Humpback Whale Resources

There are some great Whale Watching Videos on the web, here are a few more that we think all you “whale watching fans” will really enjoy:

• Watch as National Geographic photographer and Whale Trust co-founder Flip Nicklin reveals the mysteries of Hawaii’s humpback whales. Then go on an amazing whale watching tour in the channel – Watch Here
• A good amateur video of a whale watching tour – Watch Here
• National Geographic has some great information beside the video above. Here are some facts and an audio clip of the Humpback Whale song.

Located at The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach, our Maui vacation condo is a luxury studio located on the seventh floor at The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach. The condo has a impressive ocean view just off Kaanapali Beach, it faces the courtyard and there is a view of the West Maui Mountains.

Maui Vacation Rental

View From Unit #762

With the year coming to an end we are starting to look forward to 2010. To prepare for the upcoming year, we recently visited (August of 2009) our Maui vacation condo. We are happy to report everything is looking great. Yes, all kitchen appliances are shinny and clean; and there are plenty of dishes, plates and utensils for all those tropical delights …sure that is good news -But our kitchen has more than a nice toaster and a blender for those frozen drinks. In fact, back in August of 2000 we did a huge remodel. The project required gutting the kitchen, bringing in new cabinets, installing granite counter tops, removing a wall and adding 12×12 ceramic title. We are proud of the kitchen remodel, but the upgrades and improvements do not stop at the kitchen.

Maui Vacation Condo Rental

In the 2000 remodel we also did a lot of work on the bathroom. The shower-tub and the marble counter tops and floors were both refinished. Today, the improvements still shine and the bathroom and vanity are sparkling clean -like new. In April of 2006, we also installed glass shower doors which are still looking brand new -money well spent. Finally, the carpet and furniture are in great shape too. The carpet was replaced in October of 2007 and the furniture was reupholstered around the same time.

Luxury Maui Condo For Rent

So what have we done lately? Well, recently we replaced the mattress. In August 2009 we bought a new queen size Serta Mattress. On my recent visit to The Whaler (August 2009), I can vouch for how comfortable the mattress is; it is like sleeping on a cloud. I liked it so much, upon returning home I bought a new mattress.

Maui Vacation Condo

We really enjoy keeping the condo in great shape. The unit is not only our second home, but it is also a second home for many of our guest. Of course, Maui is the star. However, we believe our Maui vacation condo plays a very important supporting role to making our guest’s vacation the best experience possible. Specifically, The Whaler is oceanfront and the unit has a wonderful ocean view. Furthermore, the studio is located on the 7th floor with spectacular views of Maui’s beautiful scenery. Along with views of the ocean, here are also views of Kaanapali Beach, Molokai, Lanai, The Whaler courtyard and the West Maui Mountains.

Maui Vacation Condo

The Whaler, Unit #762

It takes a lot of work for us to keep the Maui vacation condo in such great condition, but it is worth it -at least we think so …and so do our guest.

Cost to rent unit #763 at The Whaler

Prices are always a consideration. However, we keep our vacation rental prices competitive. Time of year and length of stay are the two factors we consider when someone wishes to book the studio. For anyone wanting to rent our luxury vacation condo, it is our goal to keep the rent affordable. For more info click here, Maui Vacation Rental Information.

Kitchen with Granite Counters

The Whaler On Kaanapali Beach

News on The Whaler -In June of 2009, The Whaler completed renovations to the property. This was a big project, but now that the crews are gone -all is quiet. The pool has been updated, the courtyard re-landscaped and the buildings have been given a face-lift. Today, The Whaler has emerged as a property worthy of its coveted oceanfront location on Kaanapali Beach; steps to the beach and Whalers Village- where you can shop, eat and drink.

The Pool At The Whaler

Maui

We realize there are a lot of options for accommodations, but we believe our Maui vacation condo stands out from the others -we hope you will too. Inside the unit the new carpet, remodeled kitchen, refinished bath, reupholstered furniture and all the condo’s amenities, make spending time in the unit a treat. These extra touches have all been done with one goal in mind: to provide a beautiful, modern, clean and comfortable place to take off your shoes and …relax.

The Whaler On Kaanapali Beach

Hawaiian Music

People are complicated, acting and behaving “predictably –unpredictable.” We are filled with feelings and emotions that tend to influence the decisions we make, listening more to our heart than our head. Many times these feelings are (at least partly) based on a previous experience. Some memories are of times when we were happy and smiling. Moments filled with cheers and joy. But unfortunately for every yin …there is a yang. In this case, some memories are sad. They hold disappointment, lost opportunities and longing. Moments of regret. Tears. -sorrow.

This brings me to how music plays such an important roll in our lives. Through music we remember. Some songs are about our history, culture and ancestors; written as a story, so we will not forget our past.  There are also songs that are part of our personal past. Songs that when played trigger a personal memory, transporting us back to a specific place and time. The song can make us happy, or sad. This effect is a blessing when it is associated with pleasure, allowing us to revisit a loved one in our mind, or picture a sunset that has long since passed.

So que the band. One and a Two -and a Three -and a Four. From the first note to the last, the sound of Hawaiian Music strikes a certain cord for most of us. For Hawaiians it goes deeper as part of their culture. Fortunately, you don’t need to be Hawaiian to share in the “personal experience” of what Hawaiian music beholds -island life. This translates into memories about Hawaii. Perhaps the unique sound of the ukulele brings back memories of a time when you were eating poi. Other songs might remind you of surfing The Bay, or a walk on a white sandy beach? The memories are endless.

As I write about the songs of Hawaii, I’m taken back to some of my favorites. For me, The Brothers Cazimero singing Pua Lilia reminds me of a time when my wife and I lived in an ohana, in Makawao. For you the song might remind you of your mother, or a family vacation?  Whatever the memory, chances are there is a song out there that is part of your life.

Regarding The Brothers Cazimero and Pua Lilia, below I have embedded a YouTube Video of them performing the song at the 25th Annual May Day Concert in 2002. I love this song -good memories when I hear this one.

Hawaiian Music

What a video! And that is just the beginning. There is a wide variety of Hawaiian music. Some music is traditional, while other music might be a little more reggae. So I want to share a few other songs, styles and artist that help me remember both happy and sad time. During this journey, as I went through my library of songs, I found a few YouTube videos that are worth listening and watching. I also added an iTunes link to the specific song/album I mention. I don’t get money for this, but if you like the song I hope you support the artist.

Hawaiian Radio Online

I want to start with an incredible Hawaiian radio station online called, Hawaiian Rainbow. The site streams Hawaiian Music 24/7, commercial free. It is easy to listen to, you just download the steam to your iTunes player. If you do find yourself listening to Hawaiian Rainbow, a donation would be really help them continue providing quality Hawaiian music online. The owner does not push donations, so please take it upon yourself to make a contribution of any denomination. Aloha.

Hawaiian Rainbow - Hawaiian Radio Online

A special Song.

Israel Kamakawiwo’ole was a very special person, he touched a lot of lives. He is missed by family, friends and fans. Below I have added a special video of him singing, “Kaleohano”. What a treasure,

For an iTunes snippet click here

After that emotional video, I want to add one more video/song by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. It is called, Henehene Ko Aka. I know you will enjoy this video too. The YouTube video is not embedded so you need to, click here, enjoy.

Here are a few other Hawaiian songs.

• “Ku’u Lei Awapuhi”, version by Hapa. YouTube video, click here. For a iTunes music snippet, click here.
• “I’ll Remember You”, version by George Kahumoku, Jr. and Daniel Ho. Although this snippet does not give a very good feel for the song, it is the version I enjoy. For an iTunes snippet click here.
• “Sweet Lady of Waiahole”. To watch a YouTube video, click here
• Charles Kaupu chanting with Hapa. YouTube video, click here
• “Ka Pau U’i” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, for snippet click here
• Makaha Sons of Ni‘ihau, Makaha Bash 3 – Live At The Shell. For an iTunes snippet of the album, click here

I’m also a fan of Slack Key.

• “He Hawai’i Au” version by Paul Togioka. iTunes snippet, click here.
• “Ka Wai O Namolokama” version by Ozzie Kotani from the Puka Ua album. I could not find it on iTunes any more? So here is a link to his website, click here
• “Kai Po’i Kau Anu” version by Ozzie Kotani. I could not find it on iTunes any more? So here is a link to his website, click here
• “Jo Bo’s Night” version by John Cruz, iTunes snippet -click here
• “Wahini ‘llikea” version by Cindy Combs, iTunes snippet -click here

Sounds of Hawaii

The music of Hawaii can be as sparkling as the ocean or as fierce as a warriors chant. From the first note to the last, no matter where you are the music of Hawaii can take you back to the islands. So here is to all the artist who make this sweet music, allowing all of us to remember the sound of Hawaii. Aloha.

If you have a special song, please share it with our readers.

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.

Discovering Maui

This momentary glimpse into the real Hawaii was an wonderful experience. I did not expect to discover Maui outside of the museums, but life is full of surprises; and at the hands (and mouth) of a large Hawaiian man who played and sung under the Banyan Tree I was taken back to a different time.

Lahaina

The entire town of Lahaina is filled with these little glimpses of what life must had been like before all the shops and restaurants. Capturing this image is not that difficult once you start exploring the beaches and streets of Lahaina. I’m sure these moments are different for everyone and while my experience was unique for me …someone else will discover Maui in their own way.

If  you have a special moment about Maui, or traveling, please fell free to share it with our readers.

Lahaina