After a hiatus due to technical problems at the station, Better Version is back and better than ever at the same time and place: Thursday 8-10pm HI, 11-1pm PDT, 2-4am EDT on uhhradio.com. Tomorrow night for Better Version, I will finally be showcasing the original Jamaican dancehall sound, as I was planning to two weeks ago. Again, this is not the hip-hop flavored dancehall so prevalent in the clubs today, but rather the smooth and soulful rub-a-dub sounds of Jamaican producers like Junjo Lawes, Linval Thompson, Bunny Lee and Joe Gibbs from ’79-’83. It will be longer show than 2 hours this week, as I have special guest DJ Radec bringin some fyah as well.

Also, if you are in Hilo and over 21, come thru Saturday night (10pm) to Margarita Village (11 Silva Street across from the Hilo Port on the way to Richardsons Beach) to check out “Epic Moments.” Katrice (aka DJ Jazzy Belle) and I are gonna be DJing a variety of quality roots, funk, and hip hop. There is NO Cover !

Shaka’s in Pahoa is the place. A handful of local DJs will be on “hand” and heads down to make it right. It’s Aubrey ‘s birthday surfers welcome.

Mention you saw this on Big Island Fun and you’ll get some strange blank stares. Someone might even say, “huh?”

Shaka’s in Pahoa, Thursday night. 

What’s kewl is that Anna writes extensively on the subject in the Hawai`i Big Island Volcano blog. Please go check it out. Before Pele even thinks about blowing her top, she let’s Anna know first and Anna writes it all down in the volcano blog.

I had the opportunity to meet Rich Delong the other day. He was starting to build another Inuit Kayak, a skill he learned while leading kayak adventures in Alaska. Rich has that fire in his eyes that to another adventurer is a sure sign you’re going to have limitless fun together at some point in some adventure. Those of you seeking adventure know what I mean.

Rich and Bailey live in a treehouse in the middle of their own ohia forest. They live closer to an active volcano than a health clinic. They probably consider a mountain bike ultimately more valuable than a car which in their case runs on veggie oil.

I never heard of anyone kayaking the XXsecret-spotXX much less saw any photos of anyone doing so until Rich sent me photos the other day. In my email to Rich I asked if he was interested in posting some of his photos on this site. His response, “the photos are yours, and I’ve got plenty more (probably better) which I’ll send soon. I just got a waterproof digital so let’s get out there and get some more!”

In my email, I had expressed interest in helping Rich promote his business on the web. Rich is a real estate appraiser and hesitant to make a buck off something he enjoys so much. But he’s the kind of person that is always willing to share his passions. At least that’s what I picked up from his email.

portion of an email from Rich Delong, kayak instructor, real estate appraiser.

“if you happen to be in town tomorrow I keep two plastic traditional kayaks in Hilo and will be taking an Inuit boat (for safe keeping!!) so maybe the three of us could get together with some whales?

I graduated from UHH last year with a Business degree, but always imagined owning a kayak guiding service or outfitter which is what inspired that line of study. In hindsight (after many years of corporate-style business lessons and on-the-water experience with various kayak outfitters) I realize that making my passion a business takes the spark away very quickly!

With that said, I love instructing and guiding and have been a professional kayak instructor for over eight years (with ACA certification). I managed a kayak shop growing-up, served a the head instructor and lead guide for REI in Seattle, and earned the lead guide position for Pangaea Outfitters in Valdez, AK among many other kayak-related endeavors. Teaching people to paddle (and taking friends) is always rewarding and it has been through instructing that I’ve connected with my most direct communication skills and experienced a true connection with the craft. my only negative experiences relate to taking such an honest interest in paddling and combining that a business necessity of taking as many people as possible into the wilderness at a time and being forced to “package” a place or experience for easier mass consumption. I suppose I’m referring to my time in Alaska where, surrounded by such unfathomable (yet harsh) beauty and wilderness, I realized that not every remote place needs a human footprint and that kayaks can be much more than huge plastic or fiberglass refrigerators and garbage cans (we cooked all the elaborate meals too!)…

Hawaii. Paddling is what has kept me on the Island after many years and we have something so very special that it is even beyond the radar of most paddlers in the world. There are many challenges to taking peopleAnyway, with that aside, I would definitely be interested in getting together and talking about paddling in off-shore into open water, especially in traditional, non-sit-on-top kayaks (which, although the standard in Hawai`i, are actually very dangerous if conditions pick-up). Apart from Bayfront (which I have grown to love but would avoid by boat), surf quickly become a factor even on moderate days and there is plenty of unavoidable risk…but, even with a full or partial day of instruction in protected water, anyone can learn to paddle a “sit-in” traditional kayak and almost ALWAYS prefer the speed, responsiveness, potential, and eventual safety of a decked boat. Kayaking, among all of the many permutations of human-powered watercraft that exist today, is (in my opinion) the only type that can be safely navigated, long-distance, in ANY type of conditions (I have been in swell here ~~especially off Kau one day~~ that could swamp even a open-ocean sailboat) and this is where the kayak finally “wakes-up” and becomes alive to its intrinsic design-potential…

Cheers and Thank you!

Richard DeLong
Lawrence Appraisal Group Hawaii, Inc.
Tel 808-557-7081
Fax 808-935-6147
Rich at lawrenceappraisers.com“

So that’s a snapshot of Rich. If you’re interested in contacting Rich to see if he’s willing to break out the kayaks, please do so by email. It’s not a business for Rich. If you need a real estate appraisal, please call Rich at work.

See a photo of an Inuit Kayak at Wikipedia

Aloha

Please shoot James a note if you want to use any of these:
hadde23@yahoo.com

Everyone is still going up. Look for photos soon.

For current road conditions, please call (808) 935 – 6268.икони

Click on the image at right to check out the current webcams or visit the source:
Mauna Kea Webcams : http://mkwc.ifa.hawaii.edu/current/cams/index.cgi?mode=multi

Mauna Kea Summit Road Conditions have been updated here:

http://mkwc.ifa.hawaii.edu/current/road-conditions/

Aloha,

-Brent

Check Mauna Kea Webcams – http://mkwc.ifa.hawaii.edu/current/cams/index.cgi?mode=multi

Update!
Probably NOT going this weekend! The road is still closed and the rain… she nevah stop! HO! More rain than evah!

So, we’re getting sla-ammend! Just got back from checking out the waterfalls. I’m a newbie here but I haven’t seen Rainbow Falls dump like this ever, I usually make it a point to go check it out. I guess I won’t have to again.

I have photos stuck on my phone that I’m using for my internet connection at the moment… Soon they come!

Get Ready To Ride.

PS Thanks for the call Christian! We go Soon! You’re on the trip.

It’s not true. Our web hosting provider has also checked our site. There is no badware or malware on this site!

This site may be distributing badware, as determined by StopBadware.org’s guidelines for websites. Google searchers will see a warning page when they attempt to visit pages within this site that have been flagged as containing badware.

You can read my rants here at stopbadware.org:

http://tinyurl.com/ys8kms

http://tinyurl.com/27k5y8

No one has ever reported any issues other than fun and informative from using this site. No one has ever written, emailed or called me reporting badware, malware or any other “ware” resulting from using this site or any site linked to this site. If you can find anything wrong with this site, please report it to Google. abuse@google.com or contact@stopbadware.org

Mahalo

Keahi hittin’ a small kicker in the Poi Bowl on Mauna Kea

More photos at the BigIslandHawaii account on Flickr.

• Read more about the Pineapple Express at Answers.com
• Read an article from last month about the Pineapple Express
• Pineapple Express News article (from 2006)

Okay, maybe not from the “Top of Mauna Kea” I made that up.

So here’s the url so you can check the road conditions for yourself. It’s been opening and closing daily it seems due to new snow falls.

Current Mauna Kea Road Conditions :

http://mkwc.ifa.hawaii.edu/current/road-conditions/

The Mauna Kea Webcams from the Mauna Kea Weather Center website :
http://mkwc.ifa.hawaii.edu/current/cams/index.cgi?mode=multi

Anyone want to donate a snowmobile or snow-ready quad for our adventures?

Okay, I’m a little excited. Let’s just hope the roads get cleared.  We’ll be up there in the am with power bars astronomy dudes…

Also be sure and check out Hawaii Big Island Volcano Updates before booking your trip. Portions of the park could be closed and could affect the quality of your Park visit.

These are just a few of the obvious choices offered very close to the park -within walking distance.

• The Volcano House is located in the park across from the visitor center. (808) 967-7321 This place is kewl. You’ll like it.
• There’s also camping nearby at Namakani Paio (10 minute walk). Reserve your spot through the Volcano National Park Service.
• There’s also camping at Kulanaokuaiki. Reserve your spot through the Volcano National Park Service.

More information on camping around the Big Island is available through the County and State of Hawai`i.

• County of Hawai`i, Department of Parks and Recreation (808) 961-8311
• State of Hawai`i , Department of Land and Natural Resources (808) 974-6200

Know before you go!

Check the latest volcano eruption update here.

Got another resource to add? Are any of the resource above outdated?
Please let us know!

Important! We are seeking surfers and writers to contribute to the new Hawai`i Big Island Surf Blog.

On the Big Island of Hawai`i you can get as much surfing adventure as you could ever want. Sea conditions can change as quickly as the “mood” in the water. Bring excellent physical conditioning, plenty of aloha and we’ll get you to the best surf breaks. If you aren’t sure if you need lessons, you probably do.

Surfing on the Big Island of Hawaii

Surf Reports – Current observations from local sources
Hawaii Surf News
Orchidland Surfboards Surf Report page
Surf News Network
StormSurf Hawaii
FNOMC – Navy Wave Model – North Pacific WW3 analysis
North Shore of Oahu by Wavewatch

Go Coastal! Coastal Geology Group – Big Island Coastal imagery

Current Weather Observations from NOAA.
Surf Report – Wave predictions from bouy readings and swell indicators
Navy bouy observations for the Hawaiian Islands (Click yes at the security dialogs)

Surf Photography
Sweet Honoli’i Surf Photos – at honoliisurf.com (Big Island Local Surfers should definitely check this site out)

Some good things to know about “respect and surfing in Hawaii“.

Surf Boards available for rent at Orchidland Surf Shop.

Surf Boards shaped to your exact specifications. This list of Big Island shapers is always growing. Know someone that shapes great surf boards? Let us know!

• Ben Jaquias – Extreme Image Surf Shop. Ben rips the surf and shapes surf boards to your exact specs.
• Stan Lawrence – Owner of Orchidland Surf shop, Stan will set you up with a board combination that is right for you. Drop by the shop and talk story with this local icon of Big Island Surfing. (Located downtown along the Hilo Bayfront.)

Comments? Additional resources? Want to be included? Register and comment…

We are actively seeking surfers and writers to contribute to the new Hawaii Big Island Surf Blog. If you or anyone you know is interested, let us know! Joining the Big Island Blog Network will make you famous (uh, at least to us).

Tips for your trip up the mountain.
• Drive slow. Even new cars can overheat from the climb.
• Make sure you stop at the Onizuka Visitor Information Station
• Grab a Mauna Kea Visitor Guide while you’re there (free)
• Get hot chocolate (cheap but no longer donation-based)
• Take a look at the sun with the telescope
• Spend an hour and acclimate.
• Get all your snow board gear on. (Not as easy, at elevation)
• Get in some more water. Fill your bottles at the water fountain.
• Check fluids in your vehicle.
• Let your vehicle run for five minutes after you reach the Visitor Information Station.
• Ask about road and summit conditions.
• Signs to watch out for at the top of the mountain.
 • Sleepy or lazy behavior
 • Headaches, nausea, dehydration
 • Shortness of breath
 • Impaired judgment or impaired reasoning
 • If you or anyone you see is experiencing these symptoms, get down the mountain.

Tips for driving back down the mountain.
• Go slow, don’t try and keep up with any tour vans. (They have special brakes.)
• Stop at one of the two parking lots on the way down if your brakes start to smell.
• To keep from burning out your brakes, do the following;
• Put your vehicle in it’s lowest gear.
• Press the brakes hard and firm often but also let off the brakes often to keep them cool.
• Do not keep your foot on the brake pedal for more than ten seconds at a time.
• Turn on only your parking lights as you approach the visitor Information Station on your way back down. If it’s after sunset, there will be star gazing tours going on.
• Stop at the Visitor Information Station if you suspect your brakes need cooling. They also have a great video that starts a little before sunset if you get back in time.
• Stay awake. Many people don’t get tired until the drive back down the mountain after the 5,000′ mark -at the crossroads. Keep your friends awake when they’re driving you back down the mountain. The shoulders of Saddle Road are very unforgiving (think yard sale on lava).

Optional
• Extra gloves and any extra equipment you feel like loaning your snow boarding friends.
• A shovel to help dig out hits
• Extra t-shirts, socks, stocking caps or hats, hoodie or jackets.
• Extra water or chocolate.
• Extra snow board and snow board boots.
• A flashlight.
• Oil, antifreeze, extra water for your car.

Do not bring these things with you up the mountain.
• Loose trash in your car. High winds blow the trash out your door when you get out at the top.
• Pregnant women or children under 16 years old (Due to atmospheric conditions at summit).
• Anyone with high blood pressure, heart or respiratory conditions (see above).
• Scuba divers with less than 24 hours before their last dive.
• Drunks.

Video of Snowboarding on Hawaii

Although this normally ocours in the Winter months we can get snow on top of either Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa anytime of the year.

Check out some photos from a snowboarding trip up Mauna Kea on Flickr.

Mauna Kea Snowboarding Checklist

Snowboarding webcams on top of Mauna Kea – Check these before you go.

Mauna Kea Weather Forecast – Read this and the current conditions before you go.

Mauna Kea Road Status – The road needs to be open to get to the top.

• Bring a friend. Wandering around in a lava filed at night sucks. The only thing worse is doing it alone.
• Bring lots of water. If the normally dry conditions at the lava viewing area aren’t enough, you will get thirsty as you near the flow. Maybe it’s psychological and maybe it depends on how long the hike is on the day you’re there but one thing is for sure. You will enjoy yourself much more if you have water at the halfway point of your day. 
• Bring food if you’re the type that gets hungry. Especially if you bring kids, they’ll need the energy and you’ll need less complaining on your hike back -which can take around 2 hours.
• If you fry, bring sunscreen. The black lava fields will seem like they’re sucking the sun directly down through your body on a hot day. Conditions will determine this at the outset but the conditions may easily change by the halfway point in your hike.
• If you’re going at night, bring flashlights and extra batteries. Panic will set in if there’s no moon and no flashlight. For many the best time to go is early in the morning or in the evening around sunset. It’s easier to forget the flashlight if you leave around sunset. 
• If your lips chap, bring something for that too. Winds and all sorts of conditions exist out on the flow. Bring lip balm even at night.
• Wear boots or some solid shoes. The lava gets hot when you start walking across it. Rubber slippahs will get stuck in the hot stuff. You simply will not make it back with one slippah or shoe for that matter. Someone will have to carry you (dangerous) or go get extra shoes for you which would probably would take anywhere from 3 hours if you have extras in the car or up to 8 hours to get into town and back. No one wants to go get you shoes so you can keep from bleeding to death on your way out of the lava.
• Bring something to carry it all in. Big packs aren’t necessary but backpacks are much better than holding a walmart bag. 
• Maybe some binoculars.
• Maybe some gloves. The lava can be razor-sharp. If you trip and fall on the lava you will probably cut your hand(s). Gloves can prevent this and they can also keep you warm at night.
• Cameras and extra batteries.
• Bring a hat. Especially if you’re folically-challenged.
• If you’re with a group, bring light-sticks. These are the kind of sticks that glow different colors. You can get them at Long’s drugs or Walmart. Each person can attach a different color to they are easy to identify from a distance at night.

 Got anything else to add? Know of anything special to bring that will help others enjoy their lava viewing or lava hiking experience? Share by registering and posting a comment on this post.