March is Women's History Month.-I salute Ka'ahumanu.

Brave, athletic, strong, passionate, caring and centered in herself, I saw her as a forerunner of the modern woman. It was a tremendous gift to be given the opportunity to visit the cave where she was born. It took the entire crew of six members of the Hana Canoe Club to paddle me to her birthplace.  We pointed the tip of the outrigger into the oncoming waves that sloshed over the bow and paddled through the foaming surf to the protected shallow waters lapping at the lava rocks beneath  the cave where she was born. I climbed the jagged black lava to a path that led to a large opening with two indentations big enough to accommodate a human.  Her mother enjoyed a lovely view of Hana Bay and the green mountains floating on the horizon. Offerings of flowers were placed in front of the openings. Before leaving I floated in the waters at the foot of her cave considered to be healing by those who come here for sacred ceremonies.

Chiefess Ka’ahumanu

. While Ka’ahumanu was still a baby her parents fled from Hana to Hawai’i to the Big Island where they lived in royal comfort. Wai-nani,A Voice from old Hawai’i my historical novel (1750-1819) is inspired by the life of the precocious Chiefess Ka’ahumanu. To some she is remembered as the” loving mother of the people” and to others she is the “flaw that brought down the chiefdom.”

Written With Warm Aloha In the Name of Ka’ahumanu-Linda Ballou

www.LindaBallouAuthor.com

Warm Aloha for the Holidays

What better gift than a journey to ancient Hawai'i. If you purchase Wai-nani on my site I will provide gift wrapping and free shipping anywhere in the U.S., including Hawaii.

I will also include Wai-nani's Wayfinder, a map I created that takes you to sacred historical sites on the Big Island.  I visited almost all of them in my research for Wai-nani. Reading my book and having the map in hand will enhance any visit to the Islands.

Wai-nani's Wayfinder

Adventure-travel writer, Linda Ballou, has a host of travel articles on her site, along with information about her travel memoir, Lost Angel Walkabout-One Traveler’s Tales, her historical novel Wai-nani, A Voice from Old Hawai’i and her latest action-adventure novel The Cowgirl Jumped over the Moon at-www.LindaBallouAuthor.com.  

 Subscribe to her blog www.LindaBallouTalkingtoyou.com and receive updates on her books, and travel destinations.

Welcome to my You Tube Channel

Come and visit me at my Youtube channel.

** I have a host of videos on The Lost Angel Walkabout  playlist taking you on my favorite adventures.

** On Wai-nani: A Voice from Old Hawaii playlist I have answers to the most common questions I get about the ancient culture of Hawai'i

** On The Cowgirl Jumped Over the Moon playlist there is a trailer and clips from the audio book, and articles about my riding adventures in North America and more.

Please take a moment to join me there and subscribe to my YouTube Channel.

My playlists

Sweetheart Deal for Hawai'i Lovers

                      Sweetheart Deal for Hawai'i Lovers

Gift of Wai-nani's Wayfinder with Purchase on my site www.LindaBallouAuthor.com

In need of a great  gift for your friends who love books and Hawaii? I love Linda Ballou's novel Wai-nani. A beautifully written story about a strong woman in ancient Hawaii who leaves her family to follow her heart. It's got everything: romance, action, adventure, Hawaiian history and culture. It really brings ancient Hawaii to life in a can't-put-down drama. 

Linda, it warms my heart that you have taken the time to learn so much about the Hawaiian history and culture I love. Thank you for transferring that knowledge into such a beautifully written novel. Jennifer Crites- Former Editor of Aloha Magazine and Long time resident of Honolulu

Wai-nani's Wayfinder is my gift to you with the purchase of Wai-nani:  A Voice from Old Hawai'i on my site Linda Ballou Author.com

Gift wrapped with free shipping if you  purchase on my site.


                                             

Magic of the Iao Needle in Wailuku Valley

Was it just a coincidence that the Maui Beach Hotel where I was staying sits on Kahalui Bay where Kamehameha landed in the late 1790 with his armada of Alapa warriors?  From the beach at the hotel, I can see the mouth of the impregnable Wailuku Valley backed by steep cliffs and the primordial Iao needle

Iao Needle

piercing clouds hovering on its flank. .

 I tried to imagine the scene. Hundreds of warriors landing in double-hulled outriggers wearing the red malos of war, carrying spears and short knives. They trampled over the Mauin forces that met them at this beach and then marched “onward to Wailuku” several miles inland to defeat Kahikili,

Mauin Warrior

Kamehameha’s arch rival for power over the Islands. They rolled Lopeka, a cannon seized from a western sloop, up the rocky trail until they backed the Mauin forces into a corner at Wailuku. The slaughter that ensued was harsh even for the time.

Was it just chance that Kona Winds literally blew me off the beach at Paia yesterday and forced me to the venture to the sheltered valley?  When I arrived, the iconic Iao needle normally obscured by thick clouds flashed a brilliant green spotlighted by afternoon sun. The sheer 3,000- foot-pali that protect the valley sheathed in thick blue-green verdure are impossible to climb.

Wailuku River

 Water whispers sweetly through taro ponds with rust-red ti leaves on the edges creating an Eden-like setting for a Hawaiian village. Four streams merge here to form the Wailuku River that was clogged with bodies and ran red when Kamehameha’s warriors finally did conquer the Mauin forces after many failed attempts.
It seemed a guiding force brought me here to witness the glory of this valley. Was it the spirit of Ka’hahumnu who wanted me to know the beauty of this place haunted by the ghosts of so brave warriors? Was she trying to help me get the Hawaiian story right? I like to think so.

Adventure-travel writer, Linda Ballou, shares Great Outdoor days in L.A, as well as a host of travel articles on her site, along with information about her travel memoir, Lost Angel Walkabout-One Traveler’s Tales, her historical novel Wai-nani, A Voice from Old Hawai’i and her latest action-adventure novel The Cowgirl Jumped over the Moon at-www.LindaBallouAuthor.com.  

What was so Great about Kamehameha I?

Aside from being a supreme athlete, a master of martial arts, and a merman, Kamehameha fulfilled a centuries-old prophecy. On the night he was born, a fiery rooster tail streaked across the heavens marking the birth of the warrior destined to unite the Hawaiian Islands where persistent tribal wars marred a peaceful existence. No conversation about sacred sites in Hawai’i is complete without explaining why this warrior/chief was so great.
Kamehameha’s birthplace, Akahi aina Hanou, (near Mo’okini Heiau) is on a lonely knoll overlooking the sea in Kohala. It is thought that Halley’s Comet passed by the night of Kamehameha’s birth in 1758 marking him the chosen leader. Priests advised the ruling chief to destroy the child who threatened his seat of power. His mother, fearing for her son’s life, had him spirited away to Waipio Valley where he lived in gentle isolation for the first five years of his life. Tutored by a loving mentor, he learned the genealogical chants of his ancestors and began his life journey as the “Lonely One.”

At pubescence he returned to the village of his mother and was accepted by the now aged chief. He excelled in all sports, dance, and martial arts, proving himself to be an outstanding warrior. The old chief prided in Kamehameha and when he died he appointed him the Keeper of Ku—the war god.

Prophecy held that the warrior able to lift the 7,000-pound Naha Stone would become the chief whose cloud would rest over all the Islands. Kamehameha “lifted” the Naha Stone when he was 16 years old. (The Naha Stone is located in front of the Hilo Library, 300 Waianuenue Avenue.) This was the second omen to re-enforce his hard path.
It was Kamehameha’s unshakable belief in his destiny to be the ruler to unite the Hawaiian Islands that pulled him forward. You cannot understand Hawai’i or the significance of the sacred sites scattered throughout the realm without knowledge of this great leader who—through the force of his will, the strength of his intellect and unequaled physical prowess—brought a “Golden Age” to his people.

In a series of posts and videos about sacred sites in the Hawaiian Islands I expand upon the various temples he had built and the strategic battles that were fought during his rise to power. His words to his people when he passed to the other side in 1819: “Know the great good I have given to you.”

The character Makaha in my historical novel Wai-nani: A Voice from Old Hawai'i is inspired by this brave warrior.

Adventure-travel writer, Linda Ballou, shares Great Outdoor days in L.A, as well as a host of travel articles on her site, along with information about her travel memoir, Lost Angel Walkabout-One Traveler’s Tales, her historical novel Wai-nani, A Voice from Old Hawai’i and her latest action-adventure novel The Cowgirl Jumped over the Moon at-www.LindaBallouAuthor.com.  

Her quest today is to get to as many beautiful places as she can before they are gone. Subscribe to her blog www.LindaBallouTalkingtoyou.com and receive updates on her books, and travel destinations.

Video clips shed light on #Ancient Hawai'i

As an adventure travel writer I love to travel and spend time writing about my explorations.  I also love sharing Wai-nani, A Voice from OldHawai’i with book clubs so I have created 

brief video clips answering the most common questions I receive from readers about my book.

In the story I weave myth, legend, and actual historical incidents that raises the question in the minds of readers “What is True?”   In this clip I address this very important question.

Is the story historically accurate? http://youtu.be/wI4BONZhbjY

Each of the thirteen clips I created answer specific questions about the Hawaiian culture. For instance, the death of Captain James Cook at the hands of the Islanders has long been a controversial topic in Hawaiian history, so I presented my position on the matter.

Did the Hawaiians stab Captain Cook in the back? http://youtu.be/_S0kD-RtcK8

Here is my response to the question “Did Hawaiians have “Love Games?”

Did Hawaiians HaveLove Games? 

http://youtu.be/rmUxhOyKJzA

 It is my hope that sharing in this way readers will not only come away with a better understanding of the ancient Hawaiian culture, but that they it will give readers a more personal connection with me.  People love videos because reading huge amounts of written content becomes over-whelming. I hope people will find my videos about Wai-nani, entertaining and informative and will share them with friends!

Linda Ballou Author

I have a host of travel articles on her site, along with information about my travel memoir, Lost Angel Walkabout-One Traveler’s Tales, and my historical novel Wai-nani, A Voice from Old Hawai’I, as well as her latest novel The Cowgirl Jumped over the Moon at-www.LindaBallouAuthor.com.

 Subscribe to my blog www.LindaBallouTalkingtoyou.com to receive updates on books, and travel destinations and events.

Remembering Ka'ahumanu on her Birthday

Happy Birthday to Ka’ahumanu the most powerful woman in old Hawai’i

On March 17^, 1768 (some say 1777) Ka’ahumanu was born in a cave at the fortress hill of Ka’uiki in Hana. The fierce Moi of Maui, once her mother’s lover, became so enraged when she chose Ke’eamuoku over him that he set his warriors upon her parents. They chased them through Haleakala Crater, but lost them in thick mountain forests. While Ka’ahumanu was still a baby her parents fled from Hana to Hawai’i where they lived in royal comfort. Wai-nani, A Voice from old Hawai’i my historical novel (1750-1819) is inspired by the life of the precocious Chiefess Ka’ahumanu. To some she is remembered as the” loving mother of the people” and to others she is the “flaw that brought down the chiefdom.”

Brave, athletic, strong, passionate, caring and centered in herself, I saw her as a forerunner of the modern woman. It was a tremendous gift to be given the opportunity to visit the cave where she was born.  It took the entire crew of six members of the Hana Canoe Club to paddle me to her birthplace.  We pointed the tip of the outrigger into the oncoming waves that sloshed over the bow and paddled through the foaming surf to the protected shallow waters lapping at the lava rocks beneath Ka’ahumanu’s birth place. I climbed the jagged black lava to a path that led to a large opening with two indentations big enough to accommodate a human.  Her mother enjoyed a lovely view of Hana Bay and the green mountains floating on the horizon. Offerings of flowers were placed in front of the cave. Before leaving I floated in the waters at the foot of her cave considered to be healing by those who come here for sacred ceremonies.

 Big Mahalo to friend and fellow author, Lorraine Brodek, for fulfilling my desire to visit the sacred birthplace of the woman that inspired my novel Wai-nani, A Voice from Old Hawai’i 

  

Written With Warm Aloha

In the Name of Ka’ahumanu

Adventure-travel writer, Linda Ballou, has a host of travel articles on her site, along with information about her travel memoir, Lost Angel Walkabout-One Traveler’s Tales, her historical novel Wai-nani, A Voice from Old Hawai’i and her latest action-adventure novel The Cowgirl Jumped over the Moon at-www.LindaBallouAuthor.com.  Subscribe to my blog www.LindaBallouTalkingtoyou.com and receive updates on her books, and travel destinations.

Living Spiritual Temple-Mo'o'kini Heiau

Mo’okini Heiau sits high on a knoll and enjoys a panoramic view of the Upolu Point of Kohala and the distant shores of Maui. It stands in the center of a once-royal complex that was a vital center of sacred and secular power. It is one of the first luakini heiau (temple of human sacrifice) built by the Tahitian Priest Paao in the 12^th century. Legend has it that it was the site of countless thousands of human sacrifices to the gods. The current site includes remains of the sacrificial temple measuring 250' x 130' with an open stone paved court enclosed by 20-foot-high stone walls and the sacrificial stone. According to oral tradition it was built in one night by 15-20,000 men passing stones to one another from the Niuli’i, nine miles away.

The Tahitians believed that there was not enough respect on the part of resident Hawaiians for the gods, and they set out to strengthen the kapu system by building this temple and enforcing the strict laws of the land (kapu). Paao summoned the warrior chief Pili who brought stones from one of the most sacred sacrificial temples in Tahiti and placed the bodies of fresh victims beneath these stones used as pillars to consecrate Mo’okini Heiau. Mu, or body catchers, collected the humans to be sacrificed. These were most often conquered warriors or members of the slave class. Women and children were generally spared. The bodies of the victims were then baked and the flesh removed from the bones. The bones were used for fish hooks or parts for weapons.

The oldest, largest, and most sacred heiau in old Hawaii is all that remains of the royal Kohala complex dismantled by sugar plantation owners in the 19^th century. To Hawaiians it is a living spiritual temple and not a cultural artifact.

It was long held to be strictly kapu to visit, but In November of 1978 Kahuna Nui Leimomi Mo'okini Lum rededicated the Mo'okini Luakini to the "Children of the Land" and lifted the restrictive Kapu. In doing this she made it safe for all persons to enter the Heiau and created a new legacy for the Mo'okini Luakini as a place of learning for future generations to discover the past. Kahuna Nui Lum followed closely the wishes of her father Kahuna Nui Dewey O. Mo'okini who visualized this sacred site as one for the children of Hawai'i and the entire world. 

Take Highway 270 north from Kawaihae. Near Mile Marker #20 turn left at the sign to Upolu Airport. Just before the airport, turn left on the unmarked dirt road and travel approximately 2 miles. The site is on hill to the left.  Research for Wai-nani, A Voice from Old Hawai’i became a beautiful obsession that called for numerous trips to the Islands. I visited sacred sites, interviewed elders, spent nights in Waipio Valley where the bones of ancient chiefs are hidden in caves in steep walls framing the canyon. .www.lindaballouauthor.com

For Dolphins the Dance Is All There Is!

Dolphins blow air bubble rings and bounce then off their nose and swim through them Whales do a similar thing to form bubble nets they use to capture fish. But, dolphins do it just for fun. They also collect necklaces of seaweed they wear like jewelry exhibiting a sense of self- awareness and toss it

from one to another just to pass the time of day.
They have exuberance other sea creatures lack and literally jump for joy in twisting arcs. They splash backwards on their tails and seem to be enjoying them-selves tremendously. They swim five times faster than any Olympic champion and can jump two stories high into the air. Dolphins are the sexiest creatures on the planet with no pretense to monogamy. They have sex 365 days a year, often more than once, and with different partners. They do it just for fun. It is a brief belly to belly encounter, but both male and female dolphins seem to love doing it.

For Dolphins the Dance is all there is. A highly recommended state of being.Wai-nani who is a reflection of the passionate Chiefess Ka’ahumanu is a water baby. Like all Islanders she finds pleasure, sustenance, solace, wisdom and courage in the grand and vibrant sea. Wai-nani’s bond with Eku, a playful and communicative dolphin – propels her on a mythological journey couched in magical realism.

The video below captures the zest for life of the other intelligence!

Wai-nani is discounted this week in Kindle Store

In honor of Women's History Month, I am offering Wai-nani, A Voice from Old Hawai’i for

$2.99 in the Amazon Kindle Store from Monday the 9^th until Friday the 13^th of March. My novel is inspired by the life Ka'ahumanu, the most influential chiefess in old Hawai'i, who I felt embodied the empowered woman. Enjoy this sneak peek into her world. Go to
 Amazon Kindle Store to take advantage

Amazon Kindle Store 

If  you take advantage of this limited time offer, I hope you enjoy traveling with Wai-nani and the people of old and will take a moment to write a peer review on Amazon. 

Sneak peek at Wai-nani, A Voice from Old Hawai'i

Award winning narrator

Christine Padovan created this lovely trailer for Wai-nani, A Voice from Old Hawai'i -  The Audio Book is coming soon for all those people who don't have time to read.  Christine is doing a marvelous "talking story" and bringing my characters to life. I am thrilled with her work!

Working hard to get Wai-nani audio book out by March!

Wai-nani Catches a Big Wave

 I’m off to Maui to meet up with the Aloha Trio for our book signing at the Barnes and Noble in Lahaina on Dec. 14th.  I met hugely popular Toby Neal, author of the Lei Crime Series, online. I found her writing to be crisp, contemporary and fun. According to Toby, born and raised in the Islands, my book Wai-nani, A Voice from Old Hawai’i “Casts a hypnotic spell that takes us to ancient Hawai’i. Coming from Toby, someone with an intimate knowledge of the Hawaiian culture, this is quite an endorsement.

I was having lunch with book guru, Carolyn Howard Johnson, here in L.A. and she introduced me to Lorraine Brodek, author of A Nobody in a Somebody World.  Lorraine's book is filled with insider juice on Hollywood celebs she grew up with in Beverly Hills. Being a Hawaii aficionado, my personal favorite is her rendering of her life in Hana, one of the last enclaves of old Hawai’i, where the threat of wild pigs calls for a luau.

Lorraine read Wai-nani and said “The rhythm of Linda Ballou's writing is sheer poetic dialogue. Her descriptions are as mystic as the ancient Hawaiian culture she so graphically describes in this wonderful story that she tells using the voice of Wai-nani (aka Ka'ahumanu, King Kamehameha's favorite wife). Chiefess Ka'ahumanu's birthplace was in a cave at Puu Kauiki in Hana--a hill that exists today in this charming town that truly evokes the beautiful spirit of old Hawaii.

We became friends and Lorraine invited me to stay at her exquisite home high on a knoll overlooking Hamoa Beach in Hana. How could I say no?

 Being a person who gets things done, Lorraine arranged for us to have a reading at the Coast Gallery at the luxurious Travaasa Hotel Resort on Dec. 17^th, .

Writing the Hawaiian story became a beautiful obsession for me that spanned twenty years. I had no idea where it would lead me, or the doors that it would open. I can only say I am grateful for what has come my way.

I have arranged a Kindle Giveaway for Wai-nani, A Voice from Old Hawai’i on Dec. 14-17th on Amazon for those who can’t make it to the Islands for our events. REVIEWS ARE WELCOME

Wishing you all a very Maui Christmas with warm Aloha-In the name of Wai-nani.

Authors and Writers Shines the Light on Linda Ballou

Love this  interview with Jo Lindsdell of Authors and Writers Fame. 

What genre do you write and why?

That is a conundrum. My proudest achievement is my historical novel Wai-nani, A Voice from Old Hawai’i. However, it was a great pleasure to travel the world collecting stories for my travel memoir Lost Angel Walkabout-One Travelers Tales. I have a host of non-fiction travel articles to my credit that on my site. I have a "new adult novel" titled The CowGirl Jumped over the Moon released in 2015 that I am very excited about. I do not fit into a traditional publishing slot or in that pigeon hole. That is why I am thrilled to have viable, independent publishing options available.

Complete Interview Here

Young Poet Breathes Life into Old Hawai'i

Alika N.

Alex "Alika" Noholoa Windell is a poet and lyricist experimenting with language fusions. He speaks four languages and has a special fondness for the Hawaiian language.
He loves the poetic rhythms of the Hawaiian mele. In his ode to the Isle of Maui he blends Hawaiian with English to great effect.

MAUI

Loke lani, lovely blossom (Loke lani = official flower of the island of Mauʻi)

When your island holds my hands

To show me all her faces

Onaona, nahenahe (onaona = alluring, nahenahe = soft)

One is gentle, one is sweet

When the Maui mornings so serene

Mumble love through flowers so pristine

They touch all my senses!

So here my hands are always open

E hele mai, and never leave! (e hele mai = come)

Hana, Maui

You can find more of his poems at deviantART
In addition to audio poems he has a host of musical renditions combining Hawaiian/English lyrics with innovative sounds. You can listen to his creations at this link on Jango. My favorite is Moonbow.

Alika is presently working on a stage play he describes as a fairy tale inspired by Hawaiian mythology.

It is lovely to see how the legends of old Hawaii have influenced this thoroughly modern world citizen in his creative life.


Linda Ballou Author of Wai-nani, A Voice from Old Hawai'i

Under the Cover with Randy Jay Braun

Over the years that it took me to write Wai-nani, A Voicefrom Old Hawai’i, I had two yellowing postcard images taped to my wall. One was of a woman with arms stretched to the heavens, knees bent deeply, wearing a swaying ti leaf skirt in a classic kahiko dance pose.

The other was a muscular Hawaiian man glistening with vitality wearing a malo, or loin cloth, with knees bent arms outstretched, hair flying also doing hula. I looked to these two images while conjuring the love scenes that take place in the story. This man and woman epitomized the natural beauty and grace of people in a culture I so admired.

After a year of searching on the internet for an image that would convey the spirit of my book, I settled upon one by Randy Jay Braun. He is a photographer internationally known for his realistic depictions of Hawaiian dancers doing the ancient kahiko dance of Hawai’i. It is called “Celebration of Life.” Since Wai-nani, A Voice from Old Hawai’i is a celebration of the people of old, I felt it was fitting.

The silhouette of a dancer with arms stretched to the heavens to capture mana, or spiritual power, depicts a sacred ceremony.  The deep purple, tinged with gold, sunset evokes a sense of mystery and hopefully invites the reader to enter a world largely unknown to western readers.

Randy Jay Braun

It is ironic that the two images I held in my mind over twenty years of research and writing were also those of Randy Jay Braun. I was not aware of that fact until I found them on his site along with the image that eventually became the cover of my book.   Writing Wai-nani, A Voice from Old Hawai’i has been a long, satisfying journey with many serendipitous discoveries along the way.  I have met many wonderful people who have opened their hearts to me with warm aloha and lent their talents to enrich the telling of the Hawaiian story. A special thank you to Randy Jay Braun for allowing me to use his image for the cover of my book.

Wai-nani Audio Book Coming Soon!!!!!!!!

Christine Padovan

I am thrilled to announce that my novel Wai-nani, A Voice from old Hawai’i, will soon be available in audio format.

 Christine Padovan a popular narrator with a warm, distinctive voice, who makes non-fiction works sound compelling and interesting, with range and versatility in bringing characters to life in the world of fiction has agreed to narrate my book. That this bright and beautiful young woman identifies with the athleticism, as well as the spiritualty of my heroine, makes my heart sing. I’m certain she will do a superlative job on this work in progress. 

Work in Progress

 

Christine was awarded 'Best Audiobook' for 2013 by Efestivalofwords.com for her narration of Toni Dwiggins' acclaimed thriller, 'Badwater: The Forensic Geology Series'.  Christine is an Audible Approved Producer and member of the Audio Publishers Association.

She specializes in Romance/Erotica, Mystery/Thriller, Bios/Memoirs and Sci-fi/Fantasy genres. You can learn more about her at

http://christinepadovan.com

http://www.audible.com/search/ref=pd_narr_1?searchNarrator=Christine+Padovan

Warm Aloha for Wai-nani at Redondo Slack Key Fest

I am honored to be a guest speaker at the VIP Meet and Greet Reception to kick off the largest gathering of great slack key artists on the West Coast.  Thanks to James Kimo West,

 who will be playing with other masters on the main stage of the Redondo Beach Slack Key Fest, I was invited to share my book-

James Kimo West

Wai-nani, High Chiefess of Hawai'i who speaks directly to the reader from the spirit well. Inspired by the life of the precocious  Ka'humanu who rose to become the most powerful woman in old Hawai'i the story spans the most dynamic period of Hawaiian History from 1750-1819.

Comic, producer, writer, actor and master of ceremonies Kamaka Brown will perform his orginal Hawaiian pidgin English stories about growing up in Hawai'i accompanied by beautiful Ki ho'alu style instruments.

Ono food, good company and a festive atmosphere promises to be a great evening for all who attend.
Tickets for this event include front row seats for the 2:00 PM performance at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center on Jan 19th. Purchase tickets at www.slackkeyfest.com

The Aloha Market Place filled with all things Hawaiian is open from 11:00 to 5:30 PM on the 19th is free to enter.

VIP Meet the Artists Reception is on Jan. 18th  from 5:30 to 8:30 at PS Zask Art Gallery
Promenade on the Peninsula, 550 Deep Valley Drive, Ste 151
Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274

Kimo West shares Warm Christmas Aloha

Kimo in Hana

Christmas aloha filled the cozy Coffee Gallery last night. James Kimo West and friends spread good cheer with a range of tunes from a Here Comes the Sun makeover, to classic slack-key. Kimo held center stage with tender renditions of Hawaiian favorites. Taught by the legendary masters of slack-key, Kimo is carrying on the fine tradition of soulful guitar. Often slipping into a jazz-like riff he takes you on a lovely ride. Quoted has having a “soft, sweet, or gentle voice” his music is a fusion of old and new rooted deeply in tradition. When the violinist, Dave, and local boy guitarist Kapo Ku, joined in the place got jumping. A sensual hula dancer, along with a fine vocalist added to the brew.

Kimo sharing aloha at Coffee Gallery

Kimo is making several stops on the mainland this holiday season. You can find him in Santa Barbara, Redondo Beach at the annual Slack-key fest, and back at the Coffee Gallery where seating is limited and gets sold out early with another slack-key artist in January. You can get full details of upcoming venues on his website Jim Kimo West

If you can’t make it, his Christmas CD and other more classic renderings are available at most online distribution sites.

A Journey through the Hawaiian Islands Without leaving Home

Hula Kumu, Mikalani Young’s creative performance “Journey

through the Islands” transports viewers through visual media, storytelling, music and dance. Guests will leave with more insight of each island that will make them want to go back to the islands and visit these places that aren't spoken about on a bus tours and adventure tours.  Many stories are passed on through oral history and music.  She hopes to bring you to the Islands right here in California and that you leave with a deeper love and understanding of Hawai'i and the Hawaiian people.

Wai-nani and I will be greeting guests at Mikalani’s Ho’ike . Like Wai-nani in her progress throughout ancient Hawai’i, Mikalani shares places that aren’t in the guidebooks imparting the legends behind them.  The result is a dynamic and captivating performance that lifts you out of your seat in California and takes you to the Islands. No security check needed. Just go to WWW.MIKILANISKANIKAPILA.COM   and grab a ticket.   

 Can’t make it?  Let Wai-nani take you to hauntingly beautiful Old Hawai’i. Available on Amazon and my site Linda Ballou Author.com. If you purchase Wai-nani on my site you receive Wai-nani’s Wayfinder, a map of sacred sites on the Big Island, and I pay the freight anywhere in the U.S.