Monthly Archives: May 2020

1905, 2020

Falling in Love with Surfing Again

By |May 19th, 2020|Uncategorized|0 Comments

I remember my first winter surfing on the North Shore. It was so exciting! Waking up each morning to a horizon stacked with waves for days, seemed like a dream. Sunburnt skin and salty hair were the only price I paid, or so I thought. Not realizing it, I was falling in love, deeply in love with the ocean and her children, the waves. I was faithful to my love for many years. I travelled to Bali each summer for five years in a row to ward off the summer blues of no waves on the North Shore. (Note there are excellent beginner surf lesson waves in the summer on the North Shore) During the winter months, I faithfully rode Pipeline every time she broke. I slept like a baby and lived off of ramen noodles to save money. Life was simple. My only care was to surf.

Sadly, as it can happen in love, I was distracted. Politics called my name, and I threw my heart and soul into the game. Campaigning is all-consuming; shaking hands, kissing babies, and posting yard signs soon caused me to forget to surf. I swapped […]

705, 2020

Best Shave Ice on the North Shore of Oahu After a Surf Lesson

By |May 7th, 2020|Uncategorized|0 Comments

Shave Ice is as synonymous with the North Shore as surfing itself. There’s no better way to cool down after a sun-soaked surf lesson than with a bowl of this Hawaiian specialty. The North Shore of Oahu is renowned for its shave ice offerings, with places like Matsumoto’s Shave Ice leading the pack. Situated in the bustling Shops At Haleiwa, Matsumoto’s is a landmark destination for both locals and visitors. To find it, simply drive through Haleiwa town and look for the crowd eagerly lined up in the courtyard of the town’s newest center (more details at Matsumoto’s Shave Ice).

If you encounter a lengthy queue at Matsumoto’s, a worthy alternative awaits just across the street. Aoki’s Shave Ice matches up in quality and taste, providing another excellent option for those seeking a sweet, icy treat. This spot is just as beloved and offers a similar range of flavors and combinations to satisfy any palate (discover more at Aoki’s Shave Ice).

For the shave ice connoisseur, a trip to Island X Hawaii at the old Waialua Sugar Mill is a must. Known for their commitment to real fruit and natural flavors, they offer an authentic and unique shave ice experience that stands […]

605, 2020

Mother Earth is Winning and I Want to Be on Her Team

By |May 6th, 2020|Uncategorized|0 Comments

COVID-19 has forced me to slow down and appreciate the world around me in ways unexpected. The smell of the ocean air as the trade winds blow is fresher and cleaner than ever. The sky is a new shade of blue, which reflects on the ocean creating even more unique shades of blue. Mt. Kala looks crisper and greener than ever. Even the Sun seems to be smiling as she fuels the Earth from above. Mother Earth is winning, and I want to be on her team.

It feels like our mother has forced us to take a “time out,” giving us a once in a lifetime opportunity to reset our lives. During this “time out,” we are experiencing a cleaner world. The most dramatic improvement is the freshness of the air, especially here in Hawaii. Fresh air is vital to human health. The World Health Organization estimates that 3.9 million people die each year from air pollution. While COVID-19 could eventually kill millions before it’s over, sheltering in place has caused air quality to improve by over 50% in cities around the world. If sustained, this will save millions of lives every year. The overall quality of life […]