Busy Day In Paradise

Aloha Everyone,

IBM Building stands short, stocky, proud among the new, shiny, ultra-modern high-rise condos. Famous architect Vladi­mir Ossipoff designed this Iconic building in 1962.

About 5 years ago, the IBM Building was scheduled to be demolished. However, today, the building is serving as the headquarters for Howard Hughes' 60 acres development of Ward Village's gateway. It houses an information center, sales office and place where parties are held for future owners/residents.

While Jeff was having a meeting, I went around and took photos.

Kalakaua Avenue is the main street in Waikiki which runs parallel to the ocean. We passed one of our favorite picnic spots.

Diamond Head to Kahala is one of the most exclusive residential neighborhoods on Oahu.

Our next destination was Regency at Kahala, a luxury condo preferred by many because of its quality, classic design, spacious units and location. It is adjacent to Kahala Mall. Here we did a Final Walk-Through for one of our clients who is purchasing a high-floor unit.

Our lunch stop, Kuru Kuru Sushi (Go round sushi), was at Kahala Mall.

Jeff and I also stopped by to say "Aloha" to one of our colleagues, Myra.

This was a busy but very enjoyable day with Jeff.

Aloha -- Cathi

Sunday Drive Around Oahu: From Waianae to Hawaii Kai to Waimanalo

Aloha Everyone,

J.J. and I love Waianae located on the West Coast of Oahu. This area has some of the most beautiful beaches. Not frequented by tourists, the place is separated from the rest of Oahu by the Waianae Mountain range. It is isolated, remote, rugged, rustic and yet very peaceful, inspiring  and calming.

After a 55 minutes drive, we arrived at Yokohama Bay, the last accessible beach by car.

We met four local boogie boarders who were ready to enjoy the strong swells and the pristine water. They graciously agreed to pose for me before they ran off to enjoy the surf.

From Left to Right, Jansen, Duke, Kimo and Kyson

Our next destination, Hawaii Kai on the East side of Oahu. Looking for a light lunch, J.J. and I decided on Zippy’s. This is an institution in Hawaii. Zippy's have been around for over 48 years and you will find them all over the island.  Here is J.J.'s choice, Wanton Min. (Chinese-style noodle soup).

Our next activity was to see a movie at the Koko Marina Movie Theater. We were not expecting much but "Wedding Ringer" turned out to be more than just a typical slapstick comedy. There were a few profound messages about friendship that made it worthwhile.

Our return was the loop around Sandy Beach to Waimanalo. This is also one of our favorite drives. Some sections resembles Route 1 from Big Sur to San Louis Obispo, CA.

Aloha -- Cathi 

Breakfast with Jeff & Laura, Lunch with Larry, Dinner with Kumu Keahi

Aloha Everyone,

Jeff and Laura are from Battle Creek, Michigan. Jeff is a retired executive and he volunteers as the Executive in Residence at Hawaii Pacific University. They try to spend about 5 1/2 month out of the year in Hawaii.

Laura volunteers at a church organization that is affiliated with Hawaii Food Bank. She speaks very passionately about the challenges of those who are in need of assistance.

Jeff's advice on retirement:
1.  Before you uproot and relocate to a new place, try living there for awhile.
2.  Do your homework. Experience the community and culture of the place.
3.  You may think isolation is perfect but you need mental stimulation in retirement.

Jeff and Laura came to Hawaii about 20 times prior purchasing a property.

Larry is an astronomer who just earned his PhD in Astro Physics from University of Hawaii. When I first met Larry and his wife, Maureen, nearly 10 years ago, their son was a very precocious 3 years old. I asked Larry what advice he gives to his now a teenage son, they are:

1) never stop learning.
2) do everything the best way you can do.

Last August, Larry accompanied his son to Cooperstown Dreams Park in Cooperstown, NY. This is one of the best tournaments for under 12 youth baseball players. It provides the opportunity to spend a week living their dream, playing baseball in a tournament against teams from throughout the United States.

Each players are given 2 sets of uniforms: red and blue. Therefore when you are on the field, you are either red team or blue team. Larry felt that players dressed in the same uniforms removed any social and economic classifications. The boys were there to enjoy the game and the company of fellow players. It seems that for his son, it was a wonderful, memorable experience of "hanging out" with his friends.

Kumu in Hawaiian is translated as "teacher". Kumu Keahi is a Kumu of Hawaiian culture and Hawaiian Religion at Chaminade University. Kumu Keahi also works at Hawaii State Legislature as a broadcaster. Ke has an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering and Masters Degree in Secondary Education in Physics . As if he does not have enough things to do, Kumu Keahi also takes care of his "Hanae Uncle" and mentors high school students.  He is a modest man and it took me over a span of 2 years to find out about him bits and pieces.

I am grateful for Kumu Keahi's participation in my yoga and medication class. He brings joy, compassion and powerful positive healing energy to those who are fortunate to come in contact with him.

Aloha -- Cathi

Kakaako Waterfront Park and a Drive to North Shore

Aloha Everyone,


This morning Jeff and I went on a 2 long walk to Kakaako Waterfront Park located south of downtown Honolulu. There is no sandy beach but it is a popular place for picnics.

University of Hawaii School of Medicine is located at the entry to the Kakaako Waterfront Park.

JJ and I set off on a "holoholo" (I am using this Hawaiian word to describe "an aimless walk or ride for pleasure," towards the North Shore of Oahu.

At Tropical Farm of Hawaii' we met Sue and Kerry from Saskatchewan, Canada and we had an interesting conversation. Here is Kerry with his sister-in-law, Toni.

Kualoa Regional Park has been one of our favorite beach picnic spots. The amazing ridges of the Koolau Mountain Range and pristine aqua-marine color of Kaneohe Bay with Chinaman's Hut are eternally beautiful.

La'ie Point State Wayside is said to be the point that is closest to the mainland, USA.

Lunch at Hukilau Cafe. A crew from KITV news were filming and interviewing locals for their news program.

With Lehua, our waitress

Lea, community coordinator

North Shore of Oahu is where you find "Old Hawaii". People enjoy more relaxed pace of life. North Shore is also famous for Hawaii surfing competitions. Today due to huge, powerful swells, beaches were closed.

We stopped at Dillingham Airfield to ask about glider ride.  Mr. & Mrs. Kamimura from Kyoto were also interested and stopped to inquire.  However flights were cancelled today due to strong wind.

In spite of heavy downpour that followed us all the way back to the city, it was a perfect day in paradise.

Aloha -- Cathi