Ki Ho'Alu

Slack Key Guitar is a unique form of music found only in the Hawaiian Islands. The Hawaiian name for this music is called, Ki Ho'Alu, which literally means loosen the keys. This unique style of music was developed when guitars were brought to Hawai'i by the Spanish Vaqueros in 1832

In 1832, King Kamehameha III, hired Spanish Vaqueros from Mexico to help manage the wild cattle roaming the Hawaiian Islands. The Vaqueros brought their guitars with them and the Hawaiians loved the music. Just like when the Portuguese brought their 4 stringed guitar like instruments called the Braguinho to Hawai'i, the Ukulele, like the guitar was adopted as mainstream Hawaiian music. The Hawaiians used the six string guitar and invented string tunings that developed into a unique form of music called Slack Key.


Today, we celebrate Slack Key Guitar in Hawai'i with festivals all across Hawaii. This celebration of Slack Key Guitar took place at the Sheraton Hotel in Keauhou, on the Big Island of Hawai'i. The music is beautiful like the Hawaiian language.



The festivals are more than just music, it's also about food. With good music, you need good food. With Slack Key Hawaiian music, you need good Hawaiian food. Lomi Lomi Salmon, Kalua Pork, Lau Lau, Teri Yaki Mahi Mahi, Fried Rice, Huli Huli Chicken, Haupia and much, much more. You will not go home hungry.

Aloha

Visitors

You never know who'll show up at your door. Or in this case, in the yard. I suspect this is somebody's pet potbelly pig that got loose. Seemingly friendly enough, the little guy wandered around in the yard for awhile then then wandered off. Probably looking for a handout.



The little porker didn't seem afraid of us, so it leads me to believe this little guy was used to being around people and dogs. Our dogs were going nuts barking at this little piglet, but he didn't seem phased by all the commotion. Rather, he kinda seemed oblivious to all the excitement the dogs were having over the little visitor.



With a little white tip on his wiry tail and a little white spot on his forehead, this was one well groomed piggy. He seemed interested in us for awhile and then decided to wander off someplace else.


Down the road he goes, where he ended up, nobody knows. For a brief period of time, this little piggy was a delightful little visitor. I hope he finds his way back home or where ever he belongs.

Aloha

Tranquil Moments

Tranquil Moments

A day is spent by a pond. Watching the flower and the water. Contemplating the existence of life in the microcosm of a pond. A deep breath, exhale and a smile. As calm trade breezes and warm sunshine baths the pond like music that energizes the soul. Another day in paradise.

Aloha