Aloha Artists, Aloha October!! As I sit and write, a pretty little windward squall has moved across Hilo Bay, and is softly spattering rain on my rooftop and garden. I miss rain when we have gorgeous sunshine for weeks on end. A sunny day is lovely, but there's nothing like a rainy day to soothe all the stress and hustle of everyday life... it all just seems to wash away.
Every First Thursday of each month we meet at Wai'uli Beach Park in Keaukaha. If I haven't posted the schedule by then, you'll always know where we'll start the month. Located along the shoreline just outside of Hilo proper, it was once known as Lele'iwi Beach Park. The local community noticed that Lele'iwi was not the traditional name, but one chosen by the county parks dep't. So a few years ago, the community rallied together to get the name Wai'uli reinstated. (An area known as Lele'iwi is actually located around the bend towards King's Landing, which has it's own misnomer challenges.)
This month's schedule gives us some locations outside of Hilo... which is always both a challenge and a refreshing change. It is early enough in the month to hook up with other painters to arrange a carpool if you'd like. It's fun to do, and I find I always stay longer if I'm carpooling. I think it's a camaraderie thing.
OCTOBER SCHEDULE- Every Thursday, from Sunrise to Sunset, and in between too
3- Wai'uli (pau already)
10-KAMA'ILI/OPIHIKAO- We were there in Sept, but not everyone could make it, so we'll do again.. and cuz it's so gorgeous!! From the top of Opikikao Rd. drive to the bottom (approx. 4 miles), it'll end at The Red Road. Turn Left, towards Kapoho. The location is about a 1/4 mile down the road, ocean side, just past the road by-pass. You'll notice a large open area, forever ocean, loads of old trees, and painters tucked along the cliffs. Besides spectacular ocean and landscape views, the road itself it's a wonderful composition, winding along the coast dotted with coconut and mango trees. No facilities.
17-BAYFRONT CANOE LANDING- On Hilo Bay. Located off the section of old hwy section on Bay Front, now blocked for Park users only. Great town views, inspiring colorful canoes, halau, coconut trees growing on the beach and a pretty black sand shoreline. Facilities, parking.
24-NEWSECTION OF SADDLE RD.-No specific location is given, if an update is sent out, I'll add it. So far, all that I know is that it'll be midway along the "newest" section, known as Daniel Inoye Hwy. Roomy shoulders, and long sweeping views. And it's the new section, we need to get to know it. See you there-- where ever it ends up being.. You'll know when you're there because you'll see the painters bundled up against the wind, their easels weighted down with rocks. No facilities.
31- (Happy Halloween!) WAI'LOA RIVER MOUTH/BOAT LANDING-another "redo". Just across the Hwy from Suisan, we'll be at the small boat harbor. From the Hwy, turn onto Manono St, and then into the small boat harbor parking lot. It's behind the old Iron Works building. I usually set up under a large old monkey pod tree in the back, behind a shed along the river. The heat can be brutal in the parking lot, so bring an umbrella or a hat, if that's where you're planning on setting up. Facilities available.
