Few things in life are truly epic. Literature has its epic stories and poems, and there have been many epic battles and wars.

But could there be an epic season?

The summer of 2013 may not live up to some of those memorable moments in history, but if Hawaii’s first south swell is an indication of what we’ll see over the next several months, it could very well be an epic summer.

These young men ignored lifeguards when told to leave the Haloha Blowhole area | Photos courtesy Shayne Enright/Emergency Medical Services

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“Can you believe this swell?” asks surfer Ben Cullen. “It’s like a machine out there (pointing to Ala Moana Bowls). The waves haven’t stopped for a week, and I think everybody is starting to get tired. It’s not as crowded as it was a few days ago. But don’t get me wrong, that’s a good thing!”

For more than a week, Mother Nature delivered some of the most consistent waves seen on southern shores of all Hawaiian Islands in more than 30 years.

On the Valley Isle, high surf pummeled west and south Maui. Several boats broke loose from their moorings and capsized near Mala Wharf. Massive waves also pounded the southern and western shores of Kauai and Hawaii Island.

The potent swell brought out some of Hawaii’s finest watermen and women. It also brought out some of Hawaii’s biggest losers.

On Saturday afternoon, five men came dangerously close to being seriously injured, if not killed, at Halona Blowhole. Lifeguards from nearby Sandy Beach warned the men to leave the area several times, but the men failed to heed those warnings. Eventually a large set of waves, estimated at 6-8 feet, got their attention when the surf crashed on the rocky ledge. One of the men was nearly swept into the blowhole. Thankfully, the men suffered only minor injuries.

“They really lucked out – we all lucked out,” says water safety officer Aka Tamashiro. “Those guys, I don’t think they have any idea of how lucky they are to be alive.”

Warning signs, installed several years ago to prevent visitors and residents from getting too close to the blowhole, failed to deter their curiosity and poor judgment. Photographs of the near tragedy spread on social media like wild-fire.

“All the signs in the world can’t fix dumb,” says an outspoken Cynthia Chapman. “Those guys were lucky no one died. There should be a law against people who disregard the orders of our lifeguards! They could have put others at risk.”

The spokeswoman of the Honolulu Emergency Medical Services was a bit more diplomatic.

“Ocean Safety lifeguards are dedicated and go through intensive training to protect our beaches. But Ocean Safety needs the public’s help when enjoying our beaches,” says EMS spokeswoman Shayne Enright. “We ask residents and visitors to listen to our lifeguards. If lifeguards ask you to stay out of the water or back off from a ledge, please heed their warnings. ”

In three days, lifeguards rescued or assisted nearly 450 people and performed 850 preventive actions in waters off Waikiki, Ala Moana and Sandy Beach. Lifeguards on Jet Skis made an additional 94 rescues or assists while patrolling waters off Portlock, at China Walls and other beaches.

The rescue and assist numbers continued into the workweek.

“It is the intent of Ocean Safety to make sure everyone goes home safely to their families at the end of the day,” says Enright. “Please never hesitate to ask a lifeguard about ocean conditions, and if ever in doubt, don’t go out.”

Ready or not, summer is here. We’ll soon learn if it is an epic one.

Heading to Diamond Head | Ron Mizutani photo

It was an opportunity of a lifetime, a chance to sail on the Polynesian double-hulled voyaging canoe Hokule’a. I was fortunate to join more than 20 educators from Punahou School for Hokule’a's final “community sail” before she would leave for the much anticipated worldwide voyage.

Others felt the same way. “This is important for all of us tonight,” says Malia Ane, director of Hawaiian studies at Punahou, of the evening sail with fellow teachers. “It’s important that we touch Hokule’a, that we feel her, that we see the crew, so that when we return to our classrooms and talk to our students, our lessons come from our hearts.”

Mother Nature greeted us with near-ideal sailing conditions: light tradewinds, relatively calm seas and eventually, a full moon. We left the Marine Education and Training Center at Sand Island May 24 just after 5 p.m. and headed toward Diamond Head. I sat in awe as the seasoned crew raised her sails. The double-hulled vessel cut swiftly through the surf. We were gliding and I was in heaven.

“She’s much faster now,” says master navigator Nainoa Thompson as we both stared off into the horizon. It was a special moment. I knew I was standing with one of Hawaii’s finest leaders, a man who studied non-instrument navigation under master navigator Mau Piailug of Satawal, Micronesia.

And then, Thompson blew my mind.

“Thank you for coming, Ron,” said Thompson.

I quickly responded, “No, Nainoa, thank your for having me aboard, and thank you for all that you’ve done.”

Hokule’a spent several months on dry dock, where much work was done on her hulls and deck box. Solar panels on the vessel were repositioned, its rigging was re-lashed and she was repainted. In all, an estimated 2,200 volunteer, professional and labor hours were put into the refurbishing project.

“It’s an investment in the earth, it’s an investment in the future, it’s an investment in keeping tradition, resources, knowledge and learning alive for future generations,” says crew member Lehua Kamalu.

Since its first long voyage in 1976 from Hawaii to Tahiti and back, Hokule’a has sailed an estimated 135,000 nautical miles throughout Polynesia, Micronesia, Japan and the West Coast of the United States. The worldwide voyage will be its longest journey.

Hokule’a and her sister vessel Hikianalia are scheduled to leave Oahu in early June, and they’ll spend the first year in the Pacific Ocean. Over three years, they will visit more than 60 ports in more than 20 countries. Thompson says the mission of the worldwide voyage is “to navigate toward a healthy and sustainable future for ourselves, our home and our Island Earth.”

“This voyage intentionally is supposed to honor, supposed to celebrate, and it’s supposed to strengthen all cultures on the planet by respecting them,” said Thompson.

As the sun began to set, we turned outside of Kahala and headed back toward Waikiki. A full moon was off in the distance and soon lit up the evening sky. It was a cloudless night as we drifted under the stars and planets.

“There’s Hokule’a,” said several teachers, pointing to Arcturus, a guiding zenith that passes directly overhead at Hawaii’s latitude. “It’s so bright.”

We spent the next hour learning about the different stars and planets from crewmember Jenna Ishii. Other crewmembers spoke with excitement about their upcoming journey and expressed great pride about being physically, emotionally and spiritually prepared. I have no doubt they are more than ready.

Hokule’a pulled into the Marine Education and Training Center shortly after 9 p.m. Our remarkable night of sailing and education had come to an end, but not before receiving a gift from Thompson and his crew: the gift of hope.

Imua Hokule’a!

rkmizutani@gmail.com

If he were on the professional surfing tour, his style would be described as progressive and cutting-edge. In the 1970s, he was just plain radical. His name is Montgomery Earnest Thomas Kaluhiokalani. We know him simply as “Buttons.”

“Growing up in Waikiki, I was surrounded by guys like Reno Abellira, Ben Aipa, Larry Bertlemann and other surfers,” says Kaluhiokalani, who was given the nickname Buttons by his grandmother, who thought his curly hair looked like buttons. “If it wasn’t for the ocean, I don’t know if I would be around today. I’m lucky, fortunate and blessed because the ocean saved me.”

Buttons Kaluhiokalani | Photo from Buttons Kaluhiokalani

Kaluhiokalani started surfing at the age of 7, and by the time he was a teenager, industry experts knew he was destined for fame. He was considered an “innovator of modern-day surfing” and was one of the first surfers to execute a 360 on film. The master of style, who was blessed with the ability to “switch foot” while surfing, wasn’t afraid to attempt skateboard-inspired maneuvers during surf contests.

“There wasn’t much money back then, so for me it was about having fun and doing different things,” says Kaluhiokalani. “I think I was ahead of my time and I wanted to be different. To me, it was pure fun and it still is.”

Kaluhiokalani dropped out of McKinley High School to pursue his surfing profession, and early on it appeared his decision was the right one. But after several victories, the wild ride came to an abrupt end because of drug abuse. The once rising superstar was on the outside looking in.

“You can go to the dark side or go to the good side,” says Kaluhiokalani. “I’ve been there, and it was all about me, me, me and my selfishness. Now, I’m giving back, and it is what I’m supposed to do, especially for the kids.”

For the past five years, Kaluhiokalani has been dedicated to sharing the gift of surfing to people with disabilities through volunteering with AccesSurf.

“This is where my heart is – from the first time I saw what they do, it touched me,” says Kaluhiokalani. “I saw the families, the kids and how happy they were. It made me real happy to be able to share my knowledge. God sent me here. It also helps in my recovery and healing.”

On Saturday (June 15), AccesSurf will honor Kaluhiokalani and longboard legend China Uemura during the organization’s annual fundraiser and inaugural Ocean of Possibilities Awards at Hard Rock Café.

Like Kaluhiokalani, Uemura has given back to the community after a successful professional career. Over the years, Uemura has hosted a number of charitable surfing events on Oahu, raising more than $200,000 for Hawaii nonprofit organizations. Uemura and Kaluhiokalani will be honored for the contributions to the adaptive surfing community.

“I’m totally baffled and surprised, because I don’t think I deserve this,” says Kaluhiokalani. “I just like doing what I’m doing, and I’m grateful, thankful, blessed and stoked to see the smiles.”

The 55-year-old Kaluhiokalani still surfs three times a week, and he owns a small but successful surf school. He says he’s living proof that you can turn your life around.

“To all the ones who are suffering, my message is: If we can do it, you can do it,” says Kaluhiokalani. “Just make better choices, hang on to the positives and let go of the negatives. Life is too short.”

For more information on Saturday’s event, go to accessurf.org. AccesSurf is a nonprofit organization that empowers people with disabilities to enjoy the ocean in a safe and barrier-free environment.

Hawaiian Airlines team members (from left) Jennifer Polcer, Moea DeFries, Andrea Ignacio and David Doyle. Two of the teammates, Lisa from San Diego and Jeremy from the Big Island, are not pictured | Photo courtesy Huy Vo

Start spreading the news. New York City is gearing up for the largest outrigger canoe race on the East Coast and one of the most prestigious races in the world.

Hawaiian Airlines once again is serving as title sponsor of the 17th annual Liberty Challenge, and this year the carrier is taking it a step further. When crews line up June 22 to compete in the unique race in bustling New York City harbor, one of the canoes will be filled with company employees.

“We’re very excited,” says Moea DeFries, a flight attendant who brings more than 30 years of paddling experience to the crew. “I’ve heard much of this race, and people have told me that the conditions can be brutal. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

DeFries is currently a member of Healani Canoe Club and has competed in most of the major races and relays in Hawaii, including the Na Wahine o Ke Kai and the Pailolo Challenge.

“I want to make sure that we get through the rough areas of the race and think positive,” says DeFries, who also has paddled for Hui Nalu Canoe Club and Waikiki Surf Club, and has coached high school paddling at Mid-Pacific Institute and St. Andrew’s Priory. “Even though I’m the veteran of the crew, each paddler brings their own talent and level of experience. We have to remember to have fun and make the most of this opportunity.”

Crews not only have to gauge strong tidal currents, they also must maneuver past ferries, cruise ships, tour boats, barges and tankers in the harbor and the East and Hudson rivers. DeFries is looking forward to paddling past the Statute of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Ellis Island and Governor Island.

“I’m definitely going to take it all in and be in the moment,” says DeFries, who is expected to stroke the crew. “I want to appreciate what New York City has to offer. This race will give us a chance to see the city from a different perspective.”

The event is hosted by New York Outrigger and has become an extremely popular race for outrigger canoe paddlers from across the world, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, England, France, Germany, Italy, Panama, Singapore, Sweden and Tahiti.

Other members of the 2013 Hawaiian Airlines mixed team include David Doyle, senior manager, IT Security & Compliance and a member of Kailua Canoe Club; Andrea Ignacio, director of payroll and a veteran of dozens of long-distance paddling events; Jeremy Jaentsch, customer service chief agent at Kona International Airport and a former member of Tui Tonga, Keahou and Kai Opua canoe clubs; Lisa Kopacz, customer service agent in San Diego, who has more than 10 years of competitive experience; and Jennifer Polcer, corporate recruiter and a longtime member of Waikiki Beachboys Canoe Club. Polcer has competed in the Na Wahine o Ke Kai for the past eight years and was part of the 2011 winning crew. Before heading to New York, she’ll compete in the Ola Mau race, a grueling 100-mile paddle around Hawaii Island.

“We’re thankful for the opportunity to represent the company and the state while doing something that we’re passionate about,” says DeFries.

Besides sponsoring the races, Hawaiian Airlines also is hosting the Liberty Festival, which will feature food trucks, live Hawaiian entertainment, hula and lei making.

The carrier recently celebrated its one-year anniversary since launching direct flights to New York. The company is offering a 10 percent discount on flights for Hawaii residents flying to New York City for the race and festivities.

For more information, go to libertyoutrigger.org.

Hui Nalu Canoe Club Girls 12-and-under crew paddles to gold in the Kamehameha Regatta at Kailua Beach: (from seat one to six) Honu Nichols, Sierra Burgon, Olivia DeTurk, Ashton Cummings, Jaida Burgon and Brooke Matson | Jennifer Cummings photo

Several years ago, leaders at Hui Nalu Canoe Club had a vision: Build a program with a strong keiki base and success will follow.

The plan was carefully executed, and the young paddlers were groomed and nurtured. The hard work, sacrifice and patience have materialized into a phenomenal start to the 2013 Oahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association summer regatta season.

“It began when we started taking kids who were really young, many were under 12,” says Hui Nalu Canoe Club head coach Denise Darval-Chang. “The fruits have ripened, and now we are benefitting from the commitment we made to those same kids. Our 12-year-old girls, for example, are undefeated this season, and that sets the tone early in the day.”

And the rest of the crews have been able to maintain that energy. The Hawaii Kai-based club has won the first three regattas of the summer and appears to be the team to beat in 2013.

“There is pressure, pressure on our coaches and our paddlers, but we don’t focus on what others are saying,” says Darval-Chang, who now is in her third year as club head coach.

Hui Nalu long has been known as a family-based club with several generations of paddlers. It is rich in tradition and heritage, and in 2013 it now has the numbers and the quality to make a run for the state team championship.

“We had 500 paddlers sign up this year – that’s the highest we’ve had in years,” says Darval-Chang. “We have many new faces, but we’ve also seen many former paddlers come back to the club. They’ve come back home.”

Darval-Chang praises her coaches and credits them for the early season success. She says veteran paddlers such as Reney Ching, who coaches the girls 12 crew; Raven Aipa, who has coached the open women for three years; and Evan Rhodes, who moved over last year from Outrigger Canoe Club, have done great things to improve the quality of the club.

“I have complete trust in the coaches and the decisions they make,” says Darval-Chang, who also is the Department of Education s Honolulu district resource teacher for health and physical education. “Our coaches take ownership of their crews and they’re committed to the club. We have fathers coaching sons, moms coaching sons, and daughters and kids, who grew up in the club, who are now coaching, too.”

Darval-Chang compares the summer regatta season to a marathon chess match between coaches. Many races have come down to less than two seconds between first and second place.

“It s a puzzle, and our job is to fit the right pieces in the puzzle,” she says.

“We strategize via computer, checking crew lists, who is available or can anyone move into a different division. We can’t let our guard down for a second.”

Despite enormous numbers and the desire to win regattas, Darval-Chang says one of the club’s main goals is to have as many paddlers as possible experience racing.

“We have a club policy: If you attend every practice, you will race in at least one race,” says Darval-Chang. “We want everyone to participate, but they have to come to practice. Our girls 13-and-under division has 70 girls fighting for six seats – that’s bigger than some of the smaller clubs.”

Darval-Chang says one family in particular reminds her of the impact Hui Nalu is having on the community.

“One of the girls brought her dad out, and he has since lost 70 pounds and is chiseled like a rock,” she says proudly. “He’s obsessed with paddling, and to think it started when a daughter brought her dad to practice. We are a family, and it’s about the bigger community, and it starts with the kids.” rkmizutani@gmail.com

Who says you have to catch the biggest fish to win a prize?

Not on Kauai, at least not at the annual North Shore Fishing Tournament. With categories such as “Opala,” “Hard Luck” and “The Puka Panty Award,” how can you go wrong? More importantly, how can you not have fun?

“Our motto is put the fishermen first,” says tournament chairman Chad Pacheco. “We want them to feel good about their experience so they come back, and one way to do that is to reward as many people as possible. We don’t want you to think you have to catch the biggest marlin to get prizes.”

For the fourth consecutive year, some of Kauai’s top anglers took part in the fun-filled and prize-filled tournament. This year a record 65 teams hit the ocean. Besides prizes for the biggest catch, the event featured several unique events aimed at keeping the tournament fun and fresh.

“We had an incredible turnout,” says Pacheco. “It was a little windy and a bit rough on the fishermen, but I think everyone had a good time.”

Once again, each crew received a prize before even leaving the harbor. Several years ago, every boat that checked in received either a pair of binoculars or a lure head courtesy of an anonymous donor. Last year, crews received knives, and this year, every boat was given a hand gaff.

“The community really comes together and donates a lot of prizes for this tournament,” says Pacheco. “We have fishing reels, gift certificates, televisions, even chiropractor appointments. Everyone knows we’re going to give away prizes, and this year all 65 walked away with something.”

One of the fun categories is the “Opala.” Crews are asked to gather the marine debris they see while fishing. In order to qualify for a prize, crews must collect at least 10 pounds of debris.

“We want to hit this marine debris issue head-on,” says Pacheco. “Last year, one boat brought in a huge cargo net that was 71 pounds! Our goal is to help promote cleaning up our ocean and being better stewards. We say, let’s do something about it instead of just talking about it.”

This year’s winning crew hauled in 24 pounds of debris made up of buoys, netting and rope. The boat’s captain walked away with a brand-new 40-inch flat-screen television.

And speaking of buoys, several years ago crews were given the chance to go on a scavenger hunt in search of a missing buoy. The buoy was signed by the tournament committee members and released in the ocean. The crew that found it earned a special prize.

“We know there’s a lot of downtime during a tournament, so we decided to have them go on a scavenger hunt in the ocean,” says Pacheco. “First off, we wanted to see what the currents are doing around Kauai, and also it was something fun for them to do while they wait.”

This year the buoy was found outside Kilauea Lighthouse. The boat captain walked away with a Go Pro camera.

Once again, in addition to prizes in several categories, the field competed in the Mike Sakamoto Challenge, a state tournament where the grand prize is a trip for four to Las Vegas. rkmizutani@gmail.com

Last April, we said aloha to one of Hawaii’s finest oceanmen in the waters off Kailua Beach. Aka Hemmings unconditionally served those with disabilities and firmly believed there are no limitations in life. Hemmings was the founder of Pure Light, an organization that provided outrigger canoe racing opportunities for those with disabilities.

Hemmings’ legacy has reached far beyond Hawaii’s shores. Just ask William Yates, who was born and raised in Honolulu but now calls Boston home.

The 2012 Mayor’s Cup Regatta in Boston. Photo from AccesSportAmerica

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“I was classmates with (Aka’s brother) Fred at Punahou,” says Yates, vice president of Wealth Management at Cambridge Trust Company. “Aka and I got involved in adaptive paddling about the same time, and he and I would exchange ideas on how we can better serve those with disabilities.”

Yates left Punahou in the seventh grade and attended boarding school on the Mainland. Even though his family remained in Hawaii and his roots to the Islands were always deep, Yates started paddling late in life in, of all places, Boston.

“I took up paddling because I was homesick,” explains Yates. “I met someone who knew Blake Conant, who also lived here. Blake is now back in Hanalei on Kauai, but before he went home, he got outrigger canoe racing going on the East Coast. He and Aka were good friends.”

Yates’ passion for outrigger canoe paddling grew, and he started building four-man canoes for other paddlers on the East Coast.

“I hired somebody 12 years ago to design four-man outrigger canoes that were more suitable for our ocean conditions,” says Yates. “We’ve built more than 100 canoes, and we’ve given away a number of them to adaptive athletes.”

But Yates wanted more. Like Hemmings, Yates wanted to provide more paddling opportunities for those with disabilities. In 2004, his vision became a reality when he founded The Mayor’s Cup Regatta in Boston, an outrigger canoe race that brought together people of all abilities, even those with disabilities.

“This was nothing like you see back home. Everyone who paddled at this regatta was a novice, but the 15 or 16 teams that competed had a great time,” says Yates.

In 2005, 40 corporate and philanthropic teams participated in the regatta, which raised $150,000 to benefit AccesSportAmerica. The national nonprofit organization supports programs that enable children and adults with disabilities to engage in high-challenge athletics.

“We get corporations to sponsor teams like the Boston College and Harvard University football teams,” says Yates. “We have three world-class rowers who operate the docks for us, and these people are in tears at the end of the day because it’s such a moving experience for them.”

Yates says that over the past 10 years, the Mayor’s Cup has raised close to $2 million.

On Saturday, more than 40 teams with at least one person with a disability will once again compete in a Hawaiian outrigger canoe race on the Charles River to benefit AccesSportAmerica. And as he does every year, Yates and his race committee will host a Hawaiian luau.

“We don’t have any poi, but we have some lomi lomi salmon and the chefs make a gallant effort at kalua pig,” chuckles Yates. “Debby and Bill Belichick (New England Patriots head football coach) are very involved in this event. Debbie spends the day teaching people how to string leis.”

And over the years, Yates has shed his share of tears as well.

“It’s very fulfilling for me, and I’m just so proud of Hawaii,” says Yates. “And it’s not just seeing paddling take off on the East Coast. It’s knowing the sport, our state team sport, is changing the lives of people, giving them hope, confidence and real sense of accomplishment.” rkmizutani@gmail.com

Every cloud may have a silver lining, but so do cloudless days, particularly when the trade winds are light or nonexistent.

The silver lining was recently quite golden when a high-pressure system to the north of our island chain was pushed aside and our trade winds were turned off for a few days.

Ron Mizutani photo

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The result was phenomenal visibility across the state. Scenic lookouts and beaches on Oahu’s southeastern coastline were packed with people as visitors and residents marveled at the sight of not only Molokai and Maui on the horizon, but also Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea on the island of Hawaii, more than 200 miles away!

“The key for experiencing such great visibility is truly all about air quality,” says Mike Cantin, warning coordination meteorologist at the National Weather Service. “Most trade-wind days, the air around the Islands is filled with suspended water droplets and sea spray produced by the consistent wind and churning easterly swells. These suspended particles reflect, absorb and refract light, which makes it difficult to see beyond them, especially in higher concentrations.”

That was clearly not the case over the Fourth of July holiday weekend. From Diamond Head to Sandy Beach, folks lined the shoreline to get a rare glimpse of a large portion of our Hawaiian Island chain. Cantin says there’s a scientific reason for what many of us saw and why it only got better as the day progressed.

“Since the angle between Diamond Head and the Big Island is basically along the curvature of the Earth, the viewing area is just above ocean level,” he explains. “Normal concentrations of suspended particles above the ocean surface will easily blot out extended views. In general, the higher the sun, the better the view would be, because the sunlight is passing through less of the suspended particles between you and the view when it approaches them vertically, rather than horizontally.”

Cantin goes on to explain that when our trade winds are light to nonexistent, there is far less of these suspended particles and the atmosphere essentially settles. However, if winds are too strong out of the south, visibility often is extremely poor.

“If the Kona winds are too strong, vog (volcanic air pollution from Kilauea volcano) will likely be drawn to the north over portions of the state, which substantially reduces visibility and air quality because of the copious amount of suspended particles in the atmosphere,” says Cantin. “So when the winds are light across the state there are far fewer suspended particles in the atmosphere, including sea spray, salt, water droplets and volcanic haze, which allows for clearer visibility.”

The light trades also helped put on quite a show during sunrises and sunsets. Cantin says the scientific explanation to the incredibly colorful mornings and afternoons is similar to why visibility was so great.

“When it comes to sunrises and sunsets, the lack of suspended particles allows more sunlight to reach nearby clouds to generate spectacular displays,” he says. “Having some cloud cover is an important part of the ‘perfect sunset’ equation. Clouds in the mid-level of the atmosphere 12,000 to 20,000 feet seem to be the best, as they form the right angle to catch the fading sunlight. Many times it’s altostratus (clouds) that really light up.”

Cantin is not only a meteorologist; he’s also a dad and, like many of us, he too saw the impact the light trades were having on his own children.

“The sunset was truly spectacular, and I got some nice pictures from Waianae,” says Cantin. “Even my kiddos stopped what they were doing and watched for awhile. Trust me, that’s impressive!”

Denton Miyamura with an array of his hand-crafted Holomua paddles | Photo courtesy Marla Miyamura

The now-infamous Furlough Fridays had a major financial impact on many Island families, but for Denton Miyamura of Mililani, the long furlough days provided wife Marla and him an opportunity that would change his life.

“My wife and I work for the state, so on our furlough days we decided to try to do something new, so we learned to stand-up paddle,” says Miyamura. “We rented boards from Wet Feet in Aina Haina and we loved it!”

After several weeks of renting boards and paddles, Miyamura looked into buying paddles to save costs. He was stunned by the sticker price.

“Paddles were like $350 and up and I said, wow, maybe I should make my own,” recalls Miyamura, who is a carpenter by trade and specializes in cabinetry. “So I made paddles for myself, my wife and two kids. People started noticing my paddles and asked if they could buy them.”

And the rest, as they say, is history.

As the years went by, Miyamura made adjustments to his designs and he says, “I got better and better at it, and before I knew it I was getting more custom orders.”

Miyamura was making about five stand-up paddles a month.

Then last October, the 53-year-old Miyamura’s new adventure took another twist when he met some canoe paddlers who asked if he made canoe paddles. Miyamura said, why not?

“Tim Awaya and Wendell Balai (Windward Oahu canoe paddlers) are passionate about the sport and they pointed out the good and bad things with my paddles,” says Miyamura. “I said let’s do it right and I made changes to the design.”

Besides changes to the design, he knew his paddles needed a name.

“One of my co-workers works for the state archives and she teaches Hawaiian language,” says Miyamura. “I wanted a Hawaiian name to represent improvement, making progress and moving forward. Without hesitation, she said Holomua.”

Shortly after Christmas, Miyamura’s paddles started catching on and orders were pouring in. He went from selling 10 paddles a month to more than 20. His stand-up and single-bend hybrid canoe paddles cost $175; his double-bend and steering paddles cost $200.

“It’s just me alone making them in my garage,” he laughs. “I still work full time for the state (Department of Accounting and General Services), but I enjoy doing woodwork and this allows me to do so.”

Miyamura is by no means a stranger to the ocean community. In the early 1980s, he was one of the top surfers in the world. Miyamura surfed on the professional surfing tour from 1981 to 1985, and was once ranked seventh in the world.

“With me surfing the tour in the ’80s, I got to meet so many people and visit many exotic places,” he says. “I got to travel around the world, and it helped me a lot to be the person I am now.”

Miyamura admits surfing on the professional tour was not a great way to make a living then, so he set a timeline to get out.

“I wasn’t making that much money, and my mom and dad instilled in me early about having a job and taking care of family,” he says. “I told myself I would stop this career when I turned 25. I did that and got into carpentry.”

Miyamura worked briefly for Town and Country Surf Designs before he got a job with the state. Nearly 20 years later, Miyamura finds himself back in the ocean.

“I want to get closer with the paddling community and be a strong part of it for years to come,” he says. “I’m happy I can make other people happy.”

To learn more about the newest paddles out on the ocean, visit Holomua Paddles Facebook page.

Many things in life come in waves, including those who ride them. Such is the case for the sport of bodysurfing.

“The number of body-surfers in Hawaii had dwindled over the years, but there’s been a huge influx of new bodysurfers,” says longtime bodysurfer Neal Morisato. “I don’t know if it’s social media or other new ways of communications being done, but there’s definitely a crew of younger guys out there and they’re performing really well.”

Mike Stewart takes off in the state bodysurfing championships at Sandy Beach | Kai Santos photo

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Bodysurfing is alive and well in Hawaii thanks to a new generation of wave riders. The young and old recently hit the surf at Sandy Beach for Hawaii State Bodysurfing Association’s (HSBA) championship event.

“We had about 90 men and women in this year’s contest,” says Morisato, who serves as treasurer of the HSBA. “Divisions ranged from 17-and-under to 55-plus for men and women. There were also hand board divisions for men and women.”

Conditions at world-famous Sandy Beach were smaller than previous years, with head-high surf on day one of the event and waist-to-chest high surf on day two. It proved to be more than enough energy to bring out the best in the field.

“Performances were outstanding this year, and there was an excellent vibe with the competitors,” says Morisato. “Even though the competition was heated and awesome, it was still friendly. We didn’t have any problems out there.”

This year’s winners include Makenzie Arita, Brandon Hull, Kazu Muneoka-Jepson, Matt Solomon, Blaine Lewis, Mike Stewart, Mark Cunningham and Kai Santos.

Morisato says the number of competitors has fluctuated through the years. Two years ago, he said more than 120 competitors came out for the two-day event at Sandy Beach. Contest officials say turnout is often dictated by ocean conditions and the size of the surf. They also say a vast majority of those who compete are same-day beach entries.

“It all depends on the surf that day because when it’s good they come out in droves,” laughs Morisato. “It wasn’t the best conditions at Sandy’s, but everyone was definitely showing their repertoire of moves.”

For years, bodysurfers have asked for more competitions and contests. Currently, there are only a handful of sponsored events on Oahu including contests at Sandy Beach, Point Panic and Pipeline.

Contest organizers want the same but the reality is, it takes money to put on events. Morisato is grateful for the sponsors who already support the sport but hopes one day more businesses will see the value in putting their financial support behind the sport as well.

“Our (HSBA) events are amateur events, meaning there’s no prize money involved, but we do have a lot of prizes donated by our sponsors,” says Morisato. “Like anything else, the growth of the sport goes hand-in-hand with sponsorships. We don’t like to chase down businesses but we also know that we can’t do it alone. We’re always welcoming new supporters.”

Many believe bodysurfing reached its peak in the early 1980s, but it has seen steady participation over the last 30 years. And even though sports like stand-up paddle boarding, stand-up paddle surfing and one-man outrigger canoeing are seeing a surge in popularity, Morisato believes body-surfing will always be an option for wave riders.

“I see guys converting from bodyboarding and surfing to bodysurfing all the time, and a ton of guys move in between all of the ocean sports,” says Morisato. “What you see a lot of times is the younger guys will hang out with the older crew and see how fun and fulfilling this sport really is. There’s nothing like it.”

For more information on HSBA, visit its Facebook page or its website, hawaiistatebodysurfingassociation.com. rkmizutani@gmail.com

Heather Faustin prepares the urn | Ron Mizutani photo

Heather Faustin sat quietly, holding a flower-laced urn close to her heart, as boat captain Earl Omoto carefully maneuvered his 19-foot vessel into place. A light trade wind was blowing off Oahu while gentle waves rolled past Koko Head toward Diamond Head.

It was quiet and peaceful. The morning sun was shining bright on the blue Pacific Ocean. It was the perfect way to say aloha to a friend.

The journey to this point started more than six months ago for Faustin. It was during a morning walk in January, when the popular local surfer and model found an urn floating near the shoreline at Diamond Head.

Faustin never questioned why she was the person who found the cremated remains. In her heart, she knew it was her responsibility to correct something that went wrong.

For the next six months, Faustin searched to find anyone who knew the person whose name was on the plastic urn: Betty Rhea Hilton Hauptman from Marina Del Ray, California. Who was this woman? And how did the urn get to Hawaii?

There were very few clues. Faustin found the urn four day after Hauptman was cremated in California. She later learned that the urn was released to the woman’s power of attorney. Sadly, Hauptman had no family in the United States. She was a travel agent in northern California who loved Hawaii. Her wish was to be buried at sea in Hawaiian waters.

Faustin says the power of attorney told her that the woman’s family in Israel was devastated and embarrassed. They thanked her for “going the extra mile to find her family.”

“He (power of attorney) said that he had arranged for the urn to come here and a catamaran went out to sea and it was supposed to be a dropped out at sea,” says Faustin. “He didn’t go into detail who they were, if they were family members, but he said that there were witnesses that it happened. He did mention, though, that they did arrange for it to be a biodegradable box.” But the urn Faustin found was plastic. She eventually received authority from the family to bury Hauptman at sea, as she had wished. Although she had never met Hauptman, Faustin felt a definite connection to the woman, a connection that went so far beyond that she had cared for her remains in her home for more than six months.

“One thing that I took away from this is you have to cherish the people who are in your life,” says Faustin. “We’re called to be kind, and we’re called to love above all.”

On July 27, Betty Rhea Hilton Hauptman was laid to rest in the waters off Maunalua Bay in Hawaii Kai. Kapolei resident Patrick Souza donated a biodegradable urn because he said, “It was the right thing to do.”

Omoto, the longtime harbormaster at Heeia Kea Harbor, who was touched by Faustin’s story and heart, volunteered to take Hauptman’s remains out to sea.

“I felt a definite connection,” says Omoto. “She deserved to be buried with dignity. It’s the least I could do.”

Faustin reached down and gently laid the urn onto the ocean’s surface and said good-bye to her friend.

“Aloha, sister!” shouted Omoto. And in less than a minute, the urn disappeared. All that was left were

flowers that scattered in the rolling surf. Omoto moved his boat forward. “One last circle,” he said. “The circle of life.”

After one final good-bye, the escort boat headed back to shore.

Faustin’s long journey was now over. She was at peace with the way it ended and sensed Hauptman was as well. A woman she had never met, yet it is someone who will always have a special place in Faustin’s heart; both women, forever connected by the ocean.

Team Aloha Plate (from left) Lanai Tabura, Shawn Felipe and Adam Tabura. Photo from Lanai Tabura

It was a beautiful day at Manele Bay on the island of Lanai. Adam Tabura was enjoying a day out in the surf when he heard a man yelling for help. The 17-year-old Tabura quickly rushed to the stranger, and without hesitation, scooped him up and paddled back to shore.

The Mainland visitor was extremely grateful and repeatedly asked Tabura if there was a way he could repay him for saving his life. Tabura jokingly said, “Yeah, give me a hundred bucks!”

But Dale Procter knew Tabura deserved more. There was something very special about this teenager.

The following morning, Procter went to Lanai High School to find his hero. After tracking him down, he asked Tabura what he wanted to do after graduation, which was right around the corner. Tabura told him he was interested in culinary school but knew it would be a challenge financially to pursue his dream.

“He really wanted to reward Adam,” says his brother Lanai Tabura. “A few months go by, and Adam gets a check in the mail to pay for his culinary schooling.

“Fast forward 20 years, and we get this opportunity to change all of our lives with the help of the Food Network, and as you’ll learn during the show, the journey we were on somehow connected us back to this man.”

It is an amazing story that will be shared during the fourth season of the Food Network’s Great Food Truck Race, which begins Sunday, Aug. 18. And for the first time, a team will represent the 50th state, Team Aloha Plate.

“We are so proud,” says Lanai, a longtime entrepreneur, comic, and radio and television personality. “This is the first time a team from Hawaii is on the show, and it is really going to spotlight the state and my brother.”

Chef Adam Tabura has been in the food executive world for more than 17 years. Since completing culinary school in Oregon, he has worked at the Four Seasons in Kona, served as executive chef at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, and at the Westin Maui. Tabura also has done private cooking for Steve Jobs, Steven Tyler and many other celebrities.

“He’s already produced a couple of Food Network chefs who are now Food Network stars,” says Lanai of his brother.

The third member of the team is comedian Shawn Felipe. The Pearl City High School graduate currently is touring the country doing stand-up comedy.

There are eight trucks in the reality television show. The three-person teams hit the road for the longest route in series history (4,181 miles) visiting national landmarks from the Hollywood sign to South Dakota’s Crazy Horse Memorial to Chicago’s iconic Buckingham Fountain to the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. The grand prize winner gets to keep their food truck and a $50,000 cash prize.

Each week a team is sent home from the competition based on cooking sales at different cities across the country. The Hawaii team prepared sweet bread grilled cheese and Loco Moco with a homestyle flair. Their top sellers on the menu were teri burgers, Spam burgers and lettuce wraps. We can’t reveal how the team did, but we can tell you they were well received everywhere they went.

“It was phenomenal – there were times when the three of us literally cried,” adds Lanai. “It was kind of like UH football showing up in town. Other teams were blown away and would even park next to us, knowing we’d have a crowd. The coconut wireless kicked in and I can tell you the aloha spirit is alive everywhere. It’s going to be fun.”

Shaun Tomson at Banzai Pipeline. Tomson kicks off the season’s first Talk Story Sept. 4 at Turtle Bay | Lance Trout photo

Longtime ocean events promoter Jodi Wilmott has been hosting “Talk Story” sessions with world-renowned guests at Surfer, The Bar at Turtle Bay Resort for the past two winters, but this year she wanted to add a fall series to the mix.

“We’ve interviewed ocean legends, filmmakers, surf stars and professional athletes,” says Wilmott. “A lot of these people enjoy coming back to Hawaii because they love the North Shore. Except for putting them up at a hotel, they volunteer their time. They’re not paid to come, that’s how much they love Hawaii.”

Beginning Sept. 4 (through Oct. 9), Wilmott will host a Talk Story and Film Series at Surfer, The Bar each Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. The series begins with 1977 world surfing champion, producer and author Shaun Tomson.

“I spent some of the best years of my life in Hawaii, and for many years it was like my second home,” says Tomson. “My first hero, even before I started surfing, was Duke Kahanamoku.”

In the winter of 1975, Tomson was a key player of the revolutionary Bustin’ Down the Door era on Oahu’s North Shore. He went on to produce an award-winning film about that momentous time in surfing that changed the course of the sport forever.

“Shaun Thomson is a hero of mine, and he and his family were my baby-sitters when I was growing up in South Africa,” laughs Wilmott. “He is the consummate professional, and is a fine example of the positive lifestyle and contributions a surfer can make.”

Tomson recently published a new book for teens titled, The Code: The Power of ‘I Will.’ It’s an inspiring book that encourages teens to shape their lives well and make positive choices.

Tomson tragically lost his teenage son a few years ago, but he continues to find hope despite great despair and uses his story to help others.

“I always felt a special connection to the Islands and still do – the people, the culture, the land and, of course, the surf,” says Tomson. “It is a great honor to be coming back and sharing some of my stories just like the great Hawaiian surfers of my generation.”

“He has just been so generous to come,” says Wilmott. “He is an example of someone who has been driven by passion and never strayed from his goals. If you have a passion and good intent, things will always work out.”

Future guests of the series include former world champion surfer Sunny Garcia and film producer Michael Oblowitz, who is working on a documentary about Garcia, and Clyde Aikau and film producer Paul Taublieb both will present the Eddie Aikau documentary. The final three guests will be filmmakers Derek Hoffmann, Mike Prickett, Don King and Doug Walker, and the man known as the godfather of street skating, Rodney Mullen.

“I’m excited about all of our guests, and I’m especially excited about Rodney Mullen coming to town,” says Wilmott. “His film Bone Brigades is a great one, and he’s never been to Hawaii. The purity of his drive to skate is something I think all athletes can relate to.”

To purchase tickets ($10), go to SurferTheBar.com, and for more information, email info@northshorewatershed.com.

Leahi Camacho was mentally, physically and emotionally prepared to make history. In a few hours, the 17-year-old senior from Kealakehe High School would attempt to become the youngest person to swim from Molokai to Oahu across the unpredictable Kaiwi Channel.

“We talked about weather conditions, and the forecast was calling for a tailwind, so we thought it would be great and I’d get a good push from the waves,” says Camacho.

Leahi Camacho. Photo courtesy Taires Hiranaka

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The plan was to leave Molokai in the late evening, meaning she would swim in darkness for several hours. She said a quiet prayer at Laau Point: “I left an offering at Laau and asked for a safe crossing.”

Camacho entered the ocean at 9:50 p.m. and headed for Oahu, 26 miles away. She says the moon was so bright, she could see underwater clearly, but knew the depth of the ocean would soon change and bring with it darkness.

“I was scared, but before I knew it an hour had gone by and I was ready for my first feeding,” says Camacho of her liquid diet made up of a high-calorie, high-protein shake. “The first five feedings came quickly, but it was still dark. I think I was swimming seven or eight hours in the dark, and I was begging for the sun to come out!”

When it finally did, she took the time to soak up the sunrise and marveled at the way it danced off the ocean. Camacho was in a groove and was sailing along until she slammed into a hurdle about 13 miles into the swim. It was an enormous Portuguese man-o-war.

“I started screaming; it was the most pain I’ve ever felt in my whole life,” says Camacho. “My lower body started shaking and my back was cramping. I told my dad and my coaches that I didn’t want to do this anymore. I was numb and my teeth were chattering.”

Her physical and emotional struggle continued for nearly 30 minutes, but she pressed on.

“I was dog paddling because I couldn’t feel my lower body and I couldn’t get my arms over my head,” she recalls. “That’s when I told myself, ‘Keep going!’”

The winds started picking up, and Camacho said it felt like she was “swimming in a washing machine.”

About six miles outside Sandy Beach she reached another milestone.”That’s when I could have my chocolate and my treats,” laughs Camacho. “Unfortunately, I couldn’t taste anything. My mouth and tongue were swollen.”

The last two miles proved to be the most difficult. Camacho says the surf was “getting gnarly” and even though she could see the shoreline, she wasn’t moving as fast as she wanted.

Her father, Charlie, along with coaches Steve Borowski and Wendy Daniel and swimmer Jeff Kozlovich, joined her in the ocean for the final half-mile. The group reached the shore break, where a huge crowd had assembled. After 14 hours and 43 minutes, the 17-year-old Camacho had made local swimming history.

“I couldn’t believe that I could actually walk,” Leahi laughs. “It was humbling to see the amount of people waiting onshore. It was really, really cool.”

She said tears flowed when she recalled a conversation with a young girl on the beach.

“A little girl who I had never met before came up to me and told me she sees me at swim meets and follows my blog and said, ‘One day I want to swim the Kaiwi Channel, too,’” says Camacho. “She gave me a card and I told her go for it! Maybe you can become the youngest person to do this. It was so awesome.”

Camacho’s blog: takingonthebigblue.blogspot.com.

(from left) Cody Pregil, Carson Pregil, Cassidy Pregil, John Pregil, Dale Pregil, Wisa Miller, Lexi Miller and Kevin Miller | Ashley Cornelio photo

Firefighters John Pregil and Kevin Miller had a dream 14 years ago of sharing their love and knowledge of surfing with the rest of the world. Their goal was to teach surfing to visitors in a safe and culturally sensitive environment.

In 1999, Pregil and Miller turned that vision into reality when they launched Hawaiian Fire Surf School, and almost instantly, it became one of the top surf schools in the state.

The partners took great care in building their brand as a trusted and family-oriented business. Hawaiian Fire soon found itself featured in numerous local and national publications and programs, including Travel Channel’s Wild on E! and Travel & Leisure. Its reputation as the premier surf school in Hawaii also paved the way for it to be named the official surf school for Disney’s animated movie Lilo and Stitch.

And it was during their humble beginnings when Pregil and Miller learned something else about their business adventure. Their customers made it very clear from day one.

“When we started our surf school 14 years ago, customers kept telling us, ‘You guys need to make T-shirts,’” laughs Pregil. “There’s something about Hawaii firefighters teaching surfing and sharing the fire-fighters’ lifestyle that people wanted to be a part of.”

So Pregil and Miller designed T-shirts with the company’s logo, and it was a smashing hit. The demand for more firefighter lifestyle-inspired apparel and other accessories was increasing by the day. Pregil says it was impossible to ignore. The company’s retail business was exploding.

“We started off working out of a small space on Campbell Avenue in Kapahulu,” says Pregil, a 24-year veteran of Honolulu Fire Department. “But over the last few years, our surf school business started shifting to Ko Olina. The success out there made it easier to make the decision to take our brand to a different level and give it a real chance.”

That day has arrived. On Saturday (Sept. 7), from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Hawaiian Fire will open its brand-new retail store at Ko Olina Center. Pregil says they received a warm reception during the store’s soft opening July 16 and are hopeful for the same energy during the grand opening.

“We think this is a good fit for us,” says Pregil, who is now a fire captain with HFD. “We are unique; there’s nobody around like us, especially on this side of the island. We do a lot of work with Aulani Resort and Ko Olina, and we have our vans running there. They’re like billboards on wheels.”

There will be live music at the grand opening, along with prize giveaways. Everyone will be offered a 15 percent discount on regularly priced merchandise. Pregil says the Ko Olina store is the result of their passion and training as fire-fighters coupled with their love of the ocean and outdoors.

“These are two distinct businesses, and we are grateful for the support we’ve received from the community and our families,” says Pregil. “Kevin and I scratch our heads at how blessed we are. Our wives (Dale Pregil and Wisa Miller) have been super supportive of what we do. Otherwise, we’d be two firemen running into each other.”

Today, the surf school employs 25 people, most of whom are firefighters; eight others are in the retail operation. Miller continues to work out of the Wailupe fire station, while Pregil works at the fire headquarters in Kakaako.

“Firefighting has provided us with excellent careers, and we especially appreciate the support of the department for Hawaiian Fire,” says Pregil. “We are extremely excited about taking this next step. We can’t believe this day has arrived.”

For more information about Hawaiian Fire, visit the company’s website: hawaiianfire.com.

It was 40 years ago when a group of visionaries recognized the need for a cultural renaissance. It was an opportunity to bring back the importance of Hawaiian seafaring – something, many felt, that long had been dormant and perhaps even forgotten.

But that was far from the case.

The color and pageantry of the Aloha Festivals parade is an annual highlight. Photo from Aloha Festivals

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In 1973, those same dreamers formed the Polynesian Voyaging Society and, together with a village of supporters, helped build Hokule’a, a replica of ancient long-distance sailing canoes. Three years later, a crew of Native Hawaiians and anthropologists sailed the vessel to Tahiti. It was the launching of a powerful symbol of Hawaiian pride, dignity and history.

“Forty years, who would have thought?” says Aloha Festivals co-chair Debbie Nakanelua-Richards. “Hokule’a was built for one sail. Yet she continues to teach us about our larger kuleana, and that message is universal: Take care of the environment around you, whether it’s the aina or the ocean. We all have to be mindful of our responsibilities.”

Being mindful of that kuleana or responsibility is one reason the Aloha Festivals’ board of directors chose to honor Hokule’a's legacy and the good work of the Polynesian Voyaging Society.

The theme of the 67th annual Aloha Festivals is Moana Nui Akea, or “The Great Vast Ocean.” It is a chance to celebrate the brave and inspiring canoe builders, voyagers and navigators who aim to keep the art of ocean voyaging alive and strong for future generations.

“We sit around a table and talk about what’s going on in our community that we need to highlight and take the time to acknowledge on a public scale, which includes our visitors,” says Nakanelua-Richards of the volunteer board. “The people who come to visit us don’t want to be isolated, they want to know us. We strongly believe they would want to know about this important part of our history.”

Nakanelua-Richards, who serves as Hawaiian Airlines’ manager of community and government affairs, says the board looks to longtime entertainer Manu Boyd, cultural director at Royal Hawaiian Center at Helumoa, for guidance.

“Manu is really good about helping us tie it all together,” she says. “The ocean is vast and it deserves our attention. The wonder and the magic that voyaging has brought to us as a people is really exciting. Not all of us are meant to be on the canoe, but when they go, they kind of take all of us with them.”

The highlight of the annual Aloha Festivals is the floral parade. Nakanelua-Richards says they plan to honor the surviving members of the first crew that took Hokule’a on the round trip voyage to Tahiti in 1976 by naming them grand marshals of the parade.

“Oftentimes one person is featured in a decorated vehicle, but we didn’t want to put 13 members in 13 decorated vehicles, it would-n’t fit their personalities,” she says with a smile.

Instead, the crew will ride on the Hawaiian Airlines float. It will feature some of the daily things the crew does while on a voyage, including cooking, cleaning and keeping watch as well as marine animals including turtles, squid, dolphins and hammerhead sharks. One of those members is her husband, Billy Richards, a member of seven of Hokule’a's nine voyages.

“We want it to be a place of honor,” she explains. “The canoe is an island, and when you’re voyaging you’re actually on an island unto yourself; it’s like its own community. We want the float to serve as a metaphor for the canoe and the ocean around it.”

And now 40 years after its inception, Hokule’a is set to embark on her most far-reaching voyage yet, around planet Earth. The world voyage will take her on a 46,000-mile, three-year journey to 21 countries with 65 planned landfalls.

The 2013 Aloha Festivals is a reminder of how far we ve come on this journey and how much further we still must travel.

Aloha Festivals starts Thursday (Sept. 12) and culminates Sept. 28 with the floral parade. For more information on events and times, go to alohafestivals.com.

An overzealous visitor gets too close to a young monk seal at Ke‘e Beach on Kauai | Photo courtesy Susan Veingrad

Animals can teach us the darndest lessons. A recent visitor to the Garden Isle of Kauai can attest to that.

Two weeks ago, Kauai resident Mark Stein was enjoying at a day at Ke’e Beach on the island’s North Shore with his brother Mitch and his brother’s girlfriend Susan Veingrad, who were visiting from Florida. Just then a Hawaiian monk seal quietly came ashore. About a dozen people were on the beach as the monk seal slowly made its way toward dry sand, oblivious to the curious onlookers.

“Mitch pointed and said, ‘Look, there’s a monk seal,’ and Susan turned the camera and started snapping pictures,” says Stein.

What happened next surprised everyone. For some unexplained reason, an overzealous visitor approached the endangered animal. The monk seal made it perfectly clear it would have no part in the interaction.

“It was interesting to see this visitor walk up to put his hand out like to pet it and it growled at the person, who jumped back,” says Stein. “Even my brother jumped back.”

Veingrad snapped an amazing photo of the incident. The young monk seal obviously was sending a strong message to everyone on the beach.

“I thought that one picture was priceless, that she was able to catch it with the monk seal kind of saying ‘leave me alone,’” says Stein. “You weren’t expecting this monk seal that looks awfully friendly to do that.”

The visitor was startled but not injured. Stein says the monk seal quietly put its head down and fell asleep.

“It was just a beautiful creature, and we were able to capture it,” says Stein. “It’s nice to know that it was able to rest and relax, even amid everybody around it taking pictures.”

The chance encounter should not have happened. State and federal laws protect the Hawaiian monk seal. And for good reason – according to state officials, it is currently the most critically endangered mammal in the United States.

Monk seals were hunted to the edge of extinction in the late 1800s. The species’ population continues to decline throughout the Northwest Hawaiian Islands. But the seal population in the main Hawaiian Islands is growing.

This overlap of humans and seals has created conflict.

In early April, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources (DNLR) launched a public service announcement campaign aimed at educating visitors and residents about respecting Native Hawaiian marine life.

But it’s clear not everyone has received the message.

In February 2012, NOAA officials investigated a case in which a monk seal was reportedly injured by a dog in Hawaii Kai.

In January, a Hawaiian monk seal pup was found shot in the head with a three-pronged fishing spear. The 1-year-old female pup, also known as R-L-12, was found on Rabbit Island off Waimanalo by a NOAA volunteer. NOAA crews removed the spear without additional injury. It’s unknown if the pup was speared intentionally.

“If we find evidence that this was done intentionally, or any seal is harmed intentionally, we will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law,” says DNLR director Bill Aila.

Aila says intentionally harming monk seals is a felony, punishable by up to $50,000 in fines and five years in prison. The state asks that any injured seal be reported immediately.

“The message is one of mutual respect,” says Aila.

A week after the campaign launched, state officials made a call to all boaters and ocean users to help find a pair of sick or injured monk seals on Maui and Molokai, including an 11-month-old female that was reportedly seen with a fish hook stuck in her mouth.

Stein says the image captured at Ke’e Beach is a strong reminder that we still have much work to do and everyone, including local residents, needs to be educated.

“The whole idea is to keep our precious monk seals safe and watch from a distance. But it was interesting that it let that visitor know, ‘Don’t touch me! Leave me alone!’”

It is one of the most scenic drives on Oahu. The winding four-mile road from Hanauma Bay to Sandy Beach offers an incredible view of the pristine Ka Iwi coastline and the thunderous surf crashing against the jagged cliffs.

Truthfully, the only way to safely enjoy this magnificent gift from Mother Nature and to feel and smell the sea spray from below is to pull into one of the lookouts along the way. But how many of us are guilty of recklessly turning our attention away from oncoming traffic just to steal a quick glance at the postcard-like view?

On Oct. 6, curious onlookers will have a rare opportunity to safely experience the open road and walk along Kalanianaole Highway.

“Growing up in East Honolulu and driving around that road and, of course, paddling that coastline, I thought running or walking it would be a wonderful opportunity for families,” says veteran canoe paddler and longtime Hui Nalu Canoe Club member Kelly Fey.

Fey’s vision was the origin for the inaugural Ka Iwi Coast Run & Walk, a community-oriented journey along the winding road. This is the first time the coastal highway will host a pedestrian race. Proceeds from the fundraising event will benefit Hui Nalu Canoe Club.

“We’re going to close the entire road from Sandy Beach to Hanauma Bay,” says club member Carol Jaxon. “It’s going to be a very cool event because you’ll be able to enjoy the coastline. It ends at Maunalua Bay and our canoe halau at Hui Nalu.”

The event will begin at 6:30 a.m. with the rise of the sun over the Ka Iwi coastline and the performance of a special Hawaiian chant composed for the event. Jaxon says that in addition to the beauty of the route, organizers wanted to provide an educational aspect to the run/walk.

“When you pick up your packet, there will be a map of all the Hawaiian place names along the coast,” says Jaxon. “We wanted to give people a chance to learn something while enjoying the view.”

For more than three decades, Hawaii Kai and Waimanalo residents fought hard to preserve the Ka Iwi coastline from development. At one time it was targeted for resort and residential growth. In 2010, the state Land Use Commission voted unanimously to reclassify about 215 acres between Queen’s Beach and the Makapuu lighthouse from urban to conservation.

“It’s really an easy course and you can walk it,” says Jaxon. “We’re going to have the road closed for two hours so you can even stroll it.”

A shuttle service will be provided to the starting line. In addition to a race T-shirt, up to 1,000 entrants will receive a hand-blown glass fishing float. A commemorative booklet also will be available to highlight places of cultural significance. Nonprofit organizations from the community will be present at the end of the race to share their missions and promote stewardship of the coastline. Hui Nalu Canoe Club members will answer questions about paddling and the club.

For more information on the Ka Iwi Coast Run & Walk, go to kaiwicoastrun.org.

The Polynesian voyaging canoe Hokule’a sailed into Kualoa Beach Park earlier this week, one of several stops in the Islands as she continues the Malama Hawaii leg of her worldwide voyage.

And while local residents are enjoying an opportunity to learn more about this magnificent vessel and what it symbolizes to Hawaii and its people, the rest of the world recently had the opportunity to learn about one of Hawaii’s true legends: Eddie Aikau.

Nainoa Thompson and the author aboard the Hokule‘a. Photo from Ron Mizutani

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The story of the big wave surfer, Waimea Bay lifeguard and heroic Hokule’a crewmember was showcased on national television Oct. 1 and 2, as part of the ESPN Films’ “30 for 30″ series. The popular series airs documentary films on ESPN and its sister networks and highlights people and events in the sports world that deserve a large audience. The “30 for 30″ series kicked off its new season with the film Hawaiian: The Legend of Eddie Aikau.

“The ESPN broadcast was good for Hawaii,” says master navigator Nainoa Thompson, who participated in the film directed by Sam George. “The Aikau family constantly works to maintain the integrity of their brother’s name, and they had seen the final product and were very happy. They really appreciated it, and the family was grateful and respectful of the outcome.”

The legend of Eddie Aikau goes far beyond any logo, poster or sticker. The 90-minute film, which debuted at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City earlier this year, where it sold out in two hours, covers the life of the highly revered waterman and life-saver. Except for a few showings in Honolulu and on the Valley Isle at the Maui Film Festival, a large audience had not seen the film – until now.

“Eddie’s story is one of true inspiration,” says Thompson. “His decision, his actions, his ultimate sense of compassion, caring and kindness for his crew, and that level of courage and deep sense of purpose to save the lives of his friends. His story is about oath. He is the most extraordinary Hawaiian man ever, and this is a story for all people and cultures to understand the definition of courage and compassion. This is for the planet to see.”

The film included rare photos and footage of Aikau, along with an audio file that had never been heard by the public. What few may know is, although he participated in the film, Thompson has not seen it and says he won’t because of personal reasons.

“This is deeply, deeply personal for me; it never goes away and I will never forget,” says Thompson of the day in March 1976 when Hokule’a capsized in the Kaiwi Channel. “That moment in time in my life is so deeply profound, and it is something that I will always carry. I participated (in the film) because the family asked me to, and I will do anything for the Aikau family, no matter how difficult or uncomfortable it is for me.”

Three generations watched the film in our Kailua home. It made us laugh and it made us cry, over and over again. It was done with class and respect for a great man and his family.

And now that it has been seen by millions of people on ESPN, the legend of Eddie Aikau will no doubt grow and more people are now aware of Hokule’a and its mission as it prepares to set sail on its worldwide voyage.

“I know it is a powerful film and it has the dignity and mana to be seen by millions,” says Thompson. “It is one of the most sacred stories of this place, and it is certainly world worthy.”

Lifeguard Kainoa McGee at Ke Iki Beach on Oahu’s North Shore warns a beachgoer of the potential danger | Photo courtesy Vince Cavataio

Hawaii’s lifesavers have seen enough and they want the negative trend to come to a screeching halt.

“We’re losing too many people in our waters,” says Ralph Goto, city Ocean Safety Services director and Hawaii Lifeguard Association adviser. “We have some of the best lifeguards in the world in Hawaii, and it’s time we listen to them.”

This year has been an extremely dangerous one for beachgoers across the state, especially on Kauai. In the first three months of 2013, eight people have drowned in the ocean on the Garden Island, and two others in fresh water at Hanakapiai Stream and Wainiha River. Seven of the victims were visitors and three were Kauai residents, including 35-year-old Eleele resident John-Eric Parinas, who drowned while spearfishing with friends in waters off Glass Beach.

Goto says the issue will be top of mind Oct. 17-18 when officials from across the state meet for the annual Ocean Safety and Drowning Prevention Conference at Hawaii Convention Center. And for the first time, the event will be co-sponsored by Hawaii Lifeguard Association and Hawaii Tourism Authority.

“Besides some of the best lifeguards from our Neighbor Islands, we’re excited to have the visitor industry involved in this event,” says Goto. “There have been a number of drownings this year, especially on Kauai, and we need to come together and get things done. This will get the dialogue started.”

The topic is all too familiar for state officials. According to the state Department of Health, from 2008 to 2012, a total of 333 people drowned in Hawaii, including 267 in the ocean, 36 in pools, 20 in rivers or streams and eight in bathtubs. The health department says two other drownings happened in “other environments.” Of the 267 people who died, 139 were visitors to Hawaii.

Goto says the ocean safety community and the members of the visitor industry, including Hawaii Tourism Authority and Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, as well as hotel executives and tour vendors and operators, must discuss different strategies and address the scope of the problem in order to reduce the numbers and reverse the trend.

“We must work together and come up with consistent safety messaging for websites and videos, and we must address if there need to be changes at some of these beaches that are currently unguarded,” says Goto. “We need to establish relationships and create advocacy because this isn’t happening in a vacuum. It affects all of us. The bottom line is to make a safer experience for the visitors.”

HTA president and CEO Mike McCartney is scheduled to be one of the keynote speakers, as will another familiar face in the community and a strong voice in the visitor industry, Keith Vieira, Starwood Hotels & Resorts’ senior vice president of operations for Hawaii and French Polynesia.

The controversial subject of visitor guide books and tour websites also will be discussed. And while Kauai’s visitor industry has been proactive, providing a video message for passengers arriving at Lihue Airport, as well as material at hotel front desks, Goto says more needs to be done – statewide.

“We need to ask the tough questions: ‘What more can we do, and do we need more lifeguards?’” says Goto. “We’re going to have several presentations from different people, professionals like Brian Keaulana and George Kam. Hawaii has some of the greatest minds in lifesaving, and we all share the same goal: to educate our visitors and hopefully provide a safe environment when they come to Hawaii.”