Hokule'a Returns Home (or Disney's Moana Got It Right)!

Mark asked me a while back to do a review of Disney's Moana since I'm a kama'aina (local resident) born and raised in Hawaii. I wanted to re-watch the movie on blu-ray before writing down my thoughts, but haven't had a chance. But I found a perfect way to tie Moana into an event that occurred this past Saturday, June 17 at approximately 9:45 (Hawaii time).

This milestone was the end of the Hokule'a's voyage around the world. A journey that would last three years and traverse 47,000 nautical miles, reaching 85 ports and 26 nations. Began in May 2014, the homecoming was an emotional and proud moment for the Hawaiian people and its culture.  Hokule'a (Star of Gladness) first set sail in 1976 to the island of Tahiti. At the time, its accomplishment was nothing short of miraculous. The skills and knowledge that enabled the Polynesians to sail to Hawaii had been lost for over 600 years. Herb Kane, a renowned Hawaiian painter, had a dream to rebuild the double-hulled sailing canoe of his ancestors, and this vision began the rediscovery of a lost art.

In 1978, Hokule'a set out on a second voyage to Tahiti, but this journey ended in tragedy. Capsized and in mortal danger, legendary surfer Eddie Aikau decided to paddle out for help in the hopes of rescuing the stranded crew. He never made it back although the crew was eventually rescued. The phrase "Eddie Would Go" became a mantra among the locals, echoing Eddie's sacrifice and willingness to take on the impossible.

In Moana, navigation by the stars is a key component and I love the way Disney incorporated it into the heart of the story. They clearly did their homework and understood the importance of this skill in relation to the Hawaiians. For all the criticism Disney gets when adapting stories from different cultures and races, I never felt they disrespected or tried to "whitewash" Moana to fit western view or perspective. And while it does feel that the local village comes off as a little too perfect at times, the feeling of family, love, and respect are strong aspects of its people. I thought "Lilo and Stitch" did a good job of representing aspects of Hawaii in a genuine manner, but Moana is on a whole different level.

With an arrival time of 10:00 am, my friend and I decided to head out early to the rock wall adjacent to Magic Island in order to get a good vantage point of the canoe's arrival. We got to Waikiki at 4:30 and crossed a long stretch of rocks in the dark, hoping not too fall and hurt ourselves. We arrived to the end to the jetty by 5:30 and hunkered down for the long wait. While testing certain areas of the rocks for the best photo ops, I lost my footing and nearly fell into the ocean. Twice I fell and stopped my fall with the palm of my hand, giving me some nice gashes and cuts. Blood flowed freely from my right knee too. 

When Hokule'a finally docked, most of the discomfort and tiredness disappeared. To see the canoe and its crew come home was more magical than any Disney movie could ever be...

     (All photographs Copyright 2017 by Len Yokoyama)

Lanterns of Love...Memorial Day 2017

On Memorial Day in 1999, a tradition was started on Oahu of floating lighted lanterns out to sea in memory of those who gave their lives in defense and protection of our country. The lantern ceremony itself has strong ties to Japanese culture, so tying it into Memorial Day has especially deep significance to the islands. Never forgetting the attack on Pearl Harbor by Japan, this ceremony also represents cultural harmony and understanding between nations that were once at war. 

Held all day at Ala Moana Beach, the event attracts an estimated 50,000 people in attendance at various times during the day. At the setting of the sun (approximately 7:00 pm),  the ceremony climaxes with the release of thousands of lanterns. Although they look alike in the photos, each lantern holds a special meaning...honoring and remembering a specific person that died while in service. The "skin" or paper covering of the lanterns are individually personalized and decorated by the sender. At the end of the night, the lanterns are gathered up to be reused for next year.

The differences in race, age, and gender melt into oblivion as an unmistakable feel of unity and compassion encompass all those participating in this memorial service. While there are warm smiles, genuine laughter and camaraderie, there is also the sad look of loss and pain on the faces of those launching these lights of remembrance.

The weather had been iffy throughout the day, but at launch time, God provided the gathering with beautiful weather and just about the calmest waters one could hope for. To get a good shooting vantage, I waded into the water waist deep, camera held carefully above my neck, conscious of my footing so as not to slip and fall. Splashing water, especially salt water, is always a major concern for photographers, but the water was so glass smooth that not one drop of moisture touched my equipment.

As the sun began to set and the lanterns slowly drift to the horizon, the feeling in the air was one of  reflection, grief, and love. As a Christian, I know the death of a loved one is but temporary and that I'll be one day reunited with my family and friends. But while still on earth, a ceremony like this is very cathartic and healing, helping each person to realize they are not alone. While God is watching over us from above, a hug or handshake from a stranger or friend at reminds us that others are watching over us down here too.

   (Photographs Copyright 2017 by Len Yokoyama)

2017 Milky Way Tour

This time of the year marks the beginning of Milky Way season for photographers and astronomy lovers alike. Confession time, prior to delving into picture taking, I rarely looked up at the skies and couldn't tell you the Big Dipper from a hole in my shoe!

But once I started shooting sunset/sunrise landscapes, I began noticing these incredible pictures of the Milky Way on the internet. As a novice, my initial thought was these images were taken with high end telescope cameras or some such doo-hickey beyond my reach. Then one of my friends posted a MW pic taken in Hawaii with camera gear that was equivalent to what I currently use. After further research, I find out that not only is MW photos possible for most folks, but that Hawaii is one of the best places to shoot due to less light pollution and advantageous weather conditions.

The image that headlines this post was my first attempt at Makapu'u Beach last year.  I was really happy with my first attempt and it even made a blogger's post, "80 Things to Do On Oahu-the Bucket List" at #59 (https://www.journeyera.com/best-things-to-do-on-oahu/). I did a few more, but not as much as I would have liked. I tried my hand at photographing it above the lava on the Big Island, but it proved less than spectacular (although I'm going back to give it another try).

I promised myself I would go full speed this year,  marketing my determination as the "Milky Way Tour" for 2017! Much like a touring artist, I envisioned specific dates and locations to mark each shooting event.  

On March 25, I headed out to Kualoa Beach Park to photograph MW over Mokoli'i Island or as locals lovingly refer to as "Chinaman's Hat". I notice the Mokoli'i name used more often nowadays, quite possibly due to political correctness. While "chinaman" does have a derogatory connotation, it was never used in that manner in describing the island. Hawaii's melting pot culture really allowed races to experience and appreciate the uniqueness and difference that each nationality brought to the table. This familiarity also fostered friendly teasing  about these differences without taking offense. Thus Chinaman's Hat remains an affectionate and nostalgic term for many of the locals. What I thought was going to be a solo endeavor ended up a group affair with me encountering a dozen or so fellow photographers with the same idea...hah!

After grabbing four hours of sleep, followed by a full day of chores and errands, I somehow managed to pull myself out of bed and head out to Lanai Lookout at 3:00 am the next morning. The plan was to meet fellow shooters there in the parking lot, but the area was so dark that I did not see one single person. I knew they were out there from the various camera lights shining in the dark. Clouds, which are a photog's best friend at sunrise/sunset, is a major boon (along with a full moon) when shooting MW. Undaunted, I headed out to the parking lot and hoped for spots of clear skies. Prior to heading down the cliff, I spotted these two warning signs and knew immediately it might make for cool foreground imagery. The signs are actually white and yellow, but in a stroke of sheer luck, a passing car was slowing down and flashing his brake. The lights were enough to give the signs a nice reddish glow, giving the image a more ominous feel as the Milky Way stretches out into the distance.  

Because it was a three day weekend, I journeyed out to Hawaii Kai on Monday to shoot a carnival from a distance. The destination was Kuliouou Park, a duck sanctuary, that provides a variety of beach textures due to low tides (my wife and I took our dogs out there on Saturday where they were literally running and playing a good distance out from shore). While there, I saw the carnival from afar and knew it might make a pretty cool shot at sunset. And man, was the sunset amazing on Monday, only in the opposite direction...LOL! I kept moving my camera back and forth like a loony Daffy Duck, trying to capture the setting sun in the west, and the fading lights over the carnival in the east. What I ended up doing is replacing the sky over the carnival with a MW composite shot later in the evening. I must have shot nearly five hundred images over those three days and walked away with four good shots. But for me, it's the final product that matters, so I'm pretty happy.

Heading out to the Big Island this weekend for a long overdue vacation. I'm bringing my gear, so I don't expect it will be fully restful. Let the 2017 Milky Way Tour continue!

 (Photographs copyright 2017 by Len Yokoyama. All rights reserved)

Happy President's Day

I hope all the readers of "Insights and Sounds" are having a wonderful and blessed three day weekend! President's Day is not a heavily celebrated holiday here in the islands, unless you're a state worker (and have Monday off). With the sensitive issues of native Hawaiian rights always present, it's probably not the most revered date on the calendar either. Nonetheless, I thought it appropriate to share some photos I took of fireworks two nights ago. The two biggest holidays involving aerial pyrotechnics are New Year's Eve (due to strong Chinese cultural traditions) and the 4th of July. Nothing is done in particular for President's Day, but the Hilton Hawaiian Village does a weekly show every Friday near the Duke Kahanamoku lagoon. It's a short affair, lasting maybe 3 1/2 minutes or so. But fireworks are fireworks, whether of a short duration or a Disney park affair (I knew I could work some connection to the parks in this post). And since fireworks are inherently patriotic, what's better than linking it to this holiday installment.

And just so I can work in a shout out to our Lord, the bible says to pray for our leaders so that they may have wisdom, compassion, and justness in guiding our country.

So to everyone..."Happy President's Day" from the shores of Waikiki!

 (Photographs Copyright 2017 Len Yokoyama)

Sunrise, Grace, Sunset, Mercy...

Heading out again to the east side of Oahu this past weekend, I ended up shooting both the sunrise  (at Hanauma Bay) and sunset (in Hawaii Kai). During the intervals between shots while I'm waiting for subtle changes in the light, I'm often standing alone before beautiful and powerfully captivating scenery. In those quiet times, these views remind me of the majesty and sheer awesomeness of our Lord God! On the way back home, my car radio was set to a Christian station where the topic of the sermon was Grace and Mercy. As I began processing the images, I thought maybe I could link these two subjects together. It's probably a bit of a stretch, but I wanted to give it the old college try!

Sunrise was shot overlooking Hanauma Bay. It's a destination spot for visitors thanks to the natural protective barrier formed of coral reef which provides a safe habitat for over 400 different species of fish. Of course, the reef didn't protect the marine life from man itself, and by the late 1980's, serious damage had been done to the environment. Preservation measures and stricter guidelines were enforced to help bring the area back to acceptable levels. 

God's grace, by definition, is His giving us blessings and gifts even though we don't deserve it. It can be innumerous things such as health, family, friends, wealth, love, and joy. As sinners, we certainly don't deserve any of it, but God in His grace, still bestows it upon us. A sunrise is a good analogy of this grace as the sun appears over the horizon, flooding the world with its live giving rays and warmth. We often take it for granted, but it's there, every morning like clockwork. So is God's grace, He is constantly showering us with His gifts and blessings without missing a beat.

Sunset was photographed above Hawaii Kai. Once an area of wetlands and ponds, the district was developed into a living community by Henry J Kaiser. Much of this was done through intense dredging of the land. It's ironic that prior to the transformation, land value toward the eastern side of the island was considered nearly worthless. Now, you would be lucky to buy a small 3 bedroom home there for under a million dollars.

Mercy is God NOT giving us what we deserve. Without mercy and the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we would be subjected to a high degree of punishment and suffering. But like the sunset that covers the land in darkness, Christ's blood covers our sins so that it is no longer seen by God.

Okay, that's a bit of a stretch analogy wise, but it allowed me to cover two of my favorite subjects, God and photography.

Hope everyone is having a blessed start to the week!

(Photographs Copyright 2017 Len Yokoyama)

No Man's Land for Locals

Waikiki is one of the first destinations for most visitors and tourists. And understandably so. Its mythical allure was reinforced by Hollywood in movies and tv shows. Postcards and advertising also added to its status as a destination spot.

The reality is a bit different for local residents. While the city and county has done much to improve the area in the last 20 years, parking is still tight and costs a small fortune. Stores and restaurants are resort level prices, making it a poor value for a night out with the family. Even in my earlier years, the only time I would head into this tourist zone was to watch a movie (this was before multiplexes popped up on every corner).

But there is a lot to love about Waikiki, it's where Duke Kahanamoku rode the waves on his surfboard and the pink majesty of the Royal Hawaiian still sits elegantly on the edge of the shoreline. It's with this in mind that I decided to break my own rule and get out there to take some photos.

Hope everyone is having a blessed weekend!

              (Photographs Copyright 2017 Len Yokoyama)

Vog Has Its Uses...

So I decided to head down to Diamond Head late afternoon to try and photograph the sunset. A lot of my photographer friends have been posting amazing images with intense colors shot at both sunrise and sunset. The reason is the volcano on the Big Island is very active, spewing tons of lava into the ocean. It's always amazing to see God's handiwork in action, witnessing the creation of land mass and island expansion. The downside is having to deal with vog...a form of air pollution that occurs when sulfur dioxide and other gases mixed with the oxygen in the air. It can be especially difficult on senior citizens, young children, and people with asthma or allergies. The upside is the incredible colors produced during the sun's entrance and exit. If there are clouds in the sky, it's an added bonus.

It's been a pretty rough week (which I'll cover in a future post), so it was nice to get away and enjoy some quiet solitude. Just me, my camera, and the sunset. Oh yes, there were a few tourists...and a couple of local fishermen...and some nude sunbathers...but otherwise, quiet solitude.

Have a blessed weekend I & S readers!

  (Photo copyright Len Yokoyama 2017)

Happy New Year (Hawaiian Time)

Hawaii is known for its laid back pace and "Hawaiian time". This tongue in cheek phrase refers to locals always arriving to parties, graduations, birthdays, etc a little after the actual start time. This delay could range anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 hours. It's my way of segueing into this rather admittedly late post marking the first photographic shoot for 2017. Even that is not totally honest. I had hoped to get out New Year's Day to Sandy Beach, but it was pushed back until the 2nd. It was a state holiday, so it still felt a bit "new yearish". 

I dutifully set the alarm for 5:00 am and after that inevitable battle between wanting to stay in bed and shooting sunrise, I downed a cup of coffee, got in my car, and headed to the east side of Oahu.

Sitting in a dark lot, parked near a seedy looking white van always makes me question the sanity of these early morning shoots. But as the sun slowly begins to peek over the horizon, the thrill of setting up for a shot, knowing that I have a short window to photograph the "golden hour" always makes it worthwhile. 

After getting the shots I needed, I switched out lenses in case I found some people who wouldn't mind me taking their photo. I was lucky and found a bunch of cool folks who were gracious and kind enough to pose for me. Hawaii's diverse mix of races and cultures is always a strong reminder of the incredible creativity of our God. I can't imagine a day where photographing this island's landscapes and people would grow old or stale! May the good Lord bless everyone in 2017!

                     (Photographs copyright 2017 Len Yokoyama)

Honolulu City Lights (Because You Want More Christmas Photos)

I know the Christmas season has passed, but I wanted to share these photos of the Honolulu City Lights display with readers of Insights and Sounds (It's no secret that Christmas is my favorite time of the year, so maybe you should brace yourselves for holiday posts throughout the year...LOL!). Started in 1985 by then mayor Frank Fasi, this annual event has become a holiday tradition for many of the kama'ainas (locals). New scenes and figures are constantly being added, updated, or retired throughout the years.

My favorite is Santa and Mrs. Claus, with good ole' Saint Nick giving the classic 'shaka' sign (a strong indication of its Hawaiian roots). While it pales in comparison to any Disney scenario, or heavyweights like Rockefeller Center, it's uniquely our own and we gladly embrace it.

If you're ever in the islands during December, make sure to pay a visit to this Hawaiian celebration in downtown Honolulu. It's free to the public and open 24/7!

(Photographs copyright Len Yokoyama.)