage for other hopeful nudists that come to the islands. While beach nudity hasn't been officially accepted into Hawai‘i law, enforcement is very "loosely" applied, according to Hawai‘i nudist enthusiasts. 

Now, don't let your minds wander too far. I don't do the nude thing and probably never will! LOL. I support this and see it as a First Amendment right to freely express ourselves…and ALL our appendages. But to be honest, just imagining myself in this kind of situation makes me giggle. I'd probably get kicked out of the nudist beach before even taking off my slippers. But if you're one of those out there wondering if you should pack your birthday suits for your Hawai‘i vacation, then this post is for you.

Here's a list of unofficial clothing-optional beaches in the Islands. This may be a good post to read even if you're not looking for some Nakie Time. Think of it as our fair warning to you. This just may save your eyes from those saggy, baggy and (hopefully not) shaggy sights.

Big Island

Honokohau Harbor Beach – Located on the Kona Coast, off of Highway 19. The north end is a popular gay beach. According to some nude beach sites, police have been cracking down on this area and visitors should go at their own risks.

Kehena Beach – Located in the Puna district, off of Highway 137. A black sand beach also known for the frequent dolphin sightings, giving Kehena its nickname, "Dolphin Beach."

Steam Vents – Located near Hilo, off of Highway 130. Clothing-optional steam baths draw dozens to the natural caves bordering the beach.

Kaua‘i

Donkey Beach – Located off of Highway 56, north of the 11-mile marker. It's a private property that once allowed public access. Nude beach sites discourage people from going here because the area has new owners who strictly enforce trespassing laws.

Secret Beach – Located at the end of a red, dirt road off of Kālihiwai Road. Only access is by a hiking trail.

Maui

Little Beach at Mākena – Located a few miles past the Maui Prince Hotel along Mākena Ala Nui Road. Park at Mākena Beach (Big Beach) and walk a few minutes over a grassy hill to Little Beach.

O‘ahu

Polo Beach – Located on the North Shore in Mokulei‘a, off of Kamehameha Highway. From the public beach access, turn left and walk up the beach until you round a bend in the sand. I was looking for shells at this beach, when I accidentally came upon the "nude" side of it. I don't think I ever felt more out of place in my life!

Diamond Head Beach – Located at the foot of Diamond Head Crater. A group of nude sunbathers gather at the far corner to the right of the public beach access.

Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87

However, surfing in Hawai‘i differed greatly from the other places. All Hawaiians – men, women and children, from all social classes – surfed. Out in the western Pacific, mainly young boys surfed, and when it came to surfboards, the Hawaiian ones surpassed others in design and materials. Boards from other cultures included palm frond stems or bundles of reeds, which weren't as stable in the ocean. 

Hawaiian Surf Legends

Many mele (songs) and mo‘olelo (stories, legends) about surfing still exist today. They tell of different surf spots, surfing feats and romance in the ocean.

One of my favorite stories talks about a break thatʻs several miles from Waikīkī – where Honolulu Harbor is today – called Kekai o Māmala (The Sea of Māmala). It was named after Māmala, a famous surfer and O‘ahu chiefess that also took the form of a gigantic lizard or a great shark. She married a fellow shark-person, Ouha, but eventually left him for another man. Angered and ashamed, Ouha cast off his human form and became the great shark god between Waikīkī and Koko Head. The beautiful Māmala was remembered through a mele exposing the triangular love affair.

The hundreds of writings on surfing revealed another aspect of the ancient sport's importance: vocabulary. Most of the words below are still used today and probably represents only a portion of the full surf glossary. 

he‘e: to slide; to surf

he‘e nalu: to ride a surfboard; surfing; literally wave-sliding

nalu: a wave; surf

The rich vocabulary and expansive surf spots help one to understand why early Europeans described surfing as a "national pastime." The ali‘i (chiefs and chiefesses) had a reputation of being some of the top surfers in Hawai‘i. They often had a personal surf chant that proclaimed their glory and skills. A chanter delivered the message each time the ali‘i surfed. Male ali‘i would show off their skills or court visiting chiefesses with their skills during surf competitions. 

Religion and Surfing

Although surfing wasn't a religious practice, it integrally involved the various gods and spirits. Entire communities would put aside their chores to enjoy a day of surfing games during the Makahiki celebration, while ali‘i asked kahuna (priests) to pray for big waves before a competition. They didn't pray to any specific surf god, but went to a heiau (temple) specific to surfing. A few of these heiau still exist today on the Big Island. They were usually near a surf break with a huge bleacher area facing the waves. Both heiau have what used to be a freshwater pool, probably for surfers to cleanse in after a long surf session in the salty ocean.

The Ebbing Surf Trend

Hawaiians shared surfing with other parts of the world, as one of the few Hawaiian cultural features to travel overseas. But during the late 1800s, surfing (as well as other native pastimes) slowly started to die as more alien explorers and missionaries came to the Islands. It was not until this century that Hawai‘i saw a renaissance in surfing, with increased technology and accessibility. Hawaiians, like Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, shared the spirit of surfing worldwide. Today, people of all ages, genders and skill-level flood Hawaiian waters with the same goal in mind: he‘e nalu!

Source: Finney, Ben and Houston, James. Surfing: A history of the Ancient Hawaiian Sport. San Francisco: Pomegranate Artbooks, 1996.

Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87