With each day bringing us a new advancement in technology we decided to jump on the train and bring you our first iPhone app that will allow you to get the latest and greatest that 808Talk has to offer. Get up to date delivery of our videos, audio and even wallpaper, not to mention we will routinely be including specials and alerts available in .pdf format so you can get the best out of your stay in Hawaii should WHEN you decide to visit.

And so for a cost less than the price of a fancy cup of coffee, at you know where, you can get our App available now in the iTunes store.

    
Preview

Description:

Bringing you travel tips, news, vacation advice, and cultural information direct from Hawaii via the latest audio and video episodes from the 808Talk Podcast – along with exclusive bonus material. In addition to access to the show, there is also access to special features:

• PDF documents – covering Hawaii travel tips, discounts and more
• Hawaii wallpaper
• Bonus audio and video content
• Exclusive audio tracks from Hawaii’s leading music entertainers
• Access to the show’s Twitter feed
• Call-in audio comments

Traveling to Hawaii soon or just curious about the wonderful islands of aloha? Looking for an “Insider Guide to Hawaii” from local residents with aloha that only Hawaii has to offer? If you answered yes, then this app is for you! Mahalo (thank you) for purchasing our App and supporting 808Talk. We look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful islands of aloha soon!

(Please note, not all features are available for all episodes. Call-in feature is only available on iPhone but not iPod Touch)

808Talk Hawaii Sharing Aloha App

$1.99

Category: Travel

Publisher: Wizzard Media

The Chicago area, where I’ve lived most my life, is a melting pot of cultures. The Midwest is dramatically different from this scenic locale over four thousand miles from the place where I grew up. From the moment we boarded the plane for our first visit we heard “aloha” and “mahalo“. Once we got off the plane in Honolulu we saw bilingual signs, though the second language was not Spanish as it would be at home. English, Japanese and sometimes Hawaiian was printed on these signs. I remembering standing in front of two restroom doors trying to decide if I was a “kane” (man) or “wahine” (woman) since I didn’t recognize the words.

Oahu’s population is a diverse mix of cultures in which no majority is represented. Japanese are the largest minority making up over 23% of the population. Other Asians are another 32% of the demographics. White, non-Hispanic are less than 18% of the total state residents.

Sometimes I’ll ask others if they have traveled to Hawaii. A common response I hear is “No, I’ve never been outside the United States.” Hawaii is a state and has been since 1959, though it has the exotic feel of another country.

Dancing The Hula

Photo Credit: (808Talk) / © All rights reserved

Locals actively promote the Hawaiian culture through dance, stories and music at shows free to the public. The dance is “hula” and you will often find the instrument of choice to be the ukulele. Mistakenly thought to be of Hawaiian origin by many, the ukulele was actually brought to the islands by Portuguese laborers many years ago.

Sunrise From Atop Haleakala in Maui, Hawaii

Photo Credit: (Dylan Parker) / CC by-sa 2.0

The climate in Hawaii is like no other place I have visited. In this tropic region, ocean, beaches, arid desert, rain forests, mountains and snow can all be found within a few hundred miles. The peaks, valleys and ridges of the mountains influence the weather resulting in different terrain throughout the islands. You can see the line of clouds as the rain hangs on the windward side of the mountains.

As a first time visitor to Hawaii, the languages, cultures and variety of terrain endeared me and enticed me to return. Like a siren, the islands keep calling me back for more adventures.

About this guest blogger:
April M. Williams is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and a great friend of 808Talk.

Learn more about April by visiting her at the websites below.
LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/in/aprilmwilliams
Twitter http://twitter.com/AprilMWilliams
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/AprilMWilliams
CyberLife Tutors Blog http://www.cyberlifetutors.com/blog.html
Personal Blog http://aprilmwilliams.wordpress.com

• No parking fees. When you ride the bus, there is never a need to dig for quarters to fill the parking meters or pay garage parking prices. Daily parking fees range from $15-$25 in Waikiki.
• No circling for open parking spots. The bus stops to let you out and you can walk right to your destination. No more driving around hoping someone pulls out so you can grab an open stall.
• Enjoy the scenery. When you drive, you need to pay attention to other cars, street signs, pedestrians and bikers. During rush hour in Honolulu, some streets reverse the flow of traffic which can be confusing. While on the bus, you can take in blue skies, lush green mountains, ocean views and local architecture.
• Relax on the bus. City driving is stressful but you can leave the driving to someone else. Let yourself unwind as you take in your surroundings.
• Meet new people. We take advantage of our time with the locals on the bus. Looking for a place for dinner? Ask your fellow passengers for ideas.
• Tour without backtracking. Take pleasure in a leisurely stroll going as far as you choose. No need to backtrack to find the car. Just jump on the bus for your return trip.
• Easy to find your way. Why spend time driving around lost. Most hotels have directions for how to get around using the bus. System and route maps are available at http://www.thebus.org/Route/Routes.asp.
• Best deal in town. For just $2.25 you can take a ride on the bus. Ask for a transfer and you can ride again for free within a two hour window. Four day, monthly, and annual pass rates are an even better deal.
• Drink a toast. Enjoy an adult beverage or two without concerns about driving while intoxicated. Island police are serious about keeping the streets safe. If you have been drinking, it’s better to leave the driving to The Bus.
• Everyone is welcome. The Bus “kneels” for easier embarkation. Lifts aid riders who need assistance boarding. You can even take your bike on the racks mounted on the front of the bus.

Save time and money using the Oahu bus system. Friendly drivers are there to make your trip pleasant. The Bus system goes nearly everywhere on Oahu. You can find route information and maps available at http://www.thebus.org. For more information call The Bus (808) 848-4500.

About this guest blogger:
April M. Williams is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and a great friend of 808Talk.

Learn more about April by visiting her at the websites below.
LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/in/aprilmwilliams
Twitter http://twitter.com/AprilMWilliams
CyberLife Tutors Blog http://cyberlifetutors.com/blog.html
Personal Blog http://aprilmwilliams.wordpress.com

Below is a little excerpt from what the project is all about.

I am going to be in Hana for 5 days. I plan on shopping when I arrive in Kahului and in Paia at Mana Foods. My goal is to buy only products made in Hawaii. I want to do this for 2 reasons:

• I want to honor hardworking Hawaiian businesses by purchasing their products.
• I want to sample the best of the Islands and purchase things that I couldn’t easily find on the mainland.

- John Holland

To read more about the project visit John’s page at http://bit.ly/3XCDoL and pass on to him any recommendations you may have. John is scheduled to arrive tomorrow, so send him your input quick!

“Two pairs of lovers (Steve Zahn and Milla Jovovich, Timothy Olyphant and Kiele Sanchez) on a Hawaiian vacation discover that psychopaths are stalking and murdering tourists on the islands. Cliff and Cydney are an adventurous young couple celebrating their honeymoon by backpacking to one of the most beautiful, and remote, beaches in Hawaii. Hiking the wild, secluded trails, they believe they’ve found paradise. But when the pair comes across a group of frightened hikers discussing the horrifying murder of another newlywed couple on the islands, they begin to question whether they should turn back. Unsure whether to stay or flee, Cliff and Cydney join up with two other couples, and things begin to go terrifyingly wrong. Far from civilization or rescue, everyone begins to look like a threat and nobody knows whom to trust. Paradise becomes hell on earth as a brutal battle for survival begins.“

Source: Wikipedia

Official Website of A Perfect Getaway:
http://www.iamrogue.com/aperfectgetaway/

Yesterday we FINALLY got rid of 2008 and stepped head first into what I KNOW will be a promising New Year! The many events of 08 were not all that wonderful, but the friends we made along the way were most excellent and for that we are thankful.

So now that we have stepped into 2009, what next? Well yesterday we sort of stumbled into the theme for the year and that is Aloha! What started off as a way to document the island happenings throughout the New Year Eve events actually turned into what we are going to call the Aloha09 Project! So what is the Aloha09 Project? Well it’s a way to spread the Aloha and show the world what it’s really all about and what Hawaii is all about. Sort of like our own engaging campaign to prove why Hawaii should be your place to visit and enjoy, because we have so much beauty, friendly people, and Aloha!

How can you get in on the Aloha09 Project? Simple! If you’re on Twitter, then just hashtag any tweet of Aloha with #aloha09 so that it passes it on throughout Twitter. And if you’re not on Twitter, then Join The Conversation! You can also help by tagging aloha09 on your blog or website during any post where you wish to spread the aloha. Sounds simple right? Because it is…and we aim to show the power of Hawaii and the aloha it brings.

You can follow along with the stream of #aloha09 or add @aloha09 on Twitter for starts. Then make it a goal to tweet at least one #aloha09 everyday and spread the joy. Special mahalo to @NathanKam for creating the hashtag and for all the people in Hawaii and around the world who participated in the NYE event which helped trend us to #2 on Twitter!

We hope your 2009 is a year to remember and most of all we hope you experience, enjoy, and spread the aloha around the world!

The Aloha Spirit

*UPDATE*
The Aloha09 Project now has it’s own page: http://aloha09.808talk.com

On this joyous time of the year we wanted to wish each and everyone of our wonderful readers, listeners and viewers a very, very Merry Christmas!

During Christmas we experience much love and happiness and sometimes set aside the indifference’s we have with each other so that we all may experience this wonderful season. I challenge you to not just save this all for Christmas day, but practice it each and everyday with the aloha that we share in the islands. In doing so, you’ll find that the world can become a better place for all and that the aloha we share is contagious.

“When you see “Mele Kalikimaka,” recognize that it is the Hawaiianized pronunciation of “Merry Christmas.”

The Hawaiian language does not include all the sounds found in the English language (notably the letter R). Thus the familiar English phrase of “Merry Christmas” when pronounced using Hawaiian language syllables becomes “Mele Kalikimaka” (note the substitution of L’s for R’s).

“Mele Kalikimaka” is therefore not Hawaiian for “Merry Christmas,” but simply a Hawaiian transliteration“

Enjoy these videos from us @808Talk and our good friend @DocTrey

Mahalo to a few Twitter friends that sent XMAS shoutouts!
@AlohaArleen: http://vm.808talk.com/XMAS2008/AlohaArleen.mp3
@DocTrey: http://vm.808talk.com/XMAS2008/DocTrey.mp3
@ierict: http://vm.808talk.com/XMAS2008/ierict.mp3

You too can send us a shoutout or even a Happy New Year greeting!
Leave us a voicemail at: (808) 356-0967

More about Mele Kalikimaka

When I first moved to Hawaii, a few of my friends asked: “so, have you seen Dog yet?” To which I responded: “He’s from here?” One could say I’m a Dog neophyte.

But when I heard that Duane “Dog” Chapman would be at Da Kine Bail Bonds today, signing autographs, I knew I had to go. Because today I had a mission: to get autographs for seven friends, deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. And since I’m six months pregnant, the ironic side of me really wanted to get a photo of my big ol’ belly with him for the baby album.

There were no fancy press passes for this gal. Nope, I got the authentic, wait-in-line-with-the-rest-of-humanity treatment. Waiting in line, as it turns out, is half of the fun. The people standing behind me weren’t—strictly speaking—standing behind me. Rather, they milled impatiently beside me as I read my new Dog the Bounty Hunter book, flashing them the occasional incredulous look. There are always those side-standing people near me in a line. It’s just a cross I must bear.

To my front, a nerdy dude in a freshly-purchased aloha shirt fidgeted. He loudly quoted Dog facts from his book and said such gems as:

“I don’t think Dog will be here long because he’ll have to get back to cleaning up the streets.”

And:

“Don’t worry about someone stealing your camera. If they did, I bet Dog would chase them down.”

You can’t make this stuff up. I would have killed to be in the room when this guy met Dog. Something hilarious must have come out of his mouth But alas! We were split up into groups.

First, I met the secondary cast: Baby Lyssa, Leland and Duane Lee. I was impressed by how normal they seemed, and that they listened attentively to my schpeil, which went something like this:

“Hi. I’m in the Army Reserves and if I weren’t hapai, I’d be with my unit in Afghanistan. Can you sign seven photos for my friends who are there right now?” Happily, they obliged.

Then (drumroll please) I was whisked in to meet Dog, in all his mullet-ed glory, looking like he’d channeled an 80’s rock star as he dressed himself.

I repeated the schpeil. He was genuine in his interest, even asking me if I’d been deployed—which I have. He said “thank you for doing what you do.” What do you say when Dog thanks you? Stammer a lame “you’re welcome,” apparently.

He signed each of my seven photos “stay alive, Brah.” It’s almost poetic in it’s simplicity. Any more effusive and it would have been cheesy. I think it’s the only thank you I’ve ever heard for being a soldier that seemed totally unselfconscious. (Oh, I really am a part-time soldier. It wasn’t just a ploy to get more autographs.)

“When are you due?” Dog said, and was very surprised that I was only six months along, considering my gigantic belly.

Somewhat flustered, I explained “I’m very short, so there’s nowhere for the baby to go but out.” Dog looked me up and down, and he said: “yeah, you are kind of small.”

Then, we took a photo together. Ladies, don’t be jealous, but I actually got to touch his famous blonde mane. It’s not difficult to do, because that mullet is all over the place. When we cuddled up for the picture, my hand got lost in it. It felt of Aqua Net and Sun-In. It was perfect.

My meet and greet with Beth was the shortest of all the encounters. She was distracted, but sweet. I forgive her, because she was doing segments with a Channel 2 news team, describing Dog’s involvement in some new charity work here in Honolulu. I had no idea he was a do-gooder. I left the event, thoroughly charmed. Now I gotta start watching the show.

In summary, these are the important things you should know from my “date”:

• Dog and his family are far handsomer in person than on TV
• Dog does good stuff for his community
• Standing in line with tourists is funny
• Beth’s famous cleavage is actually larger than it appears on TV
• And seven guys in Iraq and Afghanistan will get a special Christmas present this year, thanks to Dog

So thanks, Dog…

Mahalo to all our listeners and supporters out there who continue to help us spread the aloha and introduce more to the wonderful beauty, activities, music and events that take place in our paradise we call home.

So now that the nominations are in, the next step is the voting process. We encourage you to continue to help and support 808Talk and cast your vote for us as this year’s best travel podcast.

To vote, visit the Podcast Awards website and look under the “Travel” section to cast your vote for 808Talk, then below that fill in your name and email and any comments you may have and then press “Submit”. You will then receive an email with further vote verification instructions.

Mahalo for your continued support and a hui ho.

(Voting Opens On October 23rd and Continues Until November 6th @ 2359)
View Nominations and Vote Here: http://www.podcastawards.com

Check out our podcast here: http://audiolist.808talk.com

“Aloha Challenge is symbilingo’s language immersion championship for Japanese and Americans. 8 bi-lingual college interns test their language, management, and creative abilities to win this 4-week filmmaking competition. If they can convince teams of high school students to hire them, then lead those teams to victory, elimination is avoided.

Tight deadlines, language barriers, and personalities complicate any situation, but certainly make for a compelling low-budget, high-content reality show.“

Aloha Challenge 2008 – http://www.alohachallenge.tv

Sandy Beach (21°17′5″N, 157°40′20″W) is on the South Shore of O’ahu in Hawai’i. It is known for its shorebreak and for its bodyboarding and bodysurfing. The area is also known for its strong current and dangerous shorebreak. Unexperienced bodyborders, bodysurfers, and swimmers should stay out of the water. The beach park is located between Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve Park on the west and MakapuÊ»u Point on east along 8800 Kalanianaole Highway in Hawai’i Kai, on Honolulu’s southside neighborhood.

Enjoy the view and wonderful beach but remember to not let the beauty distract you from the danger. Read more about Sandy Beach Hazards and why lifeguards remind us all to “never turn your back on the ocean.”

In Hawaii they also pose a great threat to the ocean wildlife when they find their way into the sea via drains and sewage pipes. Whales, dolphins, seals and turtles die due to plastic bags because they mistake them for food and ingest them.

In the last few days both Maui and the Big Island have implement bans that are set to take effect in the next few years in order to give businesses time to use up their remain plastic bags. After that point, those who do not comply will face fines.

More Info: The Dangers of Plastic Bags

So what’s the 808 part we’re talking about? It’s Hawaii’s area code of course and what makes it so unique is that Hawaii is one of only a few states that still has a single unified area code. Maybe now you can understand what the 808 in 808Talk actually represents unless of course you’ve already read all about us then you’d know already anyway.

So let’s get back to the 080808 and talk about the significance of the number 8. Up until this week, I never realized how lucky of a number “8″ is considered to be in the Chinese culture. This might explain the reason that the 2008 Beijing Olympics is set to start on the 8th day of the 8th month of the year 2008 at 8:08 local time.

As mentioned in a special edition write-up over at The Honolulu Star-Bulletin titled “Celebrate Lucky 8!“, in Hong Kong, they try to get as many 8’s as possible in a cell-phone number or apartment number because it’s believed to be so darn lucky. If this is the case, then Hawaii has to be a lucky state and I for one think it is. We always say “Lucky We Live Hawaii” and now it really does make sense since our area code is 808 and of course we consider ourselves the “808 State” and now we know the number 8 is lucky.

So on this joyous and aloha of Fridays be sure and remember the 808 in 080808 and think of Hawaii and how you can fulfill your ultimate getaway of joining us in one of the most beautiful places on earth and becoming one of the lucky and fortunate to see the many things the islands have to offer.

We hope you enjoy the peek into Hawaii via the wonderful video put together by 2205536 which should get you wanting a taste of the 808 experience that can only be accomplished by being here in person.

808 Area Code Links
Area Code 808
LincMad Telephone Area Codes & Splits

Number 8 Links
Lucky 8’s in China
China’s Lucky Number 8
The significance of 8
The Significance of The Number Eight
The Spiritual Significance of the Number 8!

He sets out to Southeast Asia with a “Who’s Who” of celebrity co-stars. They include Kirk Lazarus (Robert Downey Jr.), an intense, three-time Oscar-winning actor; Jeff Portnoy (Jack Black), star of the popular gross-out comedy franchise “The Fatties”; multi-platinum hip-hop-star-turned-entrepreneur-turned-actor Alpa Chino (Brandon T. Jackson); and first-timer Kevin Sandusky (Jay Baruchel). Cameos include Tom Cruise, Kathy Hilton, Tobey Maguire, Matthew McConaughey, Katie Holmes, Mickey Rooney, Justin Theroux and The Mooney Suzuki. Soon after the production begins the actors are thrown into a real-life situation and are forced to become the fighting unit they’re portraying, in order to find a way out of the jungle in one piece.

Tropic Thunder is yet another film that will get you laughing as well as give you an inside glimpse into some of the most beautiful scenery Hawaii has to offer on MY favorite island of Kauai. Directed by funny man Ben Stiller, this film is set to release August 13th, 2008 in theaters nationwide.

“Tropic Thunder is an upcoming 2008 action comedy film directed by Ben Stiller and starring Stiller, Jack Black, and Robert Downey Jr. as a group of actors filming a Vietnam War movie when their fed-up writer-director decides to dump them in the middle of a real war.“

Source: Wikipedia

This motion picture and trailer is Rated-R

If you’ve seen a preview/private viewing of the film before the release and want to post a review in the comments below, please feel free to do so. Also if you want to bookmark this post and check back in after you view the film to leave your review, be sure and do that as well.

Official Website of Tropic Thunder
http://www.tropicthunder.com

Star Bulletin Article From Filming On Kauai In 2007
http://phpurl.com/go

As the chances of Hawaii born Barack Obama winning the Democratic nomination for president have increased, so has the fame of the Japanese Obama Girls and the desire of the residents of Obama, Japan (pop. 32,000) to connect with the American candidate.

The Obama Girls are hoping that if Barack Obama becomes the next President of the United States, that they will get the chance to perform live and in person for Mr. Obama.

Source: Honolulu Star-Bulletin

Every year, the Brown Bags To Stardom (BBTS) puts on the best and largest music talent contest for high school students in Hawaii. While Brown Bags has originally been a traditional talent show that goes out to all the schools and does a review of the talent, this year individual performers and bands from over 40 high schools (public and private) were invited to create a music video and submit it to BBTS. One of those contestants for 2008 was Laurissa Asuega of Waianae High School, who created a music video titled “Crazy Love.”

While it may have not taken home an award, we at 808Talk feel it deserves special mention so please enjoy!

BBTS is an original talent show that started in 1981 long before the days of American Idol and America’s Got Talent. Visit Brown Bags To Stardom today and learn more about this wonderful talent show that seeks out the best of the best in Hawaii.

Obama clothing is being printed up right here in Hawaii by local Punahou alumni at Butigroove clothing, and features the Obama campaign logo with a Hawaii flag and map of the island state. Other varieties include an Obama face logo, a stamp logo with “Barack The Vote – Hawaii” on it, and another shirt with “I Love Obama” on it to turn anyone out there into an Obama Girl.

“People were asking for shirts, so we decided to do it,” said BJ Sabate of Maui Bay and Buti Groove. Plans are in motion to give some of the special Obama mania clothing to the Obama family during their next return to Hawaii.

Get your own Hawaiian Style Barack Obama Wear by visiting the Butigroove online store at the links below.

Take a ride on a longboard with wheels via this rare video of skateboarding in Waikiki.

Have a wonderful Aloha Friday and fabuloso weekend. Here’s to the start of another beautiful summer!

If you wanna get your very own longboard to enjoy some chill times this summer in Hawaii or wherever you maybe be, then check out the great folks over at Insect Skateboards to get your very own longboard on wheels!

“Lantern floating is a time-honored Buddhist rite, originating in Japan, conducted in order to pay respects to our ancestors and to comfort the spirits of the deceased. During Toro-Nagashi, or “lantern offerings on the water,” candle-lit lanterns are individually set afloat on the ocean and are said to ferry spirits “from the sea of delusion to the shore of salvation.”

Moreover, the lanterns carry our heartfelt prayers for those who have sacrificed their lives in war, victims of water-related accidents, natural disasters, famine and disease, as well as loved ones and ancestors who have passed away. Through the lantern floating ceremony, the sincere prayers of everyone are united… prayers for a future in which harmony exists among all people regardless of one’s race, religion or culture.

Because of this sentiment and goal, Lantern Floating Hawai’i has become accepted as more than just a Buddhist tradition, more than something only related to Hawaii in nature. It is a human thing.“

On this Memorial Day we remember all who have given their life in service of their country and pay special tribute to the most recent lost lives of those from the State of Hawaii who gave the ultimate sacrifice in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Links:
Faces of the Fallen: Iraq and Afghanistan Casualties
Lantern Floating Hawaii (Toro Nagashi)
Memorial Day Wiki
Toro Nagashi Wiki

If you live on Oahu or visiting and just want to check out a chill place to have some fun, do some snorkeling, or go under the sea for diving, then be sure and put Three Tables on your list of things to see and do.

View Three Tables on Google Maps

Quick Facts:
Three Tables gets its name from the three flat sections of reef visible at low tide.
Three Tables is located within the Pupukea Marine Life Conservation District.

Since then, the focus on bicycling has increased in Hawaii, not only because of critical mass, but also because of the increasing rise in gas prices, the traffic congestion that is experienced throughout Oahu and the overall price increase in just about everything which is causing people to look for alternatives to saving money. This increased awareness has finally brought attention up to lawmakers and state officials here in Hawaii and prompted them to look at the old 1999 Oahu bike plan.

The original 1999 bike plan only looked at bike paths from Kahala to Pearl City, whereas the new updated plan is set to address bike paths islandwide and put emphasis on linking bikeways for commutes and connections with public transportation.

While it’s estimated that there are only approximately 2,500 cyclists on Oahu, it’s still enough of a percentage to put Honolulu ninth in a ranking of 50 cities and therefore calls for the city to stand up and become more bike-friendly! This number is only destined to climb as projects such as K-Vibe and Cycle Manoa continue to reach out to the community and promote cycling.

Read here for more information on how the City of Honolulu is working to become a more bike-friendly community.

You can help in the progress of Oahu’s bike plan. Participate in the Survey on Bicycling on O’ahu, even if you rarely ride or live in another state. Your input will help the “Plan” address the needs of our island’s riders.

Other Links of Interest:
Bike O’ahu
Hawaii Bicycling League (HBL)

Interactive for both parents and children, Waves ‘n Wonders uses a mix of colorful wildlife images, toys, and soothing music to captivate young children and keep them entertained. Just put this DVD on play and you’ll notice how your child is taken away to the islands of Aloha as they get lost in the experience. You might even catch them dancing to the wonderful music and when it’s over don’t be surprised if you hear them say “play it again.”

Waves ‘n Wonders is designed for children 0-4 years of age and retails for $18.99, which is a small price to pay for a wonderful cultural and educational experience for your children. To learn more about Lil’ Aloha Babies and purchase your very own copy of Waves ‘n Wonders be sure and visit them online at http://www.lilalohababies.com.

The night kicked off with a wonderful opening act by Paula Fuga, followed by Mraz making his grand entrance on stage singing “Rocket Man” and as usual adding in a bit of his fun personality into the mix.

One of the cool parts of the night was when Mraz asked the crowd to “make him stars” using their “cellular devices” as he called it, and when the audience answered the call, it was like actual stars were all around you. Of course the highlight of the night came when Mraz sang his popular “I’m Yours” and added in a touch of “Hawaii, Hawaii, Hawaii” and “Barack Obama” which made the entire crowd go MRAZy!

At the end of the performance as tradition in Hawaii, the crowd yelled Hana Hou, Hana Hou and of course Mraz answered the crowd’s request and returned to stage to sing not only one, but two more songs. In the end he left the crowd with a wonderful message saying “find something you love and practice it, practice kindness and most of all practice gratitude.”

Mr. A-Z is truly an awesome singer, songwriter and performer. For those who didn’t get a chance to check out the concert, I hope you enjoy the small clips in the video that highlighted the night. Remember his new album is set to release on May 13th, so GET IT!

Purchase “We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things” by Jason Mraz:
  

Jason Mraz: http://www.jasonmraz.com

In a style that is unlike any other, Makana takes you away on a journey that crosses all boundaries and soothes you with an uplifting contemporary feel that is quite different from his previous albums, which identified more with the Hawaiian style of music. This is a true diamond in disguise and a precedent setting album that all should take notice of. Escape to another world in “Away”, experience a message that all the world can enjoy in “New Love Song”, and enjoy the simple melody of “Time of Being.”

“Different Game” is love, it’s peace, it’s serenity and everything this world needs to experience from music in this day and age. This truly is an album that every music lover should add to their collection. It’s such a wonderful gift from a Hawaiian musician whose name is actually a Hawaiian term meaning “gift from heaven.”

Currently Makana is touring the West Coast of the United States and set to return back to Hawaii to finish up the tour in late May. Check out the listings below for a location nearest you and experience Makana LIVE. It’s an experience you won’t forget!

Purchase “Different Game” by Makana:
  

Makana Music: http://www.makanamusic.com

West Coast Tour Dates & Locations

May 1st, Thursday – Santa Monica, California
Temple Bar
1026 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Ticket Info: 310.393.6611
www.templebarlive.com
Tickets: $10.00
Show: 10:00pm

May 2nd, Friday – Ventura, California
Zoey’s Café & Loft
451 Main Street
Ventura, CA 93001
Reservation Line: 805.652.0091
Café: 805.652.1137
www.zoeyscafe.com
Tickets: $15.00
Show:8:00pm-9:30pm
Doors Open: 7:00pm
Dinner ends 9:30pm

May 3rd, Saturday – Los Osos, California
South Bay Community Center *Benefit Surfrider Foundation
2180 Palisades Ave.
Los Osos, CA 93420
Ticket Info: 805.528.4169 (Rosemarie)
Show: 7:00pm-9:00pm
Doors Open: 6:00pm
Tickets: $15.00- adv/ $20.00 door
$20.00- reserve rows 1-5

May 4th, Sunday – Santa Barbara, California
SOhO Restaurant & Music Club
1221 State St # 205
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Ticket Info:(805) 962-7776
www.sohosb.com
Show: 8:00pm
Tickets: $12.00 w/dinner/ $15.00 show only

May 6th, Tues – Sacramento, California
Borders Books Store- In store Performance & Signing
2339 Fair Oaks Blvd
Sacramento, CA 95825
Tel.916. 564.0168
Show: 7:00pm-7:30pm

May 8th, Thursday – San Francisco, California
Biscuits & Blues
401 Mason Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
Ticket Info:415.292-BLUES(25837)
www.biscuitsandblues.com
Show:8:00pm & 10:00pm
Doors Open:6:00pm
Tickets: $15.00 + 2 drink min

May 9th, Friday – Sand City, California
Borders Books Store
Edgewater Center
Sand City, California 93955
Show: 1:00pm

May 9th, Friday – Santa Cruz, California
The Attic
931 Pacific Avenue
Santa Cruz Ca 95062
Ticket Info: (831) 460 1800
www.theatticsantacruz.com
Show:7:00pm-9:00pm
Doors Open: 6:00pm
Ticket: $16.00 adv/ $20.00 door

May 10th, Saturday – Nevada City, California
The Odd Fellows Concert Hall
212 Spring Street
Nevada, City, CA 95959
www.nevadacitymusicevents.com
Ticket Info: 530.477.0929
Show: 8:00pm
Doors Open: 7:00pm
Tickets: $20.00- adv/ $25.00 door

May 11th, Sunday – Redwood City, California
Little Fox
2209 Broadway, Downtown
Redwood City, CA 94063
Ticket Info: 650.369.4119
www.foxdream.com
Show: 7:00pm-8:30pm
Tickets: $14.00 adv/$16.00 door

May 13th, Tuesday – Winters, California (Davis)
The Palms Playhouse
13 Main Street
Winters, CA 95694
Ticket Info:530.758.8058
www.palmsplayhouse.com
Show: 8:00pm-9:30pm
Tickets: $15.00

May 15th, Thursday – Eugene, Oregon
WOW Hall
291 W 8th Ave.
Eugene, OR 97401
Ticket Info: 541.687.2746
www.wowhall.org
Ticket also available at: www.ticketweb.com or 866-468-7623
Show: 8:00pm-9:30pm
Tickets: $15.00 adv/ $18.00 door

May 17, Saturday – Portland, Oregon
ACLU Oregon Private concert
Portland Oregon
Tickets: ACLU Oregon

May 18, Sunday – Portland, Oregon
Borders Books
2605 S. Cedar Hills Blvd.
Beaverton, 97005

Hawaii Tour Dates & Locations

May 28, Wednesday – Maui, Hawaii
Slack Key Concert at na Pili Kai Beach Resort, Maui
7:00pm

May 29, Thursday – Honolulu, Hawaii
Rumfire – Sheraton, Waikiki
5:00pm

May 31, Saturday – Honolulu, Hawaii
Denim & Diamonds Fundraiser at Sheraton Waikiki’s Hanohano Room
5:30pm

Jun 5, Thursday – Honolulu, Hawaii
Rumfire – Sheraton, Waikiki
5:00pm

Jun 12, Thursday – Honolulu, Hawaii
Rumfire – Sheraton, Waikiki
5:00pm

Jun 18, Wednesday – Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu Zoo Concert Benefit
6:00pm

Jun 19, Thursday – Honolulu, Hawaii
Rumfire – Sheraton, Waikiki
5:00pm

Jun 26, Thursday – Honolulu, Hawaii
Rumfire – Sheraton, Waikiki
5:00pm

I first noticed this about two months ago when I would drive back home from Waikiki. Today I decided to stop and take this video to share it with the world.

Not sure of all the details behind this mural, such as who painted it and how long it’s been there, but I applaud the person who put in the time to create such a wonderful tribute to three of Hawaii’s greatest. If you have any additional details related to this mural, please feel free to share them in the comments below.

If you want to view more of this beautiful Hawaiian Mural visit our pics online at:
http://flickr.com/photos/808talk/tags/exit24ahawaiianmural/