Archive for: October 2012

Music is my Life

Vibrations, Frequency and Harmonics defines the life of Makepa.

Music is the life of local artist Makepa. Since 1972, Makepa performed at various venues throughout Kaua’i: from strumming his ‘ukulele in the old Kaua‘i Surf days to performing live at Shutters Lounge today, Makepa did it and saw it all.

“Music was the inspiration of my mom. That’s how I started my career as an entertainer. I want to point out that I worked on the river tours for 27 years. The river tour started from Wai‘ale‘ale then went into Smith’s boats. Back in those days, in order to make money on the river boats, you had to play guitar, but I only played ‘ukulele at the time. I thought it would be impossible because I’m left handed, and it took a lot of practice for me to master the guitar. The guitar was the last instrument I learned.”

Catch Makepa performing at Shutters Lounge on Mondays and Tuesdays from 7 to 10 p.m. Since 1972, Makepa has entertained throughout various venues on the island of Kaua‘i with music that is straight from the soul.

Full interview can be found @ http://thegardenisland.com/entertainment/night-life/makepa-entertaining-from-mauka-to-makai/article_b24d7ca4-ee58-11e1-b684-0019bb2963f4.html

Heaven on Earth in my Backyard

Na Pali in Hawaiian means “The Cliffs,” an apt title for this 15 mile stretch of coastline on the Northwest shore of Kauai. Na Pali is an unforgettable blend of multi-colored sea cliffs, fertile valleys and remote beaches.

Steep sea cliffs rise almost directly up from the azure Pacific as razor-thin ridges extend toward the higher mountains. These parallel ridges shelter deep valleys that were inhabited by Hawaiians in ancient times.

The Na Pali Coast spans from Ke’e Beach on the north shore where the terrain is very lush and tropical to Polihale on the south shore where the terrain is very dry and arid.

The helicopter tour usually arrives at the Na Pali Coast near Nualolo Valley which was once a major taro growing valley with a fishing village near the coast.

The Sacred Wailua Region

Throughout the islands sacred sites have been preserved, thanks to the efforts of the Hawaiian state park system. While many children may see these ancient places as nothing more than a bunch of rocks, they bear great significance in Hawaiian history.

Legend claims that Kiki a Ola, or Menehune Ditch, was built in a single night by menehune (legendary small people) to irrigate taro patches for Waimea residents. Today, visitors can still see a two-foot high portion of one of the walls, which extends 25 miles up the Waimea River.

Prince Kuhio Park is the birthplace and home of Prince Jonah Kalanianaole, known as the “People’s Prince” because of his great achievements for the Hawaiian people. See the foundation of the home, royal fishpond and shrine where offerings were made and the heiau (temples or places of worship) where the kahuna (priests) meditated and lived.

Alakoko Fishpond was built for a young chief and once covered 40 acres. Unlike most fishponds built along the coast, this one was designed inland on a river. Today, all that remains is a 13- to 30-foot wall that divides the fishpond from the river.

Kaula Laka Heiau, a sacred altar set among the Na Pali cliffs on the northwest coast of Kauai, was built for Laka, the goddess of hula. It is one of the more dramatic sites on the island with views of the cliffs and ocean.

Wailua was once home to the island’s royalty. The banks of the Wailua River were sacred in ancient Hawaii and a favorite dwelling place reserved for the kings and high chiefs of Kauai. Near the mouth of the river in Lydgate State Park are the remains of a heiau that was a place of refuge for those who had broken a kapu (taboo). On the river’s north shore are two large pieces of smooth stone, where women of royal blood or high chiefly rank gave birth.

Nearby is Holoholoku Heiau, believed to be the oldest on the island. Near the Opaeka’a Falls overlook is Poliahu Heiau, a large enclosure of black lava rock that had been the personal temple of Kauai’s last king, Kaumualii. It is believed to have been built by the menehune.