Ephemeral Life...

Although I never exert myself very much on the ring toss. I always get parched and very thirsty...

The students really enjoyed exploring Thurston Lava Tube at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Just the right mix of cool and spooky with a little dash of dripping water excitement. Formed as molten lava flows and the outer crust cools and slows down while the inner hot part still flows downhill. Eventually flattening out and forming lava tubes which can extend for miles and miles...

Noni in South Kona. Put it in an airtight container and let it ferment for several months. Strain and drink. Foul smelling panacea for good health...

This wooden hair pin contained two Tiger shark teeth and one Bull shark tooth. Wood and teeth. Natural. No metal. Remember to take it off before you head through security at the Airport...

Some artisans are great at letting the public get a good feel for their handiwork at the Grow Hawai'i Festival. Like this beautiful dog teeth anklet. Known as kupe'e niho ilio, they were worn by male hula dancers on each ankle and rattled when the foot stomped...

My friend, Ms. Aloha Pure and her kahili bearer...

The visitor center at Pu'ukohola National Park on Hawai'i Island has some nice displays which Elliott and his classmates enjoyed. That and the air conditioning...

I can't help it. I am a carnivore of the worst kind. The smell of charred meat, like at the 'Iolani Fair, makes me want to bite just about everything in sight...

Tom and Sonny's Hawaiian Art of Lua demonstration for the Department of Defense. Looks painful...

The food booths always do well at the 'Iolani Fair. Especially the shaved ice stand. Rainbow flavor or vanilla ice cream on top. You can't go wrong on a hot day...

By the flurry of excited activity, you would think Elliott and his classmates never saw a beetle on a leaf before such as this Koa beetle in South Kona at Amy Greenwell Botanical Gardens. But given the urban setting many of them live in now. That may very well be...

The little ones had fun at the good spirited Haloa Festival. Even taking off their socks to get the lo'i mud between their toes...

Free samples of freshly pounded one-finger poi at the Haloa Festival were enjoyed by all...

In the land of fiery akua Pele. Taking a close up look at her competition...

It just may be some of the most important, meaningful and memorable time you spend with your child...

Natural colors of Hawai'i from natural dyes...

Before you pass judgment on somebody's locks of unkempt frizzy split-end hair. Make sure you know who it belongs too. Kukailimoku, the God of War may not be so forgiving of criticism...

The most beautiful aspect of sharing the culture is being able to plant little seeds of 'ike Hawai'i in visitors. Especially the children. To be able to see a little of the Hawaiian view of the world. The sacredness and connectivity of all life. The power of love and Aloha in transforming a planet in need...

Even adults could truly appreciate seeing and holding things up-close which they may never have had the opportunity to do in decades of living. To be able to truly appreciate the inspired designs of the ancestors...

The Grow Hawai'i Festival was an excellent opportunity to start to teach our youth about the importance of conservation. Hawaiian knowledge. Sustaining life. Dedication. Craftsmanship. Pride. And lots of other great lessons in life...

The Hempfield Area High School Marching Band from Greensburg, Pennsylvania, participated in the recent Honolulu Festival Parade in Waikiki. They did a fabulous job. I hope they enjoyed themselves in the land of Aloha...