Join the Puna Men’s Chorus for a fun evening of uplifting music & inspiration. Performance dates are Saturday, June 7 at the United Community Church at 7pm, and then on Saturday, June 14 at the Akebono Theater at 7pm. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased from Jungle Love (Pahoa), CD Wizard (Hilo) and from Puna Men’s Chorus members. For additional info, call 985-7072.

Plan on joining the Pacific Tsunami Museum’s “Tsunami Talk Story Festival” this coming Sunday, May 18 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Several survivors from the tsunamis that struck Hilo in both 1946 and 1960 will be onhand to talk story, a rare treat for all. We had the pleasure of meeting 2 of the kupuna, Sam Bishaw and Gloria Kobayashi (pictured below while we were taping her). Click on the image to launch the KBR segment about the Pacific Tsunami Museum (Windows Media Player file).

Called “The Good Life in Waiakea,” this event brings to life earlier days of this Hilo oceanfront district prior to the tsunamis that struck this city in 1946 and 1960. This area is now home to famous Banyan Drive, resort hotels, Queen Lilioukalani Park and a golf course. Sponsored by Pacific Tsunami Museum 6 – 9 p.m., Sangha Hall. $25 includes dinner. (808) 935-0926 or www.tsunami.org.

Here’s a neat trick: pick up a bar (or two, or nine) of the “Cool Mint” flavor hand-crafted soap from our friends at Hawaiian Bath & Body, and find yourself suddenly cooling down in a relaxing shower infused with all natural goodness. While this is hardly a clinical recommendation, rather, my own from first-hand experience, I can say that you’ll feel the genuine sensation of cool, soothing mint as this hand-crafted soap’s minty lather begin to do its thing. The aroma of mint will fill your shower, and the all-natural base of Kukui and Macadamia nut oils leave your skin feeling yummylicious.
When its hot outside, you’ll not want to step out of the shower — Cool Mint feels as though you’re being nicely chilled in the face of Hawaii’s often less-than-comfortable heat & humidity. Visit Hawaiian Bath & Body at their North Shore Soap Factory, located in the historic Waialua Sugar Mill. Or visit them online at www.hawaiianbathbody.com

Need a handy trick to find your “zen place?” Here you go, manuahi*… a relaxing escape along the spectacular seacliffs on the lower Puna coast. Turn everything else off/out and focus on the clip — zen is guaranteed.

*manu.ahi, manuwahi: vs. Gratis, gratuitous, free of charge

The days are warm and sunny right about now, and Pele continues her drama down Puna side. If you have not yet experienced it, may we suggest our friends at KapohoKine Adventures?
Check out the segment we did on them a few weeks ago — its a lovely experience with some of the island’s warmest kama’aina adventure guides like Ana and Harley! (Click on the image to open a high quality WMV file).