Post #116769 by pablus on Mon, Sep 27, 2004 10:40 PM

It’s 7 am and the dawn is breaking after a troubled 24 hours of trees falling and squalls coming from different directions and frustration at every corner, including no power here or at work.

Angela and I are safe and sound and wondering about the rest of the ohana who live here in “The Sunshine State.”

And also, thinking about the Hukilau and how much I enjoyed it.

IMO – it should be exactly the same next year, sans hurricane.

There will be lots of posts describing the events, complete with pictures and apt commentary, so I’ve only a few observations I’d like to share.

First – it was cybertiki and Joelle who provided most of the rum, limes and lemons and mixers in the suite party. Without asking for a dime he picked it all up and put it in KGeoff’s room. BTW – thanks to the Neptunes and KGeoff & Marian for the hook-up.

One moment that was telling was the first time I entered the vendor area and looked around at all the wonderful art and items that were available. I saw Jungle Trader and Polynesian Pop sitting at a table and I asked if I could take a seat with them. They obliged and kept their discussion going... it was about Hawaiian history. I didn’t chime in... oddly, I just listened and enjoyed the company of people who had similar thoughts and interests.

Crazy Al has 2 speeds: all out and neutral. No in-between... and he adds a lot of life (zazz?) to whatever situation he’s in. He and King Kukulele work together well to keep it up-tempo and hilarious. Lots of fun to be around.

Tiki Wahine and DM are a lovely couple and DM gave me a huge surprise with the bone through the nose. Never saw it coming but it fit just right.

Falernum is great. See the Falernum taste-off thread in Tiki Drinks, shortly.
Yes, Martiki returned the bottle of Falernum that he gave to me and then callously stole.
Thanks, braddah.

The ohana here can SMELL rum from a distance of up to a mile. Dr. Z needed a taste of something good so I invited him and Dolphin Tiki up to our small room to taste some premium rums. Mogambo grinned and so he was invited as well... on our way upstairs I passed SugarCaddyDaddy and asked if he would like to join us and before 5 minutes were up, Martiki and Rebecca – ChikiTiki – Jungle Trader – bongofury – Polypop – Humuhumu – Kava King and Queen and probably some others were tasting Pampero Anniversario, Zacapa, El Dorado 15 yr and Cruzan Molasses... or was that rum. Crammed into that small space, we each took tastes from the wooden spoon I brought with me since I couldn’t bear to pour any of that good stuff into a styrofoam cup. Good time.

Bamboo Ben and Mrs. B don’t need sleep.
They brought the funk at all times and were very cool just to hang around with. The bar Ben built was absolutely awesome. Ben talked Johnny Knox into taking a hit of lime juice up his nose. Yes, he’s THAT convincing. I saw it myself.

AGWA is the world’s best liquer. Thanks, Dr. Z. That stuff kept me rocking until 6 am and I got up at 8 am with no ill effects other than hurricane-itis.

The artists here are truly the best in the world.
I couldn’t bear to walk around anymore because I had no money to spend.
Incredible though. If I had a few grand to spend I would have walked away with a piece from every carver and artist. Benzart – breathtaking work. Each carver has unique styles and incredible talent. I bought 2 things – a crazy al mug and a chikitiki (diablo) mug. Although I kid Flounder a lot, he seems to borrow from a tahitan influence with all of that color he brings to his fantastic pieces... and then, all earth tones on burlap with those killer mug paintings. Of course, with maikainagirl at his side – it’s easy to be inspired.

I’m picking up a TikiTony tiki within the next few months.... elemental, with flair.

The music was just perfect. Billy Mure had the time of his life. The Vodkanauts ripped – (see you tomorrow). King Kukulele – I hate him. Hate isn’t a strong enought word. How he hits it every time leaves me weeping. AND he’s funny. I hate people like that.
I Belli... wow – that’s nothing but sheer dedication to a true love. Johnny Knox was a perfect fit to start things off... although I didn’t think so when I heard about it – but now I trust Swanky even more than I already did.

I have to say a word about bongofury treating me to a fantastic gift. I won’t elaborate except to say “thanks, they do smoke.”

It was great to see some of the Califonia ohana I’d already met and great to meet others – and some new fun folks like Kiliokapela (sp? - Houston dude) and Toa and their loves. It was an honor to meet Keigs. See my buddy B.Kahuna. Meet tikibars and the muggler. Kava King and Mrs. King are forever my king and queen. You INVESTED your falernum. Formikahini and Humuhumu with the table dance left me and Mano pretty much breathless. Dolphin Tiki was a blast, finely-tuned, subdued expressivness is fun to watch when imbibing Agwa.

I have to say that my conversation with and hanging out with Al was a real highlight of my trip. Rusty Key and I talked about his demeanor and gregarious nature all the way home and regreted not hanging out longer with him and the beautiful, incredible Shell of the Pacific. No wonder you west coasters want to be around them as much as possible.

I miss all of you already and am looking forward to seeing some bands tomorrow night and THE King on Thursday.

I probably left someone out that I’ll repost on later but it’s early in the morning and I’ve had little sleep for days.

12:37 am on Tuesday – hey, the power came back on after 39 hours or so.

C' Al – no way did you make that flight.

And finally, Kiliki and Swanky are the consummate hosts.
Thanks for a great party. I know it took it’s toll on your lives, but if you could – a least keep it going until the Mai Kai’s 50th in a couple years.

Duke, Amy, Chip and Andy - see you soon - at the Lagoon.

[ Edited by: pablus on 2004-09-28 13:39 ]