The image, “Hula Sisters”, depicts three of Kumu Hula Nani Lim Yap’s dancers each facing a different compass point, doing an oli aloha, welcoming their hula “sisters” from all over the world to the Big Island, where the Hula was born.

This image was done at the same time as “Breath of Kilauea”.  At the Fire Pit’s edge the heat must have been intense.  If you look closely you will see the birds riding the hot air currents as if they were at an amusement park!  Against the dark sky the colors of her ancient pa’u skirt and the steam from the vents were startling.  

While most people who visit Hawaii experience some form of hula (some of it very good) in their evenings of Polynesian Luau shows, in reality, hula exists casually at real family and community gatherings all over the Hawaiian islands.  It is also performed with intense perfection at hula competitions, such as the Merrie Monarch Festival, where planning and practice for performing two dances, one ancient and one modern, can take a year.   Pau Hula represents that final moment when that year culminates to thunderous applause, as thousands of hours, exhausted muscles, bloody knees, and tired feet all come together in a perfect performance.

In the summer of 1989 I was asked to do a piece of artwork commemorating the 200th anniversary of Pu'ukohala, one of the most sacred heiaus (temples) of the Hawaiian people. I live less than 10 miles from the site and felt honored to be asked to do such an important image. It was at the event that I first met Hale Makua--a spiritual leader and mentor to many of the men of the Na Koa. He had kind eyes and was easy to talk to and we quickly developed a friendship.  I was snapping photographs all morning when I turned and saw him sitting calmly under a tree, beautifully backlit by the rays of the morning sun. As I prepared to take the picture,...

This is the 4^th image in my series of Tropical Ladies.  Just north, outside Hilo, along the Hamakua heritage Coast, is one of my favorite places on the island.  Follow the scenic detour signs and it will take you on a journey through a magnificent, tropical jungle with waterfalls and steams and the beautiful, Onomea Bay.  Its green embrace is a balm to the soul and that is where I see my lovely lady sitting in her tropical paradise.

"Basket of Aloha" represents the warm hospitality and generosity of the people of Hawaii. Many of us here are blessed with the overflowing abundance of fruits and flowers in our yards. It is common to find an anonymous box of papayas, a rusty coffee can full of brilliant orchids, or a ripening bunch of bananas from your neighbor left on your doorstep. It is one of the joys of island living.