Before tunnels made it faster for vehicles to reach Kailua and Kaneohe from Honolulu, there was that long and winding Old Pali Road in Nuuanu Valley.
Yep, in the old days, it was a task of sorts to go Windward side via this twisting two-lane highway, which zigged and zagged along the mountain terrain, to link then “country” with the “city.”
This was then the fastest way to travel to visit Kailua and Kaneohe for family, beach, and other recreation. There was no Windward Mall in Kaneohe and Kailua still was a budding district for home owners, not yet a dining and shopping destination.
Narrow, winding Old Pali Road
The speed limit was likely 25 mph, because the curves were frequent and potentially dangerous. The only route worse than this was the Maui drive from Kahului to Hana with twists and curves galore.
Vintage vehicle heading to Windward side
If you lived on the Honolulu side, you’d stop at the Pali lookout to view the expanse of green and blues. Yes, there were parcels of forestry sights and beyond the green, the pristine aqua of the seas. The lookout then, and even now, had howling winds, depending on the weather, and girls and women donning dresses and skirts, had to hold ‘em down to avoid unwanted peeks.
Remember those snaking roads?
Back in the day, the Kailua Drive In – an outdoor movie theater – was a destination for viewers from both sides of the Pali. Of course, the drive home in the dark, going up the spirally curves nighttime, was a challenge, too.
And there were tales – obake stories – about crossing the Pali turns with pork. ‘Twas said to be bad luck, that your car engine would conk out, but I never encountered anyone who had such misfortunes, though few dared to travel with pork in the car. That’s discussion for another time.
So what are your reflections of this long and winding road? …
Auli‘i Cravalho, the Kamehameha Schools graduate who voiced Moana in the hit Disney animated film, has had a whirlwind year ever since she came out on Tik Tok in April 2020.
In June 2021, half-smiling in a full page story with photo in Entertainment Weekly, she’s talking about how far she’ll go in the next step of her acting career. The placement of this interview-profile piece is significant: Cravalho is one of the myriad of entertainment stars, current and future, in The Pride Issue of EW.
For the LGBTQ community, June is big time. At the end of the month, gay pride awareness will be front-and-center, with huge parades particularly in San Francisco and New York, hubs of the movement.
Auli’i Cravalho
Cravalho is elated that her decision to go public about her sexuality is resonating with fans, friends and followers. “The fans are only too happy to accept another gay,” she is quoted.
Since “Moana,” she has landed roles big and small, and is currently filming an Amazon Pride Video series, “The Power,” but also has been sought to portray roles written expressly as bisexual or gay, reflecting life.
While she hasn’t been formally asked to revisit Moana in a rumored live-action Disney film beyond the animated original, Cravalho – who is part Hawaiian — is happy to have crossed the intersection of being pigeon-holed into the mass of “racially ambiguous, Latin-esque girl…who sings her way out of poverty.” Inclusion and awareness are part of the new threshold of Hollywood.
Disney may do “Moana 2” as a cartoon, and yes, Dwayne Johnson will return as Maui the Demigod. Others expected in the sequel: Rachel House as Pools, Temuira Morrison as Tuira, Jemaine Clement as Tamatoa, Alan Tudyk as HeiHei and Nicole Scherzinger as Sina, according to online sources. …
Liliha Bakery in Waikiki
It’s going to be confusing soon, when a Liliha Bakery branch opens at the International Market Place in Waikiki.
Peter Kim
Proprietor Peter Kim is expanding the reach of Liliha’s famous coco puffs, in the heart of the visitor center, when the new outlet opens in the site formerly occupied by Kahu’s Sushi and Seafood Buffet and Yauatcha Waikiki.
Liliha’s original bakery is in Liliha, of course, famous for its always-filled counter service,and larger restaurants at Macy’s in Ala Moana Center and another on Nimitz Highway.
Kim has filed permit applications for his fourth Liliha’s Bakery, the timetable for which has not been announced. But you gotta know that coco puffs will be a take-off champ from the get go, and dining in should bring visitors – and locals who venture to Waikiki – to enjoy local style, breakfasts, lunches and dinners.
Kim, founder of Yummy Korean B-B-Q take-out restaurants, operates a range of other restaurants, including Signature Streak House atop the Ala Moana Hotel. …
More ‘Mosquito’ on the way
With Apple TV+ winding up the first season of “The Mosquito Coast” on June 4, it’s grand news for series stars Justin Theroux and Melissa George.
Paul Theroux
The word of a second season also is reason to celebrate for Paul Theroux, the author of the book on which the series is based. Paul is the uncle of Justin and has been spending pandemic time at his North Shore pad; he also is one of the executive producers in a hui that also includes Justin.
This TV take on “Mosquito” follows an earlier 1986 feature film starring Harrison Ford.
The series has had mixed reviews from critics and since Apple doesn’t release Nielsen ratings numbers for its project, there’s no yardstick on how popular the show is/was.
Theroux’s latest novel is “Under the Wave at Waimea,” with a surfer protagonist riding the metaphorical waves that reflect life, with a stunning North Shore presence. The perfect book for summer reading, rippling with Theroux’s brilliant and vivid storytelling technique.. …
Singer-actress Loretta Ables Sayre has a sparkling, splendid new look – and proud of it.
She shared her new coif on Facebook, and it’s not just transforming but attractive and stunning. A whole new whirl.
“After 30 years of tinting my roots, I wanted out,” said the Hawaii-based Tony Award nominee.
“Thought of doing it during the Covid lockdown but never knew if work was around the corner.”
Loretta Ables Sayres’ new look, minus tinting.
Since the pandemic prevented job opportunities, she made the leap.
“I looked back and realized there’s no better time than now. So I visited my hairstylist, DonnaTokumoto, and had her help me ‘boost’ the grow out period around my face and she worked her magic, and here we are!”
The red specs add vigor and sparkle to her look.
“I love the freedom and power of not bothering with hair color and not caring what anyone things. I own it and it feels great!,” he says.
Betcha most people will applaud her bold move and cheer her new look. …
Blue Notes
Kimie Mine will celebrate her birthday with a two-night party at 6:30 and 9 p.m. July 9 and 10 at Blue Note Hawaii, with in-club or virtual participation…
Streelight Cadence, the four-member band formally anchored in Hawaii, will return this summer for a one-nighter at 6:30 and 9 p.m. Aug. 21 at Blue Note Hawaii…
For reservations, to either show, visit bluenotehawaii.com …
Mighty Mo’s teak repurposed as gifts
Martin & MacArthur, the Hawaii-centric creator of everything from teak furniture to teak watches, has launched a new line of products in partnership with Battleship Missouri Memorial at Pearl Harbor.
Ornament by Shaun Tokunaga.
Fetching original teak, from the decks of the Mighty Mo, M&M has created specialty keepsake items from photo frames to ornaments, from pens to business card cases, linking World War II history into wearable and useable everyday items.
Timed to last weekend’s Memorial Day celebrations here and abroad, the historic pieces have gained new life as repurposed mementos, with sales beginning shortly at the museum and at the Martin & MacArthur website at https://martinandmacarthur.com/pages/uss-missouri-partnership
“We are grateful for this partnership with Martin & MacArthur, a company who truly shares our dedication to craftsman ship,” said Mike Carr, president and CEO of the Battleship Missouri Memorial, in a statement.
The material utilized in creating the momentodo not rob the wartime ship of its precious woodwork. “Our Teak Crew works hard everyday to restore the deck of the Mighty Mo,” said Carr. Excess teak is provided to the teak masters, so this collaboration “with a company that has use for our excess teak…makes this relationship incredibly special.”
Teak has served as an important element – covering about 1.2 acres of deck space. The wood not only is extremely durable, it is a porous material that can withstand moisture and sunlight and has prevented crew members from slipping while maneuvering aboard the ship.
“We are honored to receive such generous amounts of teak from the USS Missouri, which directly supports Hawai‘i craftsmen who then can continue creating innovative products during such a challenging time for small, local businesses,” said Michael Tam, CEO of Martin & MacArthur. “This new Teak Collection allows the world to see what Hawai‘i has to offer as well as own a piece of historical significance.” …
