DISCOVER NORTH SHORE

Hookah History

 

 

 

Following the European introduction of tobacco in India, the hookah, or water pipe originated in the north-western provinces of India nearly a millennia ago.  These primitive hookahs were simple and rugged in design, usually made from a coconut shell base and tube with a head attached.  They were designed to smoke opium and hashish, which has created a negative stigma for the hookah being used today.  The popularity of the hookah spread through the Persian Kingdom, which included Pakistan, Afghanistan, and much of the Middle Asia and Arab parts of Northern Africa. 

On its way through Persia, the hookah adopted a larger head for the smoking of Tombeik, a dark tobacco grown in modern day Iran.  Tombeik was rinsed and packed in the head of the hookah where hot coal was applied directly to the wet tobacco, which gave it a stronger flavor.  These larger heads and style of hookah were referred to as ghelune in Persia.  Today, the hookahs designed in the Persian Empire are still hand-crafted and cut from wood.  In the 19th century, cigarettes gained in popularity due to its availability and portability.  Women who often stayed in the home, continued to smoke the ghelune for entertainment and as a favored pasttime.

About 500 years ago, the hookah made its way into Turkey and experienced a surge in popularity among the upper class and intellectuals leading to another design alteration.  The hookah grew in size and complexity resembling the designs we see today.  Brass and glass replaced wood and intricate paintings and mosaics were added for beauty and elegance.  Centuries later, hookah coffee shops sprang up and were commonplace throughout Turk society.  A hookah bar waiter rivaled the stature of the modern chef because of the skill required to prepare the hookah for smoking.  In addition to mastering the art of packing and moistening the hookah, bar waiters were schooled in the often-complex etiquette of hookah smoking.  For example, it was considered rude to touch the coals during any step of the preparation or smoking process.

Today, hookah bars are social places where people meet to discuss politics and current events. In Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, the hookah bars are for men only, though in some Muslim countries the hookah is considered haram, or forbidden.

In most hookah-smoking countries, Naklia shisha is served.  Naklia shisha is a combination of foreign tobaccos, honey molasses and dried fruit.  Filtered through ice water, the smoke is made cool and soothing to the user.  Slowly, society is accepting the hookah as more of a pipe for tobacco instead of illegal drugs, as was its original use. The hookah has been growing in popularity in the United States and Europe since the experimentation of the 1960's. Today, hookahs can be found in every college smoke shop and Middle Eastern market throughout the United States and is also growing in popularity in Japan.  Hookah bars and lounges have become popular all over the world, including right here in Hawaii.

 For more information about the hookah, or to learn more about purchasing your own hookah, go to www.chronichawaiian.com or visit Brian Santos the North Shore Smoke Shop in Haleiwa.

 

 

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goTeam , posted on Dec 30 2009, 07:55

CHICKEN SKIN

 

 A Pueo Blessing


Words: As told to Rick Carroll by Paula and Wayne Sterling

Compliments: Taken from The Best of Hawai‘i’s Best Spooky Tales, Bess Press, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 

Image: Zack Noyle

“Huli mai nuna I ka pulapula. Turn, behold your offspring.” –prayer to family aumakua

 

There were no cars on the highway as we left Kauai’s Wilcox Hospital that May morning. At least we didn’t notice any. We were oblivious to everything but our new infant. Born three days earlier, Rebecca Lilinoekeka-pahauomaunakea was going home, home to anxiously waiting siblings Johan, Malia, and Caroline. We were excited, too, yet enjoyed the intimacy of the moment, just Mom, Dad, and baby.

 

We decided to drive the “long way” home. I don’t know why, we just did, maybe for the serenity, and by way of introducing our newborn daughter to the island. We turned left at the Coco Palms Hoetl, went uphill past Opaekaa Falls, and behind Nounou Maountain—the Sleeping Giant. There, the winding road stretched out below us as wide swaths of green gently rose to meet the distant hills and cloud-covered peaks. It was so incredibly beautiful and peaceful, and our precious infant slept.

 

As we followed the winding road’s descent toward Kapaa, a low flying bird swept across the road just ahead of our car. It crossed back again, then kept pace on the driver’s side for at least a hundred yards before the road curved away from its flight path. We could see it was a pueo. Wayne remarked how unusual it was to see one at that time of day. The road straightened out once again, and we saw an incredible sight up ahead. The pueo was perched, it took flight, our escort once more.

 

Again, it crossed our path once, twice, then doubled back, circling low just above the fence line, where it remained with us a few moments more before heading west towards the high mountains beyond.

 

It was a chicken skin moment. The pueo is one of Wayne’s family aumakua. Could we have been blessed with a visit? It surely felt so. It was difficult not to believe that the newest member of your family had received a special sign welcome. Curious pueo, or aumakua? Either way, we had witnessed something very special, and we definitely counted the appearance of the pueo as an added blessing that morning.


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FLAVORS

 

Rowan Gard breaks a lot of eggs to find the ultimate breakfast.

Words/Images:: Rowan Gard

 

Breakfast Restaurants in Hawai

 

“Folks who wake up and eat breakfast before rushing out the door
tend to lead less chaotic lives, and are more prepared to deal with
the challenges of daily life, not just physically but also mentally.”

 

 

 

 

The beloved author C.S. Lewis once jested that “He that but looketh on
a plate of ham and eggs to lust after it hath already committed
breakfast with it in his heart.” I’d like you to commit breakfast, and
not just in your heart, but in your mouth – today, tomorrow and every
day of 2010.

It’s the New Year and you have likely committed to a new you (or at the very
least, we can agree that a better version of you sounds like a good
idea). So then why should you develop (or further confirm for the
believers in the room) a nearly religious devotion to breakfast as
part of this new you, circa 2010? Well, recently researchers at
Harvard University found that children who regularly ate breakfast had
higher achievement test scores in all subjects, not to mention
significant improvement in mathematics and reduced overall illness
rates (looks like your parents were right, you really should have eaten those
Cheerios).

Medical studies have shown that adults who eat breakfast do not suffer
the same late-morning mood and cognitive performance dips as their
non-breakfasting counterparts do.  Meanwhile, researchers studying
nutrition and long-term weight control found that eating a healthy
breakfast is essential for those who want to lose and keep weight off.
Also, breakfast lovers as a lot are not a violent crowd (you have to
admit there’s something about a Belgian waffle that really cages the
rage). Folks who wake up and eat breakfast before rushing out the door
tend to lead less chaotic lives, and are more prepared to deal with
the challenges of daily life, not just physically but also mentally. I
have a theory – I call it my blueberry muffin theory – where the
simple act of enjoying a good meal, preferably anything involving a
blueberry muffin (as they have a charm rating of 10), leads to a
deeper appreciation of the food itself as well as a greater
appreciation for life.  Just think about it, Charlie Manson, Ted
Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer – clearly not breakfast lovers (curiously, a
death row inmate has never requested a final meal involving a Belgian
waffle, a hot bowl of oatmeal with raisins, or even the simple glory
that is a pancake; I think that fact right there should make you want
to eat a breakfast involving all three as quickly as possible).

 

Breakfast Restaurants in Hawaii

To recap, not only does breakfast help make you smarter, skinnier, and
healthier, but you’re also less inclined to be moody and violent
(especially helpful on a Monday morning).

Café Kaila
Market City Shopping Center
2919 Kapiolani Blvd
Honolulu, O‘ahu, HI 96826
(808) 732-3330


Café Kaila is hands-down my favorite place to eat breakfast in
Honolulu. There, I said it. I thought about not including Café Kaila
in this review for purely selfish reasons, as their food is so good that
there is just about always a line of folks waiting to get in.
Simply put, Café Kaila is excellent, great fresh food at good prices,
nice folks as wait staff, and a relaxed atmosphere. Breakfast
recommendations include: the breakfast quesadilla, French toast plate,
and any of the omelets. Prices for breakfast entrees start around
$8.00.

Island Lava Java Bistro Grill
75-5799 Alii Dr, Ste A1
Kailua-Kona, Big Island, HI 96740

 

www.islandlavajavakona.com 808.327.2161

My personal motto of breakfast beverages is generally in keeping with
actor W.C. Fields’ – “I never drink anything stronger than gin before
breakfast.” However, Lava Java’s 100% Kona coffee made me change my
mind, what with it’s oh-so-smooth kick. But don’t get the wrong idea
about Lava Java, it’s much more than a coffee shop, as it boasts
beautiful ocean-side dining and amazingly fresh food.  They only serve
grass-fed Big Island beef, free-range Big Island chicken, Big Island
organic goat cheese, and locally grown, direct from the farmer organic
produce.  On a recent trip to the Big Island I ate both breakfast and
dinner at Lava Java on the same day (yep, they’re that good). Breakfast
recommendations include: the Eggs Benedict (with the best hollandaise
sauce I’ve ever tasted in Hawai‘i!), the half papaya filled with
yogurt and topped with granola, and the cinnamon rolls, which are
baked fresh daily on site. Prices for breakfast entrees start around
$8.00.

Longhi’s Restaurant
Ala Moana Shopping Center, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd.
Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96814   808. 947.9899
Additional locations in Lahaina and Wailea.

With sweeping views of Ala Moana beach and décor accentuated with
dollops of old Hawai‘i charm, the award winning Longhi’s has a
wonderful atmosphere. On my last visit to Longhi’s I lingered over my
breakfast and drank another cup of coffee just to stay a bit longer.
You’ll want to stay a little longer too, maybe for lunch and dinner,
which they do up quite nicely as well, not to mention the full bar…
Breakfast recommendations include: the Lobster Benedict, the Eggs
Florentine, and the pancakes with fresh mixed berry topping. Prices
for breakfast entrees start around $12.00.

If you’d like to serve the author breakfast in bed, then you should
start by following her blog — Respect the Food — at
www.strowanrespectsthefood.blogspot.com, or you can always just email
her a brunch invitation at
[email protected]

.

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OFF THE MAP

 

Words/Images: Noel Pietsch

 

Activities on Island Molokai

 

 

Molokai Island Activities

 

There are few places in Hawaii as isolated as the remote peninsula of Kalaupapa on the island of Molokai. This U.S. National Park is cut off from Molokai by 1,700 foot cliffs, and surrounded on three sides by the Pacific Ocean.  The Kalaupapa peninsula can only be reached by private charter plane, hiking the steep three-mile trail, or using a sure-footed Molokai Mule - a very scenic and adventurous way to visit Kalaupapa.

 

The Molokai Mule Ride was established in 1973 and inspired by the Grand Canyon Mule tours that take thousands of tourists into the canyon each year. Local businessmen liked the idea but were not sure if a mule could traverse the steep cliffs.  They turned to the best “mule man” in the islands, Eldon “Buzzy” Sproat, to see if a mule tour to Kalaupapa was possible.

 

“I was living on Oahu, and who wants to live on Oahu,” say Buzzy, who was born and raised training mules on Big Island’s Parker Ranch. “So I flew over to Molokai and was the first guy to ever ride a mule down into Kalaupapa. I wasn’t even working for the company but when I rode the mule back up, proving it was possible to start a tour, the owner gave me an offer I could not refuse,” says Buzzy.  Today Molokai Mule Ride is owned by Buzzy and his partner Roy Horner, and taking groups down into Kalaupapa six days a week on their 23 Molokai Mules.

 

“People always ask, what’s a mule Buzzy? And I tell them, if you think it’s a donkey, you’re half right. If you think it’s a horse, you’re half right,” says Buzzy. “But most importantly, these animals are extremely sure-footed and can be trusted to get you down and back up the trail safely.”

 

The tour begins at 8 in the morning.  Guests are given a quick briefing, introduced to their mule for the day, then helped into the saddle to head out across the paved road towards the trail to Kalaupapa. Each mule has a distinct personality, and our guide Bobby, a Hawaiian who has been leading the mule tours for over 30-years, assures us that theses mules are so well trained that  the riders can relax and enjoy the view. The trail begins by weaving in and out of a canopy of trees, past a bright green pasture and quickly to the start of the Kalaupapa trail.

 

“My favorite part of the ride is right at the top,” says Buzzy. “As soon as you turn the corner everybody is just taken aback because you are looking right down the cliff and out into the ocean and the Kalaupapa settlement… it’s just beautiful,” says Buzzy.  The ride continues through 26 switchbacks and in and out of the cool shade of the Hawaiian forest. The views looking down the sea cliffs and into the village of Kalaupapa are spectacular and change with every few feet traveled, keeping riders entertained for the hour-long journey down the mountain. Upon reaching the magnificent black sand beach at the base of the cliffs, the mules traverse along the trail to a small corral where the ride ends and the tour of Kalaupapa begins.

 

Trading in the mules for an old yellow school bus, a driver takes the group on a tour of Kalaupapa, telling stories and teaching about the difficult challenges faced by the patients. From 1866 to 1969 people from Hawaii infected with Hansen’s Disease (Leprosy) were sent to live in isolation on Kalaupapa. Some were literally thrown from boats and had to swim to shore and struggle for survival. The tour travels through the town, including the local store, the one-pump gas station, the old hospital and the homes where 18 recovered Hansen’s disease patients still live.

 

The tour then travels from the settlement of Kalaupapa to Kalawao, stopping at the newly restored St. Philomena Catholic Church, the site of Father Damien’s grave. Set in front of a breathtaking backdrop of magnificent sea cliffs, the historic church and graveyard brings to life both the horrific tragedy of lives lost at Kalaupapa and the incredible compassion Father Damien had for these people. The tour concludes with a picnic lunch at beautiful Kalawao, the site of the first settlement on the peninsula, before heading back to meet the mules for the quick trip back up the trail. A day exploring Kalaupapa is like a day spent back in time. It is likely the least touristed tour in Hawaii, and leaves you feeling like you got the rare chance to see a piece of living history, a part of Hawaii that has remained relatively untouched since the 1870’s.

 

If you are making a quick trip over to Molokai just for the mule ride into Kalaupapa its best to plan to stay the night before the tour on Molokai. The last remaining hotel, Hotel Molokai, is just a quick 20 minute drive from the Mule Ride stables and a great option for a quick overnight trip. Located on the water just five minutes from downtown Kaunakakai, the hotel and its lively restaurant, with local music nightly, completes this true kama’aina experience.

 

Molokai Mule Ride: www.muleride.com

Kalaupapa National Park: www.nps.gov/kala/index.htm

Hotel Molokai: www.hotelmolokai.com

 

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HOPS KAUAI

 

TITLE: Waimea Stay

Words: Kristy Kinimaka

 

 

 

 

 Waimea Plantation Cottages, Kauai

Waimea Plantation Cottages

 

For a peaceful getaway , make sure you stay at Waimea Plantation Cottages on Kauai’s Westside. It’s like taking a step back in time to the days of the sugar plantation. The quaint cottages each have their own charming personality. The landscape of the coconut trees, banyan trees, and various island plants are well maintained and breathtaking.

You can enjoy quality time with family and friends with the conveniences of a home , as the accommodations include a kitchen, separate rooms, living room, and outdoor bbq. Lounge by the pool, laze on a hammock under a coconut tree, or walk the black sand beach and gaze into the distance to see
the forbidden island of Ni’ihau.

Waimea Canyon, Polihale Beach, and the Napali Coast are popular attractions on Kauai’s Westside. And, if you find yourself there in February, be sure to check out the Waimea Town Celebration Feb 19-20,
2010. Visit
http://www.waimeaplantation.com/

 

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HOPS BIG ISLAND

 

Kona Brewing Company

Kona Brewing Company’s two pubs in Kailua-Kona on Hawaii’s Big Island and at Koko Marina Center on Oahu recently became Certified Green Restaurants® by the Green Restaurant Association. Kona Brewing Company’s two restaurants are the only current Certified Green Restaurant® locations in the state of Hawaii.

 

Working with the Green Restaurant Association (GRA), Kona Brewing Company received solutions, guidance and education that enabled it to improve its efforts toward reducing its environmental impact. GRA focuses on water efficiency, waste reduction and recycling, sustainable furnishings and building materials, sustainable food, energy, disposables, and chemical and pollution reduction.

 

Kona Brewing Company’s sustainability coordinator Tracy Solomon focused on four areas as she worked with the GRA for certification: Kona Brewing Company efforts to conserve resources, minimize waste, prevent pollution and support local agriculture. To maintain GRA status, each pub will be required to make additional advancements and be re- evaluated annually.

 

Find out more at www.konabrewingco.com

 

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HOPS BIG ISLAND

 

Words: Chantal Peterson

Image: Lauren Gerstle

 

 

Captain Cook Monument Big Island

Captain Cook Monument, Big Island

 

 

If you are looking for an alternative to being shuffled about en masse at the mercy of a benevolent tour guide but still want to experience one of the Big Island’s hot tourism wonders – then read carefully, for herein lies the map to a lesser known treasure.

 

The destination itself, located just 20 miles south of Kailua-Kona, is a well known snorkeling, kayaking and diving spot, and is home to the Captain Cook monument commemorating the “discovery” of the islands in 1779. The vibrant reef is beautiful - with 100 ft. visibility in crystal clear waters you can see a wide variety of tropical aquatic species and diverse underwater landscape. Immediately in front of the monument the coral reef forms a large shelf, extending out in less than 15 feet of water. The water gets deeper as you head south of the monument.

 

Tourists frequent this spot, generally arriving on boats which depart from the opposite side of the Kealakekua Bay, or with organized kayaking groups. Other tourists rent kayaks and make their way across the bay independently.

 

However, should you prefer a more independent, adventurous and physically demanding route to this epic snorkeling spot, you can choose to hike there. The trail is an unmarked, lesser-known gem, maintained by a local hiking enthusiast with his industrial weed whacker. The hike is difficult, but not extremely long. It drops approximately 1,300 feet in about 1.4 miles. On the trail you must watch your footing because of the slick remains of cut guinea grass, followed thereafter by somewhat loose lava rock covering the trail. The hike out is quite steep and it is not recommended in the mid-day heat; regardless of the time of day, bring lots of water and wear good shoes.

 

How to get there:Take Highway 11 South from Kailua-Kona until the Kealakekua turn-off (Hwy 160) at the 110.5 mile marker. Turn right and continue for 200 yards. You will see three tall palm trees on your left hand side. The unmarked trail head is directly across from those three trees, on your right hand side. You can park along the road, as there are a few spots cleared along the side of the road, presumably for this purpose. The trailhead is a small, 6 ft wide clearing just off of the paved road.

 

Enjoy the beauty of this natural treasure – use your body to get you there and save money at the same time. Do not forget an underwater camera!

 

 

 

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MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO

 

 

 (innov8 – November/December)

 

Jonathan Ornstein, CEO & Chairman

 

 

Dear Valued go! Mokulele Customer,

 

 

Aloha and welcome to go! Mokulele, Hawaii’s Low Fare Airline.

 

Last month Mesa Airlines, dba go!, entered into an exciting new joint-venture partnership with Mokulele Airlines. By joining forces, go! Mokulele is bringing together the many talents of our people and strengths of our two brands to improve efficiencies in order to ensure the future of low cost travel for the businesses and people of Hawaii. Together we are now Hawaii’s second largest and only low cost carrier, and we are doubly committed to continuing to offer friendly, convenient service and everyday low fares.

 

So when planning your next trip, be sure to check out the lowest fares, our convenient schedules and some of Hawaii’s best travel deals by visiting us at www.iflygo.com or www.mokulele.com . Oh yes and while you’re there, sign up free to our frequent flyer program go!Miles and very soon your next trip could be free!

 

 

November and December are action-packed months here in Hawaii as residents and visitors alike enthusiastically celebrate the holiday season. So don’t miss a beat. Check out all the action in the Happenings section near the back of this issue of your very own copy of innov8. Please feel free to take it with you.

 

As this is our final issue of innov8 for 2009, I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of everyone on the go! Mokulele Team to thank you sincerely for your business and support, and to wish you and those who are special to you, a very safe and happy holiday season.

 

 

Jonathan Ornstein

CEO & Chairman

Mesa Air Group, Inc

 

 

go! Mokulele をご利用のお客様へ

 

アロハ!

ハワイの低運賃エアライン go! Mokulele へようこそ。

先月、Mesa Airline, dba go! は、Mokulele Airline と新たな事業プランにむけて協力していくことになりました。これにより、go! Mokulele は社員の様々な能力と二つのブランド力を結集し、サービスの効率化を目指し、将来のハワイ諸島のビジネスや人びとの低運賃旅行を確かなものとしていきます。我々は今やハワイにおける第二の規模を持つ、そして唯一の低運賃航空会社となりました。より親しみやすく便利なサービスと、また常に低運賃を提供することを、両者で共にお約束いたします。

 

次の旅行を計画する時は、www.flygo.com あるいは www.mokulele.com にアクセスし、低価格運賃と便利なスケジュールを選び、またハワイ旅行の特典も合わせてご覧になってください。このサイトで、Frequent Flyer Program go! Miles に加わっていただくと、次回のフライトが、その場ですぐに無料になるかもしれません。

 

ハワイ諸島は11月と12月は催し物が目白押しです。ハワイの人も旅行者もホリデーシーズンを熱烈に祝いましょう。このチャンスを逃さないよう、Happenings セクションに掲載されている催し物をチェックし、あなたの手元にある innov8 はご自由にお持ち帰り下さい。

 

2009年の『innov8』の発行はこれが最後になります。この場をお借りして、go! Mokulele Team の全員を代表して、皆様のご利用とご支援に深く感謝申し上げますとともに、皆様と皆様の大切な方が、安全で楽しいホリデーシーズンをお過ごし頂けるよう願っております。

 

 

Jonathan Ornstein

CEO & Chairman

Mesa Air Group, Inc

 

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PERSPECTIVES

A Deceptive Vision of Paradise?

Words: James Hadde

Images: James Hadde

Pull Quote: “Each trip down this freshly laid powder, however exhausting, offers new territory to leave a signature of clean lines and envious memories.”

 

Hawaii Snow Capped Mountain

A Deceptive Vision of Paradise?

 

Cooler than a lychee shave ice, the snowy slopes of Mauna Kea on the Big Island present a surreal view of Hawai‘i that often escapes both the discerning local and the endless flow of visitors that flock to the islands each year.  At fourteen thousand feet, the air is crystal clear and the panoramic view at the summit endless, stretching off as far as the eye can see.  Add a fresh sprinkling of snow, known affectionately by locals as "pineapple powder," and this world created by the Hawaiian snow goddess Poli‘ahu is absolutely mind-blowing.  Grab your snowboard and skis, and this place transforms into a wild adventure park.

 

Extreme, harsh, and unforgiving come to mind while explaining this rare climatic experience.  There are no lifts, gondolas, or rope tows, and pure leg power brings you back from your glide.  By car, just four hours away from the sun-kissed beaches of Kona, the summit is intensely deceptive.  The speedy ascent can produce a parched throat, pounding headaches, and severe muscle cramping. Breathing in the crisp, thin air makes even walking a challenge.  Now imagine full-body exertion while snowboarding and skiing. 

 

Why, then, do I return each winter to take this seemingly insane challenge?  Well, when it’s on, it’s way ON.  Turn the volume up and ask Emeril to bump it up a notch!  Those same northern storms that bring monster waves to our islands also help to paint Mauna Kea a starchy white.  Each trip down this freshly laid powder, however exhausting, offers new territory to leave a signature of clean lines and envious memories.  The runs can be long, some more than two miles.  The view from the summit before ascent is absolutely lunar and out of this world.  As an immaculate bonus, one has the luxury of heading back down to the beaches and out of this winter wonderland all in the same day, perhaps taking a refreshing dip in the surf that only hours earlier could be seen stretching off around the islands in all directions.  Sublime. 

 

I have merely found here in these wonderful islands an experience truly unlike any other.  For certain and without a doubt, I have discovered…a deceptive view of paradise.  Aloha shirt optional!

 

 

 

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IN MOTION: WAIMEA GAUNTLETS

Title: WAIMEA GAUNTLETS

Words: Trevor Spring

 

Waimea-Bay:-Hawaii-Surfing

Waimea Bay Surfing - North Shore Hawaii

 

"When in Rome…do as the Romans do."  When this old saying is used now, it often refers to going with the flow and following the behavior of locals while visiting a new place.  In this case, we’re referring to the ocean devotees and lifeguards living healthy lifestyles year-round on the North Shore of O‘ahu.  Here smack in the middle of the "seven-mile miracle" lies the legendary Waimea Bay.

 

During the winter months, the majority of the population of the North Shore can be found playing in the large surf created by the intense storms in the North Pacific.  When these waves find a termination point on the North Shore, some of the biggest can be found at Waimea, which literally means "Red Water" in Hawaiian.  This stems from the color of the river running to the ocean from the back of the Waimea Valley. With the ancient remains of Pu’u o Mahuka, an important heiau (Hawaiian temple), overlooking the shoreline, Waimea Bay has always held an eerily significant place in the world of big wave surfing.  During the winter months, the most fearless watermen and women are found pushing themselves outside their comfort zone and paddling into the twenty-to-fifty-foot behemoth waves off the point.

 

During the calm summer months, however, the bay functions as a training ground for these adrenaline junkies and virtually everyone else looking to stay fit and balanced without setting foot in a gym.  "Waimea is the North Shore’s swimming pool," says Bodo Van Der Leeden, captain of the North Shore District of City and County Lifeguards.  "And if anyone plans on challenging the big surf on the North Shore, they had better plan to prepare their mind and body with plenty of running and swimming during the summer months.  These run/swim workouts, otherwise known as gauntlets, make up the backbone of any waterman’s workout regimen here in Hawai‘i."  The focus is on lung capacity, full-body strength, swimming proficiency, and retaining mental clarity while stressed for oxygen underwater.

 

A gauntlet has no strict format; it can be any duration, course, or intensity.  The most common course at Waimea is to run on the soft sand from the east side of the bay toward the "jump rock" on the other side.  Once across, charge into the water with no rest and swim back to the other side.  Repeat as many times as you can handle.  The bay is a couple of hundred yards across, so this course can be particularly challenging if the pace is kept up.  For a faster pace and more interval-based workout, take two minute rests between laps.  With this approach, you’re guaranteed to get more work done and build speed.

 

A common, but risky, attraction at Waimea is the rock jump at the west end of the bay.  At about twenty feet, it’s not the height of the jump, but the shallow water and overcrowded conditions that pose the greatest risks.  Although the lifeguards discourage it and post signs detailing the dangers, many beach-goers continue to climb the rock and line up for a turn to bomb off the top.  "It’s an exciting thing to do, but we’ve had quite a few people get hurt doing it," says Captain Van Der Leeden. 

In addition to the dangerous rock jump, swimmers should be aware of fishing lines near the beach.  Van Der Leeden recommends "swimming out thirty-to-fifty yards before swimming parallel to shore when doing your workout.  This time of year marks the beginning of the annual spawning of the hahalalu, a sardinelike fish that attracts bigger fish, which attracts the fishermen."  As seasons and conditions change often, "The best approach is to simply ask one of our friendly, experienced lifeguards.  We’re there from 9:15 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. ,seven days a week, and you can find out information regarding currents, jellyfish, or anything else you may want to watch out for,” says Van Der Leeden.

When parking, there is plenty of space right at the beach.  If this lot is full, there is parking further back in the valley at the Audubon Center. From there, it’s a nice, scenic walk or warm-up jog down to the beach. 

After your session of surf dashes, swim strokes, and sand sprints, you’re sure to be hungry.   Check out Waialua Bakery in the historic town of Hale‘iwaIt sports a variety of specialty breads baked on the premises, big healthy sandwiches, fresh juices, smoothies, and vegetarian specialties.  Waialua Bakery is right next to the Malama Supermarket at 66-200 Kamehameha Highway, and it can be reached at (808) 637-9079.

The bay is such a beautiful, scenic, and historic place that it is easy to simply sit, observe, and take it all in.  That’s fine too, but why not sample a taste of the morning ritual of those locals lucky enough to live close to the "North Shore’s swimming pool"?  Hope to see you on the beach.  Aloha.

For more information on ocean conditions and directions, call the Ocean Safety and Services Division of the City and County of Honolulu at (808) 922-3888.

 

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