Aloha Oy
Pahala Mix Tape
I didn’t see the falls when I came in, it was too dark and the sky was too low. There was a heavy mist in the air and there was no ambient light. I slid the little bathroom window shut, thinking that the white noise was some kind of air conditioner or generator, and it …
Postcard from Pahala
I want to tell you some things about what it’s like to be in this part of Hawaii. I want to tell you about how there’s a big hole in the lawn out in front of this big old plantation house and how there’s a chicken wire wrapped pig lying on its back, trotters up, …
The Ukulele Connection
Stop me if you’ve heard this one before. The first time I went to Hawaii, I got crazy from the sound of the ukulele. When I returned to Seattle, I’d decided that I was going to make that sound myself. I had no idea how this was going to happen, only that it was. I …
Waiting for the Apocalpyse in Paradise
“Do you mind my asking? Are you Christian?” “No, no, I’m Jewish.” “Messianic? Orthodox?” I smile and shake my head. “Ha, no, I’m a West Coast Jew. I grew up in California.” I’m not sure Norman knows what I mean by this. “I’m not practicing,” I say, by way of explanation. “Have you been to …
I’ll Fly Away
“Is everyone ready?” “Does it matter if I say NO?” That’s the exchange I had with pilot Kyle just before the little eight seater headed down the runway. I looked at all the analog buttons and dials and the map of the island. I craned my neck to see over the nose of the little …