TheRoadScholar » Hawaii

“Lost” Premier on Waikiki Beach

TheRoadScholar — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 03:19:50 +0000

Diamond Head Lighthouse. Photo by Laurie Borman

Waikiki, HI–The season premier of “Lost” hits the big screen in Waikiki before the rest of America will see it. It’s showing as part of Sunset on the Beach, where free movies are shown on Friday and Saturday nights on a 30-ft. screen right on Waikiki Beach. The city even sets up chairs and of course there’s food for sale. I think they might be expecting a little bit bigger crowd for this one, though.

I’m not a “Lost” fan. As a matter of fact, I don’t even have cable T.V. or any television reception whatsoever. The excitement of the “Lost” premier is almost lost on me. But I have been to Waikiki Beach, and I’ve been mountain biking in the Oahu setting where the series is filmed. (You can bike there, too with Bike Hawaii: the rugged scenery is from Kaaawa Valley.) Both are spectacular places that bring back that “ahhhh” feeling of calm and peace and boundless love for the earth.

At the far edge of Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head Lighthouse overlooks the ocean. It’s a vigorous climb up the crater and a series of steps to a magnificent, windblown view of Waikiki and the lighthouse below. Guided hikes through Discover Hawaii Tours cost $25 and include rt transportation from Waikiki hotels, and $5 if you drive in yourself. If you can’t make it to the “Lost” premier, you can always hike Diamond Head. Afterward, go have some shave ice and wait for the movie to start.

I think I need to look up airfares to Oahu now.

Photo by Laurie Borman

Mountain biking on Oahu. Photo by Laurie Borman

Molokai Mule Ride Leads to Saint

theroadscholar — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:37:06 +0000

Kalaupapa, Molokai, Hawaii–Astride a mule, the hairpin curves down sea cliffs to the Kalaupapa National Historic Park yield breathtaking vistas. The natural cove protected by cliffs served as enforced isolation for leprosy victims from 1866 until 1969. Some natives were actually tossed from ships as they approached the colony from the sea because sailors were scared to get too close to the victims. One man, Father Joseph Damien, braved his fears and came to work among the people, helping them to establish water collection systems and farms as well as serving their souls. Damien eventually contracted Hansen’s Disease himself, dying in 1889 after serving the people of the colony for 12 years. He is buried next to the church he helped build.

This Sunday, Father Damien was elevated to sainthood by the Catholic Church.

There are still a few patients living in Kalaupapa, and visits to the national park require a permit. Visitors can fly in, hike down the trail, or take a mule ride down and back. Despite its tragic history, Kalaupapa soothes the spirit–a fitting resting place for a saint.

Sunrise in Hawaii

theroadscholar — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 11:56:02 +0000

Maui, HI–There’s nothing like a sunrise above the clouds in Maui, following by a downhill bike ride past protea. Heavenly.

Sunrise on Maui's Mt. Haleakala

Protea grows right by the Maui roadside.