KULA FARMER'S MARKET

I have been making a concerted effort to eat healthier and eat organic, when possible, so I decided to get up early Saturday morning and head to the Farmer's Market in Kula. My daughter-in-law, Una loaded up my grandson, Kainalu, in her Ergo baby carrier and with a recyclable grocery bag in hand, she led me into the vegetable heaven. When we arrived at the outdoor market, behind Kula Malu Shopping Center, a flock of birds flew overhead and the sun burst through the morning clouds. The air was crisp as I took a deep breath of the sweet essence of upcountry. We took a visual stroll down the lane of multiple booths before we started the actual shopping. Brightly colored vegetables and fruit, gorgeous flowers, luscious plants and home-baked goodies filled my senses! Kainalu, who is 14 months old, selected a few organic tomatoes (his favorite) as Una filled her bag with carefully chosen greens. Smiling farmers greeted us warmly as they explained some vegetables to me that I had never seen before. I was tempted to get a curry dish that stewed in a crockpot and smelled divine, but decided to spend my money on tomatoes, chard, mint, parsley, eggplant, zucchini and avocados instead. Such good prices! These freshly grown veggies cost much less than in the stores. Not all the veggies are organic, so make sure you ask if that is what you are looking for. There were truckloads of coconuts and pineapples and lots of apparently veteran market shoppers who quickly stuffed their bags with their favorite selections. I ran into a friend, Debbie, and her dog and ran into another friend, Leah, who was dropped off by a friend and stoked when I offered her a ride home. A local man was singing beautiful songs that wafted down the farmer's lane, creating an atmosphere that was uniquely Hawaii. There are plenty of Farmer's Markets on Maui. I have visited the one in Makawao, Kahului Shopping Center on Fridays and the one next to Dairy Queen on Lono Road in Kahului. Please share with me other Farmer's Markets you know about on the island. It feels good to support the local farmers and gardeners and definitely tastes good as well!

Pa'ia Town's Fourth Friday

After leaving the Jaws book release party at the MACC, I explored Pa'ia town's Fourth Friday celebration, which they hold each month. All the shop owners in town open their doors to the public with special bonuses such as artists at work - like the glass blower at Maui Hands and the canvas ball painter at Turnbull Gallery, as well as photography and art shows. I also enjoyed the street musicians scattered through town who made the event feel like one party after the next as I strolled along, snapping photos. Pony Brendon and her band were jamming in front of Mandalas and a few impromptu minstrels were playing in front of Mana Foods. Hana Highway Surf Shop displayed their Surf Art Show which included some impressive, colorful art on surfboards and canvases. As I headed to see Verda Marley at her store, Lo Phi, I spotted Owen Wilson cruising around enjoying the sights. I entered the courtyard of brightly colored shops where Lo Phi lives, I was welcomed with a dee jay spinning some tunes. Several people were partying and dancing and sure enough, Verda was there, drink in hand, with her store co-owner and store manager. Verda greeted me with a big smile and one of her giant warm hugs and showed me some of the new treasures in her shop. Lo Phi is filled with special gifts from far lands that you will find no where else on Maui. A plethora of exquisite jewelry, hand batiked sarongs and scarves, ethnic sculptures and handcrafted artworks are packed into the small store, offering unique gifts to its guests. And if you want feathers for your hair, Lo Phi is the place to find a wide selection.

Night at the MACC - "Jaws" Book Release and "Poi Dog" Art Show

There were a lot of things going on on Maui this past weekend and I jumped into the festivities with both feet! Friday night, my good friend, Cynthia, and I, went to Maui Arts and Cultural Center to check out the celebration of the new Jaws book release. It is a beautiful coffee (more like espresso!) table book filled with stunning, heart-thumping photographs of Maui's infamous giant northshore wave. The book's spectacular photography is by Erik Aeder with written commentary by surf legend, Jerry Lopez. Erik and his wife, Bonni, hosted the lovely party that proceeded the premiere of Mike Waltze's new documentary about stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) called "That First Glide". There were a lot of old school and new school surf legends in attendance including Brett Lickle, Suzy Cooney and Matt Meola.

Erik Aeder, Maui Surf Photographer

Erik is one of the best, if not the best surf photographers in the world. He always seems to be at Maui's best surf sessions with the top pros surfing perfect wave conditions, and he always seems to have a smile on his face. He almost makes it look easy, but I know better. Shooting surfing is not easy. It requires spending hours and hours standing in the sun without a pee break while battling sand and salt from corroding the camera gear. Surf shooters are often in very uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous situations. They can be found crouching on a steep mountainside with the critters, dangling out of a helicopter while it spins around the surfers like a buzzard circling its dinner, clinging onto a speeding jet ski with one hand while filming with the other, or treading in the ocean like shark bait, filming the approaching surfer in the tube and then diving at the very last moment into the face of a treacherous monster wave. Erik's latest Jaws book is filled with vivid photos and stories that will captivate you for years to come.

Erik and Bonni Aeder

Unfortunately I wasn't able to stay for the premiere of Mike Waltze's documentary, "That First Glide", but I plan to see it soon as I'm sure the interviews and epic surfing footage of legends such as Laird Hamilton, Dave Kalama, Robbie Naish and Chuck Patterson, are worth seeing. I hear Mike was the first person to ever windsurf at Ho'okipa, Maui's famous beach for all ocean sports, which is why they call him "Mr. Ho'okipa".

I have GREAT respect for both Erik and Mike as surf shooters. I have shot surfing and kiteboarding on Maui for nearly 15 years and am very familiar with their work. I never shot full time and was never famous for it (at best "almost famous" ha ha!), but my footage can be seen is such classic videos as surfing's "Easily Amused" and kiteboarding's "High" and "Awake". Having been in a relationship with a Maui filmer for 13 years, I have seen plenty of surf movies and magazines through the years and I appreciate good shots. Erik and Mike, in my opinion, are among the top five of best surf shooters in the world.

I think shooting surfing is a sport in itself. Common surf shooter injuries include; getting run over by a kook surfer and cut by a skag, being stung by jelly fish, getting thrown onto glasslike reef by an unforgiving wave, being held underwater for several minutes as wave after wave pound you into disorientation of which way is up, and getting berated by surfers whose "best ride of the day" you missed while filming the surfer who was riding the wave in the opposite direction. Glamorous? No! Erik and Mike possess a required deep love of the ocean, the sport of surfing and the waves themselves and a dedication to withstand the elements day after day to capture the perfect rides on the perfect waves. Without these brave camera men (and women), most of us would never get to see a glimpse of the surfer's adventurous world. And these talented surfers wouldn't be able to get paid for their epic rides on the giant liquid monsters!

Alli Waters & Cynthia Clark





POI DOG ART SHOW

During the Jaws reception, Cynthia and I decided to pop into the Cultural Center's art gallery to see the current show called "Poi Dog". Poi Dog is a local term meaning a dog of mixed breeds and is also a term used to describe anything that comes from various origins, including many of the people who now live on Maui. The show was filled with delightfully colorful images including several paintings by Pat Masumoto among others. Some of the pieces were tongue in cheek such as the giant wooden trojan poi dog that was filled with several tiny wooden poi dogs. Maui is loaded with thousands of talented artists and I enjoy seeing as many art shows as possible.

Although Cynthia and I were only at the MACC for about an hour - we had a blast. Cynthia is the owner of Chameleon Talent Agency and was the first friend I made on Maui about 18 years ago. We always have fun together! After the book release, she headed off to other things and I headed to Pa'ia town for their monthly Fourth Friday party which I will write about in my next posting!

The MACC

COMING SOON...Northshore Cafe, Haiku; Farmer's Market; Goddess Photo Shoot

Mornings at Baldwin Beach, Maui

Last night I decided I would get up early this morning and take a walk on Baldwin Beach. It was a fabulous idea! Minutes from the northshore town of Pa'ia, the expansive golden sand beach was mostly empty and the turquoise ocean was pristine. I felt energized walking along the shore of the long, gorgeous beach, occasionally letting my feet refresh in the cool splashes of small waves. I soaked in the elements with all my senses. The warm sun penetrated my muscles, the steady cool breezes stimulated my spirits, the soft packed sand massaged the bottom of my feet as it exercised my calves. It felt more like pleasure than exercise. Today the waves were small, as they can get big and the currents strong at Baldwin. But today was a mellow summer Saturday. Surely by afternoon, the enormous beach would fill up with sun bathers, body boarders, joggers and picnickers. But it's never completely full. There always seems to be enough sand space for everyone at Baldwin Beach.
As I enjoyed my walking meditation, I ran into several people I knew who were also walking along the shimmering coastline. People I hadn't seen in years. Everyone who was walking or jogging seemed to be smiling. I also saw several people enjoy their morning yoga or stretches. Something about morning at the beach that helps one to breath in nature and let go of distractions - absorbing the salty air while slowly expanding flexibility.
I also enjoy all the unexpected treasures of the sea that happen on a morning walk on the beach. A perfect shell that no one else has spotted. A glorious piece of drift wood that washes in front your feet. Clouds shape shift across the skies. I hear that negative ions on the beach improve one's mood. I know the sounds of crashing waves, children's laughter and the wind through the trees calms and inspire me. The fresh air invigorates me.
Finally the moment comes at the end of the brisk walk, to plunge into the refreshing ocean!! Diving underwater, I hold my breath as long as I can as I glide into the salty abyss. After swimming around for a bit, I surrender to floating on the water's surface. I am able to completely let go of all weight and stress, only hearing the sounds underwater. During whale season it is possible to hear the whales cry in the distance underwater nearly everywhere on Maui. For now, I hear the wooshing of the waves and the sounds of silence. I breath and relax, clearing my mind as I allow the ocean's water to gently envelope me. It's like pushing the restart button on life. My morning at the beach instantly renewed my spirit, energized my body and refreshed my mind. I am reminding myself to do this more often! Free yet invaluable ~

Welcome!

Aloha and welcome to the Maui TV Blog!!!

I have been fortunate to live on Maui for the past 18 years and have had the most amazing experiences living on this magical Hawaiian island. My name is Alli and I have worked in tv/film production, writing, marketing, and education for over 20 years. I decided a blog would be the perfect venue for sharing my art, media, writing and experiences with you in order to inspire and offer you ideas for having fun on the Valley Isle.

Maui is one of the most beautiful places in the world! I will be exploring a plethora of Maui activities including dining experiences, concerts, sporting events, ocean activities, Hawaiian culture, outdoor adventures, art, openings, parties, interesting personalities and eye-opening interviews.

I hope you enjoy. Feel free to add comments.

Mahalo!
Alli