waimanalo

January 1 2015

Night Visions at Bellows

Gee Why Life, Pulp beach, bellows, hawaii, waimanalo, windward

What visions can be had while crabbing at night at Bellows? Let’s take a look…

You can find the closest thing to a snowman in Hawaii – a “snowman” made from sand.

And not just one, but here’s another sandman with some accoutrements. He does look happy though.

Personally, I was amazed at this pyramid. Very symmetrical, very smooth, and the detailing!

Speaking of smooth and symmetrical, these sandballs were just sitting there begging to be thrown. But because of their perfection, you just couldn’t bring yourself to launch one of these sandy spheres.

Anyone lost their shades?

Oh, and of course, the reason for being at Bellows at night? Catching crabs for fun. This was a big guy. When we first found him, he didn’t move at all, appearing dead. But then he went into action showing of his claws, snapping them as he tried to make his escape. Yes, he was released at the end of the hunt.

December 16 2014

Waimanalo Christmas Parade 2014

Gee Why Life, Passion hawaii, parade, waimanalo, windward

I’ll let you in on a little holiday secret. For all the Christmas parades that happen around Oahu, the Waimanalo Christmas parade is probably the most authentic and unique event of them all. It’s definitely not the biggest or flashiest nor are there local celebrities (except for an unexpected visit by Nainoa Thompson) walking the route. But you’ll see some interesting local kine sights.

The Waimanalo Feed Supply store is a marquee of the parade procession, and this year along with sweet treats, there were goodies for the canines on Santa’s Nice List.

Horseback riders strolling through the neighborhood community? Only in ‘Nalo.

The fans and the families lined Kalanianaole Highway ready for the show.

The Kailua High School marching band led the way.

But not to worry, order was maintained with the presence of the Bellows Air Force Station security forces. No matter if their vehicles were “holidazzled.”

Who else was out there watching the show? The kupuna, the dogs, a pig, a drone, kids, custom bike riders, new families, and let’s not forget the amped up golf carts.

You just don’t see hats like this anymore…

Although the clouds drizzled down occasional Hawaiian snow, the event was mostly dry unless you were by these guys.

Waimanalo is as Waimanalo is, and there are tractors and trailers, and the Research Station is still going strong.

But they may have been distracted by the offer of lilikoi butter!

Smiles all around.

Then the rolling thunder of the big rigs.

Horns don’t get tired I guess. My personal favorite had to be this crew.

Yeah you!

Brought to you by Ride Safe Hawaii.

Just don’t mind that most of the riders are not wearing protective safety gear. This is the way of Waimanalo.

Santa’s elves roll in these semis I think.

See, there’s one now driving this massive truck with bystanders and kids lining the roadway, just a few feet on each side.

Hydroseeding provided the live music welcoming Santa Claus himself.

Ho, ho, ho! Merry Christmas compliments of Waimanalo!

Check out even more pictures from the Waimanalo Christmas Parade 2014.

September 11 2013

Would You Play Cowboy Poker?

Gee Why Life, Pulp hawaii, kailua, rodeo, waimanalo, windward

I’d never heard of Cowboy Poker before, but now I’ve seen it “played” at the Surf & Turf Bull Riding and Concert. Held last week at the New Town & Country Stables in Waimanalo, this event also featured bull riding which I’ve never witnessed before either. All I can say is crazy.

Out of the gate, cowboys were flying off the bucking bulls after a few seconds. Staying mounted for three to five seconds was a good ride. Just ask former UH QB, Colt Brennan, who rode his first bull for charity purposes.

This bull just looked nasty and mean.

So about cowboy poker. Four dudes sitting around a table supposedly playing poker…except that there’s a bull loose in the ring with them. And when the bull charges you best be watching him and not your cards.

Last cowboy to remain seated wins.

The cowboy in the red shirt wins this round!

A few more pictures from this experience.

December 9 2012

Waimanalo Christmas Parade 2012

Gee Why Featured, Life, Passion christmas, hawaii, parade, waimanalo, windward

Waimanalo has its own unique community no more evident than in its annual Christmas Parade. It was my first time attending this parade (I didn’t know it existed before this), and I got to see a good, old parade reminiscent of small kid time.

Luckily, our family was guests on the float sponsored by Waimanalo Feed Supply. This float may have been the pinnacle of the parade featuring a decked out flatbed truck with a Christmas tree, enthusiastic riders, and three sheep enjoying the festivities.

The parade had an early 9am start time kicked off by Grand Marshall Eric Bunyan. Then came a caravan of some most interesting vehicles. There were bikers from the Yokozuna Riders.

Windward politicians, Ikaika Anderson, Chris Lee, and Laura Thielen walked the route and passed out candy.

Then came muscle cars, vintage cars, and even a homemade barstool “car.”

Yes, Miss Hawaii Filipina was there.

These golf carts are outrageous!

But not to be outdone, there was a speed boat.

In the heat and humidity, the seniors had it right, riding a covered trolley.

Nothing says Christmas like a dune buggy and an off-roading truck.

Here’s the full length view of the Waimanalo Feed Supply float with sheep in tow.

The Royal Hawaiian Movers were out in full force, each truck blaring its horns.

Did I mention the candy? Remember back in the day when paraders would let fly the candy? Now, it’s all handing it gently to the bystanders… except in `Nalo. This community harkens back and still lets the candy sail through the air. And lots of it. Lots. Each vehicle unleashed an arsenal of sweets. Just check out the stash in this truck’s cabin.

Security from Bellows was there, not for safety or security, but yes, you guessed it, to fling candy at the audience.

I have no idea about this.

Then the closing highlight of the parade was Santa’s arrival… by boat.

While Santa and his Elves unloaded candy, treats from the North Pole also took the form of frozen Otter Pops.

Here are even more pictures from this eclectic community Christmas parade.

And don’t worry about the sheep. They were fine, eating the whole ride. They did want to wish you a very Merry Christmas.

Waimanalo Beach on Dwellable

November 1 2010

Waimanalo Has a Pumpkin Patch

Gee Why Life halloween, hawaii, kailua, pumpkin, waimanalo, windward

Out on the Windward side tucked away near the Ko’olau Range is Waimanalo Country Farms. Starting this year, this family farm started their own pumpkin patch for kids to pick carvable pumpkins.

Not as sprawling as the popular Aloun Farms pumpkin patch, the Waimanalo Pumpkin Patch is a good alternative for the Windward side. Although the farm is smaller, there are lots of pumpkins, a hay ride, a corn maze, and additional activities for the kids.

Here are some pics of what you can expect.

What else is in the Waimanalo area? Check out Dwellable.com to find out.

Waimanalo Beach on Dwellable