King Tide - 5/27/2017

The King Tide is supposed to occur over the next couple of days.  The last time it came last month, I went to take photos on the Ala Wai and Waikiki Beach.  The south swells made it seem even higher and sections of the beach lost all the sand area.

The water in certain sections of the Ala Wai golf course reached quite far.

Several steps were under water.

The reef at Waikiki beach was gone and there were only the signs left uncovered,

Both sides of this breaker was sandy, now only one side is uncovered.  The surf also pushed water up to where I stood.

It almost look like I was at North Shore at times.

Hokule'a Homecoming -- 6/17/2017

Hokule'a ended a 3-year voyage and arrived at Magic Island this morning.  I wasn't able to go and watched it at home.  I decided to take a chance to see if I could still see it just around sunset.  I was lucky she was still there.  I was surprised Nainoa Thompson was there.  He was very humble and gracious as he spoke to the people there.  He explained he wanted to be respectful of everyone that came but they'd have to move Hokule'a closer to the Ala Moana Bridge so they can prepare to bring her to the Convention Center during low tide tomorrow morning. I am so glad I made it.

It started to drizzle w/ the passing clouds and my lens got rain drops so I resorted to using my iphone.

The 6D full frame test.

It got really dark after the sunset and I didn't have flash and even with the high ISO it was near impossible so I tried using my iphone.  

Here's the photo at ISO 1250.  I had to brighten in PSE but it looks a little grainy.

Giant Fireworks - 06/04/2017

A Japanese cosmetic company celebrated their anniversary in Hawaii and put on a giant firework show.  I was lucky I got to see it since it was out at Waikiki Beach.  It wasn't crowded so I had a great seat showing up 1/2 hour before showtime.  It was a good night for fireworks because it wasn't too windy but breezy enough to blow away the smoke.

Honolulu Biennial at Ward Villiage - 04/23/2017

I heard about this exhibit at the Ward Village (aka old IBM Bldg) from my sister and decided to check it out.  I did some googling on the artist Yayoi Kusama and saw her other exhibits in NYC and they seemed pretty interactive and interesting so I wanted to see it for myself. I was expecting a crowd but luckily, there was none so I got lots of space to look around and take pics with my iphone. I didn't think they'd allow photos or video either, but wow.. both were welcome. Only warning was to not touch anything..
In the court yard was the "Artificial Rock" sculpture.

The "Breathing Flower". This flower actually opens and closes..

On the 3rd floor was the Yayoi Kusama exhibit. A room of glowing dots.. When I first entered, it was really weird to adjust to the  lighting.. these dots seem to be 3-D popping in front of me everywhere.. but after a while, I realized they were all 2-D stickers on everything in the room.  They were randomly place.. but seems like the spacing was not as random.. it was pretty cool..   

These were glow in the dark dots about the size of those they use on garage sale items.. it was on everything..

At one point, I had the place all to myself.. it was quiet and it was so awesome to walk around.. There were only these two small rooms.. 

When leaving, I notice the cool view from inside the building.

Downstairs in the lobby area, a model of the Ward Village new buildings.. a lot of them have started and the whole area has changed.  They even have the rail in this model and I wonder if it would ever be reality.

I walked around a little and saw this new building.. so much has changed. This doesn't even look like I'm in Hawaii any more.  It was nice to get out and check out all the changes in the area. I suspect this place will look a lot different again in a couple of months.

Pineapple - 04//09/2017

Nowadays, I take any opportunity to take photos with whatever 'tool' I have on hand.  Recently it's my iphone. 
We have another pineapple growing in the garden which has mostly been overgrown. I've watched this pineapple start from a small bud to a mini pineapple and the cool design of it's growth.

Here's how it starts..

Pow Wow Hawaii 2017 - 03/05/2017

Sunday, I wanted to pick up something from Fisher Hawaii but then found out they were closing in 5mins. Since I had my Lumix, I ended up taking some pics in the neighborhood. I had drove around the block but found that it was easier to walk around. It was a HOT and HUMID day but it was great seeing all these new art in the neighborhood.. I found a new rendition of my favorite piece at the side wall of Fisher Hawaii..

I think this one is from last year, but I was new to me..