Banyan Tree Lahaina
In Lahaina under the Banyan Tree a Hawaiian man sat with a ukulele positioned across his lap. His Hawaiian shirt covered a broad back and big belly. He absently smiled at the passing tourist as they passed by. Unnoticed, I watched from a bench I found just moments before. I had not heard the man play, or sing. My expectations were not high, but it was a beautiful Maui morning and I had nothing to do but enjoy my role as tourist.
Banyan Tree Lahaina Maui
I watched as his big fingers gave a tweak to the low string. He was tuning the ukulele while adjusting his posture getting ready to play. Within a couple strums the familiar sound of the ukulele came to life. “Not bad I thought,” as he ran through a cord progression without any problem; actually it was quiet good. But the real surprise came as the giant man sung in an ancient tone. It was raw in a grass roots kind-of way, transporting me back in time, when I imagined there were no tourist, restaurants, or shops. Just a simple island life. Read the rest of this entry »