As I entered the water about 5 minutes before the start of the race, I let my body get used to the temperature of the water as my dad had taught me as a child.  I cleaned my mask with spit and a leaf from Beach Naupaka. I looked at the line up in the water and I guessed it to be at least 200 plus swimmers, from young kids to very tan seniors. There were a lot of people. I could see the lifeguards on jet skis with water rescue sleds, kayaks, and tanker boards with handles. I knew if I got in trouble I could be rescued, and  I also knew I sure did not want that to happen. 

As the air horn signaled the start of the race, I knew two things: 1) I did not want to be last; and 2) I wanted to finish.  I started out at very slow pace, not wanting to get tired out and not be able to finish. I looked around me and could only see about 10 people. What was going on, was I that slow? Was I so far off course? Not being sure was a little worrisome, but I got my bearing and started to add a little more speed. Swimming against the current and into waves slows you down as you need to spit out the salt water.

I was happy to see a few fish and was pretty sure I saw a octopus den, although I wanted to investigate the hole to see how big the guy was, I had to remind myself that I was in a race. My mind was turned off from most of the other distractions of life such as work, bills, and mortality. I wondered how funny it would be to grab the octopus and finish the race with it stuck to my swim cap. I don't think I would have taken him from such an over fished area, but it was fun to think about. The only thing keeping track of time was the timing chip velcro around my ankle. I completely forgot I was is a timed race for a little while.

I'm guessing it was about half way to the first buoy I thought I should just do the short course. I was trying to recall what the race guy said. I think it was you go to the first buoy then back along the shore. Now there were only 6 people near me that I could see among the early morning chop that was starting to develop. The second buoy started to get closer, and I thought to myself that I would try to  at least finish the short course without having to quit. As I reached the buoy I saw a big pile of swimmers and I knew I was not last yet. As I rounded the buoy I saw no one going back to shore. Wait a second! Great now I have to do the whole mile and a half, or quit.  Now I'm on the back side of the island and the swells are forming waves with crests and the surge is moving you about 8 feet with each wave closer to the shallow reef that surrounds the island.

View Popoi'a Swim Michael's Route in a larger map
A lifeguard on a rescue paddle board points to the next mark and a swimmer grabs the board and rests. I put my head down and kick and stroke hard to get out of the impact zone. Many of the swimmers kept way out of this area I was in, but to me I was in my element now. I knew the sets and could feel the timing. And then it happened as I was powering over the top of a wave, CRAMP! Next time eat some bananas! As I gripped my fin and pulled the cramp away, I could still feel it wanting to come back so I used my arms only for a bit to let my body adjust. The next buoy came up fast as I rounded it.  A lifeguard called out to everyone, to head for the stream and pointed down wind, it took me a second and then I knew what he was saying. I felt a huge wave grab me and toss me forward.

I could see the shore and looked for Lisa in her white shirt. I could not see her and was worried that she did not see me and was just as worried. I put my head down and started to pour on the power as each wave grabbed me I eased off then took off as the force of the forward motion took off. As the surf eased off I looked down and saw a snorkel in good shape. "SCORE!," I thought as I stopped swimming and dove down to grab it. I thought it was so cool as I emptied the sand and checked the condition. It was a cheap one, but still very useable. I held it in one hand and just used my fins to propel me. And then I thought what the hell are you doing, drop the $5 Kmart used snorkel and use your arms. "HA," I laughed at myself again.  I passed the second from the last mark and headed for the finishing buoy when a women came flying by me.  I thought, "darn what's the rush, you can see the finish line." I continued to kick and pulled along at a leisurely pace. 

I looked for Lisa and saw her right in front of the trees where I last saw her at the start of the race. She was scanning the water looking for me, I waved to her and did my "ok" signal that I knew she knew, but she did not see it. I thought of yelling her name, but thought the lifeguards might come and check on me. So I swam some more and then looked up and gave the the "ok" sign and she waved back, VERY COOL. 

When I took the final turn it then dawned on me this was a race and I had a timing chip. I was in about 7 feet of water and looked up and saw the timing clock at 56:04:05 or something close to that and then thought, Michael, let's get going and finish this in less than an hour. Once I could stand I tore my fins and mask off and ran up the beach, I was sprinting towards the finish. My time was 57:17.157 when I crossed the line and the timing chip recorded my finish. I looked around for Lisa as I tried to catch my breath and slow my heart rate down. I did it!

Mahalo to Jon Wong for shooting some of the photo! 

Events: 1.5 mile swim around Flat Island OR 1/2 mile swim along the buoys.

Wedding: 5/18/2013
Member Since: 8/29/2010

Service

Quality

It was great for both Lisa and I to be invited guests to the 2013 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards. It was a wonderful night of seeing many familiar faces and making some new friends. It was great to hear so many of the artists performing at Tiki's, receiving the well deserved accolades from their peers. Also, many of the musicians have volunteered their time and talent to help out by playing at fundraising gigs at Tiki's.
 
These are links to a few of the videos we have of the award winners when they played at Tiki's Grill & Bar:
Amy Hanaiali‘i, 
Weldon Kekauoha,
Kuana Torres Kahele
Waipuna 
Mike Love 
Kapena De Lima

About 1,302 attended the sold out  Na Hoku Hanohano Music Awards. This was the 36th year of honoring the past and current stars of music from Hawaii.
 
To see more coverage please check out the following links:
2013 Na Hoku Hanohano Award Nominees. Damon Tucker 
2013 Hoku Awards finalists announced - By BY JOHN BERGER 
The 2013 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards by Melissa Chang for nonstophonolulu.com

Top awards:
 Album of the year: “Na Hoa,” Na Hoa and Dave Tucciarone, producers
Song: “Uhiwai,” Nathan Aweau (Bass Plus)
Favorite entertainer: Weldon Kekauoha
Group: Na Hoa
Female vocalist: Amy Hanaiali‘i, “My Father’s Granddaughter” (UA)
Male vocalist: Weldon Kekauoha, “Pilialoha” (‘Ohelo)
Most promising artist: Na Hoa, “Na Hoa” (Na Hoa)
 
Albums of the year:
 Alternative: “Contrast,” Sing the Body (‘Aumakua)
Contemporary: “My Father’s Granddaughter,” Amy Hanaiali‘i (UA)
Hawaiian music: “Na Hoa,” Na Hoa (UA)
Hip-hop: “Live From Soul Sound,” Evasive Species (‘Aumakua)
Instrumental: “Steel’n Love,” Bobby Ingano (Kui‘ou‘ou)
International: “Noho Aloha,” Maika‘iloa (no label)
Island music: “‘Io,” Nathan Aweau (Bass Plus)
Jazz: “I Wish You Love,” Melveen Leed (ML Records)
Reggae: “The Change I’m Seeking,” Mike Love (Love Not War)
Rock: “The Blinding Speed of Trust,” Piranha Brothers (‘Aumakua)
Ukulele: “Tell U What,” Brittni Paiva (Brittni Paiva)
 
Other winners:
 EP (extended-play release): “Wahi Mahalo,” Kamakakehau Fernandez (Kamakakehau)
Graphics: B. Kanaiʻa Nakamura for “Ha‘a,” Na Palapalai (Kuana Torres Kahele)
Liner notes: Manu Boyd, Robert Cazimero and Shawn Livingston Moseley, “Mele ‘Ailana: Manu Boyd Island Music,” Manu Boyd (Hui Waianuhea)
Engineering: Wendell Ching and Kapena De Lima for “Shame on You,” Kimie (Kimie Miner)
Music video/DVD: “The Hawaiian Legends: Live in Concert,” various artists (Kuleana)
Christmas: “Hilo for the Holidays,” Kuana Torres Kahele (Kuana Torres Kahele)
Single: “Merry Christmas Darling,” Waipuna (Poki)
Anthology: “A 20 Year Collection of The Mana‘o Company,” The Mana‘o Company (Dan Pa)
Compilation Album: “Lana‘i Slack Key Festival — Live Kiho‘alu at Ke‘ele,” various artists (Jazz Alley)
Religious Album: “Glory to God on High,” Jeff Rasmussen and James Rubin (Glory to God)
Slack key Album: “Slack Key Huaka‘i,” Patrick Landeza (Addison Street)
Haku mele: “Kaka‘ako Ku‘u ‘Aina Aloha,” Kaiponohea Hale, from “Ho‘ola Lahui, Ho‘oulu Pae ‘Aina: Vibrant People, Thriving Lands,” various artists (Kamehameha Schools)
Hawaiian language performance: Manu Boyd, “Mele ‘Ailana: Manu Boyd Island Music” (Hui Waia­nuhea)
Instrumental composition: “Tell U What,” Brittni Paiva
Ki Hoalu Foundation Legacy Award: Dennis Kamakahi
 Mo Keale “Aloha Is”
Award for Community Service: Kuuipo Kumukahi
Maiki Aiu Steel Guitar Legacy Award: Jerry Byrd
 

Here are some more photos: 
PICS: 2013 Hoku Awards Arrivals -PHOTOS BY KAT WADE / Special to the Star-Advertiser
PICS: 2013 Hoku Awards - PHOTOS BY JAMES GARRETT / Special to the Star-Advertiser
Instagram -  http://statigr.am/tag/nahoku2013
 

With a chef action station of Island Made "Smoked Meat" Spoons.

In a destination that’s famous for being popular, the Shoreline is comfortable in its own skin. The hotel — 135 rooms over 14 floors — has a scale absent from most Waikiki Resorts, and the 1970s design creates a contemporary feel. Accommodations are bright and well‑appointed.

Each room has a balcony to enjoy the tropical climate and breezes of Oahu. Room amenities include free wireless internet, work desks, central air conditioning, mini-refrigerator (most rooms), in-room safe, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, alarm clock and cable-equipped flat-screen TV. The hotel’s top floors provide ocean vistas, with city and skyline views nearly standard. We’re a block away from bustling Kalakaua Avenue, giving our guests both breathing room and a sense of real Waikiki. 

Hotel Location
The Shoreline Hotel Waikiki is located two blocks from famous Waikiki Beach and one mile from Fort DeRussy Beach Park. Ala Wai Golf Course is two miles. The Honolulu Zoo is one mile away, and Waikiki Aquarium is three miles. The hotel is nine miles from Honolulu International Airport.

Ten of Hawaii’s top bartenders were invited to compete in Jim Beam’s inaugural Hawaii Cocktail Sessions at the Kahala last night.

- See more at: http://www.nonstophonolulu.com/blogs/urbanmixplate/party-pics-battle-for-the-alii-cup Photo By Ed Morita of http://www.nonstophonolulu.com/
The "Fred Noe Night Marcher" by Erik Harris of Tiki's Grill & Bar, made with Jacob's Ghost white whiskey, DeKuyper triple sec, fresh lime juice, blueberry lemon simple syrup, Hawaii Bitters Co. Meyer lemon and lehua honey bitters.

Pancho, Erik and Michael having a good time at the booth.
PHOTO by : SHAUN CHILLINGWORTH - http://www.honolulumagazine.com/ 

Tiki's Bartender Erik Harris and his assistant Dan Takahashi did all the work for the event. 
PHOTOS by : SHAUN CHILLINGWORTH http://www.honolulumagazine.com/ 

Jim Beam held the first of its two planned Hawaii Cocktail Sessions events on Thursday, May 23, 2013. It was the culminating event in a series which welcomed seventh-generation Jim Beam distiller Fred Noe from Kentucky to Hawaii. The event pitted 10 of Hawaii's finest bartenders against one another in a "Battle for the Alii Cup." Along with the impressive piece of hardware that came with a victory, the winner took home a Kid Rock Devil's Cut guitar signed by Fred Noe, $2,000 cash split between the winner and the winner's bar and a trip to Kentucky to tour the Jim Beam facility with Fred Noe. Guests enjoyed sample size portions of each of the drinks. Three finalists were chosen by a "People's Choice" vote. The finalists recreated a full sized drink for Fred Noe and emcee Mark "Maleko" McDonnell who chose the final winner. Stephen Tam Loo from Sansei, Justin Whiting from Manifest and Chad Pata from Murphy's Bar & Grill were selected as the finalists, with Tam Loo taking home the winner's prize. - http://www.honolulumagazine.com/  PHOTO BY KAT WADE / Special to the Star-Advertiser
First place was take by a Tiki's Alumni -  Stephen Tam Loo of Sansei wining a VIP trip to Kentucky, $1,000 cash and a six-month reign as holder of the coveted Ali’i Cup. 

Here is a full list of the drinks:

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According to The Local Consumer Review Survey in 2012, approximately 72% of consumers surveyed said that they trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations, while 52% said that positive online reviews make them more likely to use a local business.

Whether you are participating in the conversation or not, customers are forming opinions about your business and voicing them online. Great customer service is more than ever crucial to the sustainability of your business, and review sites like Google Places, Yelp, TripAdvisor, Gogobot and FourSquare are making it easier than ever to manage your online reputation and boost positive customer reviews.

Join us and a panel of industry practitioners for an in-depth conversation about why customer review sites are important for the sustainability of your business, why it’s important to respond to reviews, how you can manage the good AND the bad reviews, how to deliver excellent customer service using social media, and more!

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Date:	May 8, 2013
Location:	Fuller Hall, YWCA of Oahu [map]
Time:	5:30pm – 7:30pm
Cost:	$5.00 (early bird) until April 28 $10.00 after April 28 or at the door (credit cards only at the door) FREE for Social Media Club members! (discount code will be emailed to you)
Tickets:	REGISTER HERE
Parking:	on Richards Street and surrounding area is metered ($1.50/hour), but free after 6:00pm. Parking at ‘Iolani Palace is metered ($1.50/hour), but free after 6:00pm (gate closes at 11:00pm)

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Guest Panelists 

Emi Hart, Community Director at Yelp Hawaii
Emi Hart is a Community Director (aka Director of Marketing) for Yelp.com in Honolulu and a professional singer/songwriter. A graduate of the University of Hawaii, she is the mother of three amazing children and loves any dessert that contains the combination of peanut butter and chocolate. As a community builder for review website Yelp.com she pens the Weekly Yelp newsletter, shares reviews of her favorite local businesses, throws uber fun Yelp parties, and can be found hanging out with fun loving yelpers around Honolulu. 

 

Michael Miller, Director of Sales & Marketing at Tiki’s Grill & Bar
Michael has more than 24 years of experience in the Hawaii hospitality industry, in sales, operations, marketing and public relations. He is currently the Sales & Marketing Director for Tiki’s Grill & Bar, a position he has held for 9 years. He is a member of National Restaurant Association—Marketing Executives Group, The James Beard Foundation, Oahu Wedding Association, Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii Past Board Member, The Arthritis Foundation. He is responsible for growing the Tiki’s brand and promoting the restaurant for parties and corporate group events. Michael enjoys spending time with his wife and traveling, sailing, gardening and cooking and playing with Kula their Airedale Terrier.

 

Asiana Ponciano, Social Media Marketing Coordinator atHawaiian Airlines
Asiana is the Social Media Marketing Specialist at Hawaiian Airlines, where she manages a social media community with over 300,000 members that spans across three countries. Prior to Hawaiian Airlines, Asiana worked for College Connections Hawaii, an educational non-profit located in Honolulu, where she helped develop their social media strategy. Asiana was born and raised in Honolulu and graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Journalism. During her time in San Francisco, Asiana freelanced for print and online publications. She also worked as an editorial assistant for an online video production company called Soma Girls TV and co-hosted a tech trends podcast called Girls Gone Geek. 

 

Mae Russell, Marketing Manager at Aston Hotels & Resorts
Mae Russell is born and raised in Hawaii. She currently works for Aston Hotels & Resorts as their Corporate Marketing Manager. Mae graduated from Hawaii Pacific University with honors and received her BA in Public Relations. She moved to Las Vegas two weeks following graduation and then attended University of Phoenix, Nevada and graduated with honors receiving her Masters in Organizational Management. While in Las Vegas, Mae worked for large corporations learning a wide variety of marketing. She served as the Advertising, Special Events, Database and Direct Marketing Manager while employed at Fitzgeralds Casino. She also served as a Promotions & Special Events Manager for Station Casinos. One of the jobs she enjoyed the most was her last position working as the Marketing Manager at the Palms Casino & Resort.Mae lived in Las Vegas for 10 years and moved back to Hawaii a little over two years ago, so she could spend more time with family and friends. On her spare time, Mae enjoys snowboarding and skiing which she misses tremendously. Mae spends most of her free time with her mom, boyfriend and furry, four-legged daughter Mia, who is Mae’s 8 year old Lhasa Apso. She also enjoys trying new restaurants and feasting with family and friends. She believes in the saying “Live to Eat!”

Mae has over 15 years of experience in Marketing and has the eagerness to expand new horizons and meet new challenges.

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Food & Beverage | Thank you to Cafe Julia for being our venue sponsor!

      

Food and beverages will be available to order from Cafe Julia from their new Pau Hana menu. You can read about the new Pau Hana menu in Honolulu Magazine.
YWCA members receive 10% off Pau Hana menu!

You can join Cafe Julia online on Twitter and Facebook

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Agenda

Networking: 5:30-6:00pm
Panel Discussion: 6:00pm-7:00pm
Questions: 7:00-7:30pm

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Mahalo to our event sponsors!