A Photo Chick's Journal in Paradise

WOW! My Blog is a FEATURED Blog!!!

Peeps!  My blog is being featured on Typepad as a FEATURED BLOG!  Holy smokes!!!  

I would like to send a BIG MAHALO out to: Sarah Sosiak, JoAnn Peach, Jonathan Swain and the amazing crew at Six Apart for featuring my on-line journal and for the beautiful description you created!!!

Ooooooo....and MAHALO also for my cool shirt!

Not to mention all of you peeps - my clients, friends and 'ohana -  out there for being a part of and viewing my fun and special "addiction."  You guys have made it so worthwhile for me to keep sharing my adventures in paradise...

To my BFF, Debbie Friedrich...you introduced me to Typepad and you knew...you said, "Ger, you're going to LOVE IT!!!" And true to your words, girlfriend, here I am!!!

MAHALO so much to all of you for support!!!

Now, on with our journey...

Windward vs the West Side

It is amazing how one side of our island can be bright and sunny and the other half completely dark and rainy!  Today, as I drove over the H3 to Aiea, I was pleased to see the sun!  I had lunch with my best gal palz, Aubrey and Bianca.  It was so nice to spend good quality time with them!

Please note how sunny and DRY it looks in our photo!

When I headed back over the "hill" this is what welcomed me home:

Isn't that AMAZING!!??!

I LOVE living on O'ahu! It's so diverse! It just take a large mountain range called the Ko'olaus to separate the different weather conditions.  It never ceases to amaze me!!!

Where the heck is da sun?!?!?!?

Okay, summers in the Northwest are normally BEAUTIFUL!!!    But since I've been here it's been like this:

Ugh!  I've been FREEZING!!!  I am, of course, the envy of all my friends and 'ohana in humid & hot Hawai'i!!!

On a cold and cloudy day, what's a Photo Chick to do?

Workout, of course!!!

Then head over to the nearest Natural Food Store for some grub....

This store is AMAZING!!!  I felt like I was in wholesome nutrition Disneyland!!!

I even had the chance to visit REI in Seattle.

Look at the entrance to this store!!!!!  It's soooooooooo GREEN!!!!  I love it!!!!

Even on a cold and cloudy day, I found many Happy Places in Seattle!

On my way to Seattle!

My last wedding for the month of July 2008 takes place in....Auburn, Washington!  Yes, I have the great fortune of flying to Seattle to photograph my good friend's daughter's wedding.  

It's been  a few years since I've visited the Northwest, my second home.  I lived in Maple Valley, worked in Bellevue and attended Bellevue Community College.  I experienced the Northwest for 8.5 years.  What a neat time!

My airline of choice?  

I LOVE Hawaiian Airlines!!! 

Traveling in this day and age is not simple anymore. Upon arrival at the airport I came upon a LONG line at the Agricultural check out.  That's the FIRST step! 

Note to self and to everyone traveling: 

1) Get to the airport THREE hours before your flight!  That way you don't have to deal with long lines.  And when possible, WEB CHECK-IN! That will save you another step and not have to stand in another long line for just checking in.

I was surprised to find the type of stuff they sell at the Honolulu Airport nowadays! How's these Crocs???  Just like the mainland, our airport is catering to travelers who have to hang out at the airport for long periods of time.  What's the best thing to do while you're at the airport besides read, sleep or even check email??SHOP, of course!!!

2) Being a Premier Club Member certainly came in handy during the security check-out AND boarding the plane.

3) Wear slip off shoes with SOCKS if you can!  So much faster to deal with at Security.

I forgot about the long walk from the main security to Gate 30 - the mainland gate. 

Even with the long walk and so much weight from my camera gear that I had to carry, I REFUSE to use this people mover!!

Walking and exerting myself before a long flight is very beneficial for me.

What??!?!  Another Agricultural security check???

That surprised me!  This one is for your carry-ons.

Finally, Gate 30!

As soon as I got myself situated on the plane, the first thing I did was to turn that overused airline pillowcase inside out!  YIKES!!!  (I'm such a germ-a-phobic!)

As we waited to taxi, I looked out to downtown Honolulu and Diamond Head. The weather had started to change...

In fact, where is Diamond Head???!!!?

I was so grateful that the flight was soooo smooth.  Reading the recent Sophia Kinsella book made the time go by quickly...I find the main character in this book so unnerving!!!  But yet I love the series!!

Before you knew it, I was greeted by a familiar site.

Just like an old friend, beautiful Mount Rainier welcomed me back with open arms...

It's so great to be back in the Northwest!!!

Where's my green lights??!?!?!?

My internet has been down for THREE DAYS!!!!  THREE DAYS!?!  Oceanic says ALL the little green lights should be a STEADY green in my modem for my internet to be running.

Houston, there's a problem.  

How can these little green lights (or the lack there of) cause so much misery, frustration and havoc?!?! How did I allow myself to become a slave to this non-descript, quiet piece of technology???? Why have green lights suddenly become a priority in my every day living?????  As petty as it sounds,  this is so debilitating!!!!

During unfortunate times like this, it really makes me reflect on how much I rely on this technology that never used to exist.  I reflect back to my childhood on simpler days of communication...the two cups and a LONG piece of string come to mind.  Pretty bad reception but no green lights to be relying on!!!  Sigh...

Oceanic says they won't be able to send someone out until July 23rd.  JULY 23rd?!?!?!?  No can do, brah!!!

I'm not one to allow things of this matter to just, be.  My productive self won't allow it!  There are too many emails to check and return, Facebook messages to posts, and entries to post on my blog!!!!  

Yes, I admit! I love the internet!

So with that in mind, I thought about what other options were out there to bring my internet connection back to life...

I heard about Clearwire.  Haven't spoken to anyone who uses it.  Have seen the commercials (pretty funny and effective). 

Then today, I open my mailbox and what do I find???  A promo from Clearwire! 

I go to Windward Mall to purchase two shirts from Native Hawaiian Gear (cool local biz, you should check it out) and what do I see on the first floor??? A Clearwire Kiosk!!!  

That's it!!!  I understand the signs and the next thing you know, I'm speaking to a well informed Clearwire Retail Specialist by the name of Adam Kim-Luning. As promised, the Clearwire set up was quick and easy!  

Ta-daaaaa!!!!  Green lights on a Saturday night, makes this Acai-eating Blogger very, very happy!!!  Hurray!!! Mahalo, Clearwire!

 Internet Highway here I come!!!

NOTE: Peeps, if you're interested in Clearwire, please visit Adam Kim-Luning at the Windward Mall Clearwire Kiosk!  His phone number at the mall is 808-354-0017.  MAHALO NUI LOA, Adam!  You da bombiest of da bomb!!!

Welcome Home, Dana!

Whether it be for Summer Break or Christmas Vacation, you can always count on Zippy's to be a tried and true eatery to celebrate with friends!  Tonight a bunch of my oldest and closest friends, along with their offsprings, gathered to rejoice in the summer return of one of our Lancer gals, Dana!  

We miss you Dr. Matt!!!  We hope you'll be home soon for some Hamburger Steak!!!

The OWA Visits Kualoa Ranch

What is the OWA you ask???  The OWA is:

The O'ahu Wedding Association

And I'm proud to say that Hokuli'i Images is part of this fine organization!!!

Once a month, this fun group meets at a designated venue.  Today's meeting spot - Kualoa Ranch on the Windward side! HOLLLAH!!!!

OMG!  It was a picturesque tropical Hawaiian day!  Those who were able to attend today's meeting enjoyed the scenery, tour of the grounds and yummy lunch provided by Kualoa. 

Here's Aaron Bernard of Liquid Light Images having a good time!  

So awesome of Darcie Wharton and Gabe from  Royal Weddings by Lavender to drive all the way out from Wahiawa to join us!!!

It was so cool because it was several members first time to visit the Ranch.  Like Emi of Emi's Flowers & Gifts and Kumiko Okimoto of Masako Formals.

I got a picture with da President, Mr. Dave Miyamoto himself!!!  See how happy I am?????

After the tour of Paliku at Kualoa Ranch, we all drove down to the second site - Moli'i Gardens.  Another beautiful venue!!!

We all enjoyed lunch at Moli'i!!!  

Thanks to Robin Naluai and Justin Whitney, Kualoa Ranch's Special Event Coordinators, for hosting the meeting and for the informative tour of Kualoa Ranch!!!

Special MAHALOZ to all of our members who gave me their plastic bottles for recycling!!!  

And THANK YOU, Ms. Sarah Chang from Wanna Hula, for enthusiastically helping me find a container to carry the plastic bottles in!!!  I hope you enjoyed the boat ride Sarah.  Here's to no caffeine and sugar!!! You are totally NOT alone....

Peace out!

New Discoveries at Windward Mall

Today I ventured with a couple of my gal pals to have a little afternoon snack. The first thing that came to mind was sushi.  I thought we were destined to eat at the dreaded Food Court but found this new "fast food" sushi place called Ninja Sushi on the second floor of the Mall.  It was delightful!  We had the Dragon, Tiger and Tempura sushi.  It was soooo awesome!

After stuffing ourselves silly, we had to walk off our afternoon delight.  While walking out of Cinnamon Girl we discovered, of all things, this huge Proactiv vending machine!!!

Who would have ever thought that you could satisfy an afternoon craving AND clear up your acne at the same place!!!

I love Windward Mall!!!

India Cafe' Lunch-Wagon

One of my most favorite reasons for living in Hawai'i is our FOOD!!! 

Food is the hub of all family and friends get togethers.  It's a great accompaniment for our  laughter during the great times. And consoles us during the sad....

Here in Hawai'i we have meals on wheels.  They are lovingly called da Lunch-Wagon.  

Now, normally I'm a health food fanatic, but today's hunger pangs couldn't care less if I had a nice healthy salad or a plate lunch drowning in brown gravy on a bed of WHITE RICE!!!  YIKES!!!

As my stomach grumbled while driving around Kailua doing errands, we (my stomach, gal pal Arna, and I) came across a very different lunch-wagon - The India Cafe'.  Located in the Don Quijote (formerly Daiei, to us local-local folks) parking lot,  I had read about this wonderful ethnic food on wheels in the Midweek and have seen it several times.  I had wanted to try it several times but never had the chance.  TODAY WAS THE DAY!!!

After placing my order with Scott, I waited patiently and hungrily for my mouth watering order. I ordered the Chicken Curry ($8) and Arn ordered the Lamb Masala ($11).   

Scott did NOT disappoint!!!!  We also ordered some Roti Bread ($2/each)  and it was DEEELISSSHHHHHH!!!!  I actually found myself full after eating only half my meal!  You know what that means, gang....LEFTOVERS for Dinner!!!

What's for breakfast?

While walking through the breakfast aisle of Down to Earth the other day, I found this cereal on sale. I decided to try it and found that it is quite yummy with my Almond Milk! High in fiber and great for the heart and morning BMs. That's always a good thing! I even had it for dinner tonight!

Kanu Hawai'i - Sign Up and Make a Difference!!!

Aloha, 'ohana and friends! If you love and care about this beautiful place we call HOME, please visit Kanu Hawai'i's website!

MAHALO, Vaness, for turning me on to this cool and positive organization!!!

Big Beach in Kailua!!!

It's my favorite time of the year to walk on Kailua Beach in the mornings because it's...

BIG BEACH time!!!

So this morning, my canine pal along with another friend, decided to start the day with a nice long walk on the beach.

After prying my eyes open and dragging myself out of bed at 5:30am (a challenging feat), Na'u and I hopped into our trusty mobile and headed into Kailua. It was great to be greeted by the the soft rays of the morning sunshine!

We arrived at Kailua Beach to see this beautiful sight...

Na'u was raring to go!!!

Then off we went! Na'u didn't waste any time in making friends...

She LOVES walking at the beach, early in the morning!

She has the most prettiest paw prints!

Now this is what I'm talking about, kids!!! BIG BEACH!!! Isn't this awesome???

I was soooo happy to be able to start my day with the sun, earth, ocean and of course, my bestest pal, Na'u!

We hope you're having an AWESOME DAY!!!

A Mother's Day Message from Hokuli'i Images

"God could not be everywhere, so he created mothers." - Jewish Proverb

Honolulu Advertiser Covers Crossfit with Kimo Kockelman!

Yesterday's Honolulu Advertiser featured my personal trainer and Crossfit master, Kimo Kockelman. Check out the article at:

http://honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080508/LIFE/805080308/1076

Okay, so remember earlier this week I went to Crossfit for the first time in a LONG TIME??? Wouldn't you know it, the day I return, this photographer from HA is there ready to take photos of us! UGH!!! From the look on my face, you'd think that I was in Disneyland!!! DO NOT BE FOOLED BY THAT SHOT, People!!!

Neat this NEAT RECEIPTS!!!

I've been waiting for two years for NEAT RECEIPTS to come out with their Mac version and it has finally arrived!

Neat Receipts is a scanner that has a user friendly software to help us busy receipt collecting small business owners get ourselves organized! It digitizes all your receipts for you. No more fading thermal paper receipts and mounds of little paper trails every where. This program is great for businesses or consumers who just love to be organized!!!

This is my very first scan. I'm so proud of myself! Now I just have to devote many scanning hours and get caught up with the large pile that I've already accumulated just in the first quarter of 2008!!! Too bad it doesn't come with a handy personal assistant to do this part. :)

Cinco de Mayo at CROSSFIT TRAINING!

Happy Cinco de Mayo and of course, Boys Day!

So this Cinco de Mayo morning, your friendly neighborhood photographer decided to attempt doing Crossfit Training with her dynamic sister, Daisy!

Remember back in March I introduced Daisy to Crossfit Training with Kimo Kockelman of Hardass Fitness (Please see March 12, 2008 post)??? Well, ever since then she has become ADDICTED to this INSANE workout!!!

If you're asking yourself (or me), "gee, what is Crossfit?" It is explained on Kimo's board as this:

"Crossfit is a strength and conditioning program based on a constantly varied, if not randomized, functional movements executed at high intensity." - Coach Glassman

It is defined by me as:

"Crossfit is an insane work out addiction for admirable, competitive individuals who love to endure pain for pure pleasure resulting in killer bodies who then make the rest of us look like mush!!!" - Geralyn

Seriously folks, this workout is fun and yet at the same time wants to make you cry!!!

I looked at this board today and I was like, "what does this all mean?!?!?"

I told my sister that some of the titles like "Fight Gone Bad" and "Go Smoke Yourself" sounded like video games. She responded with a laugh but I could tell beneath that smile that she was thinking to herself, "not to worry, Grasshopper...one day you will know the true meaning of The Board...."

I asked, "what is up with this super sized Tonka Tire???"

I would find out soon enough...

Since it was kind of like my FIRST day, Kimo was kind to me. I only needed to do ONE round as opposed to three rounds of pain.

Daisy kicked butt as usual and came in with some kind of high score:

I came in at a score that was extremely measly compared to everyone else but I was very proud of myself for even having a score! I also walked away with the memories of this morning by dealing with extremely sore quads and hamstrings!

Remember that Tonka tire???

You're supposed to jump from the floor to the tire, lock knees while on top, then jump down again. Another not as challenging variation would be stepping up and down.

(this photo is very inaccurate and is for demo purpose only)

If you were really doing this movement during the training you would look more like this:

See??? Big difference, right???

Please join us at Powerhouse Gym on Keawe Street with Kimo Kockelman for Crossfit Training. Lots of fun, sweat and tears!!! Mahalo, Kimo! You da man!

Happy May Day!!!

Have a beautiful May Day in Hawai'i nei, peeps!

With aloha,
Hokuli'i Images and Ulu Art

What to do on a VOGGY Day...

Today seemed even voggier than yesterday!!! I've been raised on O'ahu and have never experienced this kind of haze in our atmosphere before. Well, at least not this concentrated! Thanks to Tutu Pele who has been working overtime on the Big Island, our island chain has been experiencing a lot of VOG lately.

I decided to pack up my niece, nephew and Na'u Girl and join some friends out in Hakipu'u for some fun in Kane'ohe Bay.

I LOVE Hakipu'u! It is one of my favorite places on O'ahu! Hakipu'u is located between Waikane and Kualoa and I believe is considered part of Kane'ohe.

Going to the country is so good for the soul. It helps to slow our fast pace lives down! It's a place where kids can be kids and heck! Even adults can be kids!!! Look at this great reminder:

Once we got in the water it was non-stop fun!

It's a privilege to experience such a beautiful place on day like today. Well, actually, any time in Hakipu'u is always a good time!

Even getting caught in the rain is a blessing...

Mahalo to Captain Aina, Ku, Hana, Lea, Tane and Maka for the joyful time out on their boat and at their hale. We can't wait to return to play and visit again!!!

Congratulations, Kay Anne and Amiel!!!

Yesterday, April the 25th, was spent with Kay Anne and Amiel who exchanged their vows at St. Augustine Church in Waikiki.

After the nuptials were done they celebrated into the evening with their family and friends at the Westin Sheraton Moana Surfrider Hotel.

Congratulations, Kay Anne and Amiel! Daisy and I had a spectacular time on your special day! MAHALO for incorporating so much of our Filipino traditions into your wedding. The guys looked so handsome in their barong tagalogs!!! It's so nice to see our culture successfully intertwined with today's contemporary weddings.

MAHALO to my forever efficient and amazing assistant and sister, Daisy:

All that soccer and Crossfit Training sure does pay off!!!

You're da bestest little sis!!!

SPECIAL MAHALOZ:

Master P - Bruddah, you are so cool! MAHALO for keeping me in your thoughts. And eh! You know I don't mind if you step in front of my camera from time to time. I only photograph people worth photographing!!!

Kelly Sugano - AGAIN! You and your crew did an incredible job with coordinating the reception!!! MAHALO for always making our job so much easier.

Nicole for Peony Florals - Can I just say WOW!!! Everyone, especially Kay Anne and Amiel, were floored by your design!!!

Audio Zone (808) 386-0264 - Gilbert and Wilson, MAHALO for creating a Boogie Wonderland at the Moana!!!

Happy Earth Day!!!

I planted this Monstera today to celebrate a very special day. Happy Birthday to our most precious and beautiful mother, Mother Earth! Let's all do our part to keep our planet clean and protect our environment!!!

Happy Birthday, Shu-shu!

Quick shout out to my Sacramento Soul Sistah, Shu!

Hope you partied like a Rockstar for your birthday, sistah! Love and miss you lots!!!

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!!!

I wanted to share this image with you. I LOVE that my girlfriends know how to have fun, especially when there's a camera around! This image was shot at one of my favorite pal gal's wedding, Olivia!!!

From Left to Right: Daisy, Ree, Bianca, Ms. Hokuli'i Images herself, Aubrey and Lina Girl

Toby Yoga Pose

This is Toby, Na'u's cousin.

His mommy is one of my best friends, Debbie Friedrich.

Toby loves yoga.

This is Toby's favorite yoga move - Sideward Facing Dog.

Thank you for sharing this move with us, Toby.

(TOOLBOX NOTE: This photo was taken by Deb's Verizon LG En-V. We have matching phones. We are best friends.)

A Hui Hou, Auntie Nona...

Today, we bid farewell to another one of Hawai'i's musical and matriarchal icons, our beloved Auntie Nona Beamer.

I had the great pleasure and honor of meeting this gentle and kind soul back in 2001. Ever since then, I have been touched by her loving and warm spirit.

My hugs and condolences go out to the Beamer 'ohana.

We will miss you, Auntie Nona! Mahalo so much for all you have shared with us.

Until we meet again....

Happy Birthday, Mozo!

We miss you, Jon!!!

I'm an Auntie, FIRST!!!

I love photography. I love documenting people and life. But before that, I LOVE being an AUNTIE!!!

Last night, I was asked by my sister to watch over the two youngest chillins. The eldest, who I really missed, would be busy with her soccer activities. I happily accepted the "job" since it would mean the opportunity to spend some quality time with the little ones and grind on my sister's ono Fireman Stew.

Now, in Auntie Rhino's world (which is what the kids call me), anything can happen. Like last night, for instance. Kauanoe, the middle child, excitedly showed me her makeup kit. She had just received all these cool glosses, lipstick, eyestuff, etc. She let it slip that she has practiced on her little brother.
Oh, oh! Feed me that kind of information and it's GAME ON!!!

So I thought to myself....this would be great to document (yes, my photographic-self kicked in) and share it at a later time (let's say at Mokulele's 18th birthday??). If you think about it, when would he ever do this again? Every moment is fleeting especially when it comes to a pre-K kid! Once he reaches a certain age you will NEVER, EVER get him in a woman's makeup chair (in this case footstool)!!!

This child has such a cooperative spirit. So after he whined about NOT wanting to do it:

He finally gave in...

Kauanoe was ready to go!!! I think at the last moment, Mokulele was having second thoughts...

But, like the trooper that he is, he stayed in the game!

Before you knew it, he was pau!

"Okay, dahlink, give me pouty!!!"

After that fun ordeal, what's good for the goose is always good for the - rhino...
(I'd just like to proudly point out here that Mokulele took these photos. The apple doesn't fall too far from the tree, I say!!!)

"Give me pouty, Auntie Rhino!!!"

"Give me animal, you animals!!!"

Kauanoe has always been very creative, explorative and helpful. Whether it be drawings, paintings, clay making, doing stuff with a hot iron without permission, cutting her own eyelashes just to cut them, etc. She's a very, very creative spirit!!!

Well, after that fun session, we ate dinner and watched a hazy but gorgeous sunset from their lanai:

Later we played one of my most favorite childhood board games, Aggravation! I was disappointed to find that they've replaced the marbles with PLASTIC BALLS!!! Is anything not sacred any more?!?!!?

And here, my friends, was the winning roll! I actually envisioned that die (exactly as you see it, against the blue board) being the number ONE right before I rolled it. Power of attraction, people! Thoughts become things! (I'm trying to enlighten the kids with this message)

Thanks so much for reading this post. Being an auntie means soooooooo much to me. I love these kids with all my heart and soul...Hearing that little boy say (right before bedtime), "You're the best auntie in the world! I love you, Auntie Rhino!" Just gets me all the time...my heart is filled with an abundance of gratitude....

SPECIAL DEDICATION: I'd like to dedicate this post to all the little brothers and sisters who have had to endure being tortured by their older sibling while growing up! Being a younger sibling can be tough. All you want to do (at one point in your life) is to please or be like your older sibling. Kudos to you for taking things in stride and for being so willing to be our "guinea pigs!" What doesn't break you makes you stronger, right???

Happy One Year, Kristl and Spencer!

I want to send a HAPPY ONE YEAR Anniversary to Kristl and Spencer! A year ago from today, they had one of the most memorable weddings I've had the opportunity to photograph.

On 4/8/07 it was Easter Sunday. So they incorporated the Easter theme into their morning wedding:

Lots of spring time fun! An Easter egg hunt for the kids (and adults), cotton candy and even Bocce Ball! It was a very cool, laid back wedding where everyone could also enjoy their Easter Sunday with loved ones.

Of course, even Miss Hokuli'i Images herself jumped into the fun!

Miss you, Carla Si!!!

Has it really been 15 years since you exited stage left??? I sure do miss the laughter, craziness and hugs!!! Wishing you choke peace, my friend...

Another weekend HIGHLIGHT!!!

Before my wedding day at Ihilani began, I had my first highlight of the day. My sister and I stopped by our very favorite auntie's home to present her with a very belated Christmas, Birthday, Mother's Day (2007), pre-Mother's Day (2008) gift.

It's been a long time since Auntie Pipay's family has been photographed. This one was taken, I think, back in the late 80s when it was still just their core 'ohana:

My sister and I were raised with my cousins. It was sooo cool to suddenly have all these brothers! Josie, the eldest, is like our older sister, and of course Divina...let's just say that the three of us are pretty dang close. Lots of good times together, right casin?

I photographed my cousins and our aunt in February of 2007. This was a big ordeal trying to organize this photo shoot due to everyone's conflicting schedules. Thanks to my darling cousins, Divina and Richard, the youngest of this pack, we were able to nail down one day to do this historic shoot.

In true Filipino tradition, I come from a wonderfully large family. Let's just say that my mother is one of 13 children in her family. She was the youngest girl and her brother, who's family I photographed, was the youngest boy. They're both gone now, however, look at the marvelous legacy that my Uncle Maning has left behind!!!

This post is dedicated to my Uncle Maning's wife, our dearest Auntie Pipay, who looks like she's still in her thirties, has raised an incredible family, continues to lovingly help raise her grandchildren and ALWAYS has time to unconditionally nurture other family members like my sister and I.

We love you Auntie Peeps! Thank you for always supplying us with your delicious adobo, pinakbet, chicken & papaya, etc. whenever we have our filipino cravings!!!

Hinano Beach Clothing

I was so stoked to receive a call from my good friend, Master P, asking me to assist by shooting several items of the new Hinano Beach clothing line. I'm not a beer drinker but have always LOVED the Hinano logo! C'mon! Who doesn't love one of Tahiti's most infamous symbols! Plus it also reminds me so much of our own beautiful island wahines.

Here's Jenna modeling one of their cute tanks. Cute, yeah?

But don't think that Hinano Beach Clothing line has just tank tops. Oooohhh no! Check these out:

Please check out Hinano Beach's website. Summer's coming, girls and boys! Time to get ready to look good!!!

Special MAHALOZ to: my niece Lil' G for assisting on my shoot during such a windy afternoon at Kaka'ako Park. Crazy, good fun!!!

Happy Birthday, Na'u!!!

Today, my beautiful Black Lab Na'u Girl, turned six years old! I baked her a doggie friendly carrot cake (gluten free and low sugar). She celebrated with her cousins, Mokulele (who will also be turning six later this year) and Baby Daisy. A good time was had by all!

Aquarians Rule!!!

Some of the best people I know are Aquarians and Pisces Peeps. I've found that those born in the month of February are really cool people! It is the most busiest month for celebrations. This month would also include my mother and father's wedding anniversary on the day of love - Valentine's Day.

And get this...

My sister, Daisy, our dad, and our good friend Grant are born on the same day! February 11th!!!!

Happy Birthday to all cool Aquarians!!!

Happy Birthday, Daisy!!!

"A Sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life." Isadora James

You should ALWAYS have a camera on you...

I always encourage my family and friends to have a camera on them all the time. You never know what you're going to capture!

The image above was submitted by my incredible sister. She caught this sunset on her way home tonight. What a great way to end your day! Not bad for a PRE-Birthday present, Little Sister!!!

Thanks for sharing this with us!

Straub 10K here we come!

Today I had my first walking session with one of my most favorite gal palz, Olivia. We, along with some of our girlfriends, signed up for our first 10K Walk! The Kapi'olani/Straub 10K takes place on Sunday, 3/2/08. This is a first 10K for many of us. In fact, the 10K is on my Bucket List!

Olivia and I decided to start conditioning our bodies for the walk by walking around Kapi'olani Park today with my faithful assistant, Na'u Girl. I was so proud of Na'u! She kept up with going around the entire park until she finally collapsed near my car and wouldn't budge any further. You go girl!!!

If any of you are interested in joining us in the 10K Walk Run please feel free to sign up! It's for a great cause and it will be a lot of fun! Join us for a conditioning session too!!!

I'm so proud of you, Olivia! Keep that powerful self open to more goodness!!! YOU ROCK!!!

Happy 9th Birthday, Hokuli'i Images!!!

©1998

As I sit here reminiscing about the year I decided to take the plunge of opening my own photography business in 1999, I am filled with so much gratitude... I am humbled at the fact that I have been given a chance to do something I truly love, in a place I love, with people I love! How fortunate am I!!! I thank Ke Akua for blessing me with this awesome experience, journey and opportunity.

I want to acknowledge my sister Daisy and her beautiful family for their encouragement, referrals and support!
The photo you see above are my two STAR MODELS, Kauanoelehua & Kawailele who helped to catapult my business.

To the Ma'as, Apisas, Troskes, Alamillos, Akimseus, Mezurashis, Ludingtons, and all the 'ohanas...MAHALO!!!

To Les Kamai of North Shore Video for taking a chance and for helping me get my "feet wet." This connection led me to one of my most pivotal and important influences in my career and life, Jon Mozo...

To Arna, another key mentor and artistic influence who has become one of my bestest friends, Debbie Friedrich, my how time has flown! Let's keep dreaming...and making thoughts into things!!! Chicks Who Click RULEZ!!!

To Mihn Wah...no matter how far or how long it's been, you have ALWAYS been there for me! Thank you for reminding me that sunshine always exists even during the most stormy days. For being there when the old door closed and the new one opened!!! I am forever grateful for you...

To Stacey Leong Mills and Mama K for always "bringing it!", my clients who believed in me from the get go, Darren Seu of Pictures Plus and his crew, and for my friends who continue to support me through the years!!!

CHEERS to all of you! I look forward to 2009 when we get to celebrate Hokuli'i Images in her 10th year!!!,

Happy Fat Tuesday!!!