Joe the Maui Man with White Cross

For many years, I have seen this mysterious man with shoulder length gray hair and tan skin.  He carries a big white cross over his shoulder. He's dressed in black and has a sweet smile. He always waves at everyone passing by and blows them kisses. Maybe you have seen him too. I’ve seen him while driving through Kahului and Paia Town. I've seen him mowing the lawn at the Holy Rosary Church with his big white cross strapped to his back and during my runs on Baldwin Beach. He always catches my eye so one day I decided to stop him on the white sand beach to talk story. I wanted to know more about this man and his quest.

I want to share with my readers the stories of the local people who live here on Maui. This past year, I have learned a lot about Joe. I hope you enjoy my interview with one of our interesting Maui residents.

Joe is genuinely a kind person who is making a statement being a man in motion.

Kathy: When did you start your walk with the cross?

Joe: I started to carry the cross in 1981. I stated out with smaller crosses and they have gotten bigger over the years.

Kathy: What inspired you to do this?

Joe: I felt Jesus speaking to me. He told me to carry a white cross and propagate my love and the spirit of love. I greet others with a Holy kiss. There is always a holy kiss that I throw to everybody. Most of the time, I start from my house in Paia and walk down Baldwin and Hana Highway and walk as far as I can. I start as early in the morning as possible so I can go farther.

Kathy: How long have you been a member of the Holy Rosary Church?

Joe: I was born and raised in Paia and my family sent me to the Holy Rosary School and Church. I was baptized, confirmed and received Jesus when I was young.

Kathy: What is the message you want to share with people who see you?

Joe: The main thing is to accept Jesus into your life. Ask Jesus to speak to you and he will. He will come into your life and speak to you. The best time to ask him to come into your life is when you really have big problems. Ask the Lord to forgive you for all of your sins and please come into your life and help you out. That’s all. He will come into your life and he’ll speak to you and tell you how to live so you can live a better and blessed life. When I am walking with my cross, I constantly pray and ask God to save the innocent sinless children too.

Kathy: How long do you plan on walking and carrying the cross?

Joe: I will walk for as long as I can with the cross. If I should not be able to walk one day and I am lying in a bed or sitting in a wheel chair, I have the cross tattooed and visible on my forehead so people can come to know Jesus and accept him in their life. He will solve your problems and give you so much joy! In the word of God Jesus said: I will give you a joy no one can take from you.

Joe loves everyone and is one of my new friends on Maui. I respect what he does. I think it's cool he shares a powerful message of God, Jesus and Love. No matter what your belief, his message is inspiring and all about aloha. At age 71, Joe tells us that Jesus does everything for him and gives him much joy. His mission is to carry the cross and speak to everyone so that they can come to know Jesus and allow him to solve their problems.

Thank you Joe. We love you too!

Kathy Collins Maui Actress and Entertainer

This is what I know of Kathy Collins.  She is a local talent here on island and has lived on Maui most of her life.  I recognize her as an actress and radio personality with a distinct sultry voice.  She also had a role in the full-length movie Get a Job, which premiered at the Hawaii International Film Festival.   I saw the movie when it first came to Maui and loved it!  The actors do a great job portraying the colorful characters that only Maui can inspire.  Trust me it will make you laugh and help you understand the vibe of Maui.

I was introduced to Kathy by a mutual friend while at the Willie K show at the Marilyn Monroe mansion; this venue is located at the King Kamehameha Golf Club. Kathy Collins connected to the music and I admired her dancing style and finesse! She has the moves that flowed with the cool blues and original songs of Willie K and his Warehouse Band. What a beautiful place, designed by the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The views are amazing of the valley, distant ocean and Mount Haleakala. People are nice here on Maui and I asked Kathy if I could interview her for my blog. She graciously agreed to talk story with me.


I did some research and discovered there is so much more to this energetic creative woman that I did not know about.  She is a storyteller, comedienne, and dancer.  She writes a weekly column for the Maui News Sharing Mana'o and is a regular contributor to Maui No Ka Oi magazine. Kathy and her husband Barry Shannon founded Mana‘o Radio 91.5 FM and as of this writing, she is no longer involved in the day to day operations of the station:   www.manaoradio.com

Collins has been entertaining audiences for more than 40 years and regularly performs at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center and has done several one-woman shows and owes much of her success to a girl she simply calls “Tita” her alter ego pidgin-speaking character.  Tita is a local girl with a lot of attitude and won her the 2005 Hawaii Music Award for Comedy Album of the Year Tita Out.  This was the first act she recorded.   Collins frequently appears at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center and is an emcee around the island.

Other performances include playing Bloody Mary in Maui Academy of Performing Arts' production of South Pacific.  Collins has been participating in storytelling and spoken word festivals since 2001.  She has entertained audiences in California and Arizona.  She brought the story of Pele to life in New York City at the Lincoln Center Out of Doors Project.  She has attended a storytelling festival in Canada’s Northwest Territories and is now a regular at the annual Talk Story Festival in Honolulu. 

Kathy Collins' Death Comedy Jam is an irreverent look at death and widowhood.  When she lost her husband in 2007 she turned her sorrow into a one-woman show.  On the show’s opening night in January 2009, she played to a sold-out crowd.   Collin tells me, “I've been fortunate to have Willie K as a musical guest at each of my shows; at the Death Comedy Jam, he did a deeply personal, poignant monologue about his father's passing.”  Her most recent show at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center was Sharing Mana'o and More in 2015.

I asked Kathy Collins:  What inspired you to become an actor, comedian and DJ?  When did you know and at what moment did you decide to take make this your career path?

Kathy:  “I was very active in speech and drama activities while attending Baldwin High School.  My teacher Miss Sue Ann Loudon taught drama at BHS.  She built a remarkable program which spawned  professional entertainers like Amy Hanaialii and Eric Gilliom, even Candis Cayne (now a friend and mentor of Caitlin Jenner), as well as many of Maui's community theatre performers. Miss Loudon put the greasepaint in my blood and I owe my career to her guidance and encouragement.  The first time I stepped on stage before an audience, playing a Munchkin in The Wizard of Oz, I was hooked. I was 13 and I knew then that theatre would be a lifelong passion. When I graduated from high school in 1974, there were very few opportunities for Asian-American actors. That's why I got into radio. I got my first radio job at 17 and did a little community theatre whenever I could. Storytelling as a profession grew out of the skits I did on the radio.

My last question for Kathy Collins:  Sum up the reason you feel Maui is special to you.  What does the expression or the meaning of the Maui Magic mean to you?

Kathy: “I think anyplace one calls home is special. To me, Maui Magic is the beauty and diversity of the island itself.”

Kathy Collins will be performing 12 Angry Jurors at the ProArts Playhouse in Kihei. The 12 Angry Jurors, is a fascinating peek into the jury room and a true glimpse of human nature and social dynamics. Best known as the 1957 film 12 Angry Men, starring Henry Fonda, the story was written as a 1954 teleplay by Reginald RoseThe Maui version of the 12 Angry Jurors is directed by Angela Thompson, and will be presented four times this weekend, at 7:30pm August 18th Thursday through Saturday August 20th, and at 3pm August 21st Sunday. Tickets may be purchased by calling 463-6550 and you can get more information online at proartspacific.com.

Kathy’s other upcoming emceeing gigs, include the Plantation Festival at Kaahumanu Center and Kihei 4th Friday August 26th, and the 1st Friday in Wailuku September 2nd.  Drop by and say Aloha!

Strength & Grace a book about Ashtanga Yoga

Derick and Jean Yu

I have known Derick and his beautiful wife Jean for over three years. I met them through my Maui Vision business. They rented one of our vacation condos and soon purchased their own and asked for my assistance to keep their beautiful home booked with visiting guests. Derick and Jean take pride in their Maui home by providing comfortable furnishings and insuring that their place is well maintained and nicely decorated. They really care about the guest experience. They visit as often as they can. Their rental has great mana (energy) and I believe it is because of the aloha spirit that Derick and Jean bring to it.

What intrigues me about Derick is his dedication to the spiritual practice of his yoga. He amazes me with his advanced yoga poses. I love yoga too and know it is a healthy discipline. It makes me feel good and I want to learn more. He has made several videos and wrote his first book that will inspire and educate the reader about the benefits of this ancient discipline "Strength &Grace."

Kathy: Derick thank you for sharing your story with me on my blog. I am amazed by your knowledge of yoga: What inspired you to start this spiritual ritual? You now teach it part-time and have a book out. Tell us what shifted in your personal li

Derick: I got into the Ashtanga Yoga practice in the middle of 1999 when my wife Jean proposed that I take up an activity that would help me grow old "gracefully." I guess she felt that I needed some balance. I was living in a corporate world, working extremely hard and playing hard as well. She knew this lifestyle could not sustain itself.We both started doing the practice after a bit of research of what a good yoga "style" would be. Jean eventually moved on but I surprisingly kept at it. Maybe I needed it much more.


Ashtanga Yoga is known for its very rigorous movements and most people initially get attracted to its physical benefits (strength, balance, flexibility). No one really sees the "spiritual" aspects of it since from the outside, it does seem like how can one develop some sense of spirituality by doing gymnastics.

It was quite a slow, gradual revelation in my part that this yoga practice develops a sense of devotion and awareness after some time. It's very hard to explain but in some sense, the daily physical routine that is required does progress from the physical to the mental and spiritual. It taught me specifically that life consists of two things: 10% of what happens to us and 90% on how we react to it. It does not hide the fact that everyone goes through happiness, sorrow, pain and pleasure.

I have seen the value and benefit of this yoga practice. Physically, it is an investment since we all lose mobility as we age. Mentally, it has taught me not to react impulsively. It's still a lesson I am learning but certainly something I hope to be able to achieve in this life. Spiritually, it has shown me that there is a higher power, but not in a dogmatic kind of belief.

I have been doing Ashtanga Yoga practice for well over 15 years, but I do not really think it is my fullest vocation to teach it. Though I have had the opportunity and privilege to share what I have learned with other students by occasionally teaching and helping out in the Vancouver studio, there is something to be said in teaching yoga as one's profession. Two things that I am absolutely aware of and which makes me very reluctant in teaching as a vocation are:
- The energy expended in teaching and adjusting students. Practicing daily is already an activity that requires a lot of energy to utilize; and to teach and adjust students regularly expends twice as much. Some teachers have taken to skipping practice in order to have energy to teach. My practice still takes precedence and I usually only help out in the studio a couple of days a week and I know I have the time to recuperate
- The realities of life and obligations where one still needs to work in order to sustain a lifestyle. Both Vancouver and Maui are places that require substantial financial resources in order to justify maintaining a balanced livelihood.

I have, however, opted on alternative ways to share the benefits of this yoga ritual. These have been through various projects such as:
- Helping out a yoga resource website and looking after the editing of interview videos and promotion.

Examples are on the following YouTube channels:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMyib8C9J3Xe39v5_V9bRHA/videos
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAlNQ1QqmM21Z6_1_MPbPSQ/videos
Self-published book titles Strength & Grace (http://ekaminhale.com/collections/yoga-clothes/books)

Kathy: Please sum up the reason you feel Maui is special to you. What does the meaning of the Maui Magic mean to you? What made you and Jean decide to purchase here on this island.

Derick: On our first visit to Maui, we knew instantly we had made a connection to this special island. We have travelled extensively throughout the world and only have truly connected to a handful of places, Maui being one of them. There is something that can be said about the island of Maui, certainly more on what the island espouses in terms of lifestyle: living simply, enjoying what our fragile environment has given us and how we should be highly sensitive of its dire changes. Both Jean and I do hope to spend longer times on the island in the future.

This is what Maui magic is to us:
-.The realization that we have a place in the most geographically isolated group of islands on earth,
- That we don't need a lot of "stuff" to enjoy life
- The time we are able to spend together throughout the whole day
- The people on the island who reflect and display what "Aloha" really means

Jean and I were very fortunate to have bought a piece of paradise, especially as the conditions during that time were so hard to ignore:
- The lower cost of real estate due to the US economic downturn
- The higher value of the Canadian currency against the USD

It has always been my goal to buy property outside of Canada, and where my wife and I can enjoy a slice of life outside of the usual daily grind. And it is no exaggeration that we both still pinch ourselves realizing we've been able to achieve that dream whenever we fly back to Maui and when we drive towards Kamaole Beach Park II where the Kihei Akahi is located only a few meters away.


Kathy: To the readers who want to vacation in Derick and Jean’s beautiful condo with great mana (energy) please visit this property page and make your reservation today: http://mauivision.com/rentals/prop1002.htm

Mahalo

Kathy McCartney RS#77317
La Costa Realty Hawai’I LLC
Maui Vision Rentals LLC
www.mauivision.com
www.mccartneyfineart.com
https://www.facebook.com/MauiVisionRentals
808-989-6369

Spotlight on Art Gallery Maui Hands

Spotlight on Art Gallery Maui Hands

Hawaii is not a state of mind, but a state of grace.

Maui Hands is a local Hawaiian art gallery featuring a variety of exceptional, contemporary artwork and over 300 artists, jewelers, crafters, glassblowers, and more. Maui Hands is an outstanding exhibition of distinctive Hawaiian life and culture, and it has been representing Hawaii’s fine artists for more than 20 years.

Artist Kathy McCartney painting in the Maui Hands Gallery Paia, HI
This painting is in progress should be completed soon visit McCartneyFineArt.com to view completed metal art painting.

"Falling in Love All Over Again." by Kathy McCartney
Mixed medium etched metal, oil, acrylic paint, and clear coat

"Reflection" original oil painting on
canvas sold.  Now available in
giclee on canvas or metal by
artist Kathy McCartney 

From original fine art paintings, prints, crafty ceramics, gorgeous jewelry, and intimate woodwork, Maui Hands highlights the cultural diversity of Hawaii and the divine talent of its artists. Today’s 2016 artists include MauiVision’s very own Kathy McCartney, Derek Fine, Christine Waara, Luana Kama, and Patricia Heath, to name a few.

In June, watercolor painter Luana Kama featured her vibrant artwork at Maui Hands’ Lahaina location on Front Street. Here’s what she had to say…

“I have always loved art and did take classes throughout my life but when I got married and started to raise my family (5 boys), drawing and painting were pushed to the side. Today, I’m still living in Lahaina and having a great time painting like crazy,” said Kama.

“My other interests are sewing, reading, cooking and baking, crafts, and I take classes and teach Hula.”

Maui Hands features a wide-range of artists, including fine textiles and basket artists like Ipo Kudlich and Neola Caveny. Glass artists include Daniel Moe, Shelly Batha, Jim Graper, and Steve Tillman. Maui Hands features a top-quality selection of local, talented, multi-skilled, and multimedia artists who all add extra creativity and excitement to the thriving island of Maui.

With four locations in Maui, Maui Hands knows how to impress people from all across the world with their distinct artwork. The gallery supports over hundreds of artists, potters, glassblowers, sculptors, and woodworkers, and gives Hawaiian art and culture an unique name!

Visit Maui Hands in one of their locations — Makawao, Paia, Hyatt, or Lahaina — to get a taste of their highly exceptional and lively artists and to recognize the true beauty of art. 

Maui Nightlife: The Best Nightclubs & Venues on Maui

Maui Nightlife: The Best Nightclubs & Venues on Maui

When the sun sets in Maui, the entertainment only gets better. Dine under the stars in Wailea, dance the night away at the eccentric bars and cafes in Kihei and Lahaina, see headline entertainers perform at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center (MACC), and lose yourself to the romantic, exciting nightlife on Maui. Below are some of our favorite must-dos on the beautiful island!

Dianna Ross at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center (MACC)

Hawaii Regional Cuisine in Maui

Hawaii’s regional cuisine blends diverse, ethnic flavors from all across the globe on Maui. There are many great places to dine but for now, I will mention a few exotic, beach-front restaurants.

West Maui has The Cliff Dive Bar is encircled by the crystal blue waters of a lava-enhanced swimming pool and offers tropical specialties throughout the day. The Banyan Tree, another hot spot for dining, provides Maui’s freshest fish, meat, and produce, and features a farm-to-fork concept.  Kai Sushi, serving Maui’s most refreshing Japanese cuisines, features a lobby venue with views and is a must-see for people of all ages on Maui.

If you’re craving fresh cheeses and rich pasta, visit Casanova Italian Restaurant in charming Makawao.  They serve inventive specials in a charming, traditional Italian setting.  Enjoy life entertainment and dancing.

Humuhumunukunukuapaua’a is a romantic ocean front restaurant in South Maui located in Wailea.  The name is inspired by our Hawaii state fish.  Enjoy the South Pacific ambiance in an open air structure with Polynesian décor and thatch roof.  The restaurant floats on a lagoon filled with tropical fish all surrounded by lush tropical foliage.  If you like lobster, select your own fresh from the tank.  There are many delicious Polynesian and Hawaiian Island fish and meat entrees to choose from.

Live Music and Entertainment on Maui

 After dining, it is time for live music a must do experience at night, especially on Maui! From traditional Hawaiian and contemporary music, Maui offers a variety of music spots.

West Maui and Lahaina offer plenty of venues to enjoy, including the Hula Grill, Kimo’s, and Cheeseburger in Paradise. 

Santana at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center (MACC)

Be sure to check out the MACC in Central Maui, Kahului, it is the island’s largest venue for concerts and theatre performances. On August 19, the MACC will be celebrating vintage Hawaiian fashion at their food and wine tasting event, and on August 21, Thompson Square will be playing live. Check them out!  

Kathy McCartney with Lucas Nelson 

Paia town is a cool place to visit.  Check out Charlie's Restaurant and Saloon with live rock n roll and blues.  Surprise celebrity performances from time to time.  Lucas Nelson performs here; his father is famous Willie Nelson.  Lucas is a great talent and when he is in town performing, his shows often sell out.

Lucas Nelson

In Kihei Three’s Bar & Grill features something new nightly:  comedy, piano, salsa, dancing, jazz night, and solo guitar.

Fleetwood’s on Front St.

Willie K. and Mick Fleetwood  at Fleetwood's on Front Street

Fleetwood’s is more than just an entertainment restaurant — it’s an art gallery meets entertainment hub meets dinner and dessert bar on Maui’s trendy, hip Front Street. The food at Fleetwood’s is to die for and the servers are top-notch, featuring a mix of specialty coconut & lime drinks and outstanding, mouth-watering meals.  I love their happy hour menu and their $1 Oysters.

Mick Fleetwood on drums at Fleetwood's on Front Street

This month, a variety of musicians will be playing including the Homeshakers, Ryan Robinson, Noa Zeb, Cole Sulenta, Paul Johnson, and many more! Every Friday, Fleetwood’s has a Late Night Happy Hour and showcases creative musical performances. Don’t miss these amazing, live shows!  


Mick Fleetwood on YourTube short clips:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tXyUnunuU8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7q50hPKRA_U

We hope you enjoy all of the adventure, entertainment, and excitement that Maui has to offer! At Maui Vision Rental, we love the cultural diversity of Maui and hope to share that Aloha with YOU! :)

Visit our website to book your next vacation rental: MauiVision.com

Art on display and for sale at Sargent's Fine Art Gallery Maui

Sargent's Fine Art Gallery http://www.sargentsfineart.com/

I will be painting on metal this Friday December 5th from 7:00 pm to 9:30pm and December 6th Saturday 7:30pm to 9:00pm at Sargent's Fine Art Gallery - 802 Front Street, Lahaina, HI. Come say ALOHA! 

New art hot off the press!  Three dimensional art on metal.  Art collaboration.  Whales are back on Maui!  The original art will be on display and for sale the month of December.

Jumping for Joy (click to enlarge image)

If you are interested in your own one of a kind commission please contact me via my website:  www.McCartneyFineArt.com 

Honu - 'Aumakau (green sea turtle - guardian spirit or family god)
(click to enlarge image)

Painting on Metal Sargent's Fine Art Gallery

Let There Be Light - And There Was Maui

Aloha! Kathy McCartney, (that would be me :). Will be painting on metal this Friday November 8th and Saturday November 9th from 7:00pm to 9:30pm at Sargent's Fine Art Gallery - 802 Front Street, Lahaina, HI. Come say ALOHA!

The art pictured above "Let There Be Light - And There Was Maui."
 
This art you have to see in person it is 3D and moves! We have more art for you to see in person.

Click on images to enlarge.




Anela Honu (Angel Turtle)
SOLD

Kathy McCartney
www.mauivision.com
www.mccartneyfineart.com
https://www.facebook.com/MauiVisionRentals