- If Stones could Speak - Hidden Hawaii Adventures
Go via 4-wheel drive with native-son, sociology professor, rock-sculptor, Dr. Fred Soriano,
past ancient petroglyphs to the ocean where he gathers the stones that become one-of-a kind
Japanese stone lanterns and water basins, and Buddhist and Hawaiian deities. See and experience
Hawaii in a 5-6 hour adventure - a most unique way which will leave you transformed, just
like the stones, tossed and rolled by sun, wind, water and time. ($75 per person, $135 per
couple) Email: msakiko@hawaii.rr.com
- The Pottery & Gardens of Clayton Amemiya - Hidden Hawaiian Adventures
Begin by entering the unique world of local potter, Clayton Amemiya. Meet him in his shop
and gallery in old downtown Hilo by the Farmers' Market. Clayton creates unique Hawaiian wood
fired "Anagama" ceramics - vases, teacups, sake cups, large abstract wall and garden
pieces, and special commissions.
Then follow him to his home and studio tucked away in the hills behind Hilo. There you will
see his artistry in his beautifully landscaped garden of exotic tropicals, many, many varieties
of Hawaiian ti's, fruit trees and the carefully pruned magnificent bamboo grove. He will lead
you along the smooth river-rock paths that wind through the gardens to his wood fired kiln
where he fires his work.
Conclude your visit with a cup of Japanese green tea in one of his tea cups while enjoying
the serenity and harmony of the gardens and his many ceramic pieces that create a total artful
experience - a lovely way to spend an afternoon.
Cost - $35/person, 2 person minimum. Wednesdays & Saturdays (Farmers' Market days in quaint
downtown Hilo). Email msakiko@hawaii.rr.com for
booking or call (808) 963-6422.
- The "Best Kept Secret" Hamakua Coffee Tour - Hidden Hawaii
Adventures
Share a unique morning with local hosts Netta and Wendall Branco on a tour of their estate
coffee farm above Honokaa on the lush Hamakua Coast. At their farm you will see the entire
process from planting trees, harvesting the coffee "cherry", pulping, drying, husking
and custom roasting. You'll walk the fertile fields of the coffee farm which is their precious
home, see several varieties of coffee trees, dry land taro plants, banana, and other tropical
fruit. But best of all, you will have the opportunity to "talk story" with Netta
and Wendell, admire their artifacts, and hear about the little known history of coffee on
the Hamakua coast. If you're very lucky you may meet Wailani, Netta's mother, a Hawaiian living
treasure. revered for her Hawaiian quilts which have been shown all over America. She was
recently commissioned to create a quilt for the Governor of Hawaii. Son, Kuaika, makes beautiful
koa and mango bowls and Netta has created a whole line of Hawaiian crafts. So sit down and
relax, talk-story, and enjoy a cup of Hamakua coffee or their unique "coffee berry tea"
with the warmest hosts you'll ever meet! ($35 /person, 2 person minimum) Email: tifajo@gte.net
or call (808) 775-0385.
Images of Gratitude: An Inner and Outer Journey with Doug Beasley
March 6th - 15th, 2009
Akiko's Buddhist Bed and Breakfast located along the beautiful lush Hamakua Coast 15 minutes
North of Hilo will be our home. Everyday we will embark on a new adventure to explore and photograph
the Sacred landscape of waterfalls, ocean, volcano and old rusty tin-roofed plantation villages
with an eye for how things in nature, worn by time and wind and rain and crashing ocean and
volcanic eruptions reveal their "postures" of gratitude. Go to Doug's website for
registration and more information. Extra days at Akiko's can be arranged before and after workshop. http://vqphoto.com/2009/hawaii/
46th Annual Merrie Monarch Hula Festival Competition
Begins week prior to Easter Sunday, April 12-18, 2009
The premiere hula festival. See the finest hula halaus (schools) perform both kahiko (ancient)
and auwana (contemporary) hula in a competition that draws thousands to Hilo every year. Hotels
and car rentals book early (some hotels are already fully booked) and performances are packed.
Contact Merrie Monarch Office direct for early ticket purchase information: (808) 935-9168 between
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. (Hawaii time).
Papayas & Bittermelons : Tales of the Bitter and Sweet
Friday, June 26th, 2009
7:00-8:30 p.m.
Five women of O'ahu reach out to the people of Hawai'i Island by sharing how they have managed, survived and thrived in the sweet and bitter moments of their lives as seen through the lives of their mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, neighbors and families and the communities in which they live, love and work. These stories from below the piko (belly button), in the na'au (the gut) will have you laughing, tearing, and nodding your head in recognition. For reservations call : (808) 963-6422.
Flipp” Out! (*”Flipp” is slang for Filipino) - A Cool Evening of Humor, Stories & Jazz. Saturday, September 12, 2009.
7:00-8:30 p.m. in the Motonaga Garage at Akiko’s Buddhist B&B
Pauline “Abong” Wilson grew up in Hakalau. She went on to become the lead singer in a California jazz group called “Seawind.” Angie Libadisos grew up in Ewa Beach plantation. She is an actress, musician and a stand-up comic. Her mom became an icon on Hotel Street in Honolulu running a pool hall to support the family. Both are Filipino and grew up on the plantation and became women who transitioned to contemporary “urban women with strong Filipino plantation roots. Their stories are rich with cultural struggles, humorous and painful colliding cross cultural values, universal themes of love and reconciliation with their pasts. This evening will be dedicated to the spirit and vitality of the Filipino community, a very significant part of our plantation heritage.
For reservations call : (808) 963-6422
5th Annual OBAKE Night - Local Style Ghost Stories for Halloween
Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009
7:00-8:30 p.m. in the Motonaga Garage at Akiko’s Buddhist B&B
“Obake” (Japanese for ghost) stories are a very real part of local culture. Everyone knows one and they are all true. Some are scary and some are about an unusual phenomenon or a chance meeting with an old Hawaiian woman or doors opening and closing, or the radio or TV going on for no reason. Four gifted storytellers will be sharing stories they have heard from Big Island elders as well as stories they have experienced personally.
Come and listen to the unseen but another realm of Hawaii.
12th Annual Traditional Mochi (rice cake) Pounding for New Year
Sunday, December 27th, 2009
Plan a unique Christmas this year in Hawaii in our quiet little village of Wailea at Akiko's
Buddhist Bed and Breakfast. Join us for the Wailea Village 12th annual mochi-tsuki celebration
in making traditional rice cakes the "old-fashioned" way. The oldtimers share their
stories of plantation era times and everyone takes their turn at pounding the glutinous sticky
rice for good luck. Fire building starts at 6 a.m. to steam the rice. Event goes from 8 a.m.-
2 p.m. with hearty local style lunch for $5. Great Fun!! Call Miss Akiko @ (808) 963-6422 or
email: msakiko@hawaii.rr.com for more information.
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