Kona Winds

Kona winds....go dive! That was the agenda for today. Get fish for the New Year's party. Got to the harbor at 7:00 am and the parking lot was full. Boats were making a dash for the buoys and the first thing we see is this awesome double rainbow that was picture perfect!

The Hanapa'a boys were out on a troll and Reid was anxious to get out as soon as possible.

We spent our time for pelagics but to no avail so reef action it was...Kirby got a nice Omilu and we got enough fish for the rest of the week.

Kirby's protege, Maki even speared her first fish! Look out Kimi Werner, you may have a new dive partner calling you soon.

We were so hungry after diving we fillet one of our fish right on the sidewalk, took out some wasabi and shoyu and it was sashimi time. Surf coming up tomorrow on the north so wax up and go surf!

Pipe Dreams

Another perfect day in paradise! I woke up early today with no alarm clock and decided to go for a quick surf to get the day started. I haven't got to surf pipe recently so took out my bigger board and was the 10th guy in the line up. My eastside buds Wade Tokoro, Jon Taba, and Rick Shimabukuro was out and it felt like old times again. Jon would always be pushing me to charge when the lip was throwing over and I had to go or wouldn't hear the end of it.

Mike Stewart was out and 25 other guys but everyone was taking turns and was cool to get a few good ones. Now I remember how good this wave is and how heavy as well.

Backdoor was also working so it helped with the crowd factor. Guys were getting pitted and spitted out the barrel both ways. Buoys coming down for a day but back up tomorrow night. I need fish for New Year's Party so gotta go dive!

North Shore Up

Today Northshore is up! I drove up around the eastside and it wasn't happening so I was forced to make the drive to the country. After checking all the spots I was tired of driving so I fueled up on a Ted's bakery pastry and paddled out Sunset Beach. Luckily I had my quiver in the van so I could go out. Saw the heavy weights out along with Randy Rarrick, Dennis Pang, and Waimea boys.

Took a spin past the Pipeline and it was going off too in the 6-8 ft. range with spitting barrels. This week should be full of surf, sun, and sea breezes so catch it early if you can.

Christmas Grinds

What a day of food, family, and fun. For starters we began with the appetizers from Crow's Creations. Fresh opihi, sashimi, poke...

I tried my luck with a frozen uhu and pulled out Kimi Werners Ti-leaf steamed uhu recipe but the uhu was too big so I baked it. 45 minutes in the oven was perfect for this bad boy.

There was so many grinds enough to last through the new year!

After lunch I had to make sure my new wetsuit would still fit. Thank goodness I bought the larger size with room to expand and strech for holiday feasts like this.

We ended the day with a afternoon surf at one of my secret spots where I could burn off those calories for the next New Years party. Kona winds are here! You know what that means?

Merry Christmas!

This morning I started my Christmas shopping and heading straight for one of my favorite dive shops, Hana Pa'a. Owned by the Kaya ohana they have it all!

Next April we are heading to New Zealand so I needed a 5-mil wetsuit and just so happen they got their new "flounder" suit that just so happen fit perfect. Thanks to Sterling I'll be able to represent the HSD Team behind the camera. Hopefully I won't blend in the reef to much where I loose my dive partners.

My friend Bert Akuna called me up to surf a secret spot on the "west side". These guys have been traveling on our Red Sea Boat trips and now that is all they do. Surf around the island on boats.

Eddie Sakoguchi, Dennis Tsutsumi, Jeff Mizuno and his son joined us on this adventure. The waves were like Indo! There were two boats out so we waited 5 minutes, then jumped in! I thought I was at Macaronies for a moment.

What a day! Now gotta go wrap my wetsuit and put it under our Christmas Tree. Have a Merry Christmas everyone and thank you for supporting Red Sea Ocean Adventures! May all your dreams come true!

South Shore Dive

Today the winds were north so that meant go south! Kirby Fukunaga called me to test out his boat that was under repairs so off we went.

Joining us was Ryo Kubota who was lucky enough to make the research expedition. We was doing some close up research in preparation for his doctorate in micro biology. Good thing he had his 3-prong in hand. ha ha!

As we were able to get a few fish for dinner tonight. "Nitsuke" style is the call for tonight and some fresh sashimi for the week. Winds should be moderate for the next few days then light and variable for the second half of the week, just in time for Christmas. Shop now, surf/dive later!

Big Monday

This morning was day 1 of GIANT SURF in Hawaii so I set my alarm and actually woke up! As I approached Waimea Bay the lines of spectators blew my mind. Traffic was crazy! But I found a spot on the railing to see if the "Eddie would go"...

Across the bay you could see hundreds of people like it was the Aloha Stadium. Standing room only with only 4 surfers out at 7:00 am. I heard there were over 40 surfers by noon.

The sets were inconsistent but there were a few big 18-20 ft sets that made the watchers ooh and ahhh...Conditions were not perfect so the "Eddie did not go".

So I left and headed for my favorite bakery on the North Shore to pick up my favorite pastry.

Drove to Makaha hoping for more rideable surf but it too was inconsistent but a few bombs did roll in. The traffic in Waianae is super slow with the road construction so better stay away. Tomorrow should be BIG and little cleaner than today so maybe "Eddie might go".

Fresh Fish

Today was the day to dive! I haven't dove for at least a month with all these waves so when the window opened up I was there! Santa came early and delivered a nice load of uhus, goats, and other fish for dinner. Kirby and Erick was diving with me and after we dove..

Kirby asked Erick to pull out some stitches his doctor forgot to take out. No numbing his hand, Dr. Itoman went to work. We pulled out a razor blade and tweezers and...

Ittaaai! Classic kodak moment. Now Kirby can use his right hand to eat his fresh fish tonight. Surf's coming up so wax up "daniel-san".

Stolen Christmas Lights

Last night my nephews were so excited as they saw their Christmas lights put up and even had rudolph the reindeer included. They had a sleepover and when the woke up they saw someone stole their reindeer and ripped off some of their Christmas lights. How's that? What kind of person would even consider doing such a horrible thing?

Cops came over and everything! Filed a report and set the neighborhood watch in motion so the next time they think of coming by....BEWARE OF DOG! I guess it's so sad to see the economy taking its toll on some people. Maybe it was some kids on a dare or adults who just don't care... in any case they must need a lot of prayer! Feel like a poet...and don't even know it:)

Red Sea 2010 Calendar

Wow Thanksgiving is this week! And Christmas and 2010 is right around the corner. Well if you need a calendar to keep track of your days stay tuned for the 2010 Red Sea Calendar. Some sick shots of some of the most exotic places in the world with underwater, sunsets, diving & cultural images that will inspire you! It will be available beginning of December and will make the perfect Christmas gift! Contact me to see how you can get your copy!

Hanauma Bay

Today I had a early photo shoot at Hanauma bay. I haven't been here in years and it's no wonder why so many tourists come here for the spectacular views and friendly fish. If you are local then it's free but tourists pay over $7.00 to get in. I paddled outside the breakers with a $1 inflatable flourescent red mattress as the lifeguards thought I was either crazy or ready to be saved. There reef was sticking out where you see waves and no wonder the mattress did not pop as I charged over the reef.

Then James aka "McGuyver" calls to go over and see the HGEA craft fair. Lot's of nick nacks and food items to buy.

And I come across my friend Alan Watanabe from "SUMO BENTO" selling plate lunches. They have been doing this for years and was stoked to see him again. Thanks for the grinds! Weather should be clearing up in the next few days and winds backing down a little so get ready to go dive or surf.

Dream on

Lot's of fun surf been coming through our islands so not much diving at the moment. Today is small so good day to get on the computer and get some work done to start planning our next trip. Last year we got some great surf in Indonesia and I think we will need to revisit some of our secret spots real soon. Here's a shot Renee Vento captured at a fun right-hander with just four of us out. I can't wait to surf it again! Until then, I can only dream on!

Churaumi Aquarium

On our visit to Okinawa we got to see the Churaumi Aquarium. It was a long drive north but well worth it. Huge Uluas, Tunas, and even Whale sharks can be seen in the main tank. You need at least 2 hours to get to see all the exhibits and if you are lucky can even see the feeding of the Whale sharks. Okinawa is really a relaxed place and the people are so friendly. I can't wait to go back for another visit. Mensore!

Ama-san divers

Two things women don't like to be asked is how old they are and their weight... Well not with these two ladies...they are the true "Ama-san Divers". These two inspirational ladies 80 years and 72 years young have given me hope as I filmed them dive for abalone in traditional Japanese style. Having filmed lots of divers targeting various fish, this was my dream trip fulfilled. The real deal...with no spearguns and no fins these two ladies showed me what diving is all about as they had amazing bottom time filling up their bags while competing against each other. We got some incredible footage of them in action and can't wait to start working on the show!

We also visited the exact spot where the movie "The Cove" was filmed. If you look closely you can even see dolphins in the net. We met local fisherman and talked with them to get their side of the story and learned a lot about their culture and lifestyle. We had a big group of 18 travelers and everyone was blown away by the experience of a lifetime. Thank you to Kirby-san, Kimura-san, Atsuko-san, Genki-san, Takahashi-san, Ama-sans and our travelers who have made our dreams come true!

Team Hokulani

Team Hokulani just returned from another epic "Mentawai Surf Adventure". Ten local boys from Hawaii scored double to triple overhead surf and came safely. This was their second trip on board the "Naga Laut" and with their Captain, Guide, Cook, Deckhand, and Mechanic they were surfing their brains out. Mentawai's is one of the most consistent surf spots in Indonesia and with over a dozen "world class" spots to choose from it's no wonder why it's called the "Ultimate Boat Trip". Welcome home guys!

4th Hawaii Fishing Seafood Festival

Hope everyone has been enjoying these variable winds! Weather you surf/dive/fish you gotta love this weather. This weekend, Sunday Oct 11th is the 4th annual Hawaii Fishing Seafood Festival at pier 38. Come down and check out our "Red Sea" booth as we have all kinds of trips, apparel, gyotaku, dvds, and even get your autograph from our TV host of Hawaii Skin Diver, Merlina Garma. She draws in the crowd and last time created a line of people wanting her picture. It's a great event for the family and we look forward to seeing you there!

Japan's Red Sea

Red Sea Japan adventure begins...We are looking forward to meeting up with our good friend, Kimura-san (midde) at the Yamari Shirasu Factory! They have best shirasu and if you are in the Wakayama neighborhood you must stop by. Our guide, photographer, surfer, diver, entertainer, Kirby Fukunaga will take us deep into the heart of Japan as we seek to meet the ama-san" diver.

Relaxing at onsens, eating awesome food, and meeting new friends will be our goal as we embark on this journey to Asia. The sunsets are amazing and with Autumn in full bloom I can't wait to see the fall colors in their landscape and red seas.

First Ulua

In Hawaii, one of the big reef game prized fish is the giant trevally "Ulua" and yesterday my friend Erick Itoman got to spear his first Ulua (45#). This was his 2nd dive in a long time time (3 years) and we found a nice cave and to our surprise this fish was just sitting there with no where to go but on the boat. Erick got a good shot and I gave him a back up shot just in case and the rest was history. It was a very special day for me to be there to witness the event. We brought it home and made a print and tonight his family will be eating sashimi.

Our friends from Tahiti were in town so we were able to meet up for this dive. The prized catch for tahitans is the "Ume" or what we call the "Kala" surgeon fish. I even shot a flounder which I am looking forward to eating tonight. Have a safe trip back home to Tahiti today and will dive again together.

Samoa Adventure

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those in Samoa who has been devastated by the Tsunami/Earthquake yesterday. I was watching the news and just thinking about our last trip there where we got to meet and fellowship with the locals eating palusami (lau lau) and dancing the Samoan slap dance. This was half of our group going to church on Sunday, while the other half were hung over from the night before drinking too much kava.

If you ever wondered where that one opening shot on our program "Hawaii Skin Diver" with this beautiful pond...now you know! It's in Samoa. This huge ladder goes down into this aqua green colored pool/cave which opens up to the ocean on the other side. Amazing!