B on Hawaii

The contemporary Japanese drumming Taiko Center of the Pacific is holding summer intensives for those who want to expand their musical (and cultural) repertoire. Spend five days with master Taiko drummer Kenny Endo on the slopes of Diamond Head Crater, exploring the concepts of Japanese "ma" (space), "nori" (playing the pocket) and "sozo" (imagination and creativity).

While perusing the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea’s multi-million dollar art collection last year, we met long-time O’ahu artist-in-residence, Ron Kent. One of his “Guardian” sculptures was a focal point of the entire exhibit; it’s mere presence commanding close inspection by anyone that came within eyeshot.

Two bits of hot news, fresh off the press. First, a "posse" of Hawaiian musicians are headed this week to the frosty climes of our mainland's East Coast, to perform at what is being hailed as the most historic Presidential Inauguration in over a century.

The first whispers of the holiday season can be heard around town, and like most years, everyone is beginning to look for that unique gift to bestow upon their loved one(s). Just in the nick of time, the Honolulu Academy of Arts is celebrating it's annual "World Art Bazaar" at the Academy Art Center at Linekona, in Honolulu. 

Kudos go out to the Waikoloa Beach Resort for a new program recently started at "The Studio" in the Queens' Marketplace, whereby guest speakers offer Hawaiian language classes to interested participants.

It's no surprise that hula is a way of life for many here on the islands. But not many are aware of the huge presence of hula throughout Asia, California, Europe and throughout the rest of Polynesia too. This was the inspiration for the Moku O Keawe International Festival, which takes place this year (2008) from November 6 – 9 at the Waikoloa Beach Resort on the Island of Hawai'i.

The Royal Lahaina Resort's ocean-front concert series that began this past summer is not just about a picture-perfect evening spent absorbing the sounds of crashing waves and slack key guitar. In fact, the Saturday night mele isn’t solely the culmination of two performer’s careers.

Furthering the effort to educate visitors to Maui on why Kapalua is so culturally significant, the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua has launched an "Ambassadors of the Environment" program in partnership with the renowned Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ocean Futures Society. This marks Cousteau's first venture in the State of Hawaii.

Ka'anapali's Royal Lahaina Resort launches a 6-concert summer series that begins this Saturday, with the incredibly dynamic duo of Eric Gilliom and Barry Flanagan. The event begins at 6:15 p.m. for those who opt in to a "Dinner and concert" package.