Last year, I wrote a couple of posts on the brewers, distillers, wineries, and meaderies in Hawaii.  As usual, I do my best to keep my information current and up to date and while I may occasionally overlook something, I will always be quick to admit so and update my information as I become aware.

Big Island Brewhaus…Waimea

Located in Waimea, this micro-brewery is owned and operated by Master-brewer Thomas Kern and his wife, Jayne.  Thomas Kern won over 30 national and international awards in just 3 years while brew-master with the Maui Brewing Co.

The brewpub business began with the purchase of Tako Taco Tacqueria, a successful Mexican restaurant in the heart of Waimea. Operating the restaurant since August 16, 2008, they currently bill the Big Island Brewhaus as Hawaii’s highest brewery at 2,812′.  Live Beer, Live Food, & Live Music- is the venue that they provide.

Since late 2010, they have been brewing their own beers, served in their Bamboo Beer Garden.  Currently, there are 13 different beers brewed by Mr. Kern and available by sampler sized 3.5 oz, half-pint and pint sizes.  You can even order their 5-beer sampler for just $6.00.  If you want to get some to go, they come in quart, half-gallon and a 2-liter growler…with the purchase of the containers.

Big Island Brewhaus is more than just a micro-brewer

In addition to their beers, you’ll also find a selection of southwestern fare, after all the original restaurant was Tako Taco, which is still in operation…with an island twist, such as their fish burrito.  They use island grown beef and produce.  They also make their own all-natural sodas, including Big Island Rootbeer and Lilikoi Cream soda.

They also have live entertainment with Open Mic nights on Tuesdays and Thursdays and live entertainment on Friday nights.  So, if you happen to be in the Kona area, find your way up to Tako Tacos and enjoy a relaxed evening out with the Kerns at the Big Island Brewhaus.

Hawaii seems to be stuck in a rainy weather pattern and has seen more than its fair share of flood warnings issued over the past couple of weeks.  Unfortunately, it has not been an even amount of rain falling throughout the state.  Parts of the Big Island, for example, is still suffering a severe drought going back to 2011.

My sister forwarded me the following pic, which I just HAD to post here to share with my readers!  An awesome sight of multiple waterfalls in the Koolau mountains on Oahu.  The most I had ever personally seen might equal half of what this pic has captured.

Tornado

According to the latest news, there was also a tornado that did property damage on the windward side of Oahu, in the Lanikai, Enchanted Lake subdivision area.  The tornado was rated a EF0 with winds of 75 mph, but still managed to do some severe damage to a few homes.

And, an accompaniment that only car body shops could love,  this weather event came with golf ball size hail!  While there have been over 40 tornadoes in Hawaii since 1950, hail is a very rare occurrence, especially hail of this size.  As a matter of fact, the weather service says to find hail this size, you’d have to go back to pre-1950’s.  Actually, hail falling in the state is more common than we think, but the majority of that hail falls over the ocean.

Go to: http://www.kitv.com/video/30650020/detail.html for a video covering the damage.

Another video of damage and reactions.

Meanwhile, on Kauai, the Napali Coast State Wilderness park is closed following rain-related damage to the Kalalau trail.

West Maui also got hit with golf ball size hail on Friday morning!   Add to that the torrential rains and heavy lightning storms and its been a pretty miserable week.   The good news is that the worse residual effect were around 70 people losing phone service and 400 losing power around the Hana area.  Roads were closed, debris blocking many others, and just a lot of cleanup ahead for the weekend.

Maui’s Polipoli Spring State Park and Waianapanapa State Park were also closed due to severe weather.

Snow Blankets Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa

Over the last 48-hours, snow has blanketed the slopes of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa.  The road up to the Mauna Kea Visitors Center was closed for part of this weekend due to the snow.

Here is a slide-show capturing the snow from both the mountain tops, as well as from Hilo:

Snow covered Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea

High Wind and Surf Advisories

While most of the country, with the exception of Alaska, is experiencing a fairly mild winter, Hawaii seems to be seeing a lot of wind and rain, as well as a lot of rough ocean conditions this year.  Note the number of high wind and surf advisories that the NOAA has issued this year.  It seems that not a week has gone by that someone has not drowned or been swept out to sea and required rescue.

Visitors and residents alike should be cautious of surf conditions and use caution, especially when in unfamiliar areas.   Tourists are simply not aware that Hawaii’s beautiful beaches can be deceiving.  Respect must be given to the ocean and the power of waves and current or the consequences can be severe.

Safety Tips

Locals grow up in and around the ocean and constant reminders to watch out.  Here are a few pointers that newbies should be mindful of when venturing near or in the waters of Hawaii (or anywhere else, for that matter):

• NEVER turn your back to the ocean!  You can’t take protective measures if you don’t see the wave that’s about to hit you.
• IF you are going to be hit by a large wave, your best bet is to lay flat and grab hold!  Running when a wave hits is about the worse thing that you can do as you have no way to stop being knocked down and sucked out.  Lying down maximizes the surface area between you and solid ground.
• This tip has no scientific support nor is it 100% accurate, but we were always told when you’re hit by one large wave, be especially cautious because they often come in SETS OF THREE!  In other words, don’t let you guard down too soon.
• If you are caught in a rip-tide or out-going current while snorkeling or swimming, DO NOT PANIC!  Do NOT try to fight the current and swim back to shore!  Go with the flow until you feel it lessen…swim diagonally back towards shore.

When I was in my teens, a couple friends and I had gone snorkeling just north of Diamond Head and while I was intent on following a school of fish, I got caught in an outgoing flow, running about 3-4 mph.  That doesn’t sound like much, but trust me, you can’t swim against that!

For about 5 seconds…I tried to do just that, as I panicked!  (Yes, I violated two of my own rules stated above.)  Then, I just relaxed and floated as I watched the bottom slide by below me (that’s when I estimated the speed)…and by now, I was in water over 40′ deep.  I looked up, sized up my situation, then cut a course of about a 30 degree angle toward shore.   Once I was clear of the out-going flow, progress became much easier and I headed straight for shore, but I still ended up about 50 yards down from where I started my swim in.

I can tell you that I was one tired puppy when I finally dragged myself up on the rocks and sprawled out exhausted!  However, the alternatives were that I would a) continued to fight the current and probably drowned from exhaustion, or b) been swept out and hopefully come near shore somewhere around Sand Island (about 5 miles down the coast for those not familiar with Oahu), thru some very shark infested waters I might add.

Likewise, there have been a few times where I have thrown myself down to get a hold when I’ve been caught unawares by a rogue wave.  More than a few locals have drowned while picking opihi (limpets) and got caught while there heads were down and picking.  So, not only was I brought up hearing these warnings, I have been the beneficiary of having heeded them.

Let Common Sense Rule!

I wish each and everyone a safe and happy outing each time you venture to the coast, whether you’re swimming, snorkeling, fishing or whatever your pursuit of happiness involves.  I hope you never have need of any of these warnings, but should the need arise, I hope that they will serve you well, as they have me.  Remember, your first course of action is to observe the ocean and allow your common sense to dictate whether its safe to walk out, swim out, or simply stay away.

The Annual Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Ocean Count

And, once again, they are looking for volunteers to help with this year’s count.  This effort has been an on-going project since 2002 and helps in determining the overall health of the humpback whale population in the Pacific.  The annual sanctuary ocean count has shown a an annual increase in population of approximately 7%.

If you’re going to be in Hawaii at the end of January, February, or March, you can participate in this fun and enlightening sanctuary ocean count by volunteering a few hours of your time.

The 2012 Sanctuary Ocean Count will be held on Saturday January 28th, February 25th, and March 31th.

The sanctuary, which is managed by NOAA, protects humpback whales and their habitat in Hawaiian waters.  The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary was created by Congress in 1992, to protect humpback whales and their habitat in Hawaii.  The sanctuary, which lies within the shallow (less than 600 feet), warm waters surrounding the main Hawaiian islands, constitutes one of  the world’s most important humpback whale habitats.  The Sanctuary Education Center is located in Kihei, Maui, and is open Monday thru Friday, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm,  if you happen to be in the area.

Maui Office and Sanctuary Education Center
726 South Kihei Road
Kihei, Hawai`i 96753
Phone: (808) 879-2818 or toll free 1-800-831-4888

Online registration to participate in this year’s Sanctuary Ocean Count is now available for the islands of Hawaii, Oahu, and Kauai.

Make your own slideshow at Animoto.

Sanctuary Ocean Count Volunteers Wanted!

Volunteers count the number of humpback whales which can be seen around the islands over a four-hour period and record their behavior. This year, the Sanctuary Ocean Count will be conducted at over 60 different shore sites around the islands of Hawai‘i, Kaua‘i, and O‘ahu (see online site descriptions). Counts will be conducted the last Saturday of January, February, and March. Select the date(s) you would like to take part in and register today!

Online registration for this year’s Sanctuary Ocean Count is now available for the islands of Hawaii, Oahu, and Kauai.

Space at each site is limited and online registration will not be possible for those sites that have 0 spaces available. To register for Pyramid Rock or Mokapu Point on Oahu, please E-mail them at info@sanctuaryoceancount.org

You can also support the Sanctuary Ocean Count by purchasing a 2012 t-shirt from the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation.

This year’s design is the work of Stephanie Chang DESIGN INK.

t-shirt from the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. Proceeds benefit the Sanctuary Ocean Count project.t-shirt from the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. Proceeds benefit the Sanctuary Ocean Coun

Order Yours Today!

Pacific Whale Foundation

You may have noticed that Maui is not listed as a participating location for the annual sanctuary ocean count.  That’s because a whale count on Maui is conducted independently by the Pacific Whale Foundation each February.  While they do not sign up volunteers for their whale counting, they do offer volunteer opportunities for those on vacation who would like to help out with protecting the fragile eco-system on Maui.

Welcome the new year in with some great Hawaiian coffee!   Coffees of Hawaii is having a new year sale on their special “Year of the Dragon” coffee!

Coffees of Hawaii’s “Year of the Dragon” New Year’s Coffee – Limited Edition – only available January 1st – 31st – plus 10% off & Free Shipping with code DRAGON12. Celebrate 2012 with this custom roasted 100% Hawaiian coffee while supplies last!

And, if you want to order one of their other coffees from Hawaii, you can get 10% off AND FREE Shipping thru March 31st, by using Promo Code: NEWYEAR10.

And, for member serving in the military, Welcome U.S. Service Men & Women – Coffees of Hawaii ships to all APO & FPO addresses FREE OF CHARGE plus SAVE 10% on all orders with promo code MILITARYSHIP – thanks for serving our country!

Happy New Year!

May 2011 be a better year than 2010 was!  The country needs some good news and to see some improvement in our current economic state of affairs.  Then again, so could I.

It is also a good time to count our blessings, whether its still having a job while so many do not, or simply thankful for the family and extended ohana we surround ourselves with.

Have you ever stopped to ask yourself what your life would be like without these people being a part of it?  Wealth is not always measured in monetary terms and while having money is great, having loved ones to share experiences with is what truly matters.

I don’t have a lot of close friends…never have.  But, I am blessed to have two wonderful daughters, a great son-in-law, and a granddaughter who makes getting “old” seem worthwhile.  I see them about once or twice a month, which isn’t a lot, but always remind myself that it could be worse.

I now live in North Carolina and my parents and sister still live in Hawaii.  My parents live on the Big Island near Naalehu and my sister and her family live in Honolulu.  I don’t get to see them near as much as I’d like to  Sometimes, years go by without my being able to go back for a visit.

The last trip back was in February, 2010, and the whole family went back.  My two daughters, son-in-law, granddaughter, and even my ex-wife.  We spent a short time in Honolulu and the remainder of our trip on the Big Island.

We had a ball as I played tour guide and took them around the island over a 4-day period.  As I have written in previous posts, its not something you want to try and do in a day or two.  Besides, its not the easiest thing in the world getting four adults and a 1-year old ready to hit the road each morning.

I wouldn’t trade those memories for anything!  The kids and I, minus my granddaughter, took the hour fifteen minute hike to Papalokea, green sand beach, and enjoyed watching the whales off shore near South point along the way.

Its a long and dusty hike to get to Papalokea Beach

Papalokea “Green Sand” Beach

We made several stops in the Kailua-Kona area, including the Puuhonua o Honaunau (Place of Refuge) and Puukohola Heiau National Historic Sites.  They even took the short tour of the Kona Brewery, since “dad” was already the designated driver for the day.

We made the drive to Kapaau on the northern tip of the island and saw the King Kamehameha statue there, as well as enjoyed the drive along the Kohala mountains on Hwy 250.  We arrived in Waimea (Kamuela) too late to catch lunch at the Hawaiian Style Restaurant, but will make up for it on another trip.

I’m not sure who enjoyed our stop at Akaka Falls the most.  My granddaughter was just learning to walk and was determined to “walk” each of the many steps that you will encounter along the path to the viewing area.

We did not get to see lava flowing on this trip, but they took tons of pictures along the walk to the Thurston Lava Tube from the Park Headquarters.  We came back later that evening, after having some time in Hilo, to try and catch the night time glow out of Haleakala Crater, but it was a rainy, wet and windy night…not to mention cold.

They had signed up as volunteers to help in the whale counting efforts, but that was the day of the tsunami warning, so we spent the morning like most of the residents of Hawaii, watching the notable lack of wave activity.  Although, I must admit, it was kind of neat to watch the tide come in and out so many times in an hour.

While a little disappointed in the lack of action, we were also thankful that noone got hurt and no property damage was reported.

It seems the older I get, the more I enjoy my trips “home”.  Upon returning to North Carolina this time, I started to think about starting a website on Hawaii to share my love of the islands, as well as give me ample opportunities to keep myself abreast of what was going on back there.

A few months later, I started this blog to supplement my entries on the website.  If you have not yet visited it, I invite you to visit and share the information posted, www.myhawaiionline.com.  There is also a free newsletter that you can subscribe to as well.

Well, that was last year!  And, after spending a great Christmas with all of them, I can’t help but hope that 2011 brings us many more fond memories that we will share with one another for years to come.

May 2011 bring you many happy memories as well!