Sorry rayboyjr. We be back to a non-”eye candy” pic this week, but last week was fun for ALL nonetheless… no? Bruddah Takeshi got another WIH victory under his belt by correctly guessing Waianapanapa State Park in the mysterious beach shot where few noticed the black sand.
This week, I think/hope we’ve got a toughy. It could be just about any breakfast/lunch/dinner spot in the world state. Let’s see how skilled y’all are wit’ dis one.
Hurrrrr we goooooo!
Where In Hawaii is Edward Sugimoto? – September 16, 2009
P.S. Adding this footnote to all future WIH posts… If any of y’all have pics you’d like to contribute to the “Where In Hawaii” game, feel free to email them to me and I’ll post um up in future blogs! And yes, you aren’t allowed to guess on those days! LOL!
Happy Hump DayWhere In Hawaii Wednesday y’all. Shooooots!
It’s no coincidence that the word Victory is in Shane Victorino’s name. Losing is not even in his vocabulary. As a gifted athlete growing up, he’s always been on the winning end in sports. As a 28 year old young adult, it’s no different. He was an integral member of the world champion Philadelphia Phillies last season, has won the Gold Glove award, and was recently named to the Major League All Star Game, the first positional player from Hawaii to be bestowed the honor. And to think… this is just the beginning!
Victorino actually started his athletic career almost out of necessity. As an extremely active child with ADHD, his parents enrolled him in sports to feed his energy and keep him engaged. The decision proved to be a good one as Shane went on to star at Maui’s St. Anthony High in 4 sports: football, soccer, track and baseball. And, although he was offered a full ride scholarship to the University of Hawaii for football and baseball, Shane got the blessing of his family and chose to pursue a career in baseball when the Los Angeles Dodgers came a callin’ in 1999.
After years of minor league ball, the San Diego Padres claimed him from the Dodgers in 2002 via the Rule 5 draft (“Major league teams must protect players on their 40-man rosters within three or four years of their original signing. Those left unprotected are available to other teams as Rule 5 picks.” – http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/columnists/askbarule5.html), where he actually saw some time in the bigs (36 games). Eventually, he was returned to the Padres (as part of Rule 5 stipulations), before being drafted again, via Rule 5, by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2004.
The losses of starters Bobby Abreu (trade) and Aaron Rowand (free agency) made room for Shane to display his skills in the outfield and ultimately earn a starting spot in 2007.
Info about Victorino from a Phillies display at Philadelphia Airport
During a recent home series against the Florida Marlins, I was able to catch up with our All Star from the islands about his personal life, his career and everything else in between. Enjoy!
Personal Life:
Edward Sugimoto) We’ll start off with an easy one: What’s a typical day in the life of Shane Victorino in Maui?
Shane Victorino) In Maui? Typical day in the life of Shane Victorino in Maui? Woo. You know what? That probably would’ve been just getting up in the morning, getting up to the beautiful weather, of course there in Hawaii, our beautiful island of Maui, and just spending time with the family. That would be now, but back when I was a kid, it was probably, get up, go to school. After school’s done, go to sports – whatever practice it may be – soccer, football, whatever was going on at the time, baseball, track, and after that’s done, go home and spend time with the family.
The author and Shane Victorino
Edward Sugimoto) A couple years ago (March 30, 2007), you became a father (daughter Kali`a Makenna Victorino). How does that feel?
Shane Victorino) Oh I love it! I love being a dad. My little girl Kalia, she’s a little rascal. My mom guys always told me, sometimes it comes full circle. My mom and dad did a wonderful job with me as a kid, and now I get to see what I was probably like, and see my genes go to work on my daughter. She’s a handful so I can only imagine what I was like for my mom and dad.
Edward Sugimoto) Speaking of your dad, he’s a Council Member back in Maui. Did he give you any kind of words of wisdom or leadership advice?
Shane Victorino) Um, you know what, dad’s one of those guys where I think, in the position that he’s in, and some of the things that he’s done in the community, you know he always told me work hard, and when you go out there, you work hard, you show people that you can be a leader, not by talking about it, but by going out there and doing things the right way. Giving back to the community and so on and so forth. So to have dad in that position I think it’s nice and you know he loves what he does, he loves always giving back and working for the community, when he got into the Councilman position he was very excited.
The author and Shane Victorino
Edward Sugimoto) You mentioned being in baseball, you were an Eagle Scout, Football (star in Soccer, Basketball and Track too). Is there anything you CAN’T do?
Shane Victorino) Anything I can’t do. (*laughs*). You know what’s funny, I never did surf. I never did surf growing up. That’s the one thing I think everybody always kinda questions like coming from Hawaii, how it is to surf and yada yada yada, but I always told myself, when my friends went to the beach, I went to the baseball park, I went to the football field, I went to the soccer field, you know I wanted to go get better playing spots, so I think that helped me differentiate myself from some of the things that, you know, if I went and spent a lot of time at the beach and surfed, it would’ve took away from me trying to be a good athlete that I am today.
Edward Sugimoto) Speaking about baseball, we (Hawaii) have Tony Rego, Sid Fernandez, and Benny Agbayani from back in the day. Today we have like the Little Leaguers from Waipio, you, Tyler Yates (Kurt Suzuki). Is this just the beginning of Hawaii talent coming into the league?
Shane Victorino) Yeah. I think Hawaii is definitely going to be a place where scouts are gonna come. Myself, Kurt Suzuki, you said Tyler Yates, Brandon League. I mean I can keep going down the list. More and more kids are in the minor leagues, so it’s definitely one of those things where Hawaii’s gonna become a state where I think a lot of people are gonna look, go there and look for talent, and look for baseball talent. The thing is Hawaii has so many talented kids, it’s just that a lot of them don’t want to go away. A lot of them miss Hawaii, and yada yada, and I always say to myself, if my family’s healthy, eveybody’s doing great, Hawaii’s Hawaii. It’s not gonna change. If you get the opportunity to go away, go to the (eastern) states and do some things, hey take the chance. You know what, your home will always be home. It ain’t gonna go nowhere.
The author and Shane Victorino
Edward Sugimoto) You’re highly involved in the community, both in Philadelphia and in Hawaii. And you have a Celebrity Golf Classic (to raise funds and awareness for Hawaii Children’s Cancer Foundation) coming up in November I believe (November 21st at the Maui Prince Makena Resort)? What makes you care so much about your community?
Shane Victorino) Well, I just think that being in the position that I’m in today, you know, growing up there in Hawaii, I never really saw too much of these kinds of things. Being in the sport that I’m in, I have a lot of teammates who host charity events, and for me, I was always taught that any way you can give back, it’s just one of those things, if you can give back, why not? If you can make an impact on somebody’s life, why not? And I think that when I got into the level that I got last year, I told myself, you know what, it’s time for me to try and make something happen in Hawaii. We’ll raise money for certain causes. Last year it was Alzheimer’s, this year it’s Hawaii’s Children’s Cancer research. So any way I can give back, I think is one of those things where I’ve always uh. You know when you’re in a position, like they say, “well you’re a professional athlete, you should give back.” Well, sometimes I think that we’re in a position that we don’t have to give back, but we’re in a position where we can help to make the community build and I think that’s what we do and that’s why I love doing these charity events.
Shane doing an interview with a reporter at UFC 101
Edward Sugimoto) How’d you like the fight last night (UFC 101 was at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia)? We saw you!
Shane Victorino) I loved it! (*turns to camera*) Right on! Good job BJ! I was definitely excited. He definitely represented Hawaii. I think he worked hard. He was really, really focused on this fight and wanted to make an impression. I think that was what I saw out of him. He had that drive, he had that desire, he had the BJ Penn attitude. I think he really worked hard for this fight. He wanted to prove to people again that hey, you know what he’s still known as one of the best guys.
Edward Sugimoto) You probably have a lot of fans from Hawaii in for the fight and probably here for the game today. Are you pretty amped up about that?
Shane Victorino) Yeah, no I’m excited. I saw a few Hawaiian flags flying in the stands the last couple nights, so, it’s definitely nice to have the support and love from the Hawaii people.
Baseball Life:
Edward Sugimoto) You had a full ride scholarship to UH for Football. How difficult of a decision was it to turn that down and pursue a career in baseball?
Shane Victorino) It was very tough. It was one of those things, uh, you know my mom definitely wanted me to get a good education, and she definitely pushed that. She sent me to a private high school (St. Anthony in Maui) for a reason and that was to get a good education and to hopefully do well in sports and so on and so forth. But when that day came, it was definitely tough. But I told my mom, I said, “Mom, college will always be there. I may never have another chance to go pro.” So it was definitely a tough decision, but when I made a decision, I told myself I’m gonna go ’til I can’t stop. I wanted to go there and I wanted to work hard. As they always say, until they take the jersey off your back, I don’t want to quit. There were times yeah definitely through the minor leagues, there were struggles, and there were times I wanted to come home, but my dad said, “Hey just remember, you coming back home, you’re never going back.” That was words of advice that I’ll always remember. If I gave up when I wanted to, I may never get another chance to play pro ball, so I stuck with it, worked hard. But going back to the question, it was definitely a tough decision, but like I said, I told my mom, “Mom, education was gonna be there, college ain’t going nowhere.” You know, I can go to college when I’m 35, 40 years old. Hopefully I had a good career. I can go back to college when I’m done. So it was definitely tough, but I talked mom out of it, and I was able to go and turn pro, and hey, I’m having a wonderful time so far.
Victorino info on the billboard
Edward Sugimoto) The Phillies. You guys are all pretty aggressive, work hard. Is that something Coach (Charlie) Manuel stresses?
Shane Victorino) Yeah, um, you know what, Charlie is one of those guys where he lets you play. He’s the kind of manager that you want to play for. A guy that’s gonna let you go out there and gonna let you play the game that you play. Not gonna put too much stress on you, he’s not gonna bash you in the media. He’s gonna come and call you in his office if he wants to talk to you about things. So, when you come to the field every day, you know what you have out of your manager, and that’s the kind of guy you want. A guy who’s gonna be in your corner, not a guy that’s gonna yell at you, stress you out even more than what this game already does. He’s the kind of manager that we call a player’s manager. He takes care of his players. He goes out there, he wants his players to do their best. He’s got two rules: it’s to be on time and play hard (and hustle). You can’t ask much more out of a manager than that.
Phillies logo in the Phillies dugout
Edward Sugimoto) You wear a rarely fashioned double eared helmet. Is this because that’s how we used to play back in the day or just ’cause you’re a switch hitter?
Shane Victorino) Well, yeah, no, I did that in the minor leagues, and when I got to the big leagues, I put the one flap on for a while and it was kinda like I felt uncomfortable. So I told myself, why change? I did it in the minor leagues, I did it in Little League, why not keep it up? Plus, being a switch hitter, I don’t want to carry two different helmets, so some of those things factor in.
Shane Victorino sporting the double-eared helmet
Edward Sugimoto) Do you have a preference (right handed or left handed batting)?
Shane Victorino) No. There’s times you feel good from the right, there’s time you feel great from the left side. So you just gotta keep playing in this game. You play 162 games for a reason. You’re gonna go through your ups and downs, you’re gonna have your slumps, you’re gonna have your struggles, but you just go out there and keep working.
Edward Sugimoto) #8. Is there a reason why you chose that number?
Shane Victorino) Um, you know what, my brother was #8 in high school, my mom’s born on January 8, so 8 has some significance. I was 8 in high school. When I first got here, they gave me #8 so I was lucky enough, and I really didn’t have to ask for #8, but I was given #8 my first year here. It’s definitely a number that has ties to me.
Edward Sugimoto) Congratulations on winning the Gold Glove last season. Do you take pride in your defensive skills as much or more than your batting skills?
Shane Victorino) I definitely take pride in my offense a little more I think. But I mean I take pride in my defense too. I think defense is such a great factor in a ball game. You can never struggle. You should never slump on defense. You’re gonna go through struggles at the plate. You’re gonna go through 0 for 30s, you’re gonna go for 2 for 50s, but on defense you should never struggle because that’s not something where you gotta worry about hitting, you gotta worry about seeing the ball. You just gotta worry about staying focused, making good plays, and going out there and playing hard.
Shane manning the outfield (I know… kinda blurry!)
Edward Sugimoto) What’s the biggest rush. Homerun? Stolen base? Diving catch?
Shane Victorino) You know what, they all have their different life. Of course if you hit a walk-off homerun, that’s more exciting. When you make a diving catch in the game, that’s exciting. You steal a base in a big big situation, so you know, every one has its own weight I think. But for me, I would say, hitting a home run in a crucial situation, I think to me would be the most exciting thing.
Edward Sugimoto) You became the first Hawaii-born positional player in the All Star game. You had the support of Philadelphia, Hawaii, and everybody else (Both Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell and Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle showed their support, and South Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter even went door to door to solicit votes). You had 15.6 million Internet votes which set a record (previously held by Evan Longoria in 2008 at 9 million). How does that make you feel to have so much support?
Shane Victorino) It made me feel great. That really showed what Philly fans, what Hawaii fans, and what the passion of baseball has. The blessing that I had to be able to be voted in, to get that amount of votes, almost double what the guy the previous year had I think, was such an amazing thing. It really showed how much Philly fans and people around the world really care I guess about how I play the game and how I approach the game, so it was definitely a nice thing.
Edward Sugimoto) You had a hit in the All Star game. Explain your experience, the whole experience.
Shane Victorino) Everything was great. Every bit of it was what I expected. There were a few things, of course getting to meet President Obama again, just listening to the 5 living presidents talk before the game on the big screen about All Stars among us, people who are helping the community. Every moment had its catch, and being introduced as a starter, and then going out there and getting my first hit in my first at bat in my All Star game, or my first All Star game, so, it was some fun times.
Edward Sugimoto) On Friday, the Phillies inducted Harry Kalas into the Phillies Wall of Fame. After a recent homerun, you pointed to the booth where he used to sit. Kalas has a history in Hawaii (with the US Army and as a Hawaii Islanders announcer). What kind of an impact did he have on you?
Shane Victorino) He had that voice that I remember growing up as a little kid watching Inside the NFL at my grandma’s house, thinking to myself, who’s voice is this I’m hearing? And then when I came here in ‘05, I remember hearing his voice when I got called up and I’m like, hold on, this is the guy’s voice that I used to hear when I was a little kid when I used to watch Inside the NFL, NFL Films. You know, it was just like, woah, this is the man. This is the guy, Harry Kalas, the guy that I remember growing up watching Inside the, you know NFL Films, and hearing that voice. To actually meet the guy in person, we definitely had a bondage. I remember one of my walk off homeruns, he said Victorino No Ka Oi. That was one thing he would always call me. “Hey! Victorino No Ka Oi!” You know he would always say that. He definitely had his roots to Hawaii. His first wife was from Hawaii, he definitely started with the Islanders, did some broadcasting there, so he definitely had some roots to the islands.
Shane Victorino
Edward Sugimoto) What does the future hold for Shane Victorino?
Shane Victorino) What does the future hold huh? Just try to be the best player I can be. To go out there and try to keep succeeding, try to keep getting better. In this game, there’s always room for improvement, and I think you go out there and work hard every day, that’s all I can say. I try to go out there and work as hard as I can, and try to play as hard as I can because you never know what could happen. Tomorrow may be my last day, today might be my last day. I might get hurt and never play again. But as long as I’m giving 100%, that’s all I can ask about myself.
Edward Sugimoto) You have any words of advice for your young fans out there?
Shane Victorino) Yeah. I think the kids in Hawaii, like I said earlier, I think a lot of Hawaii kids don’t understand, and they struggle with the fact of leaving home. To me, my advice to them is hey, if you get the opportunity, leave. Take the chance, see what’s out there. Work hard as a little kid and work hard now because when you work hard now, it’ll help you in the end. I was one of those kids where I was blessed by God. I had a lot of natural abilities. I didn’t work as hard as some of my friends, and I always say to myself if I did, how much better a player would I have been when I first got to the big leagues? But you know, I think with hard work and dedication, a lot of things can happen.
Edward Sugimoto) And how about your general fans? Message to them?
Shane Victorino) General fans? Thank you guys for everything. Thank you for voting me to the All Star game. Just enjoy. I think when you come to watch our team, that’s what we do. We go out there, we have fun, we try the best we can, and we play the game hard, and we just try to go out and win every night.
…
Right back atcha Bruddah Shane. Mahaloz for making all of us in Hawaii so very proud. Keep on playing the game with that intensity and heart and only good things will come. But I’m sure you already know this, as failure has never been in your vocabulary. V is for Victorino. Victorino No Ka Oi!
Me and Bruddah Shane
…
Ed’s Notes:
Shortly after this interview, Victorino strangely got ejected from the game (in centerfield!) by home plate umpire Ed Rapuano for throwing his arms up in the air (following a bad call). The Phillies lost the game and was ultimately swept by the Marlins, further diminishing their lead in the NL East.
Yikes.
A couple games later, in a matchup against the Chicago Cubs, he was doused with beer by a rabid Cubs fan – while trying to make a routine catch.
Eek.
Could it be? Could my interview with Bruddah Shane, in some strange way, possibly have put some kind of curse on the Phils? No. Can’t be! Riiight?
Thankfully, the Phils broke out in a big way, going 14-5 since then and is now sitting atop the NL East with a handsome 7 and a half game lead (as of 08/31). So you can actually say that this interview gave them good luck going into the post-season! You’re welcome fellow Philly fans!
A big Mahaloz to: Ted Nakamura, Leonard Nakahashi, Shane’s mom, Josh Goldberg of the Beverly Hills Sports Council, Greg Casterioto and Deanna Sabec of the Phillies organization, Bari Carroll, and of course Bruddah Shane Victorino.
Alright alright! It’s another exciting day up in hurr. Can you feel it?
I’d like to first start off by welcoming you new readers who found your way here via my floating head on the cover of today’s paper. Hope you like what you see and decide to check back often! I would also like to send mad love to all y’all regular (dare I say daily?) readers! Majahloz for being a loyal member of our little WWE `ohana we got goin’ on ova hea!
Earlier this month, I asked you to post your questions for Mr. Shane Victorino to my blog. You see, your boy had the unique opportunity to meet and interview our beloved All Star and I wanted to take some of your questions with me, as we did with Bruddah BJ Penn. Well, I finally had the chance to edit, transcribe, and Youtube the puppy, and, below, is the fruit of our loins, er labor. Enjoy!
[bB ]: Did you have any baseball heroes and did you collect baseball cards of them?
I collected baseball cards, but I didn’t have really no baseball heroes growing up. I was very big into every sport I think. I never really focused on baseball, but I watched it definitely as a kid, but you know I never really was like “baseball’s gonna be my passion,” you know growing up as a kid. And of course now it is my passion, it is my job, it is my career, yeah I never really had any baseball heroes.
(Ed’s notes: Sorry beeBz, I got rayboyjr’s question mixed up with yours! *blush*)
[hemajang]: Does Shane have any thoughts about life after baseball.
Life after baseball. Right now, you know what, I’m trying to line myself up with some things. You know things that you brainstorm. Hopefully I’ll have a long enough career, and hopefully I’ll save enough money that I make during my career and hopefully get to retire and sit back on the beach, but no, I definitely want to uh, you know anytime in this business I think you meet so many people you know, you just, you try to keep getting better and you try to keep learning and you always listen to people’s advice and try to get the best advice you can.
[Matt ]: what’s it like when he runs into other Hawaii boys in the league?
What’s it like? I mean it’s just like you know it’s one of those things where it happens everywhere. You know how Hawaii is. We’re very family oriented, we always stick together. Like last night for instance, going over to support BJ (at UFC 101), going around the league and facing guys like Tyler Yates, and Brandon League, and playing against Kurt Suzuki. You feel good because you see a fellow “Hawaiian,” a guy that you know, hey, there’s not many of us out there that get the opportunity to do what we’re doing. You know you feel good for the guys that get the opportunity to go out there and do that.
[kuya.d ]: What do his teammates ask him to bring back for them from Hawaii?
Um, you know what, a lot of them always ask about the pineapples. Hawaii’s got great pineapples. We got a lot of guys on our team that love pineapples. You know I brought President Obama… I gave him macadamia nuts and chocolates during the All Star game, so, you know stuff like that, little things like that that you bring home from Hawaii.
[NeedaHobby ]: did he know Kurt Suzuki growing up and does he keep in contact with him?
Yeah, no yeah. In fact we just spoke last night during the fights. He text messaged me over the phone and we definitely, I did play against him growing up. He was a couple years behind me. I think he was a sophomore when I was a senior. But I definitely played against Kurt. It’s definitely exciting to see another guy, another fellow Maui boy in fact, do well and with guys like Tyler, with Brandon, you know just seeing the state of Hawaii do well in baseball.
[rayboyjr]: Which current Major League player(s) are you a big fan of? Have you asked for autographs or game-used stuff from them after a game?
Yeah, no I get autographs from as many guys as I can. I never know how long I’m going to be playing in this game. I think when you go out there every day, playing with guys like Albert (Pujols), playing with guys like Jimmy (Rollins), Chase (Utley), and being friends with guys like (Ryan) Howard, you know being friends with the guys on my team, especially, you know, we got so many guys that are good on our team. I’m definitely a guy that likes to talk to people, and say hi and get to know people, so…
[zzzzzz]: Has he got any of his teammates hooked on Spam Musubi? Is PETA still giving him grief about Spam Musubi being his favorite food?
No PETA’s not giving me a hard time yet this year, but Scott Eyre, one of our relievers, he’s big into SPAM. He bought me some SPAM last week and we actually fried it up and ate it. Yeah we have some fun around here.
[skycastles]: Boxers or briefs?
Boxers or briefs? No answer on that one (*laughs*). No answer to that one. A little too much for me. (*laughs*)
(Ed’s notes: Never again sky! Nevahhhhhhh agaaaaain! )
[Dave Oi]: What do you miss most about Maui in particular (not necessarily Hawaii)…besides family & friends.
What do I miss most about Maui in particular? I think uh, the beautiful weather, the beautiful beaches. Just paradise. I definitely miss that. The Jersey shore is about an hour from here, and it’s definitely not walking out to the white sandy beaches of Hawaii and uh, you know, it’s definitely different living on the east coast. But like I always said, if everybody’s healthy and my family’s doing well, home will always be home. But when I retire, that’s where I plan to be, I plan to be back home in Hawaii. I make my house right now what we consider the 9th island, and that’s in Las Vegas in the off season. When all is said and done, I definitely want to move home to Hawaii again.
[snow]: Does he feel that, coming out of a small state like Hawaii, he was at a disadvantage trying to break into the major leagues? Or might that have somehow worked in his favor?
Um, I say yes and no. It might’ve worked in my favor, but yet it might not have. I think once you get to where I’m at, when you get drafted, I think that everybody’s on uh, you know there’s guys that are, you know a different level, 1st rounder 2nd rounder, but you know what, to me, when you get drafted, everybody has a shot. If you work hard, you play the game the right way, you try to go out there with the right approach. You know I’ve seen a lot of guys get drafted after me, a lot of guys get drafted before me that didn’t get to the big leagues, so I think it depends on the individual, the character of the individual. Everybody has a chance. It might’ve helped me in a way being from Hawaii, but I think everybody gets a fair shot.
[YN]: what’s the weirdest request he has ever gotten from a female fan?
Weirdest request. Boy, you get some weird ones. Some I can’t talk about on camera, but some of the things you get asked to do, especially by female fans, it’s like, I can’t do it. It’s just not realistic. You know being around and having a passion for the game and fans loving you I think is such a nice thing. The most I do is sign balls you know and do little things like that.
[uncle jimmy]: Shane’s arrival and rise to a starting spot pretty much coincided with the re-emergence of the Philly Phranchise. try ask him if Pilly peopo consider him a good luck charm.
*modest laugh* I guess yes and no. I think this team’s a good team, but I think we all work together, we work hard. You know it might’ve been just a coincidence, but you know what, I appreciate the opportunity that I get to play here in this lovely city. And it’s one of those things where you never take it for granted.
…
If it sounded like I was kinda rushing, I really was. I had taken up a good part of his warmup time with my previous two sections and could tell he was getting a bit antsy. As you can hear towards the ending, some peeps started to trickle into the dugout as well! Apologies if I skipped your question but I think I got most of the non-duplicated ones in dea.
Look for the complete video interview and article at AroundHawaii.com on September 1st!
Hope you enjoyed it yo! Lemme know what you thank!
For those who get one holiday tomorrow (Statehood/Admission Day), enjoy! See y’all on Monday k? Shooots!
As part of my UFC 101 weekend in Philadelphia this weekend, I’ve been in contact with Shane Victorino’s management company (shout out to Josh Goldberg at Beverly Hills Sports Council) to see if I can’t line up an interview with our proud Phillie All Star that very same weekend. Josh says that we’ll make it happen so I’mma keepin’ my fingers crossed!
In anticipation of this interview, let’s collect your questions, much like how we did with your BJ Penn ones: Post any questions you’d like to ask Shane in the comment area below and I’ll take them up with me to ask Shane himself. Then, we’ll do a post-interview blog with your questions (much like how we did with the BJ ones)! Sound good? Comment away!
A special thank you to Ted Nakamura who connected me to Leonard Nakahashi who connected me to Shane’s mom, who connected me to Josh at BHSC. Mahalo Ted, Leonard, Shane’s mom, Shane, Josh, and BHSC!
snow broke a new world “Where In Hawaii” record by correctly guessing last week’s photo as the very first commenter! WOAH! Talk about being duck soup! I really gotsta make these harder yeah? I’m hoping this week’s one will keep you guys stumped for at least a day or so. Hurrr we goooo!
Where In Hawaii is Edward Sugimoto? – September 17, 2008
Hint: It’s in Kauai… perhaps somewhere with a lot of trees? *grin*
Local boy Kendall Grove looked impressive in his decision win over former UFC Middleweight champion Evan Tanner in Saturday night’s Ultimate Fighter Team Rampage vs. Team Forrest Finale show. Tanner looked old and defeated while the Maui native was active and aggressive. After the fight, Grove announced that he is opening a gym in Maui with friend (and fighter) Troy “Rude Boy” Mandaloniz. Good to see local boys giving back (following in the footsteps of BJ Penn on the Big Island and Egan Inoue on Oahu).
On the same card, Amir Sadollah did the unthinkable and caught favored CB Dollaway again with an armbar, as Dollaway ridiculously denied tapping. I’m so stoked for Amir! He’s such a humble, grounded (and funny) guy. I hope he does well in his MMA career. Click here for the results of the rest of the card.
Talk to me!
* What’s next for Grove?
* Is Tanner’s career over?
* Think Sadollah has a bright future?
* Post your condolences for Bryan Baptiste and/or George Carlin.
In this third and final part in the Wowie in Maui series, we start our adventures in the clouds. After soaring through the air at Skyline Eco Adventures last month, we head to the highest of elevation at nearby Haleakala National Park to get a different perspective on heights, this time, while on solid ground.
Haleakala Visitor Center
As most of us already know, the best way to see the summit is at sunrise. So set your rooster for early o’clock so you can wake up and head there while it’s still dark. Depending on the time of year (check local sunrise info), the sun will come up at different times. Plan for a drive of about an hour and a half (from Kahului) prior to that sunrise time. You should probably plan a little more than that if you want a good spot against the railing (front row view).
Front Row Seating at Haleakala Visitor Center
(Tip – Weather conditions up top will be non-Hawaii-like – typically 20-30 degrees colder than sea level – so be sure to bring layers of blankets and warm clothing to protect yourself from the elements.).
If you can get through the early morning wake-up, long, windy drive, and frigid temperatures, you will take away the breathless memories from Haleakala that was meant just for you.
As you come down Haleakala Highway (Highway 378) poke your head into the Sunrise Market and Protea Farm (turn on Ponimoi Place). It’s a nice little gift shop where you can refuel on snacks and drinks as well as send Protea Flower arrangements to a friend or loved one. There is even a Protea Farm in the back that you can walk through for free.
Another interesting stop for omiyage (and I should have covered this last month when we were in Kula) is Tedeschi Winery/Vineyard. You can stop here and have free wine tasting (9am-5pm daily) as well as guided tours (10:30am, 1:30pm and 3pm).
You can’t talk Maui, without mentioning the 68 miles of twisty, windy, narrowness that is Hana Highway. So let’s take that dangerous, but scenic road, and see what we find along the way.
We first stopped at Kaumahina State Wayside, a small picnicking rest stop with exotic plants and scenic views of the northeast Maui coastline.
We continue East and stop at a scenic point to snap some shots of Hana Highway.
We continue East until we pass mile marker 31 and turn left onto Ulaino Road. There, we will find The Hana Lava Tube at Ka`eleku Caverns, a self-guided, lava tube/cave tour, complete with stalagmites, stalactites and other naturally formed spectacles. The tube was formed naturally when lava used to flow through the earth. Today, it is an $11.95 tour of yesteryear.
The Hana Lava Tube at Ka`eleku Caverns – Visitor Check In
The Hana Lava Tube at Ka`eleku Caverns – Sign
Descending into the abyss, the mouth of the lava tube.
Approaching darkness. Thank goodness for the provided flashlights.
Ropey Pahoehoe Explanation
Lava walls resembling brownies
Volcano Vent Sign
Volcano Vent
Duck Under Sign
Head’s Up! – Duck Under
Beyond the duck under, you’ll find interesting lava/rock formations…
And then the tour ends.
Stop Here! Tour End Sign
So we turn around and head back, but not before posing for the camera.
Posing before heading back to the beginning
And then, you see the light. [insert heavenly "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh" sound]
The steps back to flat earth (and sunlight) were never sweeter.
Steps out of the Hana Lava Tube at Ka`eleku Caverns
And there it is. The entire island of Maui, jam-packed into three months of words and imagery. Hope you enjoyed the ride. At least enough to give you a Wowie in Maui, natural high…
We did nothing but feed our faces in the last one di’in’t we? And nooo, it wasn’t due to the “munchies” silly. It was simply because it was all *I* did during my westerly travels in Maui. But trust…, if you are patient enough, I’ll make like Sean Kingston and Shorty, I will take you there.
Put on your walking shoes for a brisk stroll through our first stop – historic Paia Town on Maui’s North Shore.
Wen, Steph, Shorts, Marvy, Mai, B, Jerm, Kawads and Tender Ronie enjoying their walk through old Paia Town
This quaint beach town offers a laid-back alternative to the hustle and bustle of some of the bigger towns/cities in Maui.
As we move south, we’ll take a lil’ lunch break at Kula Lodge & Restaurant.
Kula Lodge & Restaurant Sign
Known for their gorgeous sweeping views of mountain and sea, this restaurant serves up salads, burgers, sandwiches, a few entrees, and their popular gourmet pizzas, baked in a kiawe fired brick oven.
Terrace Special Combo Pizza – Marinara Sauce, Four Cheeses, Pepperoni, Italian Sausage, Mushrooms, Kula Onion, and Sliced Black Olives – $19
Bacon – Blue Cheeseburger – Smoked bacon and blue cheese cover this 1/2 lb. Black Angus burger charbroiled to perfection and topped with onions, tomatoes and lettuce on a toasted sesame bun. – $13
After lunch, be sure to venture outside to view the explosion of colors in their garden.
Have your camera on hand because it’s a definite photo opp out here!
Group shot outside Kula Lodge & Restaurant
There is much more to this piece of property than the restaurant and view though. There is a Marketplace (good place for omiyage) and, according to their web site (and namesake for that matter), even a lodge/chalet where you can stay for extended visits.
OK, we’ve finally come to the exciting part of the tour where we can put our forks and chopsticks down and throw caution to the wind. Less biting, more flighting (is that even a word!?). Less food, more of something to put us in a good mood and go “Duuuude!” OK, one too many corny lines. Noted. Let’s head south and hit up Skyline Eco-Adventures from some Ziplinin’!
Skyline Eco-Adventures Sign
Located along the slopes of Haleakala, Skyline Eco-Adventures was founded in 2002 by father and son team Buck & Danny Boren. These outdoor enthusiasts (one, a former radiologist and the other a Small Business Management college graduate and former surf guide) had tried ziplines in Costa Rica in 2001 and thought that it would be a great, new, environmentally responsible activity to bring back to their home on Maui. The Haleakala Skyline Tour turned out to be the first zipline tour in the United States (there are currently about 15 different zipline tour operations across the United States), and they have since opened a second tour location above Ka’anapali in 2007.
Besides the fact that it is a fun, adrenaline rush of a good time with the ziplining itself, you also get a brisk hike in here and there (required to go from launch pad to launch pad), while getting educated on local issues of conservation and preservation.
“Conservation is extremely important to our company,” explains co-founder Danny Boren. “We donate AT LEAST 1% of our sales (and usually quite a bit more) to protection of Maui’s environment (the groups we donate to are listed on our website). We recycle at all of our company locations, and pay for curbside recycling for all of our employees at their homes.”
Boren continues, “We are also the world’s ONLY Carbon Neutral zipline operator… that means that we offset carbon emissions for every aspect our business (vehicles, store, office). In other words, our company does not contribute to Global Warming. The money we pay for carbon offsets goes toward creating new renewable energy projects across the country. Last year we offset 85 tons of carbon emissions (even though we use less than half of that). There are a number of other things as well, we have a native forest restoration area that we have created alongside our Haleakala Skyline Tour… we pay our employees to go out and work with local non-profit groups, we always buy local first for all products, most of the shirts we sell in our retail store is made with Organic Cotton… etc.”
When we visited the tour, we were educated about the native birds (including the `Alala, `Akohekohe, Maui Parrotbill, Nene and `Io) at each of the 5 ziplining launching points.
`Alala (Hawaiian Crow) info at first launching point
So with the ziplining, hiking and eduction, you really get three tours in one. But enough with the chit-chat, let’s get a zippin’!
You must check in at least half an hour before the tour starts (see below for times), so that you can fill out the paperwork and get strapped in with the proper gear.
Ziplining Gear
Ziplining Helmets
Marvin, Steph, Eric, Jeremy and Ronie buckling themselves in
(Note: If you’re “Monk”-like you may wish to consider bringing a bandana to wear between your beautiful head of hair and the oft-used public set of helmets they require).
You’re then given a quick pep talk and education session and then you’re off on your hike to the first launching point, the Alala.
Eric, Steph (hidden), Marvin, Mai, Shorts and our guide hiking to our first line.
Marvin looks concerned while Steph, Shorts and Mai say, “It ain’t no thang!”
The first line is meant to start slow, with each successive line growing in length and speed.
Mai setting up for the Akohekohe line
[video - coming soon]
Mai on the Maui Parrotbill line
Shorts getting strapped in for the Nene line
Below is a list of the 5 lines and their descriptions:
1) Alala – The Hawaiian Crow (there are only about 52 of these birds left) – 125 ft. long & 25 ft. high. (this is the warm up zipline)
2) Akohekohe – The Crested Honeycreeper (there are about 3,500 of these birds left – they only live on East Maui) – 150 ft. long & 75 ft. high (this one has a shear drop off the take off!)
3) The Maui Parrotbill (there are about 250 – 400 of these birds left, they are only found in East Maui and are the rarest forest bird left on Maui) – 225 ft long & 75 ft. high (this zips over the top of the next zipline)
4) Nene – The Hawaiian Goose (there are somewhere around 1200 Nene left, and as you know it is our State Bird) – 330 ft. long & 45 ft. high (this is a great zipline right down the center of the valley)
4a) Swinging Bridge – during the hike that follows the Nene line, you cross a semi daunting swinging bridge that takes you across a gorge.
Swinging Bridge
And then we hit the mother lode. The zipline of all ziplines. The grand `Io finale.
5) ‘Io – The Hawaiian Hawk (there are around 1500 of these birds left, all on the Big Island) – 750 ft. long – 125 ft. high and you go over 40 mph!
The `Io (Hawaiian Hawk) line view from above
What a rush!
[video - coming soon]
First Person view of the `Io Line
So why should you try your hand (and feet) at Ziplining at Skyline Eco-Adventures? Boren offers up some reasons, “There are any number of reasons why someone might want to come on a tour with Skyline Eco-Adventures, but the primary reason is that it is just plain FUN! Customers have the rare opportunity to leap from cliffs and fly hundreds of feet through the air… eventually landing comfortably on the other side of the valley. It is also a fun way to learn about Hawaii, each of our tours shares interesting information about Hawaii, and most customers learn new things while having a great time. Beyond that we are a true local family owned company, and we try to give back to our community in many ways. Lastly, we are by far the most experienced zipline operator in the United States (which sounds a little odd being as how we are from Maui, but it’s undeniably true), and have a great safety record… with more than 500,000 customer zips over the last 6 years we’ve only had about 4 twisted ankles (primarily on the hike) on our tours! We are also the only zipline operator in the country that is fully qualified and insured to build our own ziplines… 100% Maui Made!”
How about the fact that online bookings get a 10% discount, but Kama`aina who call direct get an even better 25% discount!?
Skyline is already looking at other locations around Hawaii and on the Mainland, and hope to launch at least one or two new tours in the next year. For more information or to book a tour, can (808) 878-8400.
Obligatory Group Shot
Skyline Eco Adventures
Take Hwy. 37 (Haleakala Highway) to Hwy. 377. Turn left on Highway 378 (crater Road, drive 2.5 miles and look for the red and white building on the left (map)
(808) 878-8400
Tour Departs daily at 8:30am, 9:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 2pm and 3pm.
The Haleakala summit is sooo close I can taste it, but since part 2 of this series is so action packed as it is, it looks like I’m going to have to break the rest of this into a Wowie in Maui – Part 3.
Hang on to your seats, next month, we’ll cover Haleakala National Park and the Hana Lava Tube at Ka`eleku Caverns fo sho, with possible forays into Tedeschi Winery, Sunrise Protea Gift Shop, Tutu’s, Kaumahina State Wayside and Wai‘anapanapa State Park. Stay tuned, Shorty!
No, the “wowie” in the title is not what you think, Cheech. I’m actually referring to all of the exciting things you can do while exploring the beautiful island of Maui. And in true World Wide Ed fashion, let’s take the logical approach and break this thang down by sections, starting with the West Side of the Valley Isle… WessssSiiiide!
Pretty much as far West as you can get is the city of Lahaina. If touristy shopping is your bag, then this is your place. As somewhat the equivalent of a countrified version of Waikiki, Front Street is where you’ll find all the little shops and restaurants to please your palette. (I may be alone on this one, but for some reason Front Street also reminds me of the Fisherman’s Wharf area in San Francisco. Anyone else?)
We ate the ribs at Front Street Grill and Bar, but I honestly don’t remember much. Not that it was bad, but it just wasn’t memorably good, naw-mean. It is however, a great place for fresh air and people watching, as the restaurant overlooks Front Street.
Ribs from Front Street Grill and Bar
Front Street Grill and Bar
672 Front Street
Lahaina, HI 96761 (map)
(808) 662-3003
Working our way east, we cannot forget to mention Iao Needle at the Iao Valley State Park. I say “mention” because I unfortunately have no photographic proof of actually going there, just my memories. *blush* But since my memories are useless to you, here are a couple of useful links to help you get edu-ma-cated. While you’re off visiting those, I’ll type up my favorite cheesy Iao Needle joke for when you come back.
How ’bout a little crispy manju action from Home Maid Bakery?
Home Maid Bakery sign
Inconspicuously located on Lower Main Street in Wailuku, this mom & pops store has been baking up fresh pastries and sweets like malasadas, doughnuts and their popular crispy manju since 1960. My personal favorite is the peanut butter filled mochi. You heard it here first!
Home Maid Bakery
1005 Lower Main Street
Wailuku, HI 96793 (map)
Bakery: 244-4150
Office: 244-7015
Open 7 days a week, 5am-10pm
Moving east, we hit the Queen Kaahumanu Center, for those of you getting a bad case of shopping withdrawals.
Queen Ka`ahumanu Center sign
With a good sized food court, 6-screen movie theater, and the usual shopping center shops and anchor tenants (see store directory here), you’ll want to make sure you don’t miss local favorite Koho’s Grill & Bar.
Having a little too much fun in front of the Koho Grill and Bar sign
Be forewarned though. It is often crowded here and is known to (sometimes) take long with food orders. Today, I got the veggie burger with fries.
Veggie burger with fries
Queen Kaahumanu Center
275 W Kaahumanu Ave # 1200
Kahului, HI 96732 (map)
(808) 877-3369
Mall Hours: Mon-Sat: 9:30am-9:00pm, Sun: 10:00am-5:00pm
Koho Grill & Bar
275 W Kaahumanu Ave # 245
Kahului, HI 96732 (map)
(808) 877-5588
In case you didn’t enough of yo shop on, we’ll head to the next mall, Maui Mall on nearby East Kaahumanu Avenue. They’ve also got a bevy of stores of interest like Long’s Drug Store, Fun Factory, and the 12 theater Maui Mall Megaplex (see store directory here), but the real reason most visitors come here is get a tasty treat from the ever-popular Tasaka Guri Guri.
Tasaka Guri Guri sign
This famously sweet, juice, soda and condensed milk concoction is undeniably addicting, and the prices are still mom and pop-ish (starts at just $1 for 2 scoops).
Tasaka Guri Guri
Tasaka Guri Guri
70 E Kaahumanu Ave
Kahului, HI 96732 (map)
(808) 871-4513
Another merchant in the Maui Mall with name value is IHOP (International House of Pancakes), the first in the state.
Maui’s IHOP sign
This is the very IHOP that was well documented during Season 3 of American Idol, when it was revealed that Hawaii contestant Camile Velasco used to work for her parents here before trying out for the singing competition.
Today, I ordered a hard-to-ruin, eggs, hash and link sausage breakfast, also known as the Quick Two-Egg Breakfast.
Quick Two-Egg Breakfast: Two Eggs, Two savory pork sausage links (or two bacon strips), plus hash browns and toast
Yeah, I didn’t order pancakes at the International House of Pancakes… Sue me!
IHOP
70 E Kaahumanu Ave
Kahului, HI 96732 (map)
(808) 871-4000
Did I hear somebody say doughnuts? Your wish is my command. Sitting on nearby Kele Street, the State’s only Krispy Kreme Doughnuts location awaits us.
Krispy Kreme sign
With a plethora of flavors and styles, hand-carrying a few dozen of these tasty treats home is always a popular omiyage option for those of us who live on another island.
Krispy Kreme Doughnut Selection
(Tip – I’ve mentioned this before, but if you’re cheap, you can come here and sometimes be offered free samples of their popular Original Glazed doughnut, fresh off the conveyor belt).
Enough with the eats you say? Fine. Let’s head south and hit up the Maui Ocean Center to see Hawaii’s most spectacular marine life in action.
Maui Ocean Center sign
Your first attraction (follow along using the park map) to the right of the entrance is the Living Reef, defined as “Hawaii’s beautiful tropical fishes and living coral reefs, in awe-inspiring marine habitats.” Here are scenes from the Living Reef.
Upon exiting the Living Reef, you’ll pass by Turtle Lagoon – “Hawaii’s green sea turtles are a wonder to behold,”
Maui Ocean Center – Turtle Lagoon
before hitting the Tide Pool – “Enjoy an up close and personal look at Hawaii’s marine life.”
Maui Ocean Center – Tide Pool
And then you’ll make your way to Hammerhead Harbor: “Come eye to eye with Hawaii’s most unusual sharks, scalloped by hammerheads.”
Maui Ocean Center – Hammerhead Harbor
From there, we’ll go into the Marine Mammal Discovery Center,
Maui Ocean Center – Marine Mammal Discovery Center
which includes the Hawaiians and the Sea display and the Open Ocean tank and tunnel. Following are some scenes from here.
We round out our western tour of Maui by traveling south to a fun Italian Restaurant called Bada Bing in Kihei. It’s no high class restaurant by any stretch of the imagination, but if you’re looking for simple, like-home pasta, or as I like to call it: “Spaghetto,” this is your place.
Bada Bing Menu/Display
Looking for fancy tablecloths and air conditioning? Fuhgedaboudit! It’s checkerboard table covers and ceiling fans for you. But the eats hits the spot.
One Big Meatball – 1/2 lb Meatball Smothered in Marinara Sauce – $9.99
Meat Lasagna – $11.99
Bada Bing
1945 S Kihei Rd # G
Kihei, HI 96753 (map)
(808) 875-0188
What’s that you say? Not enough Wowie in Maui for ya? Relax Tampax. I’ve got you covered next month in part deux. Since we mostly stuffed our faces in this one, prepare your bones for some action next month with Ziplining and Lava Tubing as well as some sights to behold like Kaumahina State Wayside, Wai`anapanapa State Park and a beautiful sunrise at Haleakala. How ’bout that for some Wowie!?
Bruddah Takeshi got another WIH victory under his belt by correctly guessing Waianapanapa State Park in the mysterious beach shot where few noticed the black sand. 
Shooooots!
