Sharing The Joy Of Meeting The Dalai Lama in Hawaii

Hawaii Tales Blog – The Dalai Lama wound up his Hawaii visit by answering a few questions from members of the media, and shaking our hands.

Sharing the the joy of meeting the Dalai Lama in Hawaii. He shook our hands at a media event at Kualoa Park on Oahu.

New Postcard Stamps Commemorate Hawaii’s Iconic Aloha Shirts

Hawaii Tales Blog – For decades, the Aloha Shirt has reflected Hawaii’s beauty, spirit and unique island culture. Now, they’re being commemorated on new U.S. postcard stamps.

Soundtracking “The Descendants” With “Real” Hawaiian Music

Heard on NPR – The Oscar-winning film “The Descendant’s” is the first Hollywood movie scored entirely with Hawaiian music.

Hawaii Enjoys Financial Boost from TV and Film Productions

Heard on Voice of America – Hawaii is becoming a growing hub for TV and Film production thanks to the series reboot of “Hawaii Five-0,” and several recent movies, including “The Descendants.”

“Kermit,” the Hawaiian Monk Seal

Seen in the Contemporary Photography of Hawaii 2011 Exhibit – “Kermit,” an endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal, makes a rare appearance on Waikiki Beach.

Surfing champion Andy Irons leaves a great legacy

Heard on NPR’s Newscast – In Hawaii, many are mourning the loss of surfing legend Andy Irons. He was 32. The Hawaii surfing champion died in Texas, on his way back from a pro surfing event in Puerto Rico. Irons was in his prime, and making a comeback.

Hawaii Ukulele Festival

Heard on PRI’s The World – Each year, Hawaii’s Ukulele Festival attracts thousands of people from around the world. Lately, the instrument is seeing a resurgence, thanks in part to musicians like Jake Shimabukuro, who headlined the 40th Annual Ukulele festival.

Father Damien of Molokai: Hawaii’s First Saint

Heard on AARP Radio – In 2009, the Belgian priest, known as Father Damien, was declared a saint for his extraordinary service in caring for patients with Hansen’s disease on the Hawaiian island of Molokai in the 19th Century. His spirit of compassion continues to inspire many worldwide today.

Kealii Reichel – Global Hit

Heard on PRI’s The World – When Hawaii’s highest musical honors, the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, were announced in 2008, Kealii Reichel won another Hoku in the Best Music Video DVD of the Year category. The teacher of Hawaiian culture and language also added to his collection of more than two dozen Hokus.

Bassist Lyle Ritz: Father of Jazz Ukulele

Heard on NPR – Ever since Lyle Ritz recorded the world’s first jazz ukulele album more than 50 years ago, he’s been called the “Father of Jazz Ukulele.” He recorded his latest CD, “No Frills,” all by himself on his laptop computer, playing both ukulele and bass.

Humpback Whale Song

Heard on Living on Earth – Ever wonder why humpback whales sing? Zoologist Jim Darling has been trying to solve that mystery. And he’s made some unusual discoveries.

Surfing Legend Duke Kahanamoku Gets A Stamp

Heard on PRI’s The World – Discover why surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku continues to inspire people worldwide and why he was honored on a U.S. postage stamp.

Nona Beamer: Hawaiian Elder (1923-2008)

Heard on NPR – Nona Beamer dedicated her life to preserving Hawaiian culture. She was a gifted storyteller, hula dancer, songwriter and teacher. Even though she died in 2008, her legacy continues to touch the lives of many today.

Wayfinders: Polynesian Navigation

Heard on NPR – When the Hawaiian canoe Hokulea was built in the 70′s, it helped spark a Hawaiian cultural renaissance and a rebirth in polynesian voyaging throughout the Pacific. The documentary, “Wayfinders: A Pacific Odyssey,” chronicles that revival and some of Hokulea’s early voyages.

Bla Pahinui

Heard on NPR – Hawaii is home to a legendary musical family –the Pahinui’s. Gabby Pahinui is called the “Father of Modern Slack Key Guitar.” Since his death in 1980, three of his sons have been carrying on his musical legacy. One of them is Bla Pahinui, who has released a CD called “Mana.”

Young Cambodian Documents His Life in America – A.K.A. Don Bonus

Heard on NPR – After fleeing war-torn Cambodia in the 1970s, a young refugee escapes to San Francisco, where he goes by the name of Don Bonus. He documents his life and struggles in the film “A.K.A. Don Bonus.”

Keola Beamer – Tales from the Dream Guitar

Heard on NPR – Hawaiian slack key guitar master Keola Beamers takes you on a magical journey with his music, including his CD Moe`uhane Kika – Tales from the Dream Guitar.

Picture Bride

Heard on NPR – In the early 1900s, more than 20,000 Japanese women crossed the Pacific to marry Japanese plantation workers in Hawaii. Because those marriages were arranged through photographs and letters, the young women became known as “Picture Brides.” Their story is told in the movie titled Picture Bride.